Christ Wesleyan Church
Join us for our primary worship service each week on Sunday.
Psalm 23:1-3 ESV
A. Shepherds and sheep...
1 Peter 2:25 NLT
1. Shepherds are meant to lead their sheep. They know each of their sheep and their sheep know the shepherd's voice.
John 10:14 NLT
2. Shepherds are meant to protect their sheep. The shepherd has a deep concern and care for each sheep.
John 10:11 NLT
3. Shepherds are meant to heal their sheep. Sheep can’t protect themselves. The sheep don’t see or hear well. They don’t run very fast, and tend to be sickly.
Revelation 7:17 NLT
4. As Jesus is our Shepherd, He wants to lead, protect, and heal. He will provide us with all we need for life!
Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT
B. The 23rd Psalm...
"The Lord is my shepherd..."
1. God desires a personal relationship with each of His sheep. For Him to be your Shepherd, you must see yourself as a sheep.
“…I shall not want…”
2. God desires that you should have all you need when you seek Him first, allowing Him to be your Shepherd. He wants us to be at peace, as wanting will always leave us empty.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
3. God will provide rest when you cast your cares on Him. God provides nourishment for our body, mind, and soul.
“He leads me beside still waters.”
4. He will bring you to a place where you can be refreshed by living water finding peace and love.
“He restores my soul.”
5. God will provide healing as you remain surrendered no matter what hurt, pain, or trauma you have faced.
“He leads me in paths of righteousness.”
6. God wants to guide you in the right paths you should take.
“…for His Name’s sake…”
7. His purpose is that you would honor Him.
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”
8. Even though times are dark, He promises to lead us. Although difficult territory may be ahead, He is leading.
“…I will fear no evil…”
9. We never need to be afraid of evil. God is greater!
“…for You are with me…”
10. God will always be with us! We are never alone.
“…your rod and your staff, they comfort Me…”
11. God will protect with His rod and discipline, prod, or push with His staff, as needed.
“…You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”
12. God will not only protect you, but when you encounter opposing forces, He will abundantly provide.
“…You anoint my head with oil…”
13. God will honor you, bring dignity to you, and show deep respect.
“…my cup overflows…”
14. God’s abundance is unending. He gives even more than we need. I am loved and cared for beyond my needs or wants.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”
15. God promises His blessing to us wherever we go. His goodness will be with me even if I am in unfamiliar places.
“And I will live in the house of the Lord…”
16. God wants us to stay in His presence always. He wants us to have a sense of abiding in Him.
“…forever.”
17. Always…for eternity!
C. God calls us, like sheep, to follow Him...
Isaiah 53:6 NLT
1. We need to trust our Shepherd.
2. We need to let Him lead.
3. We need to rest in His protection.
Isaiah 40:11 NLT
D. What do you need most from your Great Shepherd? Jesus wants to be your shepherd...
Matthew 9:6 NLT
1. To know you are in relationship with Him.
2. To know He can supply your needs.
3. To find rest.
4. To experience healing.
5. To have His guidance.
6. To be aware of His protection.
7. To feel His presence.
8. To have His blessing!
Psalms 95:7 NLT
Psalms 23:1-6 NKJV