Step 3: . We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God.
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
A few devotionals ago, I talked about my friend who had the courage to express her wanting, her needing, her desiring – she said, “I feel alone.” Not even a half-hearted listener could miss the implications. She felt alone, but she longed for community. She desired a family that would love her unconditionally and support her unequivocally. She was having a rough time, and it felt bad. In her misery, she wanted company.
There’s a guy named Paul. Historians tell us that he wrote a number of the books in the Bible, including I and II Corinthians. I think Paul can relate to my friend.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord and Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation, if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share In our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. II Corinthians 1:3-7 NIV
Thought for today: Sometimes we cry out, like a newborn baby, and it seems that no one hears. Worse, we conclude that no one cares. What if there is more going on in our lives than we can know? What if there’s a larger purpose, a grander adventure, a greater “YES!” awaiting us – but for now, on this day – we must wait. It’s at times like this when a good decision comes in handy. The decision has been made, we’ve chosen to trust God with the messiness of our lives. Instead of re-visiting the decision, we can move forward to solve the problem – we feel in want, but we know God meets our needs. We feel bad, but we know there are more explanations than we possess at the moment. We can pause to prepare because first we decided to believe.
Thought for tomorrow: It is on days like this that it helps to remember, “The Lord is my shepherd.” The question that remains – will you follow? I hope today you will take a moment and speak of your wants and needs to the Father. Having come clean with the unmet desires of your heart, I pray that you will be willing to stick around and trust Him for the answer.
March 31
Teresa McBean
March 30, 2007
Step 3: . We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God.
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
“I shall not be in want.” Can you articulate what you want and need, or are you like me? Every Sunday after church my family sits down to a good old-fashioned family dinner – at the restaurant of our choice! Getting to the restaurant is the hardest part of our day. It goes like this –
“Where do you want to eat?”
“I don’t know, where do you want to eat?”
“I don’t know…”
Then, someone (never me) suggests a restaurant. This is followed by all the protests from the family members who don’t want to eat there; these are the same family members who didn’t know or care about our restaurant choice just moments ago. I never enter that discussion. I really don’t know where I want to eat. I just go where the crowd takes me.
When we don’t know what we need or want - when we are living as if we are “needless” and “want-less” – something is not right. Pia Mellody has written a wonderful book (which I highly recommend) called Facing Codependency. In this book she offers insights that are both profound and true about how find ourselves in a state of want-lessness.
Even newborns have a way of expressing a need – they cry. No one is confused when a healthy baby is in a state of want. We may not know the exact need, but we will go to any lengths to discover it and rectify the situation. That’s healthy. But what if that scenario is not normal? What if the baby is left to cry for hours on end? What if wet diapers aren’t changed regularly? What if hunger isn’t addressed consistently? What if this state continues? What if a young child is told to Shut up!” or “Don’t feel that way” or “You’re wrong to think that Daddy doesn’t love you. Daddy loves you, but sometimes he can’t help himself. That’s why he hits you so hard.” What if our every thought, feeling, need, and want is ignored? Will we learn to trust our instincts? Will we learn how to name our true emotions, our deepest desires, our basic needs? And if we can name them, have we experienced a life that leads us to reasonably expect that they will be met?
Thought for today: Not caring where you eat is no big deal if your family can be trusted to choose wisely. But not being able to recognize your wants and needs – that’s a big deal. Today, make a conscious choice to think about what you want and what you need. Pay attention to the hand of God moving in mysterious ways to provide for you.
Thought for tomorrow: Sometimes big pronouncements aren’t the best kinds of decisions. Big pronouncements may be too hard to swallow. Instead of deciding today to trust God with every single detail of your life – why not start smaller and see what happens? Ask God, “Lord, show me the way you’d have me go - today.” Perhaps tomorrow would be a good day to practice. Take just one day, and ask God: “How would you have me live today? If I truly trusted you with today, what would be my next right step?” Then take it. Then ask the question again, and take that step. If tomorrow seems like too big a decision, why not give him, say, tomorrow morning – til noon? Then re-evaluate. You could take it in one hour chunks. Blog me and let me know how it’s going. Did you decide on an hour, or a day? I’d love to hear from you….
