The word lead is frequently used by Christians in their worship.  Such phrases as “lead in a decision” or “give direction to doctors” are often used in intercessory prayer. This text serves as a scriptural basis for such praying.

First, each person is asked to give some attention to a general interpretation of the concept. There are at least two interpretations that can be given to the idea of righteousness.  It can apply to the manner in which God leads. This is in accordance with the character and reputation of God. It can also apply to the place to which God leads. This concept is seen in serenity and peace.  The Good Shepherd leads and keeps within the bounds of good character and serenity.

Secondly, some parallels that can be made between sheep and humans are brought out in this text. Consider some facts about sheep.

1. They are creatures of habit. If sheep are left to their own will, they will follow their own trail until the ground becomes waste and becomes corrupt with disease.
2. They require careful handling. It is easy for their pastures to become overgrazed and impoverished; then erosion sets in.
3. They must be kept on the move. They cannot be left on the same ground too long. The shepherd has predetermined plans and uses a rotation system.

Consider some facts about people are similar.

1. Isaiah 53:6 speaks of people following their own way. They cling to habit, do what they want, and follow the crowd.
2. The Good Shepherd deals with his children as the shepherd does his sheep. He leads, protects, and takes care of them.

“The wisest thing we can do is acknowledge the Lord who directs our paths.” Proverbs 3:6

The 23rd Psalm has dried many tears.  God’s provision is in the heart of the psalm.

First, consider some facts about sheep and water.  It has been estimated that about 70 percent of a sheep’s body is composed of water.  Water is necessary for a sheep to maintain normal body metabolism.  It helps determine the sheep’s vitality, strength, and vigor.  Believers recognize immediately that  Jesus is the strength of their lives.  He supplies all needs.

Second, the right kind of water must be supplied.  The water must be still or sheep will not drink it.  Noisy, rapidly moving water is frightening to sheep.  Swift water is dangerous.  The water must be pure or the sheep will pick up parasites and disease.  Apart from the protecting hand of the shepherd, sheep will pause at puddles of polluted water.  The Great Shepherd leads his children to that which is pure and healthy.

Finally, the place of still water is a resting place and a place of refreshment.  The need of the human soul is described in the word thirst (Matthew 6:5).  The soul must be nourished by the right things.  Each person must guard against taking in that which is harmful.  The Shepherd directs in this matter.  The thirst of the human soul is quenched by the one who gives the water that, when partaken of, causes the believer to never thirst again.

This “water takes many forms:

1. Dew - This makes the early mornings a good time to refresh oneself spiritually.
2. Wells - This means labor for the shepherd. He must draw the water and make it available for the sheep.
3. Deep, quiet streams - The deep things of life are what count.

Jesus knows every need of the human heart and has promised to meet each need.

Age Group: 17 & under

First Place

Wesley Steeb from Woodinville, WA

Second Place

Kelsey Lagaly from Hot Springs, AR

Honorable Mention

Katherine Hollingsworth from Hurst, TX

Madeline Groserode from Kearney, MO

Age Group: 18 - 22

First Place

Logan Herche from Victor, CA

Second Place

Chloe Metzger from Ewa Beach, HI

Honorable Mention

Jessica Chu from TAIWAN

Stay tuned for more information about the Essay Contest and to read some of the winning essays.

The parable that Jesus tells is one of a widow who comes daily to the judge pleading for justice.

The widow can be characterized as one who is extremely vulnerable, she has no husband to protect her or to provide for her; she is alone; and society is not her friend.  In the parable she is a victim crying out for justice.

The judge is no lover of God or the opinions of others.  Justice is defined by the judge for his own economic benefit.

The judge grants relief to the widow because of her persistence.  She keeps coming after him.  [Literally: "She is going to punch me out!"]

This is a parable of comparison and contrast.  We are very much like the widow.  We are greatly in need of God’s redemption.  There is no one else who can provide our salvation.

But the judge, by contrast, is the opposite of our heavenly Father.  He delights to hear our prayers and respond in ways that demonstrate His love and mercy.  In this way the glory of God is made known for all to see.

But the bottom line question is this.  Do we pray to a self-indulgent judge who is moved only by our perseverance, or do we pray to God who abounds in love for “His chosen ones?”  Will your prayers based on faith fill your days until He comes?

(part 4 of 13 in 'The Providence of God' series)

For more than 3,000 years, this psalm has been one of the most precious verses for people around the world.

This second verse presents a picture of the needs of life. Green pastures are evidences of plenty even in a dry and barren land.  God is able to supply needs. The pastures look and taste good. Still waters provide refreshment in a dry and barren land. These are the kind of waters of which the sheep can and will partake.  They are not waterfalls that roar.  They are still, and one can drink wihtout fear.

