Peace in Good Shepherd

                          

Peace in Good Shepherd 

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up on a rock” Psa. 27: 5. 

Strong's Hebrew: 7473. רֹעִי (roi) -- Shepherd - Bible Hub

Isaiah 44:28 records the Lord calling Cyrus “My shepherd,” commissioning a pagan ruler to oversee Judah’s restoration. The title asserts divine sovereignty over nations and illustrates how God can …[i]

Strong's Greek: 4166. ποιμήν (poimén) -- Shepherd - Bible Hub

4166 poimḗn – properly, a shepherd ("pastor" in Latin); (figuratively) someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord).[ii]

         God is our good shepherd, and He wants to bless us, lead us, guide us, and teach us. If someone is wounded; lost the focus of following Him, He is more than willing to  lead and guide. King David, believed that a life spent seeking God will make him understand the measure of safety and security, even in the presence of enemies all around.  

The term “ oppressed is from the Hebrew word adah ( אדה), which means “to be crushed under affliction” or “to have a heavy weight on top of something.” The word for “trouble” is tsarar ( צָרַר), which means “to be bound up”; it could also come from the root word batsar (בָּצַר), meaning “a pruning” (Chaim Bentorah).

 

“Two things make the head hang down – fear and shame; hope easeth the Christian’s heart of both these, and so forbids him to give any sign of a desponding mind by a dejected countenance.” (Gurnall, cited in Spurgeon)

 

“It was not the earthly temple itself that charmed David but rather the beauty of the Lord that was to be found at the temple in a special way.” (Boice)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast, (Ephe. 2:8-9). 

Strong's Greek: 5485. χάρις (charis) -- Grace, favor, kindness, blessing

Grace is the first word of the gospel, the sustaining power of discipleship, and the final benediction of Scripture: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all” (Revelation 22:21).[iii] 

The gift of grace, can be understood differently. For example think of a water hose. The water is the important part, and it is brought to us through the hose. The hose becomes the grace for the water  which comes to us and this quenches our thirst. But the hose (Grace) brings water to the place and we all can benefit from it.

Neurochemistry: The Role of Neurotransmitters

The feeling of grace is also linked with neurochemical changes:

Serotonin: Elevated serotonin levels are associated with mood regulation and feelings of well-being. Psychedelic studies show that enhanced serotonin receptor activity can induce mystical sensations reflective of grace. Dopamine: Often called the “reward” neurotransmitter, dopamine increases during positive emotional states, contributing to joy and motivation experienced during spiritual moments. Oxytocin: Known as the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin promotes trust, empathy, and social connection—key features in experiences characterized by grace. Endorphins: Natural painkillers produced by the brain can induce euphoria and reduce stress during deep meditative or prayerful states.[iv]

         Our thoughts may sink, our hopes may run out, the day may groan, our hearts’ string may snap, our soul may be in anguish, sin- burdened souls may writhe in pain and despair.  But, God who, individually fashioned us in our mother’s womb, has endorsed in our internal faculties (heart and brain), all that is necessary for survival in this planet earth.

       There is a science behind the feeling of grace. Experience of grace, can be described as the profound sense of peace: peace with Jesus Christ. We are more than conquerors (believers) overcomes with great power, motive, victory, and love in Christ. 

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[i] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew

[ii] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek

[iii]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+grace&cv

[ iv]The Science Behind the Feeling of Grace: Neuroscience and Spirituality

This article delves into the intersection of neuroscience and spirituality to explain the science behind the feeling of grace, exploring what happens in the brain during these moments and how spirituality might …

 

Blemished, Spotted and Wounded?

 

Blemished, Spotted and Wounded?

       Blemished, spotted and wounded, like a sheep or a little lamb who lost hope completely because of varied situations can find hope.

Strong's Greek: 3470. μῶμος (mómos) -- Blemish, fault, blame

Derived from a root descriptive of a stain, blot, or moral flaw, μῶμοι (Strong’s 3470) evokes the picture of something marred, disfigured, or disqualified. In Scripture such language moves easily from the …[i] 

The metaphysical aspects of man, the soul and the spirit and their connection to the body is often blissfully overlooked. Spirit of the person, and the soul (mid, will, intellect, emotions, thought and reasoning) play a huge role in the well-being of an individual. God who formed our inward parts, knows us well more than any human being, as it is written that we are wired individually, fearfully, wonderfully and fashioned specifically, and differently (Ref. Psalm 139). 

