Green Pastures

In the middle of struggles or temptation did you ever just wish things would quiet down and that life was simple and easy? I sure have. Then as I was reading through the 23rd psalm yesterday I came to the part about the dark valley. Oh I hate dark places in general and especially if they are a hiding place for enemies who are just looking for an opportunity to pounce. So as I thought about why a loving shepherd would lead his defenseless sheep through there I realized that it was because the green pastures and still waters are on the other side!

Our Good Shepherd

After a weekend more terrible I cannot recall except for in time of war these words from the twenty third psalm gave me hope and comfort. I pray they will for you as well.

In the presence of death He remains the Good Shepherd

At a time of great sorrows only He can comfort

When our world seems black as night He knows the through the valley

Even if everyone runs away our Lord Jesus promises He will never leave. Our hope is built not on who sits in the white house but who sits upon the throne!

No Smoking!

When I was a kid I remember how my parents laid down the law about the evils of smoking early and often. The only problem with their argument was that I knew there was a carton of Camels in the kitchen drawer which I began snitching on Saturdays when I was about 11. Those pesky cigarettes made me wonder a little about laws in general – even God’s laws. But the good news is that Jesus isn’t like me or my parents. He not only tells us the right thing: He does it Himself! So when Jesus told us to ask, seek and knock, it is wonderful to know that He also put into practice everything that He asked us to do.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 ESV

Now stop for a minute and ask yourself, “Why does the creator of the universe need to ask for anything?”  Then remember when Jesus says. “Come to me all who are thirsty. Come to me and drink” He doesn’t chase after us with a garden hose! Instead He asks and then patiently waits for us to come. Also there are times when we get so tangled up in sin that we just can’t get out. That is when He comes seeking us like a shepherd. He willingly leaves the safety of Heaven just so He could find us at the cross. Last of all recall that He doesn’t break down my doors of doubt and anger (though He could). Instead Jesus stands outside knocking; and then waits until I open. What an amazing Savior we have! Jesus didn’t just come to lay down the law. He came lay down His life!

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