#a shepherd looks at psalm 23

[healerqueen]

Fortnight of Books 2024: Day 13

Favorite passage/quote of 2024:

I was trying to think of a book or quote, and then I finally remembered that The Secret Garden had several passages that moved me or struck me as beautiful and insightful and wise. Here’s one I found when looking up quotes from the book, which I remember noticing as stunningly beautiful when I read it in the spring of 2024:

“One of the strange things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live forever and ever and ever. One knows it sometimes when one gets up at the tender solemn dawn-time and goes out and stands out and throws one's head far back and looks up and up and watches the pale sky slowly changing and flushing and marvelous unknown things happening until the East almost makes one cry out and one's heart stands still at the strange unchanging majesty of the rising of the sun--which has been happening every morning for thousands and thousands and thousands of years. One knows it then for a moment or so. And one knows it sometimes when one stands by oneself in a wood at sunset and the mysterious deep gold stillness slanting through and under the branches seems to be saying slowly again and again something one cannot quite hear, however much one tries. Then sometimes the immense quiet of the dark blue at night with the millions of stars waiting and watching makes one sure; and sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look in someone's eyes.” ― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Book which had the overall greatest impact on you this year:

I haven’t finished it yet, but A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller is a beautiful glimpse into the character of Jesus and his love for us as his children and his sheep. It’s a classic book written by a real shepherd and pastor that has encouraged many generations of Christians. I found it very informative in providing education about what sheep and sheep-keeping are really like, to provide insight into scripture from a historical and farming perspective. And I thought the author’s heart and writing really captured the heart of Christ. 

Another Christian nonfiction book that impacted me this year was One Hour with Daniel by Susan Kauffman. It’s short and powerful, and I devoured it. The author is a family friend of ours. She imagines a scenario in which she spends one hour talking to Daniel from the Bible, looking to his story to provide comfort and insight on suffering in her own life story and the reader’s life. It was very interesting, it touched me, it made me think, it made me cry, and it even made me laugh.

[squirrelsession]

sheep show aggression with other sheep to maintain their social status.

they will headbutt, push, block, nudge, and mount timid sheep to feel inferior.

but the second the loving shepherd steps into the field, all butting order stops.

all strife within the flock flees.

all aggression in the sheep is replaced with infatuation as they look upon their shepherd.

the tensions dissipates.

peace is returned to the field.

all strifing in the sheep stops when the shepherd comes into view.

all arguments dissolve when their gaze goes to the same place.

theres no comparision, envy, greed, or hatred,

just love for the Good Shepherd.

[thisbibliophiile]

Books of 2024 #47

A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

[thewordfortheday]

The LORD is my Shepherd; therefore, I shall not be in want. Psalm 23:1

I shall lack nothing, because I have the best possible shepherd taking care of me. He makes me lie down in green pastures. (Psalm 23:1-2) Our Shepherd leads and feeds us. Our Shepherd guards and guides us. Our Shepherd is good and gracious to us forever. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep and then rose again victorious over all our foes. With our Good Shepherd beside us, we have no evil to fear and every good to look forward to! Hallelujah!

[artsymumof5]

A LETTER FROM YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER! The following words come from the heart of God. After all God loves you, and He is the Father you have been looking for all your life. This is His Love Letter to you! My Dear Child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-30) For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27) In me, you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you when I planned the creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. (John 8:41-44) I am not distant and angry but am the complete expression of love. (I John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1) Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:7) I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48) Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17) For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33) My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41) And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3) For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) So, Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13) I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18) As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11) One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4) I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23) For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26) And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5;18-19) His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (I John 4:10) I gave up everything I loved so that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32) If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (I John 2:23) And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-29) When it’s time for you to Come home I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7) I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15) My question is….Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13) I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32) With Love, Your Father, Almighty God

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Living His Word

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. — Psalm 23:4

Are you afraid of shadows? Literally, a shadow is a dark image cast by a body that is blocking the light. What, then, is the "shadow of death" to which the psalmist refers? The shadow of death is the dark place where fear takes over because the threat of death has blocked the light of life and confidence. Death is our enemy, and we should not cozy up to it, but neither should we stop in that valley paralyzed by fear. Jesus defeated death on Easter morning!

