Graze: To feed on growing grasses.



The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day. What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Just to Be with You

I am going to the Beth Moore Bible study "Stepping Up" - A journey through the Psalms of Ascent. Beth talks about being "face-down" before the Lord and challenged those of us in this study to come before the Lord in such a way.

I just heard this song "Just to Be with You" by Paul Baloche & Jason Ingram - I have to say that it spoke to my heart.  It's when we've been "face-down" before the Lord that we can then lift our eyes to the One enthroned in Heaven! 

Just to Be With You

Lord, my life is an empty cup; Here's my heart,
would You lift me up;
I'm face to the ground, forsaking my pride; leaving my will, my burdens behind.

I have come to the end of me and there's nothing I have to bring.
But You said I belong, You say I am Yours;
Nothing compares to knowing You more.

All I want, all I need is just to be with You, just to be with You
Here I am at your feet just to be with You, just to be with You.

You made a way for me, Oh Savior; I'm Yours forever more;You made a way for me, Oh Savior, I'm Yours forever more; I'm Yours forever more.

~Words & Music by Paul Baloche & Jason Ingram~

This also reminds me of a few verses from Beth's Bible study this week:

"I lift my eyes unto You, the One enthroned in Heaven"; "Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt." ~Psalms 123:1; 3

O blessed be GOD! He didn't go off and leave us. He didn't abandon us defenseless, helpless as a rabbit in a pack of snarling dogs. We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird. They're grip is broken; we're free as a bird in flight. GOD'S strong name is our help, the same God who made heaven and earth.
~Psalm 124:6-8 (Message)

Have you ever asked yourself, "where will my help come from"?  As we are studying these Psalms of Ascent, Beth Moore shares so many insights that point to the Scriptures and tell us to "look to the Maker of heaven and earth"!  "When we call on His name, God promises believers power and victory in the terrifying battles of the spiritual realm. He promised we'd be more than conquerors." - Beth Moore

Is your life empty? Are you at your end?  Don't give up - start "stepping up"!  Christ made a way. Just call on God's strong name - the same God who made heaven and earth and start your upward ascent - start "stepping up".  As the song says, "nothing compares to knowing YOU more, Lord"!
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