Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
The Lord is my Shepherd
“I instruct you in the way of
wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” (V.11)
Many of times in our lives, we go through phases of life
and embrace a sense of independence. Such is seen in American history when the
Americans signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776 from the
British monarchy. When signing this Declaration, inherently another Declaration
was also signed- a "Declaration of Dependence" upon Almighty God. The
American nation has come a far way from its Declaration of Dependence, as it
continues to find ways to invalidate dependency and fabricate a facade of
independence and strength on its own merit.
What we forget is that when we declare the Lord is my Shepherd we are voluntarily declaring our dependence on God. When we call someone our shepherd, we are saying we need help. When we say the Lord is our shepherd, we are saying no one is better able to help us than God himself. We are saying we are basically foolish, and he is wise. We are quite ignorant, and he knows everything. We are weak, and he is strong. Most of all, we are saying that God is absolutely trustworthy, and we can depend on him.
In Proverbs 4, Solomon reminds us of the value of shepherd in these verses. Specifically, he wrote to his own child. He assures his son that the counsel of a godly parent is one of several ways God directs our hearts. Solomon also addresses one of his sons and tells him that a good life commences when we establish communication with God. This communication involves more than just speaking to God. In the Old Testament, God attempted to speak to Samuel who mistook God's voice for that of the priest Eli. The priest gave Samuel the advice that led to his saying, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam. 3:10). Waiting and listening, Samuel received the message. We must listen if we want to know God. In an interview with scientist George Washington Carver, he was asked the secret of his success in discovering so many of the secrets of nature. The scientist replied, " . . . all my life I have risen at four o'clock and have gone into the woods and talked with God. There He gives me my orders for the day . . . When people are still asleep, I hear God best and learn my plan."
"When you receive God's truth into your heart God renews your mind" (Rom. 12:2). If we hear this voice, we are blessed indeed and the years of our life will be many and the life of your years will be abundant. Proverbs 4:11 informs us that wisdom directs us in right or straight ways. "I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Hearing God and accepting His instruction directs your life into the way of wisdom. It directs you to the right decisions and you experience the guidance of God day after day. God in His loving providence directs us and prepares the path for us.
Prayer: Almighty God, help us to gain your wisdom and understanding. We truly are dependent on you. You are our shepherd and guide. Help us to hear your voice and accept the path you want to lead us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
Thought for the Day: If you are willing to do God's will, you will have God's guidance, but if you treat God's will like a buffet, choosing only what pleases you, He won't direct you. The will of God isn't for the curious; it's for the serious.
What we forget is that when we declare the Lord is my Shepherd we are voluntarily declaring our dependence on God. When we call someone our shepherd, we are saying we need help. When we say the Lord is our shepherd, we are saying no one is better able to help us than God himself. We are saying we are basically foolish, and he is wise. We are quite ignorant, and he knows everything. We are weak, and he is strong. Most of all, we are saying that God is absolutely trustworthy, and we can depend on him.
In Proverbs 4, Solomon reminds us of the value of shepherd in these verses. Specifically, he wrote to his own child. He assures his son that the counsel of a godly parent is one of several ways God directs our hearts. Solomon also addresses one of his sons and tells him that a good life commences when we establish communication with God. This communication involves more than just speaking to God. In the Old Testament, God attempted to speak to Samuel who mistook God's voice for that of the priest Eli. The priest gave Samuel the advice that led to his saying, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam. 3:10). Waiting and listening, Samuel received the message. We must listen if we want to know God. In an interview with scientist George Washington Carver, he was asked the secret of his success in discovering so many of the secrets of nature. The scientist replied, " . . . all my life I have risen at four o'clock and have gone into the woods and talked with God. There He gives me my orders for the day . . . When people are still asleep, I hear God best and learn my plan."
"When you receive God's truth into your heart God renews your mind" (Rom. 12:2). If we hear this voice, we are blessed indeed and the years of our life will be many and the life of your years will be abundant. Proverbs 4:11 informs us that wisdom directs us in right or straight ways. "I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Hearing God and accepting His instruction directs your life into the way of wisdom. It directs you to the right decisions and you experience the guidance of God day after day. God in His loving providence directs us and prepares the path for us.
Prayer: Almighty God, help us to gain your wisdom and understanding. We truly are dependent on you. You are our shepherd and guide. Help us to hear your voice and accept the path you want to lead us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
Thought for the Day: If you are willing to do God's will, you will have God's guidance, but if you treat God's will like a buffet, choosing only what pleases you, He won't direct you. The will of God isn't for the curious; it's for the serious.
Roshan Varughese Epiphany
MTC, NY
