Shepherd and Sheep Series-Wandering Sheep Can Munch Their Way into Danger

Someone wisely said “even the Lone Ranger had Tonto." We need each other in the body of Christ. Every believer should become an active part of a Bible believing Church family. Sheep that become independent soon stray away from the safety of the shepherd and the flock. They are actually drawn away by their by their own appetites as they go from one clump of grass to another. Thus, they expose themselves to a multitude of dangers. The sheep’s thick coat of wool can easily be caught in the underbrush of thickets, causing the sheep to be held captive until it dies. A lone sheep is also an open invitation to one of its many predators. Without the protection of the shepherd, a wolf, a lion, or a bear would quickly kill and devour the sheep. Further dangers for sheep involve falling into crevices, picking up parasites, eating poisonous plants, or casting. A wise shepherd is aware of all of these dangers. Therefore, if he sees that one of his sheep is persistent in going its own way, he will resort to administering the pain of discipline. He will lovingly break one of its legs and then nurse the sheep back to health. This close association between shepherd and sheep establishes a special bond which continues after the leg is healed. It was this picture that David had in mind when he wrote the words; “Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice” (Psalm 51:8). It is during times of such discipline that meditation becomes especially cherished and valuable to the Christian. Meditation is a communing with God in the language of His own written Word. "My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes" (Psalm 119:48). Meditation is "talking to the King in the King's own words." “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments” (Psalm 119:176). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Balance between Eating and Exercise

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. On the other hand all play and no work makes Jack a lazy boy. Our God is the God of balance. Satan is the "god" of imbalance. The enemy will climb into the car of life and either tell you to put the pedal to the medal or stomp the brake to the floor. Either choice can wipe you out on the freeway of life. We will see God's desired balance between eating and exercise illustrated in the lives of sheep. If sheep spend too much time eating and ruminating, they will build up layers of fat. Obesity is a dangerous condition, since it is then easy for the sheep to roll over during a time of rumination. Rolling over is called casting. When a sheep is in this condition its center of gravity shifts so that it cannot right itself. Stomach gasses begin to swell the sheep’s stomach. The bloated stomach cuts off circulation to the feet, and the sheep is no longer able to stand upon them. The ultimate consequence of casting is death. God has placed significant warnings in Scripture for us to maintain a balance between the study of the Word and its application. The imbalance caused by study without application is strongly condemned in James 1: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror: For he beholds himself and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was. But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25). Many pastors of local church have affirmed that the two groups of members who cause the most trouble are those who get too little spiritual food and those who get too much spiritual food (knowledge without application). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-How Memorization Differs From Meditation

Meditation is that sweet fellowship that comes from worshiping God in Spirit and in truth. "My meditation of him shall be sweet" (Psalm 104:34). Once the steps of memorization have taken place, meditation can begin. In memorization we confirm the interpretation of a passage; in meditation we discover its applications to our lives. There is only one interpretation of Scripture (see II Peter 1:20). However, there are an infinite number of applications. The Holy Spirit guides us to the right interpretation of Scripture as we study the context, the original languages, the historical setting, and the sentence structure of the passage. We are led to correct applications as the Holy Spirit takes the Word and directs it to specific needs and situations. Each application must be in full harmony with the interpretation and must not be contrary to any other Scripture. Paul based sound teaching on Christ’s own words and on that which leads to Christ like living (see I Timothy 6:3). Paul’s teaching is also consistent with the emphasis of Joshua 1:8, “that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein.” Jesus confirmed the need to study the whole Bible when He taught, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Two other factors must be considered if we are to glean accurate application from meditation: the cleansing of guilt and the removal of bitterness. These two poisons of the soul and spirit will corrupt the Word and cause us to misapply it in daily situations. Great damage is done when Scripture is inaccurately applied. For this reason, we must know the Scriptures, memorizing as much as possible so that when we meditate on them day and night, we can compare spiritual concepts with spiritual realities and enjoy the rewards of spiritual discernment. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Distinguishing Memorization from Review

How are you doing in the area of Scripture memorization? Perhaps your answer is "not really all that well!" The fact is, in this area, you are not the Lone Ranger. However, the good news is God has an answer to your problem. Many who have memorized Scripture have become discouraged because they soon forget what they have memorized. This concern is needless and shows lack of understanding of the true nature of meditation. The purpose of memorization is not to see how many chapters we can quote, but rather to prepare us for the daily process of meditation. This process is of paramount importance to God. The principles of this process are clearly pictured in God’s provision of manna: It had to be gathered each day. Yesterday’s manna became stale, a fact which forced the people to depend upon the Lord daily and to live in proper reverence of Him. There is need to review Scriptures so we can have material upon which to meditate and with which to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth; “for the Father seeks such to worship him” (John 4:23). Simply reviewing chapters may appeal to the sense of accomplishment of our soul and can lead to pride. Actually, there is no loss in forgetting what we have memorized, since there is great value in rememorizing it and getting new insight from it. There is benefit, however, in memorizing as much as possible. The conscious mind may forget a passage; however, the Spirit will bring it to our attention whenever it is needed. Memorized Scripture is like the snow bank described in Isaiah 55:10-11. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Just as snow comes into a cold atmosphere, we may memorize God’s Word with a cold heart and even forget what we have memorized; however, the snow does not go away and when God warms up our hearts, the Word ‘melts” into our consciousness and accomplishes its purposes. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep Refine Their Food during the First Chewing

