The Shepherd’s Heart – CAC Living Water Devotional
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DATE:
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
TOPIC:
THE SHEPHERD’S HEART (1)
MEMORISE
The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).
READ
Psalm 23:1-6
[1]. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
[2]. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
[3]. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
[4]. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
[5]. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
[6]. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
EXPOSITION
A shepherd is a caretaker watching over flocks, responsible for their overall well-being-feeding, rest, security and health. A dedicated shepherd is often willing to make personal sacrifices for the sake of the flock. We see this in the story of David, who severally risked his life to save his sheep from lions and bears (1 Sam. 17:13, 34-36). Psalm 23 shows God as our ultimate Shepherd with the true shepherd’s heart. God’s role as our shepherd provides us with examples to follow in becoming good shepherds to those entrusted to our care (1 Pet. 3:3). A shepherd’s heart embodies key aspects of leadership:
1. Provision: God is our Provider, ensuring we lack nothing good (Php.4:19).
2. Comfort: God provides rest and comfort (Psa. 37:7; 116:7).
3. Quenching Thirst: God offers access to life-sustaining water, even in challenging circumstances.
4. Healing (“Restoration of my Soul”): God keeps us healthy and well (Exo. 23:25).
5. Divine Protection: God safeguards us from life’s challenges, enabling us to overcome adversity (Rom. 8:37). ust
6. Leadership and Guidance: God leads and guides us with care (Isa. 40:11).
7. Discipline: A shepherd’s heart includes correction. God, our ultimate shepherd, guides us with discipline (Heb. 12:6).
Do you possess a shepherd’s heart, ready to sacrifice for the well- being of those under your care? Embrace the Shepherd’s heart and follow God’s example.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 577
1. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known;
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.
2. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.
3. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home, and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, be Shepherd over my life everyday.
2. Lord, guide me daily in the path of righteousness.
3. Pray for CAC Good Women Association, the leader and members as directed by the Spirit of God.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Genesis 43, 44, 45
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
