Dec 27 A sheep in Your flock

Father, the picture You paint for Zechariah of Your people is “the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.”

Many times sheep get themselves into trouble on their own.  They wander away, eat what they shouldn’t, become prey for wolves or lions.  They get caught in thorns, fall into deep water, or become lost.  But no danger is greater than that of not having a good shepherd.

A shepherd provides for his sheep in so many ways.

He looks out for them.  He prepares good pasture by removing noxious and poisonous weeds before the sheep get there.  He makes sure the area has sufficient clean, still water for them to drink.

He protects them from predators, and goes after them when they wander off.  He carefully examines them to see if they are in need of medicine to keep them healthy and free from parasites.

He provides shelter from inclement weather and moves them to new pastures before the grass becomes over-grazed; or to completely new areas when the weather turns too cold.

Israel’s priests and leaders were not being good shepherds to the people.  And You pronounced “Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock!” 

But blessed am I – for You are my Good Shepherd!  You do not turn me over for slaughter.  “You are the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – You remain faithful forever.”

When I get into trouble, You answer my call and come to my rescue.

When I wander, You call me back.  I know Your voice because You have called me by name, and I have learned I can trust that voice.

You give me the Holy Spirit that speaks to me and warns me away from poisonous things that would make me sick; physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

You protect me from the evil one who prowls around like a predatory lion looking for someone to devour. When I get caught in thorny situations, You provide a way of escape.  If I will but keep my eyes and ears open for Your leading, I will see the way out.

When I fall into deep water, or walk out there on my own, You are with me in the water, and You do not let the flood overtake me.

You are my Help!  You are my Hope!  You are my Good Shepherd.  And “I will praise You all my life.”  Amen

Zechariah 10:1-3; Psalm 146:1-2; Psalm 23:1-5

July 30 the Good Shepherd

For many believers, the 23^rd Psalm is a passage of scripture known by heart.  Many more are familiar enough to recognize the phrases that describe the Shepherd’s care.

But what do all the references really mean?  I have only seen sheep in petting zoos and on back roads in sheep country.  I really don’t know very much about them.  And the impressions I have are not too favorable toward them being a smart or regal animal.

But I have read a wonderful book written by an actual shepherd who takes each verse and explains it from the perspective of a shepherd, and why the sheep need and value each specific thing in this Psalm.

I understand that You, Lord God, are the Good Shepherd, who plans for, provides for, cares for, calms, protects, feeds, guides, restores, heals, comforts, and sacrifices for, even lays down Your life for, the sheep.  And I am that sheep.

Thank You Father that You are my Shepherd.  Other sheep have masters who do not care about them.  They go hungry and become diseased, living a life without shelter or protection.  But You provide all things for me.  You meet my every need.

You provide a place for me to rest that is full of the nourishment I need and free from pests, aggravation from the rest of the flock, and fear of predators.  You lead me where clean, fresh, shallow water stands still for me to drink from so I don’t become sick from dirty, poisoned water.  Or get dragged down or carried a way in deep, rushing water.

When I become world-weary and feel discouraged, depressed, and are down-cast, You renew me.  You give me hope, and bring restoration to my life.

Father, thank You for showing me a good, right way to live that will bring honor to Your name.  Left alone I would go my own way and become entrapped in the selfish, greedy ways of the world.  Thank You that even in the darkest places, where I am the most vulnerable, You go with me and protect me.  You bring me through these valleys to a higher place.

You drive away the predators who seek to devour me with Your rod: a symbol of Your power, authority, and strength.  Thank You that I have Your Word, and that there is power in it.  And that it can also be used as Your staff, to examine, corral, and direct me.  In Your protection and direction I am comforted.

I am blessed Lord, that You have walked this earth before me.  You know every trial, every temptation I will face.  And You have prepared me for it.  Like a shepherd removes the poisonous plants before he brings his sheep to feed, You have prayed for me while I’m in this world.  Even with enemies all around, You stand guard and intercede for me, praying for my faith to be strong.

“You anoint my head with oil” to consecrate and heal me.   For sheep, it is a life saving measure to drive out parasites that would lay eggs causing inflammation, blindness, and death.   The Holy Spirit in my life brings understanding and healing to me.  And overflows my cup with abundance and blessing.

Yet even when there is suffering in my cup, Your suffering on the cross, and the life You poured out for me, pours over into my cup and overflows it with Your strength and vitality and blessing. 

Because You are my Shepherd, You bring goodness and mercy into my life.  But You can also help me leave it in my path, as a legacy to others.  I can deposit into other’s lives, blessing, forgiveness, encouragement, inspiration, and peace.   Help me do that.

