The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 14 April 2024
Daily Fountain Devotional 14th April 2024 TOPIC: THE SHEPHERD
TEXT: Psalm 23:1-6(AMP)
23:1. A Psalm of David. THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
23:2. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
23:3. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him–not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
23:4. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
23:5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
23:6. Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL 14TH APRIL 2024 STUDY:
David the author of Psalm 23 was a shepherd, and using the relationship between the sheep and the shepherd, he described the love, compassion and care that God holds for every of his children. In early morning, the shepherd led the flock from the fold to the spot where they were to be pastured. He watched over them to make sure that they were not endangered.
Sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to a running stream or a dug well. At night, he brought the flock back, counting and making sure that they were complete. He protects their fold from wild animals and thieves.
Having also risen to the position of the king of Israel, David was so certain that God watches over His own. The ability and the willingness of God to provide for, restore, lead, deliver and bless His people, is not in doubt as the Bible is replete with evidence. We must trust God in every circumstance to perform His desired role of a shepherd over us.
Above all, we must have Him as our God and Master because, the direct responsibility of the shepherd is to his flock and not flock from another fold. Are you a member of God’s flock on earth? If yes, trust Him for He is able to see you through.
PRAYER: Heavenly father, I resign to you. Have your way in my life in Jesus name.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: God says “I have made you a member of My own household. Ephesians 2:19”