Advent Day 4, Bethlehem and Peace

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Today’s scripture comes from Micah, a prophet in Israel during the reigns of King Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. The passage begins with a call to arms, probably when Sennacherib was coming to conquer Jerusalem during Hezekiah’s reign. You can read this great story in 2 Chronicles 32. Then the passage moves into prophecy about the coming Messiah. I love that these details were given hundreds of years before the birth of Christ and he fulfilled everyone! Micah 5:1-5

Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops;
siege is laid against us;
with a rod they strike the judge of Israel
on the cheek. Prophecy often has different layers right together. This call to arms was in Micah’s present time.

²But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.
³Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
    to the people of Israel.
⁴And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
    to the ends of the earth.
⁵And he shall be their peace.

Verses 2-5 speak of a coming ruler. He would be born in Bethlehem, King David’s birthplace. He would be from of old. The phrase used here is from ancient of days, which was another name referring to God. The people would be subjected to rule by others until Messiah comes to reign. He would be a shepherd to his people, in God’s strength and those who dwell with him would be secure. In his reign there would be peace.

As prophecy often has the near and far placed right together, we can see that Jesus, Messiah came but his total rule with total peace is still in the future. However, Jesus’ rule was not a physical kingdom at the time he was on earth but a spiritual one. Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Jesus came proclaiming his spiritual kingdom and was the shepherd to those who believed. As the good shepherd, he laid down his life for this sheep. John 10:10 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” Jesus came to give peace, not the peace from the turmoil with Rome but inner peace. Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

This short passage tells us a lot about the coming Messiah. Where he was born and where he came from. What his kingdom would be like and who would be included. This holiday season what are you searching for? Jesus has what you need and can give you peace. He is the good shepherd and watches over, protects and defends those who come to him in faith. Come to him and be filled with true peace!

Linda

A New Look at a Beloved Psalm

February 29, 2024 nofearlinda1 Comment

In Psalms 23-28 there is a theme of the Shepherd King. Psalm 23 is one that has been memorized for ages and brings great comfort in times of trouble. A friend of mine was a bomber pilot in WWII and he used Psalm 23 in a personal way each time he had to go into battle. From verse 4, “Even though I fly through the skies of death, I will fear no evil.” Today I want to apply Jesus to this psalm so we can see how He does all these things for us and more.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Isaiah 58:11 “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”

³ He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.” Mark 8:5“Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” Romans 3:22 “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”

⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me. Luke 8:50 “But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16 “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace.” John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,”

⁵You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. 1 John 5:18 “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.“

⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” John 14:12 “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can claim His power in my life through faith in Him. He is my shepherd, guide, restorer, protector, provider of abundant life, merciful, eternal and has prepared a place for me to dwell with Him in the future. Thank you Jesus.

Linda

I pray this different look at Psalm 23 encourages you in your walk with Jesus.

God Loves and Cares for Us!

March 15, 2023March 15, 2023 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Chapter 40 of Isaiah begins the portion of scripture beloved by believers because God reveals his plan of redemption in Christ and shows His great love and mercy for His people. They had sinned greatly against God and yet, God loved them. John 3:16 shows the true heart of God “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Throughout this 40th Chapter God reveals more and more about His character so we can know and trust Him more fully.

Here are some verses that show God cares for His people!

Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” God is a God of comfort and desires that we live our lives comforting those who are in need. Jesus said in Matthew 27:37-39 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Paul also wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:3-5 as he described our God, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Isaiah 40:2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
    that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
    double for all her sins.” In spite of the coming hardships and trials in captivity, God promises to forgive their sins. He will redeem them and bring them back to Jerusalem. He will speak tenderly to them and proclaims them forgiven.

Isaiah 40:11 “He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.” God here is portraying himself as a shepherd to His people. He cares for them, carries or holds them close to His heart. How tender is this picture of our God. Jesus portrayed himself as a shepherd to help explain the unique relationship He has with us as a believer. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus is our perfect shepherd.

Isaiah 40:29 “He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.” God says He will give us His strength when we get weary or tired and in our weakness He will make us strong. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul proclaims Christ’s power in his weaknesses . “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Our strength comes from Christ and His indwelling Holy Spirt. Romans 8:37-38 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,” In Christ we can be sustained and let Him fill our weaknesses with His strength.

May these verses from Isaiah 40 help you to see the depth of God’s love for YOU!

Linda

Why will you Praise Him today?

November 7, 2021November 7, 2021 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Psalm 100 is one of my favorites. Looking at this through the lens of thankfulness to God- what attributes of God do you see in David’s song?