The shadows of death is Satan's opportunity to make you doubt. He will try to get you to give up on the Lord's plans and purposes for your life. He's hoping you'll forget the authority you have over him and his minions. Jesus said, "And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons…" (Mark 16:17).

So, as much as he can, Satan uses shadows and fear. David knew all about them and walked through this valley a few times. David, however, didn't let it stop him. He knew that he was not alone. His shepherd was with him. The Lord was leading him and guiding him through life and through the threat of death. Whenever a shadow tried to scare him, he looked to the Lord.

Don't let Satan scare you off the path of life the Lord wants you to take. Like David, look to the Lord. The plans and purposes He has for you will come to pass, if you just keep looking at His rod and staff – instead of the shadows.

© 2024 by Bible League International

[tmarshconnors]

Scripture on Hearing God's Voice 2/2

Romans 8:16 - "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Galatians 3:5 - "Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?"

Isaiah 55:3 - "Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."

John 14:21 - "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Habakkuk 2:1-2 - "I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint. And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.'"

Psalms 29:1-11 - "Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength... The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters."

Psalms 23:1-6 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want... 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."

Psalms 85:8 - "Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly."

Proverbs 3:30-32 - "Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence."

Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 - "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy... The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."

Psalms 91:15 - "When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him."

Hebrews 2:1-3 - "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"

Acts 22:14 - "And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth.'"

Job 36:22 - "Behold, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him?"

Hebrews 1:1-3 - "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son... He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature."

Ezekiel 37:1-28 - "The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones... Then he said to me, 'Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.'"

Job 35:10-11 - "But none says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?'"

Mark 9:1-50 - "And he said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.'"

Revelation 1:3 - "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."

Hebrews 3:7-8 - "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.'"

John 14:15 - "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

Matthew 4:1 - "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."

Psalms 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

1 Samuel 9:1-27 - (The story of Saul being anointed as king and listening to God's guidance through Samuel.)

1 Samuel 3:1-10 - "Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision... And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"

James 1:22 - "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for December 26, 2024

  Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 31:19-20 (KJV): 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:19-20 (AMP): 19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy (whether in body, mind or spirit).

Thought for the Day

Verse 19 - Having prepared her flax and wool, a virtuous woman spun them into thread, the next step in making clothes. Drawing fibers from a quantity of flax held on her distaff, she used her spindle to twist them together into a continuous strand. As linen thread formed, she wound it on the spindle. So constant an occupation was spinning in the ancient world, that distaff and spindle became symbols of an industrious woman. These tools symbolized a woman's love and care for her family.

A spindle is a small rod, and a distaff a short staff. They bring to mind the shepherd's rod and staff, which symbolize his care for his sheep. Psalm 23 pictures the Lord as the Great Shepherd caring for us as His flock. This beautiful Psalm has comforted countless people over the centuries, for Christ's care and selfless love give even greater security than that of a mother. A good shepherd causes his sheep to rest and graze in green pastures. He leads them where they can drink placid water. Sheep are frightened of running water, since their heavy woolen coats render them incapable of swimming. He restores our souls with the spiritual food of His Word and the living waters of His Spirit. He leads us in righteousness. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. This place is not called the valley of death, but the valley of the shadow of death. Shadows look ominous, but they cannot harm us. We need to remember this when faced with any threat of death from the devil. Jesus came to give us life, not death (John 10:10). He also prepares a table from which we may eat even with enemies around us. When we stay close to our Shepherd, we experience such wonderful victories that our cups run over. He anoints us with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to triumph in all things. All the days of our lives, He follows us with His goodness and mercy. I asked the Lord one time why goodness and mercy "followed us," instead of going before us. He spoke to my heart that "goodness and mercy" were behind us to catch us when we fall down. He is there to catch us and lift us back up, so we can continue on the path of the Lord. We are promised that we shall live in the security of His house forever.

