Horses and faith : Doing life

We have an eight year old gelding and a 25-year-old gelding, observing their relationship over the past six weeks has brought me amazing insights into many things emotional and spiritual.

Horses are the most amazing animals. They’re huge and could be scary to some people. Yet they are able to calm humans who have had trauma or need emotional support.

Horses are mentioned throughout scripture. God must have loved horses, He made them with a sense of understanding human emotion. I have experienced this personally and I know many therapeutic horse riding facilities exist because of the horse/ human connection which calms people.

Horses are animals who love relationship and yet they also love time alone. When one horse is tired and chooses to lay down the other horse stands at attention and is on duty against predators.They have each other‘s back basically.

It reminds me of our relationship with God, our Jesus! Jesus wants to be in relationship with us as people created in His image. He, Jesus, at times, would step aside and be with God ( as at Gethsamane) and yet Jesus, also loved community. Jesus is our protector and our comfort.

Just as a horse doesn’t prefer being alone we don’t prefer being alone. There needs to be a herd leader in a horses pasture. There needs to be a leader in our walk with Jesus, and it can’t be us.

Psalm 59:16-17 NLT
But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. [17] O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.

The leader of the herd is the one that the others follow for safety and for survival. The leader of the herd provides a wall of protection against others who may want to hurt.

Is Jesus not an amazing refuge, our leader and shelter for us in stormy and challenging times? Yet our relationship with Jesus can bring peace and happiness when we spend time in His presence. Horses are no different, they bring similar calming emotion.

As I watched our gelding horses share a drink of fresh water, I thought how much more happiness I have in sharing life with Jesus. His living water brings refreshment, restoration and fills me with liquid joy.

Psalm 16:11 AMP
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Just as horses need a herd, we need a community of faith to sharpen us in truth and bring His wisdom.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

My fellow Christian’s friends in life, in community and on this blog community bring a joy and love that reflects the love of Jesus to me!

I am grateful to all the amazing interconnections by my God that encourage and nurture daily life.

Psalm 20:7 AMP
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Broken yet set free

Did you know your broken pieces can be used to bring glory to God? Did you know that Jesus came to set you free?

2 Corinthians 4:5-10 NLT
You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Did you know none of us has it all together? Did you know you don’t have to walk alone? Did you know the One who created you is your Father God? Did you know even if a human father has not been the best example you still have a Creator Father whose spark was at your conception? He longs to have relationship with you, however, He will not force this relationship, He gives you free will to choose Him.

Did you know our broken pieces can be used for amazing things? Each of us has a story to tell of our life and the faithfulness of God. The devil would want us to give up. But God wants us to trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

We can experience the joy of a relationship with Jesus. His peace happens when we reach out to our Creator God.

Did you know there is a triune God? The triune God : our Creator; God the Father, His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

We get to experience Him when we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior! When we repent of our stupid human sins and let Him direct our lives, our broken pieces are put back together for His glory to shine through our lives.

[8] We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. [9] We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. [10] Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

His amazing grace is available, and His mercy requires your submission; heart, mind and soul to His plans.

Do you want to be set free of the brokenness and be used for His God given purpose? We are not promised a smooth life after we ask Jesus into it, however, we are promised He will not abandon us. Our faith in Him brings endurance and hope regardless of the trial.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. [17] For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! [18] So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

The song “Broken vessels” by Taya and Hillsong powerfully impacted me today!

Broken Vessels Hillsong Worship

What are you holding onto that has become an idol but cannot save you? Material things will not last. But faith in Jesus is eternal and can change the trajectory of not only your life but the lives of generations to come.

His grace saved the wretch in me. He comes to bring you a new life with Him. Don’t let the enemy take what God has planned for you. He will use the broken places and seal the cracks into an amazing masterpiece of His creation; you are loved, chosen, made in His image.

God wants to be your everything. Call out His Name, Jesus!

“Jesus, I need you, please forgive me of my sins, I repent and turn from anything that has blocked my relationship with you. I want to know You,Jesus! I fix my eyes on You and teach me Your ways. Thank you for loving me! I give you permission to direct my life. Thank you for giving me a new life with you! I choose you, Jesus, in You Name, Amen!”

He has better plans for you, let Him direct your life. Seek your Creator Today!!

Hey grapes…He is the Vine.

Fall harvest brings an abundant crop of grapes soon to be crushed and processed to wine. This photograph is breathtaking and shows a vineyard ready to be harvested. Solid soil, abundant rain and water through irrigation, delicate care and time produce an earthly blessing.

