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Dear friends, As we have been investigating Psalm 23:3, we have been challenged to reflect godly attitudes we have found in Philip Keller’s book “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm.” Each of these attitudes requires the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in us.  They do not come naturally, but supernaturally! 6) “Instead of exercising and asserting my will, I learn to cooperate with His wishes and comply with His will.” Every one of these attitudes requires a decision of my will. I am often tempted to only focus on what I want regardless of its impact on others. …

Dear Fellow Followers of Our Good Shepherd, We have reached the fifth attitude Philip Keller wisely gives us as we allow the Lord to “guide us into paths of righteousness.” Psalm 23:3. 5) “Instead of finding fault with life and always asking ‘Why?’, I am willing to accept every circumstance of life with an attitude of gratitude.” This attitude reflects our trust in the Shepherd who providentially watches over our lives. Can I really trust Him to meet my needs? Do I honestly give thanks in all circumstances? This attitude is in direct conflict with the common attitude of entitlement….

Dear friends and family, We have reached the fourth attitude in Philip Keller’s book, “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm.” These attitudes help us to experience the promise we find in Psalm 23:3, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” 4.) “Instead of being ‘boss’, I am willing to be at the bottom of the heap.” When we desire first and foremost to please our Lord, we are free to serve others in any possible way. We find great pleasure in self-sacrifice and discover that doing things right to benefit others is wonderful! Conversely, when…

Dear Ones, Psalm 23:3 “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Philip Keller observes a third important attitude to cultivate as we follow our Shepherd into righteous ruts! 3. Instead of insisting on my rights, I am willing to forego them in favor of others.” Here is a practical attitude from the direct teachings of our Lord Jesus to deny yourself in Mark 8:34. “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” Are we…

Fellow Faith Walkers, We continue our observations from Psalm 23:3 today.  Again, I will rely on the insights from Philip Keller’s book, “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm.” Philip Keller lists several fresh attitudes we need to maintain as we follow our Good Shepherd. He writes, “These are the equivalent of progressive forward movements onto new ground with God. If one follows them, they will discover fresh pasturage; new, abundant life; and increased health, wholesomeness and holiness in their walk with God.” 2.“Instead of being one of the crowd, I am willing to be singled out, set apart from…

Dear Friends, This month of May, 2025, we are memorizing Psalm 23 together. I am sure you will find many encouragements in this Psalm written by David. I would like to focus some thoughts on Psalm 23:3. “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” The paths mentioned in this verse are really ruts! So, David is calling us, as the Lord’s sheep, to develop healthy rhythms in our lives. We all should seek to live in righteous ruts. In his book, “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm,” Philip Keller lists several fresh attitudes we need…

Dear Friends, David concludes his song in Psalm 16 with these words: Psalm 16:11 NIVYou make known to me the path of life;you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand. These words sound like the very words of our Savior Jesus Christ. First, He experienced life, death, and the pathway into immortality. Jesus truly died and, on the third day, His tomb was empty. His resurrected body left the tomb and He appeared to many! Jesus was then filled with joy in God’s presence. After his ascension, his perfect prayer in John 17…

Dear Friends, In the final strophe in the prayer in Psalm 16 David expresses his confidence in life beyond the grave! These verses are quoted by Peter in Acts 2:25-28 and applied the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the reason the psalm is called a Messianic psalm.  Psalm 16:9-10 NIV9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. “Therefore” is the link between what is stated before with what is…

Dear Ones, In Psalm 16:5-6, we discovered that David celebrates his life. As he continues this prayer, he rejoices in the guidance he has received from the Lord. Psalm 16:7 NIVI will praise the LORD, who counsels me;even at night my heart instructs me. David bows his knees in worship of the LORD who gives his wise advice!  Where do we find wisdom?  We find it in God’s word!  He is generous in giving wisdom and guidance! Jesus is called the Wonderful Counselor in Isaiah 9:6. David goes on to explain that this counsel can come at any time, even…

Contentment is a struggle, right? We look for it in all the wrong places. Money, status, relationships, our favorite coping mechanisms. In Psalm 16, David reveals where he found contentment in life. Psalm 16:5-6 NIVLORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;you make my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;surely I have a delightful inheritance. First, he declares his focus in life is on the Lord alone. This is written as a superlative!  The Lord is my filet mignon, the very best of the best. God himself is the focus, not just the gifts…