Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s cloudy and muted this morning but I still see the Color all around me. Eventually, nature will wake up just the same as I did, and when God wakes them up they’re all over the farm in living color celebrating the new day right along with me. They don’t worry about potential rain or what they’ll eat, drink, or wear, and neither should I because my Shepherd is always watching over His flock. When I sat in His Presence to give my Praise, my Thanks, and to make Requests, the Sweetness of our Time together overwhelmed me. I considered the deer and other animals and how they’ve found a place of refuge here just like so many people have. Even though the world is growing darker and there are many threats for everyone these days- family, friends, and even strangers know where to find a “safe place” because they sense the Presence of a Mighty and Merciful God here. What a beautiful reminder to me straight from the Throne of the Living God this morning!

It doesn’t matter how many times I pray the 23rd Psalm it stirs my Heart every time. I don’t just recite it because I’ve prayed it so many times before – instead, I visualize the way it is with a shepherd and his flock, and I am Confident that Jesus sees US as His precious flock too. A good shepherd is gentle with his flock, and he tends to their every need, just the way God tends to mine. He leads them to green pastures so they can find their rest in a safe place, just the way the Living God leads me to the place to find mine too. He leads them to still waters so they can drink and not be afraid of rushing water, and He takes me to places that could be scary had He not led the way with gentleness. He restores them when they’re downcast, and He leads them in the Right Direction the same as He does for me! And when the flock is faced with the biggest threats…and He sees them headed for disaster…He uses His rod and staff to guide them in the Direction of safety, just the way He does for me! The same as it is for the deer grazing without a care in the world, He prepares their feast in the presence of “enemies” and protects them from harm. When they’re hurt, He anoints them with oil to heal their wounds, and their “cup runneth over” with everything He ALREADY KNOWS they need. The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want for anything!

What a beautiful picture of the Love and Compassion of a God who tenderly leads us through this Journey. When we know Him as our Shepherd, we always recognize the sound of His voice and we easily surrender to His will and not our own because we Trust Him.
God graciously chose me to be the steward of this old farm many years ago, and I strive to be like the earthly version of my Shepherd in Heaven. I open the way for others to find Refuge and Peace. If they need food, water, or a place to find their Rest, they can count on me. If they’re weary from the Journey, I’ll comfort them, and if they’ve lost I’ll Help them their way. I’ll pull out my Spiritual Rod and Staff and gently guide them when it’s necessary so that they can find their way back to the Shepherd and His Will again. The Lord is my Shepherd and I want for NOTHING. He’s all anybody ever really needs, but He expects me to Represent Him by sharing Christlike Peace and Compassion and by filling practical Needs too.

He’s my Shepherd and I’m a Humble member of this Flock. I Trust Him and I’ll follow Him everywhere He leads me, and because I Love Him, I’m feeding as many sheep as I can while there’s still breath in my body.

How about you?