Power Of The Shepherd King

Key Scripture: “The Lord is my Shepherd.  I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1

Power Point:
      It occurs to me that the first thing that walked into David’s life after he was anointed king was a huge giant named Goliath.  When King Saul, (soon to be EX-King) offers him his armor, David says, “No.Thanks anyway.” You see he KNEW how to be shepherd and he KNEW that because God was on his side, Goliath would go down in history as a tiny test for a big God. No problem.

     As I kept looking at that scripture I thought of how prophetic it really is for us.  Jesus came as a Shepherd too. In fact, He defines Himself as the “Good Shepherd”.

People were disappointed and confused because he didn’t explode on to the scene wearing full armor and carrying a big sword, with an army of angels rallying behind Him.  Do you ever wonder why? Could it possible be that people knew all about the MIGHTY God, the KING who could easily destroy any well-armed enemy? Could it be that He came to show us the “other” part of God, the Shepherd King? Was it time to learn about God’s love and gentleness?

     Jesus did not fight one battle while He was here. He did not pick up one sword.  He came offering compassion not military might.  He came healing the sick, not slaughtering the enemy. He came with an absolute foundation of making Love our chief weapon. Is it possible that to Him, it’s more important that we find the approachable, loving, nurturing Shepherd part of God? If Jesus only did what He saw the Father do and speak what He heard the Father say, then perhaps we could conclude from that that God wanted us to know the Good Shepherd. It doesn’t take a thing away from His might. It doesn’t rob Him of His ability to wage war, but if you think about it, He doesn’t want to wage war with us, He wants to be in relationship with us and He can only do that if we know Him as the Shepherd, the good Shepherd.

     Jesus’ assignment was to show us the powerful might of the weapons of compassion and gentleness. His assignment was to show us what Godly wisdom really looked like. It is gentle and reasonable. And of course, most of all, He wanted to show us how much we are loved.

There is a great man who makes everyone feel small. But the real great
man  is the makes every man feel great. G. K.Chesterton.

     If you browse through Psalm 23 you can see that the Good Shepherd is much more than just a nice guy.  He nurtures, He protects, He delivers, and He keeps us safe. In fact, He’s busy preparing a table for us to sit and eat and watch the enemy go down in defeat.  He’s the one who has anointed us with the Power of the Holy Spirit but also with the oil of Gladness that keeps our hearts running smoothly.  And ultimately, He is the Shepherd whose kingdom is unconditionally full of mercy and grace. Who wouldn’t want that?

     David is a great example of a man who knows where is strength lies isn’t he?  He slays the enemy with the weapons of the Shepherd and then cuts of the giant’s head with Goliath’s own sword.  In other words, he knew how to use the weapons of warfare at the right time. And he knew how to use the weapons of the Shepherd as well. We should know that too don’t you think?

     Are there some people in your life that need the weapons of the Shepherd today? If you are an ambassador for Jesus, you might want to use the same ones He used. He offered compassion and kindness. He poured oil on wounds and He set people free with His words and His actions. When He showed up, so did His Father. He was generous with God’s goodness and patience.  Is it possible that His actions as a Shepherd King are what changed the world? The very thing that helped them to realize that God was truly Love and wanted to love them?

Probably.

Power Thought:

"Here's my concern, that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a Shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God...tenderly showing them the way."  I Peter 5:2, The Message

Power Of Really Believing

Key Scripture:  “For I know whom I have believed.”  2 Timothy 2:12 Power Point: Believing is tricky isn’t it? We think we believe and yet our life doesn’t reflect it. When I am “believing” God for something, it should make a definite difference in my countenance, in my words, and in my actions. Believing should make me different. It should change my convictions. it should put "WOW" on my face and in my heart.  Believing what God says makes trusting Him easy. The truth is that “Believing” all boils down to what you think about God isn't it? It is what you KNOW that you KNOW, that you KNOW. That’s where believing begins.   For example: If we really believed Him, we would: Not hesitate, vacillate, or procrastinate, not go around looking downcast, and not plan on losing. If we really believed Him, we would act passionately, and violently and confidently for Truth. If we really believed Him, we would be so fully persuaded that what He says is true that nothing could keep us from Him or from victory. If we really believed Him, it would never occur to us to be unmerciful or unkind. If we really believed Him, we would cut strife off at the roots before it has a chance to cut off the Life He has for us. If we really believed Him, we would enter each day with a shout of victory, a declaration of blessing, and a heart that is fully persuaded of His goodness for us that day. If we really believed Him, we would never be depressed. If we really believed Him, we would never lack any good thing. If we really believed Him, we would always be in peace and rest. If we really believed Him, we would never fear anything. If we really believed Him, we would always stand and fight for our promises. If we really believed Him we would take hold of every thing He offers, knowing it is a good thing every time. If we really believed Him, we would never feel unloved or unwanted or alone. If we really believed Him, we would approach life with confidence, and expectation. If we really believed Him, we could change the world. If we really believed Him, there would always be "WOW!" on our faces.     I saw a sign once that said, “We practice daily what we believe, all the rest is just religious talk.” What you really believe changes your life one way or the other doesn’t it? Power Thought: Believing is seeing. Have you taken a good look at Him lately?  WOW!

Power Of "And then Some!"

Key Scripture:  "There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish..." Philippians 1:6, The Message 

Power Point:

      One of the most astounding things I’ve learned about God is that He’s always got “more”. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that He’s not on a tight budget. He’s not worried about the future supply. In fact, if one of the angels tells Him He’s out of something- He just makes more.

