Our next book was introduced to me by a good friend and Sister-in-Christ. It focuses on the great Psalm 23 and expands our understanding of what David had in mind as he penned those famous and fabulous words. The reason this author could do this is because he too was an actual shepherd, taking care of his flock of sheep. We will learn all sorts of fascinating facts about the animals we call sheep, but of course, we can use all the insight to learn all sorts of things about us too. We are the sheep of Jesus, the Good Shepherd after all, so seeing the lovely and caring interaction between a shepherd and his flock will show us the amazing heart of God towards us as well.
I am calling this month’s entry of our Book Club “Summer’s Soul Restorer” and the name of this book is: “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23”. It is written by W Phillip Keller, who spent most of his life in the world of nature and agriculture and, as I said, was himself a sheep herder for about eight years. He says, “Our Lord Himself, when He was amongst us, continually used natural phenomena to explain supernatural truth in His parables.” (p10) Mr Keller, who later became a pastor of God’s Word, notes how God is the Creator of both realms, natural and supernatural, and how they both follow very similar basic laws. So when we understand the worldly things, we can also begin to grasp the heavenly reality as well. And when applied to our lives? It will only serve to draw us closer to our Good Shepherd which will make our lives more abundant.
Mr Keller also cautions us to approach this book with an open mind as many of us have already invented images of what David had in mind with this Psalm. Yet as we see these well known words through the eyes of this sheepman, he says, the reader, “…will be brought into a bold, new appreciation of the endless effort put forth by our Saviour for His sheep.” (p12) Sheep require so much work and dedication from their shepherd, let’s get a new vision of all God does on our behalf, and with that, a new level of gratitude for His Love and Grace, also.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
<>< Peace, Diane
