The Good Shepherd

September 28, 2016

Welcome to my Blog, my Friends!

Let’s talk about sheep…

Jesus Reinstates Peter:

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of Jonas, do you love me more than these?'”

“Yes, Lord, he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said,  “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of Jonas, do you love me?”

He answered, ” Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

*”The third time Jesus asks Simon Peter, the Lord uses Peter’s own word, and His question seems to say, “Dost thou, in personal affection and devotion, really love Me?” The third time, to him who had three times denied Christ, and this time the love which Peter knows has ever filled his soul seems to be doubted. The question cuts to the very quick, and in the agony of the heart smarting beneath the wound, he appeals in more empathetic words than before to the all-seeing eye that could read the very inmost secrets of his life, “Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.”

What Jesus is saying to Simon Peter here, “Feed my lambs; be a shepherd to the weak ones of the flock; feed these weak ones.”  He who loved Christ is to be like Christ, a good shepherd, giving his life for the sheep who are Christ’s. He who had been loved and forgiven, held up that he might not fall, restored after he had fallen, is what Christ had been to him – feeding men with spiritual truths as they can bear them, gently guiding and caring for those who are as the weak ones of the flock through ignorance, prejudice, waywardness. The chief work of every true apostle of Christ, is to win back the erring, helpless, sinful sons of men; and the power which fits them for this work is the burning love which quickens all other gifts and graces, and can appeal to the Good Shepherd Himself, “Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.”

No one can be qualified to feed the sheep and lambs of Christ, who does not love the good Shepherd more than any earthly advantage or object. It is the great concern of every good man, whatever death he dies, to glorify God in it; for what is our chief end but this, to die to the Lord, at the word of the Lord?”

Personally, I’m focused on becoming the best good shepherd I can be, because it’s the most  important thing I’ll ever do in my lifetime. If we love our Savior, Jesus Christ, we must work for Him, The Good Shepherd, and watch over, feed and take care of His sheep …”win back the sinful souls of men.”

My prayer for all of us this week, is that we will love our Lord Jesus with all our hearts and that we will dedicate our lives to the work of our beloved Jesus Christ, The Good Shepherd. 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.”  – Luke 10:27

GOD is Good! GOD is Great!! Always!!!

I love you,

Margaret

*Note: A special Thank You, to BibleGateway.com, for biblical clairity of the scripture – John 21:15-17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lu, The Brave Heart

Monday, September 19, 2016

Welcome to my Monday Blog, Everyone!

* * * * * *

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me…

When I am gone, Release me, Let me go-

I have so many things to see and do, 

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,

Be thankful for our beautiful years,

I gave to you my love, You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness,

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust,

It’s only for a time that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me, Call, and I will come.

Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near,

And if you listen with your Hearts, you’ll hear

All my love around you soft and clear,

And then, when you must come this way alone

I’ll greet you with a smile and say:

“Welcome Home”

Saundra “Lu” McBride – April 29, 1939 – August 13, 2016

* * * * * * * 

It’s been exactly one month today, since my best friend “Lu” was sent on her merry way to that Great Mansion in the sky—Hallelujah!! Oh, but  I miss her so much. As a matter of fact, I had to put myself on the Blogger’s Wait List as I was too sad to write these past few weeks—I simply had to wait until I could put these words down without crying all over my keyboard, plus, there’s nothing worse than a Monday Morning Downer, right?

“Lu” was eight years older than I and I’ve had sixty-eight years to love, honor and respect her with all my heart and soul. She spent her Life showing her love, devotion and loyalty to her family and friends—She truly ROCKED!!

My first memory of her was when I was about four years old. It’s a flashing first memory but I remember it well. I was walking up a steep hill with my little hand firmly wrapped inside another’s, as we both walked side-by-side up what seemed to a little one like me, to be a never-ending gravel road. This chilling memory is quite vivid even in this very moment, and as we were walking slowly, watching a blaze of fire across the road from us, I was frightened. I could actually feel the heat from the fire. I held tightly to that warm hand, looked up and into those safe and loving eyes of hers —my Lu. I was four, she was twelve, and from my vantage point she was my protector, a fearless giant! This blaze of fire was attached to a house with black smoke billowing high into the sky. Every few seconds, another blaze of fire would break out and scatter wildly. This house was the house my family lived in and we stood there and watched as it burned to the ground.

From that day forward, it was apparent to me that there was noone else, besides my Mother, that I trusted with my life, more than “Lu”. She was the oldest of nine children (when Mother finally called it a day, after #9) and needless to say, “Lu” got the short end of the stick…always! Since our father was an alcoholic and our Mother was the Saint who was going to save him, “Lu” was forced to assume the title roll of Surrogate Mother for her eight younger siblings. As it turned out, “Lu” was also a Saint and accepted her incredible responsibilities early on, without ever complaining—I mean never!!

“Lu” was unlike anyone I’ve ever met. She knew the score, and she never let it get her down or in the way of her mission. She was not only my hero, but her courage and integrity was an example for us all. When I think about growing up without “Lu”, it sure makes me sad; however, no doubt, God knew what He’s was doing…for ALL of us. Thank you, God!

“Lu” paved the way for all her siblings and encouraged us to see the world as how it could be, not necessarily as it was (for us). Today, I share these memories of my wonderful first best friend, “Lu” and I’ll not stop missing her until I can put my arms around her, look into her safe and loving eyes once again, and say…THANK YOU, “Lu”, my  HERO! I LOVE YOU THE MOST!!  xo, #6

My prayer for us all this week is that we will cherish our loved ones while we’re blessed to have them. Honor them and thank our Heavenly Father for giving them to us, as we’re all on-loan to each other while we are here. We’re each a gift to one another, to love and learn from, while hopefully enriching each others lives in various ways along our journey.

GOD is Good! GOD is Great!! Always!!!

I love you All,

Margaret

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  —Romans 12:10

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” —John 4:7-8