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
²    Worship the Lord with gladness.
    Come before him, singing with joy.
³Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
    He made us, and we are his.
    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
⁴Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever,
    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

I see that David is coming to worship with gladness in his heart and the joy of singing on his lips. His reasons are various: God is God, God is creator of all heaven and earth, we belong to Him, He is our shepherd, we can come into His presence to worship Him, God is good, His love is unfailing and unending and God is forever faithful generation to generation. Join David in praise and worship today of Almighty God. There is much to be thankful for!

Linda

Orders from Jesus for Peter, You and Me

May 7, 2021 nofearlindaLeave a comment

The beach scene continues in John 21:15-17 following the disciples bringing in a great catch of fish at Jesus’ direction, recognizing Him as their crucified Lord and joining him for breakfast.

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” ¹⁷He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ” John 21:15-17

Jesus had previously encountered Peter where I’m sure they dealt with Peter’s great guilt over his denial. (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5) Scholars put Jesus’ first appearance to Peter on Resurrection Sunday and this encounter in Galilee sometime later. Here it would seem Jesus is making a point of asking Peter about his proclaimed love for Him. He asks 3 times, mirroring Peter’s 3 denials. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him and if he does, then Peter is to show his love for His sheep. He is to feed or tend to His sheep. Throughout the gospels sheep have been synonymous with followers and my sheep specifically believers in Jesus. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus is the good shepherd who died for all believers. John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,” and John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus is asking Peter to demonstrate his love for Him by leading, tending, loving, caring for, guiding, protecting…. those who are believers in Jesus. He is saying ‘be a good shepherd’ to the flock of believers that come into your life.

Isn’t that what Jesus wants for us too? As believers, like Peter, we are to look out for others, lead them towards Jesus, care for them, show them kindness and give that ‘cup of cold water’ in His name. Knowing Jesus, requires us to take up this ‘job’ and love others. We do it not because we have to but because we love Jesus. James tells us faith without works is dead (James 2:26 ) and loving and showing Jesus to others is our compelling work for Him. We do it not out of obligation or for future reward but out of love gratitude towards our Savior. Who will you show love to today? Who will you ‘feed or tend’ in Jesus’ name?

Linda

I AM…the Good Shepherd

September 27, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

“I am the good shepherd.” Jesus made this bold statement in John 10:11 and 14. He knew the people understood the job of a shepherd and the sacrifice it entailed. They were to guard their sheep with their life both during the day and night against wolves, bears, and any disaster that might come their way. He was their first and only line of defense against the outside world. Jesus was identifying and claiming this same relationship and responsibility with those who were following Him then and those of us who would follow Him in the future. I love the passage in John 10 as it gives me comfort and assurance of who Jesus is to and for me.

“¹¹I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹²He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. ¹³He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. ¹⁴I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

Jesus promises that He is the good type of shepherd that will stick with us always. He was not hired to watch over us but is committed to us because He loves us. He affirms that He has a relationship with us in verse 14 and He knows us and we know Him. Jesus says He willingly sacrificed His life to save us and bring us into a close relationship with Him and the Father. Romans 5:8 puts it this way, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The attribute of being good belongs to God alone. It is His nature to be good where our nature is rooted in sin. So when Jesus says He is the good shepherd, He alone can claim this as He is God. Here are a few verses extolling God’s goodness: Psalm 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Lamentations 3:25 “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” Titus 3:4 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,” God’s goodness was truly shone when He sent Jesus to redeem us. He desires to know us and love us. Through Jesus we can be brought into the arms of our loving Father.

Jesus rightly claims to be our good shepherd, do you know Him? He knows you and desires to embrace you with His love and care. Step into His arms today and receive His love and protection and find that safe harbor in Him for eternity.

Linda

Is God your Shepherd?

June 21, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

good shepherd David saw God as His shepherd and wrote about him in Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The shepherd provides.
²He makes me lie down in green pastures. The shepherd guides.
He leads me beside still waters.
³He restores my soul. The shepherd restores.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; The shepherd protects and comforts.
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵You prepare a table before me The shepherd knows the future and
in the presence of my enemies; prepares for me.
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me The shepherd is with me eternally.
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Do you regard the Lord God as your shepherd? The shepherd was the one who tended, cared, protected, defended and loved his sheep. God is described as the shepherd of the nation of Israel in Isaiah 40: 10-11 “See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,….He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Jesus described himself as the good shepherd in John 10:11 ““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Then in John 10:14-16 ““I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. (Here Jesus was referring to those who were not Jews, the Gentiles.) I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” Jesus is the perfect image of the good shepherd. The sheep listen to Him, know Him and He sacrifices Himself for this beloved sheep. What a beautiful pictures of our loving God.

