Philippians 4:11Not that I speak in respect of want for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.Thought:David’s words from Psalm 23:1, “I shall not want” do not mean that he never felt desire or faced hardship. David knew seasons of fear, loss, betrayal, and even the consequences of his own sin. Yet he could say he was not in want because his contentment did not depend on...

Psalm 23:1The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want.Thought:David does not merely say the LORD is a shepherd. He does not only call Him the shepherd. He says the LORD is my shepherd. This is the language of a personal relationship, not just religious knowledge. Many people know facts about God, can quote verses, and can explain doctrines, but they do not truly know Him as their own Shepherd. A shep...

Psalm 23:1The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want.Thoughts:Before David calls God his Shepherd, he calls Him LORD. This name speaks of the eternal, self existent God who revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM THAT I AM.” God is not dependent on anyone or anything. His faithfulness, power, and wisdom do not change with circumstances. This means that our confidence in God does not rest on what we see a...

Luke 12:15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.Thought:Our culture constantly tells us that the next purchase, the next promotion, or the next accomplishment will finally make us happy. Yet Jesus clearly teaches that life is not measured by how much we own or how much we achieve. When we buil...

John 17:20-21Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word that they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.Thought:Jesus looked beyond the first disciples and prayed for all who would believe through their word. That includes every believer today. His pr...