Friday Writing...11/9/18..."My Shepherd"

Good Morning,

Today's writing speaks of how we are part of the flock of the family of God. We are all welcome into this family and share the blood relationship with each other. There is a moving writing of what can be defined as family by a woman who works at the Charis Counselling Center. The point is that family has many definitions. Karen wrote, "Knowing God loves us all and forgives without fail a truly repentant heart, gives us hope, peace, joy, and strength. Bask in the love of God!"

Time to thank God for the family into which He has welcomed you, and enjoy this family of your Shepherd.

Karen
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Today's Devotional 

"My Shepherd" 

Written by 

Karen Bennett

As a child one of my favorite depictions of Christ was on one of the stained glass windows in our church. In one hand he is holding a shepherd’s staff and in the other he is holding a baby lamb against his chest. There is an adult sheep standing alongside him, looking up at him. I can see it in my mind’s eye as if I was sitting before it once again after all these many years.

That picture holds as much meaning for me today as it did when I was a child. In an effort to comprehend the tremendous love God has for us, I think of the tender look on the face of Jesus the artist was able to capture. I’m certain it’s lacking, as beautiful as it is, but the day will come when we believers will see the look, the real look, for ourselves and the depth of love it conveys.

“He tends His flock like a shepherd: 

He gathers the lambs in His arms 

and carries them close to His heart.”  

Isaiah 40:11a.

We are the sheep of His flock, we know His voice, and we follow Him. He tells us to come to Him and to let the little ones come to Him as well. It’s so splendidly portrayed in that picture.

From baby to adult, we are all His, all loved, and all cared for. His word leaves no stone unturned. We have His commandments to show us how to obey. In many other verses we’re shown how to make God happy, get along with others, plus all the wonders He gives us now as well as what is to come. He gave us His word to help us lead devoted, happy, and productive lives, and what to stay away from that would destroy it for us. Just try to imagine life if we were fully able to follow our loving Lord’s will for us!

Knowing God loves us all and forgives without fail a truly repentant heart, gives us hope, peace, joy, and strength. Bask in the love of God! Knowing we are to love each other, be certain to share God’s love with others, teaching the good news of Jesus to all who don’t know Him!

Lord, we are humbled by all Your love and blessings and we thank You so much for them. Help us share Your abounding love with all we meet and be good examples of it. Help us always, to further Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Newsboys

singing

"Family of God"

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What is a family?

"Family isn’t always being related by blood or even being related at all. Family can be your church, your friends, your close co-workers who have now become dear friends, etc. Also, don’t forget about your relationship with God.  So whether family is with the family you were born into, adopted into, loved into, or you have chosen, the word “family” alone has significant and special meaning. They can evoke feelings of belonging, connectedness, love, respect, and support. Whether made of blood relatives, friends, or pets, or a combination of these, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.”

Author: Michelle Nason...Charis Counselling Center

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  and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.

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