Podcasts about our shepherd

When we allow God, our Shepherd, to guide us, we have contentment and refreshment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Our Shepherd knows the "green pastures" and "quiet waters" that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following him obediently. Rebelling against the Shepherd's leading is actually rebeling against our own best interests. Remember this the next time you are tempted to go your own way rather than the Shepherd's way.

In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.

In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.

The second verse in the 23rd Psalm is a peculiar one for those of us not accustomed to the undeveloped lands of the Bible. When you read of green pastures and quiet waters you most likely think of Goshen County, WY which produces more beef cattle than any other Wyoming county in our state. When I read Psalm 23, I think of the New Jersey Highlands consisting of lots of green and lots of water. But the green pastures that David had in mind was a dry and rocky set of rolling hills with tough grass sparsely scattered throughout. The grass was so sparsely scattered, that if one of the sheep wandered off, he would most likely starve to death if any of the predators in the region didnt find him first, and depending on the season, water was even more difficult to find. Because sheep are the most helpless of animals; they are not just dependent on the shepherd but are in absolute need of a shepherd for survival. Sometime ago there was a story out of Istanbul that reported the death of four sheep. Their shepherds reportedly neglected their flock by leaving the sheep to roam free so that they could eat breakfast. The sheep followed their leader right off a cliff; one by one, four hundred of them fell nearly 50 feet to their deaths. The loss of sheep was estimated to be $74,000. In the ancient world, shepherding was the least respected of occupations and required the full attention of the shepherd all the time. If a family had sheep, the youngest son was expected to serve as a shepherd. Because David was the youngest of eight sons, his job was to shepherd the sheep for his father Jesse. When David wrote this psalm, he wrote from his own experience, and like all other shepherds, David lived with the sheep. To appreciate this Psalm, we need to understand why it is structured the way that it is. There are five images that include the critical role of the shepherd as he leads, guides, and provides for his sheep; each Sunday, we will consider one of the five images we are given. So that you know where we are going, I will list them for you here: Image #1: The Abundant Life (vv. 2-3a) Image #2: The Secure Life (v. 3b) Image #3: The Hard Life (v. 4) Image #4: The Victorious Life (v. 5) Image #5: The Everlasting Life (v. 6) Today we will consider the first image, which is where the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is ultimately leading His sheep, and that is the abundant life. What is the Way to the Abundant Life? For a sheep to lie down four things need to happen: They need to be free of fear, friction, flies, and hunger. Phillip Keller spent eight years as a shepherd before he became a pastor, in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, he wrote of what it takes to get sheep to lie down: It is almost impossible for sheep to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met. Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.[1] It is only the shepherd who can provide the kind of trust, peace, deliverance, and pasture that the sheep need. Yet, of the five images in this Psalm, David begins with the one about rest. The first thing that we receive from Yahweh as our Shepherd, is rest. How does He provide us with rest? According to the NASB2020, He lets me lie down in green pastures... He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul... The Hebrew word for lets is the Hebrew word rbṣ and most translations translate this word as make. If you are using the NIV, the ESV, or an older version of the NASB, Psalm 23:2 reads something like this: He makes me lie down in green pastures... So which is it? Does Jesus, as our good Shepherd make us lie down or does He, let us lie down in green pastures? The Hebrew word for lets is both causative and imperfect so literally it can be translated, He causes me to lie down in green pastures... So, why does all matter? Our Shepherd removes from His sheep every agitation and threat that would keep us from the kind of rest we were made for and the rest that we need. However, the presence of Jesus in our lives not only causes us to lie down, but He also takes us to quiet waters; in Hebrew, quiet waters is literally waters of rest. Where the quiet waters are, so there is life for all that surrounds those waters, and where there are green pastures and still waters in the dry and rocky climate of a cursed world, there is renewal. What kind of renewal you ask? The kind that restores the soul of the sheep. The Hebrew word used for restores means to turn back or return. The place that the Psalmist is describing is the place where those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6) will be filled and refreshed by resting in the Shepherd of the 23rdPsalm. It is Jesus who said, Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). It is the Lord of the 23rd Psalm who said: I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty (John 6:35). The Good Shepherd said, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). According to Psalm 23, the Christian life begins with rest, and the kind of rest we receive is the abundant life that can only come through Jesus. But what is the abundant life? Is it prosperity in the worlds eyes? Is it the pain free life? What is the abundant life that Jesus came so that we, as His sheep, would have? What Kind of Abundant Life Does the Shepherd Provide? The abundant life is a life rooted in Jesus. The abundant life comes out of the abiding life. So, what is the abiding life you ask? Jesus told us what the abiding life is in John 6:54-56, The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him (John 6:5456). The Greek word for remain is menō. If you are using the ESV or an older version of the NASB, you will see the word abide instead of remain. To remain or abide is to rest in Jesus and to rest in Him is to take up residence in the life of Christ. How does one do that? You do it by taking into your mind, heart, and soul all that Jesus is and all that he taught and commanded us to do. The same Greek word is used in John 15:5, I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. So what does it mean to have the abundant life? Does the abundant life mean that you have a pain free life? If the abundant life means that the Shepherds will for you is to be comfortable with little to no suffering in this life, then what do you do with our Shepherds words to his sheep: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b)? The New Living Translation is closer to Jesus point: Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. If the green pastures and quite waters do not include the kind of agitation and trouble that suffering brings, then what do you do with Jesus warning to his disciples: You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, other relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all people because of My name. And yet not a hair of your head will perish (Luke 21:1618). If the green pastures and quiet waters that the Jesus leads his people to does not include suffering and even death, then what do you say to the fathers, the mothers, the children, and the friends of the 70 Christians who were taken from their village at 4am on the morning on February 13th of this year by a rebel group with ties to the Islamic State? They were taken by force to a Protestant church where they were slaughtered with machetes and hammers; those 70 Christians were our brothers and sisters in the faith. They heard the call of Jesus and followed Him (see John 10:14-16), yet when their bodies were discovered, each of them was also beheaded. Where are the green pastures and quiet waters of those 70 beheaded Christians from the Congo if the 23rd Psalm is also for them? Those 70 beheaded brothers and sisters are now included among the martyred saints described in Revelation 6:9-11, When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth? And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told that they were to rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, was completed also. (Rev. 6:911) Those 70 Christians among the masses in heaven who are asking the question: How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth? Notice the answer they received: rest for a little while longer, until the number of your fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who are to be killed even as you have been killed, is complete (v. 11). There will be more who will be massacred, butchered, and slaughtered in the name of the Good Shepherd, but that is not the end of their story! In March another 47 Christians from the Congo were martyred for following Jesus, and to date 287 Christians have been killed for their faith since Christmas of 2024. So, where was their green pasture? Where were the quiet waters for those followers of the Good Shepherd? We are given an answer in Revelation 7:9-17. We are told that right now all 287 of those who died for their faith in the Congo sing, and they are joined with other brothers and sisters who followed the Good Shepherd to their deaths, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages. Today, they shout triumphantly: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb (Rev. 7:9ff.). But that is not all that we are told, for what they have is infinitely more precious than the comfort and safety we all hope to have in this life. I want to show you something from Revelation 7:13-17 that will help make sense of what is promised to us in the 23rd Psalm: Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from? 14I said to him, My lord, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Do you see the answer for where the green pastures and quiet waters are for those who suffer, especially for those who suffer for their faith in the Good Shepherd? God currently shelters the scores of martyred Christians with His presence according to Revelation 7:15, but do you see what verses 16-17 say and how familiar it sounds to Psalm 23? Lets look at these verses again: They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. The reason why these Christians, and every other Christian in heaven no longer hungers or thirsts is because they are in the presence of the Lamb who is their shepherd. The sun no longer beats down on them with its scorching heat because they have been delivered from the wilderness of a cursed world! The Lamb is the spring of water of life, and it is because of the triumph of the Lamb that every tear will be wiped from their eyes. Conclusion Listen, the 70 who were beheaded, those who suffer in this life, and every other Christian who belongs to the Good Shepherd had the green pastures and quiet waters during their life on earth because they had Jesus, and they found that their hunger and thirst for righteousness was satisfied in Him. Although the 70 Christians from the Congo lost their lives, they did not lose what belonged to them, for they have what is promised to every Christian in the 23rd Psalm because they have the Lamb who is their Shepherd. Psalm 23 is not some cute passage for coffee mugs, t-shirts, and memorial cards! It is so much more. If Jesus is your shepherd, you have all that you need in Him. If you have Jesus, then you have the green pastures and quiet waters promised to all whose Lord is their shepherd. My question for you dear friend, is this: Who is the Lamb of God to you? If Jesus is your shepherd, then in what ways are you abiding in Him? How can you expect to experience the kinds of green pastures and quiet waters promised in Psalm 23 if you are not going to Jesus to satisfy the kind of hunger and thirst that only He can satisfy? [1] James Montgomery Boice, Psalms 141: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005), 209.

