Podcasts about Good Shepherd

Raised: When Jesus Calls the Dead to Life – John 11:27–57 In Episode 141 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore one of the most powerful miracles in all of Scripture—the raising of Lazarus in John 11:27–57. As grief, doubt, hope, and faith collide, Jesus declares Himself to be “the resurrection and the life” before calling Lazarus from the tomb. Together, they unpack what this miracle reveals about the heart of God, the power of belief, and how Jesus often works in ways that stretch our faith beyond what we can see. This chapter is not only about a man being raised from the dead—it's about a Savior who brings life into every place that feels hopeless, buried, or beyond redemption. If you've ever wondered whether God can still move in what feels impossible, this conversation is a reminder that Jesus specializes in resurrection. What area of my life feels beyond hope—and am I willing to believe that Jesus still brings dead things back to life?____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. That's First Corinthians two, nine, and this is Something Good with Dr. Ron Jones. Well, in Psalm twenty-three, King David wrote about his future dwelling place, his eternal home in heaven with God. Today, Ron gives us a glimpse, but only a glimpse, of what that home might be like. Let's listen closely as he wraps up his teaching series, “Psalm Twenty-Three and Me: Living the Good Life With the Good Shepherd.”  

Today's Promise: Isaiah 40:11 Today's promise reminds us that Jesus is more than our Savior. He is our Good Shepherd. He watches over His sheep with tender care, providing for our needs, protecting us from danger, and leading us into places of rest.   In Isaiah 40:11, God promises to gather His lambs in His arms, carry them close to His heart, and gently lead them along the right path. On the days when you feel strong, He guides your steps. On the days when you feel weak, weary, or overwhelmed, He doesn't leave you behind. Instead, He picks you up and carries you in His arms.   Join me as we explore this beautiful picture of Christ's love for His people and discover the comfort found in knowing that our Shepherd never stops caring for His sheep. No matter what you face today, you can rest in His protection, trust His provision, and listen for the voice of the One who lovingly calls you by name.

Before D. L. Moody became the greatest evangelist of the 19th Century, he ran a storefront Sunday School to reach some of the street kids of Chicago. The story is told of one tough little guy who was seen on Sunday after Sunday. He lived a long way from his destination. Well, on one brutally cold and snowy Chicago day, one man saw the boy walking into the wind, making his usual Sunday morning journey to Moody's Sunday School. He asked the boy why he would make that effort every Sunday, even on a day when no one else was out, especially when he passed by a lot of churches that were a lot closer to his home. The boy's explanation was pretty clear and pretty simple, “I go there Mister, because they really make a fellow feel loved there.” I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “A Leader's Real Assignment.” The first portrait of Jesus I can ever remember seeing as a child was one that portrays Him as the Good Shepherd, with His sheep following Him closely and this one little lamb cuddled in His arms. Interestingly enough, now that I'm in Christian leadership, I realize that picture is also what I'm supposed to be about. And you, too, if God has entrusted you with any kind of influence or direction in people's lives. Your template is supposed to be that of a shepherd of whom people say, “He or she sure makes a person feel loved.” Listen to 1 Peter 5, beginning with verse 2. It's our word for today from the Word of God, and it's a picture of leadership worth planting deeply in your heart. Writing to those in leadership God says, “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers...” OK, quick timeout here! Notice whose sheep your people are—your children are. They're God's; they're not yours. Don't ever start acting like they're yours. And notice, too, that they are given to you to be under your care, not under your thumb. Peter goes on: “Not because you must, but because you are willing…not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” OK, what's the Biblical picture of being a leader? Right, shepherding. Leading the sheep, not lording it over them. Loving the sheep, not using them for your own ends. Modeling more than demanding. So if you're a shepherd, what should you be doing? Well, a shepherd always leads the sheep to what they need. If you've been entrusted with people to lead, it's your job to gently direct them to what they need emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally, and to know when they need encouraging, and when they need correcting, and when they just need loving. Christian leadership is all about you meeting their needs, not them meeting yours. Shepherding also means keeping your sheep from wandering—establishing clear boundaries and pulling them back at the first sign of wandering. Being a shepherd also means protecting your sheep from the enemy. A few verses later in this passage, Peter talks about resisting the roaring lion who's looking for someone to devour. It is the Christian leader's job to keep his eyes open for where Satan might get in and then to defend his flock from the stalking of the lion. And Jesus taught us one other thing the “good shepherd” does. He said, “He calls His own sheep by name” (John 10:3). I love that! In other words, if you're a good shepherd, you will give each of His sheep individual attention, the kind that street kid in Chicago must have felt at D. L. Moody's Sunday School. Make each one feel like the most important person in the world when they're with you. There's nobody else for you right now, than them. Don't treat them just like another nameless face in the flock. Jesus was a shepherd, and now He's called you to be one, trusting you with some of the sheep that He died for. Your children, your grandchildren, your church, your Bible study. All those people under your leadership. Is leadership worth the price you pay? Is it worth the sacrifices you make? Listen to the bottom line in 1 Peter 5:4 - “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory, that will never fade away.”