Verse 20 - Bathsheba described the virtuous woman as prosperous and compassionate. Sometimes giving money is easier than giving our time. Whether a kind word or deed, the virtuous woman gives from her own stores of faith and knowledge, as well as from her material goods. This is one reason Bathsheba described such a woman as blessed, for the Lord promises blessing to those who give to the poor. One of the most important things Christians do at Christmas to celebrate the Lord's birth is to assist the poor. There is more joy in this than in giving gifts only to family members. Honoring Christ by obeying Him and helping others is a gift we can present to Him any time of year.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the account of the Proverbs 31 woman in the Bible. Lord, may we all be inspired by her virtue and love. Lord, may we be givers like she was. May we reach out not only to the poor and needy, but to all those who You lead us to help. Strengthen me to not only give of my money, but also to give of myself. May I share my faith, my love, and my time with those who need encouragement and help. Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me and not to just walk by when someone needs the help that I could give them. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

[thisbibliomaniac]

Em can you give me a book suggestion(s) maybe something you've read recently? Feel like ordering a couple books lol

I've been reading A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 with my church, definitely recommend. Just read June Hur's newest book, and that was pretty good. Jurassic Park. Dune.

[walkswithmyfather]

Isaiah 40:11-26. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?

Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?

Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing.

With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (NIV“The Greatness of God” By In Touch Ministries:“We can't even begin to comprehend the awesome majesty and power of our Lord.”“When you think of God, what comes to mind? Often, we tend to view Him in the way that best fits our particular need or situation. For example, if we struggle with guilt, we might focus on His forgiveness. The truth is, His character encompasses far more than we could ever comprehend or try to explain. Even if we had all the time in the world, we wouldn’t be able to do more than scratch the surface of how awesome He is. But today, let’s look at one attribute: His greatness. Today’s passage tells us God is greater than creation (v. 12), for it was by His hands that everything we see came into being. He is higher than the nations or any idol fashioned by the finest craftsman (vv. 17-20). In fact, God is above the world and all mankind (vv. 22-23), surpassing even the heavens and galaxies. Our Father’s thoughts and ways are far grander than our own (Isa. 55:9)—and lofty, compared with what we can understand. Psalm 93:1 says, “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord has clothed and encircled Himself with strength.” Consider the awesome God we serve. He truly is worthy of our praise. As we grasp even a fraction of His greatness, our response should be one of humble worship. After all, who are we that a God like this would desire our friendship—so much so that He sent His Son to die for our sins?”

Isaiah 40:11-26. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing.With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple.Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (NIV)

“The Greatness of God” By In Touch Ministries:

“We can't even begin to comprehend the awesome majesty and power of our Lord.”

“When you think of God, what comes to mind? Often, we tend to view Him in the way that best fits our particular need or situation. For example, if we struggle with guilt, we might focus on His forgiveness. The truth is, His character encompasses far more than we could ever comprehend or try to explain. Even if we had all the time in the world, we wouldn’t be able to do more than scratch the surface of how awesome He is. But today, let’s look at one attribute: His greatness. Today’s passage tells us God is greater than creation (v. 12), for it was by His hands that everything we see came into being. He is higher than the nations or any idol fashioned by the finest craftsman (vv. 17-20). In fact, God is above the world and all mankind (vv. 22-23), surpassing even the heavens and galaxies. Our Father’s thoughts and ways are far grander than our own (Isa. 55:9)—and lofty, compared with what we can understand. Psalm 93:1 says, “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord has clothed and encircled Himself with strength.” Consider the awesome God we serve. He truly is worthy of our praise. As we grasp even a fraction of His greatness, our response should be one of humble worship. After all, who are we that a God like this would desire our friendship—so much so that He sent His Son to die for our sins?”

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

21st August >> Mass Readings (USA)

Pope Saint Pius X

on

Wednesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time.

Wednesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the feria (Wednesday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Ezekiel 34:1-11 I will save my sheep, that they may no longer be food for their mouths.