March 30
Teresa McBean
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
“I shall not be in want.” Can you articulate what you want and need, or are you like me? Every Sunday after church my family sits down to a good old-fashioned family dinner – at the restaurant of our choice! Getting to the restaurant is the hardest part of our day. It goes like this –
“Where do you want to eat?”
“I don’t know, where do you want to eat?”
“I don’t know…”
Then, someone (never me) suggests a restaurant. This is followed by all the protests from the family members who don’t want to eat there; these are the same family members who didn’t know or care about our restaurant choice just moments ago. I never enter that discussion. I really don’t know where I want to eat. I just go where the crowd takes me.
When we don’t know what we need or want - when we are living as if we are “needless” and “want-less” – something is not right. Pia Mellody has written a wonderful book (which I highly recommend) called Facing Codependency. In this book she offers insights that are both profound and true about how find ourselves in a state of want-lessness.
Even newborns have a way of expressing a need – they cry. No one is confused when a healthy baby is in a state of want. We may not know the exact need, but we will go to any lengths to discover it and rectify the situation. That’s healthy. But what if that scenario is not normal? What if the baby is left to cry for hours on end? What if wet diapers aren’t changed regularly? What if hunger isn’t addressed consistently? What if this state continues? What if a young child is told to Shut up!” or “Don’t feel that way” or “You’re wrong to think that Daddy doesn’t love you. Daddy loves you, but sometimes he can’t help himself. That’s why he hits you so hard.” What if our every thought, feeling, need, and want is ignored? Will we learn to trust our instincts? Will we learn how to name our true emotions, our deepest desires, our basic needs? And if we can name them, have we experienced a life that leads us to reasonably expect that they will be met?
Thought for today: Not caring where you eat is no big deal if your family can be trusted to choose wisely. But not being able to recognize your wants and needs – that’s a big deal. Today, make a conscious choice to think about what you want and what you need. Pay attention to the hand of God moving in mysterious ways to provide for you.
Thought for tomorrow: Sometimes big pronouncements aren’t the best kinds of decisions. Big pronouncements may be too hard to swallow. Instead of deciding today to trust God with every single detail of your life – why not start smaller and see what happens? Ask God, “Lord, show me the way you’d have me go - today.” Perhaps tomorrow would be a good day to practice. Take just one day, and ask God: “How would you have me live today? If I truly trusted you with today, what would be my next right step?” Then take it. Then ask the question again, and take that step. If tomorrow seems like too big a decision, why not give him, say, tomorrow morning – til noon? Then re-evaluate. You could take it in one hour chunks. Blog me and let me know how it’s going. Did you decide on an hour, or a day? I’d love to hear from you….
March 30
Teresa McBean
March 29 , 2007
Step 3: . We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God.
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
“I shall not be in want.” The Hebrew word in this passage for ‘want’ is ‘haser’. Literally, it means “to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need.” A possible paraphrase is - “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack – I shall not be without – I shall not decrease – I shall not be lacking – I shall not have a need.” Wow. That’s a big deal.
Early this morning, long before the sun peaked through my windows, my phone rang. A distraught parent had just heard from the police. Their precious daughter is in jail. This is her third DUI. She’s twenty three years old, a single mother, and an alcoholic. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack.” These parents are wondering how to apply this scripture as they deal with some very tough issues.
Last week a young woman showed up in my office after a busy weekend. She’d wiped out her college fund – no small feat considering the amount saved. This money symbolized the hopes and dreams of her family. For them it spelled future and sacrifice. For her it spelled D-R-U-G-S. Her parents don’t know about the missing money, the drugs, or the ‘wanting’ of this young woman. They’re still thinking that they are a family who is not in want. They’d tell you they have everything they need – the perfect family. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be without.” Soon these parents are going to wonder how to apply this scripture to their perfectly need-less life.
A few weeks ago my friend was struggling with a son who is driving her to distraction. He’s messing up; she’s trying to get it right as a parent - hard stuff. She says, “I feel so alone.” I know she follows the good shepherd. And yet she wants – her son to straighten out, her husband to continue to offer her support and encouragement, her friends to surround her, her church to uplift her. She’s working hard to figure out how to apply this scripture. Because like the rest of us, she assumes that if Psalm 23 is true, she shouldn’t feel so bad.
