11/25/05  Message by: Apostle Mark Perry
Text Scriptures: Psalm 23, St.John 10:11-17, James 5:13-15

The Psalmist said, "he anoints my head with oil". Pastor elaborated on the application of the oil. Referring back to the shepherd caring for his sheep, he said the oil was a sign that the sheep had an owner. The oil was used in grooming and also for medicinal reasons. A sheep with oil on its coat carried a scent. A scent that would be a distraction to any would be predator. 

Apostle Perry expounded on the differences between a good shepherd and a hireling. The hireling has nothing invested in the sheep therefore he has no concern for them when the wolves come. The  hireling would rather save his own skin than risk it for the sheep. 

A true shepherd will put himself between his sheep and any threat against them. Not only has he invested money and time in them, he loves them. He has a relationship with them. He speaks and they hear his voice. He provides for their needs and they supply wool to meet his. Pastor said, " When you find one willing to die for you, you better hold on to him." 

Basically, he exhorted us to recognize good leadership and to understand that it is the Lord that sets them in place. Again, we should hear the voice of our shepherd just as he hears from The Good Shepherd. Being a sheep is a good thing as long as you stay in the fold and follow the voice of the shepherd.

This lead right into the passage in James. Pastor made several statements and prefaced them with "If you have been anointed". This meaning: if you belong to a certain shepherd, if you have been cared for by a certain shepherd, if you are a part of his flock, then you are entitled to call the elders, receive healing, deliverance, and salvation.

At the close of the service, Pastor asked that everyone in the place come forward and be anointed. As each one passed by him, oil was placed on their heads and prayers were offered unto God. There was a shout and a praise in the house. Folks went their way rejoicing, knowing that God had placed them in the Lighthouse family and covered them with the care of a good shepherd.