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Psalm 23:5

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 25, 2022
Psalm 23: 5b, “You anoint my head with oil;”
[Shepherds put oil on the heads of their sheep to keep away pesky insects, to heal wounds, to refresh and so when the sheep butt heads, they will slide by and not be badly injured.
Oil here can represent many things: the Holy Spirit, protection, blessing and healing. You, Lord, provide for us all these blessings and more in your gracious giving, pouring out continually from your unending, inexhaustible store of riches.
As it says in Ephesians 1:2 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who HAS blessed us with All spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians goes on to detail some of these blessings:
 
–He chose us before the foundation of the world.
–He has made us holy and without blame before Him in love.
–He predestined us to be adopted as His children.
–It was His good pleasure to adopt us.
–We are accepted in the Beloved, Christ.
–In Him we have redemption through His blood.
–We have the forgiveness of ours sins according to the riches of His endless grace.
— And in 1 Peter 1:3 it says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life….” ]
Truly, “My cup runs over!” Because God is incredibly, infinitely good.
 
Picture from internet
May be an image of text that says '"LORD, MY CUP IS EMPTY FILL ME WITH YOUR SPIRIT TILL OVERFLOW, OVERFLOW..."'
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Psalm 23:4

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 24, 2022
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
As our good Shepherd, you bring us into positive places to graze. On the edges of the pasture may lurk wolves, bears, lions, or the great serpent, Satan. Their presence, however, does not need to disturb us, for you are our all-powerful protector.
 
No one can skirt you, no one can thwart your plans or purposes. Therefore we can ignore the threats of the enemy and quietly, peacefully feed on what you have given, resting in your goodness, greatness and glory.
You are our good Shepherd, our great Guide, our Warrior King who has already defeated the enemy. As we remain in the shelter of your Word, your Way, your Wisdom, praising you in and for all, we are safe from true harm.
 
You may lead us through many challenges, but in these you will protect and carry us through as we follow you. Help us, your little lambs, to walk with you today.
 
Picture: the enemy is like a lion, our Lord is our protecting shepherd.
May be an image of big cat and outdoors
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(Untitled)

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 23, 2022
In 1984 we got a letter from Elise, a woman who had been searching for spiritual input. Her sister had gotten an offer for the Bible correspondence course and gave it to Elise. Through that she found our address and wanted to meet with us.
 
We called the telephone number she sent us in a letter and her sixteen year old daughter, Sarah, answered, speaking to Barbara in high school German. She was very relieved to find that we spoke Turkish.
 
This contact proved to be the most significant one in the fellowship. After she came to the Lord, Elise proved to be a real evangelist and eventually was instrumental in seeing twenty-three of her relatives become believers!
 
About the same time, the Smith’s oldest daughter, Alyn, introduced us to a man she was interested in. Ivan was a short, aggressive fellow, seemingly a hard worker who showed an interest in the gospel.
 
Although he had only a third grade education, Ivan was bright and was soon explaining the meaning of the gospel to the rest of the Smith family more effectively than we could. Ivan himself made a commitment and began attending the Sunday meetings at the Smiths. Soon he and Alyn married.
 
Another fellow, Harry, came through the correspondence course, and Dan began to disciple him, pouring lots of time and effort into his life. Harry showed signs of being a potential leader.
 
Then some months later, a worker from Germany came looking for nationals to work in his literature ministry, and sought out Harry. Dan talked with this man and warned him that Harry was just a young believer and needed time to mature before he could be put in charge of a foreign-funded venture. But the man did not listen.
 
We found out later that this was his way in many countries. He operated independently of any workers on the ground, taking one or two believers to himself and working exclusively with them. It led to the distribution of the man’s literature, but to the unhealthy separation and isolation of believers.
 
At this point our little group was meeting in homes, often in a different place every week. Although home meetings were not illegal, many people believed they were, and felt uncomfortable. As the culture was building oriented, it seemed strange to seekers that we had no official meeting place.
 
The Lord provided a solution to this through a friend who knew the priest in the Vatican Embassy. He allowed us to meet on their property, making it much easier to invite seekers.
 
One day after the meeting during the teatime, Barbara noted that each local was talking to a foreigner. The believers were not mixing with each other. This was not a new problem. Therefore, we decided to have foreigners attend, encouraging the locals to interact with each other.
 
One Sunday afternoon when we arrived at the gate of the Embassy, the head priest was there and took me aside. “This is the last Sunday you will be allowed to meet here,” he said,
 
“Why is that?” I asked.
 
