Do you remember the game Whac-A-Mole, where the mole pops out of different holes you smash as quickly as possible with a rubber mallet? It was a popular arcade game in the 90s, and I loved it.
My first attempt at evangelism was, funnily enough, similar in many ways. While onlookers listened to a concert that my friends hosted in downtown Las Vegas, I acted like that little mole, popping out from behind bushes and trees with an intense desire to engage people in conversation about Jesus. Though I can laugh at the metaphor, my misplaced zeal distracted me from the goal I actually had and meant I handled that desire to serve in the worst way possible. And yet, that is the very thing so many of those whom we read about in John 18 were guilty of: misplaced zeal.
Peter was guilty of misplaced zeal when he energetically cut off Malchus’s right ear in verse 10. He experienced another point of misplaced zeal when he fervently denied that he was one of Jesus’s followers. The temple guard and Jewish officials showed misplaced zeal as well—even though they had a desire to please God, they became so distracted by their rules that they missed the ruler of all. The Jewish people experienced misplaced zeal when they demanded a revolutionary named Barabbas be delivered to them on Passover while pronouncing the suffering servant guilty.
Still, there was a zealousness that sent Jesus to the cross. And it just wasn’t human zeal; when we read Isaiah 9:2–7, the last line of verse 7 reads, “The zeal of the LORD of Armies will accomplish this.” It was with great energy that the Lord of Armies chose to send Jesus to the cross, a plan that was put into motion long before the time of John or Isaiah. In return, Jesus enacted an eternal kingdom so that people of every nation and language would come to serve Him (Daniel 7:14).
In surrendering to His Father’s zeal, Jesus fulfilled the purpose for which He had come. With that same goal in mind, He informed Pilate of His kingdom while on trial. When He testified that He wouldn’t have been handed over to the Jewish soldiers unless He’d permitted it, He reminded us of that zeal. This intense passion drove Him to surrender Himself so His kingdom would be established and transcend any earthly powers.
Jesus could have required His servants to fight but instead demonstrated that He fights against powers and principalities rather than flesh and blood. It was with great zeal that Jesus chose to testify about His kingdom and ensure that we were secured through His sacrifice. Today, I thank God that His zeal continues to accomplish His Word, as it always has.
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92 thoughts on "Jesus Testifies About His Kingdom"
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A few years ago, I was watching the show called Amazing Race (Canadian one), it’s a traveling show with some competition spirit and lots of problem solving. I love it because I can observe how different people react in the same condition, same circumstance and tricky situations, and every season winners always stand out with. Losers tends to complain and quit fast. That show teaches me about human behaviour and reveals certain traits that most winners have. Fascinating. There were two Christian men in a team, one of them has a Bible quote on their water bottle or backpack, that says “zeal without knowledge is no good, don’t be hasty and miss the way”. This is their reminder as how they should run the race. That impacted me deeply! I remembered it till this day (praise be to the Holy Spirit who brings these things to my remembrance so I can share with you). What is zeal? I asked myself. Fervent passion, earnest devotion, and energetic commitment, especially toward God, His purposes, and righteousness. God has great zeal. Isaiah 9:7 “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this”. Isaiah 59:17 “He put on righteousness as his breastplate… and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak”. God’s zeal is His armor. WOW. Jesus has great zeal when he cleanses the temple and flips tables, “Zeal for your house will consume me” (quoting Psalm 69:9). Jesus’ zeal was not reckless anger but righteous passion for God’s honor. How about the believer’s zeal? Christians are called to mirror God’s zeal, not lukewarm, not “in moderation” or in the middle of the road type of faith. But hot, on fire for God. Romans 12:11 calls us, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord”, Titus 2:14 “Jesus… purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works”, and then, Revelation 3:19 “Be zealous and repent”. Misguided zeal is one without knowledge or love. Paul says, Romans 10:2–3 ,“For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness”. This is dangerous isn’t it? Can one both have zeal and still deny the Lord today? Besides Peter, Paul is a good example of great zeal and denying Jesus, Philippians 3:6 “As for zeal, persecuting the church…”. Paul was an absolute passionate Pharisee, who fasted, studied the Law, defended religious traditions, yet that zeal made him the enemy of Christ. It was not until his encounter on the Damascus road (instant blindness for 3 days) that his zeal was redirected toward truth. Sometimes it takes a bad physical condition to reveal a bad spiritual condition. Zeal can look holy on the outside, but if it rejects Christ, it is NOT of the Spirit of God. Test the spirit! We must! Jesus warns us, John 16:2 “The time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God”. Zeal needs TRUTH and LOVE, otherwise it becomes destructive. May us remember from the example of Peter that we are weak in the flesh. Even when our love for the Lord is real, we can stumble. Peter zealously declared “I will never deny You” (Matthew 26:33), yet he denied Jesus three times when fear overtook him. This hurt me to realize our limitation. His zeal was sincere but weak in the flesh. What chance do we have if the Rock can stumble? “Apart from Him we can do nothing” indeed. Prayer request: a previous church that I was part of is now going through a battle between the Pharisees who are in leadership (director board), who are taking control over the true humble servants of God. There are great tensions and accusations and even banning of certain individuals to ever come back to church or partaking in any church programs, worship team, serving food, etc. The current pastor who is very kind but too fearful to stand up to this opposition, he was too afraid to call for a new election of director board. Could you please pray for God to intervene, healing, repentance, peace, etc? Truly Jesus said, “They will put you out of the synagogues…” (John 16:2), and “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces” (Matthew 23:13). They are hurting so much and I am trying to comfort/ counsel them. Thank you shes for your prayers. Be blessed dear sisters.
