Where does such knowledge and understanding come from?  

“For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

~‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2:6‬ 

We must be seeking these from God Himself through His word, prayer, and His people. The knowledge and understanding require effort.  It needs to be sought after.  A desire to obtain it drives the ability to acquire it.  I have spent countless hours pouring over His Word clinging to its truths during some pretty tough trials.  His word has been my rock and foundation through it all; bringing wisdom for me to shepherd well. 

Reflection

Who has God put in your life to shepherd? Your children? Kids at church? Co-workers?

Are you continuing to fill up with God’s knowledge and understanding so that you shepherd well?

Set aside time each day to fill your mind and heart with His powerful Truth. 

Prayer

Father, shepherding is demanding and tiring.  Strengthen us by Your word and lead us to knowledge and understanding that we may shepherd well, those you have placed in our lives.  We love you and thank you Jesus for being the Great Shepherd for us. Amen!

Heard a message last night at the event in attending.  My mind can’t help but draw the conclusion that we are in a similar place today.  God’s children have been scattered by poor or absent shepherding.  As parents and leaders we are shepherds.  What a great responsibility we have been given!  We must be  all in for this mission.  

For I confess that I have not always been diligent.  I have let my mouth speak without regard to your desire for YOUR sheep. At times, I have thrown up my hands, shut down, and given up.   There have also been times that I have chosen to stay with the 99 rather than pursue the one that has gone astray because I was tired or worn or some other excuse.  I want to be a good shepherd. 

When we look at the good shepherd in Psalm 23, we find He does the following:

1) He leads us beside still waters 

2) He makes us rest

3) He restores

4) He guides in paths of righteousness

5) He prepares a table in the presence of enemies

6) He anoints our head with oil

Pay attention to the desire for our restoration, the tender care, and love poured out!   

It’s time we shepherd like that! 

Personal Reflection

Read Ezekiel 34:1-10, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:11-31

As God’s children we are His sheep.  As mentioned earlier, some of us are shepherds also.  There are two questions I’d like to ask you today that I’m deeply challenging myself with also:

1) What kind of sheep am I for the Lord?  Do I listen to my shepherd? Am I prone to wander or do I stick close to Him?

2) If I am a mom, dad, elder, leader…What kind of shepherd am I? Have I been like the Good Shepherd?   Am I seeking His lost sheep?  Am I tending to them, binding their wounds, assisting in their healing. Leading them beside still waters?  Or am I scattering them?

Prayer Focus

LORD you are our Shepherd, the perfect Shepherd.  Help us to be sheep the desire after Your presence; that we may may delight in Your leading and discipline.  Father, we pray that we would shepherd well like You, Your sheep you have given us to tend.  We confess that we have not been diligent to ward off the wolf and seek after the lost one. Restore Your visions in our mind hat we my diligently carry out Your will in the Name of Jesus, Amen!