Pastor Bob DuPar
May 18, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 22:1-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19.

Observation

What a motley crew David attracted in 1 Samuel 22:2:

“All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented…” Sounds like a fun group! Who wouldn’t want to be their leader?

Saul definitely went psycho to kill 85 innocent priests and their families and children – all over jealousy. Why could he not have just accepted that his life circumstances were the result of his own sin?

I like the phrasing of 1 Samuel 23:15: “Jonathan …helped him (David) find strength in God.” I’m sure that this involved encouragement and just reminding David of what he knew to be true about God.

I love the description of the Good Shepherd in John 10. The hired hand does not have the investment and ownership in the sheep. But, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, knows the sheep and they follow Him.

Application

I want to shepherd like an “owner” and as one who has an investment in the sheep rather than like the hired hand. I want to help others find strength in God.

Prayer

“God, continue to use me to be a blessing to others. Help me to shepherd like You. Teach me Your ways, Your heart & Your love for the sheep.”