Mercy, I have never heard that quote before, but saw the phrase “zeal before knowledge” in Wiersbe’s study notes that I shared. Quite impactful!
Praying Gid’s will for your former church and its members and staff. ❤
This is SO good Mercy!
Mercy I am praying for your former church.
Holy Father, in your mercy, expose the wolves in this church and give the pastor the courage tho shepherd the congregation well. May its members as well as it’s leadership seek you and not worldly power or position.
My Lord above
Gives only love
Temper my zeal
I do appeal!!
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I always think to myself in this portion of the gospels… “Oh, Peter! No!!”
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I was thinking more about it today, of course. I really should be saying, “Just call me Peter.”
With you there, Adrienne!
Noges from Warren Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible:
“Peter’s sword symbolizes rebellion against the will of God. Peter should have known that Jesus would be arrested and that He would willingly surrender to His enemies (Matt. 16:21–26; 17:22, 23; 20:17–19).
Peter made every mistake possible! He fought the wrong enemy, used the wrong weapon, had the wrong motive, and accomplished the wrong result.
He was openly resisting the will of God and hindering the work that Jesus came to accomplish.
While we admire his courage and sincerity, it was certainly a demonstration of zeal without knowledge.”
On verse 37b-
“Jesus not only told Pilate of His origin, He also explained His ministry: to bear witness unto the truth. His was a spiritual kingdom of truth, and He won people to His cause not through force but through conviction and persuasion. He spoke the truth of God’s Word, and all who were His people would respond to His call (see 8:47; 10:27). Rome’s weapon was the sword; but our Lord’s weapon was the truth of God, the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17).”
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Wiersbe’s comment about Peter’s outrageous action reminds me of Moses’ rebellion when he struck the rock in anger instead of speaking to it as God had commanded.(Numbers 20:8)
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Wiersbe’s comment on verse 37b reminds us that (as Rhonda mentioned) it is pure foolishness to run ahead of God in our attempts to serve.
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May we not be guilty of “zeal without knowledge” as ee seek to serve.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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Are we chasing (seeking) the wrong thing as Searching, Kelly, and Rhonda shared re: the officials in the passage)?
New release by Danny Gokey:
Chasing (feat. Jordin Sparks)
“Peter’s sword symbolizes rebellion against the will of God” this is deep. On the outside it looks like he is guarding over the Master.
Exactly! ❤
Misplaced zeal! How easy to fall into that! Keep my heart pliable to your will Lord, not to what I perceive is right! Keep me humble!
Love all of your insights!
Indeed, Cheryl! Pliable heart. Humble posture.
HAPPY Tuesday sweet She’s! Took my time this morning and read through your comments and by the time I came to make my own comment there are now twice the amount, but this morning Tricia’s comment brought back memories of my early days of walking with JESUS when I was just a teenager. She mentioned the worship song Wonderful Counselor by the Maranatha singers. They were one of the first worship singers I started to listen to back then along with Amy Grant. Oh…to have those memories come back brings me so much JOY and so thankful for that day when I said YES to JESUS and never looked back.
Amen, Mari. I loved, “My Father’s Eyes”
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I would say I’m guilty of misplaced zeal at times. Praise God He has redeemed me.
