Trinkets v. Treasures

God is good and sweet in His timing.

I have tried to sit down and write this particular post for the passed 4 nights and each time something stopped me.
Honestly- I was frustrated that it is Thursday and I had not had time to put into words something that I am confident the Lord specifically put on my heart.

It is Disciple Now season at the student building- a joyful. stressful and all-around busy time around our office.
Free time has been lacking…but I have so been desiring to write!

It was not until this morning while I was in Linn Park that I knew exactly why I had not had time to write-
The Lord had something else to show me. Another piece to the puzzle.
A visual to give picture to my heart.

On many Thursday mornings I have the joy of going to a park in downtown Birmingham and work with a ministry called Grace’s Kitchen.
If you spend more than 5 minutes around me on any given day you have probably heard me talk about this ministry- these people.
These members of my family.

Grace’s Kitchen is a ministry that serves a hot meal to people who are without food and shelter in the center of our city.
We pray together, read scripture together and do a little bit of singing.

Many of them have no homes at all.
Some sleep in abandoned houses on the north side of town.
Some sleep under the overpasses beside the BJCC.
Some shelter hop. Some have been blessed to have a home in the government housing.
Some use their VA check to sleep in a hotel just for one week when they can.
Some sleep under card board boxes behind the Regions building.

They are all, in some form or fashion, in desperate need.
Lacking much.

Why does this make connect to what the Lord put on my heart?

Let me get there- Prayerfully this will all come full circle!

Two weeks ago as I was driving into work the Lord put a phrase in my head-

“Earthly Trinkets versus Eternal Treasures”

Okay, Lord?

I am not trying to buy a new car. I do not buy ALL that I want at GAP.
I do not get a brownie every time I go to Zoes.
And I give to people who are in need.

This is just a money issue.

I have this down pat. I do not need to learn a lesson about trinkets versus treasures.


As the Lord often does to my stubborn heart-
I was made totally uncomfortable until I started to pray about this.

It was continually brought before me.

My best friend tweeted about treasures and earthly pleasures.
Every song I heard was about “nothing comparing to the greatness of knowing Christ”
My sweet Nana died leaving items (trinkets) behind that she did not take along with her to Glory.

My attention was forced.
Here I am, Lord.
What do I need to learn here?

I wrote the phrase on a post it at home and the office and started to wait…

BOOM.

In the middle of the night. (Why, Lord, always a night?)
The list of Trinkets flooded my mind.
Consumed my very spirit.

No-
I do not own jewels or numerous homes-
But I thought to myself that these trinkets that the Lord placed before my heart to consider may not be ITEMS but IDEALS.

What in this world do I place in my life as more important than the things of Jesus?

What things of Christ do I forfeit so that I may achieve greatness on this earth?

What goals do I set for myself that edge me away from walking in the very will of Christ?


What TRINKETS are distracting me from the TREASURES of King Jesus?

I could not help but think of Babylon and how distracted the people of Daniel’s time were with the world in which they lived.
It was a city of great beauty- the people desired to be “without blemish, skillful, wise, worthy of standing in the King’s place” (Daniel 1:4-5)

You see- Satan wants me to trade in the treasures of Christ for the trinkets of this world.

Chasing trinkets (worldly knowledge and earthly pleasures) will only keep me from enjoying and growing in the treasures of Christ.
This is exactly the goal of the enemy.

God is faithful to provide for us encouragement and truth in His word so that we might arm ourselves up against the enemy.

I love when Paul speaks about putting on a “new self” in Colossians.

Chapter 3 verse 1 of Colossians says:

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”


Incredible.
My “self” of sin has died and been made new in Christ Jesus.

Christ is my life. My life is hidden with Christ in God.

The former treasures of a sinful self become trinkets when compared to God’s glory and knowing Him as Savior.

So why then do I choose to chase after and lift high the trinkets of the earth over the treasures of Christ?

I know why- because seeking earthly trinkets bring about worldy glory.
Glory in this world is enticing.
To be recognized as great and worthy- to be delighted in.
It is a tempting and dangerous opportunity.

