August 18th

What a blessing it is to be able to say, “The LORD is my shepherd.” As part of his flock I am secure in His love, fed in the best pastures, drink from living waters, and am tended
lovingly by Him when I am wounded or ill or fearful. He comes looking for me if I stray and lovingly leads me in right paths. Jesus is the door in the sheepfold, my Security Man. Any thief
must come through Him to reach me, and He, being watchful, would not allow that. How blessed I am. Can you say that He is your shepherd?

TRUE SHEPHERD
Can I in pleasant pastures lie
When a hireling watches me?
Will he keep ever-watchful eye
And every danger see?

Will the one who does not own the sheep
Keep the hungry wolves away?
Or will he at his pleasure sleep
And leave the flock to stray?

True Shepherd, stand Thou near me now.
Keep the wolves of doubt away.
When thief breaks in, do not allow
His hand on me, I pray.

Oh Jesus, watchful Shepherd, come
And bide with each the same.
Tend the flock that follows Thee
And, loving, call each name.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for the security I have as Your sheep and for the pleasant pastures in which I am led.