Dear Missionary Lady,
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, mourned over the destruction
of Jerusalem. The book of Lamentations reveals his deep sorrow and pain. The
very darkest darkness is found in chapter three.
Verse 2 states, "He hath led me, and brought me into
darkness, but not into light." Following are some of the dark
descriptions. "Seen affliction" (v. 1). "My flesh and my skin
hath he made old" (v. 4). "Compassed me with gall and travail"
(v. 5). "Hath made my chain heavy" (v. 7). "A bear lying in
wait" (v. 10). "Made me desolate" (v. 11). "Removed my soul
far off from peace" (v. 17). "Fear and a snare is come upon us,
desolation and destruction" (v. 47). "Mine eye runneth down with
rivers of water" (v. 48). "Waters flowed over mine head" (v.
54).
Not a pretty picture. Jeremiah was physically affected by
the affliction, crushed in spirit, emotionally overcome, threatened from
without, and just about as low as anyone can get. But that is not the end. In
the midst of all that oppression, Jeremiah turned to prayer - not just casual
or empty prayer - but confident prayer. His confidence was based in His
knowledge of the God to whom he was praying.
You may want to read the whole prayer (vs. 55-66), and notice
how many times Jeremiah remembers God's past and present work. Here is an
abbreviated compilation.
"Thou hast heard my voice" (v. 56). "Thou
drewest near in the day that I called"; "Thou saidst, Fear not"
(v. 57). "Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my
life" (v. 58). "Thou hast seen my wrong" (v. 59). "Thou has
seen all their vengeance" (v. 60). "Thou hast heard their reproach"
(v. 61).
After Jeremiah tells all these things that God has done and
is doing regarding his current situation, he turns to hopeful and confident
prayer, revealing that he earnestly expects God to act on his behalf. Jeremiah translates
God's previous responses into hope for the future.
"Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to
the work of their hands. Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them.
Persecute and destroy them in anger from under the heavens of the LORD"
(vs. 64-66). Some scholars believe those verbs can be translated not as
imperatives, but as future tense: "You will render," "You will
give," and "You will persecute and destroy."
Our situation may not be one of outside attack by people,
and our prayer may not be for judgment upon them, but we can follow Jeremiah's
example in dark days - remembering who God is and what He has done, then
hopefully and confidently expecting and praying for His response on our behalf.
God loves us. We may have to walk through days of pain and
danger, but God is with us. He will not abandon us. We can fully expect to see
God's love, care, and comfort. May this great, loving God hold you close and
encourage you in these difficult days.
Much love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Saturday, March 21, 2020
03212020 Thoughts for Crisis
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our loving Savior! Just a brief message today to let you know that I am praying for you.
Many of you are deeply ensconced in the impact of this global event, while others are just starting the process. The world is using terms like "fear," "panic," and "crisis." The event certainly has resulted in restrictions; the constant onslaught of statistics, regulations, and other information is oppressive and heavy. And it only gets worse when there are rumors and sensationalism.
In light of that, I have two thoughts. First, the human spirit cannot support such a burden. Not without help. Our help comes from the Bible. I have learned through past trials of life that sometimes the problem is so intense that the focus on Scripture has to be frequent. I am being reminded of that truth in this current situation. I can read my Bible in the morning and be encouraged and calm. But then I go to work (required field meeting human needs) and have the continual reminders and pressure, or I open my laptop and get all kinds of new information, and these continual assaults can break down my spirit IF I don't keep reminding myself of God's truth. I have been purposefully choosing one verse each day that I can remind myself of and come back to over and over. On my own I'm sunk, but God's Word has strengthening and stabilizing truth and hope.
Second, people in trouble need to know that someone cares. Most of the world is too overwhelmed to be able to care for anyone beyond themselves. So we have opportunities. Even strong Christians can falter under intense attacks, but I believe they quickly "adapt," getting strength from God, stabilizing their spirits. Once they have reached some stability, they want to help others. They want to care for and support those who are hurting and don't have the same stability or even the same foundation. The ways in which we can show our care for others may be very limited in these days, but as we have opportunity, may we care - a smile, a kind word, a simple errand, a prayer, and so on. I made cards for five supervisors and leaders at work, who are scrambling to make adjustments and keep our company alive, thanking them for their work and telling them I am praying for them. They were touched by that kindness, and these evidences of caring will make a difference. They will stand out in a world where people aren't doing those things anymore. Resulting opportunities for the gospel will come, maybe immediately and maybe in months or years down the road.