If you've ever gone house hunting, you've seen your share of starter homes, single-family homes, even dream homes. But today you'll hear all about your forever home, right here on Something Good with Dr. Ron Jones. Well, in the last sentence of the last verse of Psalm twenty-three, King David writes, “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” What did he mean when he wrote that sentence? For answers, stay with us now as Ron continues in his teaching series, “Psalm 23 and Me: Living the Good Life with the Good Shepherd.”  

All of us long to experience the renewal of deep, soul-nourishing rest. Trying to rest through entertainment or "zoning out" often leaves us feeling more restless than before. Even some vacations are not truly restful. What does it look like to genuinely recover and recharge in body, mind, and spirit? ​Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach us how to take a real rest with Jesus. You'll learn how to differentiate between temporary relief and holistic renewal as you grow in the ability to practice soul care alongside the Good Shepherd. Resources for this Episode: Join Our Free Devotional Email List Your Best Life in Jesus' Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live Empowered Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” That's Psalm twenty-three, verse six, and this is Something Good with Dr. Ron Jones. Well, if you're a believer in Christ, the Lord's goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, too, even on the days when He seems far away. Today, Ron explains how the goodness and mercy of God work together for our good, as he continues his series, “Psalm 23 and Me: Living the Good Life with the Good Shepherd.”  

This week, Griffin Towle shares a message from John 10 as part of the series "In the Cool of the Garden," exploring what it looks like to hear the voice of God in every part of life. Building on prior weeks covering hearing God through community and through Scripture, Griffin turns to hearing God through the voice of our Good Shepherd, tracing this theme all the way back to Eden, where God walked with Adam and Eve in intimate, ongoing relationship.Working through John 10, Griffin highlights three ways the Good Shepherd leads his flock: personally, relationally, and missionally. He contrasts the personal access Jesus offers with the way Moses once mediated God's voice for Israel, arguing that Jesus has torn the veil so that every believer now has direct, "VIP" access to God's voice in everyday life, not just on Sundays. Turning to relationship, Griffin draws on Psalm 23 and the life of David to show that trusting the Shepherd's voice requires first knowing his character, not just his instructions, posing the challenge: are we more focused on the location he's leading us to, or the leader himself? He closes with the missional dimension, using the disciples' early reluctance to share Jesus with outsiders, illustrated through his own playful "birthday cupcake" story, to show that the Shepherd's voice is never meant to be hoarded but is meant to gather "one flock" from every nation.The sermon's theological anchor is the conviction that knowing the Good Shepherd's character precedes and secures trust in his direction. Griffin states it directly: revelation of who Jesus is will always produce reassurance of where he is leading us. In other words, assurance in following God isn't found by demanding proof or seeing the whole path ahead, but by growing in relational intimacy with the One who is already, by nature, good.Ultimately, this message is an invitation to recover a posture of attentiveness, to expect God's voice not only in church gatherings but while driving, working, or going about ordinary days. Griffin calls listeners to shift their gaze from the destination to the Shepherd himself, trusting that the same God who calls each of us by name is also drawing in a wider flock, and inviting us to participate in that gathering as both sheep and sent ones.

Every good shepherd has at least one sheepdog. They're invaluable because they help keep the flock together and moving in the right direction. Today, we'll discover that God has a couple of sheepdogs of His own. Ron tells us all about them today as he moves ahead in his teaching series, “Psalm 23 and Me: Living the Good Life with the Good Shepherd.”  

