Isaiah explained that we are all like sheep (Isa53:6). We tend to go our own way, yet we desperately need the sure direction of a shepherd. Psalms 23 describes the trustworthiness of our Good Shepherd. He cares for us (v.1); He provides for our physical needs (v.2); He shows us how to live holy lives (v.3); He restores us, comforts us, heals us and bountifully blesses us (v.3-5); and He will not abandon us (v.6).
What a comfort to know that God gently but firmly leads us! He does so through the urging of the Holy Spirit, the reading of His Word and through prayer. God is the reliable leader we need.
The Lamb who died to save us, is the Shepherd who lives to guide us.
It was natural for Martha and Mary to send for Jesus when Lazarus became seriously ill (John 11:1-3). Perhaps they looked anxiously along the road for signs of His arrival, but Jesus didn’t come. The funeral service had been over for four (4) days when Jesus finally walked into town (v.17). Martha was blunt: ”if you had been here” she said ”my brother would not have died” (v.21). Then her faith flickered into certainty, ”even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (v.22).
Lazarus was dead, and she was wary about opening the tomb. And yet at a word from Jesus, Lazarus’ spirit returned to his decaying body (v.41-44). Jesus had bypassed simply healing His sick friend, in order to perform the far greater miracle of bringing him back to life. Waiting for God’s timing may also give us a greater miracle than we had hoped for.
Time spent waiting on God is never wasted.
00Wafiq Harris-Ashbyhttp://www.hoperoadnazarene.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hrn-logo-520x140-1.pngWafiq Harris-Ashby2017-12-28 09:10:342025-11-25 02:34:05Have Faith, Wait On God
Jesus, the Lord of the Universe and the Creator of all things – chose to dwell among us. As John says “he beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John1:14).
Jesus chose to become intimately involved with all who will come to Him. And, even more significant, for those of us who have received His redeeming love, the Holy Spirit has now set up residence in our hearts to comfort, counsel, convict, lead and teach us.
Lord, I’m amazed that You, the greatest One of all, would take up residence within us! Help us to treasure the gift of Your presence as our ultimate joy. Draw us to Yourself to enjoy intimacy with You.
00Wafiq Harris-Ashbyhttp://www.hoperoadnazarene.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hrn-logo-520x140-1.pngWafiq Harris-Ashby2017-12-27 10:17:072025-11-25 02:35:55He Dwells With Us
God Our Shepherd
/in Steadfast HopeIsaiah explained that we are all like sheep (Isa53:6). We tend to go our own way, yet we desperately need the sure direction of a shepherd. Psalms 23 describes the trustworthiness of our Good Shepherd. He cares for us (v.1); He provides for our physical needs (v.2); He shows us how to live holy lives (v.3); He restores us, comforts us, heals us and bountifully blesses us (v.3-5); and He will not abandon us (v.6).
What a comfort to know that God gently but firmly leads us! He does so through the urging of the Holy Spirit, the reading of His Word and through prayer. God is the reliable leader we need.
The Lamb who died to save us, is the Shepherd who lives to guide us.
Have Faith, Wait On God
/in Steadfast HopeIt was natural for Martha and Mary to send for Jesus when Lazarus became seriously ill (John 11:1-3). Perhaps they looked anxiously along the road for signs of His arrival, but Jesus didn’t come. The funeral service had been over for four (4) days when Jesus finally walked into town (v.17). Martha was blunt: ”if you had been here” she said ”my brother would not have died” (v.21). Then her faith flickered into certainty, ”even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (v.22).
Lazarus was dead, and she was wary about opening the tomb. And yet at a word from Jesus, Lazarus’ spirit returned to his decaying body (v.41-44). Jesus had bypassed simply healing His sick friend, in order to perform the far greater miracle of bringing him back to life. Waiting for God’s timing may also give us a greater miracle than we had hoped for.
Time spent waiting on God is never wasted.
He Dwells With Us
/in Steadfast HopeJesus chose to become intimately involved with all who will come to Him. And, even more significant, for those of us who have received His redeeming love, the Holy Spirit has now set up residence in our hearts to comfort, counsel, convict, lead and teach us.
Lord, I’m amazed that You, the greatest One of all, would take up residence within us! Help us to treasure the gift of Your presence as our ultimate joy. Draw us to Yourself to enjoy intimacy with You.