The second verse in the 23rd Psalm is a peculiar one for those of us not accustomed to the undeveloped lands of the Bible. When you read of green pastures and quiet waters you most likely think of Goshen County, WY which produces more beef cattle than any other Wyoming county in our state. When I read Psalm 23, I think of the New Jersey Highlands consisting of lots of green and lots of water. But the green pastures that David had in mind was a dry and rocky set of rolling hills with tough grass sparsely scattered throughout. The grass was so sparsely scattered, that if one of the sheep wandered off, he would most likely starve to death if any of the predators in the region didnt find him first, and depending on the season, water was even more difficult to find. Because sheep are the most helpless of animals; they are not just dependent on the shepherd but are in absolute need of a shepherd for survival. Sometime ago there was a story out of Istanbul that reported the death of four sheep. Their shepherds reportedly neglected their flock by leaving the sheep to roam free so that they could eat breakfast. The sheep followed their leader right off a cliff; one by one, four hundred of them fell nearly 50 feet to their deaths. The loss of sheep was estimated to be $74,000. In the ancient world, shepherding was the least respected of occupations and required the full attention of the shepherd all the time. If a family had sheep, the youngest son was expected to serve as a shepherd. Because David was the youngest of eight sons, his job was to shepherd the sheep for his father Jesse. When David wrote this psalm, he wrote from his own experience, and like all other shepherds, David lived with the sheep. To appreciate this Psalm, we need to understand why it is structured the way that it is. There are five images that include the critical role of the shepherd as he leads, guides, and provides for his sheep; each Sunday, we will consider one of the five images we are given. So that you know where we are going, I will list them for you here: Image #1: The Abundant Life (vv. 2-3a) Image #2: The Secure Life (v. 3b) Image #3: The Hard Life (v. 4) Image #4: The Victorious Life (v. 5) Image #5: The Everlasting Life (v. 6) Today we will consider the first image, which is where the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is ultimately leading His sheep, and that is the abundant life. What is the Way to the Abundant Life? For a sheep to lie down four things need to happen: They need to be free of fear, friction, flies, and hunger. Phillip Keller spent eight years as a shepherd before he became a pastor, in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, he wrote of what it takes to get sheep to lie down: It is almost impossible for sheep to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met. Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.[1] It is only the shepherd who can provide the kind of trust, peace, deliverance, and pasture that the sheep need. Yet, of the five images in this Psalm, David begins with the one about rest. The first thing that we receive from Yahweh as our Shepherd, is rest. How does He provide us with rest? According to the NASB2020, He lets me lie down in green pastures... He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul... The Hebrew word for lets is the Hebrew word rbṣ and most translations translate this word as make. If you are using the NIV, the ESV, or an older version of the NASB, Psalm 23:2 reads something like this: He makes me lie down in green pastures... So which is it? Does Jesus, as our good Shepherd make us lie down or does He, let us lie down in green pastures? The Hebrew word for lets is both causative and imperfect so literally it can be translated, He causes me to lie down in green pastures... So, why does all matter? Our Shepherd removes from His sheep every agitation and threat that would keep us from the kind of rest we were made for and the rest that we need. However, the presence of Jesus in our lives not only causes us to lie down, but He also takes us to quiet waters; in Hebrew, quiet waters is literally waters of rest. Where the quiet waters are, so there is life for all that surrounds those waters, and where there are green pastures and still waters in the dry and rocky climate of a cursed world, there is renewal. What kind of renewal you ask? The kind that restores the soul of the sheep. The Hebrew word used for restores means to turn back or return. The place that the Psalmist is describing is the place where those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6) will be filled and refreshed by resting in the Shepherd of the 23rdPsalm. It is Jesus who said, Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). It is the Lord of the 23rd Psalm who said: I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty (John 6:35). The Good Shepherd said, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). According to Psalm 23, the Christian life begins with rest, and the kind of rest we receive is the abundant life that can only come through Jesus. But what is the abundant life? Is it prosperity in the worlds eyes? Is it the pain free life? What is the abundant life that Jesus came so that we, as His sheep, would have? What Kind of Abundant Life Does the Shepherd Provide? The abundant life is a life rooted in Jesus. The abundant life comes out of the abiding life. So, what is the abiding life you ask? Jesus told us what the abiding life is in John 6:54-56, The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him (John 6:5456). The Greek word for remain is menō. If you are using the ESV or an older version of the NASB, you will see the word abide instead of remain. To remain or abide is to rest in Jesus and to rest in Him is to take up residence in the life of Christ. How does one do that? You do it by taking into your mind, heart, and soul all that Jesus is and all that he taught and commanded us to do. The same Greek word is used in John 15:5, I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. So what does it mean to have the abundant life? Does the abundant life mean that you have a pain free life? If the abundant life means that the Shepherds will for you is to be comfortable with little to no suffering in this life, then what do you do with our Shepherds words to his sheep: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b)? The New Living Translation is closer to Jesus point: Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. If the green pastures and quite waters do not include the kind of agitation and trouble that suffering brings, then what do you do with Jesus warning to his disciples: You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, other relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all people because of My name. And yet not a hair of your head will perish (Luke 21:1618). If the green pastures and quiet waters that the Jesus leads his people to does not include suffering and even death, then what do you say to the fathers, the mothers, the children, and the friends of the 70 Christians who were taken from their village at 4am on the morning on February 13th of this year by a rebel group with ties to the Islamic State? They were taken by force to a Protestant church where they were slaughtered with machetes and hammers; those 70 Christians were our brothers and sisters in the faith. They heard the call of Jesus and followed Him (see John 10:14-16), yet when their bodies were discovered, each of them was also beheaded. Where are the green pastures and quiet waters of those 70 beheaded Christians from the Congo if the 23rd Psalm is also for them? Those 70 beheaded brothers and sisters are now included among the martyred saints described in Revelation 6:9-11, When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth? And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told that they were to rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, was completed also. (Rev. 6:911) Those 70 Christians among the masses in heaven who are asking the question: How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth? Notice the answer they received: rest for a little while longer, until the number of your fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who are to be killed even as you have been killed, is complete (v. 11). There will be more who will be massacred, butchered, and slaughtered in the name of the Good Shepherd, but that is not the end of their story! In March another 47 Christians from the Congo were martyred for following Jesus, and to date 287 Christians have been killed for their faith since Christmas of 2024. So, where was their green pasture? Where were the quiet waters for those followers of the Good Shepherd? We are given an answer in Revelation 7:9-17. We are told that right now all 287 of those who died for their faith in the Congo sing, and they are joined with other brothers and sisters who followed the Good Shepherd to their deaths, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages. Today, they shout triumphantly: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb (Rev. 7:9ff.). But that is not all that we are told, for what they have is infinitely more precious than the comfort and safety we all hope to have in this life. I want to show you something from Revelation 7:13-17 that will help make sense of what is promised to us in the 23rd Psalm: Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from? 14I said to him, My lord, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Do you see the answer for where the green pastures and quiet waters are for those who suffer, especially for those who suffer for their faith in the Good Shepherd? God currently shelters the scores of martyred Christians with His presence according to Revelation 7:15, but do you see what verses 16-17 say and how familiar it sounds to Psalm 23? Lets look at these verses again: They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. The reason why these Christians, and every other Christian in heaven no longer hungers or thirsts is because they are in the presence of the Lamb who is their shepherd. The sun no longer beats down on them with its scorching heat because they have been delivered from the wilderness of a cursed world! The Lamb is the spring of water of life, and it is because of the triumph of the Lamb that every tear will be wiped from their eyes. Conclusion Listen, the 70 who were beheaded, those who suffer in this life, and every other Christian who belongs to the Good Shepherd had the green pastures and quiet waters during their life on earth because they had Jesus, and they found that their hunger and thirst for righteousness was satisfied in Him. Although the 70 Christians from the Congo lost their lives, they did not lose what belonged to them, for they have what is promised to every Christian in the 23rd Psalm because they have the Lamb who is their Shepherd. Psalm 23 is not some cute passage for coffee mugs, t-shirts, and memorial cards! It is so much more. If Jesus is your shepherd, you have all that you need in Him. If you have Jesus, then you have the green pastures and quiet waters promised to all whose Lord is their shepherd. My question for you dear friend, is this: Who is the Lamb of God to you? If Jesus is your shepherd, then in what ways are you abiding in Him? How can you expect to experience the kinds of green pastures and quiet waters promised in Psalm 23 if you are not going to Jesus to satisfy the kind of hunger and thirst that only He can satisfy? [1] James Montgomery Boice, Psalms 141: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005), 209.

