When we become a part of God’s family, we have a new allegiance . . . a new outlook on life. How do we deal with the dilemma that although we are made new in Christ, we are still human and make mistakes?
Read More »Jeremiah 29:11 states “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘. . . plans to give you a hope and a future.’ ” This is not an idle promise.
Read More »
Take a moment to think about your closest friend. How did you meet? What mutual interests drew you together? A look at our interactions with family and friends can act as a springboard to defining our relationship with God.
Read More »Change is difficult. It usually involves leaving our comfort zone and moving into uncharted territory. At times God calls us to leave our secure environment so that we learn to place our security in Him.
Read More »In the midst of trials, we often reminisce on the “good ol’ days” and wish we were there again. But dwelling on the past keeps us from embracing the future. Abraham followed God’s leading by putting the past behind him . . . and that’s a good lesson for us today.
Read More »Have you ever moved to a new location? Did you find it difficult or challenging? Moving from a familiar job to a new job is stressful. We wonder if we will fail in the new position.
Read More »Early in the year the shepherd leads his flock in the lowlands. But when the snows melt, he leads them to higher ground.
To get there, he often has to take them through a threatening ravine with dangers on every side.
PURPOSE: To help listeners understand that God sometimes leads us into difficult and dangerous places.
I. There is a comparison and a contrast between verse 3 and verse 4.
Read More »The person who wrote the nursery rhyme “Little Bo-Peep” didn’t know much about sheep.
Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn’t know where to find them.
Leave them alone and they’ll come home,
Dragging their tails behind them.
PURPOSE: To help listeners understand that God will do anything to bring us back to Himself and to help them understand the nature of the shepherd’s guidance.
The person who wrote the nursery rhyme “Little Bo-Peep” didn’t know much about sheep.
Read More »Sheep often need refreshment, but they draw back from water.
After a long day in the wilderness, sheep are tired and thirsty. They need refreshment.
They may come to a river that has fresh cool water.
PURPOSE: To help listeners appreciate that the things we fear most are often used by the shepherd to refresh us.
I. Sheep often need refreshment, but they draw back from water.
Read More »