Wednesday, September 18, 2024

The Good Shepherd

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

The Good Shepherd

Wednesday, 18 September

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 

MORE LESSON: John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

 

The Good Shepherd is a beautiful picture of God's love and care for us. It's a beautiful expression of trust, comfort and guidance; it offers a profound message that resonates with people of all ages. Just as a shepherd tends his flock, God attends to our needs, providing for our well-being and guiding us through life's challenges.

As the Good Shepherd, God does these several things for us.

1. He provides for our needs. In verse 1 of Psalm 23, David began by declaring God as his Shepherd, emphasizing God's care and provision. As a shepherd tends his flock, God guides and nurtures us.

2. God gives us rest and refreshment (vs 2-3). He takes care of our physical and spiritual needs, leading us to places of abundance and peace. He revitalizes our souls, quenching our thirst for spiritual nourishment.

3. Our God also guides us on the right path (vs 3). God directs us on the path of righteousness, not for our own sake, but for His glory and honour.

4.The Good Shepherd protects us from harm (vs. 4). In the midst of uncertainty and darkness, God's presence reassures us of safety. His guidance and protection bring comfort, dispelling fear and anxiety.

5. God showers us with His goodness and love (vs. 5-6). God's abundance and blessings are evident even in the presence of adversity. He anoints us with His favour, filling our lives with joy and gratitude.

6. David concluded by affirming God's unwavering goodness and love, which pursue us throughout our lives. We find solace in God's presence, both in this life and eternally.

Above everything God has done for us, He gave us Himself by dying on the cross. This gift of God is the greatest gift any man will ever receive. John.10:11 assures us: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

I want to remind us today that God is our compassionate Shepherd, guiding us through life's triumphs and struggles. May we find peace and reassurance in His loving care. May we trust in the Good Shepherd's care, following His leading and resting in His love. May we find comfort in His presence and may our cups overflow with His goodness and love, in Jesus’ name.

 

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for His love and care.

* Ask God to provide your needs and give you rest. 

* Declare that you will not walk away from your Shepherd.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: As I serve the Lord with all my being, He will bless my bread and my water and take sickness away from me and my household, in Jesus' mighty name.

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