Warriors Arise: February 19, 2024
Matthew 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
"Enter by the narrow gate," this is a command. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is instructing us. If we truly are His sheep then we will do what He is telling us to do. There is no thought, it is obeying Jesus.
Two things we need to answer:
Am I His sheep?
Will I follow His lead, His commands?
If I am His sheep then I do as the Good Shepherd commands (John 10:27 & 28). We can get caught up in thinking we have a choice in every situation. Just because there is a decision to be made, doesn't mean the answer changes. My decision starts before the question is placed before me.
I will follow where He leads. I am His sheep and I will go where He tells me to go. I will honor His command. I know He leads me away from destruction. The path He has me walk may not be easy, but it will not lead to my destruction.
Psalm 23
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.
My choice is made before He issues His command. My choices is to follow Him, to go where He says to go and do what He says to do. When He gives the instructions, I do not consider whether I will do them or not. That choice is made. I am His sheep and I will do what He says because I know He always wants what is best for me, He will work things out for my good, and He will be given honor and glory. He goes before me and fights my battles. His hedge of protection will never fail. His provision will always be more than enough.
The Good Shepherd is:
Good, Faithful, and Kind.
Strong and Mighty.
Just and Righteous.
He is the Rock upnw which I stand.
He is the Living Water that quenches my thirst.
He is the Refuge I run to.
He is the Bread of Life I feed upon.
He is my Anchor in the storm.
He is my Counselor.
He lifts me out of the pit and sets my feet upon solid ground.
He calls me out of darkness and into His Light.
He hears my cry and the mountains are moved from before me.
He provides more than enough.
He is everything I need and all that I want.
When I remember my Lord, the choice is easy. He is mine and I am His. I trust Him. He will never lead me to destruction, He will always lead me away from it. He is my Shepherd. I will follow Him, go where He tells me to go, and rest in Him.
My Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I will drink from Your Living Water. I will feast from the Bread of Life. My mind has been made up. I will do as You instruct. When it comes across as a command, I know the importance of following exactly what You say. I will listen to You, comprehend what You are saying and follow Your instructions. You are my God and I will honor You in Jesus' name, amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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