This is a bonus episode from teaching that I taught in Chester, Illinois. I have included my notes as a part of this episode
The Lord Is My Personal Shepherd – Psalms 23
1) Introduction
a) Shepherd: a person who tends sheep; figurative of political and religious leaders, especially of those who care for God’s people.
b) Jehovah-Raah ((yeh-ho-vaw' raw-aw')) -The Lord my Shepherd
2) God our Provider (Jehovah Jireh) (yeh-ho-vaw' yir-eh')
a) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. (AMP Bible reads that the Shepherd feeds and guides.) (v 1)
b) God’s promises are that He will take care of our needs and wants
c) Philippians 4:18-19 “At the moment I have all I need- and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts that you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” NLT
d) Psalms 34:9-10 “Fear the Lord, you His Godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will not lack no good thing.”
e) Fear – Is not meant to be afraid but to “reverently worship.”
f) AMP – none of them lack any beneficial thing
g) There is no lack when God is your shepherd
h) Sheep are completely reliant on their shepherd for their needs and protection from the elements.
i) We don’t always see the provision before it comes to pass.
3) God our Peace (Jehovah Shalom) ((yeh-ho-vaw' shaw-lome'))
a) He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. (v 2)
b) The meadow is not only green but it them AMP it shows that it is fresh and tender. When God leads, He leads to fullness and freshness, not into poverty and lack.
c) Sheep always seek peace and to find rest in the shepherd.
d) The shepherd is doing the work where the sheep is resting in Him.
e) Notice that He leads, He never drags. God is a gentleman and will allow you to walk on your own with His goal for you to be in peace.
f) The shepherd is never seen beating his sheep but guiding them to the right path.
4) God our Strength ((El-Shaddai-Mighty One of Jacob/God Almighty))
a) He renews my strength. He guides me along the right path, bringing honor to His name. (v3)
b) The Lord renews and restores
c) Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
d) AMP – Those who hope for and wait
e) James
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