Forwarded from Carli • Saved by Grace
Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are lots of reasons she may do this. If the shepherd tries to return the lamb, the mother might even kick the baby away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.
These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their little necks. Their spirits are broken.
These lambs are called "bummer lambs."
Unless the shepherd intervenes, that little lamb will die ~ rejected and alone.
Do you know what the shepherd usually does?
The shepherd will take that rejected little lamb into their home, hand~feed it and keep it warm. They will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to their chest so the little lamb can hear their heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.
That sheep never forgets the shepherd's love and care when their mother rejected them. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess which sheep runs first? That sheep knows the shepherd's voice.
The bummer lamb isn't loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it. It trusts the shepherd because it has experienced love from the shepherd.
Many of us are bummer lambs. Rejected and broken. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat.
We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd who will never leave us.
These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their little necks. Their spirits are broken.
These lambs are called "bummer lambs."
Unless the shepherd intervenes, that little lamb will die ~ rejected and alone.
Do you know what the shepherd usually does?
The shepherd will take that rejected little lamb into their home, hand~feed it and keep it warm. They will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to their chest so the little lamb can hear their heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.
That sheep never forgets the shepherd's love and care when their mother rejected them. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess which sheep runs first? That sheep knows the shepherd's voice.
The bummer lamb isn't loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it. It trusts the shepherd because it has experienced love from the shepherd.
Many of us are bummer lambs. Rejected and broken. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat.
We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd who will never leave us.
❤31💯6
Forwarded from Be Ready For The Rapture
A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.
So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew. She did this for the whole week.
As the two kids walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally she said to Timmy, 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week... Do you know her'
Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.'
The little girl said, 'Well, who is she'
'That's just Shirley Goodnest, 'Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.'
'Shirley Goodnest...! Who is she and why is she following us..'
'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, ' Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it.'
May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always.
Credit goes to respective owner.
So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew. She did this for the whole week.
As the two kids walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally she said to Timmy, 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week... Do you know her'
Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.'
The little girl said, 'Well, who is she'
'That's just Shirley Goodnest, 'Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.'
'Shirley Goodnest...! Who is she and why is she following us..'
'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, ' Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it.'
May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always.
Credit goes to respective owner.
❤30😁10🤣1
Many people talk about the Armor of God like it's just a metaphor...
But Paul wasn't using poetic language.
He was describing a real, spiritual defense that
believers must put on every day, and it's deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy.
Paul's words in Ephesians 6:10-18 aren't random.
Every piece of the Armor of God is strategic.
Not just for protection, but for warfare!
This is about standing firm in a world of deception, lawlessness, and spiritual attacks
Where did Paul get this imagery?
Paul wasn't making this up, he was referencing Isaiah 59:17 where God Himself puts on armor to bring justice and salvation.
"He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head..."
Paul took this prophetic vision of God's armor and applied it to believers, showing that we are to wear what God Himself wears in battle!
It's not just about protection it's about spiritual authority!
Let's look at the Greek words behind each piece of armor and how they reveal a powerful meaning...
• Belt of Truth (Aletheia) - Absolute, unshakable truth that holds everything together
• Breastplate of Righteousness (Dikaiosynē) - Judicial approval from God, not self righteousness
• Shoes of Peace (Eirēne) - Firm footed readiness from being in alignment with God
• Shield of Faith (Pistis) - Not just belief, but active trust and allegiance to God
• Helmet of Salvation (Soterios) - Protection over your mind and the assurance of God's deliverance
• Sword of the Spirit (Machaira) - A razor sharp, precise weapon, not a broad sword, but a specific word from God for a specific battle
This isn't passive protection, it's a strategic battle plan.
Each piece isn't just for defense it allows us to advance.
Because the battle is not against flesh and blood...
Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 6:12:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
The war is spiritual, and so is the armor!
But here's the thing, the armor only works when it's PUT ON.
You don't just know about truth, you WEAR it.
You don't just believe in salvation, you GUARD your mind with it.
You don't just read Scripture, you WIELD it like a sword!
This armor is not optional...it's vital.
Without it, you will not stand in the days ahead.
Because deception is rising.
Falsehood is replacing truth.
Evil is being called good.
Jesus warned that in the last days, lawlessness would increase, and many would fall away (Matthew 24:12)
What keeps you from being deceived?
The Armor of God.
Truth guards you against deception
Righteousness guards your heart against corruption.
Peace anchors you
when the world is shaking.
Faith shields you from the enemy's lies.
Salvation secures your mind in Christ.
The Word of God becomes your weapon!
But notice something....
Paul never mentions armor for your back.
Why?
Because you were never meant to retreat.
In ancient warfare, soldiers stood together, forming a defense.
A lone soldier was vulnerable but when they stood side by side, their shields created an impenetrable wall.