What keeps you up at night? What thoughts play on repeat in your mind? In this episode, Brian Delamont joins us to explore how God transforms our thinking—especially when it comes to anxiety and security. Drawing from Scripture we discuss how trusting in God's care can reshape our worries and bring lasting peace. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on seeking God's Kingdom first and allowing His truth to guard our hearts and minds. Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen Proverbs 12:25 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt “Anxiety can flow from what we expose ourselves to, and it can be addressed or mitigated by what we expose ourselves to, as well.” Luke 12:22-34 “God will take care of what is in His hands. Every good father watches over his children. The Father knows what you need.” “God's Kingdom is where He rules and He reigns. It's the wonder of the garden creation and the splendor of the new city with the Lamb of God and its centerpiece and light. Think about seeing God's Kingdom in relationship to anxiety and security. When I seek His Kingdom, there is no fear in this task. It's God's Kingdom, and He rules, so I don't need to. He invites me to be part of that dominion, and the starting point for God's Kingdom coming is my heart and mind. If I give Him me, then his Kingdom will begin to be seen in me because I'll reflect it. And God knows what we need.  “Our Shepherd will provide care; therefore, I don't need to be afraid to do what He has called me to do.” “Transformation is a change in how I think.” Psalm 127:2 “God will accomplish His purposes. No amount of hard work, early mornings, late nights are going to gain a thing if God's not in it.” “Rest is one of the gifts God has given us to counter anxiety and release control.” Philippians 4:6-8 “God is offering us peace, even in persecution which is beyond a normal human response… It's God setting up a fortress of peace around your heart and your mind.” The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard January Reflection: What am I thinking most about? What's changing our lives: Keane: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Heather: Cordless rechargeable lamps Brian: Reflecting on what he is thinking about Weekly Spotlight: Hyperlinked Name of School We'd love to hear from you! podcast@teachbeyond.org Podcast Website: https://teachbeyond.org/podcast Learn about TeachBeyond: https://teachbeyond.org/ 

