school philosophy - loving kindness and joy

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:  therefore with loving-kindness and joy have I drawn thee.  (Jeremiah 31.3)

school tenant - baptizing them

Matthew 28

18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ALL power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19  Go ye therefore, and teach ALL nations, (Acts 1.8) baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20  teaching them to observe ALL things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.  Amen.

school recognition

school accommodations

don't fall asleep in the driver's seat

When you are on the road to success, don’t fall asleep in the driver’s seat.  Sammie L Turner Jr

When you are on the express to success, don’t fall asleep in the driver’s seat.  Sammie L Turner Jr

Ye did run well; who did hinder you . . .  Galatians 5.7

And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Galatians 6.9

Watch, fight and pray.

We should always pray and not faint.  (Luke 18.1)

When praises go up, blessings come down.  Anon.

When you are on the road to success, don’t fall asleep in the driver’s seat.  Sammie L Turner Jr

When you are on the express to success, don’t fall asleep in the driver’s seat.  Sammie L Turner Jr

I press toward the mark for the prize

Keep up !

Stay on track !

Endure in the name of Jesus !

Keep your eyes on the prize and hold on !

Philippians 3.13,14

I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Filipenses 3.13,14

Yo mismo no pretendo haberlo ya alcanzado; pero una cosa hago: olvidando ciertamente lo que queda atras, y extendiendome a lo que esta delante,

Prosigo a la meta, al premio del supremo llamamiento de Dios en Cristo Jesus.

precept upon precept

(Isaiah 28.9-13)

9  Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine?  them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.

10  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.

11  For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

12  To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing.  (1 Cor. 14.21)

13  But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.

eyes on the prize

Keep your eyes on the prize and hold on !

trust

In God we trust.

teach

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd:  (Zech. 10.2; Mt. 9.36) and he began to teach them many things.  Mark 6.34

Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:  for your work shall be rewarded.  Chronicles 15.7

school cafeteria

chapel bible reading - the good seed

(Matthew 13.1-9; 18-23)

The Parable of the Sower

(Mk. 4.1-9; Lk. 8.4-8)

1  The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

2  And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; (Lk. 5.1-3) and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

3  And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

4  and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

5  some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth:  and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

6  and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

8  but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

9  Who hath ears to hear, let them hear.

Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower

(Mk. 4.13-20; Lk. 8.11-15)

18  Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

19  When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in their heart. These are they which received seed by the wayside.

20  But they that received the seed into stony places, the same are they that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21  yet hath they not root, but dureth for a while:  for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by they are offended.

22  They also that received seed among the thorns are they that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and they becometh unfruitful.

23  But they that received seed into the good ground are they that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

chapel reflection - carrot, egg or coffee bean? with notes

Carrot, Egg or Coffee Bean

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her.  She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up.  She was tired of fighting and struggling.  It seemed as though just as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen.  She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire.  In the first she placed carrots, in the second eggs and in the last coffee beans.  She let them boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the stove.
She took the carrots and placed them in a bowl.  She took the eggs and put them in a bowl.  Then she ladled the coffee and poured it into a bowl.  Turning to her daughter she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs and coffee," she said.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.  She did, and noted they were soft.
The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.  After pulling off the shell she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.
The daughter smiled as she enjoyed its rich aroma and taste.  The daughter asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity:  boiling water.  But each reacted differently.
The carrots went in strong, hard and unrelenting.  However, after being subjected to the boiling water, softened and became weak.
At first, the eggs were fragile and the thin outer shell protected the liquid interior.  However, after being in the boiling water the inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans, however, were unique.  After they were in the boiling water, they changed the water.
Which are you?" she asked her daughter.  "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?  Are you like a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
*notes    

Think of this:  Which am I like?
Am I like the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I like the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?  Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?  Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean?  The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.  When the water gets hot, it releases its fragrance and flavor. 
If you are like the coffee bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level?
How do you handle adversity?  Are you like the carrot, egg or coffee bean?
*notes 
Don't get bitter.  Get better.
Put gratitude in your attitude.
Change your attitude and you'll change your altitude. 
Life can be sweeter as the years go by.  It's up to you.

salvation precepts

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:  wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  Psalms 51.7

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:  though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.  Isaiah 1.18

Psalms 51

A Prayer for Cleansing

1  Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness:  according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2  Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3  For I acknowledge my transgressions:  and my sin is ever before me.

