The Shepherd's Ministries

The Shepherd's Ministries Pastor David Ossenfort leads The Shepherd’s Ministries.

05/27/2026

Laurie Ferris
6:08 AM (6 hours ago)
to me, Brenda

Wired to Sing
I hear the birds singing, and I wonder their song. Are they praising their Creator? Birds instinctively sing, they are wired for it.much of creation is. Even the stars in the universe have a sound of music as they display God’s glory.
We too were made to sing. Think of a mother with her newborn baby, she automatically sings to hush its cries. That soft sound is soothing to the soul.
I remember a time caring for a dying man. He asked me to sing to him nightly as he fell asleep. His pain strained face relaxed peacefully for a while.
Why? Why all the music? Because our Lord loves it. All creation is wired for music. It’s meant to be a form of praise. He wired us to praise Him. And that very instrument of praise, music, is medicine to our own weary souls.
We praise God our Creator (Elohim) in song. And wonder of wonders, He actually sings over us.....just because He loves us.
Sing, sing, sing people!! Make a joyful sound! Never mind the tune, His ears only hear a lovely sound of the loving heart of His child.
Let all creation praise Him! Let’s do what we are wired for. Sing!

05/25/2026

Laurie Ferris
6:42 AM (11 hours ago)
to me

Memorial Day
There are two bodies of people who are willing to die for you. One is willing to die for your Physical Freedoms, the other is willing to die for Freedom of your soul. One is the American Soldier and One is the Soldier of the Cross. Both are willing to travel to foreign lands, and suffer unbelievable harm. Both will hold their heads High as they do so.
So on this weekend, remember the American soldier who is willing to lay down his or her life for you and I. And remember, the Christian Missionary who is also willing to lay down his or her life, so that others will be set free from the tyranny of the Devil.
And please pray without ceasing that both groups will find their strength in Jesus. Pray that their families are comforted also as they are serving far away. " I thank you Jesus, the King of all Kingdoms, that you gave the ultimate sacrifice to free us all from this sin sick world. Keep our loved ones who are soldiers strong for the battles ahead, shelter them under the Shadow of your wings...and draw them closer than ever before to Yourself." Blessings!

05/24/2026

Laurie Ferris
6:22 AM (2 hours ago)
to me

To encourage you......Years ago, I was in a very sensitive region. While there I prayed to speak with women of that region, to share the love of Christ.. As we were leaving that nation, three women from that region met with me in the dinning room. It was minutes before leaving that country.
These past few weeks I have been surrounded by women of that nation once again. This time on American soil. It seems everywhere I sit and wait, in medical lounges, etc. these precious ladies are there. I've had some very pleasant conversations. One told me about her life in tears. I told her I'd be praying for her (couldn't do that in their own land).
As I left the 2 women here this week. I sat back and it came back to me. I saw myself praying , asking to meet these ladies yrs. back. And I knew the Lord was still answering a prayer spoken close to 20 years ago.
Please do not lose hope. He answers in His time according to His plans and purposes. He knows all that has to be before your prayer bears fruit. Today, go and pray for someone, knowing that in time it will come to pass. It may look differently than you imagined, but it will be a perfect answer. Blessings!

05/22/2026

Laurie Ferris
4:41 AM (5 hours ago)
to me

Why Discern?
Children of God, ask for discernment. Ask the Lord to show you in the Spirit what you are dealing with as it pertains to those you have relationships with.
As the Lord shows you things you would otherwise miss, keep in mind and heart, you are shown the deeper things for the purpose of prayer.
Pray for those who are struggling and hurting.
Ask the Lord for wisdom, so you will be able to minister in the way He desires.
We are never shown another's weaknesses so that we might feel superior. Rather, we are shown weakness so we may pray, love and point them to the One (Jesus) who can give them strength.
All we are given is always for the glory of His Name....not our own.
--------------Be Blessed as you Bless others-----------

05/21/2026

Laurie Ferris
4:39 AM (4 hours ago)
to me

When Words Hurt
Some believers are not yet familiar with what spiritual depression may look or sound like. Yet, some of the strongest in the faith have experienced it. And at times they even dare to voice how they are feeling with their struggles. Their main struggle at times, believe it or not is not that they lack faith in Jesus and all He has for them. The main struggle is they are longing and thirsting for so much more. They are going through a birthing pain of the soul. They speak words out loud and sometimes, actually many times, they are met with a quick rebuke by another believer thinking their rebuke helps. But actually, more often than not, it only hurts and causes the struggling believer to not desire to share at all.
Dear hurting soul, you want so much more, you know He has deeper blessing, and cry out. Though others may not understand you, and even cause more pain. Please try not to feel judged or hold your head in shame. Our precious Savior Jesus, He knows the pain you carry. He knows the heart He's given you and the thirst for more makes you so weary. Please hold on to Jesus dear hurting one. Never, stop speaking to Him. Those hurtful words are not from Him. You know His word and know His love, put your focus there.
Believers, stay prayerful toward your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Speaking a word quickly, may in fact be a word out of season. When someone is hurting, preaching at them only at times, pours salt into a wound. Is your intent to add shame? Do not assume that person does not have as much faith as you because they struggle. Sometimes words are just words, that blow in the wind (think of Job). The deeper things of faith are already in the heart. And we never know what a person is speaking alone with God. Nor do we fully know what the Lord is doing or why?
Sometimes, holding our tongues, is more loving than speech. At times, listening without assuming is more beneficial.
Have a blessed day.

