Shepherding Through the Change

This has been a unique & very fluid season of stretching and struggle and growth, & now the season is changing again!

Jeremiah 3:15 NKJV

15 And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Today, I want to labor as a shepherd to guide and prepare us for the season ahead.

Psalm 23:1–6 NKJV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Shepherds Lead: Encouraging, Protecting, Pulling & Prodding

Lead to the God-kind of Places

Lead in paths of righteousness (Living a Holy Life)

Stay with you through tough times

Provide Comfort through guidance & correction

Keep Parasites off of you

Special Grace & Back to the Foundations:

There are seasons of special grace for God’s people & God’s Set Leaders

Wilderness

Jacob multiplying the flock

Elijah by brook

We are exiting this season of special grace & will always build on the foundations

Hebrews 6:1–3 NKJV

1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

Laying on of Hands is for blessing, healing, miracles, Impartation of spiritual gifts, Impartation of the Holy Spirit, etc.

Baptisms

etc.

We never lost our belief in these foundations.

We have never lost our fire for the presence and power of God.

We have been operating under a specific grace to fulfill God’s commandments in Romans 13.

With the end of certain local governmental mandates, God is permitting us to do ALL the things that we didn’t do while in that season of special grace.

The End Times:

Mark 13:5–13 NKJV

5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. 9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Eschatology = Study of the End Times

Many people get caught up in Eschatology and the what if’s of The End Times - Will I need to go through “The Tribulation”? Will I be raptured before “The Tribulation”? “Will the church be taken out before things get really bad”?

1 Thessalonians 5:1–4 NKJV

1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

Here’s the bottom line:

No one knows when Jesus is coming back!

If we are consistently living right every day, we will have the grace we need to thrive no matter what may come.

“Plan like Jesus isn’t coming back for 50 years, live like He is coming back today!”

The Bible says, “He who endures to the end...”

Hebrews 10:36 NKJV

36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Endurance doesn’t just happen - it is built & forged on purpose

Training & preparation are essential to success & finishing the race strong.

“The last 26.2 miles on race day is, for most marathon runners, the culmination of a long training plan which will have seen you cover hundreds of miles over many weeks. To make sure you run a safe, injury-free race, it’s essential to prepare correctly and give yourself the best chance of an enjoyable race.”

“As you build up to the race, your heart, muscles and mind need to be conditioned for the exertion ahead...”

“It’s estimated that it takes the average beginner about 15 weeks of training to get themselves mentally and physically prepared for a marathon. 15 weeks - hundreds of hours and miles to then run 26.2 miles in around 4 and a half hours (the world average marathon time).”

Are we training more for a physical or life event than we are to make it to the finish line of eternity?

Acts 20:22–24 NKJV

22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

To finish the race, we have to enter & begin the race.

Many start strong, but never finish!

Jesus, our example, finished His race just as strong as He started it.

Just One Thing:

Let’s walk together in the grace for this current season, be refreshed as we are led by the Great Shepherd, & finish our race with passion and endurance.

Discussion Questions:

What’s something that everyone agrees we should change, but somehow it never changes?

What especially stood out to you from this pastoral message? Why did this stand out to you - share a little?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 and share how this scripture impacts you. Is there anything you feel God is challenging you to do in response to this passage personally?

Share a little bit about your state and steps of preparedness regarding the days ahead (Do you feel nervous, scared, ready, excited, etc?). If you know of some adjustments you want and need to make, please share them.