Scripture Reading: John 10:1-42, Numbers 27:16-17, Psalm 23:1-4, Micah 2:12-13
Several summers ago, my family decided to host a petting zoo for my niece and nephew’s joint birthday party. Our entire crew rarely gets to celebrate together, so we all chipped in for what we hoped would be a good old-fashioned family memory.
We kept the petting zoo a surprise. Uncle Dave closed the blinds so the kids wouldn’t see the truck pulling into my parents’ driveway, complete with a trailer hitch full of animals. After setting up a small octagon made of portable fencing, the petting zoo operator began to unload the animals from the truck one by one. We all walked outside, and as predicted, the kids lost their minds. There was a cow, a goat, a donkey, an alpaca, and at last, a white wooly sheep. The sheep was not on a lead, and upon seeing the crowd of screaming children, turned and bolted down the street. Chaos ensued—picture half a dozen grown adults chasing a scared animal through a residential neighborhood. The petting zoo guy looked bored and a bit annoyed. Not with the animal but with us. Once we calmed down, he easily called the sheep back to his side and into the makeshift corral. The sheep was not to blame. Terrified, it had done what its instincts led it to do. The problem was, the sheep’s instincts only sent it further into danger.
Oh, how I am like that sheep.
In John 10, Jesus gently painted a picture for His disciples of what it means to be led by the Good Shepherd. He is not bored or annoyed with His work, guiding helpless creatures to safety. He is wholly invested, ready to lay down His life if danger presents itself. He is not running after us with anxiety, but He calls us to His side with the distinct, loving timbre of His voice. He is the doorway and the one leading us through it. He protects us, keeps us in, and feeds us, leading us out. The picture He paints is not a scene of confusion but of peace. Scripture says He knows us by name (John 10:3) and that He doesn’t run away when there is danger but steps in front, shielding us and taking every blow.
Many people today do not live in an agrarian society. I do not know the intimate details of caring for skittish sheep. I rarely have a chance to witness firsthand how a sheep’s instincts can lead it astray. But I know my own heart. I know how seductive the world can be. I know that my warped instincts often lead me further into the heart of sin when all I want is to hear the Lord’s voice.
Today, I pray that we will slow down and listen for the still, calm sound of our Shepherd’s voice. That we will turn away from the chaos of the world and look deep into the steady gaze of His Word. Jesus Himself tells us the truth: He knows us by name, He leads us and guides us, and He lays down His life and takes it back up. To this, some said, “He’s crazy” (v.20). But to those who know their own hearts and who long for a Good Shepherd, these words are the very source of life.
Written by Claire Gibson
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81 thoughts on "The Good Shepherd"
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”, oh I love this. Then why do the sheep wander? What can the sheep possibly want? That’s the mystery and the tragedy of the human heart. Psalm 23 is the perfect picture, but we have to dig deeper to understand that picture (in a not so perfect reality of life). A sheep under a good shepherd has provision (green grass and still calm waters), restoration of the soul, guidance (paths of righteousness), protection (rod and staff, even in the valley of the shadow of death), companionship (You are with me), security (dwell in God’s house forever). The Lord meets all our needs perfectly. But then why wander? Because “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way…” Isaiah 53:6. What a sweet memory CLAIRE shared today. The sheep got scared easily, headed down the street. Fear is a powerful and hidden destruction. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”-Revelation 21:8. Why does Revelation 21:8 begin with the fearful (or cowardly) before listing all other sin groups that lead to hell? Fearful means cowardly, timid, or shrinking back out of fear, not talking about natural fear (like being startled or cautious), a fear that makes someone deny God, compromise truth, or refuse to stand for righteousness. Same word Jesus uses, “Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). It refers to fear that overpowers faith, fear that makes us abandon trust in God. There is a significance if something gets mentioned first and foremost. Scary. Fear is often the first step to unbelief, hence unbelieving is the second group. A frightened or wounded sheep may run from the very Shepherd that can heal and restore it. Many people wander not out of rebellion, but out of fear, pain, or mistrust (He readstruth expands on that today- thank you CEE GEE). Fear made Adam and Eve hide from God (Genesis 3:10). Fear made Peter deny Jesus three times (Luke 22:57-60). Fear (cowardness) is the first step away from faith. You know something, God is the God that tests the heart. “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart” Proverbs 17:3. Suffering reveals what’s in the heart, it doesn’t just cause us reactions, it reveals condition within the heart. Fire doesn’t create gold or dross, it only exposes which one is truly there. Job turned to God when he lost everything, and in his suffering, he worshipped God. There are also people who reject, blame and curse God in their suffering (Job’s wife, the Israelites in the wilderness amidst their thirst, hunger, lack and delay to the promised land). And those who murmur and complain against God in the wilderness are those who miss the promised land (Numbers 14:29, Hebrews 3:17). So if today, we think of the cute fearful sheep that runs down the street, may we think of the serious danger of fear. Fear prevents obedience. Fear robs love (“Perfect love casts out fear” -1 John 4:18). Fear robs courage and strength (“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you..” Joshua 1:9). May we meditate on how many times Jesus says to us “do not fear” in the storm, in persecutions “do not worry those who kill the body…” (Luke 12:4), “fear God, not man” (Matthew 10:28). Remedy for fear? Faith (Trust in the Lord with all your heart- Proverbs 3:5), love (“Faith works through love” Galatians 5:6, “Perfect love casts out fear”), the spirit of power (“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7). If you lack courage and power, by all means, ask God for a double portion. I know I did every day for years and years. To those who ask, receive. Glory to God. Be blessed dear sisters.
