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Welcome to Day 2752 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2752 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 100:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2752 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred fifty-two of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Rhythm of Gratitude – Entering the Gates with Praise. Today, we arrive at a beloved landmark on our journey through the Psalter. We are exploring Psalm One Hundred, covering the entire hymn, verses one through five, in the New Living Translation. This short, vibrant psalm serves as the grand finale to the collection of Royal Psalms we have been trekking through (Psalms Ninety-three through Ninety-nine). In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-nine, we were on our knees. We saw the Holy King enthroned between the Cherubim, and the command was to "tremble" and to "bow low." It was a psalm of heavy, transcendent holiness. Psalm One Hundred resolves that trembling into uncontainable joy. It tells us that the Holy King is also the Good Shepherd. It is the invitation to stand up, dust off our knees, and march through the temple gates with a song of thanksgiving. It is the only psalm in the Bible with the specific superscription "A Psalm of Thanksgiving" (Mizmor l'todah). It was likely sung as the procession entered the temple courts to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice. It teaches us that while God is the High King of the Divine Council, He is also our God, and His courts are open to us. So, let us join the procession and enter His gates with thanksgiving. The First Segment is: The Universal Call to Worship. Psalm One Hundred: verses one through two. Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. The psalm opens with a burst of energy, issuing three imperative commands to the entire world: "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!" The command to "shout" (rûa‘) connects us back to the earlier Royal Psalms. This is the shout of homage to a King; it is the fanfare of coronation. But notice the audience: "all the earth." This is a missionary call. Just as we saw in Psalm Ninety-six, the invitation to worship Yahweh is not restricted to the ethnic borders of Israel. It is a summons to the nations—who were formerly under the dominion of the rebel gods of the Divine Council—to switch their allegiance. We are calling the whole earth to defect from the darkness and shout allegiance to the True King. The second command defines the attitude of our service: "Worship the Lord with gladness." The word "Worship" (‘ābad) literally means to serve. It implies slavery or bond-service. In the ancient world, serving a god or a king was often a terrified, burdensome duty. You served to avoid being crushed. But Yahweh demands a different kind of service. We are to serve Him...
Friends of the Rosary,Today, God loves humanity — every one of us — in His terms, in an irrational, exuberant way that defies our limited logic. This is how the divine mercy runs the universe to our joy.We read today (Matthew 18:12–14) how Jesus tests his disciples:“What is your opinion?If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hillsand go in search of the stray?And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over itthan over the ninety-nine that did not stray.In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Fatherthat one of these little ones be lost.”No shepherd on earth would behave that way. They would cut their losses, considering that the lost sheep is probably dead.The Good Shepherd is different. He goes to seek out the lost sheep. And that's good news. The Father and the Son love us unconditionally… in our imperfection.Today, the Church in the United States celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548), an Indian convert, to whom the Virgin Mary appeared as he was going to Mass in Tlatlelolco, Mexico.Our Lady asked him that she desired a shrine to be built on the spot to manifest her love for all mankind. That would be the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• December 9, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Read Online“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.” Matthew 18:12–13Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson using a familiar image: the shepherd who discovers one of his sheep is missing, goes on a diligent search, finds the lost sheep, and rejoices. The hard work of searching through the hills and valleys is rewarded as soon as the shepherd spots that one lost sheep in the distance. He quickly runs to it, picks it up, and carries it back to the flock. While that one sheep is not more valuable than any of the other ninety-nine, there is great joy in finding the one that was lost.We are all that one lost sheep at various times in our lives. Sometimes we stray just around the corner, while other times we wander far from God. This image of the Good Shepherd diligently seeking out the lost sheep teaches us two essential lessons. First, when we wander away from God and fall into sin, it's easy to forget how much the Good Shepherd loves us. We might think that God is disappointed or angry with us, but these are lies from the evil one that deter us from turning back to God. Since we will always struggle with sin in this life, we must have a clear image in our minds of the Good Shepherd's love. We must be keenly aware of the passion, intensity, and determination with which He seeks us out. He does not sit in judgment or condemnation. Like a loving parent, His deepest desire is to find us and for us to allow Him to pick us up and carry us back to His fold.While this image is crucial for us to consider regarding our personal sins and God's love for us, it must also serve as a model for how we relate to others when