“The authorities have come and told us we cannot accept you.”
 
“What would be the reason for that?” I exclaimed, “This is not local property, this belongs to the Vatican. This decision is contrary to the law!”
 
“Ah, my son,” said the priest, “Here the law and the authorities are two very different things!” He was right, of course, and that was the end of our meetings at the Embassy.
 
In one way I was thankful, for we had noticed that after our meetings, the two priests living at the Embassy would come down and mix with us. In the end we realized that they were trying to draw the believers into Catholicism. Separation from that was good.
 
The Lord had other things in mind for us; an Austrian believer was able to get permission for us to meet in a school. That was even better, because it was more centrally located and was guarded, making the believers feel even more secure.
Picture: street scene from 70s
May be an image of 1 person and road
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Psalm 23:4b

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 22, 2022
“I will fear no evil for You are with me….” Psalm 23:4b
You, Lord God, are ever present, ever with us, your little lambs. If there is evil threatening, enemies approaching, you are there, watching, providing, protecting in whatever way you deem best.
Often we are living in limbo, uncertain of what is going to happen, in fear of possible danger or disappointment, and when the doors to the future open, we have no idea what is on the other side. But there is one thing we can be sure of: that you are there on the other side of that door, waiting to greet us with your planned path prepared.
As you announce in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” In you we can rest.
“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
The shepherd’s rod is a stout club to beat off attackers. Your rod is powerful, effective, more than sufficient to protect us from whatever Satan can bring against us–for you are invincible, undefeatable and all powerful. You have already won every battle at the cross.
And then there is your staff, the shepherd’s crook used to guide and correct your sheep as we stray. You are faithful to warn us when we wander willfully out of the way: you tap us on the shoulder, or you pull us back, or if necessary, give us a whack to get our attention. You guide us persistently, even when we insist on rebelling, trusting in ourselves rather than you.
 
As we live in the light of these truths we will be safe little lambs watched over by the Almighty, all powerful, all knowing Shepherd who loves us like crazy.
Shepherds Crook Images | Our Top 98 Shepherds Crook Stock ...
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Psalm 23:4

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 21, 2022
More thoughts on Psalm 23:4 and the valley of the shadow of death.
 
As we take refuge in His love, power and truth, God does not always protect us from what will harm us physically, but from what would harm us spiritually. Then we can shine in the darkness of this world as a burning fire for those seeking Truth.
 
The valley of the shadow of death is not a threat but an opportunity to fulfill the purpose of our lives: honoring the One who walked this road before us and will walk with us through it again, and we do this by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 50:23).
 
So, let us look to Jesus, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2).
 
Let us follow the advice of the Word to “throw off everything that hinders [our natural worldview] and the sin that so easily entangles [addiction to comfort, selfishness and security, to name a few] and run with perseverance the race marked out for us [some of which will go through the valley of the shadow of death], fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (Heb. 12:1,2a)
 
And we will come out on the other side, into a pleasant place: “He brought me out into a spacious place, he rescued me because he delighted in me” (Ps. 18:19).
May be an image of nature, body of water, sky and tree
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Psalm 23:4

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 20, 2022
Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;”
 
[At least one of the paths of righteousness you will lead me on, Lord, goes through this dark valley. It may be a time of dying to a desire, to my will, to a possession or it may be physical danger and sickness or death of a loved one or myself.
 
Whatever it is, I do not need to fear that evil will triumph.
There may be loss and suffering, but in the end, evil will not win because Jesus is already the Victor and I belong to Him.
 
Think of Paul in his shipwreck described in Acts 27. In the midst of a great storm there were days and nights of uncertainty where Paul was cold, wet and hungry; and then the smashing of the ship into a sandbar and everyone having to swim to shore through crashing surf.
 
There was evil: the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners, Paul included, so they couldn’t escape, but that was prevented. Then the viper bit Paul, but God protected him and no harm was done.
 
It was a dark valley, but in it, the witness of Paul shone brighter in his faith, in his declaration of God’s sovereignty, in his prediction (all possessions will be lost, all people will be saved), and in his being protected. Without that dark, the light would have not been seen so clearly.
 
Then Paul went on to heal and preach the gospel to people on the island–effectively because of his journey through the valley of the shadow of death, bringing him to those who had need.
 
When we are such a valley we can remember that God has a plan for this, just as He did with Paul. And because He is with us, and as with Paul, His rod and staff will protect us from what is truly evil for our God is Good, all the time.
Picture from the internet
May be an image of nature and mountain
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(Untitled)

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 19, 2022
Today something different, the first of a series of vinyets written by a fellow worker in Pakistan. Today could be entitled, “The almost end of a dream”
 
The Engagement, by Nancy.
 
I suppose it could have looked like a prelude to suicide. After thrashing about in indecision for three months, I suddenly checked into a local motel. My parents worried at home.
 
Four months earlier, in November of 1982, my heart had soared with purpose. After years of preparation, my dream of serving Christ in Pakistan was drawing near. Most of my support had been pledged. Trunks were filling up with a four-year supply of things. Speaking engagements had tapered off, and the goodbyes had begun.
 
One of my last speaking engagements was at my alma mater, Briercrest Bible School, in Saskatchewan. Everyone there received me warmly, but none more so than Steve, a fellow student and good friend. He was also interested in missions. Attractive, fun, and godly, Steve’s romantic intentions surfaced, “Can I write to you in Kelowna?” I was flattered and stunned. I had never thought of him like that.
 
After a flurry of correspondence, Steve traveled to our home after Christmas that year. Family, friends, and fellow missionaries loved him and loved the idea of us. Some caught up in romantic notions, and some relieved I wouldn’t have to be a single missionary. Funny, singleness was my last concern.
 
I pushed my half-filled trunks for Pakistan into a corner of the house and closed the lids. If I let go of the dream now, would it be gone forever?
 
By the time Steve returned to Briercrest on January 2nd, we were engaged. He had asked me to marry him on New Year’s Eve. The pressure I felt from every direction to embrace this new script for my life was intense. I was in the middle of a “Hallmark” movie, and the director had cued me to say, “Yes.”
 
I canceled my plans for Pakistan and boarded a spiritual and emotional roller coaster. One day “in love,” the next day deep in doubt. Well-meaning people confused me with their romantic tales, with their counsel.
Where was the God I knew? How easily perplexity had obscured Him. Why didn’t guidance pop off the pages of Scripture as usual? Frantic to hear from God, I took Bible verses out of context and worsened things. I felt abandoned by God.
 
Meanwhile, Steve bought me a gorgeous ring, and we set a wedding date. I traveled to meet his family. We began marriage counseling. All the while, I felt like I was living someone else’s life, everyone else’s life.
 
After an uneventful stay at that motel in March, I bought a Greyhound bus ticket and traveled to Saskatchewan to see Steve. Before the bus had even left Kelowna, I cried out to God, “I don’t know what to do, but I cannot continue to live like this.” A weight lifted.
 
Three days later, on Easter Sunday, I removed the engagement ring and placed it in Steve’s hand. Disappointed but resigned, he took it back.
 
And I took my life back.
 
When I arrived in Pakistan two months after the break-up, I could not think of one reason why God had allowed me to experience such humiliation and confusion.
 
But I had begun to grasp the wildness of God and the depths of my uncultivated heart.
 
“…perplexed, but not despairing;”  (2 Corinthians 4:8b nasb
Picture: women in Pakistan like the ones Nancy worked with.
May be an image of 2 people, child, people sitting and outdoors
 
 
 
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Psalm 23:3

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 18, 2022
 
As my “Psalm 23 Shepherd,” Lord Jesus, you lead me beside the still waters—you give me opportunity to be with you, to take in, to gain eternal perspective.
 
You lead, but I must both follow, and then drink. I must choose to spend time in your Word, in worship, in intercession and confession, in pouring out my heart and lifting up my soul to you. And I can do this because you are “good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all who come to you” (Psalm 86:5 KJV).
 
As I choose to drink from your Word and revel in your presence, you will restore my soul: bringing refreshment, insight, wisdom, understanding, greater faith and more praise.
 
You work to restore my soul to more of its pre-fall perspective, making me more like yourself. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory…” (2 Cor. 3:18).
 
You will then lead me in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake—but again, I must choose to follow. And I can be sure that the way you lead me will be righteous and upright, pure and positive, godly and good, bringing honor to your Name.
 
If I sense leading which is not one of these, then I can know that it is not of you, but from the subtle and sinister call of the world, the flesh and the devil. These I want to reject, so I can give you glory in all I do. Therefore, for the sake of your name, help me to gladly follow your righteous lead, no matter how much self-denial it requires.
 
