The Lord is My Pastor

Two weeks ago, I almost died, but the Lord is my pastor and He rescued me. The word shepherd and pastor are the same word. The 23rd Psalm starts, “The Lord is my shepherd.” It talks about going through the valley of the shadow of death, having enemies and even needing restoration for your soul. It also speaks of green pastures and quiet waters and concludes with our cup running over and God’s goodness and mercy following us all the days of our lives. It finishes with us dwelling in the house of the Lord forever. The complete gambit of life experiences are covered here. The truth is clear; in good times and during the most difficult times, the Lord is our pastor. This is amazing!

David's Revelation

I imagine David having a wonderful God time, while watching over the sheep. He began to think of all the things he did for the flock. He fed them, led them, protected them and calmed them down when they were frightened of the wolf they saw on the distant hillside. How he cared for each one of them. They knew his voice and followed him. They stayed close and found their needs met because of his loving care.

I imagine he thought, I am their shepherd and they want for nothing, but who in this world is my shepherd? Who is my pastor, so that my back is covered and my future is secure? Suddenly, in a flash, one of the greatest revelations given to mankind comes flooding over him. The Lord, the creator of heaven and earth, the One who made all things - He is my pastor! You may attend a wonderful church and have a great pastor, but he or she is an under-shepherd. They work for the Lord. They serve under Jesus with a special anointing. They are not perfect, however, and at some time, their care for you will fail. But you also have a more perfect pastor. He is called, The Good Shepherd. You have Jesus. In every situation, whether in the best of times or when you face the most horrifying challenges, the Lord is your shepherd and He will carry you and refresh you when all else fails. In the end He will bless you exceedingly. The Lord is your pastor!

Authority Over Principalities

Two months ago, Joy and I traveled to Kenya and Ghana to minister. Over the years, I have ministered thirty times, in thirteen African nations. This trip was the most powerful of them all. The first week we were in Kenya where I preached morning and night for five days to seven thousand youth ages 15 to 35. In the evenings I preached revival, salvation, setting captives free and the call of God on one’s life. During the mornings, I taught on studying the Bible, learning how to pray, and discovering how to hear God’s voice. The numbers grew as the week progressed, but the highlight of the week happened on the second night. I spoke on “Breaking Generational Curses,” to four thousand youth. I led them through a mass deliverance and breaking off of ancestral curses. The power of God was so dynamic that the entire congregation was experiencing a transformation of freedom, and the glory of God was touching every person. This may have been the most powerful time of ministry I have seen in over fifty years of ministry. We tore down strongholds and principalities of darkness in the heavenly realm, and the devil was mad.

On the last day of the conference, politicians and four hundred pastors came to address the youth. Before that happened, I was invited to preach. The second person in line to be the President of Kenya was there, the governor, senators, and members of parliament were in attendance. I preached about being excellent for Christ so you may influence the nation and release God’s blessings over Kenya. Then I prayed over them, breaking curses and releasing blessings. It was a breakthrough time, and the devil was even more mad.

I Almost Died

Following our week in Kenya, Joy and I traveled to Ghana for two weeks of ministry. We preached, did leadership training, helped ordain new pastors and ministered to congregations. On the final day of our mission I preached with strength on, “The Four Swords of God’s Power.” They are: The Word of God, The Holy Spirit Within, Angels Going Before Us, and The Powerful Name of Jesus.”

The next day we were scheduled to fly home. After preaching this final sermon, my ministry for this trip was completed. I began to lay hands on people to pray for them. Suddenly, as if given permission, Satan struck me to the ground unconscious. I came to, as I was being carried in the air to the pastor’s office by half a dozen men. There, in the air-conditioning, I was revived. Half an hour later, I walked out of the church as everyone cheered and spoke blessings over me.

The next morning, as scheduled, we flew home. By the time we arrived in Charlotte, I could not walk or talk. There are 150 types of malaria, and I was struck with the most aggressive type, the greatest killer of them all. I almost died. I understand that many have suffered much more that I. The Apostle Paul certainly suffered more for the sake of the gospel. I am not fearful nor am I complaining; I am testifying.

Jesus Has the Final Word

I spent the next seven days in the hospital. Thousands of people were praying for me and family members slept in my room caring for me as I was helpless to care for myself. Each day I got a bit better, and besides the care and love from friends and family, the Lord, who is my pastor, sent angels to tell me He had my back and He was carrying me.

The High Pasture

I will tell you of one miraculous experience I had. It was the third night, and I was in total brain fog and had no strength in my body, but Jesus was carrying me. That night I had a dream. In my dream I was a thousand feet in the air looking down on a small city. I was where the clouds were supposed to be, but there were no clouds. Instead, there was a green field, way up there in the sky in front of me. Suddenly, an angel started to sing over me. It seemed as though he sang all night long. The words of the song were, “High Pasture, The High Pasture.” I did not know there was a high pasture, but when I woke, I was reminded of Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd…He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

The Lord said to me, “I am with you, you are my son. I am carrying you and I make you lie down in green pastures. I have you lying down in my high pasture. No one can pluck you out of my hand.”

The Lord is your pastor. Whether in good times or very difficult ones, trust Him, and draw close to Him. The God of the universe is your pastor.