November 20, 1998,Friday

Would you expect a guide of a group in a remote area

to know where to find sustaining resources for the

duration of the expedition? Would you agree that to

be cautious in uncertain circumstances would make

the expedition a safer endeavor? Would you expect

to gain understanding about the territory and from

questions asked to the guide during the expedition?

Isaiah tells us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd that

knows how to sustain us in desolate times and areas

of our life---"The Lord will satisfy your needs in

parched places, He will guide you continually,

and make your bones strong; and you shall be like

a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose

waters never fail" (Isa 58:11). With Him as our

Shepherd and guide, we can trust Him to sustain

us in unfamiliar circumstances and areas.

The writer of the Proverbs found that God promises

that as we follow His teachings, we understand more

and begin to be more cautious about how we conduct

our affairs---"Then you will understand righteousness

and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom

will come into your heart, and the knowledge will be

pleasant to your soul; Prudence will watch over you;

and understanding will guard you. The Shepherd has

a priority to guard safely from harm those that will

follow Him (Pro 2:9-11 paraphrased).

An Angel came to Daniel to reveal and answer weighty

questions that he had asked God----"He said, "Daniel,

don't be afraid. God has heard your Petitions ever

since the first day you decided to humble yourself in

order to gain understanding. I have come in answer

to your Petition" (Dan 10:12). The answer from God

came later than Daniel's humility and pursuit of God,

but knowledge and understanding was granted. Daniel

found great gain and favor in God's eyes.

Let us remember who is the God that is our Shepherd. God's

name is Jehová Rohi. He is the God that is our Guide. He

Provides direction and a way for us. He is our Guard. He

Protects us from harm and keeps us safe under the shelter

of His wings. Jehova Rohi teaches us that godliness is great

Gain. He Profits us by withholding no good thing to those

that walk in His righteous paths. Lift your hands to Him and

Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that leads

and shepherds us according to the integrity of His heart!