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.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

How Firm a Foundation

The authorship of this well known hymn has always been a mystery.  It first appeared in 1787 in Selection of Hymns, published by Dr. John Rippon and is classified as an American melody. What an American melody and message it has!

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said - To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with thee - O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

When thru the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow; for I will be with thee thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When thru fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee - I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; that soul, tho all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never - no, never - no never forsake.

What more can He say than to you He hath said - To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled.


I look around and there are so many people struggling.  Struggling with finances, families, food, shelter, health, jobs, and just plain old life in general.  Many are looking for the quick fixes, make-overs, and the claim to fame or success!  But unless our lives are built on the firm foundation of Christ all is in vain. Our strength and stability lie in Christ alone.  We can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. . ." Hebrews 13:6

Here are some "Foundational Verses" to stand on:

"Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God..." Isaiah 41:10

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee . . ." Isaiah 43:2

"My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness . . ."  2 Corithians 12:9

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee . . ."  Hebrews 13:5

 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Fear not, I am with thee - O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.
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