Devotionals (Tue–Sat)

Read: Psalm 23:1. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." 0:58

On Sunday Pastor Sam pointed to one small word in this verse: my. "Not just a shepherd. My shepherd. This is personal." 4:05 David had been a shepherd himself, and he knew how helpless sheep are on their own.

Reflect: Do you think of the Lord as a shepherd, or as your shepherd? What would change today if you said it out loud: "The LORD is my shepherd"? 4:05

Pray: Lord, thank You for being my shepherd. Help me trust You for what I need today. 33:00

Read: Psalm 23:2. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." 0:58

"Rest is not a reward you earn. It is a gift the Shepherd gives." 6:30 Pastor Sam reminded us that the Shepherd leads; He does not drive. Sometimes He makes us lie down, because He knows we need rest more than we do. 9:10

Reflect: Where is your week too full? What is one way you can receive the Shepherd's rest today? 9:10

Pray: Shepherd, lead me beside still waters today. Quiet my heart and teach me to rest in You. 33:00

Read: Psalm 23:3. "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." 0:58

"Sheep wander. So do we. And the Shepherd does not give up on a wandering sheep. He comes and brings it back." 12:20 The paths He leads us on are for His name's sake, not ours.

Reflect: Is there an area of your life where you have wandered? The Shepherd is not waiting to scold you. He is coming to bring you back. 12:20

Pray: Lord, restore my soul. Bring me back where I have wandered, and lead me in Your paths today. 33:00

Read: Psalm 23:4. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." 0:58

"You are not going to stay in the valley. You are walking through it, and you are not walking alone." 14:45 In this verse David stops talking about the Shepherd and starts talking to Him: "for thou art with me." 17:30

Reflect: What valley are you walking through? Instead of thinking about God today, talk to Him about it. Then think of one person in a valley and reach out to them. 28:30

Pray: Lord, You are with me. Thank You that Your rod protects me and Your staff guides me, even when I can't see the path. 20:05

Read: Psalm 23:5-6. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." 0:58

"That word follow means to pursue. God's goodness and mercy are chasing you down." 22:40 And Pastor Sam reminded us that Jesus fulfilled this psalm: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). 25:50

Reflect: Look back over this week. Where did God's goodness and mercy catch up with you? Thank Him for it, and come ready to worship tomorrow. 22:40

Pray: Good Shepherd, thank You for giving Your life for me. Walk with me through every valley, and bring me home to Your house for ever. 33:00