As we study the eating patterns of sheep we learn many principles that apply of our own "grazing" in the Word. Often while grazing, sheep will swallow sticks and stones along with the grass and plants. These larger objects go into the first compartment of the stomach, the rumen. These indigestible items are not allowed to pass through the digestive system but are brought up again during rumination so that they can be expelled. The digestive system of many animals is activated as soon as they swallow food. This is not true of sheep. Sheep will eat and swallow a sufficient portion of food. Most of this food collects in the first of its four stomach compartments called the rumen or paunch, which is designed to hold larger pieces of food. This compartment does not contain any digestive juices. In our studies of Scripture it is easy to add human presuppositions and inaccurate connotations to what God’s Word is really saying. The truth is there are issues of which we have faulty understanding. Wrong teaching or incomplete teaching, can lead to wrong thinking. Therefore, the vital first step in meditation is to bring each thought that we have under the scrutiny of the principles of Scripture and to throw out those ideas which are not consistent with it. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:4-5). Once the indigestible food is removed from the rumen, the remaining food is passed into the second stomach compartment, called the reticulum. Here, the food is turned into soft clumps which are called cuds. Just as sheep take in large amounts of food before they digest it, so Christians should read and memorize large sections of Scripture. By doing this, we will establish an inward resource upon which to meditate, and as we meditate, we will see each verse from its larger perspective. This practice will decrease the danger of misinterpreting a single verse or a Scriptural idea. It will also allow the Holy Spirit to reveal basic principles and their practical applications so that we can rightly divide the Word of truth (see II Timothy 2:15). The application is obvious; after we take in large portions of Scripture, our minds and hearts must be cleansed of evil or wrong presuppositions that defile us. Then we are ready to begin meditating on God’s Word. The Holy Spirit will bring to our conscious minds those things that offend God, and defile our hearts and minds; as we ask Him to do so. After a time of cleansing we will be able to properly “chew on the Scriptures.” Meditation is building your day and night around Scripture. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep Must Be At Rest Before They Can Chew Their Food

Have you noticed the effect distractions and irritations have on your devotional life? We can learn a great deal about meditation from sheep. Distractions and irritations will stop sheep from ruminating on their food. One source of irritation is insects which are naturally attracted to sheep. Insects are especially bothersome to the head and face of sheep. In order to free his sheep from this damaging distraction, the shepherd will pour a specially prepared oil mixture over the head of the sheep. This mixture contains oil, tar, and herbs. The tar repels insects, while the oil and herbs brings healing to the sheep when they have been scratched by thorns or bitten by insects. There is nothing more damaging or disruptive to the process of meditation than worldly cares and irritating distractions. Our Chief Shepherd has given us the Holy Spirit, Who instructs us not to worry over anything, but to tell God every detail of our needs in earnest and thankful prayer. The peace of God, which transcends human understanding, will then keep guard over our hearts and minds as we rest in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 4:6-7). We need to be preparing for quietness. During the day, get alone in your “prayer closet.” By shutting out the distractions of the world, we can bring up the Word which we have read, studied, and memorized, and use it for prayer, intercession, supplication, and thanksgiving before the Lord. God has promised that those who do this secretly will be rewarded openly. Daniel had major responsibilities as the leading president of a world empire. Yet, three times a day he resorted to his “prayer closet” and worshiped the Lord. The resulting success in Daniel’s life and ministry is a living testimony of the importance of following his example. Further instructions for meditation are contained in Deuteronomy 6:7 “Talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. In order to meditate we are going to have to become intentional about doing so. Perhaps the most important of these four occasions occurs while you are going to sleep at night. This observation is based upon the fact that God designed the day to begin in the evening. “The evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5). Furthermore, the last thoughts on our minds before we go to sleep will be on our subconscious mind throughout the night and will set our mental attitude for the next day, either consciously or unconsciously. It is for this reason God gives special commands to meditate on His Word during this time. “Stand in awe and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still” (Psalm 4:4). One of David’s responses to this command is found in Psalm 63:5-6 “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips: When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the night watches.” Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep Must Be Protected While They Eat