This is why community matters!
We are meant to stand together!
The enemy's strategy is isolation, he wants you alone, weak, and vulnerable.
But when we stand firm in Christ, we are unshakable.
Paul ends this passage with one final instruction:
PRAY
Prayer is how we activate the armor.
Prayer is how we stay ready for battle.
Prayer is how we align ourselves with God's power, and not our own weak flesh.
The Armor of God is not just a nice idea, it's a command.
You are in a war whether you like it or not.
But the good news?
You have already been given everything you need to stand through your salvation in Christ!
Forwarded from:
—MAMA IN GRACE
But Paul wasn't using poetic language.
He was describing a real, spiritual defense that
believers must put on every day, and it's deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy.
Paul's words in Ephesians 6:10-18 aren't random.
Every piece of the Armor of God is strategic.
Not just for protection, but for warfare!
This is about standing firm in a world of deception, lawlessness, and spiritual attacks
Where did Paul get this imagery?
Paul wasn't making this up, he was referencing Isaiah 59:17 where God Himself puts on armor to bring justice and salvation.
"He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head..."
Paul took this prophetic vision of God's armor and applied it to believers, showing that we are to wear what God Himself wears in battle!
It's not just about protection it's about spiritual authority!
Let's look at the Greek words behind each piece of armor and how they reveal a powerful meaning...
• Belt of Truth (Aletheia) - Absolute, unshakable truth that holds everything together
• Breastplate of Righteousness (Dikaiosynē) - Judicial approval from God, not self righteousness
• Shoes of Peace (Eirēne) - Firm footed readiness from being in alignment with God
• Shield of Faith (Pistis) - Not just belief, but active trust and allegiance to God
• Helmet of Salvation (Soterios) - Protection over your mind and the assurance of God's deliverance
• Sword of the Spirit (Machaira) - A razor sharp, precise weapon, not a broad sword, but a specific word from God for a specific battle
This isn't passive protection, it's a strategic battle plan.
Each piece isn't just for defense it allows us to advance.
Because the battle is not against flesh and blood...
Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 6:12:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
The war is spiritual, and so is the armor!
But here's the thing, the armor only works when it's PUT ON.
You don't just know about truth, you WEAR it.
You don't just believe in salvation, you GUARD your mind with it.
You don't just read Scripture, you WIELD it like a sword!
This armor is not optional...it's vital.
Without it, you will not stand in the days ahead.
Because deception is rising.
Falsehood is replacing truth.
Evil is being called good.
Jesus warned that in the last days, lawlessness would increase, and many would fall away (Matthew 24:12)
What keeps you from being deceived?
The Armor of God.
Truth guards you against deception
Righteousness guards your heart against corruption.
Peace anchors you
when the world is shaking.
Faith shields you from the enemy's lies.
Salvation secures your mind in Christ.
The Word of God becomes your weapon!
But notice something....
Paul never mentions armor for your back.
Why?
Because you were never meant to retreat.
In ancient warfare, soldiers stood together, forming a defense.
A lone soldier was vulnerable but when they stood side by side, their shields created an impenetrable wall.
This is why community matters!
We are meant to stand together!
The enemy's strategy is isolation, he wants you alone, weak, and vulnerable.
But when we stand firm in Christ, we are unshakable.
Paul ends this passage with one final instruction:
PRAY
Prayer is how we activate the armor.
Prayer is how we stay ready for battle.
Prayer is how we align ourselves with God's power, and not our own weak flesh.
The Armor of God is not just a nice idea, it's a command.
You are in a war whether you like it or not.
But the good news?
You have already been given everything you need to stand through your salvation in Christ!
Forwarded from:
—MAMA IN GRACE
❤16🙏4👍1
The chicks are getting bigger by the day, and growing the pin feathers.
https://youtu.be/Hs84qbryJDM?
https://youtu.be/Hs84qbryJDM?
YouTube
Baby Steps👣Wobbly Walks On Toes👣❗️Pin Feather On Both Chicks: Alula & Primaries🪶@FOBBVCAM 2025-03-28
Original live video courtesy of @FOBBVCAM https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/
The opinions presented on this channel do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOBBV.
BC is 24 days old, SC is 20 days old. Both chicks are showing the first emerging flight…
The opinions presented on this channel do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOBBV.
BC is 24 days old, SC is 20 days old. Both chicks are showing the first emerging flight…
❤14
Testimony Tuesday
Good morning!
Today I have a few of video stories for you all.
I hope you will find inspiration from these two videos.
The last two videos I may have shared one of them before…(I really can’t remember) but it is still a great reminder of the importance in the power of prayer.
Enjoy!
—Paula
@CallToBattle
Good morning!
Today I have a few of video stories for you all.
