Article I Found Online-- Is the Lord your shepherd?

I found this article online. It was believe it or not in a newpaper from somewhere in Georgia I think & on their web site. Neat what you can find on line just surfing around. Enjoy!

http://www.henryherald.com/religion/local_story_307222730.html?keyword=topstory
Published: November 03, 2006 10:27 pm
11.04.06 - Bell - Is the Lord your shepherd?

One of the most famous and well known Psalms begins with this profession, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” This is found in the twenty-third psalms which begin with King David's declaration of joyful trust in the Lord as the good Shepherd-King. He acknowledges he will not be in want, which means he will enjoy “Goodness” all his life. David says happily the Lord makes him lie down or rest in contented security. Isaiah 14:30 says, “The poorest of the poor will find pasture and the needy will lie down in safety.” “In green pastures” is a metaphor for all that makes life to flourish. Jesus said in John 10:9, “I am the gate (The one and only way to salvation.) Whoever enters through me will be saved.” He will find pasture, the supply of all his needs. In John 10:10b, we seethe great promise of God — “I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.”

Jesus Christ is in fact the “Life” and that life is the light of men. David says, “He leads me beside quiet waters”, i.e., restful waters- waters that provide refreshment and well being. (See Isaiah 49:10) “He restores my soul.” He revives me, refreshes my soul and spirit. It's like the clean cold air of a winters morn causes us to shake and makes us keenly aware we are alive! “He guides me in pathways of righteousness for His name's sake.” Paths that conform to the moral will of God that brings honor to the Lord’s name. David goes on to say, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”, troubles will come in our lives and even death will visit us but with the Lord we may also say “I fear no evil.” The strength and faith of the Lord assures us and gives us comfort...Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. These are the benefits of the Christian life. “And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Live in heaven with Christ and all His righteous people.

Is the Lord your shepherd? He can be our Lord and savior if we repent of our sins and accept Him and His truth as taught in the Holy Bible. Repent is a word we do not use often; it simply means we should admit our sin and ask God to forgive us. The Bible says in Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved.” This means that you believe in the fact that God is real and that Jesus Christ, His son, died on the cross as the only acceptable sacrifice for your sin. Christians believe not only that Jesus lived but that He still lives today. To be a Christian one must truly believe this doctrine and admit his sin as he very sincerely asks God to forgive him in the Name of Jesus Christ.

For one to be able to enjoy the confidence and all the benefits of the 23rd Psalm he must put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. If you are not a Christian, if you do not know that you will go to heaven when you die, then you need to comply with St. Paul's instructions in Romans 10:9 and pray the prayer of confession and commitment to the Lord. Please pray it with me as you read this article. Just repeat it after me in short phrases. Let's pray: Dear Lord, I know I am a sinner,— I have been trusting in my own self — but now I put my trust in you — I believe in God and Jesus Christ — I believe Jesus died on the cross — as a sacrifice for my sins — I admit my sins and confess them — Please forgive all my sins — in the Name of Jesus Christ — I believe You raised Jesus from the dead — I pray He will live in my heart — that I may live for you — Please keep me from sin — and give me your gift of eternal life — that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I pray you have prayed this prayer sincerely today — if so the Lord will bless you and keep you. Amen.



James C. Bell is a regular columnist for the Weekend edition of the Clayton News Daily and Henry Daily Herald.