I am so guilty of finding the trinkets of this world so very tempting.
Success is something that is beautiful here. To be accomplished is exhilarating and affirming.

How does this relate to my morning in Linn Park?

I will tell you 

I stood today surrounded by the homeless and tired.

They carried all of their belongings on there backs.
EVERYTHING that they owned on their person.

Standing in the midst of the park I was blown away with the lack of physical trinkets that they had.

As I mentioned above- most of them have no place to call home or belonging to claim-
However so many of them treasure Christ as their all-in-all.

To see people with so little content because of the treasures that are stored up in Christ is astounding.


A sweet brother, that I will call Ray, has a backpack that he protects and always has at his side.
It is blue, torn and tattered.

I asked Ray if he would share with me what was inside the pack-
A flashlight. Bible. Scripture cards from Graces Kitchen. Pair of Gloves. 3 packs of PB crackers.

“All that I need” He said. All that he needs.

What few trinkets.

As I sit here typing surrounded by an office full of crap-
I must admit that I am a lover of trinkets and sick to be so.

Ray’s treasure is in Christ.
Few trinkets is not defeat.

Why in the world, brothers and sisters, would I choose the pleasures of this world over the true joy and gladness in knowing and living a life for Christ?

I am in tears thinking of what this must make us look like to a God who offers us all- and we settle for less.

King Jesus- forgive my selfish heart. I have far too much affection for the things of the world- the physical trinkets and the trinkets that are not seen but are dreamed up and longed for. I realize that all of these things are rubbish compared to You. Help me to sift through my life and recognize the invaluable. Give me the boldness to let go of the empty things realizing that they will be replaced with things that bring honor to your name and have value everlasting. You are good. Thank you for making me uncomfortable in my comfort. Amen.


What trinkets are you treasuring above Christ?


“And the things of earth will grow strangely dim- in the light of His glory and grace…”

Stormy Weather.

STORM.

One has just ended. One is coming.

Many are ahead. Many are behind us.

The word STORM has come up more times that I would like to recount in the passed week.

In nature. In family. In friendships. In my relationship with the Lord.

What are these storms? What will I learn from them? How will they change me?

This time pondering storms began with in this moment:

Last week I went to the First Light shelter in Birmingham and spent some time talking with and loving on the women of this ministry.
A sweet woman, lets call her Gladice, was sharing with me her testimony. Filled with abuse and despair- Gladice’s life is one that has had many a storm.
This sweet sister looked at me with tear-filled eyes and grabbed my hands. She then said a phrase that dug its way quickly to my core…
“Little girl- Storms ARE coming in life. Big and small- we can’t hide from them. I have tried- they force there way in. But God is with us in them. Saves us from them.
The storms aren’t as scary knowing we always have Jesus to cover our heads and keep us from harm”

Incredible. Re-read that. Truth in those words.

I love words and knowing the meaning of them.

Definition of Storm-
Noun: A violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow.
Verb: Move angrily or forcefully in a specified direction

Synonyms of Storm:
Tempest. Gale. Assault. Rage.

All negative.
Angry. Disturbing. Strong. Rage. Specific.

I cannot name one “storm” in my life that I have craved.
I have never cried out to the Lord…Send a violent season to me! Disturb my days! Specifically bring destruction and hurt to my life!

None the less- Storms have come. God has been good- never failed me.
And at the end of each storm a lesson was learned and a heart was molded to look more like Jesus and less like this world.

God allows the storms. Uses them in our lives to humble us, draw us to Himself, and remind us that He is a refuge for us.

I think of the storms that are going on in my life and spirit right now-
Some are heavier than others- All of them are keeping me up at night.

((( Venting time- Night time is when the storms are the hardest for me to bear. I worry. I do not sleep. The “thunder” is the loudest then.)))

Now… for the HOPE in the STORMS that I, more than ever, need to be reminded of.


Luke 8:22-25

Jesus Calms a Storm

" 22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”


I read this just this morning and got so frustrated with the men in the boat.
Why didn’t they just trust Jesus to calm the storm?
Why did they believe that they were perishing when Jesus was right beside them?

They knew He could do it. They knew He was in control.
They knew that in His time the storm would pass and they would be safe.
Why in the world didn’t they trust him?