In this Shepherd and the Sheep Series, we are studying the subject of meditation. God says if we meditate on the Word we will be wiser than all our enemies. "O how love I your law! It is my meditation all the day. You through your commandments have made me wiser than my enemies: for they are ever with me" (Psalm 119:97-98). Sheep are defenseless. They have no way of protecting themselves. They cannot kick, bite, or hide. In fact, they cannot even run away from the enemies that prey upon them. The normal body temperature of sheep is 103 degrees F. If they run very long, their thick coats of wool will cause their body temperature to rise dangerously, and then they will die. Since sheep have no built-in defense system, they have many who prey upon them. Chief among these are lions, bears, and wolves. These predators stalk the sheep day and night, placing the sheep in need of continuous protection. One of the chief functions of a shepherd is to guard the sheep. God compares Satan to a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (See 1 Peter 5:8). False teachers are pictured a ravenous wolves who creep into flocks and carry away captive the young and the weak. Sometimes they enter under the guise of being sheep themselves. Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). We need to learn how to spot vicious enemies. Cults are counterfeits of the Christian faith. They often use the Bible in their teachings, but they distort and misapply verses in an attempt to support false conclusions. The Christian who meditates upon God’s Word should be able to detect false cults quickly. However, it is also the responsibility of the shepherd to expose false teachers and to protect the flock from them. Learning how to avoid poisonous foods. Lions, bears, and wolves are not the only danger from which the sheep need to be guarded. They also need protection from poisonous plants which grow among the grass they eat. Sheep will eat any green plants they find, even if they are poisonous. Once eaten, these plants will cause severe damage or death. For this reason, the shepherd must go into a field and prepare it for the sheep by searching out, pulling up, and destroying any poisonous plants. The same precautions are necessary to protect sheep from polluted water. On the way to pure streams, sheep may stop and drink from germ-infested puddles. Here they can pick up various parasites and diseases. This preparation is also the responsibility of the “under-shepherds” of Christ. They must identify worldly philosophies and humanistic presuppositions that so easily creep into teaching materials. Collisions 2:8 warns that we are to let no one deceive us “through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” We are also commanded in II Corinthians 10:5 to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. We must learn to discern what doctrinal heresy is. Just as sheep can eat too much of one thing, such as clover, and become bloated, so a Christian can overemphasize one truth and become heretical and schismatic. Every Biblical truth has a balancing truth: law is balanced with grace; justice is balanced with mercy; work is balanced with rest; love is balanced with truth. Truth out of balance leads to heresy. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Passages to Memorize for Meditation

The following are some basic Scripture passages to be memorized for meditation. Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount. This is a summary of Christ’s message during His earthly ministry. It is rich with foundational principles in all aspects of Christian living. Its significance was further emphasized by Paul when he said that he based sound doctrine on two things: Christ’s own words and that which leads to Christ like living. (See 1 Timothy 6:3). Romans 6-8, tell us how to have victory over sinful habits. Romans 6 explains how we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God by entering into our victory in Christ and daily yielding the members of our bodies to God. Romans 7 describe the law of sin which operates much like the law of gravity; however, Romans 8 explains how we can live above the law of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Exodus 20-22, gives us the principles of God’s Law. The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, and the righteousness of the law is to be fulfilled in us by the Holy Spirit. This passage summarizes the law and supplies related case studies. It explains the cause-and-effect sequence of the law of the harvest spoken of in Galatians 6:7-10. James 1-5, tell us how to apply faith to practical living. Chapter 1 instructs us how to overcome temptation. Chapter 2 emphasizes the importance of putting our faith to work. Chapter 3 teaches us how to tame our tongue. Chapter 4 explains how to conquer pride and resulting contentions. Chapter 5 gives practical business principles and direction for healing. Hebrews 11:1-6, 12:1-7, 13:1-8, teach us how to understand God’s purposes of chastening. Chapter 11 establishes the absolute importance of faith. Chapter 12 describes the discipline required of us so that we might produce “the peaceable fruit of righteousness,” Chapter 13 lists the vital relationships that Christians must maintain. I Corinthians 13, teaches us how to develop genuine love. This vital chapter defines the love that every Christian must develop by the grace of God. The entire Old Testament is summed up in the command to love the lord and to love our neighbor. By engrafting this chapter and relating it to other sections of Scripture, we will learn how to fulfill the greatest commandment. Romans 12, teaches us how to discover our spiritual gift. Every Christian has a spiritual gift; By using it properly we experience joy, fulfillment, and fruitfulness. This chapter identifies the prerequisites for gifts and the practical use of them in ministering God’s love to others. Romans 13, tells us how to understand and properly respond to authority. Only as we see authority figures in the perspective of this chapter will we be able to respond properly to them and to gain God’s protection and direction through them. Every Christian needs to understand and to apply the essential concepts of power and influence. Ephesians 5-6, tell us how to be equipped for warfare. The first chapters of Ephesians establish our position of victory in Christ. Chapter 5 identifies the works of darkness and the resulting relationships that grow out of being filled with God’s Spirit. Our ability to carry out these relationships depends upon how faithful we are in putting on the whole armor of God listed in chapter 6. 1 Peter 1-5 is teaching on how to suffer victoriously. By engrafting this book, we can be prepared when fiery trials overtake us. We will view them as opportunities to follow in the footsteps of Christ. The practical instruction of this book is essential for every Christian who wants to influence his or her world, since all those who live Godly lives will suffer persecution. Galatians 5:13-6:10, teach us how to experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are both defined and clarified by this passage. It also provides clear instruction on how we can demonstrate the law of love to fellow Christians. Psalms 1,15,19,25,34,37,112,139, instruct us on how to be one after God’s own heart. God called David as man after His own heart. The more the Psalms become ours, the more God can say the same of us. Learning the Psalms will teach Christians to pray, to sing, to rejoice, to praise, and to know the God who cares deeply about every aspect of their lives. Proverbs 3 teaches us how to enjoy the treasures of wisdom. Mastering the entire book of Proverbs is essential for Christians who desire to gain wise counsel for daily decisions. Every effort to memorize in this book will be greatly rewarded. Chapter 3 gives practical instruction on how to “find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” When you begin meditating (ruminating) on the Word of God you will enjoy success. “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success” (Joshua 1:8). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep and Survival