Even in the midst of restrictions, and especially in the midst of chaos and hurt, what you do today matters for eternity. Continue forward with God's strength.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our loving Savior! Just a brief message today to let you know that I am praying for you.
Many of you are deeply ensconced in the impact of this global event, while others are just starting the process. The world is using terms like "fear," "panic," and "crisis." The event certainly has resulted in restrictions; the constant onslaught of statistics, regulations, and other information is oppressive and heavy. And it only gets worse when there are rumors and sensationalism.
In light of that, I have two thoughts. First, the human spirit cannot support such a burden. Not without help. Our help comes from the Bible. I have learned through past trials of life that sometimes the problem is so intense that the focus on Scripture has to be frequent. I am being reminded of that truth in this current situation. I can read my Bible in the morning and be encouraged and calm. But then I go to work (required field meeting human needs) and have the continual reminders and pressure, or I open my laptop and get all kinds of new information, and these continual assaults can break down my spirit IF I don't keep reminding myself of God's truth. I have been purposefully choosing one verse each day that I can remind myself of and come back to over and over. On my own I'm sunk, but God's Word has strengthening and stabilizing truth and hope.
Second, people in trouble need to know that someone cares. Most of the world is too overwhelmed to be able to care for anyone beyond themselves. So we have opportunities. Even strong Christians can falter under intense attacks, but I believe they quickly "adapt," getting strength from God, stabilizing their spirits. Once they have reached some stability, they want to help others. They want to care for and support those who are hurting and don't have the same stability or even the same foundation. The ways in which we can show our care for others may be very limited in these days, but as we have opportunity, may we care - a smile, a kind word, a simple errand, a prayer, and so on. I made cards for five supervisors and leaders at work, who are scrambling to make adjustments and keep our company alive, thanking them for their work and telling them I am praying for them. They were touched by that kindness, and these evidences of caring will make a difference. They will stand out in a world where people aren't doing those things anymore. Resulting opportunities for the gospel will come, maybe immediately and maybe in months or years down the road.
Even in the midst of restrictions, and especially in the midst of chaos and hurt, what you do today matters for eternity. Continue forward with God's strength.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
03172020 I Don't Like My Limitations
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our unlimited God. I realize it's been only a few days since my previous letter, but I believe God prompted me to issue this "special edition," so I assume that means someone will profit from it.
I try not to get too personal too often, but sometimes sharing God's work in my own life seems to be a good approach. Last weekend I took a long-delayed trip to visit my parents, and I had a couple of hours in the car that I believed should be used to pray. I needed more than just brief prayers scattered throughout the day; I needed an extended time to really talk to God about my heart and life.
Lately I have been feeling in over my head in just about every area of life. I was talking to God about that, trying to get clarity and guidance about what was going on so I could think and respond correctly. One aspect I identified as I talked with God about being so overwhelmed was that of limitations.
I've had a lot of limitations lately. Post-flu, I still have to be careful how much I do. I've had to keep putting off settling-in aspects of my new house. Socially, I missed a lot of church, was delayed in taking a trip to my family, and haven't yet been able to invite in friends. Post-house-purchase, finances are tighter than I would like, and I'm having to delay some expenditures. My yard needs lots of work, and it's more than I can handle right now. I need approval and information from park management for some steps, and poor communication from them is crippling my plans. At work, I've had recent situations too complex for me to handle, and I haven't been able to get help. With all of these pressures and more, I often have felt just on the edge of exploding.
As I talked with God and allowed Him to guide my thoughts, I realized that my less-than-optimal spirit is due to not liking my limitations. I want to be able to do what I want to do, in both general living and in labor-intensive projects. I want to be able to spend time with people. I want to get more financially stable. I want my house to be fixed up to where I want it. I want to have a job with minimal stress.
But who gave me my limitations? Who providentially decided that each limitation was what I needed? Was God surprised by any of them? Did He not realize how many of them were coinciding? Was He unaware of all of the initial demands of a new house or of the long-lasting impact of the flu? Are they for nothing? Is God incapable of working through them? Can He not help me through them and give me His strength? Can He not carry me through every challenge and limitation?
Pondering those questions breaks down the frustration. It melts the inner anger that is simmering below the surface. It calms the spirit. It brings a measure of acceptance. At least it does so when one humbles her heart and yields to God's plan, with tears if necessary. And then comes grace. And peace. And sweet communion with God. And even joy.
