The Divine Gift of a Shepherd's Heart

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Gift of a Shepherd's Heart

A true shepherd's heart is a divine gift, not a human achievement. It is characterized by a deep love for the flock and a commitment to feed them with knowledge and understanding. This heart is essential for the church's well-being and growth. The shepherd's heart is not something that can be manufactured through human effort or education; it is a supernatural endowment from God. Those who possess this heart are equipped to care for God's people with His love and wisdom, ensuring that the flock is fed, protected, and guided in the ways of the Lord. In a world where true shepherds are rare, the presence of a genuine shepherd is a blessing to the church community. [06:29]

Jeremiah 3:15 (ESV): "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."

Reflection: Consider someone in your life who has shown you deep, sacrificial love. How can you express gratitude to them today, acknowledging the divine gift they are to you?

Day 2: The Scarcity of Genuine Shepherds

In today's world, true shepherds are rare. Many hold the title but lack the heart of a shepherd. This scarcity is a sign of judgment and a call for the church to seek God's intervention for genuine leaders. The rarity of true shepherds highlights the need for discernment within the church. While many may occupy positions of leadership, not all possess the heart that God desires in a shepherd. This scarcity serves as a reminder of the importance of praying for God to raise up leaders who truly embody His heart and are committed to the well-being of the flock. [08:09]

Ezekiel 34:2-4 (ESV): "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep."

Reflection: Reflect on a leader in your life who has impacted you positively. How can you support and encourage them in their role today?

Day 3: The Warning of False Shepherds

False shepherds scatter and harm the flock with self-serving motives and false teachings. Their presence is a warning for the church to discern and seek leaders who truly embody God's heart. These individuals, despite holding positions of leadership, lack the true heart of a shepherd and often lead the flock astray. The presence of false shepherds is a sign of judgment and a call for the church to seek God's intervention. It is crucial for the church to be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that its leaders are those who genuinely care for the well-being of the flock. [35:21]

Zechariah 11:17 (ESV): "Woe to my worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! Let his arm be wholly withered, his right eye utterly blinded!"

Reflection: Identify a situation where you have followed a leader without discernment. How can you seek God's wisdom to ensure you are following those who truly embody His heart?

Day 4: The Sacrificial Nature of True Shepherds

True shepherds, like David, are willing to face danger and endure hardship for the sake of the sheep. Their calling is a divine responsibility, and they lead with integrity and love. These shepherds are characterized by their willingness to lay down their lives for the well-being of the flock, demonstrating a deep, sacrificial love. They understand that their role is not just a position of authority but a divine calling to serve and protect God's people. In challenging times, the presence of such shepherds is a testament to God's faithfulness and provision for His church. [11:44]

1 Samuel 17:34-35 (ESV): "But David said to Saul, 'Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.'"

Reflection: Think of a time when you have witnessed or experienced sacrificial love. How can you emulate this love in your interactions with others today?

Day 5: Praying for Shepherds with God's Heart

In these challenging times, it is crucial to pray for the raising up of shepherds with God's heart. These leaders will guide the church with wisdom and love, ensuring its health and growth. The church is in need of leaders who are not only equipped with knowledge and skills but also possess a heart that reflects God's love and compassion. Praying for such leaders is essential for the spiritual health and growth of the church community. As believers, it is our responsibility to intercede for those in leadership and to ask God to raise up shepherds who will lead with integrity and love. [14:12]

1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Reflection: Spend time in prayer today, asking God to raise up leaders with His heart in your church and community. How can you be a support to those who are already serving in leadership roles?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound significance of a shepherd's heart, as depicted in the scriptures, particularly in Jeremiah 23 and 3. The heart of a shepherd is not merely a title or position but a divine gift from God, bestowed upon those He chooses to lead His flock. This heart is characterized by a deep, sacrificial love for the sheep, a commitment to feed them with knowledge and understanding, and a willingness to lay down one's life for their well-being. In a time when true shepherds are scarce, and many have strayed from their calling, it is crucial to recognize the rarity and value of a pastor who genuinely embodies God's heart.

