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Our Shepherd

Our Shepherd. April 8. Think about it …. What are some occasions when you wish you had a guide? Today we look at the best guide we could ever have … The Good Shepherd, Himself God guides us as he walks with us every day. Listen for a shepherd’s tasks.

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Our Shepherd

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  1. Our Shepherd April 8

  2. Think about it … • What are some occasions when you wish you had a guide? • Today we look at the best guide we could ever have … The Good Shepherd, Himself • God guides us as he walks with us every day.

  3. Listen for a shepherd’s tasks. Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

  4. Guidance We Need • What specific things does the Good Shepherd do for his sheep (his people)? • Why was the metaphor of the Lord as shepherd a fitting one for David to use? • What motivates God to guide His people? • When have you had your soul restored? In what ways does God restore our souls?

  5. Guidance We Need • David said that the Good Shepherd “makes me lie down.” What does “lie down,” or the idea of the reclining position suggest? • Some translations say “makes me lie down.” Why would God force us to rest? • Other translations say “lets me lie down.” How is this translation just as valid?

  6. Guidance We Need • David says God restores or renews his soul. What kind of renewal or restoration did God provide for David (and for us)? • David spoke of a shepherd and sheep—what metaphor could you use to picture your relationship with the Lord? Finish the phrase, “The Lord is my ________”

  7. Listen for difficulties faced. Psalm 23:4-5 (KJV) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

  8. Walks with Us in Difficulties • What were some dark times David might have been alluding to in verse 4? • Why was he convinced he had no reason to fear? • How do the images of the table, oil, and cup add to David’s description of how the Lord had cared for him?

  9. Walks with Us in Difficulties • Notice the change in the pronouns from He to you or thou… David is addressing God personally. Why is intimacy, a personal relationship with God important? • What kinds of dark valleys do we experience where David assures us that God is with us? • How do we recognize God’s presence with us during those dark times of life?

  10. Listen for future blessings. Psalm 23:6 (KJV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

  11. Gives Us Security • What present blessing does David allude to in this verse? • Why does a parent or grandparent continue to pray for even a wayward child or grandchild year after year? • Note this same kind of consistent “pursuit” by God. What would be better about God pursuing us rather than us pursuing Him?

  12. Gives Us Security • What is his future hope? • What can we do to show gratitude to God for His pursuing goodness, mercy, and love, the overflowing cup He provides? • As a believer, how can confidence in your eternal security affect your approach to daily life?

  13. Application • Rest and trust. • Since the Good Shepherd provides everything you need, learn to differentiate between needs and wants. • When God doesn’t provide what you think you need, trust His goodness. • Thank Him for His protection.

  14. Application • Stay close. • Sin will keep you from experiencing all the good the Shepherd desires for you. • Acknowledge and confess any sin that keeps you separated from the One who desires to lead you to still waters.

  15. Application • Slow down. • If you are rushed and harried, it may be that you aren’t taking time for the Shepherd to feed you and restore your soul. • Slow down and spend time in His Word. • Make changes in your schedule to ensure more quality time in God’s Word.

  16. Family Activities Look for activities you can do with your children or grandchildren athttps://tinyurl.com/y9bvknxp

  17. Our Shepherd April 8

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