Tag: shepherd

Daily Word

Psalm 23

judyinthesky91

Read Psalm 23 – The LORD is my shepherd. Okay, raise your hand if your grandmother made you memorize this. I hope your hand is raised, and if not, will you commit to memorizing it now? These 6 verses are excellent for navigating life in our fallen world with the Good Shepherd.

King David had a correct view of himself as a sheep, and the LORD as the shepherd. Remember, David was a shepherd; he knew a shepherd’s role and the needs of sheep. The LORD guides and guards his sheep. The shepherd is responsible for food, water, rest, care from sickness, and protection from attack when caring for the flock.

Okay, now re-read and pray through Psalm 23. “I shall not be in want.” :1 Lord, am I fully trusting you for all my needs? Show me my heart through your eyes…. (confess anything He brings to mind) Green pastures, still waters… offer gratitude for the Lord’s provision. Fear… what are you fearing? Get practical: is it a tax bill, a relationship, a promotion? Remind your fear how big your God is! Prepare a table… Thank God for knowing the plans he has for you, plans for your good and his glory. Goodness and love… Beloved, celebrate with the LORD that you don’t have to get tangled up in this world, his goodness and love follow you and ultimately you will dwell in the house of the LORD forever… In the New Testament, Paul says, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 As you view this life through the lens of God’s care and control, know that the best is yet to come. Your future is certain in Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd, and all the days leading up to that divine appointment are filled with meaning and purpose because you are His.

Daily Word

Genesis 46

judyinthesky91

Read Genesis 46 – And they’re off to Egypt! 

Jacob packs up the family and sets out for Egypt, stopping first in Beersheba to offer sacrifices to the Lord.  During the night the Lord spoke to him, confirming “I am God, the God of your father.  Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation.  I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again.  You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.” :1-4  What a sweet assurance from the LORD!

Beloved, acting in God’s will is so important.  Pray over your decisions; seek the Lord in all you do. 

The bible gives a record of all the son’s traveling with Jacob, and it is 66… plus Joseph and his two sons who are already there, and Jacob himself, bringing the total to 70. 

When they got close, Jacob sent Judah ahead to meet Joseph and get directions.  Joseph prepared his chariot and traveled to Goshen to meet his father.  Their reunion is just beautiful, full of hugs and tears, Jacob says he can now die in peace… Jacob has essentially been in grief since he sent Joseph to check on his brothers and he never returned, in 37:14.

Goshen is in Egypt on the border of the Promised Land.  Joseph instructs his family to greet Pharaoh saying they are his servants and shepherds, :34.  This is strategic because the Egyptians despise shepherds and would not want them near, thus guarding the integrity of the Hebrew lifestyle.

Beloved, take peace in the fact that God is in control, and God is good. No matter how things may look on earth, we have a Heavenly Father who goes before us.

Uncategorized

1 Samuel 22 With Bonus

judyinthesky91

Read 1 Samuel 22 – King Saul is a maniac.   He reminds me of the rock stars of the 70’s, living like they had no one to answer to,  full of abandon, destruction, and ego… except Saul takes his aggressions out on people, not just hotel rooms.   David is still in hiding, and many join him (22:2).  Saul questions the priests and orders his men to slaughter the them, but they refuse (22:15-17).  He orders Doeg, his chief shepherd to do it (we met him in 21:7).  Doeg kills 85 priests,  then seeks out their families and livestock.  Only one escapes, Abiathar, who runs to David and is offered protection(22:20-23).  My blood is boiling with outrage at the atrocities! 💔😡😭✝️😭😡💔 

Bonus edition:   SHEPHERDS

Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd.   He says the sheep hear His voice and follow Him. See:  Matthew 10, John 10, Revelation 7.

King David was a shepherd.   Those days and nights in the field taught him to fight off attackers,  to rescue, to care for a flock and to ponder the mysteries of God. See 1 Samuel 16:11, 17:34-37, Psalm 23 

Doeg was a shepherd.   The same skills David used for good,  he used for evil when he slaughtered the priests and their families.   Evil will always try to imitate God. See 1 Samuel 21-22