The message emphasized that a shepherd's heart is a supernatural gift, not something that can be manufactured through human effort or education. It is a heart that God gives to certain individuals, enabling them to care for His people with His love and wisdom. This heart is essential for the health and growth of the church, as it ensures that the flock is fed, protected, and guided in the ways of the Lord.

We also addressed the issue of false shepherds, who, despite holding positions of leadership, lack the true heart of a shepherd. These individuals often scatter and harm the flock, leading them astray with false teachings and self-serving motives. The presence of such shepherds is a sign of judgment and a call for the church to seek God's intervention.

In contrast, true shepherds are those who, like David, are men and women after God's own heart. They are willing to face danger and endure hardship for the sake of the sheep, knowing that their calling is a divine responsibility. As we navigate these challenging times, it is imperative to pray for the raising up of shepherds with God's heart, who will lead His people with integrity and love.

Key Takeaways

1. being and growth. [06:29]
2. The Rarity of True Shepherds: In today's world, true shepherds are rare. Many hold the title but lack the heart of a shepherd. This scarcity is a sign of judgment and a call for the church to seek God's intervention for genuine leaders.

3. The Danger of False Shepherds: False shepherds scatter and harm the flock with self-serving motives and false teachings. Their presence is a warning for the church to discern and seek leaders who truly embody God's heart.

4. The Sacrificial Nature of True Shepherds: True shepherds, like David, are willing to face danger and endure hardship for the sake of the sheep. Their calling is a divine responsibility, and they lead with integrity and love.

5. Praying for Shepherds with God's Heart: In these challenging times, it is crucial to pray for the raising up of shepherds with God's heart. These leaders will guide the church with wisdom and love, ensuring its health and growth.

** [06:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Jeremiah 23
[01:09] - The Heart God Searches For
[02:22] - A Shepherd's Heart
[03:26] - God's Promise of True Shepherds
[05:06] - The Importance of a Shepherd's Heart
[06:29] - The Gift of a Shepherd's Heart
[08:09] - The Rarity of True Shepherds
[10:20] - Historical Examples of Shepherds
[12:01] - God's Search for Shepherds
[14:12] - The Withholding of Rain
[17:02] - The Role of Shepherds in Revival
[20:39] - Characteristics of a True Shepherd
[26:18] - The Fivefold Ministry
[31:06] - The Supernatural Nature of Shepherds
[35:21] - The Danger of False Shepherds
[49:50] - God's Anger Against False Shepherds
[57:27] - The Promise of True Shepherds
[60:12] - The Care of a True Shepherd
[65:18] - Personal Testimony of a Shepherd's Heart
[70:28] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Heart of a Shepherd

Bible Reading:

Jeremiah 23:1-4
Jeremiah 3:15
1 Samuel 13:14

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Observation Questions:

According to Jeremiah 23:1-4, what are the consequences for pastors who scatter and destroy the sheep of God's pasture? How does God respond to such leaders? [02:37]
In Jeremiah 3:15, what promise does God make regarding the kind of pastors He will provide for His people? How does this relate to the concept of a shepherd's heart? [05:50]
How does the sermon describe the rarity of true shepherds in today's world, and what are the implications for the church? [08:09]
What characteristics of King David are highlighted in the sermon as examples of a true shepherd's heart? [11:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does it mean for a shepherd's heart to be a "divine gift" rather than a human achievement, and why is this distinction important for the health of the church? [06:29]
How does the presence of false shepherds serve as a warning for the church, and what steps can be taken to discern true leaders from false ones? [35:21]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the scarcity of true shepherds is a sign of judgment, and how should the church respond to this situation? [08:09]
How does the example of David as a shepherd and king illustrate the sacrificial nature of true shepherds, and what lessons can be drawn for contemporary church leadership? [11:10]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own experiences with church leadership. Have you encountered leaders who embody the heart of a true shepherd? How did their leadership impact your spiritual growth? [09:32]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of praying for God to raise up shepherds with His heart. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine, and why is it crucial for the church's future? [14:12]
Consider the characteristics of false shepherds mentioned in the sermon. How can you develop discernment to recognize and avoid such leaders in your spiritual journey? [35:21]
The sermon highlights the sacrificial nature of true shepherds. In what ways can you support and encourage your church leaders who demonstrate this kind of commitment? [11:44]
Reflect on the idea that a shepherd's heart is a divine gift. How can you cultivate a heart that aligns with God's desires, even if you are not called to be a pastor? [06:29]
The sermon discusses the rarity of true shepherds. How can you contribute to creating an environment in your church that fosters the development of genuine leaders? [08:09]
Think about a time when you felt spiritually scattered or lost. How did you find your way back, and what role did church leadership play in that process? [40:06]