I choose to be in Your flock, Your household, forever!  I will never leave.  I want to be in Your presence, in Your care, all the days of my life, and then after that, for eternity.  Amen

Psalm 23:1-6; A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

Dec 27 A Sheep in Your flock

Father, the picture You paint for Zechariah of Your people is “the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.”

Many times sheep get themselves into trouble on their own.  They wander away, eat what they shouldn’t, become prey for wolves or lions.  They get caught in thorns, fall into deep water, or become lost.  But no danger is greater than that of not having a good shepherd.

A shepherd provides for his sheep in so many ways.

He looks out for them.  He prepares good pasture by removing noxious and poisonous weeds before the sheep get there.  He makes sure the area has sufficient clean, still water for them to drink.

He protects them from predators, and goes after them when they wander off.  He carefully examines them to see if they are in need of medicine to keep them healthy and free from parasites.

He provides shelter from inclement weather and moves them to new pastures before the grass becomes over-grazed; or to completely new areas when the weather turns too cold.

Israel’s priests and leaders were not being good shepherds to the people.  And You pronounced “Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock!” 

But blessed am I – for You are my Good Shepherd!  You do not turn me over for slaughter.  “You are the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – You remain faithful forever.”

When I get into trouble, You answer my call and come to my rescue.

When I wander, You call me back.  I know Your voice because You have called me by name, and I have learned I can trust that voice.

You give me the Holy Spirit that speaks to me and warns me away from poisonous things that would make me sick; physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

You protect me from the evil one who prowls around like a predatory lion looking for someone to devour. When I get caught in thorny situations, You provide a way of escape.  If I will but keep my eyes and ears open for Your leading, I will see the way out.

When I fall into deep water, or walk out there on my own, You are with me in the water, and You do not let the flood overtake me.

You are my Help!  You are my Hope!  You are my Good Shepherd.  And “I will praise You all my life.”  Amen

Zechariah 10:1-3; Psalm 146:1-2; Psalm 23:1-5

July 30 the Good Shepherd

For many believers, the 23^rd Psalm is a passage of scripture known by heart. Many more are familiar enough to recognize the phrases that describe the Shepherd’s care.

But what do all the references really mean?  I have only seen sheep in petting zoos and on back roads in sheep country.  I really don’t know very much about them.  And the impressions I have are not too favorable toward them being a smart or regal animal.

But I have read a wonderful book written by an actual shepherd who takes each verse and explains it from the perspective of a shepherd, and why the sheep need and value each specific thing in this Psalm.

I understand that You, Lord God, are the Good Shepherd, who plans for, provides for, cares for, calms, protects, feeds, guides, restores, heals, comforts, and sacrifices for, even lays down Your life for, the sheep.  And I am that sheep.

Thank You Father that You are my Shepherd.  Other sheep have masters who do not care about them.  They go hungry and become diseased, living a life without shelter or protection.  But You provide all things for me.  You meet my every need.

You provide a place for me to rest that is full of the nourishment I need and free from pests, aggravation from the rest of the flock, and fear of predators.  You lead me where clean, fresh, shallow water stands still for me to drink from so I don’t become sick from dirty, poisoned water.  Or get dragged down or carried a way in deep, rushing water.

When I become world-weary and feel discouraged, depressed, and are down-cast, You renew me.  You give me hope, and bring restoration to my life.

Father, thank You for showing me a good, right way to live that will bring honor to Your name.  Left alone I would go my own way and become entrapped in the selfish, greedy ways of the world.  Thank You that even in the darkest places, where I am the most vulnerable, You go with me and protect me.  You bring me through these valleys to a higher place.

You drive away the predators who seek to devour me with Your rod: a symbol of Your power, authority, and strength.  Thank You that I have Your Word, and that there is power in it.  And that it can also be used as Your staff, to examine, corral, and direct me.  In Your protection and direction I am comforted.

I am blessed Lord, that You have walked this earth before me.  You know every trial, every temptation I will face.  And You have prepared me for it.  Like a shepherd removes the poisonous plants before he brings his sheep to feed, You have prayed for me while I’m in this world.  Even with enemies all around, You stand guard and intercede for me, praying for my faith to be strong.

“You anoint my head with oil” to consecrate and heal me.   For sheep, it is a life saving measure to drive out parasites that would lay eggs causing inflammation, blindness, and death.   The Holy Spirit in my life brings understanding and healing to me.  And overflows my cup with abundance and blessing.

Yet even when there is suffering in my cup, Your suffering on the cross, and the life You poured out for me, pours over into my cup and overflows it with Your strength and vitality and blessing.

Because You are my Shepherd, You bring goodness and mercy into my life.  But You can also help me leave it in my path, as a legacy to others.  I can deposit into other’s lives, blessing, forgiveness, encouragement, inspiration, and peace.   Help me do that.