I was already thinking of sharing part of this with you, and then my intentions were further encouraged by considering what is going on in our world right now. Many of you are facing limitations like you never have before in your lives. You can't have church. You can't meet in groups and in some cases not even with individuals. You can't greet people as you normally would and can't even stand within six feet of them. You can't go out shopping or to a restaurant. Your everyday travel is restricted, and you may be limited mostly to your own house. You can't find all the supplies you need. You have to substitute on foods and adapt meal preparation. Conferences, meetings, events, and special services are canceled or postponed. Planned trips have been canceled, and you have no idea how far into the future that will last. Life has become very restricted and very small.
Oh, and all of this "crisis" is on top of what was already happening in your life. Isn't it funny how all the things that were major concerns a few weeks ago have been swallowed up by something bigger? But those other things haven't disappeared. You still have those limitations, too - financial, relationships, health, family issues, ministry challenges, unresponsive audiences, uncooperative governments, etc.
We humans are by nature limited, and that is uncomfortable and often frustrating. But we have a God who has no limitations. And we have a God who is aware of and oversees all of our limitations. Nothing - whether long-term or current crisis - has surprised Him. He knows what He intends to accomplish individually, corporately, and globally. He always has a plan, and it is always good, and always designed to accomplish His good purposes.
As we yield to God and accept the limitations as being from His hand, He gives grace, peace, joy, strength, wisdom, sweet fellowship - all that we need to continue forward and to serve Him as we should.
I pray that for you, my sisters and friends. I pray that God will comfort you, stabilize you, guide you, strengthen you as you walk forward through these difficult days. I pray that He will help you to continue serving Him in all the ways that are possible within your current situation. That perhaps He will help you to see new and unique ways that will temporarily replace the standard avenues of ministry. What you do today matters for eternity - now as much as ever - even with the limitations. People need you. Need to see Christ in you. Need to experience God's love through your hands and your words. It will make a difference.
I have tried to be aware as I am able of your specific situations during this pandemic and of the specific impact on individual ministries, and to pray accordingly. Please know that you are not forgotten amidst the craziness that faces us all. May God bless you as you continue to faithfully and courageously serve Him where you are.
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9).
Much love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 14, 2020
03142020 In Over Your Head
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the "unsinkable" God. If you think that's an odd description, think about all the times you are overwhelmed, in over your head, and feel like you're drowning. That doesn't even remotely happen to God - ever.
When those times come, there can be so many things going on that your head is spinning, and you can't even think straight anymore. You may be confused, not understanding where your thoughts and emotions are coming from. Sometimes you are so swamped that you don't even know what to pray for or what to say to God.
The Bible uses exactly those kinds of terms. "Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me" (Psalm 69:1-2,14-15). "Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: then the proud waters had gone over our soul" (Psalm 124:4-5).
In the midst of those overwhelming and puzzling situations, in which you don't understand yourself and don't know what to say, at least you know that God is the one you have to run to. You have the right source, and you know you can depend on Him. "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee" (Psalm 73:25). "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side ... Our help is in the name of the LORD" (Psalm 124:1,8). "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). To whom else, indeed? He is the only one who can help.
Not only do you know where you need to run, you also clearly know that you need His help. Without His help, you would be truly sunk. "And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily" (Psalm 69:17). The prayer does not have to be elaborate or elegant, not calm and refined, not poetic or perfectly stated. You just need to express your need for help, and sometimes that comes out in anguished, desperate cries.
When the problem is too big, the pressure too intense, the confusion too unsettling, the timing too imminent, or you are simply too weak and overwhelmed, sometimes all you can say is "God, help." And that's okay. You won't be the first one to pray such a prayer. When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk to Jesus on the stormy sea, he quickly found himself in over his head. "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me" (Matthew 14:30). Just that - "Lord, save me."
Amazingly, when you can't even muster that, and when you have no words at all, God still hears you. "Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee" (Psalm 79:11). "Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee" (Psalm 38:9). He hears even our sighing and moaning.
Sometimes there just are no words, but here is amazing truth. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).
I don't see any other way to understand the verse except that even the Spirit groans on our behalf. Maybe that is heavenly speech or words beyond human comprehension. The wonder is that He offers prayer on our behalf when we are unable to get out words on our own, and His prayers are according to the will of God. He prays the right thing for us. And He searches our hearts and knows what would come out of them if we could put it into words. So when you don't know what to pray, you can trust the Spirit to pray for you.