they sin. As we grow closer to God and become more aware of His will and moral law, we might be tempted to judge others, especially within our own families. Though we must never downplay objective sin or become indifferent to the sins of others, we must also reject the role of judge and jury. Instead, we must become instruments of the Good Shepherd to those around us. With Christ, our only intention should be to go out to the lost, find them in their sin, love them despite their sin, and offer to carry them home. We must never reject a person because of his or her sin, even if the person remains obstinately attached to it. Reflect today on the burning compassion our Lord has for you, even when you sin. Never hesitate to turn back to Him and allow Him to carry you home, rejoicing all the way. Also, reflect on those you know who have strayed from God. Perhaps they no longer attend Mass, are living in an immoral relationship, vocally support something contrary to the Gospel, or struggle with an addiction or sinful attachment. Do not judge them—love them. Be an instrument of the Heart of Jesus for them so that, through you, they may sense the love Jesus has in His Heart for them. My most compassionate Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd Who never tires of pursuing Your straying sheep. Your deepest desire is to bring them home. When I stray, help me to remember Your burning love for me so that I will never hesitate to turn back to You. When others around me stray, please give me Your Heart, dear Lord, so that I may love them so deeply that You draw them out of their sin. Jesus, I trust in You. Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Scripture: John 1:1-5; 14-18 + The Incarnation Philippians 2:5-8 "...the supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us...lies not in the Good Friday message of atonement, nor in the Easter Sunday message of resurrection, but in the Christmas message of Incarnation. The really staggering Christian claim is that Jesus of Nazareth was God made man - that the second person of the Godhead...took humanity without loss of deity, so that Jesus of Nazareth was as truly and fully divine as he was human. Here are two mysteries for the price of one - the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus." JI Packer, Knowing God. + To Reveal the Father to us Hebrews 1:1 + To Reconcile us to the Father 1 Timothy 2:3–5 + To Rescue us from our greatest enemies Hebrews 2:14–18 + To Relate to us in our weakness and suffering Hebrews 4:14–16 "All other men were lost sheep; he had come as the Good Shepherd to seek and to save them. All other men were sick with the disease of sin; he was the doctor who had come to heal them. All other men were plunged in the darkness of sin and ignorance; he was the light of the world. All other men were sinners; he was born to be their Savior and would shed his blood in death for the forgiveness of their sins. All other men were hungry; he was the bread of life. All other men were dead in trespasses and sins; he could be their life now and their resurrection hereafter." – John Stott, Basic Christianity. 1 John 1:1–4 2 John 7 Colossians 1:19 Colossians 2:9
I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Monday morning, the 8th of December, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Gospel of John 10:4 and this is Jesus speaking. He says:”And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” I want to ask you a question this morning, I'm asking myself the same question. Do we know His voice? It is vital in these last days that you know the voice of the Good Shepherd because there are other shepherds who are not good and you can so easily be misled.I've just come back from visiting my great-grandson. I am now a great grandfather. He is a small little baby. He's one year old and he is still suckling from his mother's breast and I want to tell you, it is so wonderful for me and my wife Jill to see the communication that that little baby has with his mother. Why? Because he knows his mother's voice, and most of all because he spends all day with his mother. Jesus says that we must know His voice.The shepherds in the Middle East don't herd their sheep with sheep dogs as we do in the West. No, the sheep follow the shepherd, and how is that so because the shepherd spends all day long with his flock of sheep, because in the Middle East, they don't have fences to hold in sheep. We have fences in the west to hold in the sheep. We put them in the paddock and we leave them there and then when it's time for them to come out, we get our sheep dogs and they work very gently with the sheep, don't get me wrong. My son has got working dogs but in the Middle East they don't have fences so the shepherd is sitting under the tree with his sheep all day long like the Good Shepherd. It's because of spending time. I have seen where a number of shepherds will come down to a watering point on a hot, hot day with their respective flocks of sheep. Maybe five or six shepherds with six flocks of sheep and all the sheep are mixed up together. A nightmare for a shepherd in the west and they drink together and the shepherds sit under the tree and they talk to each other and when it's time to go they call their sheep, folks. It's a fact, and those sheep will leave the mixed up flock and they will follow their shepherd. Then the next shepherd will call his sheep and they'll move off in another direction because they know his voice.I want to encourage you to get to know the voice of God. You say, ”How?” by spending time with Him, by reading your Bible every morning, by praying and talking to Him every day, in the workplace, when you're travelling and by listening to Christian music and spending time with other Christians, you will hear the voice of God.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day. Goodbye.
