Breath of Power - Week 20/04

Week 20: May 10 - 16, 2004

Knowing God as the Good Shepherd Part I

Key Passage: Psalm 23: 1 - 6

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 paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for 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.

Psalm 23 is considered by many as the most popular Psalm in Scripture. It reveals the goodness, the loving-kindness and the faithfulness of God as the Shepherd of His people. The sheep by its nature is tender and submissive. It can hardly take care of itself in the open field when it is out in search of pasture. It could get lost in the woods since it keeps no landmarks, it could be devoured for meal by a predator and it could fall into a ditch or be caught by a hunter’s trap. Little wonder it depends so much on the shepherd to tend, guide and protect it.

Like a good Shepherd, the Lord loves, cares, protects and preserves those, who like sheep, fear and submit to Him. The testimony of the Psalmist bears the full message of the unsurpassable love of God – “He provides for all my needs, so, ‘I shall not want’ (v.1). He gives me rest and comfort, and ‘makes me to lie down in green pastures’ (v.2). He leads me in a safe path ‘beside the still waters’ (v.2). ‘He restores my soul’ (v.3) so, I have nothing to worry about. ‘He leads me in the paths of righteousness’ (v.3) that I may not stumble in my walk with Him. He gives me confidence “when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (v.4). Dear Lord, ‘You are with me’ (v.4) as a faithful companion. ‘Your rod and Your staff’ (v.4) with which you protect, guide and lightly correct, they give me comfort and encouragement.

“ Like a friend, You prepare a banquet for me to the admiration of ‘my enemies’ (v.5). You welcome me with pomp as the special guest of honor, ‘anoint(ing) my head with oil’ (v.5). ‘Surely’ (v.6) ‘Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home’ (TLB).”

How wonderful it is to know that these are what the Lord means to us as his people. We must always love, trust and obey Him that we may enjoy these blessings forever.

Pray, Lord, help me to know that You are always there for me.

Written by – Evangelist Oguazi Onyemobi



Home Table of Contents 2003 2004 2005 2006 January '04 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 February '04 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 March '04 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 April '04 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 Week 17 Week 18 May '04 Week 19 Week 20 Week 21 Week 22 June '04 Week 23 Week 24 Week 25 Week 26 July '04 Week 27 Week 28 Week 29 Week 30 Week 31 August Week 32 Week 33 Week 34 Week 35 September '04 Week 36 Week 37 Week 38 Week 39 Week 40 October '04 Week 41 Week 42 Week 43 Week 44 November '04 Week 45 Week 46 Week 47 Week 48 December '04 Week 49 Week 50 Week 51 Week 52 Week 53	Breath of Power A Weekly Devotional of Jesus Power Outreach Ministries
	Week 20: May 10 - 16, 2004 Knowing God as the Good Shepherd Part I Key Passage: Psalm 23: 1 - 6 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 paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for 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. Psalm 23 is considered by many as the most popular Psalm in Scripture. It reveals the goodness, the loving-kindness and the faithfulness of God as the Shepherd of His people. The sheep by its nature is tender and submissive. It can hardly take care of itself in the open field when it is out in search of pasture. It could get lost in the woods since it keeps no landmarks, it could be devoured for meal by a predator and it could fall into a ditch or be caught by a hunter’s trap. Little wonder it depends so much on the shepherd to tend, guide and protect it. Like a good Shepherd, the Lord loves, cares, protects and preserves those, who like sheep, fear and submit to Him. The testimony of the Psalmist bears the full message of the unsurpassable love of God – “He provides for all my needs, so, ‘I shall not want’ (v.1). He gives me rest and comfort, and ‘makes me to lie down in green pastures’ (v.2). He leads me in a safe path ‘beside the still waters’ (v.2). ‘He restores my soul’ (v.3) so, I have nothing to worry about. ‘He leads me in the paths of righteousness’ (v.3) that I may not stumble in my walk with Him. He gives me confidence “when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (v.4). Dear Lord, ‘You are with me’ (v.4) as a faithful companion. ‘Your rod and Your staff’ (v.4) with which you protect, guide and lightly correct, they give me comfort and encouragement. “ Like a friend, You prepare a banquet for me to the admiration of ‘my enemies’ (v.5). You welcome me with pomp as the special guest of honor, ‘anoint(ing) my head with oil’ (v.5). ‘Surely’ (v.6) ‘Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home’ (TLB).” How wonderful it is to know that these are what the Lord means to us as his people. We must always love, trust and obey Him that we may enjoy these blessings forever. Pray, Lord, help me to know that You are always there for me. Written by – Evangelist Oguazi Onyemobi

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