WE ARE LIKE SHEEP

As humans we are naturally inclined to scatter, to wander about
in our own way. Christ brings us together into Him, as a shepherd
with his sheep. He took the punishment for our selfish and sinful
ways, and made it as if we had never strayed. Jesus Christ was
innocent but became sin for us, so that we, as sinners, would be
declared innocent before God.

Heavenly Father, there is no way we can repay the sacrifice you
made for us. We can only give our lives to you, and as we do, we
ask that you make us more like you. In Jesus' name.

Read Isaiah 53:6

"We all like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his
own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (NIV)

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his
own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (KJV)
    
©2010

WORDS AND THOUGHTS

We live each day bumping against the temptations and tribulations
of this world. It is so easy to allow the things of this world to invade
our thoughts and speech. Without being aware of it, our thoughts and
speech are no different than that of the world. If we ask the Lord each
day to keep watch and guard our thoughts and speech, He will help us
keep them pleasing to Him.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing
in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (NIV)

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be
acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (KJV)

BLESSING AMID THE STORM

We can fully rely on God's grace and mercy when we stand firm in
His ways, in spite of difficult things happening all around us. It is so
easy to blame God and become discouraged, but these difficult times
are among the most blessed when we stay close to Him.

Read 2 Samuel 22:21

"The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me."
(NIV)

"The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness:
according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed
me." (KJV)