THE LOVE OF MY SHEPHERD,

WHO CROWNS THE FAITHFUL

We all are familiar with the 23^rd Psalm and our Shepherd’s tender care.  Our Shepherd brings comfort in times of sorrow and grief, and I know many of you have shed many tears in the last weeks.  God’s Word has much to say about sheep, shepherds and about our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.  We have all seen the pictures of Jesus holding the little lamb, or Him leading the sheep. But I want to look at other aspects today of our Wonderful Shepherd.

Are you a wondering sheep today? He welcomes the wanderer!  Our Great Shepherd will welcome you home with open arms.  Remember the story in Luke 15:3-7, where Jesus, Himself, tells the story of the lost sheep.  “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”

Think of that, my friend, our Shepherd, with His great love for you will go out and find you and draw you back into the fold.  He loves you so much.  And then think of the rejoicing in Heaven when you return to the fold.  “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” I Peter 2:25.

And then our Shepherd crowns the faithful.  If you are faithful in your walk with the Lord, living for Him and serving Him, you will rewarded by the Lord, Himself, for your love to Him.  The Bible lists five rewards or crowns.

The first one is the incorruptible crown.  This crown will be rewarded to all those who are separated from the world and living unto Christ.  I Corinthians 9:25: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Paul was referring to the Greek games of his day and those who participated were rewarded a crown or garland on their heads.  But, we, as Believers, when we run our race, serving the Lord faithfully, we will be rewarded a crown that last forever.

Then there is the crown of glory. This crown will be rewarded to the Pastor, or to the teacher who has been faithful. “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.  Think of that, you Pastors out there, who have served your flocks, and you teachers of His Word, your work has not been in vain, even though sometimes you were discouraged in the work, God saw your faithfulness and you will be rewarded.

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ when He comes?  Is it not you? ( I Thessalonians 2:19)  This crown is for the soul winner.  Your godly life, your righteous life has been and witness; and people have looked at it and found Christ through you.  You have been out there telling others about Jesus, telling them about the cross and how Jesus died for them and leading them into the Kingdom. 

Then there is the crown of righteousness.  Do you long for His coming?   Then this crown will be rewarded to you.  2 Timothy 4:8: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”

Then there is one final crown found in Revelation 2:10: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.  I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.  Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  This is the crown of life, the Martyr’s crown.  We all know stories of the martyrs down through the ages and years.  And even today, in parts of our world, men and women are giving their lives to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One final blessing is found in Hebrews 13:20, to all my friends out there, as we serve Him faithfully, winning souls, and looking for His Glorious Appearing: “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever, Amen.”

Blessings,

Pastor Sharon Besler

HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE

Many of us have lost loved ones and friends in recent days and weeks.  These dear ones loved Jesus and are now at rest and peace.   Do you wonder, as I do, what heaven is really like?  Our earthly minds can only imagine what they must be experiencing in the presence of the Lord. 

I think of heaven often, and on cloudy days I wonder what it will be like when Jesus steps through those clouds to gather us all home, and I long for Him even more.

And I think of this song: “What a Day that will be when my Jesus I shall see; when He takes me by the hand and leads me to the Promised Land.  And forever I will be with the One who died for me, what day, glorious day that will be.”

As a Pastor I have been with those who are dying, and have seen the very Peace of God resting on them in those moments.  I remember one dear one, when I asked her how she was feeling about her death, and she replied: “I can hardly wait. I am going to see Him face to face.”  Another one of my dearest friends was so excited about Heaven, that we sang songs about Heaven, planned her service.  In fact, we had a rejoicing time.  Then she told me that she had looked up a list of her friends who had gone on ahead and was planning to look them up when she got over there.  Now, that is the peace of God, when knowing that this early body will soon die, leaving loved ones behind, but looking ahead to her heavenly home.  Praise the Lord!

And we think of our loved ones and those final moments, and we read II Corinthians 5:6-8: “So we are always confident that while we at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.  For we walk by faith not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”  Yes, in an instant, think of that, we are present with the Lord!  Earthly cares are gone, no more pain or sickness, we are there in Heaven with our Lord and with our loved ones who have gone on ahead and I can almost hear the angels singing!

“And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  (Revelation 21:4)

When I think of Heaven, I think of golden streets, as written in Revelation 21:21.  And I think of flowers that never fade; beautiful music and most of all the glorious throne of God, and most of all I will see my Savior, Jesus Christ face to face , at last.  I remember so well my dear friend, who was almost 103 years old.  She had a dream of a golden fountain, water running out of it and wondered what that was all about.  Now this dear lady had both legs amputated.  I took her to Revelation 22:1: “And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and the Lamb.”  Then I shared with her that someday soon she would see that fountain and she would be dancing on those golden streets on new legs!  What a time of rejoicing we had.  She passed over soon after her 103^rd birthday.

And I think of what it is like to see Jesus face to face.  To see Jesus with his nail scarred hands and feet, reminding us of the sacrifice He made for our sins, so we could forever be with Him throughout all eternity.  He is the first One I want to see, and I will literally want to fall at His feet and worship Him forever.

It is hard to lose our loved ones. Parting is such sorrow, there seems to be a hole in our lives.  But you know, we really haven’t lost them at all, we know where they are.  We have just lost them in our lives here.  But someday we will all be together again, never having to say “goodbye.”  I think of traveling to see my loved ones and having to tell them “goodbye” for another year or so, and it is so hard.  But then I think of Heaven, and I will never have to tell them goodbye, as we will never again be parted.

“But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  (I Corinthians 2:9)

HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE

1.       We read of a place that’s called heaven,
It’s made for the pure and the free;
These truths in God’s Word He hath given,
How beautiful heaven must be.

o    Refrain:
How beautiful heaven must be,
Sweet home of the happy and free;
Fair haven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be.