I AM: The Good Shepherd Andrew Hébert
Read Online“Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness.” Matthew 9:35This one line speaks volumes about Jesus' public ministry. He didn't just preach a few sermons or heal a few who were sick. He “went around to all the towns and villages…teaching…proclaiming the Gospel…” and cured “every disease and illness.”It's important to contemplate that Jesus' public ministry lasted approximately three years. Three years of constant preaching, healing, and relating to people. During this time, Jesus encountered many thousands of individuals, and news of His works spread throughout Israel and beyond. Yet, the rest of today's Gospel reveals that Jesus' public ministry, though perfect in every way, was just the beginning. It was the foundation upon which His ongoing ministry would be established through the formation of His Church. As the Gospel continues, we gain insight into Jesus' compassionate heart. When He looked at the crowds, “his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” His three years of ministry were only the foundation, and His merciful Heart began to overflow with compassion. Though He is God, Jesus limited Himself to human interactions within time and space, making it impossible for Him to engage personally with every troubled and abandoned soul in His human form. That's why He told His disciples to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” After this, He summoned His Twelve Apostles, gave them authority to share in His ministry of preaching and healing, and sent them out to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Later, as recorded in Luke 10:1–2, Jesus expanded His mission even further by sending out seventy (or seventy-two) disciples ahead of Him as He and the Twelve began their final journey to Jerusalem where He would suffer and die. After His resurrection, Jesus further commissioned His Apostles to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). This mission quickly spread to at least 120 disciples gathered in the upper room, and as the Holy Spirit continued to guide the early Church, thousands of new converts became evangelists, spreading the Word of God. Reflect today on Jesus' Sacred Heart, overflowing with compassion for all who feel “troubled and abandoned.” It is your mission to be Christ's Heart to them—to love them, to long for their burdens to be lifted, and to lead them to Christ, the Good Shepherd. Do not shy away from this mission, for the mission you are given is a continuation of and participation in the one eternal mission of Jesus Himself. Most holy and Good Shepherd, Your human Heart burns with the perfection of divine love and longs to touch every soul in need of Your mercy. Please transform my heart into Yours so that I may have Your zeal for the salvation of all whom I encounter and become a fitting instrument of Your divine presence in the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Christmas reminds us of the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 to rescue the 1! Join Pastor Cameron as he shows us the connection between this story and Christmas.
It's FRI-YAY and shout-out day! Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that we wander like sheep—but praise God, He sent us Jesus, our Good Shepherd, to rescue us and lead us safely back to Him. Isaiah 53:6 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120325.cfmAdvent invites us to wait—not passively, but with trust. As Fr. Tyler Mentzer reflects on Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” he reminds us that God's provision is never merely sufficient; it is abundant, verdant, and overflowing. In a world where we're tempted to grasp, control, or hurry, Advent teaches us to rest in the “fertile pastures” where the Good Shepherd gives us repose.Fr. Tyler shows how the Lord's generosity is revealed through Scripture: the prophecy of Isaiah, the miracles of Jesus, the multiplication of loaves, and the Eucharist—our “juicy, rich food” and “pure choice wine.” The Catechism teaches: “Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing” (CCC 2090). Advent hope means trusting that God's timing is perfect, His providence lavish, and His guidance steady—even in the “dark valley.”Like Jesus in the desert and on the Cross, we are invited to wait on the Father rather than take matters into our own hands. The fruit of this waiting is abundance, courage, resurrection life, and the promise that we “shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”Watch the full homily on YouTube, DivineMercyPlus.org, the DM+ app, and wherever you get your podcasts.Deepen your Advent with exclusive Catholic content on the free, ad-free Divine Mercy Plus streaming platform. Explore the Diary of St. Faustina and Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org.More resources available at the link in our bio.#marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #frtylermentzer #catholictiktok#advent #psalm23 #goodshepherd #eucharist #hope #waitingonGod #trustGod #CatholicHomily #dailyhomily #JesusChrist ★ Support this podcast ★
Today, Pastor Jeff shares about the shepherds in the nativity scene and reminds us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. John 10:11 11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Gerald Hyde joins us to catch us up on the amazing ministry the Good Shepherd Center!
“I'm thinking about the end of time in another way,” says Ann Garrido. “Because end can mean the conclusion, the finish, but it can also mean the purpose.” For 25 years, Ann has taught homiletics, pastoral theology and catechetics at Aquinas Institute of Theology, written 10 books and spoken at more than 350 gatherings. A longtime catechist in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd movement, Ann offers her reflection for a planned Advent reconciliation service at St. Thomas More Parish in Decatur, Ga. She begins with a conversation from the parish atrium about the end of time—children offering answers like “God will be all in all” and “there will be peace,” before one boy insists his paradise is “hamburgers.” From there, she moves into Isaiah's peaceable kingdom and the real work of reconciliation: making peace with those closest to us—whoever our ‘X' is, the sibling we fight with, the friend we've fallen out with, the neighbor who drives us crazy. Part of the “Preaching for the Sacraments” series, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks with Ann about what distinguishes Advent reconciliation from Lent. Ann looks to the ancient roots of confession, where the early “confessors” proclaimed faith rather than only naming sin: “What we're really confessing is our belief in a God who can heal and work out things that we ourselves are not gonna be able to fix.” Ricardo echoes this reframing: “Perhaps it's helpful not to think of it only as a confession of sin, but really also a confession of faith that we go there to proclaim our faith in a God who heals the impossible.” Ann also reflects on a recent glioblastoma diagnosis and how it has sharpened her sense of call and taught her to preach from vulnerability—without making herself the hero of the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What are the odds that one person could fulfill hundreds of ancient prophecies? Mathematically speaking, it's impossible, yet that's exactly what happened when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem. Ezekiel's prophecy reveals a stunning promise: God himself would become the shepherd of his people. For 580 years, Israel waited in silence, suffering under foreign rule, longing for the good shepherd who would finally care for them. The beauty of this Christmas story isn't just about a baby in a manger—it's about God keeping an impossible promise. When angels appeared to lowly shepherds (not religious elites or political leaders), they announced that both promises were being fulfilled simultaneously: God had come, and the descendant of David had arrived. Jesus later declared boldly, 'I am the good shepherd,' claiming to be the fulfillment everyone had been waiting for. What makes this relevant to us today? We still wander like sheep. We still experience pain from failed leaders and broken relationships. We still need a shepherd who searches for us, heals our wounds, and lays down his life for us. The cross proves that this shepherd is willing to sacrifice everything, and the resurrection confirms that God's 'yes' is complete in Christ. As we enter this Christmas season, we're reminded that the same faithful shepherd who fulfilled ancient prophecies is still seeking us, still healing us, and still keeping his promises today.
