Tag Archive for: sheep

Sheep are Valuable

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Round #3 … the Resume of a Sheep taken from Psalm 23. First, we talked about sheep being vulnerable. Our second session: sheep go astray.

This time let’s move to Sheep are Valuable!        

Being a curious person, I looked up the definition for the word valuable: having considerable worth, bringing a high price, having qualities worthy of respect, admiration or esteem.

Wow! Our Heavenly Father is speaking about me and about you! You are precious, treasured, cherished and appreciated, my dear sheep-friend.

The next time someone flings you a sarcastic remark or circumstances throw you for a loop—remember that He deems you dear. He respects you beyond all measure.

When you have a few minutes, ponder Psalm 139.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful”

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Thinking about my Good Shepherd part 2

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Hi folks!

Looking into the Resume of a Sheep taken from Psalm 23.The first attribute of a sheep we covered last time: Sheep are Vulnerable. I’m back again for round #2.     

  • Sheep go Astray. How often have I gone astray? Too many times to count. How about you? I can honestly say that my Shepherd’s always steered me back on course again. Sad to admit this, but sometimes I took the long way around to come back into the shepherd fold.

Read Deuteronomy 30:3-10. The verse speaks of restoration and our Shepherd having compassion on me/you. His desire is to gather you up and bring you home. His arms are open wide. Will you go to Him?

 

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Thinking about sheep and my Good Shepherd

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Ottumwa Iowa field

I just joined a small group from our church. We’re studying Psalm 23. I’ve recited those words to Psalm 23 on numerous occasions. Most of you have probably heard it spoken at funerals, memorial services, or Sunday sermons.

Just when you think you know it all, heard it all—BAM! Something significant slaps you between the eyeballs. That’s what happened to me this week.

We’re studying the Resume of a Sheep. Strange title for our work assignment page, but bears spending time on. There are four attributes of a sheep listed. I’ll cover the first one today and more the next time we meet.

  • Sheep are Vulnerable. I had to look that word up to be sure I understood the meaning of vulnerable. Here’s what my dictionary said: accessible, defenseless, exposed, unsafe, weak, sitting duck. Capable/susceptible to being wounded or hurt. Open to assault. Boy, is that true. Right now, I feel like a sitting duck and unsafe in a certain relationship. I don’t like this feeling. I want to get beyond it. I’m just not sure which path to take at this moment in time.

Ever feel this way? Like you are stuck, exposed and not able to wriggle your way past a certain situation? You are not alone!

Here’s a verse I’d like you to consider. Maybe even post it where you can ponder, recite, and believe the Truth. Consider reaching out to a trusted friend to help you through. There is Hope—never forget this no matter how deep or dark your journey.

“But as for me, I will always have hope, I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)

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He never sleeps

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“On my bed, I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:6–8). 

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? I often do. For some reason, my brain rehearses what took place during the day. And if that’s not enough, I continue to think about what needs to be done tomorrow. I ponder about the words I should have said; some I should not have said. Even if my body lies in a horizontal position, my mind doesn’t always assume an “at rest” mode.

Some may count sheep. I try to concentrate on counting my blessings and name them one by one. Remembering God, his influence and help throughout the day, helps me fall into pleasant slumber.

Blessings may be minor like finding an empty parking space at the doctor’s office. Protection may come in major ways such as saving a life after a motorcycle crash or during a storm on the lake.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for keeping me in the shadow of your wings. I clearly have reason to rejoice and sing your praises day and night!

Ask:  Can you think of a recent experience where you were saved from harm or humiliation? Are you willing to acknowledge the Source of this protection?

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