Just a thought by coppi

Sheep have strength in numbers; when one wanders off and is separated from the flock it becomes an easy target for predators. In the same way, we think we know better and wind up in all kinds of situations God never intended for us! Isaiah 53:6 says, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away”. 

Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep to show that the Kingdom of God is accessible to all, even those who were sinners or strayed from God’s path. He uses the example of a shepherd (God) who has 100 sheep and one goes missing. (Luke15:4-7)

Psalm 23:1–3 tells us that the shepherd meets the sheep’s every need: food, water, rest, safety, and direction. When we as believers follow our Shepherd, we, too, know that we will have all we need. We will not lack the necessities of life, for He knows exactly what we need (Luke 12:22–30).

In Psalm 23:3, the Hebrew word translated “paths” means “well-worn paths or ruts.” In other words, when sheep wander onto a new path, they start to explore it, which invariably leads them into trouble. This passage is closely akin to the warning in Hebrews 13:9: “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.” The apostle Paul also alludes to this idea in Ephesians 4:14.

My painting of a sheep is done in pastels of many colors. I use all different colors to illustrate the different ways, we as sheep, can stray off course from the path God leads.  In our world today there are so many temptation alluring us that the choices we take lead us wrongly.  We need a shepherd to use his staff to turn us back on the path of righteousness.  Following are some of the sins God detests:

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

My prayer is that my Shepherd, Jesus, will use His staff and guide my life away from the wrong choices I might/and have taken in life,  and will restore my soul with His love, joy, and peace.  These are definitely some of the bright colors reflected in my painting. 

Just a thought by coppi

  Isaiah 58:11 says, “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”