In addition to the Teacher being a wise man, he constantly taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and write words of truth accurately. The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods, and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails. The sayings are given by one Shepherd. But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body.When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)

“…the God who has been my shepherd all my life…” (Genesis 48:15)

“…Shepherd of Israel…” (Psalm 80:1)

“‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’” (John 10:11)

“The LORD is my shepherd…for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1, 4)

Fear + obedience = discipleship and a disciplined life

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Reflection Question: What would it look like for you to make God your all?