Heading Home

Did Jesus get weary physically in His travels? Of course, He did. The disciple John relates one such incidence in John 4, “Eventually He came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.” (Verses 5-6 NLT) He sat at the well of the father to rest and recuperate, to quench His thirst.

Did you ever feel like that? Thirsty? Fainting? Tired? Need recharging? Just as it is possible to get weary physically, it is equally possible to get weary spiritually.

David did. He said to the Lord, “My soul thirsts for You; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water,” (Ps. 63:1b NLT) and “I reach out for You. I thirst for You as parched land thirsts for rain.” (Ps 143:6 NLT)

As Jesus thirsted and sat by the well, He spoke of the Living Water to a woman, who also thirsted, and came to the well for water. He said to her, “People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:13-14 NLT)

Not yet recognizing her own spiritual thirst or Jesus’ meaning, she said, “‘Please, sir,’ the woman said, ‘give me some of that water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again.’” (John 4:15 NLT)

When we, today, read this account in our Bibles, we understand that the Lord’s offering of refreshing, spiritual waters, is not from without, but from within, and satisfies eternally more than an oasis on the backside of the scorched Sahara desert.

As Christians, we have the privilege of sitting by the well of our Father when we crave this Living Water for our arid spirits, lowering our buckets into that well to quench our spiritual thirst, to regain our strength and power, and to rest until every thought of care, confusion, or depression is lifted.

When you become tired from your journey and your weary soul shrivels up, feeling bone-dry, what do you do? When every last drop of spiritual vitality has evaporated, do you take advantage and dip your bucket into a well to replenish your parched spirit and soul? But which well...the world’s well of lifeless drivel or the Father’s well of Living Water?

When in your arid condition, do you hear the Lord whisper His invitation to you, “Come, sit by the well”?

Prayer: Lord, when life’s trials and schedules overwhelm me, remind me to come sit with You by the well of the Father, that I may drink of those thirst-quenching, Living Waters to replenish my soul and spirit. Amen.

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

Today, I am privileged to be a part of a book blog tour. I met Connie Arnold…well…I don’t remember where it all started, but we’ve been a part of several forums and groups, including Twitter.

Connie’s husband was born in my city and has relatives here, so Connie and Tom occasionally drive from their home in North Carolina to visit them and then drive on to see their daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons. After spending time with them, they drive to Chicago to visit with their son and daughter-in-law.

Connie and I had twittered about meeting sometime and actually tried earlier this year but it didn’t work out. So, when they came through at Easter, my hubby and I were honored to meet Connie and Tom and have lunch with them. We had a great time and they are so gracious, the kind you wished lived next door to you!

Connie’s second book on poetry Abiding Hope & Love has been published and is the reason for this post and blog tour.

So many people are suffering hard times right now. My heart has been heavy for several friends who are undergoing extreme trials in their lives and, as one of Connie’s poems popped out at me, I decided to share it with you today…

Hold on to hope when the world seems cold,
When you’re anxious and weary, and when you grow old.

Hold on to hope when you feel in despair,
When your burdens seem heavy and too much to bear.

Hold on to hope when you’re lonely and sad,
When you’re lost and discouraged, or just feeling bad.

Hold on to hope through the darkness of night,
When troubles continue with no end in sight.

Hold on to hope, let God’s love flood your soul
With the promise that you can be healed and made whole.

Hold on to hope – God will answer your prayer,
Will comfort and strengthen, your burdens will share.

Hold on to hope for you’re never alone,
For Christ’s love within you brightly has shone.

Hold on to hope, let your worries depart,
Let God’s beauty and love fill your mind and your heart.

You can check out both Connie’s books and her talents at her sites:

http://www.freewebs.com/conniearnold
http://conniearnold.blogspot.com

I invite you to stop by and visit Connie’s heart-filled work. She loves company!

May the Lord bless you with peace, comfort, and hope in whatever you are going through this day.

