Psalm 23:1-6; John 10:11-16
Psalm 23 is used as a metaphor where God uses this allegory comparing Himself to that of a shepherd displaying His love, care and divine protection to all humanity. Metaphors are commonly used throughout Old Testament writing to paint a clear picture when making a heavenly point. Sometimes parables are used to express similar meanings.
To further expound on the metaphoric symbol of the 23rd Psalm we see humanity, especially believers as God’s sheep and the whole world is His pasture and God Himself is the shepherd providing for all humanity—saved and un-saved alike. Believers are truly counted as God’s sheep and when one goes astray, He will search for that lost soul through the Holy Spirit as it is God’s desire for all to be saved—in the fold. Believers are the affections of God’s love as depicted through His Son Jesus Christ who willingly gave His life for the sins of the world. What a God!
Throughout Psalm 23, we see the Lord’s intentions for all those who follow Him while displaying His providential care for all humanity’s needs. Let’s look at the phrase “I shall not want”, it gives God’s guarantee that what ever our needs are He will supply. If we analyze the phrase it gives two insights: one, believers will lack for nothing as this is the Will of God. Two, believers can be content in God, the Good Shepherd’s provisional care, because during our worst of times, He is there beside us, and for this believers can trust God to keep His promise--never to leave us alone. Just look at God, the Good Shepherd!
More importantly, the entire Psalm talks about the benefits and blessings from being the Lord’s sheep. When the troubles our souls becomes troubled to the point there appear to be no way out, God through His Spirit gently leads us to peace, calmness and contentment. Also, God gently re-energizes our souls through His power and grace. Another blessing from being God’s sheep is, God through His Spirit gently walk beside us protecting us from both seen and unseen dangers so much so that we can conduct our daily lives with confident that God has dispatched His goodness and mercy angles to serve as our protective shields daily and forever more. One final note on the Good Shepherd is that despite Satan’s evil tactics, God continues caring for both our spiritual and physical needs in a sin society corroded so much so that all believers can eat from the master’s table in faith, thanksgiving, hope and fully be at peace because we are protected by the shed blood of Jesus Christ as we are continuously being protected by the Holy Spirit.
In closing this dialogue, God is our Good Shepherd, but we must trust, obey, and commit to His ways all in faith.
Author’s contact:
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpubishing.com
white3285@sbcglobal.net
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
God's provisional care
Genesis 45:5; Psalm 23:1; Philippians 4:19
With all of the grim news that is flooding the air ways these days, I felt compelled to remind us all of God’s provisional care. After God created the heavens and earth He did not abandon His world to run on its own, rather He remains actively involved in His people’s lives and care. Neither can God be looked upon as some masterful watch maker who winds up his clock and leaves it until it runs down; instead our heavenly father tenderly cares for our every need.
If we look at the term provisional it means that God cares for everything that He created which includes humanity both saved and unsaved. With that being said, then in spite of our current economical situation and the distressing news there is hope in knowing that the God of all creation is going to see us through these tough times. Reflect with me for a moment when Jesus reminded us in Matthews 6:26-30 that the “lilies of the fields toils not’, or the birds in the air worry about where they will get their food and the balance of nature remains intact. Are we (mankind) less that plants and animals? I think not! Allow me to direct our attention to some scriptures for reassurances that God is going to supply all our needs “according to His riches in glory which is by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Also note Psalm 23:1 which states “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This means that whatever man’s needs are He will supply, but we must trust God to supply our needs. Psalms 104 and 145 testify of God’s goodness in providing for His creations. However, in our humaneness when our lives are not operating as a well oiled machine, we tend to worry or become anxious about the situation, but God asks us to cast “all of our cares upon Him” (1 Peter 5:7).
In God’s divine wisdom He knew that there were going to be times when humanity would experience suffering, but this is not to say that things are out of God’s control, He allows suffering under His permissive will and there could be numerous reasons for man’s suffering. Sometimes these experiences raise questions about the reality of evil and its place in God’s plan as it has no place in His plan. Several months ago I wrote an article title “How do we heal our land?”(2 Chronicles 7:14), and it appeared in the Informer magazine and is on my website, as it dealt with four things man must to do then God will do three. God is asking His people to (a) humble themselves, (b) pray, (c) seek, and (d) turn, then God is going to (a) hear, (b) forgive, and (d) heal.
