A SHEPHERD OF COMFORT!

Both the rod and staff have a place in the requisite tools of the Shepherd. 

The rod has had a training purpose to aid protection and the "staff is the symbol of care." (Laniak. p. 95)

These two wooden tools are both educational in training the sheep.

That's DISCIPLINE!

From a shepherd who comforts!

 Today's "biggie" neuro doc meeting---would appreciate the comfort of prayers 

THE LORD OUR EVER PRESENT SHEPHERD!

Our ever Present Shepherd = ALWAYS WITH!

For Thou art with me.....

That's FAITHFULNESS!

We are never alone spiritually even if we are alone physically.

Think constancy. Faithful and dependable. 

Walking by faith not sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Our Shepherd is faithful even when it hurts. During life's unstable seasons, God's faithfulness is consistent and steadfast.

An ever present One! WITH ME!

TRINITY SUNDAY!

FATHER GOD!

SON JESUS!

HOLY SPIRIT!

ENOUGH SAID!!!

THE LORD OUR PROTECTING SHEPHERD!

I will fear no evil.

That's PROTECTION!

Fear itself can have a devastating effect on the sheep in GOD'S household. In today's evil times, protection is needed even in one's thought life. Be vigilant to guard your thoughts. Don't let the voice of today's culture lead you.

Time in His Presence is key.....from care in the day to watch in the night. (Laniak p. 112)

Courage comes from the shepherd's role of protector. It's part of the Good Shepherd's ID. (John 10:11) His sheep know him as he calls them by name. Aloneness disappears, displaced by an abundant life given freely by the "Protecting Shepherd".

THE LORD A TESTNG SHEPHERD!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.... 

(Psalm 23:4a)

That's TESTING..........

Many threats to a herd with newborns requires Nate, at Darnell Farms, to house newborns in barn to provide security as the elements of weather test them. 

The only reliable source of security comes from the shepherd's presence. A flock cannot be left alone. (Laniak.While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks' p. 109)

Times of testing require the Divine Shepherd's Presence!

*A big thanks to Cathy C. for Laniak's devotional book!

THE LORD OUR SHEPHERD FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE!

For His Name's Sake. 

That's Purpose! 

Regardless of what Bible version you choose....the purpose is to freely honor because we cannot earn, to honour most, to glorify for the sake of His name!

He makes His sheep lie down....He leads....He restores....He guides....for his name's' sake. (Laniak, p.103)

What a great purpose!

THE LORD---MY GUIDING SHEPHERD!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness. Think right paths!

That's GUIDANCE!

Seek the Lord's Guidance from His Word. Open your Bible.....

.....walk through a labyrinth to meditate on His Word.....

.....look up; focus on a cross.....

...... walk down an aisle to kneel at an altar with both your head and heart bowed! 

"God also gives His sheep guidance ib the proper path of life, so that we do not wander aimlessly. He does so in part for the sake of His own reputation, as One who has promised to direct His people." (Thomas Constable)

He, our Shepherd and Spirit of Truth, guides into all Truth, from OT to NT. (Isaiah 30:21 & John 16:13) 

THE LORD----MY SHEPHERD PHYSICIAN

The Lord, my Shepherd, is my Physician---

He restoreth my soul!!!

That's HEALING!

Healing comes from the inside out! 

True healing always start's with Him!

THE LORD----MY SHEPHERD LEADER!!

The Lord is my leader.....

    He leadeth me beside the still waters---

THAT'S  REFRESHMENT!

ROSE WALK @ LAKE JUNALUSKA

He leadeth me to relaxing  times, NOT times riddled with worry. 

When we lean into Him with faith it's like stepping right into the still, calm waters where our souls can be rejuvinated!

Truly refreshing!

THE LORD--MY REST

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures---(even with a sleeping bag and blanket)

That's REST!!!

The shepherd's presence seems to make all the difference in the behavior of His tired sheep! Turning back fear before it can get a foothold. Sitting in His "Love-Light."

Think revitalizing!

Thou has formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee. -Augustine