David said to Saul, Your servant was keeping his father's sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after him, and struck him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and struck him, and killed him. 1 Samuel 17:34'35 WEB.As a young shepherd caring for his father's sheep, David got to know each of them. He was there when they were born. He knew their parents and why they were different. David watched the quarrels between them and who hung around with whom. One lamb had been bullied at the water trough, and she was now frightened to be around others. Another had a black spot that set them apart from the rest. Each lamb was unique and special in its own way.
When a lion or bear dared to take one of the sheep from his father's flock, David chased it down and killed it. He rescued the lamb and brought it back to the fold. For that is what shepherds are supposed to do. They go after the lost sheep and the ones that went astray for whatever reason. They try their best to protect them and to keep them safe.
We work for the Father, and His number one concern is the flock, particularly the ones that are missing when night falls. I could quote a lot of scripture, but really Jesus said it all in Matthew 18:12 and Luke 15:4, where a man with one-hundred sheep left the ninety-nine to go after one that was lost.
If you are in any kind of leadership, meditate on Ezekiel 34. As shepherds, we are to rescue those dragged away by the enemy. If you are lost, have gone astray, or don't know Him yet, God is seeking you and calling your name. He knows your parents, your life, and who you hang out with. He knows and understands why you act the way you do, for He was there the whole time.
God knows your black spots, and they are ok. He created you to be unique, and He knows everything about you, including how many hairs are on your head. Your weaknesses won't make Him love you any less. Submit your life to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You draw my heart to You. Please use me to reach others and bring them to You. Give me an encouraging word to speak, and I will say it. Cause Your thoughts to flow through my mind when I need them. Increase the boldness in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
Ladies in Distress > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
This is our mission Pastor. Thank you for the beautiful prayer. Have a happy and blessed day.
Amen
Amen!!
Amen
Amen
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Amen!
In Lord Yeshua's name I ask this, Amen.
Amen. Heavenly Father, Thank You for guiding my Son and his wife safely during their travels. I cherish my time with them. Thank you. AMEN
Jesus,please help us to be strong. Amen
Help me Lord Jesus to say the right words at the right time. Give me boldness, Amen
Heavenly Father thanks for being there with me in every situation we encounter, draw my heart to You and lead me to be as bold as You wants me to be. To bring to You the flock that is still lost by using Your word, in Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen.
Thank you Pastor for this great message,God bless you and Sylvia, Amen.
Wonderful Devotional. Except, I can relate. It's such an awful feeling of being lost & spoken to in your ear, that you are in the wrong vineyard, and not giving you a home to go to. But, lost and wandering for many years confused, angry and sadden. Praying to God for direction. Only left me angry. But God, stepped in and restored me, sustain me, Loved me, walked with me. I began to pray more, read and study the Word of God the more .... I'm still saved just haven't found a church home........ pray with me. I forgave many people concerning this ordeal. And I have moved on. Thanks for this devotional it blessed me.
Another timely motivating and encouraging message, Pastor Dion. Opening my Bible to Ezekial 34 right now! Lord, increase the boldness in my life to share You with those around me. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen
Amen!! Alleluia!! Amen!!
Dear God thank you for caring for us. Amen
Amen Lord, amen
Amen
Amen Lord!
Amen!
Amen!
PRAISE GOD HE TAKES CARE OF ME ...HE"S A GOOD SHEPARD...IF I SEE someone that needs PRAYER the Holy Spirit Directs me to talk to them....LOVE YOU ALL, THAMK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS OF HEALING, NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET...XO THANKS. DION