Devotionals for the Heart: The bond between our Shepherd (Jesus) and us

The Lord is My Shepherd
A devotional by Anne Madison

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

—Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)

As a shepherd, King David—the author of Psalm 23—understood the bond between a shepherd and his sheep.

He knew firsthand the devotion and sacrifice required to care for the flock. David understood his role as a guide, protector, provider, comforter, and healer. He also recognized the sheep’s tendency to wander, their fears and weaknesses, and their complete dependence on their shepherd. In light of this, it is natural to wonder how this shepherd-king came to see his relationship with the sheep as a reflection of his relationship with the Lord. A look at Psalm 22 may provide insight.

In stark contrast to the opening statement of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” in Psalm 22, David penned this in Psalm 22:1-2 (NIV), “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” David goes on to say in Psalm 22:13-15 (NIV), “Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.”

Yet David held on to shreds of a Biblical truth in his despair. He said in Psalm 22:3-5 (NIV), “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”

David seemed to come to a refined understanding, a peace in his relationship with the Lord, between the writing of Psalm 22 and in Psalm 23:1 (NIV) where he says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Maybe, as he cared for the sheep, God spoke to his shepherd’s heart and connected the dots. Maybe as in Jeremiah’s visit to the potter's house, David had an epiphany and heard God speak (Jeremiah 18:1-6). Whatever the case, in Psalm 23, David gets it and records it in a way that makes sense and brings comfort to all the people of God. The Lord is a good shepherd.

In his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller (who is a modern day shepherd) wrote, “So when the simple—though sublime—statement is made by a man or a woman that “the Lord is my shepherd,” it immediately implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a human being and his Maker. It links a lump of common clay to divine destiny—it means a mere mortal becomes the cherished object of divine diligence. This thought alone should stir my spirit, quicken my own sense of awareness, and lend enormous dignity to myself as an individual. To think that God in Christ is deeply concerned about me as a particular person immediately gives great purpose and lend enormous meaning to my short sojourn upon this planet. And the greater, the wider, the more majestic my concept is of the Christ—the more vital will be my relationship to Him. Obviously, David, in this Psalm, is speaking not as the shepherd, though he was one, but as a sheep, one of the flock. He spoke with a strong sense of pride and devotion and admiration. It was as though he literally boasted aloud, “Look at who my shepherd is—my owner—my manager!” The Lord is!”

We, like sheep, need guidance. We are vulnerable when we roam without direction. “All of us like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6 NKJV). We are fully, wholly, and completely dependent on the loving kindness and care of our Good Shepherd.

The Lord is my Shepherd. I am a sheep of his flock. He provides so that I shall not want. He protects. His rod and staff calm all fear, for I am safe in his refuge. He supplies water for my thirsty soul, leading me beside still waters. He knows me, calls me by name, and declares, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14 NIV). His promise to be with me in the dark valley comforts my weary heart. He restores my soul. His goodness and mercy follow and watch over me all the days of my life. His promise is secure: I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Let’s Pray:

Gentle Shepherd,

Your loving kindness is better than life. Daily, You provide all that I need: food, water, rest, safety. You watch over and protect me from the fowler’s snare and enemies who seek to do me harm. Good Shepherd, lead me in all wisdom and truth. Guide me on this path of life, both here and in eternity. How great it is that You know me and call me by name. Tune my heart to hear and follow your voice, silencing the noise of all others. Stay ever present in my life. Restore my soul when life’s sorrows break my tender heart. Renew a right spirit within me as I walk beside the still waters with You. In, with, and present with You is where I always want to be. Shepherd of my heart, shepherd me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Psalm 23” by Phil Wickham ft. Tiffany Hudson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)” by People & Songs ft. Josh Sherman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Shepherd of Love” by The N Crew. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “All We Like Sheep” by Don Moen. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd for humankind

Jesus Christ: The Good Shepherd
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”—Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

Out of all the chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known. It inspires us to remember God’s love and guidance in times of difficulty.

I recently went through a season of uncertainty. My husband and I had to make the difficult decision to move to another state. In this economy, moving can be very expensive, so it was a big step of faith.

As I was seeking God’s guidance, I kept going back to Psalm 23, specifically verse four where it describes God’s rod and staff. When I took a deeper look into the meaning of this verse, I discovered that the rod and staff were tools used for two very specific purposes by shepherds in biblical times. The rod was a short, heavy, thick stick used to ward off predators. This tool conveys power, strength and protection. In Israelite culture it was a symbol of authority—also used to correct and guide the flock.

