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.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole - JESUS is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh - JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year - JESUS is an ever- present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies - JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited - JESUS stands at your door and knocks . . . and then enters your heart. You have to stand in line to see Santa - JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap - JESUS lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He nows our address too.

He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. JESUS has a heart full of love. JESUS offers health, help and hope. Santa says "You better not cry".

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you. Santa's little helpers make toys - JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but - JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree - JESUS became our gift and died on the tree. It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to Put Christ Back in Christmas!

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

I received the above in an email today. I do not know who wrote this but the message is so true.  Santa and money cannot buy any of the things that Jesus offers us - there really is NO comparison to what He alone can give us if we accept HIS GIFT of Salvation.  God's gift to us meant everything - His only Son to die on the cross for your and my sins.  Yes, a Big sacrifice for a Big Gift and it is ours!  Everything that Santa isn't - is ours but only if we accept this Gift from God - His Son - Jesus Christ . . . our redeemer, our deliver, our salvation, and our life!  Take a moment and accept this gift of all gifts - Jesus!   It is for you . . . today!  Merry Christmas!

"For God SO loved the world that He gave His ONE and Only Son, that whoever believes on Him shall not perish but have
Eternal (Everlasting) Life." -John 3:16
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