Baptist Memorial Health Care’s Post

Daily Devotional 30th December 2023 *THE VALUE OF “MY” IN PSALM 23* “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 Psalm 23 is arguably the most familiar text in the entire Bible. In fact, it’s so familiar that even those who would not call themselves Christians can usually quote along, at least in the first few verses. The whole world, it seems, finds comfort in these words. It’s been quoted and read during times of difficulty by individuals, families, churches, and even entire nations. But with popularity comes the danger of misunderstanding. Specifically, the misunderstanding that Psalm 23 is good news for everyone. It’s not. Now, before I go any further, please don’t misinterpret what I’m saying. God is a caring Creator. The rain falls, crops grow, and the earth spins on its axis. Seasons change, babies are born, food tastes good, and everyone – whether Christian or not – can have a measure of happiness in their lives. These acts of benevolence are what theologians refer to as common grace – that is, the grace of God that is applicable to everyone regardless of where and in whom they have put their faith. We see it in Matthew 5:45 But Psalm 23 is not a common grace psalm In fact, the good news of Psalm 23 really hangs on One. Single. Word. MY. Read the first five words in verse 1 of today’s scripture. David, a shepherd in his own right, did not say that God is “a” shepherd; nor did He say that God is “the” shepherd. He said the Lord is MY shepherd. Some people may want God to be their shepherd; they might even think the Lord IS their shepherd, but it doesn’t happen by just wishing or thinking it’s true. Others might hang around people who are certain that God is their shepherd, but it doesn’t happen by osmosis, either. The privilege of “MY” only comes when we enter into God’s family through obedience to His Gospel through Jesus Christ. I’m thankful that I can say that the Lord is indeed MY shepherd. Can you make the same claim? Why don't you alter that state and increase Your ability to own Your Shepherd through entering into the covenant with the Lord today. PRAYER Our Heavenly father what an amazing feeling to know that You are My Father, Our Father. That we can know that we are Your children. Father, today we pray for those who are struggling. Those who are lost and feeling lonely in a crowd. We pray that the distance they feel will catapult them to You. To know the love that comes from you. Amen. Dereck Beukes - Bellville church of Christ Mobile: 0829093848 https://lnkd.in/gBPs8FnS YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/gk8SmC65 Acapella - The Lords my Shepherd https://lnkd.in/dHEHi4Tn

New Memo Up: As we enter the last leg of our Holiday Season partners campaign, I decided to bring back this favorite post. In it, we'll explore the incomprehensible gift of Jesus. And the experiment in giving God is conducting right now... Please give it a read by clicking the link below! Read more: http://fast.st/338 #FASTMissions #MondayMemo #TheUnspeakableGift

Have an Eternal perspective in this life.

DAY 316 In this life, nothing lasts forever “Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who possesses God lacks nothing. God alone suffices” (Saint Teresa of Avila, 1515–1582). For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8)

I updated my blog: "I pray that you will feel at peace right now. I pray for a good night's sleep with sweet dreams. I pray that God will cover you with his goodness and love. May you feel content and happy and stable in all of your ways. Let's embrace the peace and beauty of the Lord today!" To read the entire blog post: https://lnkd.in/dBsdu5Y3

Chosen For A Purpose! "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." - John 15:16 This verse is a powerful reminder that we are chosen by Jesus for a purpose. He has appointed us to go out into the world and bear fruit that will have a lasting impact. As we walk in this calling, we can have confidence that whatever we ask in Jesus' name, the Father will provide. Let's embrace this incredible truth and step into the opportunities and challenges that come our way. Let's bear fruit that brings glory to God and blesses those around us. #ChosenByJesus #AppointmentWithPurpose #BearingFruit #ConfidenceInPrayer #John15v16 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's encourage one another to walk boldly in our calling and make a lasting impact in the world.

*******2024 CHECK LIST****** ✅Blessing ✅Health ✅Wealth ✅Influence ✅Expansion ✅Opportunity ✅Promotion Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Today's Daily Devotions: Seek First His Kingdom And His Righteousness, And All These Things Will Be Given To You Matthew 6 Do Not Worry 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Read complete article, click link below: https://t.co/uFJbZnm3yC Visit: www.elorasblog.com

Are you carrying a heavy burden this Christmas? Did you know that Mary, the mother of Jesus, also faced carrying a heavy burden on the first Christmas? How did she move forward as the mother of the Son of God with such responsibility and questions about the future? The same way that you and I can walk through this season, and every other season of life: by rolling our burdens on to Jesus - the One who cares for us! Read more at https://lnkd.in/ghSjpCBf