The staff, on the other hand also represents God’s guidance, but this tool was used more to direct the sheep. It was a long, slender stick often with a hook at the tip. Sheep tend to wander. Therefore, the shepherd would use the hook of the staff to pull them out of danger and close to himself. This act kept the sheep on the right path.

Not only do sheep tend to wander, they are also completely dependent on the shepherd. They are not strong, nor are they survivors. Without the shepherd’s care they would be in grave danger because they are not hunters that can find food; they are small and defenseless, making them easy prey.

Surely as God instructed the men and women of the Bible, He lovingly directs His children every day. All of life’s “inconveniences” or “obstacles” could very well be us bumping up against the Good Shepherd’s staff. So, before you get frustrated, ask God what He is saying.

Here are five ways God guides and comforts us:

1. God’s Word (The Holy Bible). Psalm 119:105-106 (NLT) says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.” A willing sheep would respond to the shepherd’s prodding but a stubborn, strong-willed sheep would not. Every day, we must ask ourselves: Am I surrendering to God’s leading, or do I willfully follow my own desires?

2. The Holy Spirit. Every believer is given the Holy Spirit to guide them through life. John 16:13 (NLT) says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

3. Godly Counsel. Proverbs 15:22 (NLT) says, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”

4. Circumstances. Romans 8:28 (NLT) says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” So often we want to know God’s purpose for us, and it can only be found when we are willing to surrender our will to align with His will.

5. Common Sense. When we choose to yield to the guidance of God, He will enable us to think clearly and sensibly. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

The Bible describes all humanity as “like sheep.” Isaiah 53:6 (NLT) says: “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.”

Jesus Christ (The Good Shepherd) not only guides us and keeps us out of danger; He made a way for us when there was no way to give us eternal life (John 3:16). He took upon Himself the sins of the world so that we could all be saved. When we seek God, we will find that even in the shadow of death, we can find comfort in Him.

In closing, our move from New York to Texas was not an easy decision. We had lived and worked in NYC for over twenty years—that is where our careers were made. I knew it was time to make the move when I saw certain doors closing. Circumstances are almost always the best way God leads us. Now we are living near my family in Texas. It is wonderful to finally get to see my niece cheerlead and my nephew play piano.

God always knows what we need, and His timing is always perfect.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our Good Shepherd. Thank You for loving us enough to send your perfect Son (Jesus Christ) to die for us so that we can not only have eternal life, but a close relationship with You. Help us not to be frustrated or angered by all of life’s trials. Teach us how to see your signature on each challenge we face. Help us to walk closer to You so we may align our will with Your divine plan and purpose for our life.

In the Precious Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy)” by Shane and Shane. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer. 

Her passion is to help women understand their true worth and walk in their God-given purpose. After many years working as a Christian in the entertainment industry, she is thankful to be able to share all her learning experiences in her blog posts and on Instagram.

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

· Finding your purpose and using your talent for God’s glory

· How God always looks at the heart and the meaning of inner beauty

· Understanding that we are all a work in progress and God is not done with us yet

Cherie’s TV credits include The Equalizer, Bull, and Blue Bloods (CBS). She also appeared in the PureFlix film Revelation Road 3: The Black Rider.

Cherie and her husband Jimmy live in Texas. They are thankful to have been married for 30 years. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, photography, and movie night.

~*~
Connect with Cherie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheriemendez/

Devotionals for the Heart: God as the Good Shepherd who holds you close

Gathered by God
A devotional by Kerry Teravskis

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

—Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)

Newborn lambs are precious.

We’ve had a few on our farm over the years and they have a way of stealing your heart from the start. Lambs grow quickly and are adult size in no time. However, each lamb still needs attention from its mother and shepherd for many months filled with food, care, direction, shelter and love.

Lambs usually stay close to their mothers, but the proverbial green grass does beckon at times. Curiosity also sets in, especially for these playful youngsters. Isaiah 40:11 says God will gather the scattered lambs—some that are close to the Shepherd (Jesus Christ) and others that are in a nearby pasture. But the point is they will be gathered by Him.

God does not delegate the gathering; He does it Himself. Our loving Heavenly Father is walking through the pasture, looking for His lambs and collecting these sheep unto His presence.