Summary: In this week's message, Pastor Strickland reflects on the role of God as our shepherd, inspired by the stories of biblical figures like Jacob, Joseph, and David. He draws a comparison to a nursery rhyme question, "Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?" to illustrate the challenges and fears we face in life. Pastor Strickland reminds us that just as these individuals were shepherded by God's grace and protection through trials and threats, we too need not fear the metaphorical "big bad wolf" in our lives today. Whether it's fears of the future, the burden of past mistakes, or the wolves of life that nip at our heels, our faith and trust in God as our ultimate shepherd can guide us through. His key message serves as a call to trust in God, forgive past wrongs, and embrace the security found in divine guidance: Our Shepherd is always with us, providing strength and protection. Title: Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Date: 1/5/25, 10am, Sunday Sermon Speaker: Pastor Derrel Strickland Outline: 00:00 - The Good Shepherd 00:57 - Jacob's Legacy 03:07 - Fear of the Big Bad Wolf 07:44 - The Story of Joseph 14:41 - The Power of Forgiveness 26:50 - Paul's Transformation 33:42 - The Lord is My Shepherd 37:13 - Call to the Sheep

1. Our Shepherd's Good Provision (1-3) 2. Our Shepherd's Constant Comfort (4) 3. Our Shepherd's Eternal Blessing (5-6)

Our Shepherd has prepared our way and will guide and comfort us through the ups and downs. #theloriclineshow Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~ Is the Lord your shepherd? If you're tired of wandering and ready for complete peace and rest, follow Jehovah-Rohi. Rohi is the Hebrew word for shepherd. Jehovah-Rohi is one of the names of God. He is the Lord my shepherd. The Lord IS my shepherd. I gladly follow Him. Sometimes I try to go my own way, that never works great and I usually get stressed out. So back to His green pasture I go. In a previous season of my life I was a radio promoter. This was in the days before smartphones. We had blackberries, mobile phones, fax machines and no GPS. As a radio promoter I would promote Christian artists to Christian radio. Part of that job was taking artists all over the country to meet radio programmers and convince them to play my artist's latest single. To prepare for a promotional tour required lots of planning and back then, printing out directions. Before a trip I had a folder full of directions. It was all on me to get us everywhere we needed to be. It was so much fun. It was also exhausting. Today you simply ask siri to tell you where to go and GPS tracks you the whole way there and tells you where the best restaurants are. I never think about directions like I did back then. I jump in the car, put in a destination and the GPS on my phone guides me. Life's a breeze. Tracking your own way in life is exhausting. If you didn't know it, you don't have to do it anymore. There is a good shepherd that knows the best place to eat, the best place to get a cool drink and the best place to find rest. You don't have to worry about all the things. He will lead you, you only need to follow. Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. All the things in this life you used to worry about, you don't have to anymore. The shepherd has it all laid out for you. The journey may get crazy, but He will guide you and comfort you. When you follow the shepherd, you're never alone. And the cool thing is as you begin to follow Him here on earth, you dwell with Him here as you will in Heaven. How cool is that. The journey never ends, but you can rest because He's got it all mapped out for you. And it's full of goodness and love. That's the truth. The Lord is my Shepherd. Jehovah-Rohi. I will follow Him and He will lead me wherever I need to go. I'm Lori Cline.

As we begin to take a fresh look at Psalm 23 on the next Treasured Truth, Pastor Ford will explain that despite the fact that it may be the most well-known Psalm from the Bible, Psalm 23 may also be the least understood.  We'll begin to explore the metaphors and the word pictures in this beloved passage of scripture and learn more about the Lord, Who is Our Shepherd when you join us for the next Treasured Truth. Treasured Truth is a listener supported program on Moody Radio.  To join our team of supporters, click here. To learn more about Pastor James Ford, Jr., click here. To learn more about Treasured Truth, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Sergio continues this series talking to us about how our Pastors(Shepherds)give us gifts. We have to understand the value of our Shepherd! If you're at church just because you like people that's fine, but the true gift is the gift of a Shepherd. Our Shepherd tells us what it means to be a good Shepherd. Our Shepherd equips us for the work of the ministry and equips us to help in the edifying of the body of Christ. We have to mature as believers in order to grow and see spiritual inheritance in our lives! Our Shepherds cast the vision of God and brings it all together in unity. Unity blesses God!

Pastor Sergio continues this series talking to us about how our Pastors(Shepherds)give us gifts. We have to understand the value of our Shepherd! If you're at church just because you like people that's fine, but the true gift is the gift of a Shepherd. Our Shepherd tells us what it means to be a good Shepherd. Our Shepherd equips us for the work of the ministry and equips us to help in the edifying of the body of Christ. We have to mature as believers in order to grow and see spiritual inheritance in our lives! Our Shepherds cast the vision of God and brings it all together in unity. Unity blesses God!

-Our Good Shepherd Keeps Us - He is FOR Us--Pastor Jason Van Bemmel--Are you afraid-- Anxious-- What scares or worries you----I. The Valley - the Evil--II. The Comfort of our Shepherd's Rod--III. The Comfort of Our Shepherd's Staff--Will you trust your Good Shepherd--

"Our Good Shepherd Keeps Us – He is FOR Us"Pastor Jason Van BemmelAre you afraid? Anxious? What scares or worries you?I. The Valley & the EvilII. The Comfort of our Shepherd's RodIII. The Comfort of Our Shepherd's StaffWill you trust your Good Shepherd?

Our Shepherd in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Our Shepherd in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

1. The Lord provides, the Lord guides. 2. The Lord provides for our whole being, body and soul. 3. The Lord is with us even in the darkest hour of our lives. . In the darkness, Jesus has gone before us. 4. Our Lord and Saviour, Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is with us now and forever. Jesus provides life in abundance, pouring out beyond the boundaries of this world, into his eternal Kingdom.

Our Shepherd is truly like no other—He even gave His own life for us. Jesus tells us, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). In today's devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef looks at the relationship of the sheep and their Shepherd.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series God's Provision for Your Every Need: LISTEN NOW

Our Shepherd majors in restoring hope to the soul. Whether you are a lamb lost on a craggy ledge or...

Date: 1/21/24 By: Elder Steven Morris Text: Psalm 23 Outline: I. Because your wise & good Shepherd is always with you, He would have you fear no evil or calamity [v4a] A. Our Shepherd wisely leads us to the best place – moving to higher, better pastures B. Our Shepherd wisely leads us by the best path – through some deep/steep valleys C. Our Shepherd wisely leads us with full preparation – for any evil/calamity II. Because your wise & good Shepherd wields His rod & staff, He would have you fear no evil or calamity [v4b] A. Our Shepherd comforts our souls and curbs our fears with His rod B. Our Shepherd comforts our souls and curbs our fears with His staff Questions for under-sheepherds (sheep entrusted to lead other sheep for the Good Shepherd) • Are you imitating Christ's motive? Deep love & care for the lives and flourishing of His flock • Are you imitating Christ's manner? Wisdom in seeking out spiritual sustenance, leading to it • Are you imitating Christ's means? Comforting sheep with your presence & power for their good

I have good news today! The good news is that the Lord is our shepherd. Because he's our shepherd, we don't have to live a life of lack. He will lead us, he will feed us, and he will intercede on our behalf. Today we'll be studying from the 23rd Psalm. These six verses of Scripture have blessed millions of lives. Join me for the message entitled “The Lord is Our Shepherd”.