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. I first read those words more than twenty years ago in John Pipers The Pleasures of God. Second only to the Bible, that book has had a profound impact on my life. I have owned several copies over the years; my first copy had to be replaced because I wore it out, and the copy on my shelf today is well marked. To give you a sense of why Pipers book means so much to me, let me read something I underlined from his chapter, The Pleasure of God in His Creation: What is the universe but the lavish demonstration of the incredible, incomparable, unimaginable exuberance and wisdom and power and greatness of God! What a God he must be! In that book, Piper says this about prayer: God is the kind of God who delights most deeply not in making demands but in meeting needs. Prayer is his delight because prayer shows the far reaches of our poverty and the full riches of his grace. Then he gives an image for prayer that has stayed with me. He says, Prayer is the walkie-talkie on the battlefield of the world. It is not a domestic intercom to increase the comforts of the saints, but a wartime means of calling upon God for courage, protection, provision, reinforcements, and the advance of His Word. It is not that I didnt believe Pipers words then; it is that prayer was not part of the culture of my heart in the same way that it is now. My prayer is that what we learn from Revelation 8:15 will help us see prayer the way heaven sees it. Last week, we saw that John heard the number of Gods sealed people144,000 from the tribes of Israelbut when he looked, he saw a great multitude no one could number from every nation, tribe, people, and language. I do not believe these are two different peoples of God, but Jews and Gentiles gathered into one redeemed people through Israels Messiah, the Lamb who purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. We also saw that the list of the 144,000 has the feel of a military census, like Numbers 1, where Israel was counted by tribe according to the men able to go to war. But Revelation 7 begins with Judah, because from Judah came the Lion who is also the Lamb. In other words, Revelation 7 gives us a symbolic picture of the people of God gathered, sealed, and ordered around the conquering Lamb. Whatever you believe about the 144,000, their commitment and loyalty to the Lamb is a picture of discipleship and abiding in Jesus. Revelation 14:4 says, It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They are not pictured as passive spectators. They are sealed saints who live with a wartime ethic. Now, when we come to Revelation 8:15, there is a dramatic pause of silence. At the center of that silence stands an angel at the altar with a golden censer. Revelation has already linked incense with prayer. In Revelation 5:8, the elders held golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. In Revelation 6, the martyred saints cried out beneath the altar, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long? Now, in Revelation 8, the prayers of all the saints rise before God with the smoke of the incense. Then the angel takes fire from the altar, fills the censer, and throws it to the earth. The prayers of the saints rise before the throne, and the fire of Gods judgment falls upon the earth. The Silence Before the Throne of God Notice what precedes the silence in heaven. Remember what I said previously: if the six seals describe what is happening on the world stage in Gods theater, then Revelation 7 shows us what is happening behind the curtain during the first six seals. Notice the language used in Revelation 7:1517: Therefore they are before the throne of God,and serve him day and night in his temple;and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,and he will guide them to springs of living water,and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Remember whose vision this is. It is Johns vision. The John who wrote these words in our Bibles is the same John who heard Jesus say, If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also (John 12:26). To the hungry and thirsty, John heard Jesus say, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst (John 6:35). Regarding our need for a shepherd, John heard Jesus say, I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). What is my point? The language used to describe Johns vision of the multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language before the throne is the language of abiding brought to its final fulfillment. Revelation 7:1517 shows us the completed experience of abiding in Christ and where it ultimately leads: Those who abide in Jesus now, will dwell before God then. Those who come to Jesus as the Bread of Life now, will hunger no more then. Those who drink from Jesus as the fountain of living water now, will thirst no more then. Those who follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd now, will be guided by the Lamb forever then. To be a Christian is to be a person who abides in Jesus. Jesus never made this optional. If you are struggling to see the connection, let me share what Jesus said in John 15: I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (vv. 14) Then Jesus said of all who abide in Him, If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7). The evidence that you are abiding in Jesus is that you desire to follow the Lamb wherever he goes (Rev. 14:4). And one of the evidences that you are following the Lamb is that you pray. Listen, abiding in Jesus and prayer are not separate. You cannot abide in Christ apart from a praying life. Prayer is the language of abiding. The sealed people of the Lamb are not passive spectators. They are not casual in their Christianity, and they are not content with merely warming chairs on Sunday morning. They are consecrated saints living with a wartime ethic, and one of the primary ways they wage war is by bringing their poverty, weakness, burdens, and cries before the throne of God. So, against the backdrop of Revelation 7, where John hears the people of God numbered as 144,000 and then sees them as a great multitude before the throne, the Lamb opens the seventh seal. And when He does, heaven falls silent. The Prayers Before the Throne of God Remember what I have said about the book of Revelation: it is the crescendo of the whole counsel of Gods Word, packaged into twenty-two glorious chapters. The themes that run from Genesis 1:1 through Jude 25 converge in Johns apocalypse. Genesis begins, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Jude ends by praising the God who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy (Jude 24). Between Genesis and Jude, one of Scriptures great themes is clear: the people of God live in the middle of a war. Martyn Lloyd-Jones rightly said, There is no grosser or greater misrepresentation of the Christian message than that which depicts it as offering us a life of ease with no battle and no struggle at all.... The first thing we must realize is that the Christian life is a warfare, that we are strangers in an alien land, that we are in the enemys territory. The war is ongoing and unrelentingbut our strength to engage it does not come from within ourselves; it comes from the Lord. This is why Paul wrote, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12). This is why Revelation does not picture the church as passengers on a cruise ship drifting comfortably through calm waters. No, we are at war, and the church is made up of sealed, redeemed people who follow the Lamb, resist the dragon, refuse Babylon, and find their source of power and strength before the throne of God through prayer. That is why Paul urges us to put on the whole armor of God so we may stand against the devils schemes (Eph. 6:11). Yet the armor of God is not secured by human effort, self-discipline, or religious activity. It is ours because we are in Christ. He is our truth. He is our righteousness. He is our peace. He is our salvation. He is the Word who gives us the sword of the Spirit. We put on the armor by abiding in Jesus, and we stand firm in it by praying at all times in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18). Now, with the image of 144,000 sealed warriors of the Lamb, clothed in the armor of God and standing firm in prayer, we are ready to understand why Revelation 8:15 matters so much. Do not miss where the angel stands in verse 3. He stands at the altar with a golden censer, and he is given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. Remember, this is not the first time Revelation has connected incense with prayer. In Revelation 5:8, the elders held golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Then, when the fifth seal was opened, John saw the souls of the martyrs beneath the altar crying out, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? (6:10). Here in Revelation 8, John sees these prayersthe prayers of all the saintsrising before God with the smoke of incense in the presence of God Almighty. Notice that what rises before God is not only the prayers of the martyrs but the prayers of all the saints. Not only the prayers of pastors, but all the saints. Not only the prayers of the spiritually mature, but also the prayers of those who are struggling. The prayers of all the saints rise before God. Every person whose faith rests in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, has access to the throne of God through the blood of Jesus. This means that even the weakest cry of the weakest saint, offered through Christ, is not ignored in heaven. All of this takes place within the silence of heaven, but what John sees cannot be misunderstood: God hears the prayers of all who have been redeemed by the blood of His Son. At this moment, John watches the angel take the censer, fill it with fire from the altar, and cast it to the earth. Then peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake pierce the silence. These are the images and sounds of the perfect justice of a holy God. Heaven is silent, but God is not indifferent. His people cry out, and He answers in His time, in His way, and according to His holy character. Joel Beeke says of these verses, Prayer is powerful and effective in this world because God takes more notice of the prayers of His saints than He does the dictates or decrees of governments. When the prayers of the saints ascended to God in heaven, John writes that the earth was shaken with thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake as seven angels prepared to sound seven trumpets. God wants to impress upon us the effectiveness of prayer.... God is saying this: By your prayers, I will overthrow governments. I will confound human plans; I will turn the world upside down, casting the wicked to the ground and delivering My ransomed people. That is why prayer is not a small thing. Prayer is one of the means by which God accomplishes His purposes in history.It is not that our prayers bend God to our will, but as we abide in Christ, we bend to His will. And this same God, who does all that he pleases (Ps. 115:3), is pleased to hear the prayers of His people. Proverbs 15:8 says, the prayer of the upright is His delight (BSB). Conclusion So, permit me to leave you with three questions: If prayer is the language of abiding, what does your prayer life say about your dependence on Jesus? If prayer is the walkie-talkie on the battlefield of the world, have you been using itor have you been trying to fight in your own strength? If heaven receives the prayers of all the saints, can you really say that God has not heard you, or that your prayers do not matter to Him? Listen to me: even the weakest saint, crying out in the name of Jesus, is heard before the throne of God. If you are a Christian, you have access to the throne of God through the Son of God because of the blood of the Lamb. So pray. Pray when you feel weak. Pray when you are afraid. Pray when you do not know what to do. Pray for your family. Pray for this church. Pray for the lost. Pray for those suffering for the name of Christ. Pray for the kingdom to come and for the will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven. John Piper closes his chapter on prayer with a quote from Patrick Johnstone that I believe serves as an appropriate conclusion to this sermon: Let us mobilize prayer! We can tip the scales of history. Christians can be the controlling factor in the unfolding drama of todays worldlet us not allow ourselves to be chased around by the enemy, but let us go up at once and take the kingdoms of this world for Jesus (Numbers 13:30; Daniel 7:18)He is delighted to give them to us (Daniel 7:22, 27; Luke 12:32). In practical terms, may these truths make our prayer lives as individuals, and in prayer meetings, outward-looking, Satan-shaking, captive-releasing, kingdom-taking, revival-giving, Christ-glorifying power channels for God! Prayer is not how we bend God to our will; prayer is how we abide in Christ, draw near to the Father, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, join in the purposes of the sovereign God who hears the prayers of all His saints.

