A NOTE FROM GRETCHEN

The LORD is my Shepherd, I lack no good thing. In the morning, in the evening, in the middle of the night, and in the middle of the day, he is with me, even when I don’t feel his presence.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, even when I don’t want to stop and rest. He knows what’s best when I think I know better. He invites me to embrace my limits and be sheltered by his tender care. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness, toward the way of the eternal kingdom—all for his name's sake. Everything my Shepherd does is according to his name. He never contradicts himself, and he is always good. As I walk these paths, shadows come that threaten my peace and my joy. They are terrifying in the moment, but a shadow cannot hurt me when I’m covered by God’s grace.

So I won’t fear evil because my Shepherd is with me. He comforts, corrects, and restores me with his rod and his staff. The truest feast is found in his presence. His Word nourishes my soul.

Surely his goodness and his mercy will accompany me on this journey, every day, every moment. One day I will dwell with him in the new heaven and new earth forever, where there are no more dark shadows, no more pain, no more fear.

Until then, I’ll walk with my Shepherd, be led by my Shepherd, and call out to my Shepherd who became like me, a sheep, and is the Lamb who was slain for my redemption. There’s no greater love than my Shepherd’s love and no greater sacrifice than his.

Yes, the LORD is my Shepherd. I lack no good thing, because I have everything I need in him. 

Clinging to Psalm 23,

Gretchen
Founder

P.S. Study the Good Shepherd in our new Bible study, Micah: Hear and Hope in God’s Word. 

 

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

It is not for the flock of sheep to know the pasture the Shepherd has in mind. It is for them simply to follow Him. —Elisabeth Elliot in A Lamp Unto My Feet

 

FILL YOUR EARS WITH TRUTH

Podcasts, Bible teaching, and worship songs we’re loving lately

Everywhere the River Goes, album by Nathan Nockels

Hymns of Worship, Vol. 1, album by Hymns on Piano

Earlier this year, I was challenged by the book Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney to develop a habit of praying the Psalms. Since then, I’ve been reading books and listening to sermons and teachings on the Psalms. Timothy Keller’s sermon Discovering How to Pray: Prayer in the Psalms deepened my desire to be a woman who faithfully prays God’s Word. —Gretchen, Founder 

 

Read-A-Mentor Recommendations

Books, articles, and emails we’re loving lately

Russ Ramsey’s book Rembrandt Is in the Wind traces the stories of nine artists, including their histories, ambitions, faith, and work. Ramsey invites you into the inner world of the artists and their faith, visible in their sculptures and paintings. His insightful storytelling and the images included in the book linger with me still, kindling a longing to portray my faith in Christ through hallowed words, sacred and beautiful, and to pursue other forms of art to enrich this life God has given me. —Lauren, Theology Editor

 

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