June 29, 2004
Read Psalms 23 - 30
In Today's Reading:
The Great Shepherd; King of Glory; prayer for guidance; love for God's House; prayer for God's help; adoration of God's mighty power
David, the old shepherd-king who saw himself as nothing more than a sheep that needed to be led, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to say: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack anything) . . . . He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake (Psalm 23:1-3). No other livestock requires more attention than sheep. Left alone, they can easily become separated from the flock and lose their way. Of all domesticated animals, sheep are the most defenseless and helpless.
By nature, we are all like sheep. We may blindly follow the same paths that have ruined the lives of others. Or, we can become so caught up in our own affairs that we lose sight of the Good Shepherd and find ourselves separated from Him (John 10:11,14).
The trouble with most of us is that many times we try to be our own shepherd. There is something almost terrifying about the consequences of the destructive, self-willed stubbornness of those who refuse to be led in the paths of righteousness. They are determined to go their own way, even though the path they take will inevitably lead to trouble and death. It is a fact that without the Good Shepherd we are helpless, defenseless sheep. When we recognize this we will fully trust the Good Shepherd. We are comforted and encouraged by knowing that though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me (Psalm 23:4).
Even Your rod and Your staff they comfort me (23:4) for we know that whom the Lord loves He chastens (disciplines) (Hebrews 12:6).
The utmost desire of every one of God's sheep should daily be bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5). We can rest assured God will guide and provide for every need that will better prepare us for eternity with Him.
We should pray each day, "Lord, lead me in the paths of righteousness for (Your) Name's sake" (Psalm 23:3).
Christ Revealed:
As our Shepherd (Psalm 23). Christ declared: I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Word Studies:
26:1 slide = waver, fall; 26:2 reins = inner self; 26:4 dissemblers = pretenders, hypocrites; 28:2 holy oracle = Holy Temple (inner sanctuary); 28:3 mischief = malice.
Pray For:
Staff: Gina Lefnesky · Government Officials: Rep. Jo Ann Davis (VA) and Rep. Collin Peterson (MN) · Country: Greenland (60,000) northeast of Canada · Major languages: Eskimo dialects and Danish · Religious freedom · 98% Protestant; .1% Roman Catholic
Prayer Suggestion: Pray diligently with other believers and God will answer (Acts 12:5-10).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray diligently with other believers and God will answer (Acts 12:5-10).
Optional Reading: Colossians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 2:11