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

First of all, what’s my beef? Is it:

…that my husband leaves his socks on the floor, the cabinets doors open, leaves the lights on, forgets to carry out the garbage?

…or that my children won’t clean up their rooms, won’t make the right choices, leave God out of their schedule?

…or that my server brought my salad after my entrée, didn’t fill my water glass, brought me someone else’s meal, or ignored me altogether?

…or that the person in line in front of me at the express-lane checkout has more than the required items?

…or that the person in front of me on the expressway is going too slow in the fast lane?

…or that I suffer a never-ending illness or maybe it’s just some little ache or pain?

…or that I was ignored for a promotion at work?

…or that someone else stole the recognition for my idea?

…or that my mother-in-law hates everything I do?

…or that my best friend stabbed me in the back?

…or that those in the government would…whatever?

…or…or…oh, the endless list of ors!

Second, do we complain out loud or just silently under our breath?

The list above is not from personal experience. Well, some of it is. But what I have learned is that, if that other person I complain about, or to, were Jesus, then what would I do? Yell at Him while shaking my finger in His face? I don’t think so.

I learned a long time ago that complaining never did anything for me except put me in a rotten mood and infect the moods of others.

If I pitch my tent on complaints, it only imbeds negative feelings within me and affects my relationship with others adversely. Not only that, negativity destroys other areas of my life and separates me from my fellowship with the Lord.

So, what is my response?

I’ve learned that thankfulness and praise are the best replacements for any complaints, turning each negative into a positive. For instance, if my husband does something that irritates me, I thank the Lord I have a husband and one that loves the Lord, that he isn’t an alcoholic, doesn’t fool around, or whatever.

If I am not grateful, what kind of abundance is stored in my heart? For out of the abundance…well, you know the rest.

In case your memory need jogging or you don’t know this verse, here it is…“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him.” (Matt. 12:34b-35a NIV) Another version says, “For a man’s heart determines his speech. A good man’s speech reveals the rich treasures within him.” (Matt. 12:34b-35a TLB)

I have learned to praise God no matter what, even if it’s through gritted teeth. When my day is darkened with a multitude of problems that need to “take a ticket, take a seat,” and the songs of my heart begin to stick in my throat, do I still sing to Him anyway? You bet!

When my eyes spill over with the tears of heartache, do I still look to Him and praise Him anyway? Absolutely!

When chaos invades my world, do I still claim His peace and praise Him anyway? Yes, indeedy! For “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.” (Psalm 34:1 TLB) Amen!

David wrote, “Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.” (Psalm 42:5 AMP)

James said to count it all joy. Defined, that means to lead, rule, consider, or command with authority it all with joy when surrounded with trials and adversities. Therefore, I will command my rejoicing.

I can command my negative thoughts because the Word says I can by “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5 NKJV)

If I constantly boo-hoo my circumstances more than praising God, I magnify my circumstances above God’s character and power. David said, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” (Ps. 69:30 NKJV)

We are all so much more fortunate and blessed than two-thirds of the world, and yet, we whine when our new shoes pinch our feet!

I leave you with Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil. 4:8 NLT)

May praise be found to frequent your heart and lips!

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

Today, I share with you my heart, something the Lord gave me…

When my heart felt as if it had been punctured by the thorns of my circumstances, I cried out before the God of the universe for help. And in return, He whispered this to my heart…

“My precious child, your life is like a forest. Understand this parable…

One day, the Forest Master decided to take a walk in one of His favorite little forests.

At the sight of her coming Master, the little forest shook in awe, bowing low in honor, and said, “Master, am I pleasing to You?”

The Master replied, “You are a very pleasant and aromatic forest, but your splendid trees have no room in which to stretch out their limbs and roots. They are undernourished and spindly from lack of the sun. Decaying debris litters the floor of your grove, making it difficult for beautiful, new seedlings to grow beneath your branches. I cannot walk through My favorite little forest; the path is obscured. I wish to make you an extraordinary and sweet-smelling forest. I will send help to beautify your temple.”

“O, Master, I wish to be most beautiful for You. How will You do it?”