Praise you, Lord Jesus, for you are my Shepherd, my King, my Sovereign, the One to be obeyed and feared, loved and served. Praise you for the wonderful and powerful privilege of being both your sheep and your ambassador in a fallen and faulty world, bringing your light to deluded and deceived people.
 
Praise you for your Holy Spirit to fill, empower, guide and encourage. I praise you, Lord Jesus, my 23rd Psalm Shepherd, for your preservation, your protection, your provision and your presence throughout the day. May I be filled with your Spirit; may I be a vessel of grace to all I meet today; may I be a useful instrument in your hand, Lord, obeying you, living worthy of your calling and pleasing you in every way. To you be glory, honor and praise in and through my life today.
May be an image of tree, body of water and nature
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Psalm 23:1,2

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 17, 2022
Psalm 23:1, 2 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
 
You, Lord Jesus, as my Shepherd, MAKE me to lie down in green pastures—you don’t ask what I think or want. You select the pasture I need now and keep me there as long as is necessary so I can grow and deepen, mature and develop to become more like Christ, a better instrument in your hand.
 
Joseph in the OT didn’t particularly want to be a slave, or go to prison, but those were the green pastures you had for him. And there he learned to deny self, to live for you and to be a good administrator. This made him fit to save many others, including his family, the Egyptians, and the line of Jesus–so the Messiah could be born and eventually save us!
 
When finding ourselves in green pastures that aren’t pleasant (sickness, time in the hospital, loss, disappointment, heartache or failure, to name a few), we can follow this advice: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you KNOW that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
 
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
 
In the hand of our Shepherd, difficulties are directive, problems are providential and heartaches can be healing if we cooperate with Him, continuing to lie down in the green pastures He selects.
 
A key aspect here is to embrace what He brings with thanksgiving rather than just suffering through with discontent and complaining.
 
To embrace is to receive grace, to complain is to reject it: “God resists the proud [who reveal their pride by complaining] but gives grace to the humble [who accept with thanksgiving what He brings]” (James 4:6).
 
So, let’s trust Him to know what for us is a green pasture and join Him in what He’s doing in and through it, in and through us.
May be an image of nature and grass
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Easter Thoughts

Published by S.M. Wibberley on April 16, 2022
When Adam sinned he broke many things:
He broke good, bringing evil
He broke his relationship with God
His broke his relationship with Eve
His broke his relationship with himself
He broke creation, bringing death and destruction
He broke the possibility of eternal life
He broke the perfection the of Eden,
bringing sin, sickness, conflict, hate,
meaninglessness and turmoil.
 
He broke, literally, everything in the whole of creation,
twisting all on the earth,
in the heavens
and in the sea,
Bringing death, destruction, and despair
 
But, praise be to God, Jesus also is a breaker, a greater breaker than Adam, In His death and resurrection, which we are celebrating today–
He broke into History as a man
He broke evil to bring good.
He broke the reign of death in His resurrection.
He broke the fear of death
He broke the power of Satan
He broke the curse and condemnation we were all under.
He broke the power of evil so we can return good for hurt
He broke hopelessness for He is the God of hope
He broke dysfunctionality so that we can live at peace with ourselves and others
so we can forgive, let go and rise above.
He broke the power of hate, cruelty, and selfishness
 
He broke the power of foolishness by giving us heavenly wisdom.
He broke the power of ignorance by giving us the New Testament
He broke the power of weakness by giving us the Holy Spirit.
So he broke and untwisted the creation to bring healing and restoration,
Like a broken arm that heals wrong must be rebroken to be made right
 
And In His breaking the power of evil and the power of the devil He made many things whole, giving us
A Restored relationship with God
A Restored relationship with ourselves
Restored relationships with others through forgiveness
Restored purpose, meaning, hope and a future.
As we remember that he has conquered death by His resurrection, let us remember how great and powerful an achievement , how wide and wonderful a work He has done for us and the whole of creation.
 
The conclusion? We should also be “breakers,” breaking bad habits, breaking laziness, selfishness and unbelief.
 
One way we can do this is to make sure we have a quiet time every day, soaking in God’s Word so we can think His thoughts, obey His truth and bring joy to His heart.
 
A second way is to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving in and for all.
 
A third way is to under gird everything with prayer, making prayer the foundation of all we do.
 
As we break away from what is natural and grab hold of what is supernatural, we will be joining God in His great plans to break the old and bring in the new heaven and new earth, living out the purpose for which we were created.
May be an image of flower and nature
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