4  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:  that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.  (Rom. 3.4)

5  Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6  Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:  and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:  wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8  Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out ALL mine iniquities.

10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.

12  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit.

13  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14  Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation:  and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15  O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.

16  For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:  thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:  a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Isaiah 1

16  Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

17  learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:

though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

what must I do to be saved?

(Acts 16.30,31)

30  He said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

they that winneth souls are wise

(Proverbs 11.24,25,30)

24  There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth . . .

25  The liberal soul shall be made fat:  and they that watereth shall be watered also themselves.

30  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and they that winneth souls are wise.

school loggia

exhibit in schol's art gallery

write the vision

(Habakkuk 2.2,3)

2  And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that they may run that readeth it.

3  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.  (Heb. 10.37)

salvation precept

(Hebrews 10.37-39)

37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38  Now the just shall live by faith:  but if any one draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in them. (Hab. 2.3,4)

39  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

God created the heavens and the earth

                     

school picnic

Wintley Phipps - Ordinary People (Album 1985)

chapel reflection - when you're down to nothing - with supporting notes for classroom and personal study

"When You're Down To Nothing, God Is Up To Something"

by Sammie L Turner Jr

Our corporate text is Nehemiah 2.17-20.  We will read in unison. 

[pause]  Let us begin.

Nehemiah 2

17  Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire:  come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

18  Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me.  And they said, Let us rise up and build.  So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

19  But when Sanbal'lat the Hor'onite, and Tobi'ah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

20  Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build . . .

(2 Chronicles 15.7; 1 Corinthians 15.58; 2 Corinthians 9.6-8)

God always adds a blessing, to the reading of his Word.

(Isaiah 55.10,11)

Introduction

I'm grateful for this opportunity to share with you good news, for today and the days ahead.  I thank God for using me in his service.

There's a quote that I like, and it goes like this,

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."

As is often the case sayings, such as this one, have profound meaning, enlighten us, give us comfort, strengthen and encourage us.

At this time in life I am bombarded with problem upon problem.  So now, in particular, I am very interested in understanding the significance of this statement.  I ask, "How is this true?  What does it mean?"

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."?

I need to know.  We need to know.

Prayer

We bow our heads in prayer.

Dear God, you have a message for us today.  Reveal to us how you so powerfully dismantle every one of our problems and so graciously lift us up to heights unknown, by your grace and for your glory.  Thank you so much.  We give you ALL the praise forever.  Amen.

Exploration

Have you ever been in a situation where, when out of nowhere you're facing an "insurmountable" problem?  No advanced warning?  No rehearsed preparation?  And hurt and fear is present?

Such was the case one workday morning.  Totally unexpected, and unwanted, it seemed as if "a giant, high on a hill, threw a huge, heavy, crushing boulder" at me and said, "Catch!"

Early that morning the director of our department met with me and an angry professor who had not received work he requested to be typed.  My response to the professor was immediate, peaceful and affirmative.  I promised him I'd find out what happened and return the work to him as soon as I could.

I discovered the clerk to whom this assignment was given, left the multi-page document in a desk drawer for several days.  Happy it was found, I personally completed the task and returned it promptly to the professor that morning. 

When the work day was complete another surprise occurred, a pleasant one this time.  Just before leaving for home, the department head met with me again, and told me he liked how I handled the situation.  He was impressed.   He was thankful.  And I was grateful to God.

The "gigantic boulder" was caught.  The horrific experience vanished.  Peace, productivity and appreciation prevailed, ALL to the glory of God.

When we experience difficult times, problems occurring back-to-back and solutions slow to come, it is also during these times that God is doing something good, even something great for us in our lives.  So hold your head up, keep a smile on your face, joy in your voice and confidence in your heart.  Why?  Because perhaps, unbeknownst to you, God is at work.  Yes, God is at work strengthening you, improving you, building and preparing you for great things.  God is at work doing great things through you.  God is at work doing great things for you and for others. 

When times are difficult, hold on and trust God.  For God will use you, his chosen one, to show you, somebody and even the world, his mighty and glorious power. 

