For Want of a Shepherd

Psalm 23:1 (NRSVue) - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.Psalm 23 must be among one of the most memorized passages in all Scripture.We find tremendous comfort in its words.It is often recited at funeral services.Immediately, the Psalmist sets the stage for comfort.“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”Those who trust that the Lord is their shepherd desire nothing.They have all they could hope for or need.In John 10, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd.Jesus knows His sheep and He knows them by name.But Jesus also explains why He is the Good Shepherd.John 10:11 (NRSVue) -...

Becoming a Better Neighbor

Genesis 50:20 (NRSVue) - Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. Here, Joseph is a powerful man, second only to Pharoah in terms of leadership. Reunited with his brothers who sold him into slavery, Joseph forgives them. Joseph reminds his brothers that God used their treachery for good. In Luke 6, Jesus teaches His followers that they are to love their enemies. His lesson is simple. Luke 6:28 (NRSVue) - bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. This is one step in what it means...

Go to the Source

Isaiah 49:10 (NKJV) - They shall neither hunger nor thirst, Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, Even by the springs of water He will guide them.Isaiah delivers a message from God.God promises provision.God even promises a time when he will provide a source of water.And with that provision, God will make certain that none are thirsty again,In the fourth chapter of John, Jesus encounters a woman at a well.Even though she is Samarian, Jesus speaks at length with her.The woman tells Jesus she comes to the well every day to draw water and carry it home.Jesus...