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, September 4, 2014

"I Am Who I Am"



New International Version
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM". This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM" has sent me to you.  -Exodus 3:14

This verse was always a bit puzzling to me.  I thought I understood who "I Am" was and what "I Am" did. But after reading the following the true meaning of "I Am" has a whole new meaning and explanation of who and what "I Am" really is, and does, and also brings to light just exactly "who I am" is.

Who is "I Am"?  Who is God?  
God is Love, Peace, Grace, Joy, Mercy, Strength, Safety, Shelter,Power, Provider, Creator, Comforter, Beginning, End, The Way,Truth, Light, Forgiveness. The list is endless!!  Stop and take a good, long, hard, look at everything that has an impact on your life. "I Am" is everywhere - all the time - constant - unchanging. "I Am" is in the little minute things in life. "I Am" is in the exciting, thrilling episodes of life. But most of all I believe "I Am" is present in the strong-holds of our lives - sustaining us - upholding us in His right hand (Isaiah 41:10) - steadying our feeble walk through this journey called life. As a parent holds up their child and looks at that child in love, awe and wonderment and whispers "you are mine" . . . so does God the great "I Am" in His still, quiet voice speak to our hearts and say . . ."YOU ARE MINE"!
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