Questions to ponder?

1.      Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Job 38: 2

2.      Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go and say unto thee, Here we are? Job 38:35

3.       Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? Job 38:36.

4.      Can we wrap our mind around time, space and matter?

5.      What is my main purpose for my life?

6.      What is my real story? What am I struggling with?

7.      Do I believe in God?

8.      How is my story fitting into God’s story for me? 

Hebrew word study: lev – לב means, heart-  which is defined as the seat of all passions.

ayakah/ AYEKAH – איכה means  “where are you?” (Hebrew word study, Chaim Bentorah).

Ayekah is an ancient Hebrew word that is still used in daily life today. It means, “Where are you?” It is used today when a person, parent, friend, compatriot wants to know about your inner world, the heart experiences of you.

“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” - Genesis 3:9-10. 

After searching for the heart of God and capturing a few glimpses of His heart, you may no longer see Him as a task master ready to whip you into submission to His will, but as a lover who has His arms open, ready to embrace you, to forgive you, and win you over to submission to His perfect will through His passionate love for you. - Chaim Bentorah, Hebrew Word Study- Revealing the Heart of God, (2016). 

In this fallen world offences happen often. Forgiveness is a slow process, but with the help of God and His word, and by the power of the Holy spirit we can forgive our offenders. The very act of forgiveness changes the relationship. We are not condoning the wrong, or acting as if it never happened, but we are letting it go with forgiveness because we are going to recognize the benefits of forgiving.

            The Flow of forgiveness: Vertical and Horizontal [ii]

a.       Confessing our sins to God, and to any other offended party.

b.      Forgiveness by God and by the offended party.

c.    Establishing a new relationship between God and the offender, and the offended party. Confession, forgiveness and reconciliation are very much related and in reconciliation, enmity and alienation are replaced by peace and fellowship.

Praying for the offenders

*In some hard situations, we forgive as Jesus forgave us all at the Cross! That is without expecting the other party to ask for forgiveness, and letting it go; and at the same time learning to put necessary boundaries. This is total commitment to our Saviour Jesus Christ and releasing that person in His hands; with the hope that God will work on that person’s heart the truth one day! This is the total work of the Holy Spirit.    

 

They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope, Jeremiah 29: 11.

           It is not a promise to immediately rescue us from hardship and suffering. But it is a promise that God has a plan for our lives, and regardless of our circumstances and sufferings, and current situation, He can work through our trials and give us a future and hope. In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, which is to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.    

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren; Rom. 8: 28-29.

          It is very possible that occurring events around us are not pleasing to us. Hebrew word, Tela actually means to be blemished, spotted, or wounded.

          The lamb that the Good Shepherd is carrying is one that is not perfect, it is flawed, or has been wounded and cannot keep up with the flock. I see the consuming loving passion of the True Shepherd for this imperfect, blemished, dirty, wounded lamb! The wounded lamb, when they cry out, God does hear their cry. God always hears and answers our prayers. In the book of Matthew, Jesus makes this promise:

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).

Corrie Ten Boom says, “to forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover the prisoner was you” (Notes form a crazy soul).

Jeanette Lockerbie says that “we will never be able to understand or explain the wonderful alchemy that produces sweetness out of sorrow, beauty from ashes, peace in the midst of pain.”[iii]

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[i] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+blemis

[ii] Forgiveness, William T. Kirwan, Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling.

[iii] Jeanette Lockerbie | Christian Books - Moody Publishers

https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/l/jeanette-lockerbie

 

Bitter water is made Sweet!

 

Bitter water is made Sweet!

 Bitter water is made drinkable now! Bitterness reminds us of the bondage we are all in because of sin. We were slaves of bandaged in sin, and we were delivered. Bitterness is over, and now we are in sweetness; in Christ.

Sweetness is frequently associated with honey, which is used metaphorically to describe the richness of God's word and wisdom. In God’s word, sweetness often symbolizes the pleasant and desirable aspects of life. This also includes the goodness and grace of God. Just like honey in the rock, sweetness is associated with the riches found in God’s wisdom; knowledge, and life itself! Just like honey in the rock, we find the sweetness in Christ our Rock, in His word which is unchangeable; inerrant, and authoritative.

 

So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,  And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee;

Exo. 15: 22-26.

Sweetness is also linked to the blessings and abundance provided by God. 

My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off;

Prov. 24: 13-14.