I AM the Gate | Rev. Kevin Johnson | John 10:1-10Podcast Description:What did Jesus mean when he said, "I am the gate"?In this message from John 10:1-10, Rev. Kevin Johnson explores one of Jesus' lesser-known but deeply meaningful "I AM" statements. Using the story of his family's adventurous beagle, Donut, Kevin illustrates why gates matter—and how Jesus serves as both our protector and provider.Drawing on the imagery of sheep, shepherds, and ancient sheepfolds, this sermon reveals how Jesus invites us into the safety of God's care while also sending us out into the abundance of God's provision. We are reminded that faith is not about restriction or limitation but about finding the abundant life Christ promises.This message explores: The meaning of Jesus as "the gate" in John 10  How God protects us from spiritual predators  The connection between Jesus the Gate and Jesus the Good Shepherd  The rhythm of being gathered and sent in the Christian life  Why abundant life is at the heart of the Gospel  How worship, prayer, and Christian community help sustain us Whether you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus' words, this sermon offers encouragement that Christ knows your name, welcomes you home, and leads you into life that is full, meaningful, and abundant.Scripture: John 10:1-10Keywords: Jesus, I Am the Gate, John 10, Good Shepherd, abundant life, Christian sermon, Bible teaching, Gospel of John, discipleship, faith, spiritual growth, worship, church, United Methodist, North Raleigh UMC, Christian living, grace, protection, God's provision, shepherd and sheep, abundant living, following Jesus, Christian encouragement, Rev. Kevin Johnson, Raleigh NC.About North Raleigh UMC: North Raleigh United Methodist Church is a welcoming church in Raleigh, North Carolina, helping people connect with God, grow in faith, and serve others in Jesus' name. Learn more at North Raleigh UMC.

Why does Jesus leave the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep? In this sermon on Luke 15:1–10, we hear the comforting truth that Christ does not seek sinners in order to condemn them, but to rescue them. Like a shepherd searching for a wandering sheep, our Lord pursues those who have gone astray, carries them on His shoulders, and rejoices to bring them home. Drawing on the teaching of Martin Luther and the words of Jesus Himself, this sermon proclaims the Gospel for troubled consciences: you do not have to fear punishment, for Christ has come to save, forgive, and restore you through His Word and Sacraments. Heaven rejoices over every repentant sinner because the Good Shepherd never stops seeking His lost sheep.

