The LORD is my shepherd

Posted by valerie

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

Psalm 23 is probably the most widely known Psalm in the
Bible. It was written by King David and has many wonderful
lessons to learn from it.

David was called by the LORD when he was just a young man.
His first big triumph, was slaying a giant named Goliath.

He didn’t have strength and power in his own body…but simply
trusted God to supply the wisdom and ingenuity to get that
big, bad bully out of his face and from terrorizing God’s people.

People mocked David and laughed, when he said he was going
to take on Goliath…but he refused to listen.

He refused the king’s armor and weapons…choosing only a sling
shot and a pebble.

He confessed publicly his faith by saying to the giant…

You came to me with a sword and shield…

But I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou has defied.
This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee…

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear:
for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.
1 Samuel 17:45-47

As he took aim, God miraculously guided the rock into Goliath’s
head…knocking him down and killing him. David then cut off his
head with Goliath’s own sword.

All the people could see how weak and small he was compared to
this he-man giant. They knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt,
God Almighty had done this miracle through David.

David gave God the glory and many people turned their hearts
to the LORD.

Today your giant may be a mean bully, teacher, parent, or spouse.
It may be the giant of sickness, or mounting financial problems.

Jesus is our Shepherd.

He knows our needs and is well able to supply them…

Walking through valleys of darkness, are often frightening.
Every shadow seems to jump out at us and make us quiver with fear.

We need to remember David’s words…

I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

God’s word will comfort and encourage us, restoring our soul to one of faith.

Faith empowers…

Fear is for cowards!

Sometimes in the valley of sickness…God makes us lie down.

We get on the treadmill of busyness…forgetting that man cannot
live on bread alone…but by every word from the mouth of God.

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We cannot function
properly, if we don’t take time to eat a balanced and healthy diet.
Our bodies were created in God’s image. He made us and the
instruction manual of his word says…rest on Sunday and whenever
God says …slow down…I need to talk to you.

If we ignore his warnings to prune and prioritize…
he makes us lie down…to get our undivided attention.

Praise, time in God’s word, and a thankful heart…
are priceless keys to unlocking the heart of God.

He lovingly will pour out upon us, his wisdom and guidance,
so we may rest in the green pastures of His peace and protection.

He will bring goodness and mercy to us…all the days of our life…
Our cup of blessings will overflow!

Heavenly Father,
Holy is Your name…

Thank you for this beautiful new day and for sharing with us the
scriptures to encourage us and refresh our souls. Forgive me
for getting too busy… focusing on my needs and wants,
instead of yours. Cleanse my mind and heart. Purge out
selfishness, greed, rebellion and unforgiveness. Create in me a clean
and pure heart. Thank you for being loving and patient with me
and for your gentle correction, when I stray off the path
of peace and power. Help me to become an instrument
of love to reflect the compassionate heart of Jesus.
Thank you for sending Him to die for my sins…
and setting me free from the bondage’s of evil
and guilt which had robbed me of your blessings.

I give you the keys to my heart. Flood my soul with your
wisdom and knowledge to become a mature Christian…
One who willingly serves and honor’s You in all things.
I am weak and need Jesus to strengthen me and help me
to no longer be a slave to sin or my selfish desires.

I believe that I am crucified with Christ, so it is no longer
I who live, but the spirit of Christ that lives within me.
I am strong, the word of God is in me and I have overcome
the evil one…through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for rescuing me and saving me.
I look forward to one day coming home to be with you in heaven.
Until then, help me to boldly speak and write the words
you provide, to win souls for Christ.

We lift my voice in praise and thanksgiving for the wonderful life
you have given me. Rule and reign in my heart and in our world,
that soon all nations, will bow to the name of Jesus and receive your
grace and blessings.

We lift up prayers to you for Shirley, Daniel, Margie, Jeff, James, Murlene, Walter, Evelyn, and all who are struggling with sickness, disease, or adversity. Father we ask for your mercy and loving hands to encircle our family of God and bring safety and protection to all. Help those with afflictions to be touched with your healing hands to make them whole and well again. With you all things are possible.

We lift up prayers to you for Dr. Brian his wife and children. They are having
financial problems and are forced to close their medical practice and move.
In the last few months they have experienced a fire in their home and lost
a child. Reach out your arms of favor and reveal to them where
you would have them to move and work to give you glory. Help them to reach many
souls for Christ through the light they shine to reflect your love and forgiveness.
We trust you to provide for all of their needs, great or small, for you are a God
who has commanded us to ask, so that we may receive. We ask you bring healing
to all of their patients who now are without medical care. With you, all things are possible.
We wait expectantly for your deliverance.
Father we ask for help and aid for the people of Pakistan who are suffering
from adversity. Bring them to faith in Jesus and give them comfort in their
time of sorrow and despair.

Father we ask for a miracle for the trapped miners in Chile. You have spared their
lives and we are grateful. Help them to be rescued quickly and no loss of life.

Thank you Father, for listening to our prayers and
for always coming to our rescue in times of trouble.
We give thanks to you, for you are good, and your
mercy endures forever.

In Jesus’ name we pray…

Amen

Today’s poetry offering is from Rebekah Marshall. Father, May you bless
the work of her hands and heart. May we, like Rebekah…look
to Jesus for rest and salvation. Thank you Rebekah for freely
sharing your heart with us.

Looking to Him.

I look to Him,
And all else fades away.

The glory of His presence,
Invades my heart.

His wonder,
Captures my soul.

His smile,
Breaks all my defenses.

I have no choice,
But to fully submit.

Handing my life,
Into His hands.

In the safety,
Of His protection.

I take the stand,
Of following Him.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,
all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24

May the words of this message and the meditation of our
hearts be acceptable in your sight,

O LORD, our strength and our redeemer.