Devotion
•
The Promises of God: Part CCCLIX
Author
Timothy Laughlin
Published
Dec 08, 2025
Tags
Shepherd the flock of God, which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly, nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. I Peter 5:2-4
Shepherd the flock of God, which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly, nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. I Peter 5:2-4
Not long after I came to the Lord, I joined the local church, was baptized in water and the Spirit, and attended the church's first home fellowship. That was what I called real church life.
The lord taught me much in the home group, and I eventually became the leader. From that time, I taught Bible studies and opened a mission, and a friend and I combined our own fellowship groups, and we became pastors. I never considered myself a pastor, more of a sheepdog rather than a shepherd. Over the years, I pastored several churches and was a director of our own residential programs for drugs and alcohol.
If you desire to be a shepherd, it is an admirable service to lead a group of men and women who are seeking the Lord. As the preceding scripture states, humility is to be your clothing and a submissive spirit. Be on the alert, the devil will always be looking for an inroad to get to the sheep; usually, you will be his inroad! (Remember Robert Morris of Gateway and pray for him, he was trapped by the trapper)
Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. I Peter 5:5-9
Your servant in Christ, Timothy Laughlin
Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Related Writings
Contact us
If you have any questions about our writings or the ministry, please let us know below.
We will not share or sell your information.
P.O. Box 162932
Fort Worth, TX 76161