I forgot to mention the HE READS TRUTH devo for today. Please check it out! ❤
The Good Shepherd. You are SO SO good!
May we burrow this promise deep within our souls, that we have a Good Shepherd. He guides us, He protects us, He listens to us, He cares for us, He is close in our darkest nights, comforting, loving, lifting our heads. Lord I want to know you more everyday, to hear your voice and allow you to be the shepherd that you want to be to me. Fully surrendered to you like a sheep, fully trusting you, running away from evil and towards you continually.
I need to look away from the chaos. It brings me down. I become negative. I feel so alone as a believer in our town in Colorado. I’m the only one on our entire street. God must have planted me here for a reason, but it is a hard place to be.
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But then I remember how God has walked beside me and led me through some very difficult times. He is the very source of my life. I pray that He knows my name.
Amen, Traci! Hang in there, sister! ❤
The Micah passage really touched my heart today! These promises are what gives us HOPE and a foundation to stand upon. So thankful God has His eye on His people and will bring us all together in His time.
Warren Wiersbe’s Study Bible said this on
Micah 2:13
“2:13 Today we need to deal with our sins of covetousness, selfishness, and willingness to believe religious lies.
We must abandon soft religion that pampers our pride and makes sinning easy.
Why?
Because “our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29), and “The LORD will judge His people” (Heb. 10:30). Remember, judgment begins in the house of the Lord (1 Pet. 4:17).”
BUT GOD as Tina would say: Let’s read the verse before. Wiersbe again on Micah 2:12:
“2:12 The existence of a “remnant” is a very important doctrine in the prophetic books, with many references to it. Though the nation of Israel might rebel against God, a faithful remnant would always trust Him and seek to do His will, and God would work because of the faith of this group of faithful believers. (This is true of the professing church today.)
The hope of the nation lies with the remnant.”
“THE HOPE OF THE NATION LIES WITH THE REMNANT”, sisters! We may be few, but His eye is on us, and He is with us always!
Praise God!
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The shepherd passage reminded me of the old hymn, Jesus Is Tenderly Calling.
verse 1.-
1 Jesus is tenderly calling you home,
calling today, calling today.
Why from the sunshine of love will you roam
farther and farther away?
Refrain:
Calling today,
calling today,
Jesus is calling,
is tenderly calling today.
verse 4-
4 Jesus is pleading; O list to His voice;
hear Him today, hear Him today.
They who believe on His name shall rejoice;
quickly arise and away. [Refrain]
Fanny Crosby (1883)
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Love, hugs, and prayers!
Martha Hix
Sandi and husband
Sharon and Jeff
Rebecca
May God comfort, guide, heal, and sustain you in these current trials, and may He receive all glory and honor. {heart!!!|
AMEN!! So good CeeGee. I love the reference to the Remnant! I choose that word a lot to cling too! Even when this nation looked so far away from God, the remnant remained, and came alive recently!! Wonderful!!
The soft-church seems to have taken over in the 2000’s, the decades of Grace—But God will judge the church first. It is indeed a warning and wake up call!! Don’t be asleep, don’t think you can live in sin, practicing it while claiming you love Jesus!
