Flock Under His Care
Have you ever asked, or 'thought', "Why, Lord, why"? It's okay to admit it --- we've all done it at one time or another when we just don't understand 'what' is going on in our life, or 'why'? So, okay, maybe some of us do that more than others, but it is a real 'human' thing to do. Hope you have a great day, lead and protected by THE Shepherd. Maggie
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd - Relationship
I shall not want - Supply
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - Rest
He leadeth me beside the still waters - Refreshment
He restoreth my soul - Healing
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness - Guidance
For His name sake - Purpose
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - Testing
I will fear no evil - Protection
For Thou art with me - Faithfulness
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me - Discipline
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies - Hope
Thou annointest my head with oil - Consecration
My cup runneth over - Abundance
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - Blessing
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - Security
Forever - Eternity
~Author Unknown
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Buffalo Head
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4
Touring in Yellowstone Park has taken on a new flavor since I first visited there in the mid 60's. Back then we fed bears that were causing traffic jams along the inner park highways. If traffic got backed up, it was the because of bears.
A drive through the park today means maybe not even seeing a bear but you will see plenty of American bison or what we usually call buffalo. One night a herd of them even bedded down in our campground. We could hear their snoring and snorting as they took up residence way to close to ours. On a walk through a hot mud pot area, a pair of young bulls was having a little head butting party near our pathway. They have very thick skulls and neither usually wins when buffalos butt heads. Sometimes I act like one of those hardheaded buffalo. I keep banging my head against the wall because I can't understand why I am having a particular trial or testing. James wrote to remind us that we should not be bullheaded but instead look at trials with joy, because trials benefit us (James 1:2-4). James knew that we all tend to bang our heads rather than rejoice and learn what God wants to teach us.
Are you going through a trial or testing today? How's your attitude? God's intention is that we "count it all joy when we encounter various trials." Don't be a buffalo head. Let God's message of joy get through!
~ by Michael Ullrich and Circuit 'Riter Ministries
http://www.circuitriter.com
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Psalm 95:6-7
"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care."
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A Time to Think
"Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us
and new beauty waiting to be born."
— Dale E. Turner |
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To Act Let your heart inspire your life. |
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To Pray
Lord, help me to act on Your promise. ~ Daily Thoughts from Guidposts |
Dear Maggie,
Here's another fine collection of thoughts, Bible verses, and prayers.
I especially liked the example, given by Michael Ullrich, of the buffaloes butting heads--reminding him (and us) that we sometimes are very stubborn about seeing our trials as blessings.
Thank you for your efforts in posting this.
Jackie
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thats a great one - I really liked it!
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Yes, sometimes we wish we knew the reason for the particular happening in our life, but we forget that God made us and he redeemed us and we are not our own. He doesn't have to reveal things to us and most of the times we see the reason for the experience after it is over.
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"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."
At first, simply faith in the existence of God or faith that God has good intentions for me is what comes to mind, but giving it a little more thought, I think it is talking about the way of life that God expects from us. Particular trials will test (or cause us to doubt) in particular characteristics of the way of life Jesus presented.
- comment from reader
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