I thought this was fixed (google posting problems), but apparently
not. Here it is again.
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The Lord is my shepherd. Is He yours?
Psalms 23 – NCV
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in
green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right for the good of His name. Even if
I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you
are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me. You prepare a
meal for me in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head; you fill
my cup to overflowing. Surely your goodness and love will be with me
all my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever."
Imagine this passage from the perspective of the sheep, which is what
is intended. They see their shepherd as someone that always gives
them their need, gives them good places to rest, provides them with
water and food (despite the dangers), and leads them to the best
paths. They know their shepherd's staff and rod are able to not only
care for them but defend them against anything that should come at
them, so they don't fear. They know their shepherd always provides in
abundance and has high hopes for their future.
Is that how you view God? Do you see Him as a providing, caring,
defending shepherd? If not, you don't know Him like David knew Him.
Get to know your shepherd God.
Title of God: Shepherd (Psalms 23:1 above, John 10:11,14)
-The Lord as shepherd is responsible for the flock. He protects,
guides, and provides for those in His care.
Psalms 16:8
"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand,
I shall not be moved."
Psalms 65:11-13
"Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills
rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the
valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also
sing."
Isaiah 53:6
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his
own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Matthew 6:13a
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…"
Luke 15:4-7
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them,
doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after
that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he
layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he
calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice
with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you,
that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,
more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no
repentance."
God wants to care for you and carry you in His arms as His sheep.
Follow and trust the shepherd's way.
Based on Day 8 of the free ebook devotional - 30 Days of Providence
http://providential-plan.com/providence.html
(ebook site)
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