“I shall not be in want.” Don’t take it lightly. It’s a simple phrase, but not satisfying if viewed from a simplistic mindset. My friend, the follower of the good shepherd, expressed her perception of want – to her husband, to her friends, and to her church community. As she asked, she received. She was reminded that although she felt alone, the truth was, she was not alone. She had her husband, her friends, and her NorthStar Community. This is one special lady, because her next choice proved pivotal. She still felt alone. But she chose to trust the process of following. She chose to believe that she was not alone. She allowed her community to show her a new way of believing, thinking, and trusting. She was choosing to follow because of her decision (to trust in God) IN SPITE of her feelings.
The story doesn’t end there; just as your story doesn’t end with you! Today, another precious woman called me and said, “I feel so alone.” I listened to her story. The longer I listened, the more I discovered that she was expressing a feeling, not a fact. She was not alone. So with fear and trepidation I ventured an observation, “It sounds to me like you’re feeling alone, but you’ve given me several examples that indicate that in fact, you are not alone.” Silence.
“You are right.” (I love those words.) She proceeded to give me another example. She told me about a girlfriend who had told her, “You are not alone. You have me. You have your NorthStar Community. We’ll get through this together.” Guess who spoke those words of comfort? Yep. My friend who had lived those words.
Was the loneliness real? You bet. Did she have a need, a want, a lacking? If so, could it be that even in the need, the want, the lacking, the Father’s gracious hand was providing? Did God allow her a moment of longing, so that in a few weeks she could experience the joy of compassionate caring for another who also felt alone?
Thought for today: As we conclude our time together, ask God to show you His hand in your life. What we feel, what we want, what we desire, what we perceive we lack, fluctuates. One time I dreamed that a Barbie doll house would satisfy my every longing. But times have changed. What hasn’t changed is the very nature and character of God. Ask Him to reveal His presence to you today. Perhaps today is the day you’ll begin to realize that even your unmet desires are part of a bigger picture, a grander purpose, an epic adventure that yet awaits you. Perhaps all this renewal of mind will aid you in making your decision about step three.
Thought for tomorrow: My God will meet all your needs, according to His riches in glory.
March 29
Teresa McBean
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
“I shall not be in want.” The Hebrew word in this passage for ‘want’ is ‘haser’. Literally, it means “to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need.” A possible paraphrase is - “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack – I shall not be without – I shall not decrease – I shall not be lacking – I shall not have a need.” Wow. That’s a big deal.
Early this morning, long before the sun peaked through my windows, my phone rang. A distraught parent had just heard from the police. Their precious daughter is in jail. This is her third DUI. She’s twenty three years old, a single mother, and an alcoholic. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack.” These parents are wondering how to apply this scripture as they deal with some very tough issues.
Last week a young woman showed up in my office after a busy weekend. She’d wiped out her college fund – no small feat considering the amount saved. This money symbolized the hopes and dreams of her family. For them it spelled future and sacrifice. For her it spelled D-R-U-G-S. Her parents don’t know about the missing money, the drugs, or the ‘wanting’ of this young woman. They’re still thinking that they are a family who is not in want. They’d tell you they have everything they need – the perfect family. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be without.” Soon these parents are going to wonder how to apply this scripture to their perfectly need-less life.
A few weeks ago my friend was struggling with a son who is driving her to distraction. He’s messing up; she’s trying to get it right as a parent - hard stuff. She says, “I feel so alone.” I know she follows the good shepherd. And yet she wants – her son to straighten out, her husband to continue to offer her support and encouragement, her friends to surround her, her church to uplift her. She’s working hard to figure out how to apply this scripture. Because like the rest of us, she assumes that if Psalm 23 is true, she shouldn’t feel so bad.