In this sermon, Jordan Tatum reflects on how pride — what C.S. Lewis called a "spiritual cancer" — can quietly pull us away from God, convincing us we're good enough on our own. Drawing from Romans 5:8, Jordan unpacks three humbling truths: we have sinned against God, we can't fix what we've broken, and it takes an act of God to overcome sin. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus, the Lamb of God, did what we never could — and that truth calls us to follow our Good Shepherd in humility. https://bwaychurch.org

Summer In The Psalms - The Good Shepherd Pastor Jordan Tardo

There can be a danger when reading a well-known passage like Psalm 23. The danger lies in ripping it out of context and applying it to people who don't truly know Jesus as the Good Shepherd. But for the believer, this Psalm offers the lasting hope that God is our shepherd: leading, comforting, inviting, and pursuing us all the days of our lives.

What if the greatest thing you could give your family isn't more money, more success, or even more time?In the final message of our Overwhelmed series, Pastor Carl Nichols unpacks one of the most powerful verses in Psalm 23."You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." — Psalm 23:5Before God ever asks you to pour into others, He wants to pour into you.In this message, you'll discover:Why identity always comes before responsibility.How the Shepherd heals the wounds you can't reach.What it means to live from overflow instead of emptiness.Why your family experiences whatever is filling your heart.The legacy every father—and every believer—should strive to leave.A full cup blesses you.An overflowing cup blesses everyone around you.Whether you're a parent, a leader, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this message will encourage you to stop striving and allow the Good Shepherd to fill your life first.

Go to sermon webpage: THE WAY TO THE CROSS

Leon du Preez unveils the profound relationship between the sheep and the Shepherd, revealing why believers cannot flourish through independence, isolation, or unfamiliar voices. Sheep require direction, protection, rest, still waters, and daily nearness to the one who leads them. The Good Shepherd does not abandon, manipulate, or break His flock. He restores the fallen, guards them from danger, calls each one by name, and bears the scars that prove His love. Remain planted, recognise His voice, and rest beneath the care of the Shepherd who will never let you go.

Welcome to Faith Family! Thank you for joining us. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pastor David Sullivan Our Good Shepherd and Gracious Host Scripture: Psalm 23 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CCLI Streaming License #20175583 CCLI Copyright License #350917

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260620dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 Compassion Jesus was a man in motion. He healed a paralytic, a sick woman, and two blind men. He raised another man's daughter from the dead. He called men to be his disciples. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.” Why this activity, this urgency? Because the people were harassed by false prophets and the forces of evil. Because they were harassed by the guilt of their own sin and the fear of eternal death. And by themselves, they were helpless to do anything about it. Sound familiar? Aren’t we tempted by false prophets who promise a way to heaven other than through Christ? Aren’t we besieged by forces of evil that want to drag us away into the deadly sins of laziness, selfishness, greed, pornography, adultery, idolatry, and the like? Don’t we get depressed by our own sinfulness and guilt and wonder whether heaven can really be our home? And by ourselves, we are helpless to do anything about it. Thankfully, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has come to guide, strengthen, and protect us. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t. He gave his life, taking the curse for all our sins. He moved beyond death and the grave, rising on Easter Sunday morning, and then returned to his throne in heaven. He assures us that his victory is ours. Because of all he has done, we are fully forgiven and headed for heaven. He did all this because of his compassion. Compassion has been defined as love in motion. That’s why Jesus was a man on the move. His love did not allow him to see us in our need and leave us there. He took action. Aren’t you glad he did? Prayer: Dear Jesus, I am amazed by your love and compassion. Thank you for taking action when I needed you to. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260620dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 Compassion Jesus was a man in motion. He healed a paralytic, a sick woman, and two blind men. He raised another man's daughter from the dead. He called men to be his disciples. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.” Why this activity, this urgency? Because the people were harassed by false prophets and the forces of evil. Because they were harassed by the guilt of their own sin and the fear of eternal death. And by themselves, they were helpless to do anything about it. Sound familiar? Aren’t we tempted by false prophets who promise a way to heaven other than through Christ? Aren’t we besieged by forces of evil that want to drag us away into the deadly sins of laziness, selfishness, greed, pornography, adultery, idolatry, and the like? Don’t we get depressed by our own sinfulness and guilt and wonder whether heaven can really be our home? And by ourselves, we are helpless to do anything about it. Thankfully, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has come to guide, strengthen, and protect us. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t. He gave his life, taking the curse for all our sins. He moved beyond death and the grave, rising on Easter Sunday morning, and then returned to his throne in heaven. He assures us that his victory is ours. Because of all he has done, we are fully forgiven and headed for heaven. He did all this because of his compassion. Compassion has been defined as love in motion. That’s why Jesus was a man on the move. His love did not allow him to see us in our need and leave us there. He took action. Aren’t you glad he did? Prayer: Dear Jesus, I am amazed by your love and compassion. Thank you for taking action when I needed you to. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

You've heard the expression, “Count Your Blessings”. But how often do you do it? You know, if you did an honest accounting of all the blessings God has given you, you wouldn't have anywhere near enough fingers and toes. God is the most generous person you'll ever know. Ron offers proof today, as he moves ahead in his teaching series, “Psalm 23 and Me: Living the Good Life with The Good Shepherd.”  