Sermon Clips

"woe beyond to the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture saith the lord therefore thus saith the lord god of israel against the pastors that feed my people ye have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not visited them behold i will visit upon you the evil of your doing saith the lord" [00:02:37]

"and i will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whether i have driven them and will bring them again to their foes and they shall be fruitful and increase notices verse 4 and i will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them and they shall fear no more nor be dismayed neither shall they be lacking saith the lord" [00:03:10]

"you see the previous aspects of this heart are for all of us now i want to narrow it down in this message this isn't essentially for you all all of you will not have this heart because you're not meant to have this aspect of the heart but you've got to understand it you as a people in this church you desperately want this heart to be in this church" [00:05:00]

"so notice here that this shepherd's heart is something that god gives i will give you pastors according to my heart do you realize in a dark and an evil generation and an hour in the church like we live in that this is a remarkable vital promise god is actually saying i can raise up shepherds with my heart within them not their own heart" [00:06:22]

"if god ever removes pastors with his heart it is a curse it is a judgment it is a terrible thing when you can search a city and you cannot find pastors with the heart of god it is a tragedy when you walk in churches and you cannot find that pastor's heart or more correctly the heart of god in a pastor" [00:07:16]

"so these this ministry title and position is more dominant than any other ministry and yet i can hardly find what i read in this scripture i will give you pastors according to mine heart which shall feed you knowledge and understanding or i will set up raise up rise stir or lift up individuals to be shepherds over you" [00:08:42]

"you know it's a supernatural work for god to raise up shepherds who really care for the flock they're not moved by money and they're not moved by ministry and they're not moved by influence and they're not moved by notoriety and they're not moved by all of those things but they actually have the heart of the shepherd" [00:09:14]

"you know that this is a heart god has always sought for for the good and the blessing and the endurance of his church in one samuel 13 and verse 14. and there's the lord speaking through samuel but now thy kingdom shall not continue speaking of saul the lord has sought him a man after his own heart" [00:10:20]

"do you realize david was such a man he was not only a shepherd of a handful of sheep he was a king raised up of god with the shepherd's heart for an entire nation do you know king david is the marker in the bible of a true shepherd he is even used as an example of the coming messiah" [00:10:48]

"you know what samuel said here the lord sought him a man after his own heart he was looking for a man and he found him a 17 year old boy in a sheepfold on a hillside playing his harp singing his songs writing his songs guarding the sheep and he said that's my man for the entire nation" [00:11:31]

"i read some years ago and it impacted me a history of scotland a spiritual history when john knox rose up ministry at the beginning we are told that scotland was saturated by dark superstitious catholicism they worship bits of wood which they said was from the cross they weren't allowed to read the bible" [00:18:48]

"i believe there's an hour coming saints of god we are in the time of the latter rain it should have rained no rain has come you ought to be asking for rain where are the shepherds look at the mess of the church and you say what are we going to do we just batten down and say oh sarasara" [00:20:14]

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The Divine Gift of a Shepherd's Heart

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Gift of a Shepherd's Heart

Day 2: The Scarcity of Genuine Shepherds

Day 3: The Warning of False Shepherds

Day 4: The Sacrificial Nature of True Shepherds

Day 5: Praying for Shepherds with God's Heart

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

The Divine Gift of a Shepherd's Heart

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