Jeremiah 23:1-6 NKJV
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the LORD. “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD.
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;
A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved,
And Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
THE MINISTER’S COVENANT
The Valley of Vision
(Banner of Truth Trust, 2002, p. 200)
Lord Jesus,
True God, everlasting Life, redeemer of sinners, I give my body, soul, intellect, will, affections to Thee.
I call the day, sun, earth, trees, stones, wind, rain, frost, snow, my home, bed, table, food, books, drink, clothes, to witness that I come to Thee for rest of soul, from the thunders of guilt and dread of eternity.
Grant me a circumcised heart that I may love Thee, a right spirit that I may seek Thy glory, a principle within which Thou wilt own, an interest in the blood that cleanses, the righteousness that justifies, the redemption that delivers, that I may not be found a hypocrite on Judgment Day.
For the sake of Thy cruel death, take my time, strength, gifts, talents, usefulness, piety, which in full purpose of heart I consecrate to Thee.
Let not sin find a place in my heart to becloud my vision and may no foolish act wither my gifts.
Preserve me from the falls by which others stumble, that Thy name may not be blasphemed or wounded, that Thy people may not be grieved, that Thine enemies may not be hardened, that my peace may not be injured.
Give me a heart full of love to Thyself and to others.
Let me discover in this life what I am before Thee, that I may not find myself another character hereafter.
Prepare me for death, that I may not die after long affliction or suddenly, but after short illness, with no confusion or disorder, and a quiet discharge in peace, with adieu to brethren.
Let not my days end like lumber in a house but give me a silent removing from one world to another.
Inscribe the petitions in Thy book, present them to Thy Father, set thine Amen to them as I do on my part of the covenant.
Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness
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