Michael interviews Tim St. John about his “Freedom in Christ” session, “Building Churches that Honor and Protect,” concluding a hidden abuse track focused on identifying abuse in churches and then rebuilding healthy culture. Using a termite-damage metaphor, St. John explains that removing abuse isn't enough; churches must reinstall “beams” like sound theology of suffering and identity in Christ to promote healing and exalt Christ. He defines church hurt as unrepentant sin normalized or protected by leadership and describes three waves of pain: the direct wound, failure to address it, and loss of community. Discussing his book After Church Hurt, he addresses both sheep hurt and shepherd hurt, urges looking to Christ as the Good Shepherd, and offers practical steps including diagnosing what happened, seeking legal counsel when crimes are involved, finding experienced counseling, easing back into church, planning conversations, and evaluating church accountability and culture.00:00 Conference Intro00:41 Meet Tim St John01:24 Workshop Overview03:11 Church Hurt Defined06:11 Three Waves of Pain08:16 After Church Hurt Book08:34 Sheep and Shepherd Hurt11:30 Hope in the Good Shepherd14:53 Practical Steps Forward18:11 Closing and ResourcesEpisode ResourcesAfter Church Hurt - Tim St. John 

David and Tim explore Matthew 18:10–14, highlighting God's deep love for His children and the heart of the Good Shepherd who pursues those who wander from the flock. Look around for those God has placed in your life who need encouragement, and draw near to the Father yourself, trusting His grace to welcome you back and His love to lead others home. 

The Delay, The Death, and The Resurrection Life - John 11:1-26 In Episode 141 - When Jesus hears that His close friend Lazarus is sick, He doesn't rush to his side—He waits. In this episode, we unpack the tension of John 11:1-26. Why does God sometimes seem slow to answer our pain? We'll look at the heartbreak of Mary and Martha, the raw humanity of Jesus, and the staggering moment He redefines reality by declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life." If you're sitting in a season of waiting or wondering if God has forgotten you, this episode is a powerful reminder that His delays are never denials. Where in your life right now does it feel like Jesus is arriving 'too late'—and how does knowing He delayed on purpose with Lazarus change how you view that waiting room? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

Some people say their glass is half empty. Others prefer to call it half full. But, in case you didn't know, there is a third option. In Psalm twenty-three verse five, David says, “My cup runneth over.” It's a testament to the never-ending generosity of God, the Good Shepherd. And if you're a believer in Christ, David's Good Shepherd is your Good Shepherd. Stay with us now as Ron continues his teaching series, “Psalm 23 and Me: Living the Good Life with the Good Shepherd.”  

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you'd like us to reply)In which John and David continue discussing Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John's Gospel, connecting this I Am saying to Old Testament themes and the pastoral role of church leaders. We delve into biblical references, theological insights, and practical applications for spiritual leadership.Episode 248 of the Two Texts Podcast | Jesus and God's "Name" 12If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on podcast@twotexts.com or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you left a review or comment where you're listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Speaking to God in Psalm twenty-three, verse five, King David says, “You anoint my head with oil.” What does that mean for us in practical terms?  Perhaps more than you might have guessed. Coming your way next, Ron takes an in-depth look at what this anointing oil produces in our lives, as he continues his teaching series, “Psalm 23 and Me: Living the Good Life with The Good Shepherd.” 

What did Paul mean when he warned Timothy about "myths and endless genealogies" in 1 Timothy 1?In this Bible Study Reflection, Arthur explores a phrase that unexpectedly jumped off the page during his daily Bible reading and led him to a deeper question: What are the endless genealogies of our generation?Drawing from 1 Timothy 1:3–7, Titus 3:9, Matthew 28:19–20, John 10:27, James 1:22, Philippians 1:9–11, and Galatians 5:22–23, this episode examines the difference between information and transformation, knowledge and discipleship, and curiosity and spiritual growth.Paul's concern was not genealogies themselves. His concern was anything that distracted believers from the Gospel and from becoming faithful followers of Jesus Christ.Join us as we explore what it means to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, stay focused on what truly forms faith, and pursue the goal Paul identified so clearly:"The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

Shepherds will often anoint a sheep's head with oil to fend off disease. God does the same thing when He anoints your head with oil. If the rod and staff are part of God's toolbox, anointing oil is part of God's first aid kit. What does that mean for us in our relationship with God? Find out next, as Ron continues in his teaching series, “Psalm 23 and Me: Living the Good Life with The Good Shepherd.” 

When we pray, “Thy will be done”, do we really know what we're asking? The answer is not as simple as it may seem. As Pastor Ricky continues to explore the Lord's Prayer, he asks the question, “What is God's will?” We often think of His will as a secret map directing us on every life decision that can only be deciphered through years of study and prayer. Often times His will is much more straightforward than that. He doesn't withhold it from us but instead offers to lead us as a Good Shepherd."Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.

Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show. (Include your email if you'd like us to reply)In which John and David explore the imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John's Gospel, examining how his sacrificial love contrasts with religious leaders and what it reveals about his character and mission.Episode 247 of the Two Texts Podcast | Jesus and God's "Name" 11If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on podcast@twotexts.com or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you left a review or comment where you're listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the show

Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd; one who knows His sheep, calls themby name, and leads them to life. But not every voice leads to life. There are othervoices competing for our attention, voices that ultimately steal, kill, and destroy. In theend, the voice you follow determines the life you live.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” That's Psalm twenty-three, five, and this is Something Good with Dr. Ron Jones. Well, King David had his fair share of enemies. And, if you're a believer in Christ, so will you. But as you'll see today, your real enemy might not be who you think it is. Stay with us now as Ron continues his teaching series, “Psalm 23 and Me: Living the Good Life with The Good Shepherd.” 

In our Summer In The Psalms series, Austin Baker teaches from Psalm 23, reminding us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd who leads, provides, and cares for us.

In the second message of our Summer series through the Psalms, Pastor Chan teaches through the five ways our Good Shepherd provides rest found in Psalm 23. Today's Message Text: Psalm 23 Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

What does it look like to live with an overflowing life in a world filled with stress, exhaustion, and constant demands? Drawing from the timeless words of Psalm 23, we discover God's desire not merely to help us survive, but to fill our lives with His presence, peace, and abundance. An overflowing life is marked by contentment, restoration, comfort, and provision- not because life is free from challenges, but because God faithfully walks with us through them. The Good Shepherd invites us to trust His leadership, find rest for our souls, walk with Him through life's valleys, and remain confident in His care even in the midst of adversity. When Jesus becomes our Shepherd, we learn that true fulfillment isn't found in having more, but in being rooted in His presence. No matter what season you're facing, God desires to fill your cup so completely that His goodness overflows into every area of your life.

The Vanity of Life Under the Sun Without the Son, Pt. 16The End of the MatterEcclesiastes 12:9–14 | King's Chapel Live StreamAfter sixteen chapters of searching, questioning, wrestling, and reflecting, Ecclesiastes arrives at its final conclusion.What is the meaning of life? What truly matters? What should we do with the days we've been given?Solomon has explored wealth, pleasure, wisdom, work, power, success, and every pursuit life under the sun has to offer. Again and again, he exposes the emptiness of looking for ultimate meaning in temporary things.But Ecclesiastes does not end in despair.It ends with a call to fear God and keep His commandments, because every deed matters and every life will one day stand before Him.In this message, we discover that everything matters because God is the Judge of all things. We see that the deepest emptiness of the human heart can only be filled by the fullness of God. And we are pointed to the One Shepherd whose words guide us, ground us, and ultimately lead us home.The good news of Ecclesiastes is not that we must find our way to God. The good news is that God has come to us in Jesus Christ. The Judge became the One judged for our sins. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep.At the end of the matter, life is not meaningless. Life finds its meaning in Him.If you've followed this journey through Ecclesiastes or if you're searching for purpose, hope, and lasting meaning, this message points us to the only One who truly satisfies.Connect with King's Chapel in Longwood, FL - ▶️ www.kingschapelfl.com▶️ https://www.facebook.com/KingsChapelfl▶️ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelfl/For the GLORY of our Great GodFor the GOOD of our NeighborEcclesiastes 12 sermon, the end of the matter, fear God and keep His commandments, meaning of life Bible sermon, Good Shepherd sermon, purpose of life Christianity, Ecclesiastes conclusion, finding meaning in God, Jesus the Good Shepherd, King's Chapel Longwood FL

In the final week of the Good Shepherd series, Pastor Curt Taylor explores the powerful conclusion of Psalm 23 and the hope found in following God through every season of life. This message reminds us that God not only guides and provides for His people, but also invites them to belong at His table and rest in His presence. Even in the midst of challenges, uncertainty, and difficult circumstances, God's goodness and mercy continue to pursue us. Pastor Curt encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting that our present struggles are preparing us for something greater. As the series concludes, we are reminded that our ultimate destination is not found in this world, but in dwelling with the Lord forever.

Are you exhausted, anxious, or carrying burdens you were never meant to carry?In Psalm 23, David reveals the source of true peace. Written after a lifetime of battles, betrayal, hardship, and loss, this familiar passage is more than comforting poetry. It's a battle-tested guide for finding rest, security, and confidence in God's care.In this message, Pastor Matt Shackelford explores how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides for His people, walks with them through life's darkest valleys, and leads them safely home.You'll Discover: Why anxiety often grows when we try to shepherd ourselves  What it means that "The Lord is my Shepherd"  How God restores people who have fallen and can't get back up  Why the valley is often where we learn to trust God most  The difference between the absence of danger and the presence of the Shepherd  How God's goodness and mercy follow believers throughout their lives  Why Psalm 23 is ultimately a picture of the gospel No matter what valley you're facing, you do not walk through it alone. The Shepherd is with you. Scripture: Psalm 23

David paints a picture of a Shepherd who lovingly provides what His sheep can't provide for themselves: true rest. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters.” Sheep don't naturally rest easily. They're fearful, anxious, restless, and distracted. Yet the Good Shepherd removes fear, calms the chaos, provides, and gently leads us to peace.

