From Believers to Disciples
Friday, March 23, 2007
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“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Focus on the reality that though we were once “lost sheep,” Jesus is now our Shepherd and the Guardian of our souls!
Heavenly Father, Thank You for finding me when I was lost. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the Good Shepherd. Thank You that in His dying on the cross He opened the way to eternal life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may walk the path of righteousness today and always. I pray that as I go about this day that You will keep me focused on Jesus, and that I will follow wherever He leads to Your glory and honor. This I pray in the strong name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd and Guardian of my soul. Amen.
God’s Word Today—1 Peter 2:21-25
We will examine a verse of this passage each day and see how it relates to the saving work of God in Jesus!
21This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. 22He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. 23He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds! 25Once you were wandering like lost sheep. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
What characteristics of “lost sheep” do people demonstrate before they come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord?
What does it mean to you to have Jesus as the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
In your life, when and where do you have the opportunity to share the “shepherding” that Jesus offers you with others? How do you do this as a means of deepening your walk with Him?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul? It means at least this—we may live without fear. Nothing is going to attack us that the Good Shepherd will not be able to overcome. We will not get lost as long as we follow Him. Take the time right now to talk with the Good Shepherd and ask Him for wisdom and guidance for the day!
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
This week’s Scripture focuses on how the path of the cross leads to life. Take this week to engage in fervent prayer for ONE person you know, who doesn’t know Jesus. Ask God to open opportunities for you to offer this person the good news in words and actions, AND that God will open the person’s heart to salvation!
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
The Good Shepherd!
One of the greatest truths of the Bible is that God is our “Shepherd.” In Psalm 23, perhaps the most familiar Scripture in either testament, we are reminded that the Lord is our shepherd. In John 10, Jesus reminds us that He is the “Good Shepherd.” Now here in 1 Peter 2:25 we are reminded that Jesus is the “Shepherd and Guardian of our souls.” When a principle is expressed in the Old Testament and confirmed in the teaching of Jesus and the Epistles, it is firmly established. Thus, we can be sure as we go about this day that God IS our shepherd and we need not fear being lost! So, let’s live boldly in His name.