Wednesday

Picture: Sheep (going astray, scattered)

Scripture: Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 119:176; Matthew 26:31; Ezekiel 34:11-16; Matthew 18:10-13

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Close your eyes and envision a sheep wandering off far away from the flock only to get caught on a dangerous sloping hillside. Now see the Shepherd’s relentless pursuit in both finding and rescuing this lost sheep. So often, we get ourselves into our self-created messes, but thankfully our Savior comes to the rescue when we cry out with a repentant heart.

In what way have you felt your Shepherd come to you rescue you from a precarious situation?

After your rescue by your Good Shepherd, what was your reaction?

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Monday

Picture: Sheep (the Good Shepherd)

Scripture: Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:11; 1 Peter 5:7

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Imagine a modern day shepherd tending to his sheep. See him leading, protecting, grooming, and feeding all his sheep. Just as this guardian has many roles in caring for his flock, so does our Good Shepherd concerning His people.

In Psalm 23, what verse speaks to you most concerning the Lord as your Shepherd?

In what ways do you personally feel the Lord’s care for you in your current life circumstances?

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Tuesday

Picture: Sheep (downcast, dispirited)

Scripture: Psalm 38:6-10; Matthew 9:36; Psalm 42:5-11

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Read and meditate on this excerpt from Daily Bread: “In his classic book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller gives a striking picture of the care and gentleness of a shepherd. In verse 3 when David says, “He restores my soul,” he uses language every shepherd would understand. Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a “cast down” position. When a shepherd restores a cast down sheep, he reassures it, massages its legs to restore circulation, gently turns the sheep over, lifts it up, and holds it so it can regain its equilibrium. What a picture of what God wants to do for us! When we are on our backs, flailing because of guilt, grief, or grudges, our loving Shepherd reassures us with His grace, lifts us up, and holds us until we’ve gained our spiritual equilibrium.”

Have you ever been, or are you currently, downcast or dispirited? Explain.

Do you know others who are downcast? Write their names here and pray for them, as well as consider writing them an encouraging note.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Friday

Picture: Sheep (following the Shepherd)

Scripture: Psalm 78:52-54; John 10:1-18; 1 Peter 2:25

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

In your mind’s eye, see and hear a shepherd calling out to his sheep, and the sheep immediately responding to it. See the sheep willingly follow their protector and provider. What an example to us from these trusting sheep! May we take this picture to heart when thinking of our Good Shepherd, who lovingly gave His life for each one of His children.

How well do you know the voice of your Shepherd? Explain.

Do you consider the choice path of your Good Shepherd to be trustworthy? Keep in mind His sacrificial love. Explain.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Thursday

Picture: Sheep (assembled in a flock)

Scripture: Micah 2:12; Luke 12:32; Psalm 100:1-3; Acts 2:1

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Take a minute to think about a protective shepherd gathering his whole flock together. He counts each one, but also enjoys the whole. Likewise, our Shepherd loves each one of us individually, but He also loves to see His cherished people as a collective group. He is faithful in all His ways and His pasture is good.

Are you a part of a ministry or church in which you are being lead in His truth? How does this group of believers encourage you?

Is there someone who you could prayerfully consider inviting to join in with this current body of believers? Write their name here, and at God’s prompting, follow through with the invitation.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.