SHEPHERDS

 

SHEPHERDS

Composed 12/3/11

Who was it that was first told

a story that would unfold

right before their very own eyes.

Were they ever in for a surprise!

It's the shepherds! They were so surprised!

It's recorded they were quite terrified!

This news was too terrific;

in fact, quite fantastic!

So off they hurried to see if it was so

still basking in the heavenly glow

of the glory of the Lord

that could not be ignored.

Was the Savior of the world born?

Perhaps they arrived before morn

to find each detail just as the angel said.

Yes! A baby was lying in the manger bed!

This baby, a Savior, Christ the Lord,

would bring peace and joy abroad

to every tribe in every nation

even down to our generation!

After witnessing this glorious news

they testified to everyone, not just a few.

Everyone was amazed

at history's new phase.

Amazement!

Wonderment!

Too good to be true.

This promise come due.

The world would never be the same

as the shepherds gladly proclaimed

this good news bringing great joy.

These first missionaries or envoys.

These shepherds paved the way

for the Good Shepherd that day.

The Good Shepherd who came to save the lost world,

to bring joy and peace, to ease our heavy loads.

* * * * *

God's Son is referred to as the Good Shepherd.

David referred to him as "my" Shepherd.

The Lord longs to be your personal Savior,

to give you rest from burdens that labor.

Take a minute to read Luke 2 (10-11)

and notice each word "you."

This good news is for you.

This Savior was born for you.

Right now, today, make God personal.

He's ready and willing, always available.

A simple prayer will connect you

to the One who came to save you.

The Lord is my shepherd...

Psalm 23:1

I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

John 10:14

May the God of peace...

that great Shepherd of the sheep,

equip you with everything good for doing his will,

and may he work in us what is pleasing to him,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

I bring YOU good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior

has been born to YOU;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

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SHEEP

 

SHEEP

God is in the details

everyday without fail.

Consider a powerful little ant that provides aeration

or a blade of grass miraculously producing oxygen.

Yes, even in the smallest details there's a plan

to secure life for this earth and for humans.

What about the sheep in the story of Jesus' birth?

I don't think their being included was an accident.

We read in Luke that shepherds were watching their flocks or herds.

The Old Testament tells us that tending sheep was a common livelihood.

Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, to name a few,

were shepherds who herded massive flocks of sheep, for revenue.

The sheep in the Christmas story

might be metaphors for our life's story.

"All we like sheep have gone astray."

Examples in the Bible teach us today.

The Old Testament shows us again and again

that God's people (His sheep) went astray then turned back again

to God, their Good Shepherd,

as recorded in God's Word.

Went astray, as in seeking their own way,

then turning back when their own way went astray

causing heartache and hardship,

making a complete switch.

There's a parable in Matthew 18 about one sheep that wanders off.

When the shepherd realizes it, he's leaves the 99 in the fold then off

he goes to seek and save the one that is lost,

which brings the shepherd great joy when it's found safe.

We are like that one sheep that goes astray.

The Good Shepherd, Jesus, is the Way.

He's also the Truth and the Life.

Is Jesus Lord of your life?

Do you seek God's will

over your own will?

If you seek your own will,

Jesus is not the Lord, nil.

It's never too late to turn,

and it's never too late to return.

Find your way like the sheep that was lost - from lost to found.

God will always meet you when you lay your burdens down.

* * * * *

The parable of the 99 was written into a hymn.

The lost was found. Don't you just love happy endings!

The Ninety and Nine

(copied)

There were ninety and nine that safely lay

in the shelter of the flock,

but one was out on the hills far away,

for off in the cold and dark;

away on the mountains wild and bare,

away from the tender shepherd's care,

away from the tender shepherd's care.

Lord, thou hast here thy ninety and nine;

are they not enough for thee?

But the shepherd made answer: This of mine

has wandered away from me;

and although the road be rough and steep,

I go to the desert to find my sheep,

I go to the desert to find my sheep.

And all through the mountains, thunder-riven,

and up from the rocky steep,

there arose a cry to the gate of heaven,

Rejoice! I have found my sheep!

And the angels echoed around the throne,

Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!

Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own.

- - - - -

And if he finds it, I tell you the truth,

he is happier about that one sheep

than about the ninety-nine

that did not wander off.

