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Looking Out For Number One
Psalm 23:1-3 'The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.'(NIV)
 Compare the words of the Bible's Psalm 23, with those of Psalm 23 Revised Yuppie Version. It goes like this: 'I am my own shepherd, I shall not want / I lead myself down the road to personal success / I restore my soul through positive thinking / I guide myself in the paths of materialism for my own name's sake / Even tho' I walk through the valley of the shadow of duty / I will fear no evil / My Visa and American Express they comfort me / I prepare a table of leisure before me in the presence of my responsibilities / I anoint my head with gel / My cup of Chateau Yaldara 1967 overflows / Surely "I Did It My Way" shall haunt me all the days of my life / And I shall dwell in the house of loneliness cut off from God forever.' That kind of sums up the way many people live in our post-modern age. Like Narcissus of Greek mythology, we're obsessed with our own reflections. We're busy looking after 'number one'. Even Christians become selfish. We give money to things that ultimately benefit ourselves more than others. We pray for our needs alone. We focus on God's good gifts to us, but neglect our fellowship with the Giver. It's time for you and me to break with the spirit of our time. It's time, right now, today, to rediscover that true peace comes only when we focus our affections on the true Shepherd of our destinies, the true Restorer of our souls.
Prayer: 'Father, you are my shepherd. You are the one I will follow. I will not live by the self-centred, ego-driven ethos of this age. I bow my will to your loving sovereignty.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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Hey, thanks for the great articles, it is a blessing to read you
Paul, Norway
Mal, thanks for sacrificing your spare time to visit us at Newcastle CLC! Your insight into our current culture & your passion for acting upon the calling of Christ on our lives has inspired a young church in one of the best parts of Europe!
David Wright, United Kingdom
Mal, did you start out as a journalist? You are one of the most naturally gifted writers whose works I have had the pleasure of reading. I just love your succinct way of delivering words that paint a captivating picture.
Jim, Australia
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