As a reminder for our fast tomorrow and for our meeting here tonight I want to share what God shared with me!
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I know everyone will recognize Psalm 23 but I did some digging into the Hebrew words contained in it and was blessed. The Hebrew term ro’eh tzon – lover of the flock. This teaches us that a shepherd was not just a responsible overseer, but a caring father figure, tending to his flock out of a deep sense of love. Jesus even used the word to describe Himself; “I am the good Shepherd.
Somewhere along the way, the word was translated to pastor and we have used it ever since. Great song,
“Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control, where ever You may lead I will follow. I have made the choice to listen for Your voice; where ever You may lead I will go. Be it in a quiet pasture, or by a gentle stream; the Shepherd of my soul will be my guide. Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley, dark and deep, the Shepherd of my soul is by my side.”
I hope this message blesses you as it has me. With the world appearing to be going to hell in a handbasket I take great comfort in reading His word and singing His praises.
L.I.F.E. meets tonight at 7:00 please try to join us in Agape Chapel, as we expect to make it into chapter 2 of 2 Timothy.