John 15:1-10 MSG
“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. [4] “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

We are created in the Image of God for great purposes. At our conception, the spark of light shows God is there. He is the Vine, we are the branches as in a vineyard. We need Him to guide our lives.

John 15:5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is-when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. [9-10] “I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done-kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.

God wants to be an integral part of our life. He loves you, period! He wants to fill us with His wisdom to guide and protect His precious child. In the case of this photo of grapes ready to harvest, my dear friend explained that when the grapes are ripened, birds, coyotes, fox and rabbits will steal the finished product before wine can be produced. ( It is not much different for each of us, there are distractions and others who don’t want you to achieve God’s purposes). The white pouches in the photo of grapes are a protection from the potential loss of this valued crop.

We are no different to our Vinedresser, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. He gives us free will to take the umbrella protection of His love and use the wisdom to bring a productive purpose filled life. We have the potential for great things, however, we must bend our knee and turn our will over to the One who made us, God.

I love the simplicity in His love. I have been reading an awesome book, Finding God’s Life for my will. Here is an excerpt:

I love how Mike Donehey, Author of “Finding God’s life for My will” and musical artist with Tenth Ave. North explained this concept. We need to find God’s Life for our will.

We need to let God transform the broken parts of our life, we need Him. He moves toward us in love.

The power to transform us is in Him!

He is the Vine and we must allow Him to tend our lives as a farmer tends the grapes in a vineyard. You are His treasure. Let Him bring His solid ground wisdom ( He is the Rock), may you allow Him to pour His Living Water into the cracked places. The time is today to make an eternal change. May you find peace and purpose as you let Him transform your life today.

Harvest

There’s something about the fall that brings about a sense of deeper purpose. I live in an area where there’s lots of harvesting whether it’s corn or alfalfa or wheat.

It’s a time of moving forward. It’s a time for the farmers to see the fruit of their labor in the production of those crops: corn, alfalfa, wheat, and even sugar beets. These crops are needed for so many different things. They are needed for sustaining life on the food chain.

The Lord created our earth, its crops in the beginning and forever. Our God provides us with what we need for life. Our God provides people with the capacity to share their gifts in farming and ranching for the benefit of His people.

Luke 10 remind us, the harvest is great, and the workers are few.

Luke 10:2 NLT
These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.

This message is true of farmers/ranchers and also, of those who share the message of love and Jesus with others. It is because of our love for Jesus that we share not in judgment but because we are called by God to love like Him.

Sometimes, I find myself on a two lane country road, slowly following a huge tractor, harvest truck or other farming heavy equipment. I am learning not to fuss about the delay in my journey. It gives me a moment to pause and consider the work of a farmer/ rancher raising livestock. It’s hard work, lots of time committed.

The next time you’re on a farming two lane road and wanting to pass a farmer and a tractor or a huge truck that’s bringing crops to be weighed for use give those guys a smile and be patient.

We also have to remember the importance of guarding ourselves from the stuff we value. The simplicity of farming and ranching cannot be under estimated.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 AMP
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, [13] and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another.

A farmer and ranchers work blesses all of us. Thank you God for your provision and for them.

A Mother’s Day Message from Christian Mommas

Today, as we celebrate Mothers worldwide, we pause to express our profound gratitude for the women who courageously and selflessly embrace the noble …
A Mother’s Day Message from Christian Mommas

Not too young

Temptations abound, distractions for our teens and us. We are made for His purpose, warts and all. He is our Healer! Our Jehovah Rapha! ( Hebrew for God of healing).

Don’t be afraid of Gods calling in your life!!! The one sure truth is that God does not create His children for a life of evil and death. We are each created with a God given purpose.

Psalm 139:13-18 NLT
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [17] How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

There is a great plan for us, our children, and family. The distractions of the world bring white noise and the yapping of a parent like in a Peanuts old cartoon video, “ ya ya ya ya.” But God calls us to greater wisdom.

Psalm 139:1-12 NLT
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. [5] You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [7] I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! [8] If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. [9] If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, [10] even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. [11] I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night- [12] but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

Oh Lord help us to see, you never abandon your children. We choose to step away from Your protection and that is a life consequence. Our enemy then works to destroy us, we need to humble ourselves before our Creator God and seek His wisdom for life change.

Psalm 139:19,21-24 NLT
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! [21] O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? [22] Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Just like Jeremiah, who felt too young and not equipped to speak for God. God will use you. He loves you and you were born for great purpose.

