Merry Christmas!

 

                                                                                 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:11-14, KJV

"I have come as a light into the world." John 12:46, NKJV  

And leaving Nazareth He went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matt. 4:12-17, ESV

 

The 23rd Psalm, The LORD is My Shepherd

 

Photo by Gabriele Agrillo on Unsplash

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

This popular psalm, and one of my favorites, tells us a lot about God.

God provides. God protects. God shelters and restores. God leads. God is with him who trusts in Him. God comforts. God nourishes. God is fair and just. God vindicates. God makes us holy. God blesses abundantly. God is good. God is loving. God is eternal. With God is everlasting life.  

In my humble opinion, Psalm 23 is a great one to memorize and meditate on to ease anxious minds. Also, copying it down in your favorite translation will help slow your racing thoughts and redirect your mind to the Father who loves you and is always with you.

 

 

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Lord, Our Shepherd

 

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1, NIV

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Micah 5:4, NIV

He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11, ESV

Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; And I will carry you and I will save you. Isaiah 46:4, NASB

As a shepherd seeks out his flock when some of his sheep have been scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. Ezekiel 34:12, RSV 

I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. Ezekiel 34:15, ESV 

I am the good shepherd. John 10:11, NLT 

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. John 10:14, ESV

Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21, CSB

Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25, NLT

And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:4, RSV