I am the Good Shepherd. My aim is not to scold you or lecture you. My goal is always to help you advance and succeed. Don’t interpret a setback as a disaster. Don’t panic during an extended dry spell. Instead, stick with your commitment when the going gets tough. My staff will guide you and give clear directions.
My rod will protect you when the enemy is attempting to attack. And just as I shepherd My people, I want you to look out for others around you. Care for them. Be patient and wait for people to turn around. Serve with enthusiasm. Lead by example. Nurture My people and give them spiritual food. Encourage them. Speak the truth in love. Lift up your eyes and see the flock around you, whether small or large in numbers. Search them out. Follow My example and lead them on the right path, to My pasture land where they can find rest.
Activation:
“The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” What does it mean to you personally that the Lord has laid down His life for you? Would you be willing to do the same for others? Ask the Holy Spirit who the people are that you could serve or lead in this season. Is there someone you could mentor? Is there a person or a group that you could bring guidance and direction to? Pray for wisdom in how to go about it.
11 [a]I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd [b]lays down His [own] life for the sheep.
12 But the hired man [who merely serves for wages], who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away; and the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them.
13 The man runs because he is a hired hand [who serves only for wages] and is not concerned about the [safety of the] sheep.
14 I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]—
15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep.
John 10:11:15 (AMP)
Footnotes
[a] John 10:11 The fourth of the memorable “I am” statements. See note 6:35.
[b] John 10:11 A reference to the atoning sacrifice Jesus was going to make to provide the way for sinners to be saved and reconciled with God.
No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.
John 15:13 (AMP)
#lionbites
Unapologetically Marcia 