David, The Shepherd of the Hills
"Only a boy named David," a young shepherd boy, entrusted to care for his father's sheep. Boring job for a teen, who'd rather be playing Nintendo--or whatever they did for fun in those days! But God, who loves shepherds, had a plan for David's life--and the sheep-watcher became the worship-leader of his little flock. Day after day, the congregation of sheep enjoyed "sermons in song"--the same ones we read today in God's Word. And all the while, God was preparing him to be a king, a ruler of His people. God's preparation time for the person He wants to use is never waste of time--and so troubles, trials, hard times, good times--the care of the sheep--all became lessons in the life of David, the sheep-watcher, the one God loved.
And God loves you too, sheep-watcher--wherever in the fields you're doing your boring, hard, disciplined job. Sheep can get cranky, irritable, strong-willed, disobedient--and do some dumb things--and so may be the people you work with, or minister to, day after day. But don't despair--God is training you for a special work in His Kingdom--let Him put His music in your heart today--be available--for sheep-watchers become kings. The Great Shepherd is faithful to His servants and your crown is coming...it's just a matter of time!
The Shepherds of the Fields
"While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground..." You remember the song and certainly the story. Lowly shepherds, on a cold, wintry hillside, just doing their job--sheep-watching--when the Glory of God shown round about them. Scared them to death--surprised the daylights out of them even at night! Angels in the middle of the night--who would have ever dreamed it! But it wasn't a dream--it was for real. God showed His marvelous love and the unfolding of His promises to some sheep-watchers who never expected that kind of special treatment!
And He's got a miracle of gladness and glory for you too, sheep-watcher--wherever you're doing God's work in the fields. Nothing ever happens here, they say--UNTIL the Glory of God appears and all is changed--forever changed by His love. That's what He loves to do for faithful sheep-watchers, diligent to perform their duties--even when it's hard--and cold. So look up--His glory is about to shine for you--for sheep-watchers' eyes and ears are trained to see and hear His glory. The Great Shepherd will be faithful to His servants...your miracle is coming...it's just a matter of time!
The Shepherd of the Flock
"Only to be what He wants me to be..." So sang the shepherd of the flock where YOU graze, as he or she surrendered to the Will of God. The call to the ministry is a sacred one and a hard one; only the ones whom the Good Shepherd calls will make it. It's a rough world--for along with the joys of feeding the flocks are the pains of caring for them--carrying them, disciplining them, hurting with them and for them, loving them through thick and thin. A pastor's job is not easy--he needs our love, our support and our fervent prayers.
You and I are part of that flock--and you know how hard WE are to get along with--what patience and grace God bestows upon us that we would even be called the sheep of His pasture! Multiply you and me by the millions of sheep all over the world--each with unique personalities, problems, perplexities--and quirks--and you and I both know it's no easy job for any shepherd, anywhere in our world!
A Hurting Word...