I put my hazelnut coffee down on the coffee table.
Stood up.
Looked at myself in the mirror… (Literally…judge not)
And said…

“Amy. Marie. Houston. Byrd.
Why are you not trusting Jesus to calm the storms.
You know He can do it. You know He is in control.
You know that in His time the storm will pass and you will be safe.
Why in the WORLD aren’t you trusting him?”

Y’all. Why is it so hard to live out daily the hope we HAVE in Jesus?

People will Leave. Fail. Disappoint. Hurt.
Jesus will not.

Life will be complicated. Ever changing. Unpredictable.
Jesus is never-changing.

Storms will Pound us. Move us. Scare us.
Jesus will be refuge.

I guess in all of this I am trying to say to you-
What are your storms?

Don’t say you don’t have any. You do. You will.
To quote Gladice- “Storms ARE coming. Big and Small”

One of my dearest friends, Kelsie, and I were running errands this passed Saturday and found ourselves in the midst of a conversation that both encouraged me and drew me quickly to the feet of Jesus.

We just both admitted that we have know clue what life the Lord has ahead of us. We know that there will be difficult days where we feel like we have been defeated.
We know many days will be filled with joy and blessings. And the unknown was almost too much for either of us to verbalize....however...we both encouraged and reminded each other that our Savior has gone before us and made a way.

Our God will prepare us for the storms. He will be with us in all of our days and as we take each of our steps.

I pray that today as you weather the storms that may consume your heart that you may find hope in Christ who is our refuge and strength. That we could place our trust in a God whose timing is infallible and whose plan is intentional. Our God is ever present in our time of need. Lean on Him. Let Him hold you up and be your strength.

Free at last...

"Oh Lord- surely you would not ask me to give up these plans. This person. This dream."
"Father- you would certainly not ask of me to let go of such an incredible opportunity"
"Jesus- you would not ask of me to say goodbye to something I hold so dear"


Welcome, brothers and sisters, into the depths of my most recent prayers and cries of my heart.

God is teaching me what it is to surrender.
What it feels like to let go of things that I am holding in my hands so tightly...
to release my grip would is quite a task...

What are these things I am holding to so tightly you ask?
They are quite simple, really.

Have you ever prayed to our Lord and said...

"Father, Use me! Send me! However- please do not send me anywhere where I cannot easily communicate with my family or the ones I love..."

or...

"Dear Lord, Here I am. Take my life at any cost. But please do not ask me to give up my dreams of becoming...etc...etc..."

I am SO often conditional in my surrender.

But by definition- surrender has no conditions.
If I am to surrender-I am to SURRENDER ALL.
Give it up.
Pass it along.
Open my grip and keep my hand flat and fingers apart.

This task is one that can be done only by the help of a God who honors obedience and asks us to trust Him with our spirits and souls.


WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING SO TIGHTLY?
A relationship? A dream? A fear? An opportunity?

I had the opportunity to go to Passion in Atlanta two weeks ago and worship with 45,000 of my closest friends and neighbors.
Overwhelming to say the least.

On the first night of worship- as I sat in the very tip top of the Georgia dome- the Lord placed in front of me an anthem...
Specifically for me. (Out of all those people...neat huh?)

LET IT BE MY JOY TO SAY...YOUR WILL...YOUR WAY...ALWAYS.

My mouth dropped. I could not sing these words- not until I swallowed what my words meant.
This is exactly the kind of prayer I have been avoiding.
I was moved to see the words cross the screen-
and honestly ticked off that the Lord was picking on me.
Getting to me in a place where I can all but avoid exactly what He was trying to tell me.

"Amy- Give up. Surrender. Follow me. Trust me."

I would love to say that my desires and the Lord's always parallel-
that MY WAY and the LORDS WAY are always the same.

But that is most often not the case.

The Lord's way is tried and true a better way. The best way.
However-it is so hard to give up our plans and the ways that we saw our lives to play out...

I cannot help but think of Paul.

Did this brother in Christ imagine that one day God would place Him in a jail cell?
Was this a part of Paul's (or younger Saul's) dream?

I doubt it.

