The Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. My aim is not to scold you or lecture you. My goal is always to help you advance and succeed. Don’t interpret a setback as a disaster. Don’t panic during an extended dry spell. Instead, stick with your commitment when the going gets tough.

My staff will guide you and give clear directions. My rod will protect you when the enemy is attempting to attack. And just as I shepherd my people, I want you to look out for others around you. Care for them. Be patient and wait for people to turn around. Serve with enthusiasm. Lead by example. Nurture my people and give them spiritual food. Encourage them. Speak the truth in love. Lift up your eyes and see the flock around you, whether small or large in numbers. Search them out. Follow my example and lead them on the right path, to my pasture land where they can find rest.

Activation: “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” What does it mean to you personally that the Lord has laid down His life for you? Would you be willing to do the same for others? Ask the Holy Spirit who the people are that you could serve or lead in this season. Is there someone you could mentor? Is there a person or a group that you could bring guidance and direction to? Pray for wisdom in how to go about it.

John 10:11-14 (NIV)

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

John 15:13 (NIV)

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.