I have good news today! The good news is that the Lord is our shepherd. Because he's our shepherd, we don't have to live a life of lack. He will lead us, he will feed us, and he will intercede on our behalf. Today we'll be studying from the 23rd Psalm. These six verses of Scripture have blessed millions of lives. Join me for the message entitled “The Lord is Our Shepherd”.

The life of every believer is a journey. It's not like driving on an interstate where you hop on one exit and just drive until you reach your next exit. It's more like starting in a distant forest and climbing to the top of a mountain. That journey is not straightforward. It has twists and turns, uphills and downhills, peaks and valleys. It would be nice if our lives were an immediate ascent from salvation to heaven, but that's not the case. With all the twists and turns, predators and traps, how does anyone survive?  How does anyone make it through this journey?  We're on this journey, but we are not alone. The Shepherd of Psalm 23, Good Shepherd of John 10, and Chief Shepherd of First Peter 5 is with you. The one who fed 5,000, turned water to wine, and journeyed with his disciples down dusty roads, green pastures, and into dark valleys is your Shepherd and He is with you.  We're going to study this Psalm over the next four episodes and behold the Shepherd of this Psalm.  Our Sufficient Shepherd (1) Our Restoring Shepherd (2-3)  Our Shepherd through the Valley (4)  Our Shepherd Forever (5-6) 

Pastor Jess dives in to the identity of Jesus as Our Shepherd. All throughout scripture the Lord is revealed as our Shepherd and we, as His sheep. When we submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to be our Shepherd we find the ultimate relationship, friendship, and most importantly, our salvation and eternal life. Encounter God's Transforming Presence. To find out more about and stay connected at Catch The Fire Raleigh, be sure to check out our website and follow us on social media. Connect with us: Website: https://ctfraleigh.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/ctfraleigh Instagram: https://instagram.com/catchthefireraleigh To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://ctfraleigh.com/give

Pastor Jess dives in to the identity of Jesus as Our Shepherd. All throughout scripture the Lord is revealed as our Shepherd and we, as His sheep. When we submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to be our Shepherd we find the ultimate relationship, friendship, and most importantly, our salvation and eternal life. Encounter God's Transforming Presence. To find out more about and stay connected at Catch The Fire Raleigh, be sure to check out our website and follow us on social media. Connect with us: Website: https://ctfraleigh.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/ctfraleigh Instagram: https://instagram.com/catchthefireraleigh To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://ctfraleigh.com/give

There's an inherent beauty in the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep, one that's been celebrated throughout history and scripture. This relationship captures the essence of trust, guidance, and deep-seated care that transcends our understanding. My name is Matthew Adams, and as a Christian Podcaster, I invite you to dive deep into the profound implications of the Shepherd's voice and its significance in our lives.Scripture:[The shepherd] walks ahead of [his flock]. JOHN 10:4In an era where countless voices compete for our attention, discerning the right direction can be overwhelming. Analogous to the lost sheep wandering in vast pastures, we too find ourselves at crossroads, often unsure of the path ahead. However, Jesus assures us that, like a shepherd leading his flock, He walks ahead, guiding us safely.The Power Of God's Whisper is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Driving Point 1: The Infallibility of the Shepherd's VoiceOur senses and reasoning might betray us, but the Shepherd's voice never wavers. In the cacophony of life's challenges, it remains consistent, clear, and compassionate. By learning to hone in on this voice, we begin to differentiate between the transient and the eternal, ensuring our steps align with a divine purpose.Driving Point 2: The Promise of a Preceding PresenceOne of the most comforting aspects of our journey with Christ is His assurance that He has already charted the terrain we tread on. Our Shepherd doesn't merely give directions from a distance but actively walks the path, ensuring our safety and wellbeing. This promise dispels fear, granting us confidence as we embark on life's journey.Driving Point 3: The Final Destination – A Testament to FaithfulnessWhile there might be moments of doubt and despair, followers of Christ can find solace in the knowledge that the Shepherd ensures a safe destination. Like the green pastures that await a diligent flock, so does a destiny filled with hope and joy await those who heed His call.Conclusion:Hearing the Shepherd's voice isn't about discerning a distant call, but about fostering an intimate relationship where guidance and love flow seamlessly. It's a journey of faith, with the promise of a guiding presence that has already trodden the path, ensuring we reach the destination He has prepared for us.Call to Action:In the midst of life's hustle and bustle, let us take a moment each day to truly listen. To shut out the noise and tune into the voice that assures, guides, and loves unconditionally. Let's commit to following closely, trusting His lead, and celebrating the journey He's crafted for us.Prayer:Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being our guiding Shepherd. As we navigate the intricate pathways of life, help us to always recognize and heed Your voice. Give us the faith to trust Your leading, knowing that You've already paved the way for our journey. Keep us close to You, ensuring that every step we take aligns with Your divine purpose.The voice of the Shepherd is more than just a guiding force; it's a testament to His unwavering love for us. As we journey together, let us remember that we're never alone, for He has promised to walk ahead, guiding our every step. This is Matthew Adams, praying that the divine voice leads you to pastures of peace, purpose, and profound joy.Thank you for reading The Power Of God's Whisper. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

This familiar Psalm has much to teach us about daily trust in the Lord and hope in the life to come. Because the Lord is our good and faithful shepherd, we can rest confidently in His care as He leads us faithfully through life's many trials and bring us safely home where we will praise Him forever.- I. The LORD is Our Shepherd Who is Faithful in His Daily Care vv 1-3- II. The LORD is My Shepherd Who is Strong in His Daily Protection v 4-III. The LORD, Our Shepherd, is Kind and Gracious and Will Keep us to the End vv 5-6

This familiar Psalm has much to teach us about daily trust in the Lord and hope in the life to come. Because the Lord is our good and faithful shepherd, we can rest confidently in His care as He leads us faithfully through life's many trials and bring us safely home where we will praise Him forever.- I. The LORD is Our Shepherd Who is Faithful in His Daily Care vv 1-3- II. The LORD is My Shepherd Who is Strong in His Daily Protection v 4-III. The LORD, Our Shepherd, is Kind and Gracious and Will Keep us to the End vv 5-6

This familiar Psalm has much to teach us about daily trust in the Lord and hope in the life to come. Because the Lord is our good and faithful shepherd, we can rest confidently in His care as He leads us faithfully through life's many trials and bring us safely home where we will praise Him forever. I. The LORD is Our Shepherd Who is Faithful in His Daily Care vv 1-3 II. The LORD is My Shepherd Who is Strong in His Daily Protection v 4III. The LORD, Our Shepherd, is Kind and Gracious and Will Keep us to the End vv 5-6

Our special guest speaker, Pastor Andrew Flowers, teaches on how Jesus is our good shepherd. The post Jesus, He is Our Shepherd appeared first on Easley Church of God.

