The Lord is My Shepherd

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Lord is My Shepherd

Date: Dec. 31, 2014

Passage

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)

A Psalm of David.

1   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
  He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
  He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.
4   Even 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.
5   You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
  you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
  and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
    forever.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 23:1

A Psalm of David.

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

First, He leads and guides... (1-4). As a shepherd cares for his sheep, so the Lord cares for each of his people. The Lord's care is perfect and thorough; we lack nothing. Sheep tend to wander away and follow the wrong path into danger. But the Lord leads and guides his people in the way of wellness, growth and contentment. When the Lord guides us, we can go forward without fear-even through dark valleys. He is almighty; his protection is sure and he gives real comfort. As this year ends, let's remember how the Lord has led and guided each of us.

Second, He prepares a table before us (5-6). In verses 5-6 the author changes metaphors to a host and his guest. Under the Lord's protection we can celebrate, as at a feast, while our enemies look on. The Lord provides abundantly. The Lord honors his people and enables us to serve him boldly and confidently. This table looks forward to final victory at the heavenly feast in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for shepherding me with goodness and love. Lead and guide me in the year to come.

One Word: "my shepherd"

God Will Not Give Up Israel

Hosea 11:1-11

Key Verse: 11:9-10

  I will not execute my burning anger;
    I will not again destroy Ephraim;
  for I am God and not a man,
    the Holy One in your midst,
    and I will not come in wrath.
  They shall go after the LORD;
    he will roar like a lion;
  when he roars,
    his children shall come trembling from the west;

Today's Question

What is the sixth commandment?

See answer and references