The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, in these words prophesy to them to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep? You have fed off their milk, worn their wool, and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured. You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured. You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered for the lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered and wandered over all the mountains and high hills; my sheep were scattered over the whole earth, with no one to look after them or to search for them. Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: As I live, says the Lord GOD, because my sheep have been given over to pillage, and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast, for lack of a shepherd; because my shepherds did not look after my sheep, but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep; because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: Thus says the Lord GOD: I swear I am coming against these shepherds. I will claim my sheep from them and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep so that they may no longer pasture themselves. I will save my sheep, that they may no longer be food for their mouths. For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side With your rod and your staff that give me courage.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Gospel Acclamation Hebrews 4:12

Alleluia, alleluia. The word of God is living and effective, able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 20:1-16 Are you envious because I am generous?

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------------------

Pope Saint Pius X

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading 1 Thessalonians 2:2b-8 We were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well.

Brothers and sisters: We drew courage through our God to speak to you the Gospel of God with much struggle. Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives, nor did it work through deception. But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please men, but rather God, who judges our hearts. Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know, or with a pretext for greed – God is witness – nor did we seek praise from men, either from you or from others, although we were able to impose our weight as Apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.”

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, That my hand may be always with him, and that my arm may make him strong.”

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, and through my name shall his horn be exalted. He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’”

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation John 10:14

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 21:15-17 Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[healerqueen]

Fortnight of Books 2024: Day 14

A book you didn’t read this year that will be your #1 priority in 2025? I've been meaning to reread Little Women for years, and I'm determined to do it this year. Everyone was rereading it back in 2019, and I was already long overdue for a reread, but I didn't want to join in the reread when everyone was doing it for the movie (which I did not want to watch). But I didn't end up doing it the next year, or the next. I just didn't fit it in. This year, I shall. I’d also like to finish two non-fiction books I started: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller and The Value of Biblical Drama by Dr. Nicky Chavers. 

New book you are most anticipating for 2025?

I’m always excited to read new works written or edited by author Allison Tebo and her collaborators.

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Sun July 21st, 2024 ... The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

----------

Jer 23:1-6

Woe to the shepherds

who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture,

says the LORD.

Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel,

against the shepherds who shepherd my people:

You have scattered my sheep and driven them away.

You have not cared for them,

but I will take care to punish your evil deeds.

I myself will gather the remnant of my flock

from all the lands to which I have driven them

and bring them back to their meadow;

there they shall increase and multiply.

I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them

so that they need no longer fear and tremble;

and none shall be missing, says the LORD.

Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD,

when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David;

as king he shall reign and govern wisely,

he shall do what is just and right in the land.

In his days Judah shall be saved,

Israel shall dwell in security.

This is the name they give him:

"The LORD our justice."

Responsorial Psalm

---------------

Ps 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

beside restful waters he leads me;

he refreshes my soul.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me in right paths

for his name's sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for you are at my side

with your rod and your staff

that give me courage.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me

all the days of my life;

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

for years to come.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Reading 2

---------

Eph 2:13-18

Brothers and sisters:

In Christ Jesus you who once were far off

have become near by the blood of Christ.

For he is our peace, he who made both one

and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh,

abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims,

that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two,

thus establishing peace,

and might reconcile both with God,

in one body, through the cross,

putting that enmity to death by it.

He came and preached peace to you who were far off

and peace to those who were near,

for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Alleluia

--------

Jn 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;

I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

----------

Mk 6:30-34

The apostles gathered together with Jesus

and reported all they had done and taught.

He said to them,

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

People were coming and going in great numbers,

and they had no opportunity even to eat.

So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.

They hastened there on foot from all the towns

and arrived at the place before them.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,

his heart was moved with pity for them,

for they were like sheep without a shepherd;

and he began to teach them many things.

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

Perhaps you’ve had this experience: You’re feeling exhausted and burnt out. So, you’re looking forward to some rest during your annual vacation. But when you arrive to your favorite vacation spot, one of the kids falls ill. And now you must play nurse for the week. Or your boss calls with an emergency at work. And now you must take time to work remotely. Or the car breaks down and you need to take it in for repairs. You must postpone your much needed rest out of necessity.