Strong's Greek: 4088. πικρία (pikria) -- Bitterness - Bible Hub

Strong’s Greek 4088 designates the sour, sharp disposition that settles in the human spirit when grace is resisted and anger is nursed. Scripture treats this inner bitterness not merely as an unpleasant …

Strong's Greek: 1099. γλυκύς (glukus) -- Sweet - Bible Hub

Though literally denoting sweetness to the taste, the word widens to describe what is pleasant, wholesome, and life-giving. It can signal refreshment for body, mind, or spirit, and therefore stands in …

“I think, if I had been there, I should have suggested that Moses should use that rod of his. Did he not divide the Red Sea with it? Why not just put his rod into the water, and stir it up, and make it sweet? Oh, yes, you know, we are always for running to old methods! But God is a Sovereign, and he will work as he pleases.” (Spurgeon)

“The Egyptians found enough water, and even too much of it, for they were drowned in the sea, but the well-beloved Israelites had no water at all. So is it with the wicked man; he often has enough of wealth, and too much of it, till he is drowned in sensual delights and perishes in floods of prosperity.” (Spurgeon)

A tree: “Medieval commentators delighted to see here a reference to the cross, by which the bitterest of life’s waters is sweetened.” (Cole)

                         Bitter waters at Marah was made Sweet!

Metamorphosis

 

Metamorphosis 

Death to Restoration/ Eternal Life 

Metamorphosis:  the process of basic and usually rather sudden change in the form and habits of some animals during transformation from an immature stage (as a tadpole or a caterpillar) to an adult stage …[1]

The metamorphosis of butterflies is a captivating process that speaks volumes about the resilience and adaptability of life. At the heart of this transformation lies the enigmatic cocoon phase, a time when profound biological changes take place. The cocoon phase is not just a stage but a sanctuary for transformation, essential for ensuring the continuation of butterfly species.

Metamorphosis is a complex biological process that involves a series of changes in an organism’s internal structure and behavior. 

From meta and morphoo; to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose") -- change, transfigure, transform. 3339 metamorphóō (from 3326 /metá, " change after being with " and …[2]

 Strong's Greek: 3339. μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) -- To transform, to ...

Strong’s Greek 3339 charts a movement from sight of divine glory to sharing in that glory. It anchors sanctification in Christ’s own radiant person, guarantees believers’ final glorification, and calls the …[3]

Strongs's #3339: metamorphoo - Greek/Hebrew Definitions - Bible Tools

from 3326 and 3445; to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose"):--change, transfigure, transform.[4]

         Metamorphosis is not a single event but a series of stages. Each stage contributes to the overall lifecycle of butterflies and underscores varied survival strategies. The cocoon plays a vital role in the metamorphosis of butterflies. It provides protection against environmental factors such as predators and harsh weather. The structure of a cocoon is not only about survival; it is also a reflection of the evolutionary adaptations that help butterflies navigate their life cycles efficiently. Hormonal regulation is crucial in managing the complex processes occurring within the cocoon. 

        Metamorphosis in a believer’s life is the most important transformative journey which involves complete change in the inward nature of the man. This internal renewal in the person affects the person as a whole.  Romans 12: 2, teaches us about to be transformed by renewal of our mind and not to be conforming to the patterns of this world. This is not a superficial thing but a radical reorientation inwardly for the person.

           And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God; Rom. 12: 2.

By understanding this dynamic, we can start to use it to our own advantage, to both make and break habits. By repetition, Nueroscientifically we can rewire our brain and turn small practice to powerful long lasting memory. 

 Habits form through rewards and repetition, not just willpower. Repetition makes actions automatic, freeing up decision-making in the brain. Dopamine motivates habit formation and reinforces repeated behaviors. Over time, your brain strengthens these neural pathways. Dopamine seems to act as a teaching signal, helping the brain to remember repeated movements. After the residual sense of reward fades, movement continues to trigger the release of dopamine when we are doing something familiar.[5]

The beautiful thing is the cells of sin, move away step by step and we will be like; put on Christ, as what is written in Ephesians 4: 22-32; (Put off vs. Put on) put away sin vs. put on Christ). 

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[1] METAMORPHOSIS | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

[2]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=greek+word+for+metamorphosis&cvid

[3]https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=I657DF&PC=I657&q=Greek+word+for+metamorphosis

[4] https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=I657DF&PC=I657&q=Hebrew+word+for+metamorphosis

[5]https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/best-practices-in-health/202506