Jeremiah 1:5-8,10 NLT
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” [6] “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” [7] The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. [8] And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” [10] Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

Oh Lord God, Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, we need You. Thank you for multiple opportunities to turn from our pride, bitterness, and selfish intentions. Thank you that you see us in a greater Light. Today, we repent from our selfish desires. Search our hearts, create in us a clean heart and transform our lives for Your greater purpose. It is never too late, You can do all things when we submit to You! We love you Jesus. Mold us to the best version of ourselves, son and daughter of King Jesus, Amen!!

Photo credit by pexels.com

Despite circumstances

Fear of God is about reverence and honor for His plans despite our trials. Fear of God is not about running from Him as cruel judging Father, instead it is trusting Him and leaning into Him for guidance.

Our God is the Rock who must become our firm foundation.

Matthew 7:24-29 NLT
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” [28] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] for he taught with real authority-quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Another version of Matthew 7 is in the message Bible. Maybe this version will bring more clarity to you. His Word will never return void, it is meant to build us up in His wisdom for living.

Matthew 7:24-27 MSG
“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. [26-27] “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”

Psalm 25:12-14 NLT
Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose. [13] They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. [14] The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.

Be sure you are staying firm in His ways, He wants the best for you. In the end, you want Him to open the door of your future holding onto His hand not a distracted world view set by the enemy.

Luke 13:22-27 NLT
Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. [23] Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, [24] “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. [25] When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ [26] Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ [27] And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’

We have a choice to make for every moment. He wants our heart, mind and soul connected in relationship for our good. You will be blessed.

Luke 13:34-35 NKJV
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! [35] See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ “

Don’t be desolate and miss the best relationship with God, the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit! You get a trio of goodness and wisdom.

“Fear of God is the summit of wisdom” by Ephraim the Syrian. Seek the best for your life!

Proverbs 9:10-12 NKJV
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [11] For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. [12] If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”

Devouring Fire

Our lives are filled with opportunities to grow deeper in love with our Creator. Even in our stupid impulsive moments, God is unshakeable. God wants us to turn to Him for wisdom like a devouring fire that extinguishes the lies of the enemy and brings us to new life after the burning.

Is this revelation of God an amazing picture? I used to think of God as more punisher than grace and mercy giving Father. My religious upbringing limited the relationship of Jesus. I have found the more I read scripture independent of religious constructs that God shows His amazing grace and communicates with me in awesome ways.

After Jesus death on the cross and His resurrection, We are in a new covenant of God and His people. His death and resurrection showed His unconditional love for us sinners and brings a new life with Him interceding on our behalf to the Father.

Our actions don’t make us more holy and saved, it is His grace and mercy as a free gift when we submit to Him that brings new life. With new life comes new revelations with our Savior who awaits our call.

So tune your ear to hear His voice. Tune your eyes to seek His face and His wisdom. Turn your hearts to accept His unconditional love. Listen to Him alone.

When you have a shaking circumstance, it may be just the thing to prompt you to seek the unshakeable God. Humble pie can bring great things.

Be excited for His hand and plans to unfold as you repent for human reasoning and seek Godly wisdom.

Hebrews 12:24-29 NLT
You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. [25] Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! [26] When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” [27] This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. [28] Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. [29] For our God is a devouring fire.

Come before Him and receive mercy and grace, the best help when you need it.

Hebrews 4:16 NLT
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Our generous God, will not rebuke or shame you as you seek Him in humility. Your loyalty must be with Him despite the human need for admiration. He will guide your steps to the best village of His people.

James 1:5-8 NLT
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

Let Him burn off pride, selfish attitudes and any other obstacle that blocks His voice. New life in Him beats anything else.

He is an amazing God full of love, compassion and blazing passionate fire for His children.

Photo credit by pixels.com

What has your heart?

Are you tied up in knots? Do you long for happiness and peace? Is that your end goal… to be happy? It is a fantasy to believe we can get happiness from another person, a circumstance, or words from another. What has your heart? What is your idol?

I know it sounds cynical. I am just sharing what God is revealing to me. Our happiness is emotion, our emotion fluctuates. It is unstable. Did we get enough sleep, did we eat healthy today? Did we spend time with God or just run out the door without giving Him a second thought? If it is not social media, what has your heart? Are we seeking happiness from scrolling on social media? (This is a dead-end coping mechanism that the devil uses to bring discontent.)

B.U.S.Y = Being Under Satans’ Yoke I have heard this anachronym before. It is an obstacle to our time with our Creator Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The enemy wants to cause us to stay fixed on social media. When we stay stuck in this cycle, we feel trapped by time and forget what God says in His Scripture.

