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, April 4, 2011

All Things are Possible!

If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue?


Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."

So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying,
"Lord, save me!"

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."

John 14:25-33

Have you ever felt like Peter in the above picture?  Surrounded by the wind and waves of life, sinking deeper and deeper into the waves of worry and doubt?  When something is troubling you and trying to defeat you just remember that Jesus is the great "I AM". The Miracle Maker. The "Sea-Walker"!  Just as Jesus told the disciples to "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid" - we too can learn a lesson here.  We can put away our doubts, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, and step out of our boat when He says "Come." Peter walked on the water when Jesus said "Come". . . Impossible you may say!  Yes, to us somethings do seem impossible but with God, all things are possible.  Just remember that we can do the impossible with the power of Christ in our lives.  Just recognize who Christ is, ask as Peter did - "Lord save me", reach out to Him and take hold of Jesus' outstretched hand, worship and praise His blessed name - name above all names - JESUS - SON  OF  GOD!
So when things begin crowding in around you, just remember "do not be afraid", "trust Jesus" - with God all things are possible!
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