Our Bible story illustrates so profoundly how God used Nehemiah and others who were willing to rebuild and restore Jerusalem when it was in horrible shape and shamefully desolate.

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."

God will prove his great love for ALL of us if we let him, no matter how great the test, trial or tribulation.  Hold on and never doubt, no matter what. 

[humor]  A mother asked her son, "Why aren't you going to church today?"  "I don't want to," he replied.  "Give me three reasons," she said.  "The people are mean.  They're hypocrites.  And they don't like me," he said. "I'll give you three reasons" she responded "why you should go to church:  God is good.  You're 25.  And you're the Pastor."

No one has an excuse for not doing better.  None of us have an excuse for not being the very best we can be.

If we seek God, trust him and put forth the effort, God will make that fixed income work.  'Make that broken down car work.  'Make that employer give you a great paying job.  God will bless you with a new car.  'Put food on your table.  'Give you nice clothing.  If you so desire, God will bless you with a profitable business, give you good employees and bless them too, with great salaries.  He will heal, protect and keep you, and increase your blessings.  When you try, you'll be delighted at what you accomplish with God's help, and you will inspire others too.

So trust God.  Roll up your sleeves.  Put your shoulders to the wheel and help get the job done.  Do your part.  If dinner isn't ready, pitch in and give a helping hand.  If church is boring, help make worship and praise inspiring and joyful.  When the piano or organ doesn't work, don't let that stop you.  ‘Pray on, sing on and rejoice until the power of the Lord comes down.  I dare you to try God.

When you are faithful with good works, God will reward you. 

God loves you.  God is happy and excited for you.  God is happy and excited to do great things for you, and all of his children.  He wants ever so much for you to be successful, prosperous, fruitful and happy beyond your greatest imagination.

Saints we need to know,

[quotations]

"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you'll always be right."

"A limitation is a limitation only if you let it to be one."

"Our extremity is God's opportunity."

These proverbs ring true for ourselves, and also for those around us.

[exemplary story]

There was a young man trying to complete his day's work at the office.  However, the computer was not functioning properly.  The more he tried, the more frustrated he became, until finally he yelled, "This computer is not working!"  "Make it work!" his coworker responded. 

Wow!

In no uncertain terms and very emphatically indeed the tone was set, there would be no pity party and no giving up in that work environment.

Therefore,

In the name of Jesus, we cast out the spirit of defeat!

In the name of Jesus, we loose our shackles!

In the name of Jesus, we set the captives free!

In the name of Jesus, we are saved!

In the name of Jesus, our loved ones are saved!

In the name of Jesus, we are healed!

In the name of Jesus ALL pain, anguish, fear and hurt is vanished forever!

In the name of Jesus, our burdens are moved!

In the name of Jesus, our problems are solved!

In the name of Jesus, we are kept safe from ALL hurt, harm and danger!

In the name of Jesus we bind the spirit of giving up, hopelessness, depression, false pride, self-pity, hurt, sadness, despair, complaining, weakness, slothfulness, doubt, fear, anger, killing and suicide!

In the name of Jesus, we bind the raging devil!

In the name of Jesus, we have victory.

In the name of Jesus, we have life more abundantly.

In the name of Jesus, we have joyous and glorious life eternal!

Scripture says . . .

And ALL things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.  Matthew 21.22

ALL things are possible to them that believe.  (Mark 9.23)

We walk by faith, not by sight.   2 Corinthians 5.7

Call those things which be not, things that are.  (Romans 4.17)

Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  (Palms 37.4)

We have not, because we ask not.  (James 4.2)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  Jeremiah 33.3

We will do ALL things through Christ Jesus which strengthens us.  (Philippians 4.13)

Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world.

I John 4.4

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.  Zechariah 4.6

[W]e went through fire, and through water:  but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.  Psalms 66.12

I come that you might have life more abundantly.

John 10.10

I come that you might have peace through eternity.  (John 14.1-3, 27)

Oh that people would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to them and their children.  (Psalm 107.8)

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.  Psalm 34.3

O taste and see that the Lord is good.  Psalms 34.8

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.  Psalms 27.10

The Lord upholdeth ALL that fall, and raiseth up ALL those that be bowed down.

Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of EVERY living thing.  Psalms 145.14,16

Scripture says, Let the weak say I am strong.  Joel 3.10

Scripture says, With people this is impossible; but with God ALL things are possible.  (Matthew 19.26)

Scripture says, In ALL things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  (Romans 8.37)

Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up . . .  For the King of glory shall come in.  Who is this King of glory?  The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle, he is the King of glory. 

Whose report do you believe?  We shall believe the report of the Lord. 

Whose report do you believe?  We shall believe the report of the Lord.

His report says, "I am saved!"  His report says, "I am healed!"

His report says, "I am free!"  His report says, "Victory!"

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something!"

Encouragement

With these words burning in our hearts, we will go forth with confidence and holy boldness, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.  (1 Corinthians 15.58)

In the name of Jesus, we break every barrier.  'Crush every problem.  We are healed from every infirmity.  We are saved.  We are safe.  We are elevated in every area of life.  And with joy and thanksgiving, we rejoice and praise God always.

Praise

Now let us bow our heads and lift up our hearts in praise.

Thank you Jesus for using me to bring healing, restoration, victory and salvation to your people through your Word.  We rejoice in knowing your glory and power made manifest  everyday in our lives.  We rejoice in your blessings given us, which exceed our comprehension.  These blessings are

freely given by your grace, goodness and mercy.  “Little becomes much when we place it in the Master's hands."  For this we are grateful and give you thanks now and corevermore.  Amen.

God always adds a blessing to the hearing, receiving and doing of his Word.

Thy Kingdom Come.  Thy Will Be Done,

In Earth, As It Is In Heaven.  Matthew 6.10

To God Be ALL the Glory and Praise,

From Generation to Generation,

Age to Age,

World without End.

Amen and Amen.

For end of service

Song

Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.  The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.  Amen.

Benediction

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout ALL ages, world without end.  Amen and Amen. Ephesians 3.20,21

Admonishment

And now, let your light so shine, that people will see God's marvelous works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  (Matthew 5.16)  Go now into the world lifting up the name of Jesus.  Go now into the world always praising God.  Go now into the world ever rejoicing.  For God is doing great things for us, whereof we are exceedingly glad!  (Joel 2.21; Psalms 126.3)

End of reflection 

Announcement

Speaking Engagements are Welcomed.

Contact:  Sammie L Turner Jr at 847 328 4820.

Related texts

*Genesis 39-41, Joseph made ruler of Egypt after hardship

*Daniel 3.1-30, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed'nego delivered from furnace and promoted

*Daniel 6, Daniel miraculously, safely and beautifully delivered from lions' den and restored to greater prominence

*Job 42.10-17, Job's restoration is greater after hardship and suffering

*Acts 12.1-25, God's great servant Peter marvelously freed from prison

*Acts 16.11-40, God's great servants Paul and Silas marvelously freed from prison

Notes

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and 
bread to the eater:  (2 Corinthians 9.10)

so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth[, saith the Lord]:  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.  Isaiah 55.10,11

Let your light so shine that people will see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  (Matthew 5.16)

Be glad and rejoice for the Lord will do great things.  Joel 2.21

The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  Psalms 126.3

related quotes

A set back is a set up for a blessing.

A set back is a set up for a come back.

A set back is a set up for triumph.

So, don't complain, doubt, fret, fear, faint, fall, give up, be frustrated, have a bad attitude, etc.  Instead, rejoice and give God praise ALWAYS.

When you're down to nothing.

            God is up to something. 

cafeteria serving pot roast

Jesus the true Shepherd

Jesus shall feed his flock like a shepherd:  he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.  (Isaiah 40.11)

