Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Walking Safely with the Shepherd

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AMY TURNER

Psalm 23:3 reminds us that God leads His people in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Like sheep or even dogs, people often wander when left on their own. A dog off its leash will follow its instincts, eating harmful things or running into places where it cannot be rescued. Sheep have the same tendency. Both need the care and guidance of their master to stay safe and close.

In the same way, we need the direction of our Shepherd. The Lord shows us the right way to live, not to take away our freedom but to protect us from harm. When we choose our own way, we often end up in trouble. The path God sets before us may seem narrow, but it leads to life and safety.

His guidance is not only for our well-being but also brings honour to His name.

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:11

Standing Firm Against a Real Enemy

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JEFF TURNER

The Christian journey is not just a matter of belief; it involves facing a real spiritual enemy. Oure enemy is Satan. According to 1 Peter 5:8, believers are warned to stay watchful because the devil is actively looking for someone to harm, like a lion looking for prey. The next verse, 1 Peter 5:9, tells Christians to resist him. But what does that really mean?

Resisting the devil is not about shouting at him or trying to command him directly. Some people believe they can bind or forbid Satan with their words. But that kind of authority belonged to Jesus and the apostles, not to ordinary believers. In Acts 19, even those who tried to imitate that power without truly knowing Christ failed. And, by the way, they suffered for it.

True resistance happens in a different way. It means rejecting the temptations that come from Satan’s influence in the world. It means saying no to sin when it appeals to our human desires. The way to stand firm is by staying strong in God and grounded in His Word.

Believers win the battle not by shouting, but by standing firm in faith and obedience.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Ephesians 6:10

A Future Without Sorrow and Pain

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AMY TURNER

Revelation 21:3-4 offers a message of hope for those who follow God. It speaks of a future time when God will live among His people, bringing an end to death, sorrow, and pain. Every tear will be wiped away, and the hardships of this life will be left behind.

For Christians, the promise is not that life on earth will be free of trouble, but that their journey leads somewhere greater. Life here is often filled with heartache, grief, and suffering, but faith assures believers that these struggles are temporary. One day, all wounds will be healed, and every sorrow will be replaced with peace.

Our comfort is found in what lies ahead, not in present circumstances.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18

Finding Peace in the Shadow of the Shepherd

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AMY TURNER

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that even when we walk through dark and frightening places, we do not have to be afraid because God is with us. The psalm speaks of green hills and sunlight, but also of valleys where danger and death seem near. Sheep often panic when they see shadows or hear sudden noises, and some are tempted to run. Yet others remain calm because their focus is on the shepherd standing nearby.

These sheep are not free from fear, but their trust in the shepherd lessens the weight of the valley’s shadow. In the same way, when we face fears in life. Even the fear of death itself, we can find comfort by staying close to Jesus, our shepherd.

I’m not saying we won’t face dangers. I’m saying God is in control and knows what’s best for us even when we can’t see it.

Faith That Shows Through Actions

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JEFF TURNER

The second chapter of James raises a question that some people struggle with. James 2:21 asks if Abraham was made right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. A few verses later, James says that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. At first glance, this might seem to suggest that salvation comes through what we do.

However, the wider message of the Bible makes it clear that salvation is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can take credit for it. This teaching appears throughout the New Testament and aligns with what the prophet Habakkuk wrote: “The just shall live by faith.”

So what did James mean? The key lies in understanding that James is not contradicting the message of salvation by grace. Instead, he is showing that real faith produces visible results. Abraham’s willingness to obey God, even in offering his son, revealed the depth of his faith. His actions were evidence of an inward change. His acts were the result of his faith.

The way we live proves whether our faith is genuine. True faith will always lead to faithful living.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13