“I shall not be in want.” Don’t take it lightly. It’s a simple phrase, but not satisfying if viewed from a simplistic mindset. My friend, the follower of the good shepherd, expressed her perception of want – to her husband, to her friends, and to her church community. As she asked, she received. She was reminded that although she felt alone, the truth was, she was not alone. She had her husband, her friends, and her NorthStar Community. This is one special lady, because her next choice proved pivotal. She still felt alone. But she chose to trust the process of following. She chose to believe that she was not alone. She allowed her community to show her a new way of believing, thinking, and trusting. She was choosing to follow because of her decision (to trust in God) IN SPITE of her feelings.
The story doesn’t end there; just as your story doesn’t end with you! Today, another precious woman called me and said, “I feel so alone.” I listened to her story. The longer I listened, the more I discovered that she was expressing a feeling, not a fact. She was not alone. So with fear and trepidation I ventured an observation, “It sounds to me like you’re feeling alone, but you’ve given me several examples that indicate that in fact, you are not alone.” Silence.
“You are right.” (I love those words.) She proceeded to give me another example. She told me about a girlfriend who had told her, “You are not alone. You have me. You have your NorthStar Community. We’ll get through this together.” Guess who spoke those words of comfort? Yep. My friend who had lived those words.
Was the loneliness real? You bet. Did she have a need, a want, a lacking? If so, could it be that even in the need, the want, the lacking, the Father’s gracious hand was providing? Did God allow her a moment of longing, so that in a few weeks she could experience the joy of compassionate caring for another who also felt alone?
Thought for today: As we conclude our time together, ask God to show you His hand in your life. What we feel, what we want, what we desire, what we perceive we lack, fluctuates. One time I dreamed that a Barbie doll house would satisfy my every longing. But times have changed. What hasn’t changed is the very nature and character of God. Ask Him to reveal His presence to you today. Perhaps today is the day you’ll begin to realize that even your unmet desires are part of a bigger picture, a grander purpose, an epic adventure that yet awaits you. Perhaps all this renewal of mind will aid you in making your decision about step three.
Thought for tomorrow: My God will meet all your needs, according to His riches in glory.
March 29
Teresa McBean
March 28, 2007
Step 3: . We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God.
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
My parents did a lot of things well. But they did some things GREAT. Under this category falls the celebration of Christmas. No matter what (seasons of financial feast or famine) - Santa didn’t skimp at the Jones’ house. When Santa has an excellent track record for delivering the goods, kids get pretty excited. We couldn’t wait for Santa to come. We were so excited on Christmas Eve that my parents had to go to great lengths to keep us in bed – at least for a few hours. Eventually my weary parents would drop off to sleep. One of the kids would rouse the others and the four of us would bolt for the Christmas tree. This was usually around four in the morning. I cannot think of a Christmas when my every need and want was not met. (There was that time when Santa left the light on my bike and the batteries ran out and were never replaced. I’m almost over that.)
But here’s the thing about needs and wants. They keep changing. As passionately as I longed for the Barbie doll playhouse, the ten speed bike, the desk set with a blotter in pink, the doll that was practically alive, the new clothes, the new books, the jewelry, etc….was it enough? Did a time come when I said, “Hey, folks, enough is enough. Last year, I got all I needed. This year, make sure Santa knows – I am not in want. “ That never happened. Every year brings a new set of needs and wants. But this passage says that I shall not be in want. So what does this mean?
Thought for today: It’s easy to write a devotional series designed to convince you that God is worthy of our trust. It would be a piece of cake to passionately preach on how God meets our every need. But you’re no fool. Easy talk of how God prospers us and blesses us, while true, isn’t the full story. You deserve better than someone like me trying to appeal to your basic instincts of lust and desire.
Thought for tomorrow: We’re almost finished with our month of devotionals focused on step three – making a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God. Be prepared. God and Santa are not the same individual. Santa is all about bringing good boys and girls what they want; God is all about giving all his children (both the naughty and nice) what they need.
