Prayer
– Lord, Thanksgiving may be over, but I am still thankful…for You and for life—now
and eternally. Show me how to intentionally live a life of gratefulness every
day.
Yes,
I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and
go freely and will find good pastures. John 10:9 (Read John 10:1-10)
Meditate
on shepherding.
What do
you know about shepherds?
A flock of sheep in Israel.
Green pastures.
Jesus
was telling His disciples that He was like a shepherd—one who lays down by the
sheepfold fence to guard his sheep. Then he ushers the sheep out to the
pasture. Likewise, those few people who choose to walk through a narrow gate
and then down a narrow path are like those sheep who will be guarded and safe. Psalm
23 gives us some clues as to the shepherd and sheep relationship.
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all
that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful
streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor
to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by
anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your
goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will
live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6
The
shepherd provided all that the sheep need especially food, safety, and protection.
The shepherd guards its flock from dangerous water, valleys where trouble could
lurk, and fearful wild beasts. Then the shepherd, over his human group, prepares
a great feast and takes care of their needs like oil in a dry climate and
deeply caring for them with an abundance of heartfelt blessing and enduring
love. That shepherd provides an eternal home with the Lord God Almighty. What
kind of shepherd can do that?
Are
you a shepherd—guiding others—or are you a sheep—following your shepherd.
Actually, we all should be both. We all need a mentor—like a shepherd. Likewise,
we all need to be mentoring someone, having them follow your example and teaching—like
sheep. As always, the choice of a relationship with others and with God, Jesus,
and the Holy Spirit is up to you. Only you can accept the great shepherd as
your own…and be willing to shepherd others. What are you doing today?
Verse
of Salvation ~ (Jesus
said) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the
sheep. John 10:11
© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
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