I wouldn’t have thought of misplaced zeal in the reading, but yes, there was a lot happening in this climatic part of the story! All had zeal in all different ways, Judas is probably fearful to face them all in betrayal, yet misplaced pride for being a hero to his lust for power. The Sanhedrin are zealous for taking out the problem. Peter, yes crazy Peter, the defender of his dear friend and Lord, wants to react in correction and setting them straight—I have been there, but cutting at them physically is not the way. I should let Jesus, the I am, do his work, not me do it for Him. Ooph. Good word. The misplaced zeal.
I like what Searching brings out “Who are you seeking!” “I AM He” I had never thought of the words of “who are you seeking” meaning more than in that moment–But they had been seeking the coming king for centuries. And He makes that clear in his question back to them! And says “I AM HE!!!” And they are knocked back by the words! That is really powerful. Everyone is searching for Jesus today whether they know it or not. It might be a good phrase to throw out to someone…what are you seeking? I know the one Who IS, Who WAS and WILL ALWAYS Be the one to fill your longing.
They could have bowed down to him then, yet they were too set in their zeal.
I often tell of my groups that I, too, had a great zeal years ago to serve. I wanted so badly to find outreaches in my community. I wanted to DO for the Lord, to show him and others his hands and feet. Yet, as much as I tried, I always came up empty handed. I see it clearly now that God had said to me- You want to serve me exteriorly, (even with a true heart), but I want you to know me, spend time with me, long for my words). And I started reading the Bible for the first time. That was the game changer in my relationship with Jesus. It was formed on time with him, rather than time for him. Then, after years of that—THEN he was ready to serve him in all kinds of outreaches, and I see the difference it makes when questions come up, when lessons are presented, when Holy moments happen and someone is ready to accept Jesus for the first time. The disciples had to spend time with Jesus, day by day. They had already known the Torah, but they still had to walk with Jesus. We can not rely on our teaching knowledge, and our Sunday service, we have to walk with him day by day, gaining relationship ourselves. No one can “give” us that. And that matters when we are serving, and telling people about Jesus. We don’t want to get it all wrong like the Pharisees and Sadducees that end up attacking and arresting the one they were seeking!! Seems so evident here, but we see that today.
Maybe you are a “Pilate” that is still questioning who is this Jesus. Is He? Stay here with SRT, and you will build your own relationship with Jesus, brick by brick, day by day, and you will one day have a cornerstone for it all! Something solid to stand on, someone to fill your Spirit that is game changing. You will seek no more. You will have living water and manna for your soul. My heart too, like Searching, breaks for my family still in the dark. And the world that is in the dark.
But we simply can’t share Jesus if we are not walking with him daily. If we aren’t zealous for Him, Himself. Let’s put our zeal in him, the I am, first, (worshiping him) then let it flow out in the way he designed!
For some reason this song is strumming through me mind-
Just a closer walk with thee…Grant is Jesus is my plea…
One of my favorite songs! Thank you for the reminder!
Love this Rhonda.
Love this, Jesus wanted you to know Him before serving. Makes sense!
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Amen Rhonda. Learning knowledge is the easier part, walking it out in real life is hard, that’s when the flesh and all its ugliness will come full force against the believer, all spiritual pride, fear, misplaced zeal will come after us, besides the demons, unclean spirits operating through unbelievers, blinding whoever we plan to talk to. Sigh. Truly the weapon and strength has to come from GOD.
Two very stark contrasts in our lesson today. Jesus was bold and unafraid of any consequences when He proclaimed the very reason He was born – to testify to the truth. And then there was Peter, His disciple – one who knew the truth that Jesus testified of, but afraid to admit to it because he knew what the consequences could be. Jesus knew His mission and did not get distracted from it.
But what about me? I know what the mission is – to go into all the world and preach the gospel. But do I get distracted, do I get afraid?…would I ever deny Him? Where is my zeal for the Lord? …all questions for me to ponder today.
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It made me very sad when I read John 18:2-3. The garden, a very familiar place to all the disciples including Judas. This was a place of gathering for them, a place where Jesus taught them, prayed for them and with them. A very personal place – and this is where the betrayal happened. How sad it must have been for them all, to remember the sweet times spent there with Jesus, and then this. Heart breaking.
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“It was with great zeal that Jesus chose to testify about His kingdom and ensure that we were secured through His sacrifice. Today, I thank God that His zeal continues to accomplish His Word, as it always has.” Amen.
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Victoria E – I was one of those praying with you on your last IVF journey, and I continue with you on this one. May God give you strength, peace and patience as you wait on Him. And may He grant you an answer to your prayer. My heart goes out to you and every other woman who is on this same journey. ❤️
I remember that too, praying for our baby, that is now our Godson. I have not read her message that must be from yesterday, but you know we got you Victoria E!