But, alas, the Master of the forest did not answer her.

One day, the sky blackened and a furious whirlwind pounded against the timbers of the little forest. Twisting funnels of fury whipped through her boughs. Flashing thunderbolts struck at the heart of her home, sparking a blaze that destroyed all her debris and threatened her existence.

The little forest cried out, “O, Master, where have You gone? I thought You were going to make me more beautiful. I am now broken and singed in places that once blossomed with beauty. I am in anguish in this heat. O, dampen these smoldering embers before I am reduced to ashes. Please, put me back together.”

The Forest Master answered, “I wish you to glorify your Maker in the fire. I sent My ministering servants as flames of cleansing because I love you with the greatest of love. Now, I will extinguish your blazes.”

Then, heaven’s reservoir opened its sluice gates and released a torrential downpour, quenching the burning flames.

The little forest cried, “O, Master, help me. The drenching rains are washing away all that is left of me.”

“The waters will not overwhelm you,” He promised. “I will rebuild the ruined places and replant that which has been made desolate. You will flourish abundantly, for My glory and for the benefit of others.”

“O, Master,” said the little forest, “I did not understand your reasoning, but now I do. Thank You. Because of Your goodness, now I will be a fragrant, thriving forest, pleasing to my Master, bringing glory to You and pleasure to others.”

Though the very core of the little forest had been challenged, the cleaving afflictions had cut a swath for a new, meandering trail for her Master to take long, leisurely walks through her grove and converse with His favorite little forest.

In time, as each night wrapped its darkness around the little forest, the moon streamed through her leaves, illuminating her path and leaving puddles of light on her soft, mossy floor as stepping stones. In each morning’s light, the sun filtered through her limbs, enlightening a boundless display of her sweet, fragrant blossoms that had begun to grow beneath her limbs.

The little forest came to appreciate that her Master knew what was best for her and loved her unconditionally. A closer bond developed between the little forest and her Master and she flourished under His guidance and care. She knew that whatever happened to her was all for her Master’s glory and the service of others.”

The Lord says to you as He said to me, “You have been in the furnace of affliction and I now release you to show others that they, too, may be set free. I have not let the flames settle upon you though they have burned brightly around you.

All you have lost is what My fire has burned away - your dross. The fires of My love for You have made purer. I wish you to be holy in My sight. My holy fires burn brightest in those that truly love Me and wish to follow only My leading.

I have burned away those things that have stood in the way of your serving Me with your whole heart.”

“Do you not understand that you must go through the deep waters? I will hold them back, but you must trust Me to do so.”

The Word says, “We went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of great abundance.” (Ps. 66:12 NLT)

May your life be lived for the glory of the Master and the service of others. May you know that the Lord is with you…through it all.

~~Blessing, Lynn~~

It's spring! Finally! And the thoughts of many turn to gardening. Have you ever planted a garden? Are you a prolific gardener, producing a bumper crop of everything you sow, or are you a threat to nature, killing even artificial plants? I tend to be somewhat closer to a threat!

If you love to garden, what vegetables will you plant this year? Tomatoes, green beans, lettuce? What about flowers? Cosmos, Sweet Peas, sunflowers? How about herbs? Basil, thyme, rosemary?

If you are a good gardener, when you plant seeds in your garden, you will incorporate all the necessary elements to make them grow…planting for the best sun, providing water, critter repellent, bug spray, and tossing in some fertilizer and plant food, all in order to have strong, healthy plants. After the proper care, you know that, in time, you will have the fruits of your labor, the product of what you have sown.

No matter what size your garden, whether it is a pot on your balcony, a small plot in your backyard, or a farm-size field, the harvest depends on your choice of seeds.

When a farmer wants oranges, he does not plant tomatoes, and when he wants zucchini, he does not plant an apple tree. He has confidence that what he plants will be produced. Seems basic enough; whatever is sown is reaped.