Midge Noble is an online resiliency coach, podcaster, author, and speaker. She has published two children's books, SHEBA, Home Is Where Your Heart Is, and ICE CUBE AWARD, Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure. Her memoir, Gay with God, Reclaiming My Faith, Honoring My Story has just been released! Her podcast, GAY with GOD! can be found wherever you stream your podcasts. Midge specializes in helping her LGBTQIA+ community in their coming out and faith journeys. Her main focus is to stop gay suicides by educating people wounded by the church that they can be in relationship with the God of their understanding and that God does and has always loved us, just as we are created to be. To that end, Midge is very involved in her parish, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Midge and her wife, along with their fur babies, enjoy spending time at their mountain cabin, hiking, and being with their friends. On today's episode I talk about what we may feel during silence in a social setting. Why do we need to fill the silence? What may we be afraid of in the silence. How did Jesus fill in the moments when he was confronted and put on the spot? What can we learn that can help us during challenging Holiday gatherings? Connect with Midge Complimentary Session w/ Midge Be MY next GUEST on GAY with GOD! Email Linkedin Facebook Website Instagram @midge.noble BlueSky @Midge4.bsky.social TikTok @MidgeNoble418 Threads BUY a SIGNED copy of the Gay with God memoir!
November 30, 2025 As we begin the Advent season, we consider the many names and titles of Jesus. Listen in as Pastor JoAnn Johnson helps us see the significance of having Christ as our "Good Shepherd." About this Sermon Series This Advent, we're turning our hearts toward the promise of a Savior—one whose name changes everything. “He shall be called” points us to some of the beautiful names of God revealed in Jesus. Each name pulls back the curtain on who He is and what He came to do. As we prepare for Christmas, we'll see that the story of His coming is more than nostalgia—it's the revelation of God's heart, up close and personal, in Christ, for us, today.
We're joined with Tom Moran, President of Good Shepherd School in New Orleans, talks about their upcoming Gala. Bevi Fontenot, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Communications Director, updates us. Alan Migliorato, author of the book, "The Manly Art of Raising a Daughter", dives into listening to our teens. Costanza Miriano, wife, mother, journalist and author, talks about her book "Blessed Is the Day We “Got It Wrong”A Guide to Marriage Renewal".
RESTORATION. If you've been hurt by people in the church and asked, “God, where are You in all this pain?”—this conversation is for you. Today, author Anna Vaughn shares her story from Caught in the Crossfire: how subtle gaslighting, manipulation, and control crept into a ministry she loved… and how the Lord led her into healing, RESTORATION, and freedom in Christ.Anna grew up loving Jesus and serving in ministry. Over time, the joy turned into anxiety and panic attacks as spiritual abuse surfaced—“break them down, build them up”—a cycle designed to control. The turning point? A simple, Spirit-led word from her dad: “If you never do anything in ministry again, God still loves you.” That truth shattered the lie that her worth depended on performance. From there, Anna walked through inner healing, discerned narcissistic control, found accountability, and—when God's grace for that place lifted—she left. God didn't end her story. He restored it.