[Psalm 23:1-6 ESV] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. We have a Shepherd who promises to ________________ and ________________ us. [Psalm 23:3] He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. God's purpose isn't to ________________ you but to restore you. We restore things that have ________________. God knows our ________________ and understands our ________________. [Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV] Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; [31] but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Our Shepherd knows the way ________________ and guides us in right direction. [Isaiah 53:6a] All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. God will not ________________ you. God restores us not so __________ look good but so __________ looks good. [Psalm 34:2-3] I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. [3] Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together.

“Our Lord, Our Shepherd, Pt 3”. The post Our Lord, Our Shepherd, Pt 3 appeared first on Bethel Assembly of God - Carrington, ND.

[Psalm 23:1-6 ESV] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. A Good ________________ takes care of their flock. [1 Samuel 17:34-35] But David persisted. "I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats," he said. "When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, [35] I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. God is ________________ ___________ in our life. [1 Peter 1:18-19] For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. [19] It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. Jesus paid a ______________ ______________ so He can be your Shepherd. [John 10:10-15] The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [11] "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. [12] A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. [13] The hired hand runs away because he's working only for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep. [14] "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, [15] just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. Sheep ________________ when they have a Good Shepherd. [Matthew 9:36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. God doesn't ____________ those who want to _____________ their own lives. [John 10:27-29] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, [29] for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. Our Shepherd is so ________________ that He comes after us when we get ________________!

“Our Lord, Our Shepherd, pt1”. The post Our Lord, Our Shepherd, pt1 appeared first on Bethel Assembly of God - Carrington, ND.

Rick Terrazas - "Our Shepherd"

"THE LORD YAHWEH, OUR SHEPHERD". Pastor Tanya Serrano-Velez

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor Psalm 23 (NIV)The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 unpacks what role the Lord as my Shepherd has in my life:• Makes me lack nothing – makes me content, provides for my needs• Makes me lie down – makes me do stuff I don’t want to do• Leads me & guides me – knows and plans my path• Refreshes my soul – lifts me up when I’m worn down• Comforts me – knows my pain and struggle• Prepares a table for me – he’s with me in the midst of daily life• Anoints me – I have his favor, he cares for me• Follows me & Dwells with me forever – his presence is near “It’s not the strength of your faith, but the object of your faith that actually saves you.” — Tim Keller “The Reason for God” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Our Shepherd doesn’t only take us on the mountain tops. When we are in even the darkest valley’s, he is with us. His hand is on our shoulder. He is our guide, our comforter, our leader, our Shepherd and therefore we do not fear the evil surrounding us as He is in control. John 10: 14-15 (ESV)I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. Reflection questions: 1. What do you think about when you hear the phrase, "the Lord is my Shepherd”?2. Read Psalm 23. What are the characteristics of the Shepherd?3. What are the characteristics of the sheep?4. What other passages come to mind when you think about sheep and shepherds in the New Testament? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeyweb.net/connectcard Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeyweb.net/giveDownload our app: https://journeyweb.net/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeyweb.net/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeyweb.net/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeyweb.net/sermons/notes/2023.08.06.pdf

Martin Luther set Psalm 130 to verse; Chris Miner put music to it, and Andrew Osenga and Emily Deloach of Indelible Grace Music blend their voices to produce this version. Colin and Tyler discuss these five verses and the theology undergirding them. We address the gravity of man's sin, the exceeding magnitude of God's mercy, and the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who saves his people from their sins. Lyrics: Music by Christopher Miner Words by Martin Luther ©1997 Christopher Miner Music 1. From the depths of woe I raise to Thee, a voice of lamentation. Lord, turn a gracious ear to me, And hear my supplication. If Thou iniquities dost mark, Our secret sins and misdeeds dark, O who shall stand before Thee? 2. To wash away the crimson stain, Grace, grace alone availeth. Our works, alas! are all in vain; In much the best life faileth. No man can glory in Thy sight, All must alike confess Thy might, And live alone by mercy. 3. Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit. On Him my soul shall rest, His word upholds my fainting spirit. His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort, and my sweet support. I wait for it with patience. 4. What though I wait the live-long night, And 'til the dawn appeareth. My heart still trusteth in His might, It doubteth not nor feareth. Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed, And wait 'til God appeareth. 5. Though great our sins and sore our woes, His grace much more aboundeth. His helping love no limit knows, Our upmost need it soundeth. Our Shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free, From all their sin and sorrow.credits Indelible Grace version: https://youtu.be/1aVWBSmghAs Chris Miner version: https://christopherminer901.bandcamp.com/track/psalm-130 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/worship-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/worship-review/support

Pastor Garry Clark looks at what happened to the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus! How do we know that He actually rose from the dead? Did the disciples believe He rose?