Something similar happens to Jesus and his disciples in our Gospel reading. The disciples return from their missionary journeys, reporting to Jesus all they had done. Jesus perceives their need for some rest and so they set off in a boat to a deserted place. Unfortunately, the people figured out where they were going and arrived there first. Instead of dismissing the crowd, Jesus’ heart is moved with pity “for they were like sheep without a shepherd.”

This shepherd imagery echoes our first reading in which Jeremiah reminds us how the kings in the royal line of David failed as shepherds for the flock of Israel. And so, because Israel belongs to God, the divine shepherd steps forward to care for the flock. God does not rest. Instead, God continually cares for us. Likewise, Jesus does not cancel his “vacation” and continues to teach the crowd who are hungry for spiritual food.

We are not God or Jesus. We do need rest. But we also need to allow our hearts to be moved with pity. In Jesus’ time, shepherds worked 24/7 with little time for rest, always on the lookout for a lost or sick sheep or for a threatening predator. Balancing our own needs against the needs of our neighbors requires careful discernment. It also requires trust in Christ who, as our second reading reminds us, is the source of our peace. Jesus provides us the life and energy to serve others. Jesus gives us the strength to cancel our “vacation” when the need arises. And it is in Jesus where we can find true rest.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[scribeforchrist-blog]

He Knows Me

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

=========================

+ Psalm 96:9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!

=========================

VERSE OF THE DAY

========================

+ Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

=========================

SUBJECT: He Knows Me

=========================

** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I WANT TO BE FULLY COMMITTED

I AM BOLD

I AM LOVING

I AM FEARFUL

********************************

THOUGHTS:

=======================   

All of us will make it to the throne, but some of us aren't going to make it into heaven , because our ways will keep us from heaven. The Holy Spirit gave me a vision, and I saw this road filled with people, and these people were lost, and the Holy Spirit let me know there are so many lost souls in this world ; and some of us are lost right now, and we think the road we are on is going to lead us to heaven and it's not it's leading us to hell, some of us think who we are will get us in, some of us think because we are pastors and prophets that we must surely get in. I'm going to be honest and say we aren't.   We all must start looking at our hearts. And are we obeying the will of God? Are we doing what we should be doing? Do we have a dedicated heart to God, and do we have the hunger to serve him? People right now, the only hunger they have is the hunger to feed their desires and wants; we must start changing today because if not, this is what we will hear from God .   Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’  He will say these words, and we won't have time to explain or debate; we must understand that God sees everything we do and what we say, and how we live our life right now determine how we will spend eternity. Some people think that hell is made up or they don’t believe this is something that will happen, or they think it's a myth. Let me tell you something, friends: if we don’t get it together fast, we never know when we will leave this earth , every day people are leaving this earth and fast, and they don’t have any opportunity to tell their loved ones anything , they have no opportunity to fix the problems they had everything comes to a stop. Yes they leave and they can't come back.   It was a man, once rich man, who asked Abraham to allow Lazarus to give him a drink of water. Abraham said no, I can't do that he said you have enjoyed your life in comfort, and so the rich man said let me tell my family what I seen and know now , and Abraham said why? When they have prophets and others that will tell them the same thing you want to tell them, and If they won't hear them, why would they hear you?  Luke 16:31 He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"   We won't have time to warn family or anything; what we must do now is pray and get it right. Every day is the opportunity to get it right, but every day. some of us take it instead and waste our day away. Our life is strictly up to us, and what we do is strictly up to us; our parents can tell us how to live, our pastor can tell us how to live, and I can tell you how to live it , but it doesn't matter if I do , but if we don’t want to live for Christ we won't do it until we have a made up mind we won’t . We all have had the opportunity to make the lord the head of our life, but every day, we must choose: will I be a slave to sin or walk in the spirit ?    God is giving us every opportunity every day to get it right, and it's up to us to say yes or no, lord, but every day we say no, we are pushing ourselves further away from living a lifetime with God.   •Matthew 25:12 But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'•John 10:14: I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me,    These two verses tell us two things: one, he will say, I dont know you if we aren't his sheep, and when we walk in the light, and we walk in a worthy walk, he will know us too, but as long as we continue in this way of iniquity and in this way of the flesh he won't know us, but we must pick today who will we serve man or God, and it's not hard to do, but the walk on the straight and narrow is small and only a few walk there because it's only a few that want to pay the price of walking with God    Matthew 13:50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.   