November 30, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class This episode is the final class of the quarter and a wrap-up of a multi-week study of the Gospel of John, focusing on the remaining "I AM" statements. The instructor leads the group through extended readings and discussion from John 10, 11, 14, and 15, explores Old Testament echoes (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, Jeremiah 23, Isaiah, Micah, Exodus), and highlights John's stated purpose in John 20:30–31: that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in his name. Topics covered include: "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10) — Jesus' sacrificial care, contrast with hirelings, intimate knowledge of his sheep, protection and provision; "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11) — power over death, hope beyond the grave, and comfort in loss; "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14) — Jesus as exclusive access to the Father, truth as the foundation for the path, and life as the goal; and "I am the True Vine" (John 15) — abiding in Christ, pruning, bearing fruit, and dependence on the vine for spiritual vitality. The class includes interactive dialogue with students, practical applications, and short teaching moments: why Jesus uses Old Testament imagery, how knowing the flock shapes ministry and relationships, the need to follow and bring others into the fold, and how trust in the resurrection eases anxiety about death and loss. Key takeaways: Jesus' "I AM" sayings repeatedly point to his deity and his unique role as shepherd, savior, guide, and life-giver; faith here is presented as trust grounded in signs and witness rather than blind belief; abiding in Christ is essential for fruitfulness and growth; Christian discipleship requires intentional relationship-building (knowing the flock) and witness to others. The instructor also reflects on John's deliberate repetition and selection of signs as a method for deepening faith and encouraging lifelong study. This is a classroom conversation rich with questions, anecdotes (including a youth's perceptive remark and a brief sports anecdote about repetition), and pastoral application intended to help listeners expect thoughtful exposition, biblical connections, and practical steps for following Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Duration 41:52
We've seen the concept of the shepherd introduced in chapter 10, and chapter 11 will detail a "sign-act" where God calls Zechariah to literally become a shepherd so that Israel might see a tangible picture both of how God longed to shepherd his people and how his sheep refused his shepherding. In the process, we'll consider how well our own "under-shepherding" of others reflects the Good Shepherd as well as pondering how we're doing at following the Good Shepherd ourselves.
Nov. 23, 2025 John 10:11-14
The superscription of Psalm 100 identifies its purpose: to lead us into thanksgiving of the one true God. We join our voices to all creation when we make a joyful noise to the LORD, not only in our daily vocations, but especially in the Divine Service. We sing to Him because He has created us and saved us as our Good Shepherd. All of the LORD's work for us comes from the reality that He is good, and His steadfast love and faithfulness endure to all generations. Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 100. "Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. This episode originally aired on November 19, 2024. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
At the Intense Youth Conference 2025, Fr. Dan Mahan (USCCB Office of Evangelization and Catechesis) brought with him a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis and shared a powerful reflection on faith, hope, and the presence of Christ in life's storms . Fr. Mahan recalls the beginnings of Intense in 2021, his personal encounter with Carlo's mother, and the message that Carlo left for the world: “To be close to Jesus, that's my life plan.”
Psalm 119:169–176, The Shepherd Who Seeks His Wandering Sheep Show Summary In this episode of Walking Through the Psalms on the Servants of Grace podcast, Dave Jenkins walks through the final stanza of Psalm 119 (verses 169–176). After 21 stanzas of longing, delighting, clinging, wrestling, hoping, praising, and persevering in the Word of God, the psalmist closes with a prayer that combines desperation, dependance, and devotion. We see a man who has been shaped by Scripture crying out for understanding, deliverance, worship, and sustaining grace. He acknowledges his proneness to wander, yet clings to the Shepherd who never loses His sheep. This passage reminds believers that true maturity is not independence from God but deeper dependance on His grace. Audio Player Video Player Episode Notes Passage Text: Psalm 119:169–176 Outline A Cry for Understanding (vv. 169–170) Humility is the doorway to biblical clarity. The psalmist knows, loves, and obeys the Word, yet still asks for more understanding. We never outgrow our need for a deeper grasp of God's Word and grace. Praise as the Fruit of Learning (vv. 171–172) “My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.” Theology leads to doxology: doctrine fuels devotion and worship. True worship flows from the truth God has revealed in Scripture. Dependance Under Pressure (vv. 173–174) Choosing God's precepts does not remove the need for God's help. Longing for salvation and delighting in God's law can coexist. God's finished work in Christ is the ground of our hope and obedience. A Confession of Need and the Shepherd's Pursuit (vv. 175–176) “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant.” This is not proud rebellion but humble acknowledgment of weakness. Sanctification is not self-rescue; it is daily dependance on the Good Shepherd. Theological Themes Prayerful Dependance – The psalmist cries out for understanding, deliverance, and help. Praise Shaped by Revelation – God's teaching produces heartfelt worship. God's Help and Human Obedience – Our choice to follow God's ways increases, not decreases, our reliance on Him. Longing for Salvation – Present delight in God's law and future hope in His salvation meet together. The Shepherd's Pursuit – We are prone to wander, but Christ, the Good Shepherd, seeks and restores His own. Application Self: Confess your weakness and ask God daily for understanding from His Word. Others: Encourage weary or wandering believers with the promise that the Shepherd seeks His sheep. Practice: Begin each day with a simple prayer: “Lord, give me understanding according to Your Word, and keep me close to You.” Memorize: Psalm 119:176 – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.” Further Study Psalm 23 – The Shepherd who leads and restores. John 10:1–18 – Jesus the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Hebrews 13:20–21 – The God of peace who equips His people. Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray.” Call to Action If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review on the Servants of Grace podcast to help others find Christ-centered, Scripture-saturated teaching.
