February 2014 Visiting Teaching Message

The 23rd Psalm, familiar to many, brings peace with its lyrical poetry:

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The visiting teaching message for February is: The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Good Shepherd. I'm reminded of the hymn, "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd."

I find so much peace in the imagery of Jesus Christ as a shepherd. We do not have to feel alone, for we are all His sheep, and He knows each of us. Likewise, we can follow His example and reach out to others who might feel isolated or lonely.