Matthew 18:13

From sheep to the Good Shepherd.

Jesus wants to be your Good Shepherd.

He wants you to come into the fold

and accept Him as Jesus Christ the Lord.

Matthew states that the shepherd was happy when the lost is found.

When you make the turn around (your waywardness lost, God's way found),

Jesus and all the angels celebrate

this life-changing date.

Meditate on these verses about the sheep and the shepherd.

Let them be a metaphor for your life - before and after the Lord.

Let the sheep of the Bible lead you

to the Good Shepherd who loves you.

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Luke 2:8

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

Psalm 23:1

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:3

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way.

Isaiah 53:6

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,

because they were harassed and helpless,

like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36

The sheep listen to his voice.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

When he has brought out all his own,

he goes on ahead of them,

and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

John 10:3

I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me -

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father -

and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:14-15

My sheep listen to my voice;

I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

Our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

equip you with everything good for doing his will,

and may he work in us what is pleasing to him

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen

Hebrews 13:20

For you were like sheep going astray,

but now you have returned to the Shepherd

and Overseer of your souls.

I Peter 2:25

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FAVOR

 

FAVOR

When God sent the angel Gabriel to visit Mary

in Nazareth in the town of Galilee,

Gabriel's first words to Mary were:

"you are highly favored!"

and "the Lord is with you."

Assurances we all need daily, it's true.

What if we all greeted each other with such blessings:

a heart-felt greeting and benediction.

Our burdens would seem lighter

and our faces shine brighter

if we were reminded of God's presence -

daily - not just during this season of presents.

What does it mean to garner God's favor?

Favor is being blessed with God's good pleasure.

It's God's approval, or acceptance, with blessings.

God's favor is connected with righteous living.

Righteous living is outlined in God's Word,

to be shared with everyone in this world.

The Greek word for favor is charis meaning grace.

Grace is often described as God's unmerited favor to us.

To simplify, it's God's unconditional love.

We don't earn favor or grace, it's free; from heaven above.

It might be hard to grasp unconditional love

as our finite minds place conditions on love.

Gabriel also greeted Mary with "the Lord is with you."

What a promise! The Lord is with you and WILL never leave you.

Note the word will, meaning present tense.

His presence is abiding. What a present!

This present or gift was promised to Joseph by an angel as well

when the angel told him the baby's name would be Immanuel.

Immanuel means God WITH us.

What a wonderful promise!

Paul describes it as an "indescribable gift" (I Cor. 9:15).

Take a moment to ponder this gift in your spirit.

Then thank God for the gift of His presence

as you prepare to give Christmas presents.

Here's a benediction/blessing from God's Word to you:

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

* * * * *

The Bible tells us that Abel, Abraham, Noah,

Moses, Gideon, Samuel, Job, and many others

were commended by God because of their faith.

God's word for approval is favor or grace.

Why were these men approved by God anyways?

Because they desired to walk in God's ways:

being righteous, blameless, godly,

set apart, turning from evil - holy.

Not by works, but through obedience,

coveting a relationship, through reverence,

for the fear of the Lord means awe.

For their life to give God laud.

To give God glory and praise,

to seek His presence every day,

for each day is a present.

A blessing from God, a gift.

The angel went to her and said,

“Greetings, you who are highly favored!

The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words

and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

But the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,

you have found favor with God...”

Luke 1:28-30

Moses said to the Lord...

“If you are pleased with me,

teach me your ways so I may know you

and continue to find favor with you.”

Exodus 33:12-13

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;

establish the work of our hands for us.

Psalm 90:17

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men

on whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:14

Now is the time of God's favor,

now is the day of salvation.

II Corinthians 6:2b

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DESTINY

 

DESTINY

Within each one of us is a God-given destiny.

In Luke 1 Mary is about to find out her destiny.

Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph,

was visited by an angel on earth.

It's true. That's how it really was.

The angel acknowledged Mary as:

“You who are highly favored.” (Luke 1:28)

That's how God also sees us – favored.

Loved, chosen, fortunate -

as in His favorite.

Yes, even before you were born,

God had your destiny formed.

The angel knew Mary was greatly troubled

and immediately consoled her with these words:

“Do not be afraid.