That is Basic Bible Principles 101. This basic truth is applicable to every area of our lives. As the Bible says, “For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.” (Gal. 6:7 AMP)

Our everyday lives are our gardens. What we sow into it grows up around us.

Do we sow the things of the world each day as negative, worthless seeds? The weed seeds of pride, fear, doubt, unbelief, defeat, depression, and complaining?

Do we spread fertilizer on their soil in the form of gossiping to others, hatred magnified by prejudice, lust fueled by flirting around at work, unforgiveness inflated into bitterness, or whining so much that others don’t want to be around us?

Paul said, “Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” (Gal. 6:8-9 NLT)

So, do you sow positive, flourishing seeds of the Word? Like the seeds of faith, hope, strength, health, forgiveness, humility, and praise? Do you water them with joy, peace, love, encouragement, and blessing?

In what amounts do you sow them? In whatever amount you sow, it will come back to you, as Paul said, “A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much.” (2 Cor. 9:6b TLB)

The Received Greek Text says it this way, “The one sowing on hope of blessing will also reap on blessing.” Consequently, a bumper crop of anything is proportionate to its sowing. Therefore, consciously sow to the end result desired.

That verse also says that he who sows sparingly doesn’t get much in return. If you are stingy with the good seeds, retaining them to yourself, they produce nothing. Seeds have no intrinsic value in and of themselves. Therefore, seeds hoarded in the seed packet never produced another seed packet! They must be sown!

At the end of each day, do you end up with more positive or negative seeds? Or do you have a mixture of blessings and cursings?

Robert Louis Stevenson once said, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant,” not only in thoughts and words but also in deeds.

What kind of seeds will you plant this day?

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

Today, I am participating in the blog book tour for...



'Thomas James shall be his name,' the Angel says mysteriously. The world shall change because of him. Dark days lie ahead for the chosen child. In the small town of Bethel, in a time not unlike our own, a child with a great purpose is born. Years later, alienated by those around him and picked on by his peers, the awkward twelve-year-old struggles to exist after the loss of his family. A terrifying vision of a dark world to come haunts him. He sees and hears things he cannot understand. The world quickly changes before his eyes. Visited by strange messengers and surrounded by mysterious and miraculous events, Thomas fights to comprehend what is real and what is not, while trying to escape the sinister powers that be. After countless horrors, the startling revelation of who Thomas James truly is will change the lives of those around him, setting off a chain of events that could destroy, or save, them all.

Inside these pages hides a treasure, just waiting to be discovered. If you've ever wondered if there is more to life or why it is we suffer, then this book will not only captivate youit may just open your eyes to a truth that could set you free. Find out what is in all of us that makes us heed The Calling. The Angel smiles curiously, There is a great truth that must be told. A wicked spirit spreads its wings and humanity is its prisoner. Thomas James is the key.

Click HERE for purchase.

“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Is. 61:10 NKJV)

He shuffled his feet and wiped his sweaty palms on his jacket. His face twitched, producing a peculiar, cockeyed smile. Then, the bride began her promenade down the aisle, and the groom’s whole body radiated with delight.

They were so anxious to look their best for each other. All decked out in their wedding finery, he, fit to meet the bride; she, fit to meet the bridegroom.

As I sat in the chapel praying for them, the thought occurred to me: Jesus is fit and ready to meet me, His Bride, but am I fit and ready to meet Him, my Bridegroom?

If Jesus died that the church, His bride, might be “without spot or wrinkle or any other defect - holy and unblemished” (Eph. 5:27a Weymouth), then she is to “Be prepared - all dressed and ready - for (her) Lord’s return,” (Luke 12:35-36a TLB).

But when the heavenly Bridegroom arrives, will she be dressed in an old rag, spotted with worldly residue? Or will she be “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Rev. 21:2 NIV), in a spotless gown of holiness?

Will He radiate with delight in you, His bride?

PRAYER: Lord, You loved me enough to die to give me a pure wedding garment of holiness. May I love You enough to keep that gown unsullied from the world and meet You in holiness on Your return. May I be continually dressed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Amen!

