All posts by Chris Miller

I am a writer and presenter. My passion is to inspire individuals to overcome the barriers holding them back in life. Find my blog at https://chrismilleronline.wordpress.com.
Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Good Shepherd: How Jesus Fulfills the Role

Leave a comment

Taking care of sheep was a commitment, not just a job. Sheep required around-the-clock care and protection. A good shepherd would care deeply for his sheep, and he would tend to their needs in a compassionate way. The Bible teaches Jesus is our good shepherd.

In John 10:11 and 14, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” This means Jesus acts toward us as a good shepherd acted toward his sheep. Here are just a few of the characteristics that make up a good shepherd.

A good shepherd knows his sheep.

A good shepherd knows his sheep. He knows everything about them. To many, sheep all look the same, but to their shepherd, they are unique.

  • In John 10:3, Jesus says, “…the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
  • “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me,” Jesus says in John 10:14.

Jesus knows us. He knows our thoughts, hurts, passions, and everything else about us.

A good shepherd goes ahead of his sheep.

Jesus says in John 10:4, “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them and they follow him because they know his voice.” A good shepherd goes ahead of his sheep to keep them out of danger. He leads them to water and green pastures so their needs are met. As our good shepherd, Jesus guides are lives.

A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.

Standing between the sheep and their predators is the shepherd, and he is willing to give up his life to save theirs.

Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Standing between us and the penalty of sin is Jesus. He laid down his life to save ours. He is our good shepherd.

David writes in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want.” And, the Lord is a good shepherd. He knows us and he tenderly and compassionately cares for us. Take a moment today to thank him for being the good shepherd.

Please share this post.

Advertisement
Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Hope for the Hopeless: Psalm 118 Reveals Who to Trust

Leave a comment

Hope is easy when we do not really need it, but when circumstances around us seem hopeless, we truly discover where our hope can be found.

Friends who say call if you need anything may or may not mean it. Politicians may promise hope, but they are not able to deliver a true hope. Hope in money can eventually run out. The Lord, however, can provide a true, constant hope in the most hopeless of situations.

Psalm 118:8-9 reminds us “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.”

The Lord can give hope to the hopeless. In the darkest of hours, he can be a ray of light that changes everything. Where is your hope placed today?

Please share this post, and remember, we can deliver a daily dose of encouragement to your podcast feed.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Finding Deliverance in Psalm 118: Overcoming Fear and Defeat in Difficult Times

Leave a comment

“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;

he brought me into a spacious place.

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

The Lord is with me; he is my helper.

I look in triumph on my enemies” (Psalm 118:5-7).

“Between a rock and a hard place” is how a lot of folks may describe their current circumstances. They may not see a way out, but Psalm 118 reminds us of the Lord’s power.

The Psalmist says he was hard pressed; he was having a difficult time, so he cried out to the Lord and the Lord brought deliverance.

  • The Psalmist felt hard pressed, but the Lord gave him breathing room (verse 5).
  • The Psalmist fear was taken away by knowing the Lord was near (verse 6).
  • The Psalmist knew the Lord would bring victory (verse 7).

As the day begins, you may share those same feelings. You may feel hard pressed, fearful, and defeated, but the Lord offers the same deliverance to us. Follow the Psalmist example of crying out to the Lord.

Please share this.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Enduring Love: A Promise from Psalm 118

Leave a comment

“Give thanks to the Lord. He is good; his love endures forever” proclaims Psalm 118:1.

This is a promise of unshakable love for us.

When Psalm 118 says that God’s love endures forever, it is expressing the idea that God’s love is constant and unchanging. The Hebrew word for “love” used in this verse is “hesed,” which is often translated as “steadfast love” or “unfailing love.” This word conveys the idea of a loyal, faithful, and committed love that endures through all circumstances and challenges.

In the context of Psalm 118, the psalmist is giving thanks to God for delivering them from their enemies and for being their salvation. The psalmist recognizes that God’s love is the foundation of this deliverance and salvation, and that it is an enduring love that will never fail.

This idea of God’s enduring love is a theme that is echoed throughout the Bible. For example, the prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Similarly, the apostle Paul wrote, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Overall, when Psalm 118 says that God’s love endures forever, it is expressing the idea that God’s love is unwavering, unchanging, and always available to those who seek it.

Remember, whatever life throws at you today, the Lord’s love endures forever.

Please share this post.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Shining Through Hopelessness

Leave a comment

Jesus was close to Lazarus and his sisters. Lazarus was ill, so the family sent word to Jesus requesting he come and help. Jesus does go, but the Bible teaches he waited before going.

We know Jesus waited until Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days before helping. At this point, all hope had been lost. No one believed there was a chance Lazarus could be brought out of the tomb. However, the Bible records that is not the case.

John 11:23-25 says,  “Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Jesus is getting ready to display his power over death. Life and death battled, and life won. Death’s grip could not hold Lazarus in the grave because of Jesus.

Because of Jesus, death’s grip cannot hold us in bondage. Jesus says he is the resurrection and the life. Ephesians 2 says it is in Christ we are made alive by grace. Jesus question to Martha is the same one he asks us, “Do you believe?”

Please share this post.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Finding Peace in God

Leave a comment

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

This is an awesome piece of advice we can apply today. No matter what’s going on, we can exchange stress and anxiety for peace. Notice a couple words.

Anything

Merriam-Webster defines the word as “a thing, no matter what that thing may be.”

Every

Merriam-Webster defines the word as “all members of a group or set.”

There are no restrictions. No problem or situation is too big or too small. Whatever is going on, Scripture says we can pray about it, and the Lord will give us peace.

So, as you face the stressers and anxious moments of today, remember to pray. And, God’s peace will come.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Finding Peace and Strength Amid Chaos: A Promise from Psalm 29

Leave a comment

Out of his power, God grants peace and strength.

Peace and strength are always in demand!

We need peace as we navigate the always changing landscape of life. .

We need strength to walk toward the unknowns of the future.

The Bible tells us the Lord will give us both. Psalm 29:11 says, “The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.”

This is the same Lord described in Psalm 29 as powerful and majestic. He spoke creation into existence; everything came from nothing simply by his voice. He calms storms; nature acts as his symphony. His power and majesty are greater than any other, and he grants you and me peace and strength.

Take a moment today to reflect on the Lord’s power and majesty. Allow the Lord to give you strength and bless you with peace today.

Please share this post.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Finding Comfort in God’s Love: Remembering the Lord Cares About You

Leave a comment

Sometimes we feel insignificant as if we don’t even matter. In the vastness of the world, we are merely a face in the crowd or a number in the system, so we begin to wonder if we matter. Does anyone realize I’m here? Does anyone really care about my concerns and needs? Do I matter? Does God care about me?

The Bible teaches the answer is a resounding YES!

Jesus says in Luke 12:6-7, “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

Think of Jesus’ words this way. Not one bird, though worth only a fraction of a penny, falls from the sky without the Lord knowing and caring, and our value is much higher. We do not have to fear the Lord does not care for us. He does! The Lord cares about us enough that he knows everything about us.

I don’t know how many hairs I have on my head, but the Lord does.

The Lord cares about us so much that he gave us the gift of grace. As you experience the vastness of the world today, remember, the Lord knows you and cares for you.

Please share this post.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Casting Off Anxiety

Leave a comment

As you begin today, you may have a lot of anxiety. It may be caused by stress at work or in your personal relationships. Perhaps money is tight this week as you push through to pay day. I don’t know the cause of your anxiety, but I know Scripture makes a terrific promise to us.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Think about this invitation for a moment. Cast – THROW – your anxieties on the Lord because he cares for you. The stress we’re feeling today can be thrown on the Lord. He will help us carry the load and get through the day.

As anxiety builds today, remember, you can throw it on the Lord, and he will help you carry it.

Please share this post.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Finding Joy in the Monday Blues

2 Comments

Struggling today? It is Monday, so that means we’re back to work or school. The enjoyment and relaxation of the weekend is gone, so you may be feeling a little negative or down today. You’re not alone. These are shared feelings by many, and there is advice in Scripture that can help us today.

Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

As you’re remembering it is Monday, counterbalance the weight of the negative thoughts with the joy of promises found in Scripture.

  • Your to-do list is long, but the Lord is always with you (Hebrews 13:5).
  • You have to untangle a tricky problem with a client at work, but the Lord is your helper (Psalm 121).
  • You’re anxious about that doctor’s appointment this week, but the Lord can give you peace (Philippians 4:7).

Yes, it is Monday, but equalizing our thoughts may help the day go a little better.

Please share this idea and post.