That is good Sharon, thank you for that very good lesson! Would I put my life, and family’s, on the line to stand for Jesus!? We Americans have never experienced that in that extreme, as they are in Nigeria, and other countries for centuries. But we have had some really strong examples of losing jobs here in the last decade. Would I deny him if it meant saving myself?
Praying for Victoria!
Thank you Cheryl !
Titus 2:14 (ESV)
“Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
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Little Nate’s surgery is this morning, praying for his medical team and his recovery.
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Praying
Praying for good outcome and strong recovery ❤️
Searching I will be praying for Nate !
Amen
“I Am He from John 18”
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In the garden’s shadowed stillness,
You step forward, Lord,
No fear, no flight,
Just the quiet thunder of Your words:
“I am He.”
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And the world falls backward at Your name.
You are not taken; You are given.
Not seized; but surrendered.
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You shield the trembling ones behind You,
The Shepherd standing before His sheep.
“Let them go,” You say,
And love places itself between sword and sinner.
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The steel flashes
A friend’s blade, a frightened heart.
Yet You whisper,
“Put it away.”
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For Your kingdom is not built by blood of others,
But by the blood You will spill Yourself.
You drink the cup the Father pours,
Bitter and holy,
Until wrath becomes redemption.
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Before the judges of earth,
You speak truth that does not tremble:
“I have spoken openly to the world.”
You are the Word made flesh,
Unhidden, unashamed.
Struck across the face,
You do not strike back.
Truth does not bruise; it bears.
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And still You stand
Silent strength, the Lamb among wolves.
Before Pilate’s polished throne,
You wear no crown but peace.
“My kingdom is not of this world,” You say,
And heaven breathes through Your words.
You are the King no empire can contain,
The Truth no cynic can silence.
Born to testify
And die to redeem.
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Lord Jesus,
You are the “I Am” in the darkness,
The voice that steadies storms and souls.
Teach me to follow Your still courage,
To live for truth, not fear.
To drink the cup You give,
To love as You have loved
Freely, fully,
For the glory of the Father.
Amen.
wow.
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Kimberly, this is beautiful! Thank you fir sharing your work.
Blessed by your words (again) this morning ❤️
Amen!❤️
Beautiful as always!
Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with us. This poem is beautiful!
Amazing!
Oh so beautiful! Your words reflect His love. Another Kimberly poem for my files.
Beautiful!
Amen beautiful!
“You are the King no empire can contain,
The Truth no cynic can silence.
Born to testify
And die to redeem.”
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Beautiful!
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Beautiful, so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my. What tender emotions in this poem. Thank you!
Before my devotional, I sat in quiet prayer, seeking the Lord. When I seek Him quietly, I often envision myself somewhere in His presence, sometimes sitting at His feet, sometimes, beside Him on a bench, etc. Today, He was standing above me, radiant, with me on the ground prostrate before Him as His glory shone brighter and brighter. There were others prostrate before Him as well, as far as the eye could see. I thought,, these are those who have believed through history, who throughout eternity will soak in His glory and worship forever, whole, complete, and fulfilled beyond imagination. Then I read the passage from Daniel, and I feel so grateful, so awed, so loved.
Beautiful
What a gift this morning, Cathy❤️
Beautiful!
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❤️ so precious
Amen❤️
Oh, the zeal of our God to go to such great lengths to save us!
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His zeal is also evident when He steps forward toward the soldiers and Judas. The NET Bible’s footnote says:
“The reaction on the part of those who came to arrest Jesus comes in response to his affirmation that he is indeed the one they are seeking, Jesus the Nazarene. But Jesus makes this affirmation of his identity using a formula which the reader has encountered before in the Fourth Gospel, e.g., 8:24, 28, 58. Jesus has applied to himself the divine Name of Exod 3:14, “I AM.” Therefore this amounts to something of a theophany which causes even his enemies to recoil and prostrate themselves, so that Jesus has to ask a second time, “Who are you looking for?” This is a vivid reminder to the reader of the Gospel that even in this dark hour, Jesus holds ultimate power over his enemies and the powers of darkness, because he is the one who bears the divine Name.”
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CHERYL BLOW – praying for God to bring healing to His servants, Hubert and Glenda Morris.
Amazing! The “I AM” stood out to me today too! I have read this passage many times and never noticed it before!
Same.
I had never noticed that before either. I Am He! So good!
Same for me. Wow. Just wow.
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How perfect is His word!