March 28
Teresa McBean
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
My parents did a lot of things well. But they did some things GREAT. Under this category falls the celebration of Christmas. No matter what (seasons of financial feast or famine) - Santa didn’t skimp at the Jones’ house. When Santa has an excellent track record for delivering the goods, kids get pretty excited. We couldn’t wait for Santa to come. We were so excited on Christmas Eve that my parents had to go to great lengths to keep us in bed – at least for a few hours. Eventually my weary parents would drop off to sleep. One of the kids would rouse the others and the four of us would bolt for the Christmas tree. This was usually around four in the morning. I cannot think of a Christmas when my every need and want was not met. (There was that time when Santa left the light on my bike and the batteries ran out and were never replaced. I’m almost over that.)
But here’s the thing about needs and wants. They keep changing. As passionately as I longed for the Barbie doll playhouse, the ten speed bike, the desk set with a blotter in pink, the doll that was practically alive, the new clothes, the new books, the jewelry, etc….was it enough? Did a time come when I said, “Hey, folks, enough is enough. Last year, I got all I needed. This year, make sure Santa knows – I am not in want. “ That never happened. Every year brings a new set of needs and wants. But this passage says that I shall not be in want. So what does this mean?
Thought for today: It’s easy to write a devotional series designed to convince you that God is worthy of our trust. It would be a piece of cake to passionately preach on how God meets our every need. But you’re no fool. Easy talk of how God prospers us and blesses us, while true, isn’t the full story. You deserve better than someone like me trying to appeal to your basic instincts of lust and desire.
Thought for tomorrow: We’re almost finished with our month of devotionals focused on step three – making a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God. Be prepared. God and Santa are not the same individual. Santa is all about bringing good boys and girls what they want; God is all about giving all his children (both the naughty and nice) what they need.
March 28
Teresa McBean
March 27, 2007
Step 3: . We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God.
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
Daily devotions are so…private. No one needs to know the answer to this question. If decide that the Lord is your shepherd, do you know what to expect? When I was growing up, I rarely went to church. After I was married, my husband informed me that we were going to church. This came as news to me. Shhhh! We have a secret. Don’t spread this around, we’re not proud of this, but it is the truth: we never talked about God or any spiritual matter of any importance before we got married. I know, I know. Don’t email me and suggest all those good books available about healthy dating for Christians. We’ve been married almost thirty years. We confess! We did it wrong! Don’t do it the way we did – discuss this and other important issues before you get yourself hitched. But the truth remains, his sudden interest in all things God-related startled me. I didn’t know what to expect. I was afraid to ask. I did have some knowledge of the twenty-third Psalm…”The Lord is my shepherd…” but I lacked understanding. I don’t think I am alone. People were pretty confused about what it meant to accept Jesus as the son of God in Jesus’ day too. Some even thought he was demon-possessed. In response, Jesus explained what it means to be one for whom the Lord is their shepherd.
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:22-32 NIV
I’ve been finding my way back to God for many years. My experience has been that the good shepherd finds a way to speak to me, if I am willing to listen. He’s never disrespected me by forcing his will upon me. He never got behind me and pushed (like sheep most of us can’t be driven – remember day one – sheep can only be led, not driven). Instead, he has invited us to join him in his grand epic adventure.
Thought for today: I was once a very reluctant follower. I didn’t know what to expect, and my fears held me back from running hard toward the Father. I was afraid to even begin the journey because I fully expected to disappoint him. I’ve learned a sacred truth in my spiritual pilgrimage, and I count it a privilege to share it: entering into a love relationship with God is not a position secured by performance and good behavior. You’ve had a place in His heart since before the first star was hung in the sky.
Thought for tomorrow:
I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Isaiah 44:2 CEV
You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book! You know me Inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Psalm 139:15-16 (order reversed and taken from both the Living Bible and The Message)
March 27
Teresa McBean
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
Daily devotions are so…private. No one needs to know the answer to this question. If decide that the Lord is your shepherd, do you know what to expect? When I was growing up, I rarely went to church. After I was married, my husband informed me that we were going to church. This came as news to me. Shhhh! We have a secret. Don’t spread this around, we’re not proud of this, but it is the truth: we never talked about God or any spiritual matter of any importance before we got married. I know, I know. Don’t email me and suggest all those good books available about healthy dating for Christians. We’ve been married almost thirty years. We confess! We did it wrong! Don’t do it the way we did – discuss this and other important issues before you get yourself hitched. But the truth remains, his sudden interest in all things God-related startled me. I didn’t know what to expect. I was afraid to ask. I did have some knowledge of the twenty-third Psalm…”The Lord is my shepherd…” but I lacked understanding. I don’t think I am alone. People were pretty confused about what it meant to accept Jesus as the son of God in Jesus’ day too. Some even thought he was demon-possessed. In response, Jesus explained what it means to be one for whom the Lord is their shepherd.