Sheep belong to the class of animals called ruminants, because they chew and rechew their food through a process of reingestion. We as God's sheep are to ruminate on the Scriptures. "Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all" (1 Timothy 4:15). Analogies between sheep and Christians abound in Scripture. Those who minister to Christians are compared to shepherds: “Feed the flock of God which is among you…” (1 Peter 5:2). Christ is pictured as the Chief Shepherd: “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear…” (1 Peter 5:4). Christians are the sheep of God’s flock: “...We are the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Important aspects of the Christian life are also illustrated by the ways of sheep. Christians are to follow the Lord as sheep follow their shepherd. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Christians wander from truth the same way that sheep go astray. “All we like sheep have gone astray…” (Isaiah 53:6). Sheep do not have the ability to survive on their own. Most people assume that sheep can take care of themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sheep are such creatures of habit that, if left to themselves, they become the victims of their own destruction. They will wander in the same paths and “graze” in the same areas until the pasture is destroyed. Sheep will then pollute the barren ground until it breeds dangerous parasites. When thirsty, untended sheep will drink whatever water is available, even from contaminated sources such as shallow, muddy pools. What are sheep notoriously noted for? They go astray. They get lost easily; sheep are totally dependant on the Shepherd, on Jesus Christ. Of interest are the sheep of the Highlands of Scotland, especially how they are rescued when they wander off and become stranded? The vegetation on those high places is pretty sparse. And yet, down on a narrow cliff about ten or twelve feet below is a little ledge that is grassy. It hasn't been eaten because sheep can't walk down there. But some of them will smell that lush grass and they will go down on that ledge, jumping ten, maybe twelve feet, landing on all fours like a cat and they will eat that lush grass. Well, there's no way to get back up by themselves. Soon their bleating is heard as they try unsuccessfully to return to higher ground. The shepherd does not rush over to rescue him. He lets that sheep stay down there on the ledge for a reason. Why? There's no way he can save him until all the grass is eaten and until the sheep begins to get hungry and thirsty. In time the sheep realizes the food is gone and there is no water down there. Finally the sheep gets so weak that he can't even stand up. It’s at that point, when he's at the bottom of the barrel, when he has run out of his own energy, then the shepherd will lower himself down over the ledge and rescue the sheep. Because the wise Shepherd knows if he comes any sooner, that stupid sheep, will jump over the ledge to its death. This should help us understand why God often waits until we are at the bottom of the barrel. You may be saying I wish He wouldn't wait so long. Maybe you ought to pray that the grass will run out a little sooner. Fear, tension, and aggravation will keep sheep from properly digesting their food. Then, too, the ever-present danger of predators will bring further destruction to sheep who try to make it on their own. No wonder Jesus made the observation of sheep that had no shepherd, “…they fainted, and were scattered abroad…” (Matthew 9:36). This characteristic of sheep explains why most Christians do not meditate on the Word of God. They assume they can do it on their own, but the clear fact of the matter is that they cannot. Their intentions may be sincere, and their motivation may be high. They may even begin a program of memorization, but in a short while they become too busy for it and soon forget about it. If this describes your condition, there is only one remedy—accountability! In order to experience meditation on any kind of consistent basis, you must affirm the following truth and commitment. “Having failed in my own efforts to meditate on a consistent basis, I now purpose to become accountable to another person in order to maintain this vital spiritual discipline." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.