So thankful we were grafted in!! We must live with that JOY regardless of our circumstances, and testify that our Good Shepherd has us, and nothing can snatch us away. We can fall away on our own, by rejecting what we once knew. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Turning away. (I wish it was taught more so I could be more clear as well.) It is a disputed issue.
I love, love, love Jesus is Calling!! We are doing Praise And Worship at jail today…2nd week, and I am STILL having trouble narrowing down songs to sing!! There are so many good ones!!!
Rhonda, thanks for your encouragement! You didn’t ask for my opinion (LOL), but I vote for a song I shared recently- Break Every Chain! Great message there- Who has this power? Do you believe?, etc.
Mostly chorus, but powerful. At church we start softer and get more intense at the end.
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
Break every chain
Break every chain
Break every chain (there is power)
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A faithful remnant would always trust Him and seek to do His will, and God would work because of the faith of this group of faithful believers. So good! Thank you for this reminder.
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CeeGee these verses are so good. Thank you for your comment!
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Amen on the REMNANT and say no to soft religion! 100%. God always saves the remnant of Israel and also the church. Isaiah felt like he was the only faithful one left in Israel but God told him there were 7,000 others who had not bowed down to idols. The song lyrics brought tears to me. The old hymns are so sweet and pure! Thank you CEE GEE for introducing it! How sweet.
I pray that I can be like a sheep to God: only listen to His voice and trust Him wholeheartedly in uncertain situations.
Oh how glad I am that Jesus called his “other sheep” to join the fold and make one flock. We cannot be snatched from him. So much comfort and peace comes with that declaration.
What stood out to me was very 4, “When he has brought out all his own, He goes before them and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice.”
He goes before us! We know His voice. This reminds me of Exodus where God called His people out of Egypt, a land of bondage. Once they were out, He lead them with a cloud by day and fire by night! They knew his voice!
God doesn’t just deliver us but He goes before us. We have to just trust in Him. They didn’t know the way but He did. He makes it easier now for us because Jesus is the way and we just have to trust Him.
Praying for all! Pray for a neighbor who fell and broke his femur. He is in his 70’s with other health problems. His name is Ronnie.
Amen!!
That also stood out to me. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. I am His! He goes before me!
My heart hurts for your neighbor. My husband broke his femur nearly 10 years ago, he was 35 and it was so so rough. I will never forget being in the hospital and most of the patients near him had broken femurs. It broke my heart to see my husband struggling but he had strength on his side, the older patients it was so gut wrenching to watch but inspiring as well. I will be praying for Ronnie in this journey. He can do it!
❤ praying for full recovery for Ronnie! ❤
Praying for Ronnie.
JD Walt says: Jesus is alwyas speaking. Why do I believe this? Because every time I manage to get really still and attentive and find myself humbly submitted to him, I hear his voice. Here’s what I don’ understand about myself: Why am I not constantly finding this place and posture of listening? I don’t have a good answer.
The great Methodist missionary to India E Stanley Jones often referenced his practice of going to his “listening post” Here’s what I like about that: it demostrates expectation. I find the more I actually expect to hear from Jesus, the more I hear from him.
” I once heard a preacher opine in a sermon on how to tell the difference between a shepherd and a butcher. The shepherd leads the sheep to green pastures from the front. The butcher drives the sheep to slaughter from behind. Whether accurate or not, I do not know but I do know it makes the point of our teext.
” But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.”
I agree Tanya, that we often are to distracted to hear his voice!! I like the idea of going to a specific place to listen, with expectations!! We did a couple of classes at jail ministry on “Hearing from God!” Lord, let me be still and always tuned into my shepherd’s voice!
My life runs so much smoother when I listen to that still small voice! I read your post about your jail ministry. Sounds like you are a good shepherdess!
So true Tanya. I too am guilty of this and something that I am trying to surrender to more. I want it to become a natural way of my life.
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The shepherd vs. the butcher. Oh man. The butchers in shepherd’s clothing. This is happening. How I grieve for the sheep. Lord help us.
Psalm 23….the Lord is my shepherd. He leads, he guides, He protects, he restores. He is the One we can follow and that will never lead us astray. We cannot do this life on our own.
Heavenly Father, you are the Good Shepherd and your love and care for us is so present. Draw us close to you, to your heart, so we are not distracted by the enemy that is always out to lead us astray and destroy us. Thank you Father that you want to give us an abundant life and help us to hear your voice above it all and to follow you. Amen
Amen!