“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.” (2 Peter 3:14 NIV)

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].” Psalm 147:3 Amp

The Father once spoke these words to me...

“Those offensive cords of hate that wrapped the feet and hands of My Son became cords of great love to My children. When a heart is breaking, I take those cords and tenderly wrap them around that hurting heart so as not to bruise it, and ever so gently, I tie them in an eternal knot that cannot be undone.

The cruel nail scars in His hands should daily urge My children to keep their hands empty of the things of this world and ever open to My gifts and teachings. They should use their hands to work for My kingdom and raise them in praise.

The excruciating pain My Son suffered from the pounding of the nails into His feet should remind them that their painful struggles upon this earth are meant to cause their feet to follow in His footsteps for He walked a path that was common to all.

The crown of thorns so mockingly placed upon His head marked Him as different from the rest of the world. I make that crown of thorns into an eternal circle of love and place it upon My children as a constant reminder to be separate from the world. They should wear this crown in truest humility and love for Him. One day it will be exchanged for a golden crown of life.

The blood that spilled from His bleeding side should draw them into a covenant relationship with Him and remind them that He willingly became the sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sins and to give them Eternal Life.

Oh, the love He bore as He hung there that day. In pain and agony, He suffered for My precious ones. His wounds should pierce into their very hearts and cause them to weep that their sins caused Him such suffering.

His chords of love should bind them in remembrance of His cross of sacrifice. His death and release from the tomb should remind them to daily aim at death to self and deliverance into newness of life. Because I love you, He died for you.”

“Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 KJV)

Prayer: Oh, dear Jesus, Thank you that You suffered such great agony and endured it willingly for a world of lost sinners. For this, I am eternally grateful. This Easter season, may hurting and lonely souls experience those cords of love and accept Your sacrifice for them that they may have Eternal Life in You. Amen.

“I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion].” Gal. 2:20 Amp

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.”

I leave you with this video. It is really awesome. I hope you’ll listen to it…

Click here...That’s My King, Do You Know Him?

~~The blessings of Easter to you all, Lynn~~

The Shepherd

Our last in the series is a look at the shepherd. Coincidence that it comes right before Easter? Hmmm…don’t think so!

Sheep must have a leader for they must be led and not driven. They must be told what to do and where to go, otherwise, they will wander off and get lost. They need to be watched over and cared for constantly. Hence, the need for a shepherd.

Since we looked at some of the characteristics of sheep that mirror those of humans, let’s look at some of the characteristics of a good shepherd and how they apply to Jesus as our Good Shepherd.

A good shepherd…

* loves his sheep and continually encourages an intimate relationship with them so that
they will develop trust and know his voice
* knows the things that make them sick and guides them away from them
* always watchful for predators and defends sheep against them
* protects the sheep while they sleep
* leads them to fresh pastures and fresh water
* is gentle yet firm while shearing them, watching closely for injury or disease
* goes ahead of sheep and prepares the path
* disciplines and corrects them
* keeps sheep from fighting, from hurting each other
* searches for a lost sheep and rejoices when finding it
* keeps sheep moving so they don’t get into a rut
* comforts them when they are hurt or fearful
* anoints them with oil to heal an injury or prevent disease
* is pleased when sheep are contented, well-fed, and safe
* knows the sheep’s needs better than they do
* sacrifices his life for them.

We find so much of this in Psalm 23. Adding in some of the definitions, we might look at it this way…

