Picture Scripture - Week 4
Thursday, September 27
Picture: Sheep (Assembled in a flock)
Scripture: Micah 2:12; Luke 12:32; Psalm 100:1-3; Acts 2:1
This week we have looked at sheep as individuals and made analogies to how similar we as people are to them. Today is no exception; however, today, our focus will be on the flock of sheep as a whole. You see, sheep are social animals who crave companionship and so are we! We’ve found companionship here, together, in our own flock known as Soul Sisters. And today, we are going to celebrate that and praise our Shepherd that is leading us.
Sheep are created with the DNA and natural instinct to live in flocks. The primary reason for this is to keep them safe, to keep them protected from predators and dangerous terrain. Likewise, we come online every day and gather as a flock to put on the armor of God by studying His word together so that we are protected from whatever the enemy might have in store for us on our daily journey. While gathered in this flock, we may find encouragement from reading a daily devotional post. We may lean on each other by sharing our burdens through prayer requests. And, we may help and inspire others by sharing thoughts and insights that God has laid on our hearts when we comment on the daily post.
Now let’s talk about the shepherd looking over the whole flock of sheep. We know he cares about each one individually as that has been a huge part of our focus this week. But, make no mistake about it, he is very aware of his responsibility to the group as a whole. That shepherd has got to lead the entire group through rough water, up narrow paths, and down treacherous landscape. I read a bit of research that said the shepherds are known to play and celebrate with their flocks when they make it through one of these precarious scenarios. Don’t you just know that The Shepherd, Our Shepherd is having a good time watching this ministry grow? I mean, it’s all about Him! Reflect for a moment on our flock’s mission statement: "Soul Sisters is a Christ-centered ministry that encourages women through prayer and God’s Word both on-line and on-land. Our hope is that every woman in this group will know Christ in such a way that His light will shine in them and through them for all the world to see." Don’t you know that our Shepherd is celebrating when He sees us come together in His name and for His glory. Don’t you just know that He is smiling when we come together and shout for joy and worship Him with gladness. We are made by Him; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm 100:1-3) Let's celebrate!
Take a minute to think about and journal how God is using you in Soul Sisters or in another area of ministry. How does this group of believers encourage you and how are you encouraging others?
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to you this morning on our knees helpless as little lambs who need to be carried by you, led by you. We confess that life is tough and that it is easy to go astray and wander when we are alone. Thank you for providing us with flocks in our life. Life is definitely easier when we are surrounded by others who look to You, THE Shepherd, for each next step of the journey. And Lord, today, we celebrate this flock that you’ve brought together known as Soul Sisters. We ask you to continue to lead us as we go along our daily path letting Your light shine in us and through us. Lord grow this flock for your glory. I pray for each of the members of this flock and I ask You to lay on our hearts any others in our life who might be searching for a flock. Lord, I pray that we would be fearless and bold with reaching out and inviting someone to join this flock who may be in need. We know that where two or more or gathered You are there. Someone in our life might need just that. We thank you for being a faithful shepherd to us as individuals but also to this flock of women seeking to know you more and love you deeper. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