As we celebrate Holy Week, let's remember together with joy the provision of our Good Shepherd, who voluntarily sacrificed His life on earth simply out of love for us. (John 10:11-21) **** Welcome to Walking in the Word, the biblical teaching arm of the Women World Leaders podcast. My name is Julie Jenkins and I am so glad you have joined us today as we delve into scripture together. As I record this, it is Holy Week – the week that Christians all over the world intentionally remember, commemorate, and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All that we are, our lives, and our futures are owed to God's amazing grace and the events we celebrate this week. As I grow, definitely older and hopefully wiser, I become more in awe of Jesus' death and resurrection and all that they mean for us. I pray that you intentionally take the opportunity this week to reflect on where you are in your walk with Jesus. I pray that you ask Him what He wants you to learn today. I say “today,” because, in this life, it is simply impossible for us to learn and know everything about God. But when we ask Him to show us what He wants us to learn today, we can trust that He will guide us – and give us the nuggets of wisdom that we need to live a productive and joyful life for Him. Because you are listening to this podcast, it is clear that you are listening to God. You are willingly working to grow in Him and follow Him obediently. And I want to share a feeling I have deep in my heart that He wants you to know right now: your efforts are making your God smile. He knows your days are not always easy. He knows it isn't always convenient for you to still your thoughts and focus on Him. He sees you. He loves you. And He is cheering you on. So even as you reflect this week on Jesus, know that you are in the forefront of HIS mind at EVERY moment! You don't have to take my word for it…because He tells us this Himself in the Bible. Today's teaching comes from John, chapter 10, verses 11-21. As we study together, I know you will get a deeper understanding of what it means to be a sheep under the care of THE good Shepherd. Before we dive in, let's pray… Dear Most Holy God, thank you doesn't ever seem enough, but it especially doesn't seem enough during this – the holiest of weeks. We offer you full reign over our spirits as we take time out to intentionally hear from you as we open your Word. Open our minds and hearts so that we may fully understand what you want us to know today. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. Last week as we studied together, Jesus declared Himself the gate. This was in reference to the then widely understood care of sheep. The person who acted as a gate in the sheepfold was fully in charge of allowing only the sheep's caretakers in and keeping the thieves and robbers out. We learned that Jesus, our gate, is our protector, always keeping watch over us. Jesus stands alert, ready to keep intruders from our lives. Our responsibility is to always turn to Him as our authoritative source. This teaching came on the heels of the Pharisees throwing the man Jesus had healed, the one who had been blind from birth, out of the temple for boldly speaking the truth about the man Jesus, who healed him, and declaring that Jesus must be from God because no one else could miraculously heal as He had. In today's teaching, we learn more about Jesus as He shares that not only is He the gate, but He is also THE Good Shepherd. Let's begin in John 10:11 from the New Living Translation:  11 “I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their Shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he's working only for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep. Jesus is the good Shepherd. The fact that He declares Himself THE Good Shepherd and not A Good Shepherd underscores that He is uniquely qualified and capable. There are no other shepherds like Him. And as He declares himself the GOOD Shephered…let's see what He means by using the word “good.” Of course, Jesus IS morally good…we know He never sinned. But good means so much more than that – it means that Jesus is the beautiful Shepherd; He possesses all we can imagine that is right for the job of protecting and caring for the sheep - He is loving, attentive, smart, powerful, and gracious. He is THE GOOD Shepherd, unlike any we have ever known or will ever know.   Jesus contrasts Himself to a hired hand, who runs when he sees a wolf coming, abandoning the sheep as he looks out for himself. Can you relate? As Christians, we are all shepherds of someone – we all have sheep to lead. We may have children, lead ministries, or have others who look up to us in our personal life, on social media, or in our workplaces. Think about who you have been called to shepherd. Now…think about HOW you shepherd them. Are you willing to put YOUR life on the line for those you lead? I often hear people bail on their responsibilities, saying something like, “I don't get paid enough to do that.” Or, “When push comes to shove, I need to look out for number one.” I'm not here to cast judgment; if I were, I would be pointing the finger at myself. But when we think about it – who in their right mind gives up EVERYTHING for the good of someone else? And, let's be clear, that OUR Shepherd, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, not only sacrifices for those who are sweet and kind and productive, but He sacrifices everything for ALL of us…no matter our demeanor, our sin, or our nasty attitude. Jesus, your Good Shepherd, counts you worth His while to give up everything. Yes…that makes Him unique. And that should humble and awe us. Jesus continues, saying not only will He ALWAYS be there to lead, guide, and protect us, but He always do this while FULLY RECOGNIZING who we are – faults and all…Verse 14… 14 “I am the good Shepherd; I know my own sheep, Jesus KNOWS you! And, yet, Jesus LOVES you! Intellectually, we understand the concept of unconditional love. But I don't think there is a human alive who can fully comprehend the depths of unconditional love. I love my husband and my kids, but there are days…okay…I won't go there. Suffice it to say, I am not spiritually mature enough to fully harness the power of love that God has gifted me. But I try every day. I confess every day. And I THANK God EVERY DAY that despite MY faults and intentional sin, He still hasn't given up on me. And He never will. He IS MY Good Shepherd. Jesus continues, and this next line gives me hope… I know my own sheep, and they know me,  Jesus tells me that the longer I trust Him, hang around Him, and yield to Him…I will learn to know Him better! Praise God! Have you ever met someone you just really want to be like? My daughter is a fashionista. She dresses to the nines on a strict budget – I want to be like her. And do you know what? When I hang around her, I up my game. Kimberly Hobbs is one of the most gracious and loving people I know. And because I work with her day in and day out, I have learned to be more gracious and loving. When we spend time with others, we become more like them. And when we hang around with Jesus – THE GOOD Shepherd – we WILL come to know Him more and we will up our game – becoming more like Him. And if you thought THAT takeaway was thrilling…just listen to this next one…Jesus says… I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. Believer…Jesus knows you and promises that you will know Him JUST AS He knows God and God knows Him. Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit – are three peas in a pod! They are BFF's forever…and Jesus, seemingly nonchalantly, invites us to their party. Does that not blow you away?? AND…not only does Jesus invite you to His party…as the Good Shepherd…He will give HIS LIFE so that you can come!! …verse 15 So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. NOBODY made Jesus die. Yes, He was killed, but He could've jumped down from that cross at any moment. Jesus CHOSE to GIVE His life…as our Good Shepherd…so that we could be freed from the thieves and robbers – so that we can leave behind all the turmoil that sin causes us in our lives…so that we can strip off our dirty old clothes and put on robes of righteousness and enter into the greatest party ever – the one that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are hosting! And even though YOU will be the honored guest…you will REJOICE that ALL of the SHEEP that the Good Shepherd has called and who have responded…will ALSO be honored guests. Jesus says…  16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one Shepherd. Our good Shepherd – Jesus Christ – is gathering His sheep. He was as Jesus spoke these words in real time and He continues to today. He began with His sheep of Israel – His chosen nation. But then He proclaimed that there is only one flock – and He is the ONE, true Shepherd. There are indeed other sheep. Sheep who look different than us but have the same Shepherd we do. And if Jesus loves those sheep enough to die for THEM, is it too much to ask that we love them enough to work with them in unity? Let's reflect together on Jesus' next words… 17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” THAT is what we remember this Holy Week! Our Good Shepherd has offered us freedom by choosing to lay down His life. He alone has the authority and power to lay down His life and to take it back up again. Jesus CHOSE to die for you and me. He CHOSE to endure the pain and suffering so that we could be relieved of the eternal pain and suffering we are owed. Jesus was not a martyr, He died a death of substitution, so we wouldn't have to. We truly have a reason to celebrate and to fall on our knees in awe and thanks to our Good Shepherd. As you walk through this week, will you remember Jesus' sacrifice? Will you quiet your soul and block out the noise around you to listen to His voice? Will you strive to learn more about who He is? Will you strive to become more LIKE Him? Verse 19… 19 When he said these things, the people[a] were again divided in their opinions about him. 20 Some said, “He's demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn't sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” Let's pray… Most Holy God…most loving Jesus…you alone can open the eyes of the blind. Yet you alone can do so much more. Thank you for opening our eyes just a little wider today. Thank you for allowing us to see a little more of your heart. God, we know that if we saw the whole scope of who you are, we would be struck dumb…we simply couldn't handle the glory! But despite the vast expanse between your glory and our dirty rags, you love us. Thank you for making a way for us where no other way was possible. Thank you for inviting us into your kingdom, to celebrate at YOUR party. Thank you for allowing us to know you so personally. We love you and we commit ourselves to growing more in your likeness every day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.  