❤ Wendy, I shared your yesterday’s post with my husband this morning. So beautiful! ❤
Good morning ladies! Thanks so much for the birthday shout out yesterday. Lynn Burton I agree I miss on here too! I need to get back to the comment section better. My life has been so busy this past year I feel like I have let my SRT fall by the waste side at times. Hope you’re all doing well. Praying for you all.
Belated Happy Birthday, KZ! ❤
Hope you had a wonderful day.
Amen
GM! I love all the scripture about our Good Shepherd! He used these metaphors that people would (should’ve) understood. And that Moses was once a shepherd, and David! Today we are rather far removed from what it would be like to actual shepherding. A few years ago, when reading these passages, we did have a Shepherd. It was really cool her take and input.
Can you imagine the importance of the Shepherd back then, although it was not seen as that? To lose a sheep could be the loss of feeding the family. The sheep were used for the sacrifice to atone for sins. So to guard and protect was huge, I can imagine.
I hope I spend so much time with my shepherd that I know his voice so well. That He is my protector, my provision, my leader, my daily bread and living water to nourish and hydrate me. That I love him like no other, to see him as the name above all names, the Lord of all lords, King Jesus! My anchor, my rock, my love, my JOY!! He is all I need! When my world shakes, when the dam breaks, when the storm is swirling around, He is in it. When I am hurting, physically or emotionally he shelters me, and makes me glad. I can not wonder off, for the devil prowls like a roaring lion, ready to attack. Others will come, and try to steal too, by taking the flocks astray. I must know my master’s voice.
Lord, help us to know only one voice of truth, light, and life. And stick close to him. He is to be our everything, the center of it all. I love that it never gets stagnant, he continues to transform us! The fire continues to burn! The eagerness to share this great shepherd with others propels me on in such a dark world. We are here to do something, to be the hands and feet for the Lord. To visit the sick, to feed the hungry, and to the broken in prisons. We have a job today, just like the disciples then and others hearing. Many will say we are crazy, and will not hear, just as then. But we do not grow weary, it makes us more determined! And the Lord will enable us!
There is a song by Phil Whickam “Psalm 23.” I love the melody to this famous scripture. And then the song by the new artist of the year Leanne Crawford “Still Waters.”
Great word! ❤
I just checked out the song Psalm 23 of Phil Wickham, there is a girl singing in the video. I recognize her singing at Charlie Kirk’s memorial with Phil, and others. Thanks Rhonda.
Theses verses spoke to me today:
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28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
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No one will snatch them out of my hand, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
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Praise God we are His forever!
Amen! Such a powerful verse that has always rocked me. I remember reading this verse as a new follower of Jesus. Thankful that it still rocks me today. Such love, Thank you JESUS!
Amen! Romans 8:38-39 NLT
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow— not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below— indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Good morning. Wanted to give you an update on JoAnn-my friend who broke her neck. There is no change. She’s still in the ICU. She is very depressed. Please continue to pray for her. As always, my prayers are with you all.
Praying for Joanne- for God’s comfort, and courage, and healing. Did you say she has Kids?
Today’s You verse Bible verse , devotional, and prayer Psalm 34:18 was helpful to me greatly today when dealing with my own heaviness and a friends
Praying for peace through the healing
Praying JoAnn experiences improvement soon and that God will lift that heaviness from her spirit! ❤
Amen❤️
Jesus uses a well known behavior to describe good vs evil – if someone is coming in, or attempting to come in, by any route other than where the welcome mat is – the same is a thief and a robber. If you hear the whisper of temptation trying to lead you out the window or down the alley into darkness, turn away! Keep praying and studying His Word to know His voice, it sounds and feels like love.
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Praying for the lost, the prodigals, the lukewarm, those having a faith crisis, the church leaders who have lost sight of God’s truth – may they all turn to the Lord with open hearts and minds.
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Lead On Good Shepherd, Patrick Mayberry, written by Frankie Orella, Patrick Mayberry, Paul Duncan
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SANDI – praying for answers and healing ❤️
MERCY ❤️ as I read your Day 16 comment again this morning, “The accuser of the brethren reveals Satan’s role and attitude: he points fingers instead of offering grace, condemns instead of restores, focuses on others’ sins instead of his own” and from Day 15 “How discreet the bondage could be”, how discreet the leading away from God and the believing of the lies can be. Far from God before you even realizing it’s happening, the truth twisted until it’s a lie. Be on guard, sisters, protected by the armor of God.
