Shepherd

Across my desk this morning.

SHEPHERD: 5/19/18 “WORTH CONSIDERING”

Today’s Scripture
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
(Psalm 23:6, NKJV)

What’s Chasing You?
In the Bible, David was known as a man after God’s own heart. What kind of attitude did he have? Here in Psalm 23, he says, “Goodness and mercy are following me.” David lived with an attitude of expectancy. One translation says, “God’s kindness chases me everywhere that I go.” David’s attitude was “something good is going to happen to me. Everywhere I go, I know God’s blessings are chasing me. Favor is following me around.” No wonder he saw God’s goodness! No wonder he overcame his obstacles and accomplished great dreams. He knew good things were chasing after him.

Do you know what’s chasing you right now? Not debt. Not failure. Not mediocrity. Not defeat. Not lack. Not at all! You are a child of the Most High God. You have been crowned with favor. You have been redeemed from every curse. God has set you apart as His own special treasure. When you look back in your rear view mirror, you’d better get ready because you have a tailgater! There’s something coming toward you at a high rate of speed. You know what it is? Blessings, favor, supernatural opportunities, restoration, divine connections—God’s goodness and mercy following you all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your abundant grace and mercy. Today I look for Your goodness. I look for Your favor and blessings. I set my heart on You. Show me Your love in a new way today in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

My Comments:
Of course Content without Context is Pretext. There are “conditions” for the above verse to be effective. Lets look at the rest of Psalm 23 for those conditions that make the above effective. Psalm 23 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. 3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake. 4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. 6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

1. The LORD (Christ Jesus) Is totally submitted to as the shepherd. (Many so called Christians are not even here.)

2. Christ Jesus is guiding us by the Holy Spirit which means we can hear HIS voice.

3. We have submitted to LORD in being made and also becoming really righteous.

4. The rod and staff were strength and authority are needed and used for the life journey. Might consider them as being in “REAL” faith, Heb.11 and the Word of God.

5. Oil relates to the Holy Spirit as being the guide and covering with power.

6. Then Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

So to walk in GOD’s Truth and Freedom mean to check the context through all of the Holy Scriptures on a subject. Out of context will lead into apostasy. The Bible teaches, “Judas went out and hanged himself” in one place. And in another, “Go Thou and do likewise.” Put those together out of context and you have a serious problem. But it is True that if you decide to really make Jesus Lord and follow the Holy Spirit into sanctification that you will be very blessed of GOD.

Love in Jesus, Ken<><