I hope you will find inspiration from these two videos.
The last two videos I may have shared one of them before…(I really can’t remember) but it is still a great reminder of the importance in the power of prayer.
Enjoy!
—Paula
@CallToBattle
This is the same story but takes a deeper dive into the background. Approx. 4:46sec👇
https://youtu.be/Z3cxAENPeyQ?
https://youtu.be/Z3cxAENPeyQ?
YouTube
Prayer Has Power | David Livingstone: The Incredible Story of a Medical Missionary (Rev.J. John)
This video features the story of David Livingstone, as told by Rev. J. John. | Special thanks to Rev J. John for sharing this inspiring account.
#jesuschrist #motivation #prayer #prayerworks #prayersanswered #prayerlife #faithinjesus #testimony #inspirationalstory…
#jesuschrist #motivation #prayer #prayerworks #prayersanswered #prayerlife #faithinjesus #testimony #inspirationalstory…
❤4👍1
Drum roll please…..🥁🥁
Friends of Big Bear Valley present…
Meet Sunny and Gizmo!
After the wonderful but lengthy process of selecting names for Jackie and Shadow’s adorable chicks, Bigger Chick is now named Sunny and Smaller Chick is now named Gizmo.
Huge Thank You to everyone who participated. We had over 54,000 names submitted! Some people submitted 1 name, though many submitted 3 or 10, and they all added up. Many of the same names were submitted multiple times and by different people, but everyone who submitted a winning name will receive a certificate. (Winners will be contacted next week to find out more about that.)
The list of thirty finalist names, in the order they were drawn, are what the students selected from: 1. Skye 2. Crackle 3. Griffen 4. Cloud 5. Sully 6. Arden 7. Riley 8. Raine 9. Striker 10. Hutch 11. Branch 12. Gizmo 13. Liberty 14. Star 15. Jade 16. Charlie 17. Talon 18. Cloudy 19. Blaze 20. Valor 21. Gilly 22. Jalen 23 Talie 24. Bell 25. Sassy 26. Passion 27. Swift 28. Destiny 29. Flyer 30. Sunny
Congratulations to the finalists and the winners!
And most of all, thank you to everyone for caring so much about Jackie and Shadow and their beautiful chicks!
—Sandy
Friends of Big Bear Valley present…
Meet Sunny and Gizmo!
After the wonderful but lengthy process of selecting names for Jackie and Shadow’s adorable chicks, Bigger Chick is now named Sunny and Smaller Chick is now named Gizmo.
Huge Thank You to everyone who participated. We had over 54,000 names submitted! Some people submitted 1 name, though many submitted 3 or 10, and they all added up. Many of the same names were submitted multiple times and by different people, but everyone who submitted a winning name will receive a certificate. (Winners will be contacted next week to find out more about that.)
The list of thirty finalist names, in the order they were drawn, are what the students selected from: 1. Skye 2. Crackle 3. Griffen 4. Cloud 5. Sully 6. Arden 7. Riley 8. Raine 9. Striker 10. Hutch 11. Branch 12. Gizmo 13. Liberty 14. Star 15. Jade 16. Charlie 17. Talon 18. Cloudy 19. Blaze 20. Valor 21. Gilly 22. Jalen 23 Talie 24. Bell 25. Sassy 26. Passion 27. Swift 28. Destiny 29. Flyer 30. Sunny
Congratulations to the finalists and the winners!
And most of all, thank you to everyone for caring so much about Jackie and Shadow and their beautiful chicks!
—Sandy
👍9❤2
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One of the most beautiful things you'll see today.
Violinist Italo Rezende breaks down crying while playing "YESHUA" live. What a wonderful moment captured live. I've watched this over and over again on YouTube.
God, You are so good. Jesus we love You so much.
Thank You Holy Spirit for Your presence.
Amen!
Violinist Italo Rezende breaks down crying while playing "YESHUA" live. What a wonderful moment captured live. I've watched this over and over again on YouTube.
God, You are so good. Jesus we love You so much.
Thank You Holy Spirit for Your presence.
Amen!
🔥26🙏3🎉1
Testimony Tuesday
Today I want to share three truth testimonies.
Video one is about trusting God even when it seems like He is guiding you in the opposite direction of what you think should be happening.
Video two is about recognizing the Spirit and power of God within you and not to keep it to yourself. People need to see God’s power work through you!
Video three is a really great example of what it means to be made in the image of God.
Enjoy!
👇
Today I want to share three truth testimonies.
Video one is about trusting God even when it seems like He is guiding you in the opposite direction of what you think should be happening.
Video two is about recognizing the Spirit and power of God within you and not to keep it to yourself. People need to see God’s power work through you!
Video three is a really great example of what it means to be made in the image of God.
Enjoy!
👇