My Shepherd
(Recipe: Apple Walnut Bundt Cake)
I have several friends who are going through a difficult time in their lives at the moment. My heart hurts for them. Because I am the kind of person who wants to “fix” everything, I want to fix things for them, only I can’t. Only God can do this. I have heard them say to me, “Where is God?” “Why is he allowing all of this?” I don’t have a complete answer for their questions, but I can offer them (and you) encouragement from God’s Word. Especially from verses found in Psalm 23. These were recently brought to my attention, and they spoke volumes to me. Hopefully they speak to you as well.
Psalm 23:2 says – “He leads me beside quiet waters….” One thing about Jesus, He always LEADS. He takes the plunge first. He travels the road (rocky or smooth) ahead of us. He checks out the journey. I NEVER go where he has not been before. No matter what difficulty I face – Jesus has already been down that road – and he says to me, “Just let me lead. You will be fine.”
Psalm 23:6 says – “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me….” Jesus brings up the REAR. He ‘watches my back’, makes certain NOTHING sneaks up on me. Nothing will ever catch Jesus by surprise. Jesus says to me, “Keep walking – I’m behind you. I’ll catch you if you fall. Nothing can get past me.” I don’t have to keep turning around to see where I have been, or what might be there. I KNOW it is Jesus.
Psalm 23:4 says – “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (or you fill in the blank) I fear no evil, for you are with me…..” Jesus walks beside me. He NEVER leaves my side. He and I are in the journey together. My valley might be illness, an unsaved loved one, a wayward child, job related, etc., but no matter what it is, Jesus walks beside me. And if he is walking beside me I can reach out and hold his hand as we continue the journey together.
So why do we fear? Why do we question? Where is our trust? What other friend completely surrounds us? Remember, Psalm 23:1 says “The Lord is MY shepherd, I shall not want.” He is MINE – all MINE!! My very own personal Shepherd, and we know that shepherds lovingly care for their sheep. Surrounding them with their love.
Shepherds LEAD their sheep,
Sheep follow!
Shepherds PROTECT their sheep,
Sheep relax!
Shepherds PROVIDE for their sheep,
Sheep rest!
Shepherds LOVE their sheep,
Sheep trust that love.
“Jesus (the Great Shepherd) loves me (his sheep) this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.” Amen and Amen.
Apple-Walnut Bundt Cake
3 C. flour
1-3/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¾ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 C. vegetable oil
½ C. apple juice
2 tsp. vanilla
3 large eggs
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peel and chop
1 C. chopped walnuts
1 C. golden raisins
Confectioners’ sugar for garnish
Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour bundt pan
In large bowl, measure all ingredients except apples, walnuts, raisins and confectioner’s sugar.
With mixer at low speed, beat until well mixed, scrap bowl often. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes. Stir in apples, walnuts and raisins.
Spoon batter into pan, spread evenly. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes or until cake pulls away from side of pan and toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Invert cake onto wire rack. Cool completely. Sprinkle with sugar to serve.
