Super Sunday

I have my mind on shepherds, it seems!! I posted my "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" about shepherds, and I'm still thinking about them.

I've looked a little further into this--about the shepherd's staff--particularly used in Psalm 23--"Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me". In searching for information about this, I came across the following devotional:

The Comforting Rod

In Psalm 23 there is a line; "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Verse 4) What is the purpose of a shepherd's rod or staff? No doubt the shepherd uses it partly as a walking stick and to test the ground or path where he is leading the sheep. But mainly it is used for correcting or disciplining his little charges.

For instance, if a sheep is veering off the right path, the shepherd might reach out his staff to direct the sheep back to safety. He might use it to separate a quarrel or even to administer a quick correction for rebellion. Sometimes a well placed whack sets the record straight and prevents further trouble.

Is correction a comfort? Yes, it really is, isn't it? Most children will report (if they are being completely honest) that they feel safer and more loved if they are raised with discipline. I heard a girl say once when a friend's mother was grounding her for something; "I wish my mom would do that." What she really wanted was a mother who cared enough to correct her.

We have a Good Shepherd who cares enough to correct us. He's looking out for us every single minute. He's quick to use his rod to pull us back from danger and to direct us on to the right path. On our own we are likely to get in trouble but not with his staff there as a protection. Knowing his comforting rod is close and available we can direct our attention to gobbling up those lush green pastures.

(copied from Hannah's Cupboard: http://www.hannahscupboard.com/wake-apr05-7.html)

I have been thinking a lot about how Jesus feels when one of his sheep are lost. Does He just leave us there, trying to find our way on our own? or Does He search and search, send others our way to set us on the right path?

I have to admit that I've been a little lost the past few days. Did God just let me stay there in this lost state wondering what direction to turn, where to go, what to do next?

No, He sent out the search party!! He didn't just leave me there floundering around on my own. He surrounded me with my spiritual family (and that includes you!) to encourage me, uplift me and guide me on my way!!

God has never failed me, and He will never fail me!!

Even when I was far from Him, He still loved me and cared for me--every small moment of my life. I'm still finding ways that God provided for me when I had nothing that I considered "coincidence" at the time. Now, I know--it was God's loving Hand and guidance all along. How I praise Him for this!!

And what happens when the lost sheep is found?

Jesus takes us in His arms, embraces us, loves us, welcomes our return, and all of Heaven sings for JOY!!

THE LOST HAS BEEN FOUND!!!!

And here is the perfect song to go along with my past few days spent in negative thinking:

Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'REJOICE WITH ME; I HAVE FOUND MY LOST SHEEP.'

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."..........Luke 15:3-7

Abba,

Thank You for not leaving me alone in my negative thinking--feeling lost and alone. Thank You for sending the search party to find me and bring me to You for comfort. I now rejoice and rest comfortably on Your shoulders.

Thank You for searching for Your lost sheep everywhere. May they all come to You for the comfort, guidance and love that they need.

In MY Jesus' precious name--ALL GOD's PEOPLE SAY...............

AMEN

Be sure and visit Peggy at Amazing Grace~~Mazes, Messes, Miracles to see her Super Sunday, view all the participants, and join in!!

Beth