Sheep hear the Shepherd’s voice and they follow (John 10:3-5). Our sheep—Palestina, Salome, and Shalom—usually come to us when we call. Notice I didn’t say, come running. You have probably heard sheep are stubborn, but they can also be naughty. They love to tarry, do their own thing and wander. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gathers His lambs in His arms. He scoops up the wooly animals and places them close to His bosom.

According to Strong’s Concordance, ‘bosom’ is an old word and in Hebrew it means “hollow, to enclose, midst”. Picture the hollow of Christ’s chest—an unique spot reserved for His precious ones. The Shepherd places His gathered lambs close into His chest for they are held close to His heart. A shelter. A tender, intimate place.

What’s so unique about it?

Let’s read what Deuteronomy 33:12 KJV says: “The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.”

Dwelling between the shoulders of the Lord is a safe haven for a child of God. He or she feels His heartbeat. They feel His warm skin touching theirs. God’s voice softly sings over His child. They feel His hair brush against their cheek. The scent of Heaven tickles their nose. They feel secure in His strong yet warm and tender embrace. A child of God does not want to leave this place because it is safe, secure, and filled with love.

Beloved, can you picture yourself in Christ’s arms, receiving His love for you? Do you hear His voice whispering a love song to you? Does this promise envelop you with hope as you are reminded of His love for you? Do you know that He wants to gather you to Himself?

Will you allow yourself to remember that you are God’s beloved, His little lamb, His chosen one? 

Will you thank God for this promised gathering?

Let’s Pray: Oh, loving Shepherd and Heavenly Father. You are incredible. You gather Your sheep close to Your heart. You enclose them in Your love. You whisper, “It is well.” I thank You for enclosing me in Your bosom, protecting me and keeping me close. Please continue to draw near to me and keep me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Kerry’s devotional message today reminds me of the song “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to 3 adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, my life is very full.

My husband and I met in college and served in the mission field for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise our family.

We were a homeschooling family for 20 years and enjoyed it immensely. For the last 22 years we have lived on a small farm in Northern California where we have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving our own food as well. Our farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings, and we have an open door for dear friends, old and new.

Following and serving Jesus is an integral part of my life as well as that of my family. Whether it’s singing in our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, I love to demonstrate my love for Jesus by giving to Him in service.

I’ve been a blogger for seven years, a Bible study writer for a year and have spent this last year writing devotionals about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.

~*~
Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog/
https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/

Devotionals for the Heart: Sheep and The Good Shepherd's Voice

The Shepherd’s Voice
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” ~John 10:2-4 (NIV)

I was 21 and an student-teacher in London, England, when I found myself aimlessly wandering the streets at night, desperate to get away. The day had gone awry and I felt like an utter failure. I encountered a darkened path with a lone bench to conceal me from the world.

An occasional car rumbled passed on the street beyond my secret place. I tried to pray but my mind was cluttered with anger and confusion. Why He had brought me so far just to fail?

I suddenly felt something moist brush over my hands and my fingertips press into a soft, silk furry body. It was a dog...but not just any dog. I recognized the silky, red Irish Setter breed immediately.

A stern voice called out, "Lady!" A slender man with white hair and mustache came bounding toward us and grabbed the setter by the collar. Lady sat instantly and stared up at him. "I’m dreadfully sorry, Miss. I didn't know anyone would be in here this time of night."

Lady inched toward me. "No, Lady.” He patted his leg. "Stay." The dog sat again.

"That's alright," I said with genuine smile. "I love dogs." You have no idea, sir, that I grew up with this exact breed of dog. And the first one my parents owned was named Lady.

"Ah, you're American!" He observed.

I winced. It was that fact, among others, that had not helped me win the day.

Lady nudged him. "Ah, go on, girl. Do your business." She trotted toward the bushes.

Do her business? Had he bring his dog into this garden to poop and pee?!

"You must be wondering why I would bring my dog here to do her business."

I froze. Was he reading my mind?

"You see, I figure she's got to have a place to go, and in return she leaves behind something useful to help the plants and trees to grow." He praised Lady when she returned to his side.

"She's a good dog," I said, "She really listens to you."

"She's young that. But she listens to my voice to know what she should do. She knows who her master is.” He patted her head as she wagged her tail wildly and panting with glee.

He tipped his hat at me. "I wish you the best in our fair city, Miss." He looked to Lady. "Come on, girl." He tapped his side again. "Time to go."

