Who is Your Shepherd?

Someone recently called from another state. She was struggling with family resentment, criticism and outright lies against her character. Often in counseling sessions, I will ask questions to cut through the maze and get to the heart of the matter. This case was no different. I asked her very simply to reflect upon the 23rd Psalm which begins with "The Lord is my shepherd". Then, I asked her "Who is your shepherd?" Are you going to let trouble lead you or are you going to let the Lord lead you to green pastures and beside the still waters? Are you going to let the Lord restore your soul or are you going to let trouble lead you into heartbreak, depression and despair? At the end, we both were shouting "Gloooory!" It is up to us to decide. Are we going to let trouble lead us or the Lord? Who is your shepherd?

Stand!

There comes a point when I just have to stand up to my troubles or adverse circumtances and tell them what "thus saith the Lord". Like Moses, I have had to tell the trials what God said! You have to take a stand and decide that you are going to tell the Pharoh of debt, low self esteem, fear, doubt, drug addition, criticism, enemies or whatever, that God said to let you go! Exodus 8:20And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Exodus 8:19-21

When Faith Goes to Trial

Excerpt from Bible teaching- 2007- Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
What happens when our faith is truly put to the test like Abraham? Will we be found innocent or guilty? Will we be innocent of disobeying God or guilty of not having faith to proceed in the midst of unusual circumstances? Abraham faced unusual circumstances when God told him to kill his son; He only wanted to test his faith. Where do we stand when it comes to having faith in God? Do we believe that no matter what, God is going to see us through? Do we have faith in God or circumstances? How will we be found when our faith is tried: guilty or innocent?

Blessed!

Through every situation or circumstance, whether good or bad, one must know that he or she is blessed when they believe or have total faith in God. From personal experience, I know that sometimes it will not seem that you are blessed because so many unjust and seemingly terrible things are happening in your life, but even during the times you think God isn't there, He still is!Deuteronomy 7:13And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

New Strength!

God will give you new strength to overcome whatever test you have to face. I am a witness! Since the end of December of last year, there has been one test/battle/situation after another, but God has renewed my strength so that I could face each one. During these tests, I have gained the strength to endure seeing who is for me and who is against me. I already know that God truly is your help in the time of trouble, but have really experienced it lately during these trials. I have had to ask God to suit me up in His whole armour so I can stand against the evil plot of Satan because, like Job, I am going to hold on no matter what. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV

Look at God!

Sometimes I wonder why some people are so mean, self centered and just downright cruel. Then, God will remind me that instead of looking at them, look at Him!Halelujah!

It's Personal!

What I really like about having a relationship with God is His personal interest in me. He even knows the number of hairs on my head. That's how valuable I am to Him! Luke 12:7 says "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." Isn't that incredible? He also knows what makes me laugh,and what makes me cry. He knows all of my secrets, my deepest thoughts and my goals. He even knows who my enemies are and how to deal with them. He understands what my purpose is and most of all, He knows how to take care of me! It's personal!