Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 23:1-6
Ps 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Heb 13:20-21
20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jesus is my great shepherd and he is your shepherd too. The shepherd calls his sheep by name and they follow him. This is one of the tests given to determine if Jesus is indeed my shepherd today; do I follow him? He knows every trial and ever problem I face, every day of my life. He understands my heartaches, he sees my dreams and he rejoices in my triumphs. As my shepherd, he walks along beside me, whether in the lush meadows of life or the barren desert sands.
He provides our every need today. Just as the shepherd leads his sheep in the green pastures and provides quiet waters, so our Lord nourishes us through his word. He is constantly working in us both to will and to do his good will. Long before we were even born into this world, he prepared good works for us to do and to walk in them. Through his holy word we can be thoroughly equipped unto every good work. So long as we are walking with our Lord, our great Shepherd, we walk with assurance that he is leading us eventually to his eternal fold. He has promised to work all things for our good when we love him and follow his lead.
Heavenly Father, Holy and Reverend is your name in all the earth. Thank you for giving your Son to die for me and my sin. Thank you for raising him to open the doors of heaven for me. What a joy and privilege it is to know that he is ever beside you and intercedes for me. Instill in me a determined mind to do your will and to follow the example of my Shepherd as I live in a wicked world. I know that I fail at times to be all you want me to be, so I ask you to continue to forgive me. Be with those who are sick and give your healing where you see best. Give strength to those who are suffering for your holy name. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