Many times God allows suffering is to carry out His will and or to accomplish His redemptive purposes. With that being said, the crises we are facing there is a lesson to be learned and recognize God as the true source of our blessing. Finally, God is going to see us through these crises because of His love and provisional care.
wwhite3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@godshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
With all of the grim news that is flooding the air ways these days, I felt compelled to remind us all of God’s provisional care. After God created the heavens and earth He did not abandon His world to run on its own, rather He remains actively involved in His people’s lives and care. Neither can God be looked upon as some masterful watch maker who winds up his clock and leaves it until it runs down; instead our heavenly father tenderly cares for our every need.
If we look at the term provisional it means that God cares for everything that He created which includes humanity both saved and unsaved. With that being said, then in spite of our current economical situation and the distressing news there is hope in knowing that the God of all creation is going to see us through these tough times. Reflect with me for a moment when Jesus reminded us in Matthews 6:26-30 that the “lilies of the fields toils not’, or the birds in the air worry about where they will get their food and the balance of nature remains intact. Are we (mankind) less that plants and animals? I think not! Allow me to direct our attention to some scriptures for reassurances that God is going to supply all our needs “according to His riches in glory which is by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Also note Psalm 23:1 which states “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This means that whatever man’s needs are He will supply, but we must trust God to supply our needs. Psalms 104 and 145 testify of God’s goodness in providing for His creations. However, in our humaneness when our lives are not operating as a well oiled machine, we tend to worry or become anxious about the situation, but God asks us to cast “all of our cares upon Him” (1 Peter 5:7).
In God’s divine wisdom He knew that there were going to be times when humanity would experience suffering, but this is not to say that things are out of God’s control, He allows suffering under His permissive will and there could be numerous reasons for man’s suffering. Sometimes these experiences raise questions about the reality of evil and its place in God’s plan as it has no place in His plan. Several months ago I wrote an article title “How do we heal our land?”(2 Chronicles 7:14), and it appeared in the Informer magazine and is on my website, as it dealt with four things man must to do then God will do three. God is asking His people to (a) humble themselves, (b) pray, (c) seek, and (d) turn, then God is going to (a) hear, (b) forgive, and (d) heal.
Many times God allows suffering is to carry out His will and or to accomplish His redemptive purposes. With that being said, the crises we are facing there is a lesson to be learned and recognize God as the true source of our blessing. Finally, God is going to see us through these crises because of His love and provisional care.
wwhite3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@godshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Well of life
Proverbs 10:11
In this week’s topical discussion we will answer three questions, what is meant by the phrase a well of life? Who is considered a well of life? How does one become a well of life and what are the benefits of being a well of life?
In our efforts to answer the first question, our scripture verse parallel’s the mouth of a righteous man as being “a well of life.” Why so, because all believers who follow God’s ways will lead others into the full-life given by God as recorded in Ezekiel 47:1-12, where Ezekiel, in his vision sees a life-giving river flowing from the temple. As this river flows it grows both in dept and width (vv 2-5), giving life and causing everything it touched to multiply (vv 9-12). Let’s look at what flows from the river; in verse 9 there is an abundance of fish which is evangelism. In verse 10 we have enduring faithfulness, and verse 12 there is healing; also verse 12 gives similarities to the river that flows from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-10), as well as the river of life spoken of in the new Jerusalem which flows from the throne of God ( Revelation 22:1, Zechariah 14:8).
Let us answer the second question which is individualized as recorded in John 4:14 and 7:38 which speaks of the believer who believes on Jesus Christ , “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38), and in John 4:14 talks about the believer “drinking water unto everlasting life.” What does this means? It means that everyone who accepts Jesus as God’s Son have the Holy Spirit living within them thus giving this life flowing water; for the Holy Spirit is the “flowing water”.
