Hi Friend:

For the next several months we will be exploring the "riches" found in Psalm 23. Last month I shared regarding verse 1. You can read last month's devotional by scrolling down to "Archives". I pray that God will use this devotional to be an eye-opening, insightful blessing to you!

In Psalm 23, verse 2 we see the words,

GREEN PASTURES

REST

WATER

Notice these words in this devotional:

No matter how independent sheep want to be, they totally depend on the shepherd to find and provide rich green pastures. The shepherd makes them lie down in soft pasture fields. During hot summer days, when the sun is blazing hot, the shepherd provides shelter, medication and aid.

In the summer and autumn months, the sheep will feed on weeds. So the shepherd needs to keep an eye on his flock of sheep as they feed on the rich green pastures.

The shepherd knows how much the sheep need rest. He will go after the sheep, catching one from his flock. Then the shepherd will gently force the sheep to lay down to rest. The green pastures is where our weary soul, mind and body can find rest and be restored.

We live in a hectic world, where it seems almost impossible to rest. We often fail to see the goodness of rest. Imagine rich green pastures flowing with the plants that give life to the sheep. Our life comes from Jesus Christ. If we do not rest we will lack trust and confidence, and we will not be content. As we rest we will hear the voice of our Good Shepherd gently forcing us to "lay down", gently forcing us to take a time-out from our busy, hectic lives. The sheep submit to their shepherd, and we, too, must submit to our Good Shepherd Jesus.

Sheep, are like camels, and can go a long time without water. Sheep drink as much as nine liters of water (that is equal to 4 1/2 big bottles of cola). However, sheep are very afraid of moving water (rivers and streams) because they do not want to get water on their wool. Sheep seem to know instictively that if their wool becomes wet, they will become stuck in the water and sink beneath the stream. Fear of the water prevents the sheep from finding "refreshment". The shepherd will take his rod and pry loose large rocks to dam up the water so that there is a quiet place, where the water is still. Then the sheep will drink and be refreshed.

Listen to the Good Shepherd, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He brings refreshment to His sheep--you and me. He "stills the moving waters" in our life circumstances. Just the same as He did in the story found in Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:36-41 and Luke 8:22-25. Jesus and His disciples were in a boat out at sea. There was a bad storm and the disciples being very afraid cried out, "Lord we die!" Jesus commanded, "Be still!" The rushing mighty sea waves and the strong winds obeyed Jesus.

In order to be refreshed we need to hear the voice of our Good Shepherd speaking to us deep within our hearts saying, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Then we will be refreshed.

"Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor!"

MY PRAYER FOR YOU: I pray that today you will find rest in the green pastures. May you be refreshed by the calm waters of the Holy Spirit as He ministers to your weary soul, mind and spirit, as He calms your fears and gives you His peace in the midst of the storms in your life. In Jesus Name. AMEN.

Diane Musil is a special friend of this ministry. I asked Diane how long she has been a Christian, and she responded, "I was saved 7/7/1977. Diane explains, "That is when I first became saved and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord!!!!" She is a women of faith and a powerful prayer warrior. Diane loves the Lord with all of her heart and has a deep abiding relationship with Him, born out of life's struggles.

Since the beginning of this ministry, Diane has been an encouragement to Rhonda and me. We asked Diane if she would be willing to write devotionals, which we could add to this website, so that other people would be encouraged too. Diane graciously responded, "Yes,".

 

Diane is Deaf and legally blind, caused by being born almost three months premature. Many years ago, Diane was visiting at the Retreat Center here and preparing to share in chapel. Diane was in the kitchen, and I happened to walk in on her as she was reading her Bible and praying. Diane had her Bible within three inches of her eyes as she diligently, slowly, was reading the Word of God. I backed out of the kitchen. That image of Diane reading her Bible has spurred me on to be faithful in reading the precious Word of God. Rhonda and I pray that God will encourage you as you read Diane's devotional below. Diane has lived in the Chicago area her entire life.

 

May God encourage and bless you,

Gary

 

PS: Would you like to experience peace, joy, and eternal life? You can! Click here.