Somewhere along Paul's journey he grasped a concept that I so desperately want to cling to myself-
To live is Christ. To die is gain.

Here these words of SURRENDER that he wrote while in a jail cell-


But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
(Philippians 3:7-11 ESV)

O. My. Word.

Father may my heart me so in tune with your very spirit that I can truly count EVERYTHING as a loss.
Because you are worthy.

Letting go will be tough. My hands being opened and forced a part will be trying-
but at the end of that process there will be a life that is totally surrendered to the will of a God who is intentional and good.


Father God- Loosen my grip. Help me trust you and count all that I consider dear a loss compared to You. In you there is life abundant and all that I need. My very spirit is not mine- but is yours to mold, lead, guide and move. Have your way in me. Restore my soul for your name sake. Amen.


Free at last, I surrender all I am with opened hands.

The Kid

I will admit that this post is totally unlike the others that I normally put up, however, this is a topic that I cannot help but share my thoughts on!

One of my dearest forever-friends has been blessed with an incredible opportunity and I am beyond proud.

To describe this man as a dear friend does not begin to scratch the surface of what he has meant to my heart in the years that I have known him. He is a brother. ( and a wonderful one at that.)

We do not talk everyday and I never know what state he is in- but I know that if/when I need him that he will be at my side in a flash with a sarcastic joke and word of wisdom.

This brother is Ryan Kinder.

Ryan has had dreams of writing and playing music for as long as I have known him. If my math is correct- He has been in my life for about 11 years- all the while passing new song lyrics in drivers ed for me to read and emailing me ideas for new songs he would like to tackle.

We have seen him play at battle of the bands, beauty walks, college parties, beach hang outs, comedy clubs, work play, high school lunch rooms...and that is just to name a few :)

Ryan's passion and drive for writing music that is solid and raw is an incredible blessing.
He is a gifted former of thoughts and does so beautifully in the songs that he is written and music he has made.
To know his heart is to read the lyrics of his tunes.

The road to get Ryan from where he started to where he is now has been a long one-
many a day where the "future" and the "dreams" seemed impossible- out of reach- and so far away that frustration was the only option.
This kid pressed on. Didn't quit and has given all those who doubted that he could do this a little punch in the gut.

A few weeks ago I got a phone call from Ryan with some sweet news that we have been waiting for/praying for/hoping for. I sat in my car with tears in my eyes thinking about the journey behind him and the life ahead of him.

Ryan signed to a record label and the opportunities/experiences that he has ahead are sure to be challenging and incredible. They will change his life.

I am so anxious and thrilled to see the ways that the Lord continues to allow Ryan to use his gifts.

Seeing Ryan go through this journey has been an incredible learning experience for me as well- a challenge.

How many of my dreams/goals have I put on the backburner or given up on completely because I thought that they were too far out of reach of that I was "dreaming to big"?

As long as I have known Ryan- he has not stopped fighting for and pursuing his dream.
I am so proud and overjoyed in his diligence and his spirit.

Thinking back on Ryan's journey has been a sweet reminder that if the Lord calls us to a task- whether it is to be a rock star or a school teacher- that He will equip us to complete the task and make us look more like Jesus along the journey.


I am thankful for Ryan Kinder and love him to the core. Excited to continue to watch his journey.

Now time for you to look at corny pictures of Ryan/Ryan & I over these past 11 years...
Enjoy and Be Blessed this day!

Through the Rivers.

I do not know about you but the business of the holidays has just about worn me out...The parties, cooking, decorating, sitting in traffic...all while listening to Christmas music and secretly looking forward to this "seasons" departure.

This weekend I was battling the traffic of Highway 31.
A seemingly endless 4 lane road of bumper to bumper cars.
It is a true joy.

I realized that this would be a perfect moment to turn off my Carpenters Christmas album and talk with the Lord- an act that often goes to the side burner when my schedule gets full and my time slim.

(Does this happen to you too? Try turning down that music in the car and being still before the Lord.)

Without really meaning to begin the process- I started to reflect upon the year that has been 2011.

Can you believe that another year has come and gone?
A new one just on the horizon.
2012.
Blows. Me. Away.

This year has been a full and busy one-

To summarize my 2011:

Engagement
Trip to London/Paris
3 best friends married
I became a wife
One best friend had a baby
Many friends moved to new locations
Moved into new home
Completed Degree

Truly the most formative and impacting 365 days of this girls life.
One of the most difficult & joy filled seasons- with more transitions than I have fingers.

I cannot remember the heart of the Amy that started out this New Year.
Is that crazy?

This year has had its moments of utter joy and moments of despair.
I have truly stood a top the Eiffel Tower in Paris and felt on top of the world- and weeks later found myself in tears sitting on my couch in Birmingham trying to figure this life out.

The Lord has been sweet to place people in my life who know the heart of the Amy that I am now. People who call me out when it is needed. People who love me enough to remind me that I cannot do it all on my own. People who hear my heart about where the Lord is leading and push me in the direction of obedience. People that point me to Christ and are forever friends. The Lord is faithful to teach me through my core relationships on a daily basis.

I can only imagine that 2012 will bring with it the same types of mountains and valleys.

What lessons will the Lord teach me in 2012?

What battles will be the hardest to face?

What will the Lord take away from me to bring me closer to Himself?

Where will the Lord send me?


ALL overwhelming questions.

My only hope is that at the end of this year that I look more like Christ.
That I daily submit my ways to the Lord and trust in Him to sustain and protect my life. That I am bold in proclaiming the Gospel.

May I remind you as the Lord has continually reminded me-
This life is not about me or about you.
Even worse- This life is not about my comfort or happiness.

As sons and daughters of the Most High God- our role is to make much of Christ and to be doers of the word and fishers of men!

The ways in the which the Lord will allow us to fulfill these roles are endless- Who knows where the Lord will lead us and how He will call us to serve Him.


A little daunting, Huh?


I found such rest in these words of Isaiah:

"But now thus says the LORD,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
'Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and through the rivers,
they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through the fire you shall
not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior."
ch 43. v 1-3a.

As I reflect upon the last year of my life I can say with confidence that I passed through NO rivers, fires or waters without a Savior in my midst.


How sweet is it to face the days ahead knowing that the creator of heaven and earth looks at this mess of a person and says-Amy,You are MINE.

In a world where covenant is temporary, people will fail us and promises are broken- These words could not be more powerful.


I am in tears. God is so good and we need not be afraid.


My prayers is that we move forward to the days, months and years ahead remembering the faithfulness that Christ has shown to us in our past.

This may require us to take a step back from our list of "wishes" that have not yet been granted and really see the goodness and nearness of a Mighty Father.
His fingerprints are all over the place.
He has preserved our life.


Praying for you today. Trust in Him to provide our needs for tomorrow and guide our steps as we move forward in obedience.

A Love Song.

I have a string of thoughts and hopefully they will all come together in the end...

I am a lover of music. A friend asked me over the weekend what I did to calm down- to be still- to gain perspective and be quiet.

My answer was to be alone and listen to music.
I often choose music that is emotional- that evokes thought and feelings that are passionate and sometimes just simply sad.
Is it just messed up that even on a good day I ADORE a good song of heartbreak?

Even over the passed few days I have found myself listening to lots of Phil Collins and Coldplay...
Talk about emotional lyrics...

For example:

"My arms will hold you keep you safe and warm.
This bond between us can't be broken
I will be here, don't you cry"
(You'll Be in My Heart)

"When the truth is, I miss you
Yeah, the truth is that I miss you so
And I'm tired, I should not have let you go..."
(Warning Sign)


How often do I hear these songs and identify them? Try to make them about my life...somehow in some way they apply to me.
Right?

Goodness- I am not sure about you but songs like these tug at my heart strings.
They cause me to yearn for things in this world--- to be loved, missed, treasured and pined for.

I found myself, as I was listening to these songs, asking if I got THIS emotional about God's word.
Did I read scripture and sing songs of worship and have the words bring about such heart tugs, burden and longing for something...


I love this passage in Isaiah...

