Two Dead Trees

I walked out to my mailbox this morning and I noticed that two more of my Royal Palms are dead. I had one die about a year ago … now two more are dead. I was pondering how the trees beside the dead trees could be so strong and healthy, why are they thriving, yet the tree beside them is gone? They all received the same nutrients, the same water, the same amount of sunshine.

I guess something got into the tree and killed it from the inside, there is no outward sign of damage.

I think this is a great analogy of what happens to us spiritually.

There can be a group of people, all following after Jesus, all connecting to each other, and to Jesus; all looking good on the outside, but for whatever reason, deception finds its way into someone and they start believing the lies and they fall away from each other and from God and the next thing we know, they are gone. Their spirit is dead.

If you are connected to someone and you see them pulling away, reach out to them before it’s too late.

If you are pulling away from God, from others, please find someone that you trust, reach out and ask for help.

My most favorite verse in The Bible is John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

It’s too late for my trees … but it’s not too late for us.

Father, thank you for giving us life … to the full! Life with you is full. Father help those who are hurting today to reach out and receive your healing truth. Encourage those who see others hurting to take the time to invest into their lives, to let them know that someone cares. Thank you Jesus for healing hurting hearts.

I love you Jesus!
In your name I pray,
Amen

God Bless You!
Joyce

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain!

The Choices You Make Today …
Will Affect Your Tomorrow!
http://www.alifedecision.org

Sheep Series #4 The Shepherd

Our last in the series is a look at the shepherd. Coincidence that it comes right before Easter? Hmmm…don’t think so!

Sheep must have a leader for they must be led and not driven. They must be told what to do and where to go, otherwise, they will wander off and get lost. They need to be watched over and cared for constantly. Hence, the need for a shepherd.

Since we looked at some of the characteristics of sheep that mirror those of humans, let’s look at some of the characteristics of a good shepherd and how they apply to Jesus as our Good Shepherd.

A good shepherd…

* loves his sheep and continually encourages an intimate relationship with them so that
they will develop trust and know his voice
* knows the things that make them sick and guides them away from them
* always watchful for predators and defends sheep against them
* protects the sheep while they sleep
* leads them to fresh pastures and fresh water
* is gentle yet firm while shearing them, watching closely for injury or disease
* goes ahead of sheep and prepares the path
* disciplines and corrects them
* keeps sheep from fighting, from hurting each other
* searches for a lost sheep and rejoices when finding it
* keeps sheep moving so they don’t get into a rut
* comforts them when they are hurt or fearful
* anoints them with oil to heal an injury or prevent disease
* is pleased when sheep are contented, well-fed, and safe
* knows the sheep’s needs better than they do
* sacrifices his life for them.

We find so much of this in Psalm 23. Adding in some of the definitions, we might look at it this way…

*The Lord is my Shepherd = The Lord is my guide, my companion
* I shall not want = I shall not lack; I have contentment
* He makes me to lie down = He causes me to rest
* in green pastures = giving me habitations of nourishment
* He leads me = He leads me with care to watering stations
* beside still waters = beside quiet waters, refreshing me
* He restores my soul = He draws me to return to Him, to restore me
* He leads me in paths of righteousness = He guides me in ways of rightness
* even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = even though I move through the narrow valley of death’s dark shadow
* I will fear no evil = I will not be afraid of evil; I will have confidence and trust in my Shepherd
* for You are with me = because You are by my side
* Your rod = Your discipline and protection
* Your staff = Your guidance and support
* they comfort me = are my consolation and comfort
* You prepare a table before me = You arrange and spread out a feast of Your fellowship before me
* in the presence of mine enemies = in the face of those enemies that distress and bind me
* You anoint my head with oil = You soothe me with the oil of Your Spirit
* My cup runs over = You fill my life, saturating it to overflowing with provisions
* goodness and mercy shall follow me = Your goodness and favor pursue me
* and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever = and I will inhabit Your household for eternity.

