Peace In the Presence of the Great Shepherd

 

I heard the Spirit say,

I am the good shepherd. I included you in my flock. You entered by the door into the sheepfold and not by some other way; therefore, you are not a thief or a robber. Many are attempting to enter into the sheepfold as thieves. I will reject them, for they have rejected the intimate relationship that I offered by means of the only door. My sheep hear my voice. I call them by name and lead them. Seek to follow me, for I go before those who are mine. I have tuned your ears to know my voice. The voice of the strange shepherds is seducing many. Many are ensnared because they will not flee the stranger. My sheep do not know the voice of strangers. Go not out of the door of the sheepfold to follow those who have forsaken the right way. Your pasture is green, and your waters are still. I have led you here. Now lay down in my hand. You are safe from the thief who came to steal, to kill, and to destroy. There is life in my hand. It is abundant and full of satisfaction. I came and gave my life for you. I have given you the example of leadership through my life as the good shepherd. Do you know each of the people in your pasture intimately?

I have given you the example. You should know them by name. They should know your voice, and you should know their voice. Many have followed the strangers because the shepherds do not know them. Arise to the example of true leadership, and get to know those I have given you.

You could not find your way. You were lost. The kingdom of God was in your face, but you could not find it. I sought you and brought you into the hiding place of God. I have preserved you from trouble and compassed you about with songs of deliverance. You have been given sheep that minister to you with songs never sung before. Their songs of deliverance have been strength to you, a shepherd. Be grateful, and abound with thanksgiving. I am instructing you and teaching you in the way that you should go. I am guiding you with my watchful eye and graceful hands of mercy. I have not treated you as a horse or mule. I have given you the intimacy of my tender love. Be glad in me and rejoice. Shout for the joy of deliverance and the fellowship of the Great Shepherd.

I brought you to fresh waters this morning and gave you a mind to eat from my hand and drink from the veins of the fresh water in my hand. I pulled out the briars while you slept and removed the wild beasts from your dreams. I gave you peace in the night and wrapped you in hands of love. Come and follow me today. There are fresh waters and new streams of life. Fresh pastures await you as you follow me. Come and follow. Hear the direction given by me, and be led by the voice of love. There are sheep on the edges. Some are stubborn and have strayed too far. I am giving you sensitivity so that they might be rescued from the dangerous position that they graze in. Go not in your own strength or knowledge, but follow my presence. My presence shall be a comfort for them. Reach for them through my presence and not through your human spirit. The shadows of your human spirit will frighten them. Follow my presence. It is filled with peace. Come and follow me.