Dedicated to the loving memory of Pastor Rick Johnson, who lived his life guided by Christ Jesus, The Good Shepherd. (I wrote this devotion on September 23, one month prior to Brother Rick’s passing.)
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Therefore, TRUST HIM!
“He makes me to lie down in green pastures.” Therefore, REST IN HIM.
“He leads me beside the still waters.” Therefore, FOLLOW HIM and SEE the BEAUTY and PEACE of THOSE WATERS.
“He restores my soul.” Therefore, REJOICE IN a CLEANSED SOUL.
“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.” Therefore, STAY ON HIS PATH and OBEY HIM for HIS NAME IS HOLY!
“Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.” Therefore, PUT AWAY FEAR, KNOWING GOD IS HERE BESIDE YOU; YOU ARE NOT ALONE, BUT ALWAYS COMFORTED IN EVEN THE SHADOWS OF DARKNESS AND TROUBLE.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Therefore, KNOW YOU WILL BE FED AND PROVIDED FOR, EVEN WHEN DANGER OR HARD TIMES SURROUND YOU; THE TABLE IS FULL, THERE IS NO LACK.
“You anoint my head with oil.” Therefore, AS HIS ANOINTED ONE, RECEIVE HIS BLESSING AND BE TOUCHED BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
“My cup runs over.” Therefore, EVERYTHING HE SUPPLIES IS IN ABUNDANCE FOR YOUR NEEDS.
“Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Therefore, YOU NEED NOT WORRY OR FEAR ANYTHING, BUT SIMPLY AND HUMBLY ACCEPT WITH THANKSGIVING ALL THE LORD HAS DONE AND WILL DO FOR YOU IN YOUR LIFE.
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Therefore, BY FAITH IN HIS SHED BLOOD ON THE CROSS, YOUR SALVATION IS ASSURED FOR ALL ETERNITY.
PRAISE GOD!
Please pray for The Shepherd’s Ministries. Help us keep Pastor Rick’s vision of this Ministry alive and going by donating whatever you are able to the Ministry, in Pastor Rick’s memory. Perhaps you may be led to give monthly to the ongoing work that was our Brother’s heart’s desire: to spread the Gospel and love of Jesus, to feed and encourage our country’s Veterans, to assist our Seniors, and to provide regular worship, praise, and prayer opportunities wherever we meet…one day, Lord willing, in a building of our own.
Donations in Pastor Rick Johnson’s memory may be mailed to The Shepherd’s Ministries | PO Box 430 | New Hartford, NY 13413. Alternately, donations may be made through the ministry’s website using PayPal. The website address is www.theshepherdsministriesny.org
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. God bless and keep you in His care. | Carol Ossenfort