When you are in over your head, God can take care of you. It is no trouble for Him to snatch you right out of that situation, or to lead you gradually onto firmer ground. "He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters" (Psalm 18:16). "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings" (Psalm 40:2).
I have found that God responds to our primal, minimal cries with grace. Often just enough grace to stabilize us enough so that we can pray a little more. And then dependent step by dependent step, He graciously brings us out. No matter how desperate the situation seems, God can deliver and can give strength and grace that we need.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of the "unsinkable" God. If you think that's an odd description, think about all the times you are overwhelmed, in over your head, and feel like you're drowning. That doesn't even remotely happen to God - ever.
When those times come, there can be so many things going on that your head is spinning, and you can't even think straight anymore. You may be confused, not understanding where your thoughts and emotions are coming from. Sometimes you are so swamped that you don't even know what to pray for or what to say to God.
The Bible uses exactly those kinds of terms. "Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me" (Psalm 69:1-2,14-15). "Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: then the proud waters had gone over our soul" (Psalm 124:4-5).
In the midst of those overwhelming and puzzling situations, in which you don't understand yourself and don't know what to say, at least you know that God is the one you have to run to. You have the right source, and you know you can depend on Him. "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee" (Psalm 73:25). "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side ... Our help is in the name of the LORD" (Psalm 124:1,8). "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). To whom else, indeed? He is the only one who can help.
Not only do you know where you need to run, you also clearly know that you need His help. Without His help, you would be truly sunk. "And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily" (Psalm 69:17). The prayer does not have to be elaborate or elegant, not calm and refined, not poetic or perfectly stated. You just need to express your need for help, and sometimes that comes out in anguished, desperate cries.
When the problem is too big, the pressure too intense, the confusion too unsettling, the timing too imminent, or you are simply too weak and overwhelmed, sometimes all you can say is "God, help." And that's okay. You won't be the first one to pray such a prayer. When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk to Jesus on the stormy sea, he quickly found himself in over his head. "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me" (Matthew 14:30). Just that - "Lord, save me."
Amazingly, when you can't even muster that, and when you have no words at all, God still hears you. "Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee" (Psalm 79:11). "Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee" (Psalm 38:9). He hears even our sighing and moaning.
Sometimes there just are no words, but here is amazing truth. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).
I don't see any other way to understand the verse except that even the Spirit groans on our behalf. Maybe that is heavenly speech or words beyond human comprehension. The wonder is that He offers prayer on our behalf when we are unable to get out words on our own, and His prayers are according to the will of God. He prays the right thing for us. And He searches our hearts and knows what would come out of them if we could put it into words. So when you don't know what to pray, you can trust the Spirit to pray for you.
When you are in over your head, God can take care of you. It is no trouble for Him to snatch you right out of that situation, or to lead you gradually onto firmer ground. "He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters" (Psalm 18:16). "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings" (Psalm 40:2).
I have found that God responds to our primal, minimal cries with grace. Often just enough grace to stabilize us enough so that we can pray a little more. And then dependent step by dependent step, He graciously brings us out. No matter how desperate the situation seems, God can deliver and can give strength and grace that we need.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 7, 2020
03072020 Good Shepherd
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the Good Shepherd! In my children's class on Wednesday evening, the assigned lesson was on listening to the Good Shepherd. To relate to my four- and five-year-olds, I adapted the truths of John 10 and Psalm 23 into statements the Good Shepherd would say. I found the insight amazing, and wanted to share with you.
The Good Shepherd says, "Let me in to take care of you" (J2,3). How silly it would be to keep Him outside when He wants to be fully involved in taking care of us.
The Good Shepherd says, "Follow me. This is the right path" (J3,4, P3). The Shepherd will lead us only in good and right ways. We can fully trust His guidance.
The Good Shepherd says, "Don't follow other people or things that would destroy you" (J5,8,10). There are so many people and things in this world that are distractions and dangers. At best, they keep us from optimal service, and at worst, they threaten to destroy us.
The Good Shepherd says, "Come in this door" (J7,9). There is only one right door. What a blessing to have entered in!
The Good Shepherd says, "Here is good pasture and good water" (J3,9,10, P2). The Shepherd gives the very best for us to feed on. His precious Word is filled with sustaining goodness, and He chooses the best settings for us where we can truly be nourished.
The Good Shepherd says, "I'll give you all you need and more" (J10, P1,5). We don't lack anything we need. Far from that, the Shepherd gives abundance that runs over. His blessings are many.
