MEMORIAL DAY

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

MEMORIAL DAY

(Deu 8:18) "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…

Memorial Day is a United States holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I. Many observe this holiday by flying the flag and visiting cemeteries and memorials. Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at National Cemeteries. In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also used as a time for picnics, barbecues, and gatherings with family and friends. Memorial Day is also viewed as the unofficial beginning of summer (with Labor Day as the unofficial end of the season.)

Freedom comes at a price. How important it is to remember the sacrifices of others who have made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. I like to see the flag’s colors as…Red: The blood of the slain. White: The purity of the sacrifice made for others. Blue: The heaven we enjoy because of that soldier’s sacrifice. We have a lot of problems in our country but we do have immense advantages and most of all we are free! And it’s because of the soldiers sacrifice of history as well as those securing our freedoms today by the giving of their lives. You can be pro or con for the current wars we wage but let’s not forget that soldier’s sacrifice!

And as believers in Christ let’s remember all the Lord has done for us and our nation. God has been good to us and we have been so undeserving. It has been He who has given us the power to gain the wealth and prosperity we have. God warned Israel to not forget His blessings but what did they do? They forgot the Lord and took His blessings for granted. They soon degraded into a pagan nation and then suffered the consequences under the correcting hand of God. Isn’t that a pattern for any nation or individual who steps outside the will of God and becomes ungrateful?

- (Psa 100:4) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

- (Rom 1:21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

- (Col 3:15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Everyday should be a memorial day. Rising up in the morning and counting our blessings. What a great way to start the day! And then thinking that all we have is because someone made it possible. It comes from the hand of God and those who gave up something for somebody else. What an inspiration for us to live our lives sacrificially: (Heb 13:16) But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

And don’t forget the greatest sacrifice of all. Jesus died on the cross to make us free from sin and destruction! His blood is red for cleansing which makes us white as snow, so we can live in the blue of heaven forever! Let’s take some time today to thank God for the sacrifices that have made us free!!

Louie

UNSAVED LOVED ONES

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

UNSAVED LOVED ONES

(Rom 10:1) Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.

One of our greatest concerns as believers in Christ is for our loved ones to be saved. We know that some of them know and love the Lord. Some of them use to be close to the Lord. And we are praying for others to be saved for the first time. It’s a burden that we carry with us until each loved is born again and walking with the Lord in full commitment. That’s how Paul felt with his fellow Jewish countrymen. God knows our desires and hears our prayers for our loved ones. They will come to the Lord but we have to be patient until God works out His overall glorious plan in their lives.

Paul was so grieved about the Jews rejection of Jesus that he stated he would be accursed for the Jews if that meant their salvation (9:1-3). This is how Moses felt with the Israelites in the wilderness. (Exo 32:31-32) Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! {32} "Yet now, if You will forgive their sin; but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written." Isn’t that how we feel about our loved ones who still need to come to Christ? But we know that we can’t be accursed for others because Jesus already took the curse for them. (Gal 3:13) Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree").

Through prayer we are claiming our loved ones for the Lord. We are moving them on the spiritual graph from the negative to the point of salvation. Until then we have to be encouraged that our prayers are working on their behalf. Though they haven’t made that full commitment to the Lord, we know God is working behind the scenes. Let’s not lose faith and give up in the battle for their souls. They might be closer than you think! (Luke 18:1) Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…(Gal 6:9) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. I knew one woman who every night laid hands on her husband in bed to receive the Lord. (He was a heavy sleeper!) What a prayer warrior!

Remember the Philippian jailer? When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison for preaching Christ they were singing hymns to God at midnight. Suddenly the prison shook and everyone’s chains fell off. The jailer was so taken by this that he drew his sword and was about to take his own life. Paul told him not to do it. He then came and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas and asked what he must do to be saved. (Acts 16:31) So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." They then spoke the word of God to him and to his whole household. Everyone in the family received the Lord and were baptized!