2.       In heaven no drooping nor pining,
No wishing for elsewhere to be;
God’s light is forever there shining,
How beautiful heaven must be.

3.       Pure waters of life there are flowing,
And all who will drink may be free;
Rare jewels of splendor are glowing,
How beautiful heaven must be.

4.       The angels so sweetly are singing,
Up there by the beautiful sea;
Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing,
How beautiful heaven must be.

Mrs. A.S. Bridgewater

Blessings,

Pastor Sharon Besler

COVER ME WITH YOUR WINGS

As we are into this New Year, it is a time of reflection and looking forward to the blessings from the Lord that are in store for us this coming year, and His great love to us.  But, are you feeling lost and alone in your life and walk with the Lord?

I am reminded of David in Psalm 63, when he was in the wilderness of Judea, running from his son, Absalom.  One of David’s favorite expressions was the word picture of sitting under the shadow of God’s wings.  “Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. (Psalm 63:7)

Let me tell you about Noah, the dove.  He lives at the Wild Rose Rescue Ranch in East  Texas.  A dog had attacked a mother rabbit and her bunnies, and three of the tiny bunnies were rescued and brought to the ranch, and they were not doing very well.

Noah, the dove, is a non-releasable homing pigeon/ rock dove with one leg.  He began sitting at the door of the bunny cage.  Then they noticed that there were only two bunnies in the cage.  They were surprised to find one tiny bunny had crawled out of the cage and nestled himself under the wings of Noah.  Then Noah took over the care of these bunnies, all three of them.  When one bunny would move out from under the protection of his wings, he would move them back under his wings with his beak. All three bunnies survived and grew healthy and strong, protected under Noah’s wings.  An amazing story and Noah has also helped to nurture other small creatures under his wings, there in the rehab center.

This is what God does when we need the warmth and love He offers.  He gathers us under His loving wings to a warm cradle of protection.  All we need to do in return is to give Him the thanks and praise for being with us.

 “He shall cover You with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.  You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.”  (Psalm 91:4-6)

 We have hope and security in our Lord, just as David did in the desert.   The Lord still offers the same refuge and protection for His children today.  Thus we can rely on our Lord, who loves us and acts on our behalf when we cannot help ourselves.  Just like those little bunnies, we can hide under the covering of His wings.

I am reminded of an old hymn which speaks of hiding under His wings.  Read or sing the words of this song and be reminded of His wonderful love and care.

UNDER HIS WINGS

Under His wings I am safely abiding; tho’ the night deepens and tempest are wild, still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me; He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Under His wings, under His wings, who from His love can sever?  Under His wings my soul shall abide, safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow! How the heart yearningly turns to His rest! Often when earth has no balm for my healing, there I find comfort, and there I am blest.

Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment! There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er; sheltered protected, no evil can harm me; resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.

Father, bless Your people today, hide them under the shadow and covering of your wings.  May they find that covering in joy or sorrow, in sickness and pain.  May they find that comfort in whatever situation may come.  Let them feel your warm presence as they abide in You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Sharon

THE STORY ISN’T OVER

People are now ready to put aside the frantic pace of the holidays.  The trappings of Christmas are put away for another year.  The world now turns its attention to other matters.  And the story of baby Jesus is also put away for another year.

But the story goes on.  Jesus is no longer that baby in the manger.  Let’s turn our focus away from the manger scene of Christmas, as lovely as it is, and look to Jesus, and Him only! 

As we look ahead to this New Year upon us, and not knowing what the future may hold for us individually, nationally or for our world, let’s us look at the Wonderful Name of Jesus.  He is the only Way, the Truth and the Life (John  14:6).  He is the only answer to these troubled times we live in.

Are you filled with fear for what may happen in this year 2011?  Read the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 46:1-3: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.”

Yes, there could be earthquakes, hurricanes and the like, but He is our strength and our refuge when these things come upon us.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet told of the coming Messiah: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

We hear this verse quoted at Christmas and hear it in song.  But to we stop to think about the meaning of these wonderful words.  Yes, a child was born to Mary in fulfillment of the prophecy.  That child was our Lord Jesus, The Messiah.

But also “Unto us a Son was given.”  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16)  God sent His only Son so we would not perish, but have eternal life.  So no matter what happens in our world this coming year, the Lord Jesus Christ has come to bring us salvation, peace in troubled times, and eternal life with Him forever.

And as we look at that verse in Isaiah and think of His Names, our minds are not able to comprehend how Wonderful He is.  Think with me for a moment of all that is contained in the word “Wonderful” as pertaining to our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is our Great Shepherd, He is the Rock of all Ages.  He is Almighty God.   Is He Wonderful to you today?   Is He your shepherd who leads you and comforts you?  Is He the rock you can hide in when troubled times take your peace?  Also in that verse He is our Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  His very Name is Peace.

 Jesus promised us in John 16:33: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  Yes, Jesus overcame the world, went to the cross, died for your sins and mine, and Praise the Lord, He arose from the grave on the third day and how is seated at the right hand of the Father, for you, for me, ever interceding for us and watching over us.

So the Christmas story is not over, it goes on and on, throughout eternity.  God sending His Precious Son as a baby, but grew up, walking among us, feeling our pain, touching the hurting, and He continues to bring us His peace and comfort, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  His Name is truly Wonderful!  That Wonderful Name of Jesus!  And someday we will see Him face to face and forever worship Him and Praise Him for His eternal love toward us.

So when situations arise this year, in your life or in our nation and world, just remember where your strength lies, in the Mighty Name of Jesus!

Blessings,

Pastor Sharon Besler