"Good people are good to their animals." (Prov. 12:10, The Message) That's what my grandmother always told us growing up. She'd say, "You can tell a man's heart by the way he treats dumb animals." The same thing applies to those called to shepherd God's people. The Bible says that you can spot a pastor with God's shepherding heart by simply watching how they treat people under their pastoral care. Ezekiel 34 states that true shepherds provide for the needs of others before taking care of their own. The Risen Lord Jesus Christ commanded Peter to feed, care for, and love the people of God. Paul said that pastors with the Father's Heart have an extraordinary level of compassion and patience for everyone. Peter exhorts pastors to model their leadership after Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd. David, whose heart beat passionately for the Lord, prayed four things as Shepherd-King, "Oh, save your people, bless your heritage, be their shepherd, and carry them forever." (Psalm 28:9, ESV). That's been my heart's cry for years. I'm so overwhelmed in how God has shepherded me all my life that I can do no less for others. He is truly my Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider. God has done "far more abundantly" (Eph. 3:20, ESV) for me and my family through five career changes and 26 geographical moves. He's faithfully taken care of us at every zip code and ministry setting. His greatest Provision, the Lord Jesus Christ, saved me from my sins, secured my home in Heaven, and transformed my heart into His Shepherd's Heart for others. O God, help me point others to You, our Jehovah-Jireh.