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The Sufficiency of the Shepherd

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"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" - Psalm 23:1

The classic example of "it takes one to know one" rings true in Psalm 23. It takes a shepherd to know a shepherd. This psalm of David describing God being our all sufficient shepherd is penned from a shepherd himself. David completely understood what it meant to be a shepherd. It meant providing for and protecting his sheep. He experienced trekking the terrain to lead his sheep into green pastures to feed them. He has journeyed through the wilderness in order to provide still waters for the sheep to be refreshed with water. He knows full well that a good shepherd is willing to sacrifice his own life by fighting ravenous wolves and dangerous lions. 

One of the richest and most meaningful metaphors of God in the bible is a shepherd. Jesus said in John 10:11 that he is the good shepherd and that the good shepherd lays his life down for the sake of his sheep. Christ layed down his life by making it as a sacrificing atonement for my sins at the cross. Jesus is all sufficient. He is all I need. He makes me lie down in green pastures by giving rest for my weary and tired soul. He leads me beside still waters and has offered me to drink from waters that I will never thirst again. He restores my soul's longing for identity by blessing me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3-14) and I am beloved. Points of Obedience:

- Go to the Good Shepherd first and don’t resort to him last: Stop committing the evil of forsaking Christ the fountain of living waters and digging out my own broken cisterns that cannot hold water (Jer. 2:13). Find my fulfillment and joy Christ as my first resort. Don’t go digging for broken cisterns of people’s approval or material possession

- As a shepherd of God’s people, lay my life down for the sheep. Jesus qualifies a good shepherd by his willingness to lay down his life for the sheep. This means sacrificing my rights, privileges and pride for the sake of shepherding people to the cross.

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for being all sufficient! I lack nothing. I need nothing because you are everything. Please forgive me for my self sufficiency and digging for myself broken cisterns that cannot hold water and leave me wanting and  unsatisfied. I repent of finding my value in my performance. I repent of seeking my identity in people’s approval. I repent for leading my self instead of being led by you. Thank you for you grace and kindness that leads me to repentance. Please be the good shepherd of my family. Would you lead Renee, Judah, Noah and Ezra first? Would you remind me that they are yours first and that you are the good shepherd of their souls. Help me to lead with love by laying down myself for them. Strengthen me as a shepherd to lead New Hope Community Church to you. I love you. Maranatha!

 

Posted by John Danganan with
in Leadership

Getting Organized

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Numbers 2:1-2 1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 2 “The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family.”

OBSERVATION

New Hope churches have several ministries that make the worship and services possible – Levites, Kupunas, Men’s ministry, etc..  When we are serving God, we should be organized, according to what God has gifted us with – whether hospitality, teaching, serving, leading among others.  Just as the Israelites were commanded to get organized, we need to get organized for our journey through life.  As inimitable Yogi Berra said, “if you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.”  We do know where we are going and where our destination is.  For that path, we need to get organized to live an intentional living – daily routines, touching and helping others’ lives, serving others, praying for those who need healing, uplifting and more. 

APPLICATION

Review how I go through daily activities to ask if all of my actions are intentional toward God and reaching His kingdom.

 PRAYER

Father God, thank you for your path to salvation in Jesus.  Enable us to live according to your will today and each day thereafter.  Cleanse my heart, Father God, in order that I can discern your voice and your will in small and big things in life.  Help me to live intentionally with your commands in my heart.  Protect and guide Michael, Joshua and Daniel.  May the Holy Spirit prompt them to consider their own path and gladly choose your path.  Bless Christine today and thank you for her faith.  In Jesus holy name I pray.  Amen.

Posted by Chels Chae with

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