Finally, let’s answer question 3 specifically, by stating that in John 3:16 is how one become this living well of water because Jesus gives life to all who believe on Him and it lasts forever; and that is a benefit of being a well of life. On the other hand, believers who have the Holy Spirit, the living water, magnifies Christ, bring others to Christ therefore building the kingdom of God as it is His desire that no soul be lost. Another school of thought is the Dead Sea can be parallel to all those living without Christ in their lives and or the wicked places of this world.
In closing, all believers who evangelize are the fishers bringing others to Christ, and those who remain faithful are the preservers in the faith who may have to endure suffering for Christ’s sake, but as God’s Word go forth there will be healing in the land. Believers—catch fish so God’s river continues to grow.
Author’s contact:
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
In this week’s topical discussion we will answer three questions, what is meant by the phrase a well of life? Who is considered a well of life? How does one become a well of life and what are the benefits of being a well of life?
In our efforts to answer the first question, our scripture verse parallel’s the mouth of a righteous man as being “a well of life.” Why so, because all believers who follow God’s ways will lead others into the full-life given by God as recorded in Ezekiel 47:1-12, where Ezekiel, in his vision sees a life-giving river flowing from the temple. As this river flows it grows both in dept and width (vv 2-5), giving life and causing everything it touched to multiply (vv 9-12). Let’s look at what flows from the river; in verse 9 there is an abundance of fish which is evangelism. In verse 10 we have enduring faithfulness, and verse 12 there is healing; also verse 12 gives similarities to the river that flows from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-10), as well as the river of life spoken of in the new Jerusalem which flows from the throne of God ( Revelation 22:1, Zechariah 14:8).
Let us answer the second question which is individualized as recorded in John 4:14 and 7:38 which speaks of the believer who believes on Jesus Christ , “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38), and in John 4:14 talks about the believer “drinking water unto everlasting life.” What does this means? It means that everyone who accepts Jesus as God’s Son have the Holy Spirit living within them thus giving this life flowing water; for the Holy Spirit is the “flowing water”.
Finally, let’s answer question 3 specifically, by stating that in John 3:16 is how one become this living well of water because Jesus gives life to all who believe on Him and it lasts forever; and that is a benefit of being a well of life. On the other hand, believers who have the Holy Spirit, the living water, magnifies Christ, bring others to Christ therefore building the kingdom of God as it is His desire that no soul be lost. Another school of thought is the Dead Sea can be parallel to all those living without Christ in their lives and or the wicked places of this world.
In closing, all believers who evangelize are the fishers bringing others to Christ, and those who remain faithful are the preservers in the faith who may have to endure suffering for Christ’s sake, but as God’s Word go forth there will be healing in the land. Believers—catch fish so God’s river continues to grow.
Author’s contact:
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Valentine's Day blog
God’s love letter to the world
John 3:16
As America has set aside this day to show one’s love for another, our heavenly Father displayed His love for all the world written in His Son’s blood (John 3:16). It begins by expressing the magnitude of His love for the world and this love surpasses all and endures all (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).
True love emulates God’s love that withstands the fires of life regardless of the difficulties we face. On that note, I send my agape love to all my readers with heartfelt thanks for loving me enough to faithfully read my works continuously.
Love, peace and happiness!
Author’s contact:
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
John 3:16
As America has set aside this day to show one’s love for another, our heavenly Father displayed His love for all the world written in His Son’s blood (John 3:16). It begins by expressing the magnitude of His love for the world and this love surpasses all and endures all (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).
True love emulates God’s love that withstands the fires of life regardless of the difficulties we face. On that note, I send my agape love to all my readers with heartfelt thanks for loving me enough to faithfully read my works continuously.
Love, peace and happiness!
Author’s contact:
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
In the Presence of God
Exodus 33:1-23
In this week’s discussion we will look at some of the blessing of being in the presence of the Lord; as a background to this week’s topical discussion which is based on the renewal of the covenant with the nation of Israel. This lesson’s setting takes place at Mount Sinai during Israel’s journey out of Egypt as they had become very sinful which caused Moses to intercede for them on many occasions. In verse 1, we see the Lord telling Moses what to tell the people, that He would send and angel to drive out their enemies from the Promise Land that flowed with milk and honey. In verse 3 God reminded Moses of their stiff neckedness and because of their actions He (God) would consume them. God’s conversation continued with Him telling Moses what the people was to do next, which was for them to take off their ornaments so He would know what to do with them; they obeyed. The question now becomes, what came next?
