Good Pastures for Trying Times

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
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Hello Everyone, 
These times are trying.  Please know that all of us at SpiritCare Ministry are holding you all in prayer.  That means we are holding you all with confidence, knowing that ultimately it is God who is holding us all.  Please do not hesitate to call or drop me an email with concerns, joys, or specific prayer requests.  I am here for you. 

Scripture:  John 10:7-9
​Common English Bible 
So Jesus spoke again, “I assure you that I am the gate of the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and outlaws, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture."  ​

Flock of Sheep by Alexia Costin on Pexels.com

Meditation:         
I grew up in ranching country, so the image of good pasture is still dear to me.  I love the references Jesus makes about his people being sheep.  The image that comes to my mind is of sheep traveling together in a flock, almost as one.  I love the idea of our belonging to one another and moving with one another, of our finding our way through the gate together, and then going on to find good and sustaining pasture. 

We are reminded that no matter how narrow the gate is that we must pass through, we will make it through and find nourishment for our soul. It is a beautiful pastoral image and one that brings calm to my heart and mind.  Whatever we need to face, whatever we need to move through, we can find the strength to do so because we know we journey with one another.   This is an honest, yet faith filled way of living our lives: connected and in relationship.   
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Yet, Jesus mentions thieves and outlaws.  That worries us, but we are assured that there is no thief or outlaw who can lock the gate or who can lead us astray.  With eyes and hearts on Christ, we learn to remain steadfast and courageous.  We trust the Good Shepherd, and we know he is tending to us.  There is no reason to be afraid.  Nothing can be taken from us because the gift of eternal life stretches before us like a beautiful green pasture.  We know will be feasting on God's love forever.  We belong to one another, and to God.  We belong, not to thieves, but to Love.   

For our Closing Prayer, let us pray the beautiful Psalm 23 together ( New King James version):   
  
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.   
Amen.  ​

Let us remember that we are always in the house (and pasture) of the Lord.  Nowhere can we go that God is not there.  

Blessed be.  Rev Sue Ann