I choose to be in Your flock, Your household, forever!  I will never leave.  I want to be in Your presence, in Your care, all the days of my life, and then after that, for eternity.  Amen

Psalm 23:1-6; A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

July 30 The Good Shepherd

For many believers, the 23^rd Psalm is a passage of scripture known by heart. Many more are familiar enough to recognize the phrases that describe the Shepherd’s care.

But what do all the references really mean?  I have only seen sheep in petting zoos and on back roads in sheep country.  I really don’t know very much about them.  And the impressions I have are not too favorable toward them being a smart or regal animal.

But I have read a wonderful book written by an actual shepherd who takes each verse and explains it from the perspective of a shepherd, and why the sheep need and value each specific thing in this Psalm.

I understand that You, Lord God, are the Good Shepherd, who plans for, provides for, cares for, calms, protects, feeds, guides, restores, heals, comforts, and sacrifices for, even lays down Your life for, the sheep.  And I am that sheep.

Thank You Father that You are my Shepherd.  Other sheep have masters who do not care about them.  They go hungry and become diseased, living a life without shelter or protection.  But You provide all things for me.  You meet my every need.

You provide a place for me to rest that is full of the nourishment I need and free from pests, aggravation from the rest of the flock, and fear of predators.  You lead me where clean, fresh, shallow water stands still for me to drink from so I don’t become sick from dirty, poisoned water.  Or get dragged down or carried a way in deep, rushing water.

When I become world-weary and feel discouraged, depressed, and are down-cast, You renew me.  You give me hope, and bring restoration to my life.

Father, thank You for showing me a good, right way to live that will bring honor to Your name.  Left alone I would go my own way and become entrapped in the selfish, greedy ways of the world.  Thank You that even in the darkest places, where I am the most vulnerable, You go with me and protect me.  You bring me through these valleys to a higher place.

You drive away the predators who seek to devour me with Your rod: a symbol of Your power, authority, and strength.  Thank You that I have Your Word, and that there is power in it.  And that it can also be used as Your staff, to examine, corral, and direct me.  In Your protection and direction I am comforted.

I am blessed Lord, that You have walked this earth before me.  You know every trial, every temptation I will face.  And You have prepared me for it.  Like a shepherd removes the poisonous plants before he brings his sheep to feed, You have prayed for me while I’m in this world.  Even with enemies all around, You stand guard and intercede for me, praying for my faith to be strong.

“You anoint my head with oil” to consecrate and heal me.   For sheep, it is a life saving measure to drive out parasites that would lay eggs causing inflammation, blindness, and death.   The Holy Spirit in my life brings understanding and healing to me.  And overflows my cup with abundance and blessing.

Yet even when there is suffering in my cup, Your suffering on the cross, and the life You poured out for me, pours over into my cup and overflows it with Your strength and vitality and blessing.

Because You are my Shepherd, You bring goodness and mercy into my life.  But You can also help me leave it in my path, as a legacy to others.  I can deposit into other’s lives, blessing, forgiveness, encouragement, inspiration, and peace.   Help me do that.

I choose to be in Your flock, Your household, forever!  I will never leave.  I want to be in Your presence, in Your care, all the days of my life, and then after that, for eternity.  Amen

Psalm 23:1-6; A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

Mar 27 Not by bread alone…

Lord, today’s scripture passages are so rich, it is hard to chose one area of prayer focus.  In these verses You are instructive, encouraging, and even give warnings.  All are important.  But the ones that speak to me the most, remind me of how You care for me and how I should behave in response to that care and commitment.

I am holy to You, Lord.  That doesn’t mean I am perfect, but that I am set apart for You. And for Your purposes.

Like the Israelites, I have value because of who I am in Your eyes.  You did not set Your affection on me because I am the biggest, or best.  There is nothing I could have done to make You love me.  But You chose me.

You delivered the Israelites from slavery.  Because You love me, You promise to deliver me with a mighty hand from this world and its distressing values.  

You have provided for me in the past when I needed help, encouragement, and provision.  Although You provided physical sustenance for me, You have also taught me that there is more.

So I do not live on “bread” alone.  But my relationship with You and Your Word gives me peace and wholeness.  So I will spend time reading and studying Your Word, and listening for Your voice.

Often, especially in times of need – like the Israelites –  I am drawn to You.  And I need to be sure I give You the credit when You answer and provide. I express my thanks and gratitude in praise, in song, in telling others how You bring me through troubles and trials.

Every good thing I have has come from You.  It is You who make it possible for me to have the life I enjoy, to work and volunteer and help others.

I will pour out myself to honor You.  You have saved me!  From trouble, from trauma, from myself, from circumstances I have gotten myself into, and from eternal death.