Chapter 26: 7-9

"The path of the righteous is level;
you make level the way of the righteous.
In the path of your judgements,
O Lord, we wait for you;
your name and remembrance
are the desire of our soul.
My soul yearns for you in the night;
my spirit within me earnestly seeks you."


Talk about emotion. Our soul.

Oh Lord, I YEARN for you. YOU ALONE are my desire. I EARNESTLY seek YOU.

Passion. A true love song.


What does it look like in my life for me to earnestly seek Christ?

Does my soul yearn for God?

I am thankful for this sweet reminder from the Lord that I do not just have to love God and trust Him-
but that I need to YEARN for Him. His word. His very near presence in my life.

To yearn is not just to want. To yearn is to have an intense longing and desire.

A man in the desert YEARNS for water.
A woman without shelter on a cold night YEARNS for a place of rest.
A newborn baby YEARNS for a mothers presence.

We are to YEARN for Christ.
He is worthy of being pined for. In fact- Christ is the only thing worthy of longing, pining and desire.
For He is the only one who can satisfy. sustain. bring joy. give love. provide peace.

I desperately need Jesus.


Mighty God- You are my hiding place. You are my ever present help and closest friend of my heart. You are more than enough for me and all that can sustain. I so often look for satisfaction and affirmation from people. My prayer is that you will instill in me a pining for your spirit and presence. I pray that I earnestly seek you- with each new day. Give me the power to wait on You- For you are my delight. I love you. Amen.

Folded Legs. Thankful Spirit. Sweet Shepherd.

Shepherd.

The Lord is mine.

I have come back to this passage many times over the passed two weeks-

Psalm 23
" The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even 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 overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever."

I am so thankful for these words from our God. They are life giving.

If the Lord is the shepherd of my life then I am in turn a SHEEP.

By nature sheep are:
IGNORANT
LOST
UNAWARE OF THEIR NEEDS
CARELESS
WANDERERS

These animals do not know when to eat or sleep.
They do not know which direction to go.
They do not perceive danger and they walk right into traps and toil.

Sheep without a shepherd are lost. in danger. without hope.

I am without Christ lost. in danger. without hope.

How long, O Lord, will I ignore your rod and staff that are meant to comfort me and not just to restrict me?
I so often find the Lord's guidance in my life to be inconvenient, painful and not at all falling into my lines of pleasure.

I heard in a sermon once that sheep are so ignorant and helpless that shepherds literally must FOLD THEIR LEGS for them so that they will rest.

We see an example of this in the Psalm...The Lord MAKES ME LIE DOWN in green pastures...

I feel that this has been true of my life lately.
The Lord has folded my legs.
Made me immobile.
Kept me right where I am.

Why I ask?
Why Lord can you not just tell me what next step to take...?
Why Lord can you not allow me to get up and act...?
Why Lord am I still here right where you left me folded...?

I am learning the value in being still.

I am finding satisfaction in trusting Christ and following in His leading-
whether beside still waters or in the valley of the shadow of death.


Our Good Shepherd has given His life for His Sheep.

This sheep deserves death but has been given life.

That is worth seeing and savoring.

I have lately enjoyed reading through old hymns...I loved this one I found titled "The Good Shepherd"

"My Savior the good Shepherd is,
He'll never leave the flock.
The One Who truly loves the sheep,
Became the Lamb of God.

Despised, afflicted in my stead,
He spent His soul for me.
And to the slaughter He was led,
That I not thirsty be.
My Shepherd is the Lamb of God,
He calls to me each day,
To drink the waters flowing free,
From His pierced side of grace.
Yet when I stray or choose my way,
He still would search for me,
And bring me home on shoulders strong.
Do I not His love see?

My Shepherd's face is how I live,
I love to look at Him.
Though He might lead through shearing trial,
But still I follow Him.
Just as the Father's presence cheered
Him through each suffering day,
'Tis once I saw His tender care
That here I want to stay.

Oh, Father thank You for Your Son,
He shares Your heart for us.
That gladly He would bear us to
The bosom of Your love.
No greater Shepherd could there be,
That He would not lose one!
And lead us all to dwell with You.
Sweet Pasture, Living Stream."


Fellow Sheep- Trust in our Good Shepherd.
He is worthy.