Hell is a real place; it tells us here that we will be thrown in a furnace, and there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth; it will be a pain, but we can avoid all this by obeying God; no, this isn't a devotional to scare you, but this is a devotional about not going to hell. God doesn't want to send anyone to hell, but every day is a gift and opportunity to change our actions!  

  ***Today, we learned that we all have a choice and can change what we do and who we make the head of our life, this place or God. It's easy to make this world the head; it's easy to be lost in Instagram reals and other things, but these things won't fill us; the word of God will fill us and help us grow! Hell is a real place; it's dark; it's the darkest place you'll ever be in; it has no air and no water, and the deeper you go, you'll see people in cages on the walls of hell; we have a choice now not to be in the cages, but if we don’t make a choice now to live for God and to give up our ways we are heading right to hell, let God be your shepherd let him be the head of your life to change you truly.  ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

========================

PRAYER

========================

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for everything we ask you to help us through life. Sometimes life is hard, and it hurts, and we ask you to help us to place you first and to change unto these people you want of us; lord, we don’t want to go to hell; we want to go to heaven, but we must deny ourselves help us do this. Lord, we want to grow in you; help us to apply your word to our lives, help us to cast down our imaginations, and give us the strength to carry our cross and follow you, even when it is hard, even when it's hard to trust , help us to stay close to you and hear your voice in Jesus name amen 

===================

REFERENCES

===================

+ Acts 2:27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.

+ Mark 9:43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.

+ Proverbs 15:24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

========================

FURTHER READINGS

=========================

Proverbs 5

Isaiah 11

Luke 20

Nahum 3

=========================

[thewordfortheday]

THE WORD FOR 23/3

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Psalm 23:4

What do you do when you go through the dark valley?

"I will fear no evil." That's what David, who puts his faith in God says. For he knows his Lord is with him.  Jesus says, "I will be with you always even to the end of ages."  

Remember it's only a shadow.

Shadows are always bigger than reality. Shadows cannot hurt you.  They can only scare you. 

When you're afraid, don't look at the shadow but look at the Light, Jesus Christ.

Believers go through valleys just like everybody else.   But there is a difference and it's a big difference: For a Christian,  it is not the absence of the shadow but the presence of the Shepherd. Jesus the Good Shepherd is with you.

[childrensbread]

The Lord, Your Shepherd is Near

A psalm of David

💜 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. ~Psalm 23:1-6 ✝️

Today's psalm, perhaps the most famous in the scriptures, reminds us how much God cares for us. Especially during times of vulnerability and when we are experiencing times in the valley. God watches over us, like a faithful shepherd looks after his sheep.

In every season, Jesus, your shepherd, is with you. Yes, He is a Savior that fights for you, but He is also a shepherd who cares for you. As He lays you down in green pastures, and puts you beside still waters - He promises to be with you. Down in the valley and up on the mountain top, He is with you.

In the waiting room, in the dental chair. At the cemetery and in the delivery room - God promises to never leave you nor forsake you.

As we truly absorb this truth in our hearts, as we understand who He is and who we have available to us, we can be assured that we will lack nothing, and in Him, we have gained absolutely everything we need.

Why? Because you lack nothing whenbyou have a good shepherd by your side.

Your good shepherd guides, provides, corrects and protects. Refuse to follow the imposter shepherds of certainty, independence and pride. Instead, follow the good shepherd who will lead you to have an open mind, open hands and an open heart before Him.

Source: Glorify App

Image: witness today

My Glorify Referral Link: https://share.glorify-app.com/MRSPINO777