The man and his bonny dog meandered out the garden gate. He whistled lowly as they went, eventually out of my sight. Moments later I was met with a stilled world again.

She listens to my voice to know what she should do...She knows who her master is.

The words resonated within my heart. I was exactly like Lady. Young, inexperienced and in need of my Master’s direction. I needed the Good Shepherd to guide me, but I had forgotten the importance of listening to His voice so He could guide my path.

So often in the midst of trouble, especially when we are young or new to Christ, we can become that forgetful sheep that wanders aimlessly from safety, then cries out for help when we feel lost. Thankfully, the Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ) is there with us, ready to rescue us from ourselves. 

Once we are listening, He calls us by name to bring us out then goes on ahead of us so that we can continue to follow after Him on the perfect path, as we learn to wait and trust in His voice alone.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia. She teaches television production at C.D. Hylton Senior High School. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), ACFW Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England.

In her spare time, she also writes and directs Christmas and Easter passion plays at Christ Chapel Assembly of God in Woodbridge, VA.

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mirachelle77/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: Sheep

Speaking of Sheep…
A devotional by Patrick E. Craig

Is there anything more wonderful than watching kids grow, being there when they succeed or fail, or just want to share an accomplishment? I have a granddaughter, Rebecca who danced in The Nutcracker many years ago – she played one of the little sheep and she was the one who got to whack the wolf on the nose.

Don’t we want to make sure that our kids and grandkids always get to whack their wolves on the nose? How many prayers and tears and supplications are sent heavenward on their behalf? We send them out into the world and yet we want to protect them from it. We do everything we can to teach them about the dangers and pitfalls, and still, they stick their fingers in the fan. We want to keep them safe and secure and help them to grow up and live a “normal” life, and yet we don’t understand what a “normal” life really is, do we?

Our Heavenly Father knows what a normal life is, and He understands that it is not the life to which we so desperately cling, fighting tooth and nail to have everything we want, being dragged kicking and screaming into old age and ultimately death. Our God knows that we live in what C. S. Lewis called the Shadowlands, and that the real life, the real story of humanity will begin, when He has wiped away every tear, burned up this old heaven and this old earth, and established a dwelling place for us where sin, death, and the grave will not be found.

He is so determined to see that we are able to share that life with Him that He sent a Lamb, His only Son, to hang upon a tree, and become a curse for all of us, that we might escape the curse of living for self, and enter a realm where all glory and honor is given to Him, and in return He will share all the wonder, and knowledge, and wisdom that He is, with us, His precious lambs.

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." ~John 1:29 (KJV)

~*~
Author Bio:

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. 

In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles. The first book in the series, The Amish Heiress, a romantic suspense novel, was published by Patrick's company, P&J Publishing, in August of 2015 and remained on the Amazon Top 100 best sellers list in three categories for seven months.

The second book in the series, The Amish Princess, a historical romance novel, was released in December of 2016 and was on Amazon's Hot New Releases for over a month. Harlequin recently purchased the print rights for both books for their Walmart Amish series. Patrick also just released Cracking The Indie Egg—A Recipe For Publishing Your Own Book and it is available in most major digital bookstores.

Patrick and his wife Judy, make their home in Idaho. They have two married children and five grandchildren. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency.

~*~
Connect with Patrick:
Website - www.patrickecraig.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraig
Twitter - https://twitter.com/PatrickECraig
Amazon Author page - http://tinyurl.com/n6sfagg

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Sheep

No Wonder He Calls Us Sheep
A devotional by Patrick E. Craig

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” –Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV)

My wife, Judy, and I used to raise sheep. We gave them shots, we sheared them, we cleaned up their feet when they got foot rot, clipped their hooves, cleaned their boils and abscesses… it was a never-ending story. If we didn’t feed them by 6 a.m. they stood at the back fence and bellowed until I came out.

When the ewes lambed, we had to put them in the barn with the baby for three days so they would bond. We had to give the mama a bucket of molasses water to help her get her strength back. We had to make sure that the mama had enough milk and if they didn’t we had to bottle feed the lamb for a month. That meant getting up at 12 a.m. and feeding them every four hours for thirty days.

We did all these things for their good yet still they fought us every step of the way. When I gave them their shots, I had to “cast them down” which means that I wrestled them down on their back with their feet up in the air. When they are in that position, sheep are completely helpless.

Bet you didn’t know that when you read “Why art thou cast down, O my soul” in Psalm 42:5 (KJV). You see, it’s no mystery why God calls us “The sheep of His hand.” Everything God does for us, He does for our absolute good, and yet most of the time we fight Him every step of the way. That’s why sometimes He must apply “the rod and the staff,” or even “cast us down” by adverse circumstances so that we are absolutely helpless. It is then that the Holy Spirit inspires us to cry “Abba, Father, help us.” It is then that we come back into the relationship that God desires – one of complete dependence on Him.

We really should listen to Him and follow His leading. After all, He made the universe. He’s a genius!

~*~
Author Bio:

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. 

In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles. The first book in the series, The Amish Heiress, a romantic suspense novel, was published by Patrick's company, P&J Publishing, in August of 2015 and remained on the Amazon Top 100 best sellers list in three categories for seven months.

The second book in the series, The Amish Princess, a historical romance novel, was released in December of 2016 and was on Amazon's Hot New Releases for over a month. Harlequin recently purchased the print rights for both books for their Walmart Amish series. Patrick also just released Cracking The Indie Egg—A Recipe For Publishing Your Own Book and it is available in most major digital bookstores.

Patrick and his wife Judy, make their home in Idaho. They have two married children and five grandchildren. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency. 

SaveSave

Devotional by Laura Thomas: The Easter Sheep

The Easter Sheep
A devotional by Laura Thomas

Picture a garden. A cave. A large stone. And a woman crying—weeping uncontrollably, actually—for she had lost someone very special. Someone she would never forget.

Mary Magdalene had encountered Jesus many moons prior, back when he delivered her from demons—that’s something you don’t forget in a hurry—and she promptly became one of His devoted followers. She had been there at the cross where He was murdered, and now her heart was breaking at the empty tomb. Jesus’ body had been taken, and it was the last straw for her fragile nerves.

She was so caught up in her grief, her eyes so blurred by tears, her heart so crushed, that she failed to recognize Jesus outside the tomb.

“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

~ John 20:14-15 (NIV)

She thought he was the gardener.

Her Savior was gone and she was devastated…until Jesus made Himself known to her.

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’”

~John 20:16a (NIV)

He called her by name.

In John chapter 10, Jesus talks of Himself as being the Good Shepherd, One who would lay down His life for His sheep. The sheep would be us, you guys. Granted, not the smartest of creatures; they tend to wander off and get lost, and are in need of constant guidance. But they are also highly treasured by their shepherd. Loved. Protected. Cared for. Verse 3 (in John chapter 10) says, “He calls his own sheep by name”… just as Jesus called Mary by name. And He calls me by name. And He calls you by name.

At His resurrection, Jesus could have appeared to whomever He wanted—crowds, leaders, cities…but He chose to appear to one of His sheep first. It was personal and so typically Jesus in its simple beauty.

And Mary’s joy was complete! Can you imagine? As soon as Jesus spoke her name, she was safe again. Her Good Shepherd hadn’t deserted her in any way—He was fully there, calling her name, and she no longer grieved. She may not have fully comprehended the theological ramifications of the resurrection, but Her Lord was alive and that was enough! Is that enough for us?

This regular woman with a tainted past was given the honor of being the very first person to herald the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the world! That’s quite something, isn’t it? We have also been given the same message to proclaim to the world—that’s quite something, too!

It’s timeless and true. A message of redemption and restoration.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ~Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

As we ponder the path leading up to Easter, remember how personal the message of salvation is. Jesus died for us as individuals. He conquered death so that each of us might have eternal life. He did it for you. He did it for me. And He calls us by name, just as He called to Mary.

He really loves His sheep. I pray that we won’t be too busy or distracted wandering in other pastures to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice this Easter.

~*~

Author bio:

Laura is a published Christian author with a heart for inspiring and encouraging readers of all ages. 

She is truly multi-genre—with a published Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, children’s stories, devotionals for Union Gospel Press, musings on her blog, and she now has a literary agent representing her Christian romantic suspense novel. 

Laura is English and Canadian, married to her high school sweetheart, mom of three, passionate about faith and family…and chocolate!

~*~
Connect with Laura:
Website - www.laurathomasauthor.com
Facebook - http://bit.ly/2o1eRyt

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Laura_Thomas_
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracthomas/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lauracthomas/