There are four things to think about in regard to sheep in this verse:

1. Sheep refuse to lie down unless they are free of fear. Sheep that are restless, discontented, and disturbed do not do well. The same can be said about people.
2. Sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction from other sheep. Where there is tension and rivalry, there is unrest.  The shepherd’s presence makes the difference in behavior.
3. Sheep will not lie down if tormented by parasites. Only when they are free of such will they relax. The Good Shepherd will use various means in order to rid the sheep of harmful insects.  The Scriputres speak of the Holy Spirit, as symbolized by oil, by which the Lord brings healing, comfort, and relief from the harsh and abrasive aspects of life.
4. Sheep will not lie down as long as they feel the need of food. It is imperative that they be free from hunger.  The provision of food is the responsiblity of the shepherd.

The message as seen through the sheep/shepherd is for the hurting, and the unsettled to look to Jesus, the one who has promised to supply all needs.

Luke tells of the encounter Jesus has with ten lepers who cry out for mercy.  Jesus orders them to go to the priest and on the way they are all healed.  When this is discovered only one of the men returns to Jesus to give thanks and to praise God.

How often do you cry out to God for help?  Maybe it is a little thing like, “Lord, I have been trying to find a parking place for a half hour, help me?” Or maybe it is a bigger thing, “Lord, why is it he doesn’t see the wrong he is doing? Lord, help him to do what is right.” Or maybe it is an even greater issue.

This passage raises the issue of how we respond as recipients of God’s blessing.  If our response is only to receive the blessing and enjoy the benefit it brings, then we miss the point of God’s intervention.

God intervenes into our world to bring blessings, but even more so, to bring us to His feet in praise and adoration.  God’s intervention is to lead us to worship.

All too often we get caught up in the benefit of the blessing.  We are overjoyed by the relief we feel, the pain is gone - the issue is resolved - the relationship is restored.  In response, we enjoy the fruit of the blessing and then go on with our lives.

The leper when he discovers he is healed turns to the healer in homage, worship, and praise.  How do you respond to God’s blessings in your life?

Jesus posts a double alert to the toxic hazard of greed. This is an attitude towards stuff. Note that the problem is not the stuff, but the attitude towards possessions. It can be infections and extremely fatal. Jesus’ warning gives the sense that sometimes your attitude can be open for all to see, but other times it can be hidden, and you are not readily aware of it.

How do you detect this virus?

• Your attitude is infected with a hunger for more. Lack of contentment is the breeding ground for greed.
• As you see the possessions of others, or are captured by the advertising blitz, you respond with the: “I want that, I need that, or I have got to get me one of those!” Envy comes in many different disguises.
• What is your view of money and your possessions? Is it solely for your benefit, or do you understand that you are a steward of what God has given to you to meet your needs and to be a blessing to others?

How can you guard against being infected?

1. Learn to be content. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned to secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12
2. Affirm God’s love and faithfulness to you. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
3. Use all that you are and have to be a blessing to others. This is the best antidote for greed.

I marvel at the sprouting flower outside our home. One morning there is a tiny green protusion rising from the dirt. The next morning that green sprout bursts into the world. It shoves away dead grass and weeds. It is a 24 hour effort, 7 days a week. The mission of this sprout is to blossom and spread forth more seeds to blossom again and again. It will be a beautiful flower reflecting the glory of its creator.

In Isaiah 61, you have the promise of two magnificent flowers; righteousness and praise. These flowers will spring up before all nations.

The flower of righteousness is God’s work of redemption on our behalf that sets us free from the law of sin and death. It is a flower of purity and wonder.

The flower of praise is a responsive action to the wonder and glory of the revealed God in Jesus Christ. It is an act of exaltation over His mercy and grace. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” [Ephesians 2:4-5] It is a flower of magnificent color and beauty that cause all to stand in awe at its glory.

These flowers are what we are to become through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are the redeemed who glory in Christ Jesus, whose hearts are filled with praise for His holy name.

Here is the promise. God will cause His flowers to grow before ALL nations.

I love the sound of a fog horn, a deep belly noise repeated again and again. In the midst of the dense fog you are alerted to the fact that you are nearing a major intersection of water and land. If you are on the water you must slow down to avoid the dangerous intersection. If you are moving forward on land, your environment may change in an instant.

In the fog you cannot see anything. The fog horn alerts you to what you cannot see. I had lunch yesterday with someone who was greatly despairing over conditions in our world. He was caught up in the abuses and the excesses, in the poverty and hunger, and in the greed and selfishness.

I began to tell him stories of God’s unfailing love through his people. They were stories of people I had met who had nothing, but God had graciously provided what they needed. They were stories of people emotionally tortured by life’s trauma, but God had gently healed and restored them. They were stories of how a little child’s brave words had rescued a drunken father.

His countenance began to change. “I need to hear stories like this.” The fog had begun to lift.

Today, will you shout for joy with me? The earth is full of God’s unfailing love. Is there a story you need to tell to those around you?