“All We Like Sheep. . .” - Sandra Fischer

God compares people to sheep many times in the Bible. Why? Because some of their characteristics are apparent in humans. God reveals how sheep need a caretaker and why people need one, too—the Good Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd—Jesus.

Sheep are nearsighted and tend to wander, much like when we lose focus on Jesus and make unhealthy and bad choices. Isaiah writes, “All we like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to our own way. . .” (Isaiah 53:6a NIV)

Sheep are not beasts of burden, nor are we designed to be, but we tend to carry grudges and worries God wants us to give to Him. Peter tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Unlike some animals, sheep are defenseless, having no means of protection from predators. If they fall on their backs, they cannot right themselves and can die without help. We are helpless in saving ourselves from the penalty of sin, but God offers us the gift of eternal life. “. . . God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV)

Sheep follow the voice of whoever is leading them. If we follow Jesus, he will lead us in paths of righteousness. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. . .” (John 10:27-28a ESV)

Sheep are valuable. God created them to provide milk, meat, parchment, and fleece. And, he adopted us through Christ to serve. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

Thank you, Jesus, that we like sheep are in Your sheepfold.

Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, author of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact

“The Beginning of the End?” - Sandra Fischer

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3 ESV

Many people are wondering if the current pandemic is the “beginning of the end.” Some are Christians who have knowledge of Biblical prophecy. Others are those who wonder if such prophecies have any credibility. Impending death, whether our own, or that of the world itself, causes us to consider if this pandemic might mean the “end.”

For us personally, the “beginning of the end” starts at birth. Our physical lives are nearer the end with each breath. And Jesus speaks about the world’s end, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:35-36) If all is “ending”, where is our hope?

People who trust in Christ for His death, burial, and resurrection on their behalf, know death is not the end, because they have eternal life. What a great consolation! Believers can also look forward to this promise— “. . .a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. . . There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1a, 4b NIV) Yes, the beginning of the end, as we know of this world, is in motion, but not so for those who trust the LORD. “He who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24 NASB

LORD, thank you for life everlasting in Christ Jesus!

Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, author of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact

                                                         “Where to Run for Help” - Sandra Fischer

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 NASB

Whenever fear or worry strikes, our minds race with questions. We tend to search for thoughts that give us a sense of safety and security. Recalling words of hymns is one place to go. “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” is a place of safe thoughts, particularly to questions in the third verse, “What have I to dread, what have I to fear?” The answer? Nothing, if I’m leaning on God’s arms. 

Another song for anxious times is: “Take it to the LORD in Prayer”, especially the verse that asks, “Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care?” and one that begs, “Is there trouble anywhere?” The answer—prayer.

Indeed, the best place to run when circumstances overwhelm us is to the LORD himself and his Word. Isaiah tells us: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Jesus tells us: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’. . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31a-34) NIV

God’s Word provides eternal, spiritual food: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 NASB)

Let’s run to the LORD in prayer and find sustenance in His faithful Word.

Father God, thank you for being our refuge and strength at all times. 

Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, author of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact

“Two Spreading Viruses” - by Sandra Fischer

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

A disabling, contagious virus is spreading throughout the world, causing great harm to people. Its name is “anxiety”, exhibited by fear and panic. It’s a “companion” of the coronavirus that is causing illness and death in its wake. As Christians, we should do what we can to protect ourselves against the threat of both.

Paul exhorts us in his Philippian letter to be anxious about nothing, and there are hundreds of scriptures admonishing us to “fear not.” This does not mean we should mindlessly dismiss threats to our safety or wellbeing. In fact, the Greek word “merimnah” is translated two ways in the New Testament—one negatively, another positively. It means “worry” or “anxiety” when used in a negative sense, as when Jesus says, “Do not ‘worry’ about your life. . .” (Matthew 6:25 NKJV) When used in a positive way, it is translated as “concern” in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, ". . . there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal ‘concern’ (merimnah) for each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:25 NIV)

Worry or anxiety dwells on “what ifs” or future unknowns, while concern conveys positive aspects, focusing on a problem in a beneficial way. We should take reasoned measures to protect ourselves from exposure to a threatening viral disease, and if we trust God for things beyond our control, we will protect ourselves from the “anxiety” virus, too. Prayer is essential in dealing with both.

Father, help us deal with these viruses.

Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, author of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact

                                                            New Year Resolutions . . .

             The New Year is at the gate, the clock is ticking loud and clear

            I’ll need to hurry if I’m to keep the resolutions I made last year!  Anonymous

            I thought of this couplet on the eve of 2020 and wondered where the whole idea of New Year resolutions came from. It seems we can blame—that is—credit the Babylonians with the idea of assessing the past and committing to improve in the new year by making resolutions. It caught on, obviously, and has continued to this day.

            Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve oneself; I’ve tried it many times. In fact, the top three resolutions in America fit well into my list for 2020 just as they have for several new years in the past: to spend more time with family and friends, to lose weight and to get fit. I’ve observed, however, that most of the time spent with family and friends is centered around food. Thus, the most exercise achieved is the walk to the table and the elbow bend to the mouth. A little counter-productive to be sure—while striving to fulfill the first resolution, I jeopardize the other two! 

            Some slackers might say “you can’t break what you don’t make.” But for those who regard this earth as a garden in which we live, turning over a new leaf couldn’t hurt.  The problem is that producing new leaves takes time. In a culture that has grown to demand instant gratification, resolutions requiring patience and commitment are thrown aside. Texting, Instagram and Facebook have replaced one-on-one contacts. Quick weight-loss and fitness programs are the rage. We want results and we want them now!

Perhaps the wisest approach to making resolutions is to choose ones to keep in smaller time frames, like in a day or an hour, rather than taking on a whole year. Success comes in small steps that lead to the long run.

So, what about my resolutions for this New Year? I carefully considered what, if any, I could make—to keep them from going in one year and out the other. Results are pending.