Today as you reflect upon God, consider the 23rd Psalm and Jesus’ words in John. Know that you are loved and cared for by your loving heavenly Father and that your good shepherd, Jesus, will guide, protect, defend, hear, and love you.

Linda

Loving Jesus Requires Faith in Action

May 21, 2019May 21, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Today’s post-resurrection appearance is a continuation of the fishing scene I wrote about in Encountering Jesus brings on May 17, 2019. When they (Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, John and James and two other disciples) had followed Jesus’ instructions and cast their nets as He directed, they hauled in a great catch. Jesus had a welcoming fire waiting on the beach and beckoned them to bring some fish for roasting. They ate together and then Jesus spoke to Peter.

Jesus had previously had an encounter with Peter where I’m sure they dealt with Peter’s great guilt over his denial. (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5) Scholars put this first appearance to Peter on Resurrection Sunday where this encounter in Galilee is later. Here it would seem Jesus is making a point of asking Peter about his proclaimed love for Him. He asks 3 times, like his denials. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him and if he does, then Peter is to show his love for His sheep. He is to feed or tend to His sheep. Throughout the gospels sheep have been synonymous with followers and my sheep specifically believers in Jesus. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus is the good shepherd who died for all believers. John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,” and John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus is asking Peter to demonstrate his love for Him by leading, tending, loving, caring for, guiding, protecting…. those who are believers in Jesus. He is saying ‘be a good shepherd’ to the flock of believers that come into your life.

Isn’t that what Jesus wants for us too? As believers, like Peter, we are to look out for others, lead them towards Jesus, care for them, show them kindness and give that ‘cup of cold water’ in His name. Knowing Jesus, requires us to take up this ‘job’ and love others. We do it not because we have to but because we love Jesus. James tells us faith without works is dead (James 2:26 ) and loving and showing Jesus to others is our compelling work for Him. We do it not out of obligation or for future reward but out of love for our Savior. Who will you show love to today? Who will you ‘feed or tend’ in Jesus’ name?

Linda

All we like sheep

December 17, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

This scripture passage was also included in Sunday’s Poignant Gratitude blog, but Handel’s Messiah has a separate chorus for this verse that is very beautiful. Let’s look at this today in the Amplified Translation.

Isaiah 53:6 “All of us like sheep have gone astray,
We have turned, each one, to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the wickedness of us all [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing] To fall on Him [instead of us].

Believers or followers of Christ were often referred to by Jesus as ‘sheep’. It was an image that the people of His time could relate to as most towns and villages had herds of sheep. They were familiar with the idiosyncrasies of sheep and how much care they required. They knew sheep were prone to wander and get lost if the shepherd did not guide, protect and lead them. Jesus called himself the good shepherd and states His willingness to die for His sheep. A good shepherd would want to protect his sheep from predators and would fight to defend them even if it caused his own death. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” In verse 14, Jesus tell about the sheep and how those who believe in Him will know Him. “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” In verses 27-28, Jesus assures us we will recognize Him, follow Him and be protected by Him. ^“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” In Luke 15 Jesus gives the parable of the ‘lost sheep’ and how as the good shepherd he pursues any and all that are lost that they might know Him and be saved.

Not only is Jesus the good shepherd but in His death He took on the sins of the world so that mankind could be reconciled with God. “And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²²he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,” Colossians 1:21-22 He took all sins upon Himself and paid the price for sin which is death. Hebrews 10:10 “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus took the penalty for my sins and yours so that we might be freed from having to pay sin’s price, which is death. Romans 6:22-23 “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.²³For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being my good shepherd and dying for me on the cross. You took the punishment for my sins and gave me life, hope and freedom from the bondage of sin. Thank you that through your blood I am covered and when God looks upon me He sees your righteous covering instead of my sin. You promise that my sins are gone and buried in the depths of the sea and this gives me hope. “He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19 Amen.

Blessings to you as you ponder the power of His reconciliation and the hope of His righteousness imparted to you.

Linda

Assurances of Our Shepherd

December 12, 2018 nofearlindaLeave a comment

He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

This prophecy in Isaiah points to the coming Messiah as a shepherd who will tend His flock with care and love. Jesus called himself the good shepherd, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, John 10:11. A few verses later in 10:14 He said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me”. Some of the most tender and reassuring verses about Jesus’ love and care for us are found in John 10:27-28 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” No one, nothing, nowhere and at no time can anyone or anything snatch us away from Jesus. Once we belong to Him we are His eternally. He is with us 24/7 and is always accessible instantaneously through prayer.