good and bad shepherds

(Ezekiel 34.1-31)
1	And the word of the Lord  came unto me, saying,
2	Son of man, prophesy  against the shepherds of  Israel, prophesy, and say  unto them, Thus saith the  Lord God unto the  shepherds; Woe be to the  shepherds of Israel that  do feed themselves!  should not the shepherds  feed the flocks?
3	Ye eat the fat, and ye  clothe you with the wool,  ye kill them that are fed:   but ye feed not the flock.
4	The diseased have ye not  strengthened, neither  have ye healed that which  was sick, neither have ye  bound up that which was  broken, neither have ye  brought again that which  was driven away, neither  have ye sought that  which was lost; but with  force and with cruelty  have ye ruled them.
5	And they were  scattered, because  there is no shepherd:   and they  became  meat to all the beasts  of the field, when they  were scattered.
6	My sheep wandered  through all the  mountains, and upon  every high hill:  yea,  my flock was scattered  upon all the face of the  earth, and none did  search or seek after  them.
7	Therefore, ye shepherds,  hear the word of the  Lord;
8	As I live, saith the Lord  God, surely because  my flock became a prey,  and my flock became  meat to every beast  of the field, because  there was no shepherd,  neither did my shepherds  search for my flock,  but the shepherds fed  themselves, and fed  not my flock;
9	therefore, O ye  shepherds, hear the  word of the Lord;
10	Thus saith the Lord God;  Behold, I am against the  shepherds; and I will  require my flock at  their hand, and cause  them to cease from  feeding the flock;  neither shall the  shepherds feed  themselves any more;  for I will deliver my  flock from their  mouth, that they  may not be meat for  them.
11	For thus saith the  Lord God; Behold, I,  even I, will both search  my sheep, and seek  them out.
12	As a shepherd seeketh  out his flock in the day  that he is among his  sheep that are  scattered; so will I  seek out my sheep,  and will deliver them  out of ALL places  where they have  been scattered in  the cloudy and dark  day.
13	And I will bring them  out from the people,  and gather them  from the countries,  and will bring them  to their own land,  and feed them upon  the mountains of  Israel by the rivers,  and in ALL the  inhabited places of  the country.
14	I will feed them in a  good pasture, and  upon the high  mountains of Israel  shall their fold be:   there shall they lie  in a good fold,  and in a fat pasture  shall they feed upon  the mountains of  Israel.
15	I will feed my flock, and  I will cause them to lie  down, saith the Lord  God.
16	I will seek that which  was lost, and bring  again that which was  driven away, and will  bind up that which  was broken, and will  strengthen that  which was sick:  but  I will destroy the fat and the strong;  I will feed them with  judgment.
17	And as for you, O my  flock, thus saith the  Lord God; Behold, I  judge between  cattle and cattle,  between the rams  and the he goats.
18	Seemeth it a small  thing unto you to  have eaten up the  good pasture,  but ye must tread  down with your feet  the residue of your  pastures?  and  to have drunk of the  deep waters, but ye  must foul the residue  with your feet?
19	And as for my flock, they  eat that which ye have  trodden with your feet;  and they drink that  which ye have fouled  with your feet.
20	Therefore thus saith  the Lord God unto  them; Behold, I, even I,  will judge between the  fat cattle and  between the lean  cattle.
21	Because ye have  thrust with side and  with shoulder, and  pushed all the  diseased with your  horns, till ye have  scattered them  abroad;
22	therefore will I save  my flock, and they  shall no more be a  prey; and I will judge  between cattle and  cattle.
23	And I will set up one  shepherd over them,  and he shall feed  them, even my  servant David; he shall  feed them, and he shall  be their shepherd.
24	And I the Lord will be  their God, and my  servant David a prince  among them; I the  Lord have spoken it.
26	And I will make with  them a covenant of  peace, and will cause  the evil beasts to  cease out of the  land:  and they shall  dwell safely in the  wilderness, and  sleep in the woods.
26	And I will make them  and the places round  about my hill a  blessing; and I will  cause the shower to  come down in his  season; there shall  be showers of  blessing.
27	And the tree of the  field shall yield her  fruit, and the earth  shall yield her increase,  and they shall be safe  in their land, and shall  know that I am the  Lord, when I have  broken the bands of  their yoke, and  delivered them out  of the hand of  those that served  themselves of them.
28	And they shall no more  be a prey to the  heathen, neither shall  the beast of the land  devour them; but they  shall dwell safely,  and none shall make  them afraid.
29	And I will raise up for  them a plant of renown,  and they shall be no  more consumed with  hunger in the land,  neither bear the  shame of the heathen  any more.
30	Thus shall they know  that I the Lord their  God am with them,  and that they, even  the house of Israel,  are my people, saith  the Lord God.
31	And ye my flock, the  flock of my pasture,  are men and women,  and I am your God,  saith the Lord God.