August 2008

Hi Friend:

Since January, we have been exploring the "riches" found in Psalm 23. Many people have emailed me sharing how this devotional on Psalm 23 has been a blessing and comfort to them. That is the power of God's Word! I encourage you to read the archives below, if you have not yet read the past devotionals.

This month we focus on

Psalm 23:5

 

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows" (NIV).

 

THE SHEPHERD AND HIS SHEEP

THE GOOD SHEPHERD, JESUS, AND HIS SHEEP (YOU AND ME)

The shepherd is diligent in caring and feeding for his sheep. It is a long-term, faithful commitment. The shepherd of the Middle East are careful when searching out a new field for their flock to graze "feast" in. He wants to protect the sheep from any infected or dangerous fields. He looks carefully over a new field, walking up and down, looking for grass that could be poisonous. He also looks closely for very small holes that are the home of small snakes. These small snakes are vipers/adders (tiny brown poisonous snakes). A viper pops it's head out of the small hole and bites the sheep on the nose. Their poisonous bites can kill the sheep.

When the shepherd spots a viper hole, he takes his bottle of thick oil and pours a circle of the oil around the top of each hole. He also anoints the head of each sheep with the oil. When the viper realizes the sheep are above ground, they try to come out of their holes, but it is too slippery. Moreover the oil on the sheep's head acts as a repellent (protection), so that if they do get to the nose of the sheep, the oil drives them away.

What the shepherd has done for his sheep, God has done for us! The field is a "feast" area for the sheep, and yet it can be a dangerous place too. The ancient serpent, the devil, is our enemy and seeks to destroy us. There is danger and evil around us. We face the battles of the flesh and the world. Jesus through His life, death and resurrection gives us the victory. He has conquered death and the grave. He has anointed us with the oil of the Holy Spirit. And He has invited us to a feast in heaven, a great banquet, and we shall see Him face to face. What a glorious day that will be!

SONG:

"Spirit of the Living God"

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me

Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

 

MY PRAYER:

 

Dear Jesus, we look forward to the great banquet you have prepared for us in heaven. Thank you for being such a gracious host. Thank you for anointing our heads with the oil of the Holy Spirit as we live our daily lives on dangerous paths. Minister to each one of us. Thank You Jesus, for it is in Your Name we pray. AMEN.