05/20/2026

Laurie Ferris
4:00 AM (4 hours ago)
to me

Oh, dear one, you are discouraged about many things. Do you not know the love, power and provision you already have in Me? All that you will ever need is in Me and is waiting to be tapped into. Dig deeper, deeper, deeper still .....And out of your very gut will flow rivers of living waters for healing and restoration. I'm waiting for you to tap in, and your world is waiting also. Come to my waters and have your thirst satisfied.

05/20/2026

Laurie Ferris
3:57 AM (4 hours ago)
to me

Has someone been on your mind? Have you thought, I should call when I get a few minutes? Do not delay. Make time. You may just be the answer to their prayer. The Lord extends His love and counsel through us His believers. No one is an island. We are wired for relationship. Reach out and touch a brother or sister in the name of Jesus.
No one specific on your heart lately? Ask the Lord to show you someone who needs a blessing from you.
Be blessed...

05/19/2026

Laurie Ferris
4:58 AM (9 hours ago)
to me

Blessed
Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven. This my fellow believers is the launching board for all other blessings. Lets keep it simple, we have all sinned. We all need forgiveness. All we need to do is ask the Lord to forgive us. Simple.
"All the paths of the Lord are loving-kindness and truth." In the 25th Psalm, David lays out how to be truly blessed. It begins with coming to the Lord, asking forgiveness.
I believe, forgiveness of sin is the most essential blessing of all. One cannot walk in light, experiencing God's truth and receiving His loving-kindness to the extent He desires unless we ask forgiveness.
How will they know to ask forgiveness without awareness of sin? Here's where many ministers have dropped the ball. People cannot sit in pews each week and sing pretty songs, expecting their lives to be "magically" changed and blessed. Without a clear understanding of the need for asking forgiveness, they get excited on an emotional level but there is no transformation.
Jesus healed multitudes. He loved every person He came in contact with. And His love, caused Him to exhort them to go and sin no more. He didn't turn a blind eye, rather, He set people free. There is no sense boasting of numbers in the church while people limp away in bo***ge to various vices. Jesus came not to bless us with great finances. He came to reconcile a sinning world to His Father. He paid for this with His life. We cannot cheapen His sacrifice by promoting physical and financial blessings, before making clear the way to all true blessings. That way is forgiveness.
Ask forgiveness and be forgiven. Then be amazingly blessed in His loving-kindness and truth for your life. All the other blessings will spring from this.

05/17/2026

Laurie Ferris
6:29 AM (2 hours ago)
to me

Ek is life vir jou
Te dua
Ana Behubak
eu te amo
wo ie ni
a Nee oHEIVEI oTKHA
Ti Amo
Kochancie
nidiyakuthana
Love can be expressed in so many ways......Jesus said I love by going to the cross.
Deeds speak clearer than words.....Love is what love does, not what love says
--------Just some thoughts------ Oh, I Love You!!!

05/16/2026

Laurie Ferris
4:20 AM (4 hours ago)
to me, Brenda

Comforts the Depressed
"But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus." 2 Corinthians 7:8
But God......This in itself is powerful. That we could say like Paul, the God of the universe, comforts the depressed. You are traveling on a long road, the journey called life can have many trials, as Paul's life did. He was beaten, shackled and sent to prison. All for the sake of preaching the Gospel of Christ. In human terms, it all looks bleak doesn't it? But God—God sent Paul a trusted friend as a way to comfort him in his state of depression.
Depression can be debilitating. The most common thing a person suffering depression does is isolate. They may be depressed because they feel alone and ironically they are drawn to isolate. This I believe can be a device of the Enemy. He desires to keep you wrapped up alone in a corner, in your own dark world. While you are alone, refusing the love and comfort of friends, he has you as vulnerable as a person can be. Now he can wrap those chains even tighter around you. You are bound. And he takes over your world, he steals your joy, your liberty, and even your motivation to live.
The Apostle Paul was very human. A human who met the Savior and had great faith. Yet, none the less mere human. He could have let depression have its way. But God.....
As I write this, I am not making light of depression. It's a dark place to be. I have been there myself at times and amazed at my own thoughts and actions. But the truth is, God is there with you. Whether you can sense His presence or not. He desires to pull us out of that miry clay that works as quick sand—pulling us down and away from all He has for us.
Hear the heart of a fellow traveler, call out to the Lord now. Ask Him to reveal Himself and His great love for you. You may have walked with Him for years and find yourself shocked at where you are now. Go back to what you know is true. He loves you....He loves you....He loves you. He is love—and He is calling to you to lift your hands up and allow Him to pull you up.
"Father, you sent Titus to comfort the Apostle. Help those in this struggle see Your provision and not refuse the help You are sending. Your ways are perfect and therefore Your provision is also perfect for this great need. You are comfort. You are love. Help those hurting not to turn away from the God of all comforts."

05/15/2026

Laurie Ferris
3:54 AM (6 hours ago)
to me

"How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with their whole heart. " Psalm 119:2
Do you want a blessed life ? One that has the favor of God? One which He delights in?
Keep His word. Love Him without holding back. Give Him everything.
All you hold on to that isn't of Him, only holds you back. He has a wonderful plan. Take His yoke upon you it is light.

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P. O. Box 430
New Hartford, NY
13413

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+13157242434

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