Pastor Patrick Anthony Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-8
John 10:25. Jesus answered them when they asked Him, "If you're the Christ, tell us plainly," "I told you, and you do not believe the works that I do in my Father's name. These testify of Me." What do these works testify of regarding Jesus? Just to name a few, the miracles testify that God is with Him. They tell us that Jesus's passion is for the name of His Father. They tell us that Jesus is the Christ, God in a body like ours. These testify that Jesus's words are true. As people hear, listen, and follow Him, it testifies that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Those who live to love with Jesus should say the same. We should say, "The works that I do, I do in the name of Jesus Christ. These testify of me that I'm a child of God and that Jesus lives in me." Jesus taught this in John 14:12-14. Let's think about this today: Are all of my works bringing glory to the name of Jesus? Do they accurately testify of who He is, and who I am as His disciple?
The Good Shepherd comes not for our prestige but for our pain. He comes to make the unimpressive great. Do you believe that the Good Shepherd loves you, and that He desires to do the heavy lifting in your life?
Psalm 23 November 23, 2025 AM.Guest speaker Pastor James Lorch charges his son Jansen at his ordination service to be a good shepherd, like the one we read about in Psalm 23. This shepherd feeds his flock, leads his flock, protects the flock, and cares for the flock. After the message, special prayer is offered for Jansen and his wife Kalee as they begin a new chapter in their ministry calling. The sermon connects Psalm 23 to New Testament shepherding passages and raises issues of application for the entire audience, whether pastor or not.
This sermon calls believers to celebrate a distinctly Christian Thanksgiving by anchoring their hearts in the truths of Psalm 100. The message emphasizes that Christian thanksgiving should be marked by supernatural joy, conscious awareness of God's presence (Coram Deo - before the face of God), and grounded in two foundational truths: that the Lord is God (our Creator, King, and Shepherd) and that the Lord is good (His steadfast love endures forever and His faithfulness extends to all generations). Pastor Joe Fant challenges the congregation to make this Thanksgiving different from secular celebrations by focusing on worship, service with gladness, and anchoring their hearts in biblical truth, especially during difficult seasons when joy may be hard to find. Key Points: A Christian Thanksgiving must be distinctly different from secular celebrations, focused on giving thanks to God specifically Psalm 100 provides a formula for Christian thanksgiving centered on joy, God's presence, and truth Joy should characterize our thanksgiving through singing (making a joyful noise) and serving with gladness We are called to live "Coram Deo" - consciously before the face of God in every moment and action True joy and peace come through believing truth, which then affects our affections and actions The Lord is God means He is our Creator, King, and Shepherd who has authority over our lives Jesus is identified as both the Creator (John 1) and the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep The Lord is good, demonstrated through His steadfast love that endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations God's faithfulness is passed down from generation to generation, making multi-generational worship significant Even in difficult times - loss, estrangement, family tensions - we can find joy by anchoring in these truths Scripture Reference: Psalm 100 (primary text) John 15:11 Philippians 4:4 Colossians 3:23-24 Romans 15:13 John 1:1-3 John 10:11 Ezekiel 34 John 6 (feeding of the 5,000) John 13 (new covenant) Psalm 139 Genesis 1:1 Psalm 16:8 Genesis 17
Listen as Pastor Ken Wojnarowski preaches a sermon called The Good Shepherd from Psalm 23.
In John's Gospel, Jesus makes seven powerful declarations that begin with the simple but divine phrase, “I Am.” Each statement, whether He calls Himself the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, or the Good Shepherd, reveals something profound about His nature and His relationship with us.On today's episode, we're joined by Chris Best, Missions Pastor at Midtown Baptist Temple and instructor at the Living Faith Bible Institute, to explore these seven “I Am” statements and what they tell us about the character and mission of Christ. Together, we'll discuss how each statement unveils a different facet of His deity, how they connect to Old Testament imagery, and why understanding who Jesus is changes the way we live and serve Him today.Visit https://www.lfbi.org/learnmore
In Psalm 23, David portrays God as a Good Shepherd who provides, protects, and remains present with His people. He describes God leading him to rest, restoring his soul, guiding him toward righteousness, and staying close even in life's darkest valleys. God defends him against enemies, blesses him abundantly, and promises His goodness and presence for all his days. The psalm emphasizes God's care, provision, guidance, and unfailing companionship. The God who leads, protects, and provides in Psalm 23 is the same Jesus who knows His people personally and gives His life for them. In John 10:14–15, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, claiming a personal and intimate knowledge of His followers—just as He knows the Father and the Father knows Him. He demonstrates the depth of His love by stating that He lays down His life for His sheep, revealing the sacrificial nature of His care.
