CAC Living Water Devotional For January 17, 2024 : Topic – THE SHEPHERD’S HEART (II)
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
TOPIC: THE SHEPHERD’S HEART (II)
READ: John 10:1-5, 10,11
[1]. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
[2]. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
[3]. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
[4]. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
[5]. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
[10]. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
[11]. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
MEMORISE
I am the good shepherd. The , good shepherd gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
EXPOSITION
In today’s church, we require leaders with the shepherd’s heart who prioritise caring for, guiding, leading, protecting and disciplining God’s people, over exercising their titles and authority (1 Pet. 5:3). Shepherd-leaders have 2 main responsibilities: delivering God’s message to His people and leading them according to His Word. All Christian leaders, whether in Church, workplace, society, or at home, should positively influence those under their care through their words, actions, and care. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, exemplified these qualities by risking His life for our eternal salvation (Jn. 10:11). He outlines key features of a Good Shepherd’s heart that we should emulate:
1. Teacher: A Good Shepherd’s heart is teachable and effectively imparts lessons based on their communion with God.
2. Accommodating: The Good Shepherd knows each sheep individually, calls them by name, and demonstrates care, tolerance, and accommodation. We should intimately know and care for those in our care, especially their spiritual needs.
3. Leading by Example: The Good Shepherd leads by example in every aspect, working alongside the team instead of merely exercising authority. We should lead in the same manner.
4. Sacrifice: Jesus ensures His sheep have abundant life and is willing to make sacrifices for their benefit. We must be attuned to the needs, joy, sorrow, and wounds of our people.
5. Mentoring: Mature Christians are responsible for shepherding younger ones in the faith.
To lead with a shepherd’s heart, we must daily deny ourselves for the sake of God’s kingdom and its people, recognising their equal importance to God. May May God guide you in this endeavour.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 522
1. Jesus is our Shepherd, wiping every tear;
Folded in His bosom, what have we to fear?
Only let us follow whither He doth lead,
To the thirsty desert, or the dewy mead.
2. Jesus is our Shepherd: well we know His voice,
How its gentlest whisper makes our heart rejoice;
Even when He chideth, tender is His tone:
None but He shall guide us; we are His alone.
3. Jesus is our Shepherd, for the sheep He bled;
Every lamb is sprinkled with the blood He shed:
Then on each He seateth His own secret sign:
They that have My Spirit, these saith He, are Mine.
4. Jesus is our Shepherds; Guarded by His arm,
Though the wolves may ravin, none can do us harm:
When we tread death’s valley, dark with fearful gloom,
We will fear no evil victors o’er the tomb.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, empower me to be a shepherd you will appreciate.
2. Pray for parents not to be carried away by the society and losing the care of their children.
3. Pray for CAC Akinyele Region, our father in the Lord, the Regional Superintendent, and other officers at the various levels as led by the Spirit of God.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Genesis 46, 47, 48