Thank you for sharing and for the prayera
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“Whom are you seeking?”
Jesus of Nazareth.
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Praying that all the lost would seek Him. My heart is heavy & broken for those I love that don’t know Him and don’t want to hear about Him.
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John 18:6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
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Three words spoken by Jesus had the power to push back and down to the ground “a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees”
Oh, the power of Jesus’ words … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God … In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
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The verses from Isaiah and Daniel ❤️
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THERESE praying for JoAnn, for a place in the right facility for her with a comprehensive therapy department.
VICTORIA E and EMMA RAGETH – praying for you on this journey
MERCY ❤️ “You know who you are.” Praying those who have drifted will see the distance and turn back to God.
CHERYL BLOW praying for Hubert and Glenda in these battles
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️ Glory To His Name ❤️ #113 in the red back hymnal
MARIA B amen ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
TRICIA C ❤️ praying for relief and endurance today
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18:6 also stood out to me this morning. Such power!!
Praying over all requests! Thank you for the lists!
Mine is heavy for those too.
“I am HE”, very profound. This reminds me of the way to answer the phone, when someone calls you and asks for you, for ladies, we can say “I am SHE”, hee hee ❤️. Joining you in prayers. Thank you sister.
Great reflections, SEARCHING, as always! ❤
I am so grateful for the zeal of the Lord Jesus. Thank you for pointing that out.
So many beautiful songs shared yesterday. TINA thank you for sharing the hymn this morning. On reading the passage in Isaiah my mind went to the song by the Maranatha singers.
Wonderful Counselor-
Wonderful counselor, Jesus
Search me, know me, Jesus
Lead me, guide me, Jesus
Wonderful counselor, Jesus
Mighty God, Son of God, Jesus
Name above all other names, Jesus
Glorify, magnify, Jesus
Mighty God, Son of God, Jesus
Everlasting Father, Jesus
Holy and unchangeable, Jesus
Fill me with your presence, Jesus
Everlasting Father, Jesus
Prince of Peace, rule my heart, Jesus
Know my every anxious thought, Jesus
Calm my fears, dry my tears, Jesus
Prince of Peace, rule my heart, Jesus
I am going to work at the polls today like I do every election day. I did not sleep well last night. I’m having some serious back spasms. Would you please pray for me to get through this very long day with a smile on my face and praise in my heart?
Blessings sisters.
Tricia
Prayers for relief and endurance being lifted up for you. Thank you for serving today.
Oh I know how that feels- and so hard when you have to stay in the same position. Maybe you can switch off jobs. Prayers that the spasms will go, In Jesus name!
Oh Tricia……. Thank you for the this beautiful song!! It brought me back to my early days of walking with JESUS!! I was still in high school! The Maranatha singers were so popular back then and remember singing many of their worship songs and even in Spanish! I just played it right now. ALSO, I just prayed for you and hoping you get some relief from your spasms!
praying for relief
Praying for you!
I awoke literally singing in my head this old favourite by H. W. Baker..
The King of love my Shepherd is..
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I looked it up so you, my dears could hum along..
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The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never.
I nothing lack if I am his,
and he is mine forever.
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2 Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth;
and where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
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3 Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me;
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
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4 In death’s dark vale I fear no ill,
with thee, dear Lord, beside me;
thy rod and staff my comfort still,
thy cross before to guide me.
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5 Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
thy unction grace bestoweth;
and oh, what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
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6 And so through all the length of days,
thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever.
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He was given authority, honor, and royal power, so that the people of all nations, races, and languages would serve him. His authority would last forever, and his kingdom would never end.
Daniel 7:14 GNT
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The hymn and this verse speak to me of love and faithfulness. A forever hope that fills me with a desire to rejoice before God..
Jesus gave with all HE had, so that we/I can raise our hands in a Hallelujah to Him, who fought with zeal to give us a future and a life I/we did not deserve. His sacrifice bought our freedom. His love calls and brings us home…
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BUT GOD..
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ALWAYS..
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AMEN.
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It’s a dry Tuesday here, so I will venture out to plant my bulbs for the spring…
Prayerful that wherever you are planted today, my dears, your ‘zeal’ is to bring Jesus into the mix..
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Much love, always wrapped in prayers..♥️♥️♥️
Amen, Tina ❤️
I thought of you when I heard this song over the weekend.
Oh But God – check out the Shane and Shane version (CEE GEE may have mentioned this song before?)
Tina, the band I Am They has a beautiful rendition of this song ❤️ Thanks for reminding me of it.
Amen! Beautiful song!
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