Midge Noble is an online resiliency coach, podcaster, author, and speaker. She has published two children's books, SHEBA, Home Is Where Your Heart Is, and ICE CUBE AWARD, Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure. Her memoir, Gay with God, Reclaiming My Faith, Honoring My Story has just been released! Her podcast, GAY with GOD! can be found wherever you stream your podcasts. Midge specializes in helping her LGBTQIA+ community in their coming out and faith journeys. Her main focus is to stop gay suicides by educating people wounded by the church that they can be in relationship with the God of their understanding and that God does and has always loved us, just as we are created to be. To that end, Midge is very involved in her parish, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Midge and her wife, along with their fur babies, enjoy spending time at their mountain cabin, hiking, and being with their friends. On today's episode I reference an amazing sermon by The Reverend Erika Takacs. We talk about staying connected to our beloved communities for support and for strength. What we often forget is that the beloved community we are connected to is larger than we consciously consider. Referenced in today's episode A Sermon by The Reverend Erika Takacs Connect with Midge Complimentary Session w/ Midge Be MY next GUEST on GAY with GOD! Email Linkedin Facebook Website Instagram @midge.noble BlueSky @Midge4.bsky.social TikTok @MidgeNoble418 Threads BUY a SIGNED copy of the Gay with God memoir!
The gospel of Matthew records that Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitudes because they were weary and scattered like sheep with no shepherd. Believers should be filled with joy when others come to Christ, but we must also be filled with compassion for those that do not know him. Do you try to lead unbelievers to Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Listen as Dr. Barnhouse teaches from Romans 10:16. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111
We continue looking at what it means to follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Remember, Jesus as Shepherd is an aspect of His Lordship. It demonstrates how He lovingly guides, protects, and leads us in every part of our lives. Don't miss the wrap up of our series, Jesus is Lord.
The gospel of Matthew records that Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitudes because they were weary and scattered like sheep with no shepherd. Believers should be filled with joy when others come to Christ, but we must also be filled with compassion for those that do not know him. Do you try to lead unbelievers to Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Listen as Dr. Barnhouse teaches from Romans 10:16. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111
We're all being shepherded by something—shaped by the voices we let guide us. But only one Shepherd leads us toward life every time. He's good. He's trustworthy. And he's worth following.
In this message from the Thankful Heart series, Will reflects on one of Scripture's most comforting truths: Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Drawing from Psalm 23 and John 10, Will reminds us that our shepherd doesn't lead from a distance—He knows us, protects us, provides for us, calls us by name, and walks with us through every valley.
Sermon by Ant Frederick on November 23, 2025.Key scripture: John 10:1-30What voices are shaping your life—and do they lead to peace or confusion? Jesus says his sheep recognize his voice, and in following him, they find abundant life.
Main Theme: God is both Savior and Restorer, calling His people to remain steadfast in hope, truth, and repentance while warning against false voices and spiritual apathy in the last days. The study of Zechariah 9–10 connected ancient Israel's restoration to God's prophetic promises being fulfilled in our time. Opening Focus — “Prisoners of Hope” (Zechariah 9:11–12) Pastor Matthew opened with prayer and the reminder that the Lord is longsuffering and merciful, calling believers to follow His will. Zechariah 9:11–12 declares God's promise: “Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope.” The phrase “prisoners of hope” was highlighted as a declaration of certainty, not uncertainty. In Greek (elpis), “hope” means expectation without a question mark — because our confidence is in Jesus, not circumstance. No matter how “caged up” we feel, believers are never without hope if they trust the Lord. Lesson: “God's people are not prisoners of despair — we are prisoners of hope.” God the Savior and Restorer God's character is revealed as both Deliverer and Restorer. Like Job, who endured affliction but received double restoration, Israel too would be redeemed and multiplied. God not only saves from destruction but restores what was lost. “You're not allowed to use God and ‘can't' in the same sentence — unless you're talking about sin.” Key Thought: The only thing God cannot do is sin. He can save, heal, and restore anything that's broken. Warnings Against False Shepherds and Idols (Zechariah 10:2) Zechariah warned that idols and false prophets speak delusion and comfort in vain, leading people astray because “there is no shepherd.” Pastor compared this to modern deception — preachers who tell people only what they want to hear. “People don't want a doctor who lies about a tumor, or a financial advisor who hides disaster. But many want a preacher who tells them what they want instead of what they need.” Application: The absence of godly leadership creates confusion and loss. True shepherds preach repentance and righteousness, not comfort and compromise. Parallels to the Last Days — 2 Peter 3 Pastor connected Zechariah's message to 2 Peter 3, describing the same pattern in the last days: Scoffers will deny judgment and live by their own desires. Many will forget the past judgment (the Flood) and ignore the coming one (by fire). The world will not end by human means (like climate change), but by God's sovereign decision. “The world will not end because of warming or cooling — it will end