Today's Devotional: Characteristics of a Good Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd

• A good shepherd loves and cares for his sheep
• A good shepherd opens the gate for the sheep and leads them out to pasture; he gathers them at the day's end.
• A good shepherd counts his sheep to make sure none are missing.
• A good shepherd hears when the sheep are in distress; he comes and delivers them.
• A good shepherd gives gentle care to the sheep who are with young; he also strengthens the weak.
• A good shepherd makes sure the sheep are well-fed and have a safe place to rest.
• A good shepherd protects the sheep from danger.
• A good shepherd disciplines the sheep that go astray.
• A good shepherd aids the sheep that are broken and bruised. He binds up their wounds.
• A good shepherd is never far from his sheep.
• A good shepherd knows all his sheep and they know his voice.

Bible Readings:

John 10:11:

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, 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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Photo credit: Flickr/Creative Commons user "Waiting for the Word"