Everyone knows the 23rd Psalm. When some thing that we know becomes a revelation, then we profit from it.
Today the Lord reminded me that He is my shepherd and He is leading me in such away that I lack nothing, spiritually, materially, physically and emotionally. He knows what is best for me to nourish me. So He leads me to that kind of green pastures and still waters that are good for me. I know for sure that He will guide me till the end of my journey.
I understood that the Lord being my shepherd, engineers the circumstances in my life. The people who are around me are placed by the Lord. They are just instruments used by the shepherd to strengthen, to correct and build my character. If I don't feel comfortable with any these, there is no point in complaining or grumbling or questioning about them.
It is true , some times we become dissatisfied with our circumstances or the around us who seem to annoy or hurt us. Then we tend to blame others or ourselves or question God
Jesus is the good shepherd[John10:11]; He is the great shepherd.[Heb.13:20]; He is the chief shepherd.[IstPeter5:4]
For Him to be MY shepherd, I should humble myself to be like a sheep to follow Him where ever He leads me. I can trust Him to lead me in the paths of righteousness alone.
He is the only one who will be with me in death, where no one else can come with me. Isn't it a wonderful thought of comfort and confidence?
Now my prayer is: Lord help me to follow you like a sheep that follows it's shepherd. I understand that to rebel against your leading by complaining, questioning or being hurt, is actually rebelling against my own interests. Help me remember it, when I tend to go my own way or find fault with others or get hurt with the people you have placed in my way.
Showing posts with label Security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Security. Show all posts
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Danger! Run for Protection!
"He shall cover you with His feathers, under His wings shall you trust. His truth shall be your shield and buckler"
Psalms 91:4
I remembered an interesting scene I witnessed, when I was a child in the countryside: A mother hen and her brood of about twenty or more chicken were having a cool time in the sun. The chicks were running all over the garden fearlessly, learning to get food and playing too. Suddenly, the mother hen made a noise. Immediately, all the chickens ran from wherever they were and hid under the hen's wings. Somehow the hen's two wings hid all the chickens and I could not spot a single one of them. The chicks were hidden under the wings till the danger passed. As a hawk flew away from the area, the mother hen let the chicks out of her wings into the open again. The little chicks hid themselves because of the warning signal the mother bird gave. The little ones understood it and knew what to do.
Above them, the hawk flew round and round, at times stooping down and then going up. It was aiming to get the chicks. The hen knew the danger and hid the chicks under her wings, where they rested safely and comfortably under the soft feathers! Had any one of the chicks turned a deaf ear to the mother's warning, that one would have been prey to the hawk that day!
The verse above compares the protection our Lord desires to give us, to that of the mother hen.
There are so many dangers waiting to prey on us in this world. The danger alerts are in the word of God. The Holy spirit too, warns us. Only those who heed the warning and act on it, will be safe from danger. Some may think lightly of it and not listen. Others may not want to obey and run for protection. Others still, may seek protection in the wrong places. They will be the losers.
There is protection, safety, provision and security, along with tenderness in the Lord. It is a place we can run to, when we fear. We could rest there in perfect peace of mind and contentment in the midst of the wickedness of this sin cursed world.
Lord help us to discern your voice and obey. May your truth be our shield and buckler.
Psalms 91:4
I remembered an interesting scene I witnessed, when I was a child in the countryside: A mother hen and her brood of about twenty or more chicken were having a cool time in the sun. The chicks were running all over the garden fearlessly, learning to get food and playing too. Suddenly, the mother hen made a noise. Immediately, all the chickens ran from wherever they were and hid under the hen's wings. Somehow the hen's two wings hid all the chickens and I could not spot a single one of them. The chicks were hidden under the wings till the danger passed. As a hawk flew away from the area, the mother hen let the chicks out of her wings into the open again. The little chicks hid themselves because of the warning signal the mother bird gave. The little ones understood it and knew what to do.
Above them, the hawk flew round and round, at times stooping down and then going up. It was aiming to get the chicks. The hen knew the danger and hid the chicks under her wings, where they rested safely and comfortably under the soft feathers! Had any one of the chicks turned a deaf ear to the mother's warning, that one would have been prey to the hawk that day!
