Almost six years ago God graciously destroyed both Becky and I with the grace of His amazing Gospel. He took two sinners saved by grace, and opened our eyes deeper to the depth of our sin against the Perfect, Holy God of the universe. This has only made His love, mercy and grace even more amazing. I am still absolutely amazed that God would save the worst sinner I know, me.
About five years ago God through what at the time seemed to be random circumstances lead us to Oasis Church in Chaska, MN. A gospel-centered church that we immediately knew was our home. Through the years God has grown us in our understanding of Him and our love for people.
I have felt called toward eldership for the past 5 years or so. I also have had a passion for missions. Through further study and mentoring I have realized these are not two separate passions or calls but one single call. I believe I have been called to some day, God willing, plant a church. This internal call has been verified externally by the pastors at my local church. Oasis Church, the local church that I love so deeply, I feel called to leave to reproduce this gospel-centered local church somewhere else. Oasis Church, a local church that loves the gospel so much that they are willing to sacrifice to send us to PC.
Which brings us to today. We are preparing to embark on a journey that we do not yet know the end. But we go know that God is faithful. We have learned even deeper through the roller coaster ride of the last few months that He is a good God. He truly works all things out for our good and His glory.
That brings me to the title of my blog. The Lord is my Shepherd. This title is from my favorite Psalm, Ps. 23. Charles Spurgeon (one of my top three favorite dead guys) write on this Psalm
23:1 "There is no "if" nor "but," nor even "I hope so;" but he says, "The Lord is my shepherd." We must cultivate the spirit of assured dependence upon our heavenly Father. The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, "My." He does not say, "The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock," but "The Lord is my shepherd;" if he be a Shepherd to no one else, he is a Shepherd to me; he cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. Whatever be the believer's position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah."
This is my prayer, that I have a "spirit of assured dependence" upon my Lord and Savior. That I never forget I am "under the pastoral care of Jehovah."
Soli Deo Gloria,
RFB
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