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying for you and Jeff, and your church members ❤️❤️
REBECCA W ❤️ praying for Brett and thankful he is getting help. Praying for his salvation and daily victory over the alcoholism.
MEAGAN C – praying for grace, guidance and wisdom ❤️
MARTHA HIX – ❤️ praying for recovery after yesterday’s procedure
CEE GEE ❤️
Thank you Searching. I am managing the tenderness with over-the-counter meds and RX antibiotics. I appreciate your prayers.❤️
Glad it went okay Martha, praying for a good day as the areas heal.
Lord the song Lead On Good Shephard. Saw Patrick Mayberry at a small venue!
Thank you so much Searching. I covet your prayers and so need them as I cling to my faith to get us through this trial.
Praying
“Keep praying and studying His Word to know His voice, it sounds and feels like love.: Beautifully said, Searching, and adding my amen to your well spoken prayers! {heart}
Forgot to say I love that song too! ❤
How practical and perfect His word is. It amazes me every day.
I’m so weary of getting caught listening to the world. I want to listen to the one who leads and guides me. Praise Jesus for guiding us into safety. Praise Jesus for wanting to give us an abundant life. We certainly don’t deserve it. What a gift!
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Amen ❤️
Once upon a time my son recognized the voice of the Good Shepherd. Right now, he tunes it out. I know this is part of his testimony. I don’t like it. Please pray with me that he will turn down the noise and return to his first love.
Agreeing with you in prayer, G and Lorraine E for our sons to hear His voice calling them by name.
Agreeing in prayer for your son.
“But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
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As one brought into the flock from outside, I’m so grateful for the Shepherd who called me to Himself.
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SHARRON, JERSEY GIRL – prayers for you and Jeff and the flock you are shepherding.
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SANDI – continuing to pray for your husband and the medical team attending to him.
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REBECCA W – praying your son has come to the end of himself and looks to Jesus to heal his brokenness.
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MARTHA HIX – praying your bone graph went well yesterday.
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THERESE – continuing to pray for Joanne’s full recovery.
❤️ Joining you in gratefulness for being brought into the fold by Jesus, and in prayer for these needs.
Joining you too in gratefulness for being brought into the fold by Jesus. Praying also for requests.
Thank you for your prayers for healing for my surgery yesterday. ❤️
Thank you Kelly for your prayers, it helps this mother’s heart.
Right there with you, sisters, in agreement! Agreeing in prayer for these needs as well. Thanks, Kelly! {heart}
Yes, thank you Jesus for bringing me in!
The breaker anointing in Micah is related to the Good Shepherd!
The LORD is my Redeemer, My provider, my safety, my Shepherd..
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I shall not want- for anything. There is nothing I want, I might feel I need, but do I?
BUT GOD..
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He Provides me with rest when I need to rest and He gives and fills me with water, His living water, daily..
BUT GOD..
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I am re-newed daily, He covers me with new Hope and grace abundant.
BUT GOD..
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He leads me along the right path, He is my lamp and light on this journey.
BUT GOD..
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Yes, life can get messy, confusing, bewildering. It can take your breathe with struggles and heartache, even death..
BUT GOD..
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I shall have no fear, because He is by my side, He is with me through the thick and thins of life, the ups and downs..
BUT GOD..
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His rod and staff protect and guide me as I navigate life..
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I am never, not really thirsty or hungry, for my LORD provides to overflowing.
BUT GOD..
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His goodness, OMG, might I one day, tell you about His goodness and love to me in my life.
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I have no better home, no better shelter than under His wings and in His house.. I am safe. I am home!
BUT GOD..
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For as long as I live, the LORD is my Shepherd..
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN.
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Happy Wednesday my dears.. praying you see His goodness, mercy and love As you go through your day..
He is the Good Shepherd..
Blessing covered in love,
Tina.xx❤️
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Amen, sister, the LORD is my Shepherd too! ❤️
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For as long as I live, the Lord is my Shepherd
“I shall have no fear, because He is by my side, He is with me through the thick and thins of life, the ups and downs..” That reminds me of my go-to verse Psalm 16* –
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
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And another favorite:
Psalm 121:5 – The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
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Love and hugs! {heart}
Yes & Amen!
Time and time again, did you notice His reference to hearing and knowing His voice?
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Oh, let me hear it always! And also bring others that don’t know His voice right now. There are so many, it seems! (Sad emoji)
Amen ❤️
Amen ❤️