Time with Jesus - Sunday, 26 August
2012
Hi all,
Today’s meditation is a bit of a hotchpotch. Trying to sustain the theme of the Scriptures was a difficult. I’ve succeeded to a small degree. I’ve called it The Shepherd because we focus largely on Him.
Blessings
Jim
& Phyllida Strickland
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Matt 10:8
Freely you received, Freely give |
Time with Jesus – Sunday, 26 August 2012
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Matt 10:8
Freely you received, Freely give |
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©
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These
devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright
protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it
is for non-commercial Christian purposes
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©
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INTRODUCTION
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DAILY
LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES
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THE SHEPHERD
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Few
men in the Bible have been loved as much and hated as much at the same time
as David and Paul. Few men, with the exception of Moses, have had the
privilege of writing as much of the Scriptures as these two men. Both men did
so under exceptional circumstances.
David
was the shepherd boy, psalmist/harpist, who became the king. The youngest of
Jesse’s eight sons, to him fell the responsibility of taking care of his
father’s sheep. His exploits as a shepherd are well known. Perhaps what is
not realised is that he learned his job as he went along. A shepherd boy
would lead a lonely life. But he didn’t waste time complaining. He spent
those early years becoming adept at playing the harp and loving God. No doubt
that was where he began his life-long relationship with God, composing psalms
and hymns of loving praise. It has been said that his psalms reflect the wonder
of his early shepherd boy life along with other experiences as a fugitive
from King Saul.
A
brief look at Psalm 23 reflects his experiences as a shepherd. But verse 5
tells us that it was written after he was anointed King by Samuel. It was
also written before he became king so it was while he was a fugitive running
from the mad king. It took a man of genius who has a close walk with the Lord
to compose this Psalm. In spite of the fact that he had been anointed as the
one who would replace Saul and was constantly on the run, he composed this
brilliant Psalm. An extraordinary man.
On
occasions I’ve thought about Paul. He started life as Saul the Pharisee. Like
king Saul, he was a Benjamite. When Saul first came across the followers of
King Jesus, the “Son of David”, he behaved much like his ancient kinsman had
done 1000 years previously. He pursued them with madness akin to that of his
namesake pursuing the previous King David. It all seems so familiar. He
slaughtered Jesus’ followers with madness akin to King Saul. King Saul had his
own a shepherd. Doeg the Edomite. On King Saul’s command, Doeg slaughtered 85
of the priests of Nob in their priestly garments.
But
King Jesus, the “Son of David” intervened in Saul the Pharisee’s life. Saul
was converted. I’ve often wondered if King Saul could have been confronted by
the Lord Then I realise he was. It happened at Nob. No Israelite would
slaughter all the Priests and animals of those who lived in Nob. Doeg would,
could and did; on King Saul’s command. Madness personified! By a shepherd?
Jim
& Phyllida Strickland
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5 You
prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by
anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with
blessings.
Psalms 23:5 NLT
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of
those who take refuge in Him! 9 Fear
the LORD, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they
need. 10 Even strong young
lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good
thing.
Psalms 34:8-10 NLT
22 the
LORD'S mercy. We were not completely wiped out. His
compassion is never limited. 23 It
is new every morning. His faithfulness is great.
Lamentations 3:22-23 GW
5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you
have made my lot secure. 6 The
boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a
delightful inheritance.
Psalms 16:5-6 TNIV
22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the
future. Everything belongs to you,
1 Corinthians 3:22 NLT
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places,
Ephesians 1:3 ESV
11 I'm
not saying that because I need anything. I have
learned to be content no matter what happens to me.
Philippians 4:11 NIrV
6 A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content
with what they have.
1 Timothy 6:6 GW
19 You can be sure that God will take care of everything
you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from
Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 MSG
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O Lord, You are my Shepherd, there’s
nothing that I need.
Your presence hovers over me and I may
safely feed.
And where my enemies abound, I know
that all is well.
For there I am protected, from all the
powers of hell.
You honour me and care for me; and you
anoint my head.
My cup is overflowing. You’re blessed
My child You said.
I have had a sample of the food which
You supply,
Directly from the fountain which never
will run dry.
And every time I taste it, I realise
it’s You!
The flavour is exquisite; You’re good
in all You do.
In You I can take refuge. With joy, my
heart abounds;
And yet O Lord, I fear You, for
godliness is found,
In being in Your presence; and it’s
intimidating.
For Lord, You are an awesome God; and
that is understating,
Your glorious omnipotence; Your mercy
and Your grace.
Even strong young lions occasionally
face,
The fact that they are hungry. But men
who trust in You,
Will find they lack for nothing for You
are just and true!
O Lord this is Your mercy. We haven’t
been wiped out.
There’s still a few remaining and it’s
beyond a doubt,
That You will turn the tables. Your
faithfulness is great.
Unlimited compassion! Not leave us to
our fate!
You’ve assigned my boundaries. My lot
You have made sure;
My portion; my inheritance; my cup;
all are secure.
And since we know for certain that
Lord, You own it all,
Present, past and future; by you are
all on call.
In Jesus You have blessed us with
everything required.
Nothing’s been excluded; it’s just
what You desired.
Not that I lack anything. No matter
what is sent,
I’m resting in the Master; in Him I am
content!
So help me to be Godly. You’ve told me
it will bring,
Profit to a people; content with
everything.
Then Lord, I’ll know for certain, that
generosity,
Is what You are demanding in
Christianity!
Help us see the glory that pours to us
each day.
While we are all living in a proper
Christian way!
Jim
Strickland – Written 26th August 012
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