You have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)

You know, God knows, too, when we are worried

as scripture reminds us often with these words:

Do not be afraid.

Do not be terrified.

Do not be troubled.

Do not be discouraged.

Do not be fainthearted with sorrow.

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Because God knows the fear in our hearts

His Word will strengthen us when we start

a daily routine of reading and meditating on it

finding just what is needed to lift our waning spirit.*

The angel told Mary she would give birth to a son

whose name would be Jesus who would rule an endless kingdom.

This baby would be the Son of the Most High,

He would be great and would reign by and by. (Luke 1:31-33)

When Mary questioned

the angel answered,

“nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Yes, with God there is nothing too hard.

What was Mary's commitment?

“I am the Lord's servant.” (Luke 1:38)

She willingly carried out her destiny,

one that affects everyone's eternity.

Mary, chosen to be

mother to this baby

that would change the destiny of the world

with this greatest story ever told.

* * * * *

You, too, have a chosen destiny within you

for God has chosen you for something special, it's true.

Perhaps you have the gift of giving

to someone in the need of receiving.

You've learned that the more you give

the more blessings God in turn gives

so that you can bless others more

from God's wonderfully abundant favor.

Maybe your gift is encouragement

for everyone needs reinforcement.

If you find your world is a bit more cheerful,

perhaps your encouragement made it so.

And you'll find cheerfulness

is quite contagious

as others will offer needed encouragement,

perhaps in the form of a hug or a note sent.

Whatever your personal spiritual gift is,

it is your destiny to bring it to pass.

Your destiny will affect generations after you.

Perhaps like Mary, living out the gospel message true.

Will you be like Mary and say,

“I am the Lord's servant” today.

This is your destiny

for all eternity.

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.

Luke 1:38

I tell you, do not worry about your life...

Matthew 6:25

Do not be anxious about anything...

Philippians 4:6

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesy,

let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve;

if it is teaching, let him teach;

if it is encouraging, let him encourage;

if it is contributing to the needs of others,

let him give generously;

if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

Encourage one another

and build each other up.

I Thessalonians 5:11

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace gave us

eternal encouragement and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you

in every good deed and word.

II Thessalonians 2:16-17

* If your spirit is waning, start by reading Psalm:

David cried, the Lord heard...

David prayed, the Lord answered...

David sighed, the Lord listened...

each and every time.

David praised his God, he sang about his Lord, he recorded his thoughts - rather they were confident or questioning. Many of David’s prayers were prayers related to struggles. Take note of David’s communication with God, put these examples into practice, even rewriting to fit your circumstance. You’ll find your spirit will lift.

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CHOSEN

 

CHOSEN

Luke 1 tells us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was chosen.

There's nothing about Mary's upbringing written.

Perhaps she was from a modest family.

Certainly she came from a holy ancestry.

It seems as if her family worshiped God

for her response shows she chose to please the Lord.

She referred to herself as the Lord's servant or handmaid.

A role after which all of us should choose to be made.

Have you wondered where were Mary's parents

when the angel announced this awesome event?

Instead of discussing it with Joseph,

she went to stay with Elizabeth?

Did she choose Elizabeth as her spiritual mentor?

Is that why God arranged to bring them together?

What did Zechariah think?

We know he could not speak.

We don't know if Mary had any siblings.

Do you suppose Mary was fair in appearance?

I'm sure as in choosing David to be king,

God did not choose her outward appearance.

God looks at the attitude of our heart

and Mary's heart must have been right:

devoted, reverent, trusting, believing -

in every aspect of her daily living.

Surely she chose to honor God

in all she said and did.

Certainly her words and actions

were filled with heart-felt adoration.

Based on her prayer starting at Luke 1:46

Mary was familiar with God's loving kindness.

And she chose to give glory to God with rejoicing

as she was humbled by God's incredible choosing.

Mary's prayer shows she was acquainted with God's ways.

She was familiar with how God provided, always,

choosing to praise God for His loving blessings

for God is merciful, though we're not deserving.

Certainly Mary's family believed a Messiah would come

and when that time did come He would surely be welcomed.

She was humbled that God chose her to fulfill this prophesy.

As she says, her soul and spirit were filled with God's glory.

