"The LORD is my shepherd. I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
The Scriptures say over and over that we are like sheep. Likewise, there are many references that speak of God and Christ as our Shepherd. What makes the difference for sheep is the shepherd. Sheep are helpless,timid, and feeble. They require constant attention and meticulous care, have little means of self-defense and easily fall prey to predators. Without the constant care of the shepherd, they will go the wrong way, eat the wrong food (nibble right off a hillside to their deaths), and lap up the wrong water. Do you see any similarities with humans? It does make you wonder why God created such dull-witted creatures. Perhaps because in His sovereignty He wanted us as His people to understand our complete poverty of spirit and our desperate need of a shepherd. He loves us so much and no other name of God has the tender, intimate touch of this name. Yahweh-rohi--the LORD my Shepherd is a special name for God that brings great comfort to our souls. Yahweh is glorious in majesty--all-powerful and full of splendor. Yet the wonderful grace of our God is such that He can condescend to such a relationship with His creatures--that of a shepherd to his sheep.
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| Ezra getting cuter every day!
You might have guessed by now that the next name of God being studied in Sher's Bible study is the name Yahweh-rohi--the LORD, my Shepherd. I never tire of studying the names of God--and each time I do--I marvel that God desires for us to know Him and has revealed the many names to help us know His nature and character more deeply.
As we become more busy and involved in activities, the time seems to go faster. Is this a sign of aging? Each week we say, "I can't believe it is Sunday already." We are so grateful for our Shepherd's watchful care and provision for us and our family. We are thankful that He is watching over our family in the states while we are here. How grateful we are to the Lord for providing this wonderful opportunity to be in Thailand and work with our international church. Our perspectives have been broadened, and our lives enriched by meeting so many people from different cultures. I'm so glad that we are a team and that we can share in this experience together.
 
What a wonderful gift and blessing of our loving Lord we can be here with Matthew and Audrey and watch Ezra grow and develop. We think Ezra gets cuter every day. (And we're not biased at all). My husband, son, and daughter-in-law planned a very special day for my birthday. Matthew and Audrey prepared a superb meal with Dairy Queen ice cream cake for dessert. Matthew made a beautiful table to place the hot pot and drinks, etc. when we have guests--like the Bible study. My family in the states took good care of me as well--bringing a gift with them in January to save for my birthday. I feel very blessed to have such a loving, caring family who find ways to express that love in tangible ways.
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Please be in prayer for Dave as he faces a medical procedure to remove a large kidney stone. We are hoping he will have the procedure done at the end of April. He will need to be in the hospital for a few days--if all goes well. Pray that they will be able to remove the stone without too much difficulty and for peace prior to and during the procedure.
Also, please be in prayer for 2 families that work here with New Tribes Mission who were in a very serious car accident. Mary is very critical condition and was taken by medical evacuation ambulance to Bangkok. Their 3 grown children are flying in from the states. The other woman in the car did not survive the accident--so pray for comfort and peace for her family. Please be in prayer for both of these families.
Faithful Heart is again this year sponsoring a retreat for their staff. Last year I taught English classes for their staff retreat. This year Dave will teach 2 seminars--one on marriage and one on anger. (Do Christians ever get angry?) Please be in prayer for this time and for all who will be sharing in the retreat.
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| Lunch after church with a dear family in our church |
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| Adjan Ra and I in Thai lesson |
- That we can continue to master the language so that we can communicate more effectively with Thai people
- For Dave's kidney stone removal
- That we can efficaciously love and encourage the people in our international church
- That we will be the light of Christ wherever we go and whatever we do
- That the Lord will keep us safe. This recent accident reminded us of how dangerous the driving is here.
- Matt and Audrey and their ministry at Faithful Heart (Please continue to pray for 10-year old Benjamin who needs a kidney transplant)
- That the Lord will give us health and strength to do the tasks He places before us.
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