Sent Forth as Sheep

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

I have this little figurine group of a shepherd and his flock on my desk. I don't know the actual background or reason for the figurine but to me I see the Good Shepherd going forth with His sheep. 

Jesus says He sends us forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. We know wolves are there to destroy sheep. Sheep need to be cared for, watched over and guided to fresh pasture and water. They aren't very capable without their shepherd. Neither are we. 
Wolves don't need anyone to tell them which sheep to destroy. He just takes the first convenient sheep he finds. Do you ever feel like no matter what we say or do it's in conflict with someone or something? We as Christians are not politically correct at this point in history. If you study history closely Evangelical Christians have never been politically correct, ie. the Pilgrims, persecutions of the Middle Ages, persecutions by the Romans, and even by Saul/Paul himself.  But Jesus has sent us forth among the wolves. 

We have a job to do. Just as sheep provide wool for clothing, milk, cheese, and yes even meat so we must provide the spiritual things the world needs; the preaching of the Gospel, baptizing, and teaching to observe all the things Jesus has commanded. And He, the Good Shepherd will be with us always, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:19,20).

I've been praying for a vision for young people, to have an opportunity to train these young Christians to observe all the things Jesus has commanded us. Today I saw an amazing answer to those prayers. If God gives you the vision, step out, He'll go with you and answer those prayers He has laid on your heart.

Hey Kids: 

Have you had the opportunity to memorize Psalms 23?

In my first grade class (yes, in public school 1962) I was given that opportunity with a prize for reciting it in front of the class. I was shy and memorized but wouldn't do it in front of a class. But God implanted His word in my heart and now uses me in front of a class every day at school and every Sunday.

That Psalm is about how the Lord leads me along as part of His flock, giving good pasture and good water and a place to rest. 

Memorizing Psalm 23 is a great place to start learning about being a sheep. 
When you are faced with the wolves of this world you will remember whose sheep you are and where to go for help. 

Blessings,

Gail

Prepare, Gather, Minister

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 
        II Timothy 3:15

What would the world be like without teachers to show others the "how" of living life? Not just teachers in a classroom though without them there would be no doctors or preachers or even mailmen and mechanics, policemen or air traffic controllers. 

Where would we be without moms and dads who teach the word of God?

David became the King of Israel at age thirty (II Samuel 5:1-5) but his education as a leader and defender didn't begin there. 

•   His heart was prepared as a child to serve the Lord by serving his family and others (I Samuel 17).
• He gathered those about him who were outcast but willing to serve (I Samuel 22:1,2).
• He became the defender and king of his nation serving until he was seventy years old (II Samuel 5).

Just as David prepared as a child to serve the Lord even the Lord Himself had a period of growth. God chose Mary and Joseph to be Jesus Godly parents to train Him in the ways of the Lord (Isaiah 7:14-16).

• Jesus was prepared to hear and ask questions in the temple at twelve (Luke 2:46,47).
• Jesus gathered His men and prepared them for the work (Luke 6:13).
• Jesus defends us before the Father with His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection (I John 2: 1-3).

Are we preparing with the Holy Scriptures?
Are we gathering like-minded people around us?
Are we ready to be leaders in today's world?

Please share some of the ways you are preparing your family to be leaders for the Lord.

Hey Kids:
What are you preparing to be when you grow up? I know, you've been asked that dozens of times.
Has your plan changed since you were small and thought about being a policeman or a fireman or are you still thinking of that path?

How are you preparing for that future career?

How are you preparing to serve the Lord in that capacity?

King David had no idea he would ever be more than a shepherd but God saw a King.

God has plans for you as well.