Chosen for a unique purpose

known throughout the universe.

Chosen to be the mother of Jesus -

God's gift to us; celebrated each Christmas.

* * * * *

As Mary was chosen and used,

God desires that you choose

to be a child of the King

simply through believing.

Let Mary's life be an example to you

for she gave glory to God each day anew.

Though troubled when the angel announced these unbelievable tidings,

she surrendered her life to God after receiving this greeting.

She chose to give God glory -

a vibrant, bold testimony

becoming her life story

now established in history.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:7

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

Luke 1:46-55

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SIGNS of the SEASON

 

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

December comes but once a year we know.

Christmas soon comes and then it goes.

Twinkling lights everywhere all aglow

underneath white new fallen snow.

Snowflakes falling from a darkened sky

delight little children who now lie

in the new snow making snow angels

or Frosty the snowman in the dell.

Christmas carols heard around the town

will turn someone's sad frown upside down.

Trees are decorated everywhere,

inside and outside lights they now wear.

Children are on their best behavior.

Holiday foods prepared and savored.

Cookies decorated with colored frostings

with red and white candy canes for licking.

Gifts exchanged by friends and family,

loved ones we make an effort to see.

Pleasant memories often brought to mind

this Christmas season time after time.

Nativities displayed on tables.

Mary and Joseph in the stable.

The Christ-child born this night long ago

is why we celebrate Christmas, you know.

Let's not forget God's gift to us this day

rather we're at home or far away.

God sent His Son born as a baby.

God's precious gift to you and to me.

Merry Christmas to each one of you

and blessings to last the whole year through.

Until next year when we meet again:

from my heart, peace with joy, I send.

(May be sung to the tune of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”)

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NATIVITY

 

NATIVITY

It's unpacked first

before the rest -

the nativity,

for all to see.

The stable crude

with a cow that mooed

and a donkey gray

laying in the hay.

Perhaps there are fowl

or a barnyard owl.

Maybe sheep and goats

with woolly winter coats.

If you listen you might hear

the barnyard animals cheer

with bleats and brays and moos and coos

or even a cock-a-doodle-doo.

Look inside the stable, there you'll find

Joseph and his wife Mary, so kind,

bending over the manger bed

where baby Jesus laid his head.

The manger, the animals feeding trough,

filled with hay so it wouldn't be rough

was shared by the animals that night.

A night filled with surprise and delight.

Weary from their trip and from childbirth

this night God sent His only Son to earth,

Mary and Joseph sent a prayer of praise

to thank God for His wonderful ways.

For a safe trip through the hills

and a warm place to stay filled

with animals

was special.

There's the angel hovering

who told the shepherds abiding

that Jesus Christ was born

in the town of Bethlehem.

See, the shepherds are here

with lambs and sheep near

to see this Savior

who would bring favor.

For the angel announced "good tidings

of great joy" to the shepherds abiding

and they hurried to Bethlehem

to see this divine newborn.

So awed by this reverent event

the shepherds told whoever they met

all they had seen and heard.

Today this news is still told.

All those who heard were amazed

with wonderment at this new phase

and bore witness of this news.

Good news for me and you.

If you look up in the sky

you'll see a bright star up high

much larger than the rest

coming from the east.

In the distance you might see

camels clumping through the trees

laden with packages to give as presents

from wise men who seek the Christ-child's presence.

These presents we read,

amounted to three:

gold, frankincense, and myrrh -

for a king they were.

Next time you get out your nativity

be reminded of this first Christmas story

for its story never grows old

no matter how often it's told.

* * * * *

There's always something that grabs my attention.

This year it was "glory" that merited meditation.

Luke 2:9 "The glory of the Lord shone around"

when the angel spoke to the shepherds on the ground.

"Glory to God in the highest..."

for God's name is above the rest.

Giving glory to God should be

our catch-phrase until eternity.

Simply say out loud in conversation

"Thank You, Lord," will be honoring.

"God Bless You" upon parting

reminds one God's presence is everlasting.

Then when that day does come

when our earthly work is done

giving God the glory

will be our life's story.

When we do give God the glory

God's glory will shine all around.

So give God glory, instead of worry.

You'll find blessings abundant will abound.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them...

Luke 2:9

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest..."

Luke 2:13

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