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:22-32 NIV
I’ve been finding my way back to God for many years. My experience has been that the good shepherd finds a way to speak to me, if I am willing to listen. He’s never disrespected me by forcing his will upon me. He never got behind me and pushed (like sheep most of us can’t be driven – remember day one – sheep can only be led, not driven). Instead, he has invited us to join him in his grand epic adventure.
Thought for today: I was once a very reluctant follower. I didn’t know what to expect, and my fears held me back from running hard toward the Father. I was afraid to even begin the journey because I fully expected to disappoint him. I’ve learned a sacred truth in my spiritual pilgrimage, and I count it a privilege to share it: entering into a love relationship with God is not a position secured by performance and good behavior. You’ve had a place in His heart since before the first star was hung in the sky.
Thought for tomorrow:
I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Isaiah 44:2 CEV
You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book! You know me Inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Psalm 139:15-16 (order reversed and taken from both the Living Bible and The Message)
March 27
Teresa McBean
March 26, 2007
Step 3: . We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God.
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
Jesus loved to tell stories. Here’s one of his stories.
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” Matthew 18:12-14 NIV
I’ve heard it said that we get our first ideas about who God is and who He is not by looking at our earthly parents. I squirm at the thought. I have three children and it would be a shame if their only perspective of God came from their experiences with their father and me. We’ve done our best – but I’m not in denial – we have had limitations as imitators of Christ. I’m comforted, slightly, to know that we are not the only models that they have of God – we’re just the first. Have you gotten stuck in the rut of unbelief because of the limited examples and experiences you’ve had that reveal the true character of God?
Jesus told a story to a crowd of people that reveals the heart of His Father. He told his listeners that God cared not just for the masses, he cared for even one lone sheep. He didn’t count heads and decide whether the numbers were significant enough for Him to make an appearance. This God that is far beyond our understanding was willing to make himself available for just one. Would a celebrity of our day make an appearance for just one? Would a political candidate show up at a rally where just one would attend? Would a teacher come to school every day with an awesome lesson plan for just one? Would a pastor preach to a congregation of just one? God would. Not only would he do it, he would be thrilled to do so.
Truly. His Son said so – he should know.
Thought for today:
He (Jesus) had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death – and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. Philippians 2:6-8 The Message
Thought for tomorrow: Like Father, like son. Who do you want to grow up to be like?
March 26
Teresa McBean
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
Jesus loved to tell stories. Here’s one of his stories.
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” Matthew 18:12-14 NIV
I’ve heard it said that we get our first ideas about who God is and who He is not by looking at our earthly parents. I squirm at the thought. I have three children and it would be a shame if their only perspective of God came from their experiences with their father and me. We’ve done our best – but I’m not in denial – we have had limitations as imitators of Christ. I’m comforted, slightly, to know that we are not the only models that they have of God – we’re just the first. Have you gotten stuck in the rut of unbelief because of the limited examples and experiences you’ve had that reveal the true character of God?
Jesus told a story to a crowd of people that reveals the heart of His Father. He told his listeners that God cared not just for the masses, he cared for even one lone sheep. He didn’t count heads and decide whether the numbers were significant enough for Him to make an appearance. This God that is far beyond our understanding was willing to make himself available for just one. Would a celebrity of our day make an appearance for just one? Would a political candidate show up at a rally where just one would attend? Would a teacher come to school every day with an awesome lesson plan for just one? Would a pastor preach to a congregation of just one? God would. Not only would he do it, he would be thrilled to do so.
Truly. His Son said so – he should know.
Thought for today:
He (Jesus) had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death – and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. Philippians 2:6-8 The Message
Thought for tomorrow: Like Father, like son. Who do you want to grow up to be like?
