Forage: Search widely for food or provisions - looking over the fence and seeing greener pastures, at a distance - wandering off -
Without protection - open to the attacks of the enemy - having moved beyond The Shepard's established pasture - He has to seek us out and bring us back - sometimes breaking our legs to keep us from wandering off again
- when we stay within the boundaries He has set for us we are protected -
The Shepard has provided nourishment for us but in our rebellion we search out food of our own choosing - empty of nutrients - junk food that tastes good but that does not sustain life - we think, in our ignorance that we are following the Shepard because we see other sheep but he is the hireling - who does not lay down his life for his sheep - his intentions are for himself not for his flock
- there is One true shepherd and His sheep hear His voice!
We are a stubborn people - refusing correction - prideful - unwilling to be pliable in His hands or retrainable!
When the Truth presents Itself - we close our eyes, ears, and often our heart to receive its life changing message, because it goes against the traditions of our denominations!
The simplicity of Truth - the beauty of obedience to His Word, is the fulfillment of His design for our needs! True worship = obedience; resulting in fruit; love, (ability to love for the sake of Love; without an agenda), joy (elation at the miracles continually occurring around us in the midst of storms), peace (knowledge and comfort that God is at work no matter what we see), patience (extending grace to those because grace was extended to us), kindness (being the hand or arms of God), self control (turning over your will in obedience to His will)!
"Hear the word of the Lord, You children of Israel, For the Lord brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land: “There is no truth or mercy Or knowledge of God in the land. By swearing and lying, Killing and stealing and committing adultery, They break all restraint, With bloodshed upon bloodshed. Therefore the land will mourn; And everyone who dwells there will waste away With the beasts of the field And the birds of the air; Even the fish of the sea will be taken away." (Hosea 4:1-3 NKJV)
Time is short!
Repent!
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 11/28/13, 1/29/17
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