because God brings it to a close.” The Danger of Misreading God's Longsuffering People misinterpret God's mercy as apathy or approval. God delays judgment to give time for repentance — not because He's asleep or indifferent. Israel's repeated disobedience led to captivity because they mistook mercy for permission. “The mystery isn't that God will judge — the mystery is that He hasn't already.” Examples: Nations and individuals fall when they take grace for granted. The sins of abortion, abuse, greed, and deceit invite judgment; only repentance delays it. God's Desire for Repentance and Salvation Pastor reflected on 2 Peter 3:9 — “The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God's longsuffering aims to save even the worst sinner, illustrated through: Manasseh — the most wicked king of Judah, who repented after 55 years and was forgiven. Barabbas — the murderer set free while Jesus took his place. “Jesus carried the very crossbeam Barabbas had prepared for himself. The cleanest man who ever lived took the place of the worst man in the culture.” Insight: God's mercy reaches even those we think beyond saving. No one is too far gone. The True Shepherd Restores His People (Zechariah 10:3–12) God's anger burns against false shepherds, but He promises to raise up the Good Shepherd — the Messiah, Jesus Christ. “From Him comes the cornerstone, the tent peg, the battle bow, every ruler together.” God promises to strengthen Judah, save Joseph, and bring back His scattered people. The prophecy of Israel's return to the land — scattered “among the nations” — is being fulfilled before our eyes. Pastor noted that since 1948 (Israel's rebirth) and 1967 (Jerusalem's restoration), God has been gathering His people home from every nation. “We're the generation seeing prophecy fulfilled — God is bringing His people home.” Closing Exhortation The study ended with thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and mercy. Pastor urged believers to: Stay grounded in truth, not comfort. Honor Israel, for God blesses those who bless her. Live ready, because the Lord's return will be sudden — “as a thief in the night.” “Everything in this world will be dissolved, but those who walk in righteousness will dwell in His new heaven and new earth.” Core Message God's mercy delays judgment, not cancels it. Hope in Christ is absolute, not uncertain — we are prisoners of hope. False voices bring delusion; truth brings restoration. The true Shepherd, Jesus, gathers His people for eternal peace. Prophecy is unfolding before our eyes — live holy, alert, and full of hope.
Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. But let's be honest, most of us aren't too familiar with shepherds, and it's easy to miss the incredible truth that our Lord is teaching. On this episode, Pastor John Munro takes a closer look at what it means for the Lord Jesus to be our Good Shepherd
Experience a profound reflection: everything visible and invisible is made through Christ and for Christ (Col 1:16). This audio brings you the message of hope, creation, and purpose grounded in the divine. Join the movement of the Good Shepherd who leads all creation with mercy and truth. ➡️ Subscribe for more teachings from The Good Shepherd Project: https://www.priestsforlife.org/goodshepherd/ priestsforlife.org
In this hymn, William Kethe provides a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 100, in which God's people are called to give Him thanks. Together, we make a joyful noise to God as we come before Him with cheerful voices. The Lord is our God who has created us apart from our merit and strength. The Lord is our Good Shepherd who has made us members of His flock. The Triune God does all of this because of His steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness, and so we give Him glory now and forever. Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 791, “All People That on Earth Do Dwell.” To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit princeofpeacecrestwood.com. “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God's fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Looking at Psalm 23:1-2 for an example of being still with the Good Shepherd
Our shepherd is both sacrificial and strong.Reading Plan: Old Testament - Ezekiel 21-22Psalms - Psalm 130Gospels - John 10:1-21New Testament - Jude 1-13Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
The Wilderness E11 — After his death and resurrection, Jesus sends his disciples out into the world to share the good news of the Kingdom and make disciples. These disciples, also known as apostles, plant churches across the Roman Empire and write letters to congregations made up of Jewish and Gentile believers. And their letters often wrestle with the tension of living in the new age of Jesus' reign while also living in the old age of idolatry, corruption, and injustice. To talk about the overlap of these two ages, the apostles use a familiar metaphor: the wilderness. In this final episode of the series, Jon and Tim discuss how the New Testament authors use wilderness imagery to encourage and warn followers of Jesus to stay close to their good shepherd through the danger and deception of this present age.View all of our resources for The Wilderness →CHAPTERSThe Wilderness Pattern in 1 Corinthians 10 (0:00-27:00)The Wilderness Warnings in 1 Corinthians 3 and 5 (27:00-37:08)More Wilderness Warnings in Hebrews 3-4 (37:08-52:43)Concluding Thoughts on the Wilderness (52:43-1:00:21)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESFirst Corinthians: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Richard B. HaysEchoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul by Richard B. HaysThe Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis In chapter 1, Tim mentions our video Eternal Life, which you watch here.You can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“familydinner” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin“Cruise” by Lofi Sunday, Just Derrick“Silver N Gold” by Lofi Sunday, Yoni CharisBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.