This Shepherd said, “I am the Good shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me,” (John 10:14 Amp) and “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 NKJV)

As the Good Shepherd that gave His life for His flock, He is also the Lamb of God, the great Sacrifice, of which John the Baptist said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJV)

Do you know all that this Good Shepherd provides for you? Do you know Him, recognizing His voice as He calls out your name? Do you know His peace, protection, provision, guidance, and comfort?

I pray you can often be found lingering at the feet of the Good Shepherd, awaiting His touch, and that you know Him as the Lamb of sacrifice.

~Blessings, Lynn~~

Sheep Series #3

Let’s recap. So far, we’ve seen that sheep…

* are not very intelligent and are not trainable,
* need constant supervision,
* have a strong instinct to follow a leader,
* have no sense of direction and will wander off, getting into trouble, especially if
they don’t listen to the shepherd,
* will follow the one in front of him even if it goes over a cliff,
* are non-aggressive, friendly, love being part of the gang
* are loving and love affection, lingering at the shepherd’s feet,
* are defenseless and easy prey for predators, needing protection,
* are fearful, even of running water,
* have little discernment and will feed on and drink what is not good for them.

Sheep also…

…need to be sheared…

Because of health issues and the usage of the wool, sheep desperately need to be sheared, which usually takes place twice a year. If sheep are not sheared to remove the accumulation of dirt, caked mud, and other contaminates that mat next to their skin, they will develop infections and health problems, possibly dying.

During shearing, sheep can experience a lot of stress and need an experienced shearer. The sheep will fight it until they are on their backs, held in the arms of their shearer, then, they will give in and relax.

It is done quickly so no harm comes to the animal. After being shorn, sheep need protection from the elements.

If sheep are not shorn, it decreases their mobility, and, if not done before the heat of summer, they will be susceptible to heat stress. Also, if not sheared at the proper time, their vision will be impaired.

Shearing keeps sheep productive and also allows for new growth.

…fall down and die…

If a sheep falls down and ends up on its back, it cannot right itself without help. No matter how loud his bleatings for help may be, the other sheep cannot help it get right. If left by itself too long, it will eventually die, so the shepherd watches to make sure each one stays on its feet.

…not burden bearers…

Many larger animals like horses, camels, elephants, and some others were created to carry loads on their backs. However, when it comes to sheep, they are incapable of carrying any load on their backs.

…frequently need a place to lie down and rest…

Sheep often need rest but don’t realize it. However, it is impossible for a sheep to lie down and rest if surrounded and pestered by insects or parasites. In order to rest, it must also be free from fear, hunger, and friction with others.

People…

* Do you need to be sheared of your circumstances?
* Do you need to get rid of any dirty issues in your life that might be causing emotional, physical, or spiritual problems?
* Do you have better spiritual eyesight after a shearing session?
* Do you fight those times of being sheared by the Shepherd? Or do you relax in His arms and allow Him to work His will in your life?
* Ever feel like the commercial, you’ve fallen down and can’t get up? And no one comes to help you? You can only be righted by the Shepherd.
* Do you carry your burdens around in a backpack, a little red wagon, or a U-Haul? Or have you let them go and given them to the Lord…and not taken them back?
* Are you free of those things that bother you, free of fear, hunger, and friction with others so that you can lie down in green pastures, resting your soul?

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Heb. 13:20-21 NKJV)

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

Sheep Series #2

Last time, we saw that sheep…

* are not very intelligent and are not trainable,
* need constant supervision,
* have a strong instinct to follow a leader,
* have no sense of direction and will wander off, getting into trouble,
* and will follow the one in front of him even if it goes over a cliff.

Let’s see what other characteristics they have.

Sheep…

…are non-aggressive…

Their non-aggressive temperament exhibits itself as being gregarious, calm, and easy to manage creatures. Because they love to be a part of the gang, a sheep will become agitated if it is separated from the group.