Have you claimed your family for Christ? Of course each member of your family has a free will but the door of salvation is open to them through your witness so they can willingly choose. (1 Cor 7:14) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. Just think of how glorious it will be when your loved ones come to the Lord. It will be beyond your expectations. View your loved ones through the eyes of faith and pray for them every day. Do what you can to influence them for Christ. Then stand back and watch God work! (Josh 24:15) "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Louie

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I AM

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

I AM

The Hebrew name Yahweh (or the English translation “Jehovah” as is sometimes used) comes from four Hebrew consonants YHWH (a “tetragram”, a word of four letters). We don’t know exactly how it is pronounced because the Jewish scribes would not pronounce it for fear of mispronouncing it and thereby blaspheming God (Exo 20:7; Lev 24:16). Years later when vowels were written into the Hebrew text the vowels for the Hebrew name “Adonai” were inserted into the tetragram. Therefore we have the form of the name “Yahweh” today.

The name Yahweh means “I am that I am” and means God is self-existent in His nature and Being . . . always was and always will be. In the Old Testament Yahweh occurs 6,519 times. This would be the covenant name of God for His people.

The name Yahweh was spoken before the Flood (Gen. 4:26) and later by the patriarchs (Gen. 9:26; 12:8; 22:14; 24:12). But with Moses at the burning bush the name Yahweh gained a new significance. God's people were to have a new relationship with Him by virtue of God redeeming them from the bondage of Egypt and by establishing a covenant with them.

In the Old Testament, Yahweh is used along with other words to construct a compound name. These compound names of Yahweh tell us that God is self-existent and is able and ready to meet any need His people might have: JEHOVAH-RAPHA, "the Lord that heals" (Exo 15:26). JEHOVAH-NISSI, "the Lord our banner" (Exo 17:8-15). JEHOVAH-SHALOM, "the Lord our peace" (Judg 6:24). JEHOVAH-RA'AH, "the Lord my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU, "the Lord our righteousness" (Jer 23:6). JEHOVAH-JIREH, "the Lord who provides" (Gen. 22:14). JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, "the Lord is there" (Eze 48:35).

In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of Himself as the “I AM” or “Yahweh” of the Old Testament.(John 8:56-59) "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." {57} Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" {58} Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." {59} Then they took up stones to throw at Him...

Jesus’ seven “I Am’s” are in the gospel of John: “I am the Bread of Life” (6:35). “I am the Light of the world” (8:12). “I am the Door of the sheep” (10:7; cf. v. 9). “I am the Good Shepherd (10:11, 14). “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25). “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life” (14:6). “I am the true Vine” (15:1; cf. v. 5).

Do you have a need in your life today? The I AM can!

Louie

GOOD MORNING

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

GOOD MORNING

I love the mornings. It’s a fresh new start. Yesterday is gone. There is the excitement of what the new day holds. The sun is rising, the birds are chirping, the newspaper is out front, people are off to work, kids are off to school, and most importantly (you know me), the coffee is brewing! So how should a day begin? Let’s review the scriptures to make sure we have a proper focus at the beginning of the day.

MERCY: (Lam 3:22-23) Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. {23} They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Claim new mercies for the new day!

PRAYER: (Psa 5:3) My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. How wonderful it is to wake up in the morning and offer a prayer. If you’re like me I have so many directions my brain wants to take when I awaken. But bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience to Christ is the key (2 Cor 10:5). Morning is the time to look up and present your body (Rom 12:1).

SING: (Psa 59:16) But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble. Morning is a time to sing. It’s the heart’s way of giving thanks early like the birds outside. When we sing we are lighthearted. And that’s the best way to be in the morning. It’s also a way to be filled with the Spirit before our hearts and minds are filled with the concerns of the day (Eph 5:18-19).

SEEK: (Psa 143:8) Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Seek the Lord for His plan for the day. Then you know that no matter what happens, God is in it and will get you through. Be solution oriented.

READ: (Eze 12:8) And in the morning the word of the LORD came to me… Take time to read the Word before you run out and start the day. Christian radio and music will also supplement your daily devotions.

MOOD: (Deu 28:67) In the morning you shall say, ‘Oh, that it were evening!’ And at evening you shall say, ‘Oh, that it were morning!’… I have found that the attitude I have in the morning will be with me throughout the day. Fight those tendencies to be in a dark and depressive mood. Turn on the light and let the SONshine in!