You have answered my prayers, come to my rescue, given me hope, forgiven my sin.  I thank You and I praise You!  And I cannot wait to see what’s coming next!  Amen

Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20

Aug 13 Plans

Father, You gave Nehemiah the plan to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. And met his needs as he accomplished it. You brought the people needed to do the work. And You provided abundantly for them all to eat. You brought all the pieces together for Your plan to be accomplished.

Show me where You are working. Let me see how I can be a part of Your plan to accomplish something You bring into my life. Bring all the pieces together so I can be part of Your work.

You also provided for Nehemiah and the Israelite’s safety. Some might guess he was lucky, or say that he had a sixth sense about the plots against him. But he was a praying man who looked to You for guidance and protection. He fasted and prayed to accomplish the work You gave him to do. With five attempts to lure Nehemiah away from his work to harm him, he stood his ground and did not go. When one of his own plotted to discredit him, he refused to be party to the sin.

Father, protect me as well. Direct me away from harm. Stop me from sinning against You, even if it would seem to safeguard me. Sharpen my spiritual discernment so I can see through any plots to harm, or intimidate, or discredit me. Strengthen my faith so I count on You and trust only in You for my deliverance.

You created all the heavens and the earth. By Your very word, Lord, You spoke the world into existence. You planned and created all that is seen, and all that is yet to be discovered in the universe. As far as can be reached with eyes and technology, all this is within Your hand’s grasp.

Your purposes and Your plans Lord, stand firm. And will be carried out throughout eternity, by generation after generation.

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him.” Help me set aside time to praise You. Not just at a formal church service, but often; worshipping from my heart.

I acknowledge and honor Your Lordship. Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your righteousness, Your justice, and Your unfailing love.   Without it, I would not be here. You are my Lord. And my hope is in You! Amen

Nehemiah 5:14-6:19; Psalm 33:6-11

July 30 The Good Shepherd

For many believers, the 23^rd Psalm is a passage of scripture known by heart. Many more are familiar enough to recognize the phrases that describe the Shepherd’s care.

But what do all the references really mean? I have only seen sheep in petting zoos and on back roads in sheep country. I really don’t know very much about them. And the impressions I have are not too favorable toward them being a smart or regal animal.

But I have read a wonderful book written by an actual shepherd who takes each verse and explains it from the perspective of a shepherd, and why the sheep need and value each specific thing in this Psalm.

I understand that You, Lord God, are the Good Shepherd, who plans for, provides for, cares for, calms, protects, feeds, guides, restores, heals, comforts, and sacrifices for, even lays down Your life for, the sheep. And I am that sheep.

Thank You Father that You are my Shepherd. Other sheep have masters who do not care about them. They go hungry and become diseased, living a life without shelter or protection. But You provide all things for me. You meet my every need.

You provide a place for me to rest that is full of the nourishment I need and free from pests, aggravation from the rest of the flock, and fear of predators. You lead me where clean, fresh, shallow water stands still for me to drink from so I don’t become sick from dirty, poisoned water. Or get dragged down or carried a way in deep, rushing water.

When I become world-weary and feel discouraged, depressed, and are down-cast, You renew me. You give me hope, and bring restoration to my life.

Father, thank You for showing me a good, right way to live that will bring honor to Your name. Left alone I would go my own way and become entrapped in the selfish, greedy ways of the world. Thank You that even in the darkest places, where I am the most vulnerable, You go with me and protect me. You bring me through these valleys to a higher place.

You drive away the predators who seek to devour me with Your rod: a symbol of Your power, authority, and strength. Thank You that I have Your Word, and that there is power in it. And that it can also be used as Your staff, to examine, corral, and direct me. In Your protection and direction I am comforted.

I am blessed Lord, that You have walked this earth before me. You know every trial, every temptation I will face. And You have prepared me for it. Like a shepherd removes the poisonous plants before he brings his sheep to feed, You have prayed for me while I’m in this world. Even with enemies all around, You stand guard and intercede for me, praying for my faith to be strong.

“You anoint my head with oil” to consecrate and heal me.   For sheep, it is a life saving measure to drive out parasites that would lay eggs causing inflammation, blindness, and death.   The Holy Spirit in my life brings understanding and healing to me. And overflows my cup with abundance and blessing.

Yet even when there is suffering in my cup, Your suffering on the cross, and the life You poured out for me, pours over into my cup and overflows it with Your strength and vitality and blessing.

Because You are my Shepherd, You bring goodness and mercy into my life. But You can also help me leave it in my path, as a legacy to others. I can deposit into other’s lives, blessing, forgiveness, encouragement, inspiration, and peace. Help me do that.

I choose to be in Your flock, Your household, forever! I will never leave. I want to be in Your presence, in Your care, all the days of my life, and then after that, for eternity. Amen

Psalm 23:1-6; A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller