FEED, NOT STARVE - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 28-30
FEED, NOT STARVE Tuesday, August 10, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;” (1 Peter 5:2) READ: 1 Peter 5:2-4 One of the duties of a shepherd is to make his sheep to lie down (Psalm 23:2). For violating the law of rest, many people fall sick and die before their time. God has appointed your body to house your spirit and soul to enable you complete His divine appointment on earth. If you abuse your body by not resting enough after hardwork, it may not survive the number of years it was designed for. Are you taking rest as and when due? Another duty of a shepherd is to feed the flock. 1 Peter 5:2 says, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind”. Every sheep needs food - good food. When addressing the rich or comfortable people, part of the diet you must serve them is that they must not fall into the error of trusting in their wealth because they can suddenly grow wings and fly away (1 Tim. 6:17). On the other hand, you must comfort the poor and hungry. Some of them are so distressed that you would have to comfort them before they can sleep. You have to tell them that no matter how trying the times they are facing, their tomorrow will be alright because it is under God’s control. In Psalm 23:2, David talks of ‘green pastures’. This refers to God’s Word. The greenness of the pasture suggests freshness. The implication of this for the shepherd is not to continue repeating the same sermon. Sheep love to eat from fresh grass and not yesterday’s stale provision. If you feel you have exhausted your messages, take time to listen to the tapes of others, read other people’s books, attend conferences and leaders meetings to borrow a leaf from them in wisdom. Nobody is a custodian of knowledge. If you do not hear others, you will soon go dry and become boring to your sheep. Some people write books, wax a record or sell their messages but are surprised that they do not get enough patronage. It is a sowing and reaping affair. If you want others to patronize you, start by patronizing others. Do you invest time and money in building yourself up to be able to meet the hunger needs of your flock? Feed them. Are there signs of spiritual starvation in your family, fellowship or church? ACTION POINT: Ability to identify the dietary needs of your family or church and satisfy them makes you like the Good Shepherd - Jesus Christ.