The Shepherd by Rev.M.D.Rogers

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  The Shepherd"
  
  "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1
  
  
  Who is your shepherd? A shepherd is one who leads his sheep from
  place to place and pasture to pasture. Is the Lord your shepherd
  this morning? Is He the one who is leading you along life's
  journey? Is He the one who leads you day by day in the way you
  should go? Is He the one you are following? Or is something or
  someone else your shepherd? Are you led by your emotions, the
  opinions of others, by your financial needs, by your family or
  friends? Do your possessions lead you? Are you following your own
  lust, fleshly desires, agenda, plans? Is fear your shepherd- fear
  of failure so you keep being lead by it in a direction contrary to
  the way you should go? Do bondage and addictions lead you?
  
  If you are following anything or anyone other than the Good Shepherd-
  the Lord Jesus Christ- you will be led in the wrong direction.
  Instead of being led to "green pastures"- a place of rest,
  abundance, growth- you will be led into lack, greater burdens,
  deeper bondage. Instead of being led to "still waters"- refreshing,
  peace, healing- it will led you to dryness in your soul, confusion,
  and despair.
  
  The focus in the verse should be on "the Lord"- "THE LORD" is my
  shepherd. If you are following Him, you can never go wrong, you
  will always be going in the right direction, you will be growing,
  fruitful, protected, strengthened, find joy and contentment. You
  won't be struggling and in confusion about which way to go.
  
  Examine your walk today. Look closely at it and see who you are
  following, what you are following. Is it truly Jesus? Or is it
  another "shepherd". If it's not the Good Shepherd, then you need to
  stop following it and start following Him. There is a benefit to
  following Him- just read the rest of the chapter.
  
  Have a great day. Who is your Shepherd?