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, December 29, 2011

Ten Ways to Love



1.      LISTEN without interrupting. (Proverbs 18)

2.      GIVE without sparing. (Proverbs 21:26

3.      PRAY without ceasing. (Colossians 1:9)

4.      ANSWER without arguing. (Proverbs 17:1)

5.      SHARE without pretending. (Ephesians 4:15)

6.      ENJOY without complaint. (Philippians 2:14)

7.      TRUST without wavering. (1 Corinthians 13:7)  

8.      FORGIVE without punishing. (Colossians 3:13)

9.      PROMISE without forgetting. (Proverbs 13:12)

10.  SPEAK without accusing. (James 1:19)

I couldn't help but think of how our world would be different if everyone would truly read the Bible and take it to heart and soul!  There would be no missunderstanding, no heartache, no arguing, no interrupting.  There would be trust, forgiveness, sharing, caring, and praying.
I challenge you as this new year approaches, read your Bible, study your Bible, memorize your Bible (though I am not good at memorizing!!) but take it to heart.  Live it out every day of your life! Not just when you are in church but every day - take it home with you and put it into practice with everyone that you meet.  Your family, your friends, your neighbors, your cashiers . . . everybody you come into contact with.
I challenge you to take note of the changes you see as they happen right before your eyes!  Some may not be evident right away - but just watch and wait and see how God works through you as you take His Word and put it into Practice . . . everyday of your life.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)