Crestwood Church Blog

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 6:7

When God wanted to choose a king after his own heart, he sent Samuel to Jesse's house. Jesse had many sons - some mature, some strong and mighty, some with all the outward looking characteristics of nobility, but each one God rejected. God wasn't after might or human power.

Perplexed, Samuel asked Jesse... "are these all of your sons?" He was convinced God had brought him to the right place.

David was in the field looking after his Father's flock. This was exactly what God wanted...David was anointed to be King.

God doesn't need our abilities, he can find and give us strengths that we wouldn't even know were there! What God requires is a heart that is fixed on the things of his kingdom: people who are willing to look after the Father's flock.

Who are the Father's flock? They are his people, whether that's a part of the church, prodigals or those that have never known him before. If you have a heart for people like this, then God will use you in his kingdom. He probably won't make you king, but he'll give you responsibility and entrust you to care for his flock in ways that you'd feel are beyond you.

A servant heart like David's was also a humble heart. A humble heart resulted in a thankful and praising heart. Don't let people judge you for what you have or haven't got naturally - let God decide and come to him with a heart wide open.

Labels: David, Gifts, Serving, Shepherd

posted by Andi - Sunday, 25 March 2007, 20:54
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After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. John 10:4 (NLT)

The Lord Jesus is the great heavenly shepherd, who is constantly gathering his flock back to his care after their aimless wanderings without him.

In ancient times, a shepherd would devote his life to his sheep, making sure that they were never out of his sight. He would protect them from ravenous wolves and lead them to good pasture for nourishment. He would also stand in the gap of the fold, to prevent wanderings in the night.

During the day, he would be constantly calling them and giving them direction. If other shepherds were nearby they would still only listen to their master's voice for direction.

How we need to learn the sound of the Good Shepherd's voice! There are so many false voices calling out, that often we can get confused by them and lose our direction. The Lord Jesus has promised to walk ahead of us and direct us - but are we listening to his voice?

If we are close to his side, his voice is so easily recognised we will never be mistaken, but if we take our eyes away from the shepherd and stray over the hill, his voice can be lost in the crowd of all the other voices.

God doesn't want to scream at us just to get our attention, he wants us to want him, know him and delight in him. Don't listen to strangers, listen to God!

Labels: Jesus, Listening, Promise, Shepherd

posted by Andi - Sunday, 7 January 2007, 21:22
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Becoming a Christian, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, a follower, someone who is saved (or whichever title you want to use...), doesn't make you just another number in God's kingdom.

Jesus taught that "there is joy in the presence of God's angels when one single sinner repents" (Luke 15:10). Heaven is thrown into a godly party mode every time one of us comes to recognize the Saviour. You aren't a number but a treasured individual, who God wants to pour his grace upon and strengthen you as your new life unfolds.

Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matt 10:29-31

You are one of his very own children who has strayed into grave danger but now has returned, and the Father is delighted to have you back. His eye will be on you, making sure that you stay close. And if you do stray again he will guide you back.

Self worth is something that is yours, because the Almighty God of Heaven has now declared you worthy to be called his son or daughter.

Labels: Believers, Promise, Salvation, Shepherd

posted by Andi - Sunday, 10 September 2006, 22:21
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