“You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” Shepherds put oil on their sheep’s head for several reason-to keep irritating pests from landing on the head, to protect against scabs, and to keep sheep from hurting each other when they butt heads. As Christians, we can keep the pests from filling our hearts and minds by filling them with scriptures, we can avoid the scabs of life by yielding to God’s discipline and directions, the oil of God’s Word can also help us avoid hurting our brothers and sisters even when we disagree and butt heads. (Psalm 23: 5b NKJV)

Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. God uses the rod to signify authority, discipline (examination), and defense. Just as a shepherd uses his rod to establish his authority over the sheep, to sometimes discipline them and to defend them, we can receive comfort knowing that God is the final authority and that he loves us enough to discipline us and protect us. As the shepherd uses his staff, God also guides us, catches us when we fall, pulls us away from danger, and lets us know He is near and that we are special to Him. Psalm 23:4b NIV (supportive verses-Ezekiel 20:37; Hebrews 4:13; Romans 12:2; 1Peter 4:12-13)

Sheep need a lot of management. The shepherd has to make sure to keep them moving around to avoid overgrazing in one area. Overgrazing an area can not only lead to a lack of pasture, but can also foster the growth of parasites. However, sheep can also be very stubborn and not want to move from an area where they are comfortable. They have to be prodded by the Shepherd to move on to better pastures. Jesus, the Great Shepherd, encourages His sheep (us) to move on, to get out of their comfort zone, and to not hold on to things that are parasitic in their lives. Like sheep, we are often stubborn and need gentle (or not so gentle) prodding. (Psalm 23:3b NKJV)

As sheep depend on their shepherd for their care and safety, as Christians we depend on the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, to care for us and keep us safe. We can rest in the knowledge and faith that He will watch over us. (Psalm 23:1-2 NKJV)

Appreciating the beauty of the cross can be a cure for boredom. Brother Mike revisits Jesus’ experiences just prior and during His crucifixion as portrayed in the Gospel of Luke. (Luke 22:20-23:56 NKJV)

In 1st Samuel, we see that Eli did not discipline his sons when they did wrong. God punished Eli and his sons because of this. So how can fathers today be good leaders? How can they lead their children to become good, Christian adults? (1 Samuel 3:13; Malachi 2:15 NKJV)

Do you let pride destroy relationships? In the book of Obadiah, we see that the Edomites were bitter against Israel because of what had happened between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25-27). They gloated over the downfall of the Israel nation and Obadiah warns them that they will be judged because of this. How do you respond to people who hurt you? Do you hold onto grudges as the Edomites did? Or do you forgive and try to mend the relationship, as God forgives you and brings you back into his fold? (Obadiah 1-21, NKJV)