Who is Jesus, really? In this message, Wayne Pederson takes a close look at the life and identity of Christ, drawing from the Gospel of John and Colossians 1. He traces three categories of people Jesus consistently stopped for: the downcast, the outcast, and the sinner. From the woman who touched the hem of his garment, to the widow who lost her only son, to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus showed up for people the world had written off. And the invitation he extended then is still open today.Wayne also walks through the many names and titles given to Jesus in scripture, explaining what each one means and what it reveals about his character. "Jesus" means God saves. "Christ" means the anointed one. He is the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Prince of Peace, the Alpha and the Omega. As Wayne puts it, after everything that happens in our churches, our theology, our programs, and our lives, "after all, it's all about Jesus." If you have ever wondered whether Jesus would show up for someone like you, this message is worth your time.

The Good Shepherd calls His sheep and gives them life.

What happens when the very place meant to bring healing becomes the source of pain? In this final message of The Tough Stuff series, we explore one of the most uncomfortable topics in the church: church hurt. Drawing from Ezekiel 34 and the Gospel of John, Vicar Alex unpacks the image of the shepherd and what it reveals about leadership, accountability, and the danger of entitlement in the pews. The sobering truth is that church hurt doesn't only come from the top, it can come from any one of us. Whether you've been wounded by the church or wonder if you've ever been the one doing the wounding, this message invites honest reflection. And for those carrying that pain, there is a word of hope: the church at its best is a place where the wounded are are welcomed. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he is still in charge.

In Psalm twenty-three verse five, King David says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Well, you don't have to be a foodie to know that if God's making dinner, it will be the best meal you've ever had. Coming your way next, Ron moves ahead in his teaching series, “Psalm Twenty-Three and Me: Living the Good Life with The Good Shepherd.” Along the way, he'll explain what King David meant when he wrote this passage, and how it applies to you and me.  

This week, we hear from comedian Tim Hawkins, who shares what it took to build a career on clean, relatable comedy—and the surprising lesson he learned when nearly two decades of constant road life led to complete burnout. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from singer-songwriter and pastor Michael Charles Olson, who shares a life influenced by both worship and wounds. Raised in a church where music and faith were woven into everyday life, Michael reflects on how that early sense of sanctuary was later shaken to its core by a church fire that damaged more than just its walls. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Becky Thompson Upcoming interview: Jeff Hamilton Tim Hawkins Fist Bump - Comedy Special by Tim Hawkins Michael Charles Olson Rocketown Records Daddy Set the Church on Fire: A Journey Toward Restoration - Book by Michael Charles Olson Interview Quotes: “I grew up in a very fun family. We laughed a lot. We enjoyed comedy. I didn’t know what it was. I just know it made me feel good, and it was fun to create it and make people laugh.” - Tim Hawkins “My job is to be funny. People call me a Christian comedian, but I’m a Christian who is a comedian.” - Tim Hawkins “It’s all about connection. Connection is something that we need—and lack. It’s a need that fulfills something in us.” - Tim Hawkins “A thing that I needed to learn was to control my brain, to just shut it down.. And being able to just stop that and be quiet and present.” - Tim Hawkins “Just like that organ was a really, really intricate instrument of praise, my dad was a beautiful soul, deep soul, and through the power of unforgiveness, our home fell apart.” - Michael Charles Olson “When the heart of the father turns inward on itself through pain, the child is kind of left not knowing what to do because we’re hardwired in the way that we were created in our relationship with God for this openness and vulnerability.” - Michael Charles Olson “I really feel like my role as a worship leader is to create environments where the fire of God is experienced in the church.” - Michael Charles Olson “We all go through seasons of brokenness. We all go through seasons where we feel like we’ve let God down. We feel like we let ourselves down. I think I would just say that I’ve had those seasons, and it’s very, very important to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd speaking to you in the midst of your brokenness.” - Michael Charles Olson “When you’re wounded in the sanctuary, when the thing that you hold most dear burns to the ground, God meets you in a restorative place.” - Michael Charles Olson ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

My Sheep Know My Voice: The Good Shepherd Continued – John 10:22–42 In Episode 140 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane continue their journey through John 10 as Jesus boldly reveals His identity during the Feast of Dedication. In John 10:22–42, Jesus declares that His sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and no one can snatch them from His hand. As opposition intensifies, Jesus continues to point people to the evidence of His works and His unity with the Father. This passage is a powerful reminder of the security, assurance, and intimacy believers have in Christ. Together, Jamie and Jane explore what it means to recognize the Shepherd's voice, trust His leadership, and rest in the confidence that we belong to Him. Whether you're struggling with doubt, seeking direction, or longing for deeper intimacy with God, this conversation will encourage you to listen closely to the voice of the One who calls you by name. Am I listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd—or allowing other voices to shape my identity and direction? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams