“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings” (Psalms 23:5 NLT)
There should be little doubt in the hearts of those who know the Shepherd that He is good, regardless what the circumstances we should find ourselves in. His heart is always the care, feeding, protecting His flock.
“You prepare a feast” He has prepared a feast for us in plain view of everyone. Isn't that an amazing promise, but more than a promise, it is complete. It's a daily feast laid out before us. We are called to a banquet of His love, fellowship, peace, prosperity and His presence, every moment of every day!
This banquet is reserved for those who love, honor and obey Him, it's not available to those who revile and dishonor the name of our Shepherd. Our enemies can see how our Shepherd honors us, how we receive answers to our prayers, are prosperous, have joy and peace, but those who dishonor the Shepherd are not willing to come to Him to receive those things they desire.
Our Shepherd welcomes us as one who one who would be considered “an Honored guest” not just another invitee at a banquet, but a person of privilege. The anointing of oil is reserved for those who have been specially chosen for a position. Kings and priests are anointed. The prophets announced the Messiah as “The Anointed One” A person who carries great authority on earth with all the powers and privileges of Jehovah. (Isaiah 42:1-9)
We also have been anointed with all power and authority through our Shepherd Jesus Christ (Luke 10:19-20), who has given us the Holy Spirit as a down payment of inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit is also God, so don't ever misunderstand the purpose of His presence in our lives. He is what makes us Holy and gives us the right standing with the Father, through Jesus’ payment for our sins.
We are anointed for a special mission in the world and the Holy Spirit guarantees our success as we cooperate with Him. We are set apart has Holy vessels to carry the message of God's grace and blessing to the whole world; every tribe, nation and tongue (Revelation 7:9)
I've recently took up the task of journaling my daily adventure. Over the past nine months I've seen countless blessings come into my life, things that would have normally been lost in memory. Before I began this task of writing down the events and blessings of each day, I would remember those big events, but lose or forget those moment by moment answers that I have taken for granted.
For instance- traveling mercies come to mind. There have been many times I say a quick prayer for travel, and totally forget the answered prayer when I arrive safely on the other side. Seems silly, but those are daily blessings and it's remembering those small moments of the Lord's provision that grow our faith. We recognize the closeness of our Shepherd and experience His care and provision on a constant daily basis.
Another beautiful picture of this blessing is, when we blow it, as we usually do in some way, “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). He never quits or removes his blessing from us, but everyday is a new day to experience His forgiveness, love and praise Him for all these countless daily blessings.
With the knowledge of our Shepherd in our lives and keeping our attention on Him, following Him in all our ways, trusting His leadership, growing up in His Word and walking the paths of righteousness which brings honor and glory to our Shepherd, our lives will burst with streams of living water, flowing over everyone we meet. No one should leave our presence without being drenched in blessings that flow through us to others from our Shepherd. (John 7:38)
The blessings of the Lord chase down the righteous (Proverbs 13:21), He holds nothing back.
“If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you. The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me, I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer, I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them.” (Psalms 91:9, 14-15 NLT)
Copyright©2011 -tathorpe -All Rights Reserved-
There should be little doubt in the hearts of those who know the Shepherd that He is good, regardless what the circumstances we should find ourselves in. His heart is always the care, feeding, protecting His flock.
“You prepare a feast” He has prepared a feast for us in plain view of everyone. Isn't that an amazing promise, but more than a promise, it is complete. It's a daily feast laid out before us. We are called to a banquet of His love, fellowship, peace, prosperity and His presence, every moment of every day!
This banquet is reserved for those who love, honor and obey Him, it's not available to those who revile and dishonor the name of our Shepherd. Our enemies can see how our Shepherd honors us, how we receive answers to our prayers, are prosperous, have joy and peace, but those who dishonor the Shepherd are not willing to come to Him to receive those things they desire.
Our Shepherd welcomes us as one who one who would be considered “an Honored guest” not just another invitee at a banquet, but a person of privilege. The anointing of oil is reserved for those who have been specially chosen for a position. Kings and priests are anointed. The prophets announced the Messiah as “The Anointed One” A person who carries great authority on earth with all the powers and privileges of Jehovah. (Isaiah 42:1-9)
We also have been anointed with all power and authority through our Shepherd Jesus Christ (Luke 10:19-20), who has given us the Holy Spirit as a down payment of inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit is also God, so don't ever misunderstand the purpose of His presence in our lives. He is what makes us Holy and gives us the right standing with the Father, through Jesus’ payment for our sins.
We are anointed for a special mission in the world and the Holy Spirit guarantees our success as we cooperate with Him. We are set apart has Holy vessels to carry the message of God's grace and blessing to the whole world; every tribe, nation and tongue (Revelation 7:9)
I've recently took up the task of journaling my daily adventure. Over the past nine months I've seen countless blessings come into my life, things that would have normally been lost in memory. Before I began this task of writing down the events and blessings of each day, I would remember those big events, but lose or forget those moment by moment answers that I have taken for granted.
For instance- traveling mercies come to mind. There have been many times I say a quick prayer for travel, and totally forget the answered prayer when I arrive safely on the other side. Seems silly, but those are daily blessings and it's remembering those small moments of the Lord's provision that grow our faith. We recognize the closeness of our Shepherd and experience His care and provision on a constant daily basis.
Another beautiful picture of this blessing is, when we blow it, as we usually do in some way, “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). He never quits or removes his blessing from us, but everyday is a new day to experience His forgiveness, love and praise Him for all these countless daily blessings.
With the knowledge of our Shepherd in our lives and keeping our attention on Him, following Him in all our ways, trusting His leadership, growing up in His Word and walking the paths of righteousness which brings honor and glory to our Shepherd, our lives will burst with streams of living water, flowing over everyone we meet. No one should leave our presence without being drenched in blessings that flow through us to others from our Shepherd. (John 7:38)
The blessings of the Lord chase down the righteous (Proverbs 13:21), He holds nothing back.
“If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you. The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me, I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer, I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them.” (Psalms 91:9, 14-15 NLT)
Copyright©2011 -tathorpe -All Rights Reserved-
2 comments:
I loved this. It is so true, as long as we hold onto our faith, He will fill every need and our desires will fall into line with His will. Then our lives will be complete – as much as is possible while we walk upon this earth. Psalm 91 has always been one of my favorites. It has strengthened me during some really rough times.
I find peace and courage through the Psalms. It's really hard to choose a favorite because each one speaks to every situation we encounter. I have to agree that Psalm 91 speaks to many heart and faith issues.
Terrie
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