INTERCEDE: (Job 1:5) So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly. Pray for your family members by name each morning and ask God to bless them and their day!

PETITION: (Mat 6:11) Give us this day our daily bread. List you needs before the Lord. He loves to hear your prayer and He will answer in His timing!

BLESS: (Ruth 2:4) Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “The LORD be with you!” And they answered him, “The LORD bless you!” Now you are ready for interaction with others. When you come in contact with people be upbeat and give them a blessing. Watch what comes back to you.

Good morning, Lord!...or…Good Lord, it’s morning! I’ll say good morning because God is good…all the time!

Louie

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NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SCRIPTURES

Today is the National Day of Prayer (May 5). I encourage you to take a little time today to read and pray over these scriptures for our nation.:

(2 Chronicles 7:14) "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.


(Ezra 9:13) And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, since You our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us such deliverance as this,


(Nehemiah 1:6) please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned.


(Nehemiah) 9:17 …But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.


(Proverbs 14:34) Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.


(Isa 1:6) From the sole of the foot even to the head, There is no soundness in it, But wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; They have not been closed or bound up, Or soothed with ointment.


(Jer 6:15) Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down,” says the LORD.


(Jeremiah 29:7) And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.


(Luke 19:41) Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,


(James 4:7-10) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.


(1 Timothy 2:1-2) Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, {2} for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.


(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

MOTHER'S DAY SCRIPTURES

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

MOTHER’S DAY SCRIPTURES

Happy Mother’s Day to you! I went through all 305 scriptures that refer to the word mother and compiled a list for moms to study on their own. It might be good to keep this devotion in your Bible and go through them this week. Ponder over them and pray through them. You have an incredible role to play in the life of a child who will in turn influence the world. The Word of God will encourage you to keep on in your task even when your kids are grown up and live on their own. Because as you moms know…your kids are always your kids!

The first mom: (Gen 3:20) And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Time when the kids will start their own families: (Gen 2:24) Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. The blessing of being a mom: (Gen 17:16) And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” The joy of obedient children: (Gen 28:7) and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and had gone to Padan Aram. God’s commandment to honor moms: (Exo 20:12) “Honor your father and your mother,… God wants to use mothers: (Judg 5:7) Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel. Moms are needed for the instruction of a child: (Pro 1:8) …do not forsake the law of your mother. The blessing of being a mother-in-law: (Ruth 1:14) Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. The kindness of a mother: (1 Sam 2:19) Moreover his mother used to make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. God can make up for being forsaken by a mother: (Psa 27:10) When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me. Mother’s Day can be difficult when mom is gone: (Psa 35:14) I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother. Children inherit our sin nature: (Psa 51:5) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. The joy of childrearing: (Psa 113:9) He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children… Mothers provide nurturing comfort: (Isa 66:13) As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you… The influence of a mother: (Eze 16:44) …‘Like mother, like daughter!’ Potential family conflict: (Micah 7:6) Daughter rises against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own household. Loving Christ more than mother: (Mat 10:37) He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me… Moms can be over concerned regarding their children: (Mat 12:47) Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” Moms can meddle in their children’s lives: (Mat 20:20) Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. Dedicating children from the womb: (Luke 1:15) For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. The pain of seeing your children suffer: (Luke 2:35) (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also)… The constant concern of a mother: (Luke 2:48) …“Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” The inner ponderings of a mother: (Luke 2:51) …His mother kept all these things in her heart. The unspeakable pain of the loss of a child: (Luke 7:12) And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow… Caring for mother when she is old: (John 19:26) When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” The cherishing nature of mothers: (1 Thes 2:7) But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Passing down faith to your children: (2 Tim 1:5) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Older moms influencing younger moms: (Titus 2:4) that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.

Louie

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OSAMA BIN LADEN IS DEAD. SHOULD CHRISTIANS REJOICE?

I have heard more than one believer in Christ already in conflict of emotion over the death of Osama bin Laden. Should Christians rejoice? Part of you wants to be happy that justice has been served. The other part of you is sensitive over the eternal plight of the wicked. Be assured, dear believer, that one emotion does not have to be at the exclusion of the other:

(Psa 103:6) The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.

(Eze 18:23) Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?

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