Thoughts from the Shepherds (Page 3)
The Amazing Love of the King
On Sunday we talked about proclaiming Jesus as the king each and every day with the choices that we make. We also talked about how God helps us do that. We’re not supposed to fight that fight alone. That should all be set in a backdrop that we DIDN’T get to talk about much. See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children — and we are! — 1 John 3:1 (CSB) The…
Prayer Hacks
Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. — John 14:13-14 (CSB) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. — Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB) Last time I talked about having faith for today but realizing that God wants us to continue living in faith even if we…
Mundane Miracles
Now, look, the Lord’s hand is against you. You are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time.” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. — Acts 13:11 (CSB) My 9 year old and I read Acts 13 the other morning and obviously this verse was what he remembered later from that passage. “Paul told a guy that he was going to…
How Wonderful!
The leaves are changing on the tree in my backyard already. Green is becoming golden yellow, blazing orange and flaming red. I really love all the seasons that we get around here and fall seems like a return to the riot of colors that we get in spring. Creation sure is wonderful in its color and variety! God has made it to be enjoyed and we should enjoy it but give glory to the one who made it. All of…
Who am I fighting?
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God… — Ephesians 6:12-13 (CSB) How many cosmic powers have you faced this week? My struggle yesterday didn’t feel like it was against cosmic forces. It felt like it was against brake pads. And mice in my basement. And naughty children.…
Depend on yourself?
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. — Psalms 121:1-2 (CSB) On Sundays we regularly sing a song based on this verse. It is a song of dependence on God. Do we need to depend on God today? I often feel pretty self-reliant. I’m an organized person who knows what he’s doing, when he’s doing it, why he’s doing it and how…
The word of the hour
Hebrews 4:12-13 CSB 12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. Every job can be accomplished more quickly if you use…
How do you grow?
I was watering the new grass that I planted recently and was marveling at how hard it seems to keep that young shoot of tender green alive. On one hand it’s easy, they just need soil, sun and water. But, on the other hand too much or too little of any of those will kill them in short order. For example, I can water it too much and drown them or I can water them too little and they get…
Weak and Strong
Last Sunday I spoke about hypocrisy and how easy it is to perform for the opinion of others. I believe that everyone struggles from time to time with hypocrisy but I also think that we can struggle with just feeling like a weak failure of a Christian. This can accompany hypocrisy in that we try to cover our weakness with bravado and extra serving. Or it can attack us on its own, beating us down into inaction by telling us…