Tag: afraid

The Shepherd’s Duty: Protecting the Flock

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Walking stick overlooking a town and rolling fields at sunset


 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and tell them, even the shepherds, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat. You clothe yourself with the wool. You kill the fatlings, but you don’t feed the sheep. You haven’t strengthened the diseased. You haven’t healed that which was sick. You haven’t bound up that which was broken. You haven’t brought back that which was driven away. You haven’t sought that which was lost, but you have ruled over them with force and with rigor. Ezekiel 34:2–4


God holds leaders to a higher standard because their choices affect many. Spiritual authority is never meant to shield wrongdoing but to guard those entrusted to their care. Ezekiel’s rebuke reminds us that neglecting protection is a form of failure before God. True shepherds intervene, confront, and act decisively to keep the flock safe. Leadership that prioritizes image over integrity abandons its calling. Faithful leadership reflects God’s heart by choosing protection over popularity.

Thoughts to Ponder
 Pray for leaders to act with courage and accountability.

Journal Prompt:
 How do I define faithful leadership according to Scripture rather than culture?

Closing Prayer:
 Dear Heavenly Father, raise up shepherds who protect, guide, and lead with integrity. Lord give them Your heart, help them to see the way You see, and do and act the way You would. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

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For God so Loved the World

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Sunlit dirt path winding through a dense green forest

“God loved you enough to send His Son, Jesus loved you enough to give His life, and through faith, you are offered a hope this world can never take away.”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:16-21

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8

Hope in the dark

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s happening right…

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Climbing Your Mountain

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s happening right…

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Prayer for Boldness; Acts 4:24-31

When opposition rises against God’s people, the natural response is often fear. Yet the early church teaches us that the answer to intimidation is not retreat, but prayer to have supernatural boldness.…

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 Shepherds Are Called to Protect

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shepherd


 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and tell them, even the shepherds, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat. You clothe yourself with the wool. You kill the fatlings, but you don’t feed the sheep. You haven’t strengthened the diseased. You haven’t healed that which was sick. You haven’t bound up that which was broken. You haven’t brought back that which was driven away. You haven’t sought that which was lost, but you have ruled over them with force and with rigor. Ezekiel 34:2–4


God holds leaders to a higher standard because their choices affect many. Spiritual authority is never meant to shield wrongdoing but to guard those entrusted to their care. Ezekiel’s rebuke reminds us that neglecting protection is a form of failure before God. True shepherds intervene, confront, and act decisively to keep the flock safe. Leadership that prioritizes image over integrity abandons its calling. Faithful leadership reflects God’s heart by choosing protection over popularity.

Thoughts to Ponder
 Pray for leaders to act with courage and accountability.

Journal Prompt:
 How do I define faithful leadership according to Scripture rather than culture?

Closing Prayer:
 Dear Heavenly Father, raise up shepherds who protect, guide, and lead with integrity. Lord give them Your heart, help them to see the way You see, and do and act the way You would. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6

Psalm 2:1-12; The One True King

The One True King Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord,…

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You Can’t Demand Respect While Giving None: The Silent Crisis Between Generations

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“You Can’t Demand Respect While Showing None: The Leadership Failure Fueling Today’s Cultural Divide”

Everywhere you look, people are demanding respect, but fewer people seem willing to give it. Many older voices insist younger generations must honor them simply because of age or position, yet too often those same voices model criticism, ignorance, arrogance, or dismissal toward others. This contradiction has quietly shaped the culture we now live in. When respect is demanded but not demonstrated, trust collapses, resentment grows, and entire generations begin rejecting the very idea of honor. If we want to understand why society feels increasingly divided and hostile, we must first examine the example set by those who have expected respect the most.

Respect has been something that has been spoken of as something that should automatically be given to our older generations. While Scripture does encourage honoring elders (You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32). If we read the bible we can see that biblical honor is closely connected with character, humility, and wisdom. A serious problem arises when individuals demand respect based solely on age or authority while consistently showing disrespect, harshness, or disregard for others. When we allow it, respect becomes something demanded rather than modeled, it loses its moral authority.

As we grow up we learn far more from what we observe than from what they are told. If older leaders, whether parents, elders, teachers, community figures, or church leaders, speak about honor while acting with impatience, arrogance, ignorance, or hypocrisy, the message becomes confusing. This contradiction breeds cynicism. Young people begin to associate “respect” with control rather than mutual dignity. Over time, they may reject the entire concept because they see it as unfair or one-sided. Why wouldn’t they?

This continual pattern has contributed to the broader cultural breakdown of civility. When respect is not demonstrated by those asking for it, society begins to treat respect as optional or transactional. Public discourse becomes harsher, authority is distrusted, and generational relationships fracture. What should have been a chain of wisdom passed down becomes a cycle of resentment.

Biblically, leadership and maturity are meant to be examples. Older believers are called to model patience, gentleness, and integrity so that younger people can see respect lived out in action:

 “ That older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance, and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good, that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded. In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, and incorruptibility. Titus 2:2–7”

True authority grows from humility and consistency. When respect is both given and demonstrated, it restores trust and helps rebuild the moral fabric that healthy communities depend upon.

