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The Shepherd's Psalm
[Biblical Insight]
08/10/2010
By Carr, Dr. David
Psalm 23 is probably, without doubt, the most well known of the Psalms. This psalm appears at most funerals, is often quoted by young students of the Bible, and is loved by saints, young and old. Yet, what is the key to this psalm? It is referred to by many as the psalm of the Great Shepherd, and as such, what truths can we draw from it? I believe our findings can be summarized by the following: Want, Worry, and Wander. According to this psalm, the sheep do not have to WANT because the shepherd will be there constantly to provide the needs of the fold. Secondly, the sheep do not have to WORRY because the shepherd is there to defend, provide, and protect in all circumstances. A simple observation will reveal that WANT and WORRY are linked together in an almost impervious bond. Our "worries" are often a result of our "wants", and likewise, our "wants" produce many a "worry". If the sheep will learn to depend upon the shepherd, trusting in his benevolent care, our "wants" and "worries" will seem to disappear. Thirdly, the sheep will find that they will not WANDER. The shepherd is not only dedicated to provide temporary needs, but will make sure that the sheep are returned safely to the fold. The "fold" is not just a temporary house, but is the place of eternal rest, the "Father's house". The shepherd will not leave his sheep to "wander" aimlessly, but will guide and direct, through every valley (difficulty), including death, and will see the sheep delivered safe to their final home. Well, we would do to realize again the truth of this beloved psalm and find comfort in the truth that we need not "want" or "worry" because the shepherd is there to provide and will not allow us to "wander".
Running the Race
[Recent Events]
02/24/2010
By Carr, Dr. David
I Corinthians 9:24 "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." Over the past several days the world has watched in wonder and amazement as olympians from all over the globe have gathered for the Winter games. Countless are the personal stories of struggle and triumph. These games have witnessed the death of an athlete, the passing of relatives, the victory over personal trials, and the pure exhilaration of world class athletes competing at the height of their sport. In the Olympics, the difference between first and third, a gold medal or bronze, and victory or defeat, is often measured in hundredths of a second or the fraction of a point. After weeks, months, even years of training, the athlete can fall just short of obtaining the goal that he or she dreamed about. The Apostle Paul discussed these types of races in the verse above. All run, but only one receives the prize, at least that is the scenario that Paul gave. Paul would go on in the next few verses of I Corinthians chapter nine to encourage each believer by reminding them that earthly competitions are run for a corruptible crown, but we are running for an incorruptible one. Each believer should be reminded while watching the Olympics of the dedication that it takes to compete. Athletes must overcome personal challenges, struggles, setbacks, and fellow competitors. The Olympian may come up just short in their goal, however, every believer can strive to obtain the goal of being all that Jesus wants them to be and receiving the commendation, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" In Christ, we can all be winners and stand on the platform confident that we have done our best for Him.
Visions vs. Dreams
[Biblical Insight]
02/19/2010
By Carr, Dr. David
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Many are the people that quote this verse, and by doing so, wish to instill in others the idea that they have "vision", but is stating you have a vision all that is required. Others might say they have "Big Dreams", but are "dreams" and "visions" actually the same thing. Although often used together, or simultaneously, I believe we can determine a difference in our everyday lives. In the Bible, God used "dreams" and "visions" to reveal His will, wishes, commands, and desires to those who served Him. God even used these same methods to trouble the hearts and minds of those who were not His servants. So what's the difference for today? I believe we can say that when the average believer speaks of a "dream", they are merely thinking of a near utopian wish that, in reality, they believe has no chance of coming true. Like unto the married couple that sits and ponders what they would do if they won the grand prize of a national sweepstakes, in their hearts they know it is "dreaming", the checks not coming, and their plans will go unfulfilled. Let us then consider "visions", the desires, goals, and ambitions may appear to be the same of the "dreamer", but in reality, those with a true "vision" are far different. A "vision" will go farther than a "dream", because a "vision" will include a proposed plan of action, a mind to work, and a faith that sees the invisible. Jonathon Swift is quoting as saying, "Vision is the art of seeing things invisible" The Word of God says in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I believe God wants us to have a "vision" of what we can do for Him, through Him, and with Him. The glory is His, not ours, as long as our "vision" is not "without Him" For without Him, we can do nothing, our aspirations, yea, our visions become just mere "dreams" if He is not included.
