The Shepherd’s Voice

February 8, 2019

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” –Jesus, John 10:27

It seemed like a good idea – friends cheered me on.

I was ten and agreed to walk my neighbor’s giant dog.

The neighborhood fraternity wanted to go roller skating – right that second.

“Just put your skates on….he can pull you.”

A plan destined for disaster.

Within minutes I was cruising down the blacktop – until the dog saw a squirrel.

He went left, I went down.

Bloody hands and knees.

In my ten year old mind, it seemed like a good idea.

It never occurred to ask my mom or dad.

Sometimes in my Christian life, it’s not so different.

I lean on my own understanding.

I pray after the decision – after the disaster.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

I’m praying for re-wiring, a transformation from my default that says, “it’s up to me.”

An operating system of self.

Life presents situations, circumstances and problems and instead of proclaiming God or His promises, I go straight into figure-it-out mode.

I look to my own wisdom and when I come up short, I worship the problem through worry.

Problem focused instead of promise focus.

He promises to go before me and never leave me:

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

He promises to never let me fall:

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24

He promises to strengthen and help me:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

He promises hope and a future:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Faith or fear, Word or world – I get to choose.

I can give my situation to the Lord, rest in His peace and promises or I can focus on the problem, run scenarios and try to manipulate the outcome I want apart from God.

He makes wine out of water.

Parts seas, brings dead things back to life.

Creates beauty from ashes.

Christianity, following Jesus, isn’t “religion” it’s a way of life.

A freewill offering, a freewill choice – trading my ways for His.

When I claim His promises with thankfulness, I pray in power. Click To Tweet

“Lord, I’m scared, I don’t know what to do – thank you You never leave or forsake me. You make a way where there is no way. You promise hope and a future. Thank you I can trust you – you are working all things for my good. Thank you that You fight for me – I need only to be still.”

God doesn’t forget what He promises – in naming the promise, I root myself in His Word.

I choose to view my circumstances through spiritual lenses of truth and trust.

It reminds me there is power in His Name.

In His Word, I discover who I am.

Beloved.

A new creation.

A child of God.

An heir.

God’s friend.

His masterpiece.

More than a conqueror.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control. 2 Timothy 1:7

I want to live in the refuge of His rock.

The shelter of His Word.

The power of His promises.

Choose this day whom I will serve.

The choice is mine – self or Savior.

Me or Messiah.

Problem or promise.

God gives love, life, grace, guidance.

Jesus came to bridge the gap between a Holy God and sinful man.

Through Him, I have access to the kingdom.

I approach the throne of grace with confidence.

I get to live in His protection, provision and promises.

He tells me to fear not – I believe Him – He never lies.

God’s ways are counter-intuitive.

The last is first, the rich poor.

Lose to gain.

Freedom through obedience.

Strength in weakness.

I don’t have control over the people, places or things in my life – but I am deeply loved by the One who does.

Father God, Lord Jesus, Thank you. Thank you for your Word – You have given me all I need to navigate life – it’s all in there. Thank you for loving me. Thank you I can trust you because You are faithful and Your promises are true. Help me to rest in You. To stop striving and trying to figure things out based on my own abilities. You came to free me from self and all that keeps me from You. Help me to know You and love You better. Help me to stay focused on You and who You are. To live in Your Word and Your promises – it is there where I find Your refuge and rest. I love You Father God, Lord Jesus – In Your Holy, Matchless Name I pray- Amen.

More about Liz

I'm a free spirit. I hate rules and legalism. I love art and nature, music, the beach and dogs. I like to garden, take pictures and read. I tend to speak my mind and have a rip-the-band-aid -off approach to life. (Brace yourself, this might hurt.)

10 Comments
    1. Love this. It always seems your writing these for me. I have the same feelings. Please don’t ever stop writing. Love you

      1. Hi Nancy! Glory to God…I love you too my friend. ❤️ Thank you for your faithful reading and commenting – you bless me with encouragement. ❤️❤️

    1. So true! Txs.
      Try Proverbs 16: 1-4. He wants you to “plan” in a Godly way but it’s Him who will direct your steps.
      Keep going Liz

      1. Hey! Thanks for reading and commenting…I’m learning to rest in Him, trust, wait and let Him direct and give me the steps. He works in many mysterious ways…His Word tells me we find Him as we seek – it’s always about our relationship and how much we’re willing to give up for Him. Blessings brother ❤️

      1. Hi Maureen! Always love seeing you here ❤️❤️❤️ glory to God sister – thank you for the blessing of your words. Praying His blessing for you too. 😘

    1. I love this! You always shine God’s Truth with hope and love.I pray everyday to be a effective Christian with God’s love and self- discipline. He is always available to us because the Holy Spirit lives in us. I choose Faith.🙏🏼❤️

      1. Hey Sydell! Always love your heart for Him. ❤️❤️ glory to God sweet friend – in my weakness He is strong. I relate so much to what you write…live in His love to love others. Thank you for a great comment! Always love seeing you here. ❤️❤️❤️

    1. And now you have a more manageable little dog. 👍 Leaping before looking is easy to do. I’m glad God is merciful and gracious when we step ahead of Him. Thank you for this encouragement, Liz.

      1. Hi Stephen…I love how you put things – you are great at conceptualizing big things into bite size pieces. I’m thankful for His grace and mercy too…especially since I’m a fire, aim, ready kind of girl. 🙈 Thank you for your faithful support and friendship…you are a blessing!

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