The truth is simple but uncomfortable: respect cannot be forced, demanded, or commanded into existence, it must be demonstrated. When those with age, authority, or influence fail to show humility, patience, and dignity toward others, they weaken the very standard they claim to defend. Over time, younger generations stop listening not because they hate wisdom, but because they rarely see true wisdom and respect practiced. If society is ever going to recover a culture of honor, it will not begin with louder demands for respect. It will begin when people, especially those in positions of maturity and leadership, choose to model the very respect they hope to receive. Real honor is not claimed; it is earned through consistent character.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1:3

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

A Father Who Stands Strong in Faith

The world continually challenges fathers to compromise their values and convictions. God calls fathers to stand firm in faith and lead their families with courage. “Be on your guard; stand firm in…

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A Father Who Loves Like God

A Dad’s love can leave a lasting imprint on a child’s heart. God calls dads to reflect His unconditional love through patience, grace, and compassion. “Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14…

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When Silence Protects the Wrong

One of the deepest forms of church hurt happens when abuse, misconduct, or harmful behavior is ignored, minimized, or covered up—especially when trusted leaders or respected members are involved. The pain becomes…

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Faith And Scripture; Podcast Episode 3

Pip: If you have ever wondered whether your brain and your soul could both use the same workout, Drink of Jesus may have found the overlap. Mara: This episode covers two territories:…

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Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. This reminds us that our choices have consequences. God is not fooled by outward appearances, excuses,…

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 Light Exposes, It Does Not Hide

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photo of person covering his face


“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11


God’s word is a message of light, not concealment. The Bible calls believers to expose evil, not protect it through silence. When wrongdoing is hidden “for the sake of unity” or reputation, darkness becomes empowered and held up. God’s healing and justice begin with truth. Exposing harm is not divisive; it is redemptive. A church that walks in the light creates safety, accountability, and trust. Truth may be painful, but secrecy always destroys.

Thought to Ponder
 Commit and walk in truth, even when it feels too costly.

Journal Prompt:
 What fears tempt me to avoid bringing issues into the light?

Prayer:
 Dear Heavenly Father, remove fear from my heart and help me walk in truth and obedience even if it seems scary, impossible, or useless. Lord, put a hedge of protection around me giving me the strength to move forward. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

A House Divided

Division within the church is one of the enemy’s greatest tools because it weakens unity, damages witness, and distracts believers from the mission of Christ. I personally believe that all of the…

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The News Part 2

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter this day please give me the words that I need to share who you are and help me present your love to all that seriously need…

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Daily Bread; Psalm 91:4

Daily Verse He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4 ESV Refuge: shelter or protection from…

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The News Part 1

Dear Heavenly Father, as this is read give understanding and conviction to those reading this. May there be understanding where there needs to be understanding and conviction where there needs to be…

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🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their…

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1 Corinthians 10:13; Fearless

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“No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Thoughts to Ponder

Temptation is never unique, and it is never unbeatable. Paul reminds us that God knows our limits and remains faithful in every trial. He does not promise a temptation-free life, but He always provides a way through it. When pressure feels overwhelming, look for God’s escape route, often found in obedience, prayer, Scripture, and wise choices. This verse invites confidence, not fear. You are not alone, you are not trapped, and you are not powerless. With God’s help, endurance is possible, faith can stand, and victory is within reach.


Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that I do not understand or that influence me in ways that are not from You. Lord I want to be and act as close to You as You’ve always wanted Your children to be. Lord give the strength to stand against the evil in this world, the distractions and influences. Help me to not fear and worry about these issues that continue to affect everything around us. Thank you Lord for Your protection, direction, and love. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Did grizzly bears once roam the Texas South Plains?

Did Grizzly Bears once roam the South Plains? Did the largest predator and the most feared animal in North America ever inhabit the Llano Estacado? Historians and biologists have mixed opinions on the subject. No written accounts from the…

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By The Hand

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There seems to be something going on everywhere we turn. The division that has become an expected normal. The violence that appears to have gasoline being pored on it, always keeping it going. The lies that are getting told and accepted as truth. It feels like we are in a flood with our heads under the water not being able to breathe. Never forget God is there to help you walk through everything that is going on. No matter if it is around the world or if it is your personal life He has your back.

What God Says

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

Division

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It Has To Stop

There seems to be something going on everywhere we turn. The division that has become an expected normal. The violence that appears to have gasoline being pored on it, always keeping it going. The lies that are getting told and accepted as truth. It feels like we are in a flood with our heads under the water not being able to breathe. Never forget God is there to help you walk through everything that is going on. No matter if it is around the world or if it is your personal life He has your back.

What God Says

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. Romans 16:17 ESV

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

By The Hand

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There seems to be something going on everywhere we turn. The division that has become an expected normal. The violence that appears to have gasoline being pored on it, always keeping it going. The lies that are getting told and accepted as truth. It feels like we are in a flood with our heads under the water not being able to breathe. Never forget God is there to help you walk through everything that is going on. No matter if it is around the world or if it is your personal life He has your back.

What God Says

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

By The Hand

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Kept

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

Remember Who You Are

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1 John 4:4 when it's dark He's got you

Fight for it

We’re going to have times in our lives that everything around us is making us feel surrounded like we cannot breath. Do you realize that you are a child of the creator of everything. You, through Him have overcome this stop listening to the whispers, the negative people, even yourself. Have faith understand it’s done you’ve overcome the “stuff” DON’T let it come back fight it you’ve got this He is there with you walking beside you.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 ESV

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

Fear Not

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Fear not

Don’t be Afraid

I have been talking with people who are afraid, frustrated, and confused. It is normal to be afraid when there is something going on that can harm us and even worse that we cannot control. God has told us over and over again not to be afraid, I know it is hard when looking around and everything seems to be going crazy. Being concerned for family, friends, and loved ones recall and meditate on what God says: For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 ESV For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 ESV “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36 ESV

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.