The Good Shepherd says, "Don't run away" (J12). If the sheep scatter in the face of danger, the enemy can easily catch them, but if they stay very near the Shepherd, He will protect them.
The Good Shepherd says, "I love you very much. I would even give my life for you" (J11,15). No greater love. He sacrificed Himself for us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I want more sheep" (J16). Actually we Gentiles are the other sheep, but we aren't all of the other sheep. There are still more sheep that need to be brought into the fold, and God uses us to help call them.
The Good Shepherd says, "I help you because I want to" (J17,18). No one has to make the Shepherd serve. It is His deliberate choice.
The Good Shepherd says, "If you're sad, I'll comfort you" (P3,4). Isn't it wonderful that He recognizes the human reality of sadness and sorrow? He restores and comforts, ministering to our hurting hearts like no one else can.
The Good Shepherd says, "If you're scared, I'm with you" (P4). He also recognizes our human tendency to fear. But then He reminds us that He - the One who is bigger than all dangers - is with us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I'll protect you" (P5). We might have enemies, but even when they are near, they are not too much for the Shepherd. He can still take care of us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I will never leave you in all your life" (P6). When I taught the children, I said "never" about ten times. Never means never. Not even in our darkest moments does He leave our side.
The Good Shepherd says, "I will take you to heaven" (P6). The best pasture is yet to come. What a glory that will be!
"The King of love my shepherd is,/ Whose goodness faileth never./ I nothing lack if I am His,/ And He is mine forever."
May you truly relish the wonder and benefits of the Good Shepherd as you follow Him this week.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of the Good Shepherd! In my children's class on Wednesday evening, the assigned lesson was on listening to the Good Shepherd. To relate to my four- and five-year-olds, I adapted the truths of John 10 and Psalm 23 into statements the Good Shepherd would say. I found the insight amazing, and wanted to share with you.
The Good Shepherd says, "Let me in to take care of you" (J2,3). How silly it would be to keep Him outside when He wants to be fully involved in taking care of us.
The Good Shepherd says, "Follow me. This is the right path" (J3,4, P3). The Shepherd will lead us only in good and right ways. We can fully trust His guidance.
The Good Shepherd says, "Don't follow other people or things that would destroy you" (J5,8,10). There are so many people and things in this world that are distractions and dangers. At best, they keep us from optimal service, and at worst, they threaten to destroy us.
The Good Shepherd says, "Come in this door" (J7,9). There is only one right door. What a blessing to have entered in!
The Good Shepherd says, "Here is good pasture and good water" (J3,9,10, P2). The Shepherd gives the very best for us to feed on. His precious Word is filled with sustaining goodness, and He chooses the best settings for us where we can truly be nourished.
The Good Shepherd says, "I'll give you all you need and more" (J10, P1,5). We don't lack anything we need. Far from that, the Shepherd gives abundance that runs over. His blessings are many.
The Good Shepherd says, "Don't run away" (J12). If the sheep scatter in the face of danger, the enemy can easily catch them, but if they stay very near the Shepherd, He will protect them.
The Good Shepherd says, "I love you very much. I would even give my life for you" (J11,15). No greater love. He sacrificed Himself for us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I want more sheep" (J16). Actually we Gentiles are the other sheep, but we aren't all of the other sheep. There are still more sheep that need to be brought into the fold, and God uses us to help call them.
The Good Shepherd says, "I help you because I want to" (J17,18). No one has to make the Shepherd serve. It is His deliberate choice.
The Good Shepherd says, "If you're sad, I'll comfort you" (P3,4). Isn't it wonderful that He recognizes the human reality of sadness and sorrow? He restores and comforts, ministering to our hurting hearts like no one else can.
The Good Shepherd says, "If you're scared, I'm with you" (P4). He also recognizes our human tendency to fear. But then He reminds us that He - the One who is bigger than all dangers - is with us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I'll protect you" (P5). We might have enemies, but even when they are near, they are not too much for the Shepherd. He can still take care of us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I will never leave you in all your life" (P6). When I taught the children, I said "never" about ten times. Never means never. Not even in our darkest moments does He leave our side.
The Good Shepherd says, "I will take you to heaven" (P6). The best pasture is yet to come. What a glory that will be!
"The King of love my shepherd is,/ Whose goodness faileth never./ I nothing lack if I am His,/ And He is mine forever."
May you truly relish the wonder and benefits of the Good Shepherd as you follow Him this week.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)