The verse above compares the protection our Lord desires to give us, to that of the mother hen.
There are so many dangers waiting to prey on us in this world. The danger alerts are in the word of God. The Holy spirit too, warns us. Only those who heed the warning and act on it, will be safe from danger. Some may think lightly of it and not listen. Others may not want to obey and run for protection. Others still, may seek protection in the wrong places. They will be the losers.
There is protection, safety, provision and security, along with tenderness in the Lord. It is a place we can run to, when we fear. We could rest there in perfect peace of mind and contentment in the midst of the wickedness of this sin cursed world.
Lord help us to discern your voice and obey. May your truth be our shield and buckler.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Negative Effects of Worrying
Everyone knows the ill effects of worry. Here are some that I read recently:
Jesus tells us not to worry about the needs that God has promised to supply, because of the adverse effects of worrying. [Mat.6:31-34] Yet people worry!
How many ill effects of worry you are experiencing today? Isn't it better to banish worry altogether and trust God?
Some confuse worry and concern. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern: Worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. We should be concerned and not neglect matters of importance. We shouldn't worry about them and do nothing about it.
In Mathew 6:25-34, seven reasons are given not to worry:
1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. [v.25]
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today. [v.26]
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful. [v27]
4. God does not ignore those who depend on him. [v28-30]
5. Worry shows a lack of faith and understanding of God. [v31-32]
6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue and worrying keeps us from them. [v.33]
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. [v.34]
[Taken from the Life Application Study Bible]
Since God's word is true, we can never fail when we live by it.
Jesus tells us not to worry about the needs that God has promised to supply, because of the adverse effects of worrying. [Mat.6:31-34] Yet people worry!
- Worry will damage both your physical and mental health.
- It will cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts.
- It will disrupt your productivity.
- It will negatively affect the way you treat others.
- It will adversely affect your emotions.
- Worry will reduce your ability to trust in God.
How many ill effects of worry you are experiencing today? Isn't it better to banish worry altogether and trust God?
Some confuse worry and concern. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern: Worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. We should be concerned and not neglect matters of importance. We shouldn't worry about them and do nothing about it.
In Mathew 6:25-34, seven reasons are given not to worry:
1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. [v.25]
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today. [v.26]
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful. [v27]
4. God does not ignore those who depend on him. [v28-30]
5. Worry shows a lack of faith and understanding of God. [v31-32]
6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue and worrying keeps us from them. [v.33]
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. [v.34]
[Taken from the Life Application Study Bible]
Since God's word is true, we can never fail when we live by it.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
A Secure Position
"I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved [shaken]"
Psalm 16:8
What a strong, positive affirmation! Setting the Lord "before me" is focusing on Him or seeking His face or help, approval or affirmation in every situation.
It is human nature to focus on the problem, the person who caused it or to concentrate on the solution. Believers and unbelievers experience pain, trouble and failure. At times those who do not know God tend to have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion about their purpose on earth. If God is put first in everything, we will be able to see the situation from His point of view. His values will prevail in our decisions. The conviction of the "holy, impartial, perfect God who always wants the best for me" will keep us from doubts.
We could move ahead confidently with what we know is right because we know that God will keep us from being moved off from His chosen plan or shaken. God's plan is always the best. So remember to set the Lord ALWAYS before you!
Psalm 16:8
What a strong, positive affirmation! Setting the Lord "before me" is focusing on Him or seeking His face or help, approval or affirmation in every situation.
It is human nature to focus on the problem, the person who caused it or to concentrate on the solution. Believers and unbelievers experience pain, trouble and failure. At times those who do not know God tend to have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion about their purpose on earth. If God is put first in everything, we will be able to see the situation from His point of view. His values will prevail in our decisions. The conviction of the "holy, impartial, perfect God who always wants the best for me" will keep us from doubts.
We could move ahead confidently with what we know is right because we know that God will keep us from being moved off from His chosen plan or shaken. God's plan is always the best. So remember to set the Lord ALWAYS before you!
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