The thing about God is that He’s so generous that He loves to give more and then some.  When He does miracles, like dividing the Red Sea, He likes to add a little flourish doesn’t He? He didn't just take them out, He took them out with a flourish.  One of the things we don't usually think about is that the people who had been in slavery for 400 years, walked through that water without one sick or feeble person among them. I guess they had to be strong enough to carry all the jewels and the gold that the Egyptians gave them. God took them out, and then some. 

Do you remember the beggar at the Gate Beautiful?  He asked for money. He got a new life. I'd say God gave Him what he asked for, and then some.

If you think about it, God wants us to always add a little more to everything for us, doesn’t He?

I remember in my own life when I had been trusting God for something in my family. I had my promises tucked under my arm and would routinely pull them out and remind Him of them when things got tough.  It took years. BUT! When the answers began to come, it was as though the flood gates had opened. Everywhere I turned there was another detail of the answer that I had not even expected. Now as I sit and soak in that wonderful place, I continue to be amazed at the “and then some” He added on.

When my son and his wife began their family, it was doubtful that there would be any more after our precious JD.  Now we have, JD, Ben, Reagan Grace, Hannah Joy. God answered our prayers. And then some.

Now THAT'S A Hamburger!
And then some!

When “It’s Time To Power UP!” was first published I wasn’t even aware of all the wonderful things that would mean. Being on Amazon was quite enough, but then I realized that it was also on Barnes and Noble, and being advertised in magazines I actually read. Last week, my favorite Christian bookstore in my neighborhood added it to their shelves. God dreamed with me.  And then some.

Beloved, we can’t underestimate the bubbling over generosity of our God. He is always going to go farther than we can imagine in answering our prayers.

Do you believe that? Are you willing to release so many “Wow!” prayers that heaven has to get really busy?  I want the angels to be on the alert for my prayers. I want them to say, “Oh boy!  It’s Suzanne again. This will be fun! Come ON everybody. Let’s get busy!” I don’t want them to sit on a cloud and read a magazine and say, “Well this will be dull and unimaginative but we’ll do it.

When you think about it, if Holy Spirit is truly dreaming up our prayers, adding to them, and helping us out, shouldn’t we have a lot more “WOW!” in our lives?

Shouldn’t our lives be living proof that this TNT God, loves to “WOW!” people?

Yes, my friend, they should.
How will that change your prayer life?

Whatever you ask for, He’s got plenty- and then some. Dream with Him.

Power Thought:

What is that little idea popping up in the back of your mind? A long forgotten dream? A vision of tomorrow?  Why not dare to ask God for it? He will answer you, Beloved- and then some!  WOWSER!

Power Of "WOW!"

Key Scripture:  “God can do anything you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!”  Ephesians 3:20, The Message

Power Point:

I dare you.  I dare you to lift up your head and begin to see that there’s more to life than what you are experiencing right now.  I dare you to begin to move up a level in your thinking from "just enough to get by” to “Wow!”

Isn’t it time you begin to pray “Wow!” prayers? Those are the prayers that bring answers that take your breath away. All you can say is “Wow!”.  

Don’t you think that we stay “stuck” in our prayers? Aren't we so busy asking for daily things that we forget to dream with God? Isn’t it just the tiniest bit possible that God would like to do more?

What if you asked Him for more? What if instead of stopping at “needs”, you pushed the envelope of your faith and asked God to do “more than you need”?  What if instead of “making do”, you could have more than enough? Enough to share. Enough to bless someone else. Hmm.

Are you aware that that is exactly what God wants us to do? He longs for us to ask for “more”. He's longing to add a little "WOW!" to our lives.  Don’t you think we need to get to the place in the kingdom where our faith has grown up? Where we move from “God, I need,” to "Oh, God, I dream of ______!” He’s all about your dreams Beloved. He’s all about above and beyond, remember?  He’s all about you!

The "Wow" Girl
Our Reagan Grace

What if today you prayed a “big” prayer, daring God to answer it? What if you blessed your children to be mighty on the earth, to become more than they’ve ever dreamed, and to be so full of the Spirit of God that He leaks out from them everywhere they go? 

What if today you asked God to bless your finances so much that even the government can’t stop them from increasing? Have I got your attention yet?

What if today you asked God for the manifestation of the perfect health He died to give you?  What if you invited Him to transform your limited imagination into the mind of Christ?

The thing about God is, if you can dream it, He can do it! And more. He loves the opportunity to answer “WOW!” prayers. Sometimes we ask Him for things that He can do with one hand tied behind His back and His eyes closed. He’d really like to do more!

One morning many years ago, I was looking at a picture of my granddaughter, Reagan Grace. It was her birthday and she is looking up at the camera with a total “Wow” moment. As I looked, the Lord said, “I want you to have that look on your face every time You look at me.”  Wow.

Has it ever occurred to you that He really LIKES to do miracles?

Is it time to release the “Wow!” in your life? Of course it is.  The more you ask, the bigger the “Wow!”.  What’s the biggest thing you can dream up to ask Him today? I dare you to take a week and put aside the mundane things you’ve been asking for and add a little punch to your prayers. I dare you to go beyond where you are and explore where He is. Come on. Add a little “WOW” to your life!

I double dog dare you!

Power Thought:

He loves to see the "Wow!" on your face!
Is it time for a little walk on the "WOW!" side?