Throughout the scriptures, the Lord is described as the Shepherd who provides for and protects His sheep. Sometimes “His sheep” refers to the people of Israel, and at other times we see ourselves as “His sheep.” In Isaiah 40:11, the Lord tends to His flock - the children of Israel. He gathers His lambs in his arms and draws them close to his heart. In John 10, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, declaring: “I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me.”

There was a time in my life when I despaired. A loved one was in serious trouble. Each day felt uncertain, each hour changeable. Tears were the most consistent thing of the day. Tears were like my food, day and night. I was like that deer, aching for the presence of God. I was almost out of breath with longing to know that God was near and that I was not alone; a primal longing for the God of the universe to be close to me in my grief. I knew God was with me and with us. But that did not take aw

Imagine being there the day Peter preached, taking Joel’s prophecy even further: the permanent indwelling of God’s Spirit on all who believe