To answer the above question we see Moses taking the tabernacle and pitching it far away from the camp and called it “the Tabernacle of the Congregation”, and all of God’s people who sought Him went out unto the Tabernacle; the people watched as Moses went in the Tabernacle and “there appeared a cloudy pillar that descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle.” God and Moses began their conversation as between two friends, and as the conversation continued, Moses said to God “these are the people you told me to lead out of Egypt whom I have come to know and love, but You have not told me who You will send with me. Now if I have found grace in thy sight, let me know the way. Lord, consider these are Your people.” In verse 14, we see God agreeing to go with Moses and the nation of Israel. This is profound because God considered Moses a friend whom He could with talk face to face. Another point of view on Moses’ relationship with God is that Moses was one with the Spirit of God to the extent he shared the feelings of God, meaning that Moses suffered when God did and grieved at sin like God. This requires a special relationship, one that all believers should seek to have. The question now becomes, how can one develop such a relationship with God? This kind of relationship can be developed through prayer and seeking to know God’s ways and developing a profound union with Him and His purposes, in doing so the believer can become a friend of God.
In closing this dialogue, lets look at the blessing from being in the presence of God; first, we develop a close relationship with God. Second, there is rest in the presence of the Lord. Third, there is protection in the God. Fourth, there is comfort, and fifth, there is salvation in God. What does this mean? It means that through the believer’s relationship with God we can intercede for those who lacks the personal knowledge of God. Finally, if this world is marred in sin, believers must remain loyal to God, His purpose, His holy principles, His ways, and even be willing to suffer for His righteousness.
Author’s contact:
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net, wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com/
website: http://www.goodshepeherdwritingandpublishing.com/
In this week’s discussion we will look at some of the blessing of being in the presence of the Lord; as a background to this week’s topical discussion which is based on the renewal of the covenant with the nation of Israel. This lesson’s setting takes place at Mount Sinai during Israel’s journey out of Egypt as they had become very sinful which caused Moses to intercede for them on many occasions. In verse 1, we see the Lord telling Moses what to tell the people, that He would send and angel to drive out their enemies from the Promise Land that flowed with milk and honey. In verse 3 God reminded Moses of their stiff neckedness and because of their actions He (God) would consume them. God’s conversation continued with Him telling Moses what the people was to do next, which was for them to take off their ornaments so He would know what to do with them; they obeyed. The question now becomes, what came next?
To answer the above question we see Moses taking the tabernacle and pitching it far away from the camp and called it “the Tabernacle of the Congregation”, and all of God’s people who sought Him went out unto the Tabernacle; the people watched as Moses went in the Tabernacle and “there appeared a cloudy pillar that descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle.” God and Moses began their conversation as between two friends, and as the conversation continued, Moses said to God “these are the people you told me to lead out of Egypt whom I have come to know and love, but You have not told me who You will send with me. Now if I have found grace in thy sight, let me know the way. Lord, consider these are Your people.” In verse 14, we see God agreeing to go with Moses and the nation of Israel. This is profound because God considered Moses a friend whom He could with talk face to face. Another point of view on Moses’ relationship with God is that Moses was one with the Spirit of God to the extent he shared the feelings of God, meaning that Moses suffered when God did and grieved at sin like God. This requires a special relationship, one that all believers should seek to have. The question now becomes, how can one develop such a relationship with God? This kind of relationship can be developed through prayer and seeking to know God’s ways and developing a profound union with Him and His purposes, in doing so the believer can become a friend of God.
In closing this dialogue, lets look at the blessing from being in the presence of God; first, we develop a close relationship with God. Second, there is rest in the presence of the Lord. Third, there is protection in the God. Fourth, there is comfort, and fifth, there is salvation in God. What does this mean? It means that through the believer’s relationship with God we can intercede for those who lacks the personal knowledge of God. Finally, if this world is marred in sin, believers must remain loyal to God, His purpose, His holy principles, His ways, and even be willing to suffer for His righteousness.
Author’s contact:
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net, wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com/
website: http://www.goodshepeherdwritingandpublishing.com/
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