Skip to content

where to turn during virus situation

Psalm 23 Virus Devotional – The Lord is my Shepherd

APRIL 27 – PSALM 23

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Psalm 23, also called the shepherd’s psalm, was composed by David, who was a shepherd in his youth. Remember what Scripture tells us about David’s life as a shepherd boy. (1) David was out keeping sheep when Samuel the judge came to his father Jesse’s home to find a king of God’s choosing (1 Sam 16:11). (2) David was the youngest of eight sons and he was left behind to tend sheep when his three oldest brothers went to battle. However, he occasionally visited them (1 Sam 17:12-20, 28). (3) David used skills sharpened during years of shepherding to kill Goliath (1 Sam 17:34-37, 40-51). (4) David is remembered as having been chosen by God and taken from the sheepfolds to shepherd the people of Israel (Ps 78:70-72).

Psalm 23 reflects David’s career shift. While the first four verses paint a pastoral picture, the last two have David sitting at a banquet table, most likely as king, while his enemies—those over whom God has made him triumph—look on. Having grown up in rural places, David had come to the city to exercise authority and power.

This passage has been looked at and remembered in many different ways and is one of the most popular passages of the Bible. Let’s try and look at it with fresh eyes to see what God is showing us.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lord leads, protects, guides, and restores His flock. (v. 1-4)
  • The Lord is our Provider (v. 5)
  • Our eternal hope is in enjoying God’s presence (v. 6)
Read More »Psalm 23 Virus Devotional – The Lord is my Shepherd

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2

APRIL 21 – PSALM 18:1-2

GOD IS MY ROCK & FORTRESS

Today, we look at a short section of Scripture to remind ourselves of who God is. Just as David did, it is good to remember who God is and how He is our Rock, shelter, fortress, and stronghold, especially in times of trouble. Throughout this lengthy Psalm, we see David remember many ways in which God delivered Him. During these difficult times, it is good for us to do likewise in remembering the ways God has provided and cared for us.

1 “I love You, O Lord, my strength.”

2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NASB)

Key Takeaways:

Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 20 Philippians 2:12-15

APRIL 20 – PHILIPPIANS 2:12-15

LIGHTS IN THE WORLD

Continuing our reading plan, we stay in Philippians 2 by looking at verses 12-15. In this section today, Paul returns to the exhortations which he began earlier in verses 2-4. Verses 14-15 (and 16) give specific instructions on how to work out God’s “good purpose” (v. 13) concerning daily Christian living. Paul had shown them in 1:27-2:13 the kind of attitude and actions they were to follow. They were to demonstrate in their corporate and individual life this kind of conduct that would prove worthy of the great calling that God has given them. He uses all things to emphasize the inclusiveness of this command.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world (NASB)

Key Takeaways:

Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 20 Philippians 2:12-15

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8

April 14, 2020 – The Majesty of God:

Today, we turn our attention to the Majesty of God. We focus on the only God there is and whose handiwork is all around us. Today, we look at Psalm 8 and look to follow the example of David by acknowledging God and His majesty:

1 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
    to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The majesty of God
    • The word majestic suggests splendor and magnificence. It is a fitting note of praise for the Lord of Creation.
  • We are created as majestic creatures
    • We and all other human beings are valuable because God Himself created us in His own glorious image
  • God’s plan
    • God can use all of us no matter how strong or weak to silence evil

Context/summary:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

April 13, 2020 – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

“His Kingdom”

Today, we continue our “Unshakeable” reading plan by looking again at Philippians 1. This time we look at verses 15-18. The passage reads:

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. (ESV)

Key Takeaways:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 7 Psalm 22

April 7, 2020 – Psalm 22

Today we look at Psalm 22 which talks of the Messiah being pierced. Due to time and size of discussion on this classic psalm, I will skip the verse-by-verse and instead give an overview. Much has already been said about this psalm in detail that we will skip here. There are a few verses that I want to touch on, but this is really a general overview about this classic psalm.

General Overview:

David apparently felt forsaken by God, as he was surrounded by his enemies’ scornful persecution. He lamented his tremendous suffering and his desperate struggle with death, pleading with God to deliver him from such a horrible end. Apparently, his prayer was answered, for he was able to declare to the elect and to the world that the Lord answered his prayer.Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 7 Psalm 22

Quarantine Devotional – Psalm 4 God’s Presence and Peace

April 4, 2020 – God’s presence and peace

Today, we look at Psalm 4 to see how the psalmist looks to God in prayer and puts their trust in Him. The passage reads:

Psalm 4 – Evening Prayer of Trust in God.

For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach?

How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.

3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself;

The Lord hears when I call to Him.

4 Tremble, and do not sin;

Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

And trust in the Lord.

6 Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”

Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!

7 You have put gladness in my heart,

More than when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep,

For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety. (NASB)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:Read More »Quarantine Devotional – Psalm 4 God’s Presence and Peace