March 3rd F Preblast, The Lord is my Shepherd

As I contemplated the theme for the month of March I struggled a little bit. It’s not exactly ripe with themes like Easter or love.  I prayed and asked the Lord, “what message do you have for the Men of Gastonia this month?”.  Softly in my spirit I was reminded of Psalm 121,

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”

There has been much hurt in our brotherhood of late.  Brothers have lost brothers, mothers, fathers; battled cancer, stared death in the face and comforted the inconsolable.  Also, some have finished races they never imagined they would even start; some have broken ground on new adventures and stood atop mountains they never believed they could climb.  I want to remind my brothers the promise that the God gave in Jeremiah 29: ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you”-“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

The theme for March will be “The Lord is my Shepherd”.  When we have stood against what seems like hell on earth; when we have stared loss and death in the face, our only hope is to be reminded of the promise that God will be with us throughout our battles.

Week 1: 3/4/17, Read and discuss Psalm 121.  Some questions for discussion: Why does the writer say to look toward the mountain?  Why does the sun, giver of light and warmth double as a tormentor? How important is it that the Lord will protect you now and forever?  Do we think of forever, or only now?

Week 2: 3/11/17, Read  and discuss Psalm 23.  In verse 2 and 3 the Lord leads and guides.  In verse 4 we walk, and the rod and staff are referenced.  What difference do you think the writer may have been implying?  What is special about eating in the presence of his enemies?  What peace do the final verses promise those who submit to the shepherd?

Week 3: 3/18/17, Convergence week at the Yank.  Psalm 133: “133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”  Unity is likened to the due on the mountains and like precious oil.  How is this applicable today, and what is the importance of the commanded blessing?

Week 4: 3/25/17 Romans 8: 31-39 “Nothing can separate us. . .” this powerful promise from the Apostle Paul reminds us of the hope we have in our salvation!  Why can we be sure nothing will separate us from God’s love?

My hope is that your faith will be strengthened in these verses; that through the shield lock you will walk in victory.  Post!  Reach out to your brothers in need and Always Be Headlocking!