March 26
Teresa McBean
March 25, 2007
Step 3: . We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God.
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
In case you haven’t noticed, Jesus is a very polarizing force in history. During his time on earth, he was both beloved and betrayed. He had a relatively brief period of public ministry – about three years, and then he was crucified. Of course, the story didn’t end there – three days after that heart-wrenching death, he arose from the grave. He hung out for awhile, returning to his disciples, re-teaching and re-casting his vision for their future (and his). During the time following his resurrection and prior to His return to heaven, Luke, a doctor and chronicler of the life and times of Jesus, said this about Jesus in Luke 24:45, Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Think about it. These were his disciples, his desperately devoted followers. These guys had left everything for him! They still needed Jesus to open their minds so they could understand the scriptures. If the disciples, taught by the master himself, needed all this coaching, do you think that we can expect to need some remedial assistance too? Listen to the voice of Jesus.
“If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?” How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!” Matthew 12:11-12 NIV
The context of this conversation is vital. Jesus was just about to violate the rule of law of the Sabbath, in favor of obeying the spirit of that same law. His enemies, hoping to catch him in an act of wrongdoing, used this as an excuse to plot his death. Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from that place.
The fact that He was healing the sick escaped the attention of his accusers. Let’s not make the same mistake. The Lord is our shepherd. A good shepherd tends his flock – feeding them, watering them, and protecting them from harm.
Thought for today: Have you wandered from the protection of your good shepherd? Have you forgotten that your safety is found in the shadow of the Prince of Peace? Have you been looking for love, peace, rest, and respect in all the wrong places? Ask the Lord to show you today how you have been a virtual enemy of the good shepherd. Ask him to reveal to you the ways you’ve lost your focus. Listen to his voice, speaking gently to you about the important truths that have escaped your attention. Ask Jesus to open your mind, so that you can understand the scriptures. Ask him to give you an unquenchable thirst for his word, and an unwavering commitment to peer intently into it. Expect an answer.
Thought for tomorrow: How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!” Matthew 12:12 NIV
You are far more valuable to God than you may realize. You can trust him with your life.
March 25
Teresa McBean
Scripture reading for today: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
In case you haven’t noticed, Jesus is a very polarizing force in history. During his time on earth, he was both beloved and betrayed. He had a relatively brief period of public ministry – about three years, and then he was crucified. Of course, the story didn’t end there – three days after that heart-wrenching death, he arose from the grave. He hung out for awhile, returning to his disciples, re-teaching and re-casting his vision for their future (and his). During the time following his resurrection and prior to His return to heaven, Luke, a doctor and chronicler of the life and times of Jesus, said this about Jesus in Luke 24:45, Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Think about it. These were his disciples, his desperately devoted followers. These guys had left everything for him! They still needed Jesus to open their minds so they could understand the scriptures. If the disciples, taught by the master himself, needed all this coaching, do you think that we can expect to need some remedial assistance too? Listen to the voice of Jesus.
“If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?” How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!” Matthew 12:11-12 NIV
The context of this conversation is vital. Jesus was just about to violate the rule of law of the Sabbath, in favor of obeying the spirit of that same law. His enemies, hoping to catch him in an act of wrongdoing, used this as an excuse to plot his death. Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from that place.
The fact that He was healing the sick escaped the attention of his accusers. Let’s not make the same mistake. The Lord is our shepherd. A good shepherd tends his flock – feeding them, watering them, and protecting them from harm.
Thought for today: Have you wandered from the protection of your good shepherd? Have you forgotten that your safety is found in the shadow of the Prince of Peace? Have you been looking for love, peace, rest, and respect in all the wrong places? Ask the Lord to show you today how you have been a virtual enemy of the good shepherd. Ask him to reveal to you the ways you’ve lost your focus. Listen to his voice, speaking gently to you about the important truths that have escaped your attention. Ask Jesus to open your mind, so that you can understand the scriptures. Ask him to give you an unquenchable thirst for his word, and an unwavering commitment to peer intently into it. Expect an answer.
Thought for tomorrow: How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!” Matthew 12:12 NIV
You are far more valuable to God than you may realize. You can trust him with your life.
March 25
Teresa McBean
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