Psalm 23 is probably the most beloved Psalm of all time. In this episode, I am taking a close look at what David is telling us in this Psalm. Our Heavenly Father is reminding us through these words that we have nothing to fear. Our Shepherd is more than capable of taking very good care of us. I am sharing some harp music that I have taken out of the chord progressions of this Psalm and developed into a composition and this music is available in two of my CDs - Illuminations and Keys of David. I pray that you are blessed. Produced by Steve Rees - Calming Harp If you like what you hear please subscribe: www.youtube.com/peregrinnatti To find us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peregrinnatti Calming Harp Page: https://www.facebook.com/Calming-Harp… If you would like to write a testimony of how this music has helped you email me at: steve@calmingharp.com To purchase CDs and MP3s go to our website: https://calmingharp.com/ To donate to the ministry of the Calming Harp: https://calmingharp.com/marketplace Steve Rees has been producing Harp Music from the Psalms of David for the past 20 years. He has discovered a connection between the Hebrew text of the Psalms and music notes that develop into chord progressions that form the basis for musical compositions that have been appreciated by thousands of followers. We invite you to join the many lives that have been positively affected by this wonderful music.

We are the Lord's Sheep and He calls us by name. Our Shepherd leads us to peace and comfort. He protects us from evil and leads us to water and green pastures. He is our source of calmness in the midst of Chaos.

We are the Lord's Sheep and He calls us by name. Our Shepherd leads us to peace and comfort. He protects us from evil and leads us to water and green pastures. He is our source of calmness in the midst of Chaos.

Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Did you know you can read this verse many times, and it can reflect something a bit different each time? This happens if you emphasize a different word each time you read the verse. When the word “The” is emphasized, it highlights how He is THE Lord. He is the One and the Only God. He is the Savior of the world. How amazing is that? When the word “Lord” is emphasized, it indicates that the omnipotent, all-powerful, all-knowing Lord is our shepherd. The Lord, who created everything around us, is our shepherd. When the word “is” is emphasized, notice the present tense of the word. The verse does not read, “The Lord was my shepherd.” It says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” He is our Shepherd now. He wasn't just with David when he wrote this psalm; He is also with all of us now. When the word “my” is emphasized, it reflects that the Lord is our personal Shepherd and Savior. He is way above and beyond our understanding, but He wants a personal relationship with each of us. He wants us to recognize Him as our personal Shepherd who we can draw close to and trust to guide us. When the word “shepherd” is emphasized, it reflects that He not only loves us and guides us but that He also guards us, as a shepherd guards their flock. Like David killed a bear to protect his flock of sheep in 1 Samuel 17:34-35, God is powerful and willing to protect us. Our Shepherd protected us from everlasting death by humbling Himself to come down to earth as a baby, to grow up and live among us, and to die for us. Jesus died on a cross and rose from the grave so that each of us can put our trust in Him and have eternal life instead of eternal death. That God is our personal Shepherd. ⦁ Kimberly Brokish ⦁ Read John 10:11. How has Jesus revealed that He is the Good Shepherd? ⦁ Which word in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd,” sticks out to you the most today? Why? He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

Christian, if you lay aside your Bible you are in a dangerous place. God's Word is always true, despite what we feel, whatever God says is true. If you respond with, -You just don't understand my circumstances-- No, no. What God says is true. Don't lay aside His book in order to try to solve your problems and trials. You can trust the Lord your Shepherd.--0-00 - Reading Psalm 23.-1-20 - Opening prayer.-2-07 - David is testifying of God's faithfulness.-9-55 - Our Shepherd causes us to lie down and rest.-14-48 - Do you feel like goodness is not following you---17-55 - God's Word is always true--the Scriptures are sufficient.-21-40 - Everything God brings into our life is designed to teach us.-28-21 - My wife burnt the beans--God provided.-34-20 - You will not lack one trial in your life that is good and necessary.-41-50 - We will not lack suffering, trials, enemies--but God gives victory against our enemies.-49-38 - Are you confused right now-- What is it that you truly need this morning---55-02 - Closing prayer.

Christian, if you lay aside your Bible you are in a dangerous place. God's Word is always true, despite what we feel, whatever God says is true. If you respond with, -You just don't understand my circumstances-- No, no. What God says is true. Don't lay aside His book in order to try to solve your problems and trials. You can trust the Lord your Shepherd.--0-00 - Reading Psalm 23.-1-20 - Opening prayer.-2-07 - David is testifying of God's faithfulness.-9-55 - Our Shepherd causes us to lie down and rest.-14-48 - Do you feel like goodness is not following you--17-55 - God's Word is always true--the Scriptures are sufficient.-21-40 - Everything God brings into our life is designed to teach us.-28-21 - My wife burnt the beans--God provided.-34-20 - You will not lack one trial in your life that is good and necessary.-41-50 - We will not lack suffering, trials, enemies--but God gives victory against our enemies.-49-38 - Are you confused right now- What is it that you truly need this morning--55-02 - Closing prayer.

Our Shepherd gives us eternal life, so we will never perish. And no one can snatch them out of His hand. Or the Father's hand. Because it's the same hand.And I pray that you would feel it right now if you're one of His sheep. May you feel Him holding you. If you feel alone. If you feel lost, if you feel angry, if you feel disappointed or depressed. Do you see His hand encompassing you?If you feel afraid. Or maybe you feel like your faith is just so weak. Or your pile of mess-ups is just so big. And you imagine Jesus doing this -- wiping his hands of you. Not this Shepherd. Not our God. Nothing can snatch away His sheep.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/4893026122.08.07

(Hebrews 13:20-21) Our Shepherd is not like any other shepherd! Our Shepherd is the eternal God! In Hebrews, we find that He resurrected, He is restoring, and He is coming again! What a blessing it is to know Him! But if you have never made the Good Shepherd your Shepherd, trust Him today!  (06186220805) 

A prayer from Psalm 80:1-3 NLT "Please listen, Our Shepherd. Lead us like a flock. You are enthroned above the cherubim. Display your radiant glory. Show us your mighty power. Come and rescue us! Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven's Armies. Make your face shine down upon us, and we will be safe." Connect with me! @chelseymcguire2 on Instagram

As we begin to take a fresh look at Psalm 23, Pastor Ford will explain how despite the fact that it may be the most well-known Psalm from the Bible, it may also be the least understood.  We'll begin to explore the metaphors and the word pictures in this beloved passage of scripture and learn more about the Lord, Who is Our Shepherd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.