…are loving and love affection…

The sense of touch seems to be important to sheep because they seek bodily contact with a daily touch from their shepherd. They love their shepherd and can often be found lingering at his feet, awaiting a pat on the head. They will even rub against his leg and wag their tails.

They learn to recognize the voice of their shepherd as He regularly speaks gently to them and calls them each by name. They follow him because they know he will take care of them.

…are defenseless…

Because they are defenseless, they make easy prey for their enemies and are very vulnerable to fear. With no means of self-defense, their natural instinct causes them to run.

A lone sheep is doomed. Needing protection from predators, they use their herding instinct to stick close to each other for safety and depend on their shepherd as their defense against their enemies, as he uses his staff to keep the sheep in line and within safe boundaries and his rod to ward off the predators.

…are fearful…

As we read last time, where one sheep goes, the rest are sure to follow. So, because they are fearful, if one becomes skittish, the whole flock will stampede easily.

Because of their “sheepishness,” they are even frightened by running water.

…have little discernment as to choosing the best food and drink…

Sheep are stubborn and will insist on their own way, even eating poisonous plants or drinking dirty water. They need constant fresh pasture and fresh water.

Not always aware that they need to drink, they can even be found grazing beside water while in the early stages of dehydration. Because of this, they must be constantly led to clean, still water.

People…

* Are you friendly? Do you become agitated if separated from the group and interaction with others?
* Do you stay close to the flock for comfort, support, and safety?
* Is the Shepherd’s daily touch important to you?
* Can you be found lingering at the Shepherd’s feet?
* Do you recognize the voice of your Shepherd when He calls your name?
* Do you follow the Shepherd knowing He will take care of you?
* Because you are prey for the enemy, do you become fearful or do you trust in and depend on the Shepherd to protect you and fight off the predators for you?
* Do you become skittish, your circumstances frightening you as though they were rampaging waters?
* Are you stubborn, insisting on your own way? Do you lack discernment in choosing where and what you feed your soul and spirit?
* Do you feed on poisonous matter or drink from dirty waters? Do you realize you are suffering a dehydrated spirit, ignoring the fresh waters of the Lord before you?

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Heb 13:20-21 NKJV)

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

Sheep Series #1

Sheep intrigue me. I started a small collection of little sheep figurines. The ones found in a crèche set. I love them. I place them around a shepherd that looks like he might have been David with a precious lamb wrapped around his shoulders. I always think of him as Jesus carrying me.

The figurines have different looks on their tiny faces and they stand in different positions, some look up adoringly at the shepherd and some graze at his feet. Reminds me of how I place myself at Jesus’ feet.

If we compare sheep’s characteristics with those of humans, we’ll find they are very similar. No wonder Jesus lovingly calls us His sheep.

I thought it would be fun to take the next few posts and look at some of the shared characteristics.

The first characteristic is…drum roll, please! Ta-dah!

Sheep are not very intelligent!

Actually, they are notoriously dumb! They have the IQ of a rubber tree plant! Because of this brain deficiency, they are the only herd-type animal that require a custodian or guardian to give them constant care and supervision 24/7. A shepherd must commit his whole life to watching over his flock.

Because they have a strong instinct to follow a leader, when one sheep decides to wander off, the rest of the flock usually follows, no matter where it takes them. For example, if the lead sheep jumps over a cliff, the others will more than likely follow.

Because of their lack of intelligence, they…

…are not trainable…

They also need constant supervision because they are not trainable. You’ll never see them in the circus doing tricks on command, like the silly image above.

Though they are not teachable, they will do the exact thing that the one in front of them does. For instance, I read that, if you hold a stick in front of the first sheep in a line and it jumps over the stick, the rest of the flock will mindlessly follow suit, leaping over the stick, even when it is taken away!

Because they are not trainable, pain and punishment have little or no effect on their behavior because they have no memory and do not learn from their mistakes. They keep doing the same dumb things over and over.

…will wander off, go astray, and, with no sense of direction, get into trouble.

And since they will senselessly follow the one in front of them, they will all wander off in any direction and probably get into trouble. Therefore, with no sense of direction, if one sheep wanders off and gets lost, the rest of the flock will follow right along, even if the sheep jumps over a cliff.

As people…

Please don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t mean people are as dumb as rubber tree plants, but sometimes I wonder about the things we humans do! Sometimes, I don’t think we learn. We do the same dumb things over and over, going around, as some say, the same ol’ mountain again and again. It takes a while for us to be trained, if at all. If we could just learn a lesson the first time around, we wouldn’t suffer some of the same consequences.

This is why we need a guardian for constant care, just as the sheep do.

We have a strong instinct to follow a leader, but we need to make sure it is the right Leader. We will wander off aimlessly and follow the flock right over the cliff if we do not listen to the Shepherd’s voice and follow His footsteps.

With no sense of direction, we will always pick the wrong way without the Shepherd. We will continue to go astray and get lost.

The disciple Peter recognized that we all need the true Shepherd. Having known Him himself, Peter wrote, “Like sheep you wandered away from God, but now you have returned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25a TLB)

* Do you repeat the same mistakes over and over?
* Have you wandered off aimlessly and lost your way?
* Or do you listen to the Shepherd’s voice and follow in His footsteps?

May you be blessed with the Great Shepherd’s constant care.

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

A Part Of Me Is Missing

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!
I John 3:1

On Wednesday afternoon, I put the boys on a plane. They were heading to Ohio, to spend two weeks with my mom and dad. It’s summertime, they didn’t have a lot going on this month, so Bobby and I decided it would be nice for them to spend some time with their grandparents. We found a direct flight, it was affordable, my parents were agreeable. But I had no idea how much I would miss those two little guys.

I’ve never been overly protective of the boys. Bobby takes them camping once a month from October to May and I always enjoy the time alone. The other scout moms who camp, always envy my two nights a month without my family. They’ve spent nights with their friends on sleepovers. I even allow them to stay home some days while I’m at work, they like the responsibility of taking care of each other.

But the last couple days have been very difficult for me. I miss my sons. A part of me is missing, and it is uncomfortable. The house is quiet, yes, but I don’t like it. I miss the hum of the boys playing in their room. I miss the “Mom, I’m still hungry,” from Chase before I even get up from the dinner table. But most of all, I miss tucking them into bed at night and praying with them.

I have called them many times since Wednesday … and I am happy to hear their voices, but it’s not the same. I miss their presence in my life.

I believe that I’m experiencing a small taste of what God feels … when His children are not in His Presence. God created each and every person in His image, He knew us before we were born. He has a plan and a purpose for us, and when we choose to walk away from Him, for whatever reason, He misses us, He wants us back with Him. He loves us.

I know how happy I’ll be when I’m reconnected with Carson and Chase, I can only image the way God feels when we reconnect with Him!

Father, I am so thankful to be connected to you. I don’t want to spend even one day without your presence. I know the boys are fine Lord, I just miss them. Keep them safe Jesus. Give them an extra dose of Your love while they are away.

I love you Jesus!

In Your Name I Pray,
Amen

God Bless You!
Love,
Joyce

The Choices You Make Today …
Will Affect Your Tomorrow!
http://www.alifedecision.org

Spiritual Obesity

I was listening to a message today. The pastor encouraged those listening to actually take action on what they were hearing; to take one thing away from that message.

I did …

Spiritual obesity. Ummmm … interesting concept.

Obesity is defined as: The condition of being obese; increased body weight caused by excessive accumulation of fat.

Food is our energy source, we need it to survive. But if we don’t use it, our bodies store it. And as we continue to add more, without exercising what we have… we become heavier and heavier and we become unhealthy.

The Word of God is food for our spirit. Our spiritual energy source. We need its nourishment to survive. But if we constantly feed on the Word, but never exercise what we are learning, we will become spiritually obese.

James tells us: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.(James 1:22-25)

Food for thought … Is your spirit healthy? Are you blessed in what you do?

Father, thank you for this message. Lord, I know I fall short so many times. It is so easy to hear a truth, and then simply store it up, thinking that I will use it later. Teach me Father to listen and then do. Your will Lord, not mine.

I love you Jesus.
In Your Name I Pray,
Amen

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain!

The Choices You Make Today …
Will Affect Your Tomorrow!
http://www.alifedecision.org

The Lie of Isolation

Have you ever noticed that when you are going through something in your life that is really tough, that you tend to push others away? Do you know why that is?

Think about it for a minute. We are social and relational creatures. God created us to rely on each other to get through life. He says in Hebrews 10:24-25 that we are to spur each other on, to meet together and to encourage one another.  Yet whenever we feel like we’ve messed up in life, or are going through a particularly tough time, why is it that we isolate ourselves from the very people we need to lean on?

Satan loves isolation.  If he can isolate us from friends and family who would be able to help us not feel defeated – then he wins!  He loves to deceive us into thinking that we would be a burden on others or that they wouldn’t understand how we are feeling or what we’ve been through. But it’s a lie.  In all reality, not only would those who love us try to understand, they would be able to encourage us, pray for us, and give us the strength we need to overcome our situation.

I know that it is really good to be by myself sometimes. It recharges me to have some quiet time to myself. It’s good for me to learn how to enjoy my own company and how to schedule my day on MY terms.  Yet I think we need to be careful that an occasional recharging session doesn’t turn into an escape from reality.  We can get to the point that we don’t know how to handle others anymore and then start to think that everyone is out to get us or that no one understands us.  Satan is so good at doing that to us.

We need each other. As much as you may try to deny that fact or ignore it – we need each other. Yes, you may have your husband or your child.  But they are not enough. We need a variety of Godly people in our lives that can help us on this road of life. People who can lovingly be honest to us and help us overcome challenges or issues. (You may think you don’t want to hear honesty but you really do – for how else can you grow and become that person you really desire to be?) 

When we remain isolated, several things happen to us. 

*We are vulnerable to attack by Satan because we don’t have a support system to help us

*We remain in sin and/or poor behavior patterns

*We become “posers.” Showing or acting like all is well in our life because we lose people whom we can really trust to be authentic with or we feel no one will understand.

*We lose touch with real life, real feelings, and real people.

It’s uncomfortable sometimes to start relying on others when you are afraid they will crush your feelings. But I encourage you to take a chance. Pray about it and let God lead you out from your isolated world and into a world of open arms waiting to love you along in life.

Isolation is not good for anyone. It is only Satan’s way of hindering you, deceiving you, and leaving you unhealthy. It’s his way of keeping your thoughts, feelings, issues, and struggles a “secret” when God only wants them out in the open and into the light. 

Don’t reason with yourself about this dangerous stronghold. But make a vow today to run away from your isolated way of living.  Even if you are housebound, there is a way to get the friendship and support system you need. Pray about it and God will answer. Seek and you shall find – never to be off on your own again.

God says, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Do you trust Him? Then make a change today.

 
~ Dionna Sanchez desires close Godly women friendships in her life. She shares with other women from her heart through her blog at http://emphasisonmoms.blogspot.com

The Thorn and The Hemorrhage

As I was reviewing this week’s scripture readings I came across quite a juxtaposition between the reading from the second letter to the Corinthians on Sunday (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) in which St. Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” and the Gospel of Matthew on Monday (Matthew 9:18-26) in which a woman who has suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years reaches out to Jesus for healing.

In the first instance, St. Paul refers to an on-going trial in his life. He has begged the Lord “three times . . . that it might leave [him], but he has answered . . .‘My grace is enough for you.’” Basically, St. Paul has asked the Lord for help and the Lord has said, “No, this is something that you need to deal with. The suffering has a purpose. I am with you, but you need to endure and continue to be faithful.

In the second instance, the woman has suffered for twelve years. Not only has she suffered physically, but spiritually as well, for in the Jewish tradition she was ritually unclean. Yet, she summons every ounce of her courage and reaches out to Jesus, believing that if she just touches his cloak that she will be healed. What faith she demonstrates! And she is rewarded for that faith. “Jesus turned round and saw her; and he said to her, ‘Courage, my daughter, your faith has saved you.’”

Both St. Paul and the woman have faith. Both have problems that are causing them great pain and suffering. Yet, one is healed and one is told to keep on bearing the burden. What is the lesson for us in these two scripture readings? The first lesson is that we need to ask the Lord for help. What are the thorns in our own lives? We all have some – the nagging problems that won’t seem to go away no matter what we do. These problems may be physical difficulties, mental or emotional struggles, or a struggle with temptation and sin. These problems may even be issues we have with another person in our lives. Whatever the particular thorn might be, we need to bring it to the Lord in prayer. We need to humble ourselves and, emulating the woman’s courage and faith, believe that God will heal us.

But, what if He doesn’t? What if like St. Paul, He looks at our pain and difficulties, and tells us, “I’m sorry. My grace is with you, but this suffering is something that you need to go through. There is a lesson here for you, and you need to learn it.” What do we do then? I believe that the answer is that we keep praying. We can accept the answer and accept the suffering while continuing to bring it to God in prayer, asking for help and healing. I found it interesting that St. Paul had asked the Lord for help three times. I understand that St. Paul had a much closer communication channel with the Lord than I do, but I have found in my life that there are times when I have had to pray to God for years to finally get peace and resolution to an issue. Yes, God had a lesson for me to learn, and in hindsight, I can appreciate the need for the suffering. I believe that the continued prayer helped me have the grace to endure the suffering, helped me learn the lesson that I needed to learn, and helped the resolution finally occur, often in better ways than I could ever imagine. God knows what is best for us. We simply need to have courage and always ask for help.

- Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
http://spiritualwomanthoughts.blogspot.com

The Value of Youth Group

Are you concerned about your teen?  Do you worry about the choices they make in friendships? Do you feel like they are slipping away?  I can’t encourage you enough to get your child into a church youth group and setting, if they aren’t already.

I have personally seen what a strong, vibrant youth group has done for my stepson’s life. I feel so indebted to it for reinforcing what we were trying to teach him at home. They pulled him in with fun activities and caring individuals who embraced who he was and what he was interested in. Then, they started talking to him and the other kids about subjects that were relevant to their lives – sex, peer pressure, mainstream music, public school issues, standing up for Christ, etc.  He met others his age who were going through the same things as him and they were able to support one another while growing in the Lord.

Youth groups meet kids where they are at and they give them a foundation to grow on. They are a “backup plan” so to speak, for parents. They give our teens a support system; which let’s face it – they really need!  They need peers their own age who they can turn to in their schools to encourage them and understand the daily world they are a part of.

If your church has a youth group but your child doesn’t seem interested in it or it seems like it’s floundering, I encourage you to seek out a stronger one. I understand that you may like your church, but your child’s faith is important enough to make some changes in your life, don’t you think? You can either decide to switch churches for a while to give your child a stronger foundation, or you can make the agreement to let your child attend a youth group somewhere else.  If you don’t attend a church at all, I can’t urge you enough to get involved in one with an active, growing youth department. Youth are our future and any church that understands and realizes that will invest into them instead of ignoring them.

Our job as parents is tougher because of the direction our society has taken. We need all the support we can get to help us raise young men and women who will take a stand for the Lord.  Youth groups are one of the best tools to help us do that. You just need to make the choice and decision that your children are worth it.

 

~ Dionna Sanchez is Founder of the Emphasis On Moms Ministry at http://www.EmphasisOnMoms.com – you can also find her blogging over at PreciousMoms.com.