So untie the knots of social media, the cultural narratives, and the distractions of comparison traps. Social media can be used for good things such as sharing faith in Jesus, along with spreading love and lessons learned. It can be an amazing source to spread the gospel message of grace, mercy, hope, and forgiveness.

Social media can also be a trap of time. How many of us have found ourselves looking at the time we spent scrolling? Next thing you know hours have passed. We feel spent with more negative emotions and unfulfilled.

Doesnt it make more sense to spend time getting the wisdom to guide our steps? Seek the peace and wisdom from God.

Time to change your routine: Here is a solid truth from Psalm 34. Meditate on each scripture. Speak it aloud for 30 days each morning before you get out of bed. Start your day in His truth with His promises. Decide for yourself the trajectory of your mindset for His plans over the World plan. I plan to make a change in 2024 personally. What do you have to lose, challenge yourself with a 30-day fast from social media!

Psalm 34 (MSG)  I bless God every chance I get;

my lungs expand with his praise.



2 I live and breathe God;

if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:



3 Join me in spreading the news;

together let’s get the word out.



4 God met me more than halfway,

he freed me from my anxious fears.



5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile.

Never hide your feelings from him.



6 When I was desperate, I called out,

and God got me out of a tight spot.



7 God’s angel sets up a circle

of protection around us while we pray.



8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—

    how good God is.

Blessed are you who run to him.



9 Worship God if you want the best;

worship opens doors to all his goodness.



10 Young lions on the prowl get hungry,

but God-seekers are full of God.



11 Come, children, listen closely;

I’ll give you a lesson in God worship.



12 Who out there has a lust for life?

Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?



13 Guard your tongue from profanity,

and no more lying through your teeth.



14 Turn your back on sin; do something good.

Embrace peace—don’t let it get away!



15 God keeps an eye on his friends,

his ears pick up every moan and groan.



16 God won’t put up with rebels;

he’ll cull them from the pack.



17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,

ready to rescue you.



18 If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;

if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.



19 Disciples so often get into trouble;

still, God is there every time.



20 He’s your bodyguard, shielding every bone;

not even a finger gets broken.



21 The wicked commit slow suicide;

they waste their lives hating the good.



22 God pays for each slave’s freedom;

no one who runs to him loses out.

Dont be a slave of social constructs, find freedom in fixing your mind with Christ!! Be open to a makeover. Let Him revive your heart! A new year brings new promises for a new life. Worship the Lord with your time, your heart, mind, and soul. You will be rewarded with more peace beyond understanding.

Proverbs 3 (MSG) ^1-2Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.

^3-4Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.

^5-12Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Sheep need a Shepherd!

Sheep are amazing creatures! They are cuddly cute as a lamb. They are sturdy in structure, they provide wool to bring warmth on a winters day. They follow other sheep blindly at times seeking a safe well fed environment.

However, sheep are also stubborn, don’t seek the easiest path, follow the leader, even if a fellow sheep goes near a cliff. They need a good shepherd to guide them. They need a poke by the shepherds staff to redirect their steps. They can run in fear and get lost.

Humans are no different! We are stubborn, don’t seek the best path, can be led to foolishness, in fear, we can take a cliff dive without meaning too.

John 10:1-16 NLT
“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! [2] But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. [5] They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” [6] Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, [7] so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. [8] All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. [9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. [10] The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

The Lord is a Good Shepherd! Do not be afraid, He is our God! He wants you to lean into Him above all the noise! He is Almighty God!

He is the maker of heaven and earth ! The earth is His footstool! He wants all His children to come to Him and be saved!

Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

He gives His children multiple chances to seek His face. He is the Ancient of Days! He is the Alpha and Omega!!

Ancient Gates is a powerful song by Brooke Ligertwood. The lyrics speak of His greatness!

Ancient Gates by Brooke Ligertwood

My pastor shared this week about this concept, He is our Shepherd, He wants us to enter His gates so we can be safe with Him. Yes, our Shepherd may need to discipline our stupidity and foolish impulsive choices. However, our Shepherd loves us and sees His children.

John 10:11-16 [11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. [12] A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. [13] The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. [14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, [15] just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

Despite the multiple distractions the world or others bring, praise Him in the hills and valleys. Praise for Him pushes back the darkness!!! Enter His gate and be changed for His plans. So run to Him, He is ready with open arms to lead His sheep ( He is a good, good Shepherd)!