Shade Tree isdom 10/10/09

So, the cold air from Canada reached the Gulf Coast last night and did bring some much looked-for relief from the heat. The Predictors tell us this will remain for a bit. Feels wonderful after the hot so late in the season. We thank God for His care.

Our world is filled with change. The Hymn says, “Change and decay in all around I see”. And the older one gets, the more one resists change. The old, familiar places look best to us. I think of sheep. In Israelite times flocks were kept in villages in a common fold. When each Shepherd came to take his flock to pasture, only his own sheep followed him out. They knew the voice, and trusted it.

That’s the picture Jesus also uses when He says, “My sheep hear My voice, and they know Me.” In John chapter 10 we read that Jesus is like the shepherd who “brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and sheep follow him because they know his voice”. V.4.

Recall what Moses told his flock just before they came to the promised land? He said, “Deuteronomy 11:18-21 “18 Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. 20 Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities 21 so that you'll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth.“ In brief, make the words clear to your children by teaching them, talking of them, meditating on them. So make a real effort to walk God’s way because you KNOW His Word.

The Psalmist said, “I have hidden your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Ps. 119,11. And says further, “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” V.30. Why, “That I might not sin against you.” So, in this life, when things seem to change from day to day, the Word is the One Constant to direct our path, to guide our steps, to give us assurance of His presence and care in our life. So Jesus called His disciples and said, “Follow me.” The words used means to follow closely. That is the only way to safety in these troubled times when we pray, “Lord, be our Strength and support among the wearisome changes of this world, and at the end of life grant us Your promised rest and peace at the last. Amen

GPD 10/10/09