*The Lord is my Shepherd = The Lord is my guide, my companion
* I shall not want = I shall not lack; I have contentment
* He makes me to lie down = He causes me to rest
* in green pastures = giving me habitations of nourishment
* He leads me = He leads me with care to watering stations
* beside still waters = beside quiet waters, refreshing me
* He restores my soul = He draws me to return to Him, to restore me
* He leads me in paths of righteousness = He guides me in ways of rightness
* even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = even though I move through the narrow valley of death’s dark shadow
* I will fear no evil = I will not be afraid of evil; I will have confidence and trust in my Shepherd
* for You are with me = because You are by my side
* Your rod = Your discipline and protection
* Your staff = Your guidance and support
* they comfort me = are my consolation and comfort
* You prepare a table before me = You arrange and spread out a feast of Your fellowship before me
* in the presence of mine enemies = in the face of those enemies that distress and bind me
* You anoint my head with oil = You soothe me with the oil of Your Spirit
* My cup runs over = You fill my life, saturating it to overflowing with provisions
* goodness and mercy shall follow me = Your goodness and favor pursue me
* and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever = and I will inhabit Your household for eternity.

This Shepherd said, “I am the Good shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me,” (John 10:14 Amp) and “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 NKJV)

As the Good Shepherd that gave His life for His flock, He is also the Lamb of God, the great Sacrifice, of which John the Baptist said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJV)

Do you know all that this Good Shepherd provides for you? Do you know Him, recognizing His voice as He calls out your name? Do you know His peace, protection, provision, guidance, and comfort?

I pray you can often be found lingering at the feet of the Good Shepherd, awaiting His touch, and that you know Him as the Lamb of sacrifice.

~Blessings, Lynn~~

Let’s recap. So far, we’ve seen that sheep…

* are not very intelligent and are not trainable,
* need constant supervision,
* have a strong instinct to follow a leader,
* have no sense of direction and will wander off, getting into trouble, especially if they don’t listen to the shepherd,
* will follow the one in front of him even if it goes over a cliff,
* are non-aggressive, friendly, love being part of the gang,
* are loving and love affection, lingering at the shepherd’s feet,
* are defenseless and easy prey for predators, needing protection,
* are fearful, even of running water,
* have little discernment and will feed on and drink what is not good for them.

Sheep also…

…need to be sheared…

Because of health issues and the usage of the wool, sheep desperately need to be sheared, which usually takes place twice a year. If sheep are not sheared to remove the accumulation of dirt, caked mud, and other contaminates that mat next to their skin, they will develop infections and health problems, possibly dying.

During shearing, sheep can experience a lot of stress and need an experienced shearer. The sheep will fight it until they are on their backs, held in the arms of their shearer, then, they will give in and relax.

It is done quickly so no harm comes to the animal. After being shorn, sheep need protection from the elements.

If sheep are not shorn, it decreases their mobility, and, if not done before the heat of summer, they will be susceptible to heat stress. Also, if not sheared at the proper time, their vision will be impaired.

Shearing keeps sheep productive and also allows for new growth.

…fall down and die…

If a sheep falls down and ends up on its back, it cannot right itself without help. No matter how loud his bleatings for help may be, the other sheep cannot help it get right. If left by itself too long, it will eventually die, so the shepherd watches to make sure each one stays on its feet.

…not burden bearers…

Many larger animals like horses, camels, elephants, and some others were created to carry loads on their backs. However, when it comes to sheep, they are incapable of carrying any load on their backs.

…frequently need a place to lie down and rest…

Sheep often need rest but don’t realize it. However, it is impossible for a sheep to lie down and rest if surrounded and pestered by insects or parasites. In order to rest, it must also be free from fear, hunger, and friction with others.

People…

* Do you need to be sheared of your circumstances?
* Do you need to get rid of any dirty issues in your life that might be causing emotional, physical, or spiritual problems?
* Do you have better spiritual eyesight after a shearing session?
* Do you fight those times of being sheared by the Shepherd? Or do you relax in His arms and allow Him to work His will in your life?
* Ever feel like the commercial, you’ve fallen down and can’t get up? And no one comes to help you? You can only be righted by the Shepherd.
* Do you carry your burdens around in a backpack, a little red wagon, or a U-Haul? Or have you let them go and given them to the Lord…and not taken them back?
* Are you free of those things that bother you, free of fear, hunger, and friction with others so that you can lie down in green pastures, resting your soul?

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Heb. 13:20-21 NKJV)

~~Blessings, Lynn~~