Today's blog will be short - I can assure you. There's just something I've discovered in the last few days that has helped me realize how much I have to be thankful for these days...I am so FREE!
God has placed me in a country that is the model of freedom in our world. He's given me a church to serve in that allows me the freedom to do ministry the way God is leading me to do it. He's given me a wife that allows me to have the freedom to follow God's voice in my life. And He's given me the liberty of realizing that life is all about relational living with Him!
I'm not bound to a long list of "strict traditions" in order to serve Him - He set me free! Who I am and what I do in Him is based on what He says it should be (Scripture), yes. But His mercies are new every morning!
And thank You Lord that I've come to realize there's more to following You than simply making sure I have an AV 1611 KJV Bible... :) (Some of you will get a chuckle out of that...others will probably get mad...but hey, everything in life is a risk right? ;) )
I've simply realized that God has set me free from holding strictly to empty traditionalism. If something works and is found in Scripture, we'll practice and teach it. If it doesn't work and isn't found in Scripture (like having a HUGEMONGO pulpit that's 5 times bigger than me), we'll chunk it and find what works better for us.
No, I'm not saying that those who are more traditional are wrong - if that's the way God's leading them then they aren't by any means. However, I'm thankful that He's given us the option of following Him - not some man-made rulebook...(I'll leave that statement open for interpretation to protect the innocent... ;) )
I am free to run!
I am free to dance!
I am free to live for YOU!
I am free!
That's just a thought - and I welcome yours!Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Psalm 23 Sermon Series - the Outlines
I Shall Not Want! (Part 1)
Psalm 23:1 – 2 (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Our society is a “More, More!” Society
i. We are never content – we always want more than we have!
ii. Nevermind that we are some of the wealthiest people in the world!
1. (Read statistics of American wealth…)
b. Yet, God’s Word teaches us to learn contentment!
i. Paul said, “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11 – 13 NASB)
ii. Jesus told the Roman soldiers in Luke 3:14 to “Be content with your wages…”
iii. Paul told Timothy, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.” (1 Timothy 6:6 – 10 NASB)
iv. The writer of Hebrews said, “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?’”
c. So how can we be content?
i. This series is titles, “I Shall Not Want: Learning to Live in Contentment.”
II. (Body)
a. Realize Our Shepherd’s Identity! (Psalm 23:1a)
i. We have an AMAZING Shepherd!
1. He knows the way – He created it!
2. He isn’t a young boy with a staff to defend us from harm – He’s GOD!
3. He is the Name that every knee shall bow to!
4. He is:
a. Alpha & Omega
b. The Creator of all we know!
c. The Bright and Morning Star!
d. Almighty, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent!
e. Emanuel – God with us!
5. That’s my Shepherd!
ii. I don’t have a hard time following when I realize Who’s leading me!
b. Realize Our Shepherd’s Provisions! (v. 1b)
i. “I shall not want”
1. God is not only able to provide for us – He’s faithful to do so!
2. Psalm 34:8 – 10, “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him, there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.”
3. Psalm 78, TURN IN BIBLE!!!
4. Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
a. Do you want to talk about resources???
ii. God’s people who depend on Him, follow after Him, and are faithful to Him will survive!
1. Many want God’s provisions, but not His providence and leadership!
a. “God, please provide for my needs, but I can’t make any sacrifices for You…”
2. Look at the context of Philippians 4:19!
a. The Philippians were giving in THEIR NEED – and Paul promised God would provide for them because of their faithfulness!
3. We aren’t promised all our wants – but our needs are GOING to be met!
a. Listen to Jesus in Matthew 6:24 – 34! (TURN IN BIBLE!)
i. He’s saying, “Commit to Me and I’ll take care of you!”
ii. But – you can’t have it both ways – either GOD or STUFF!
4. I shall not want when I realize my Shepherd’s provisions!
c. Realize Our Shepherd’s Compassion! (v. 2)
i. God knows your deepest hurts and struggles!
1. He can see how tired you are –how empty you feel.
2. He understands – better than you do – what you need right now!
3. He knows about your worries – your stressers – your concerns.
4. He knows.
ii. That’s why sometimes He allows us to just LIE DOWN in those peaceful green pastures, and rest beside those quiet waters!
1. The green pastures for a sheep meant FOOD!
a. Good allows us, as the Master Shepherd, to lay down into His living WORD – and find filling and rest there!
2. The quiet waters for a sheep meant DRINK!
a. The busy, noisy, chaotic, rushing waters terrified the sheep and they wouldn’t drink!
b. God sends His Holy Spirit to help quench our thirst in life for Him – for contentment!
c. When our world is hectic, crazy, and chaotic – we can hear that still, small voice saying, “Peace – peace, be still” if we are listening!
iii. Our world is searching for something to fill their void – their emptiness!
1. Our Shepherd has compassion on them!
a. Matthew 9:35 – 36, “And Jesus was going about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.”
b. THAT’S WHY HE CAME!
III. (Conc.)
a. We are all searching for contentment!
i. Our search brought us to Psalm 23!
ii. Psalm 23 brought us to the Shepherd!
iii. The Shepherd brought us to the green pastures of His Word and the quiet and still waters of His Spirit.
b. But it all begins…
i. With knowing the Shepherd.
c. And it continues…
i. With falling in love with Him!
1. And that will fix our volunteer shortage, or need for more giving, or church faithfulness, or whatever else we run across in the future!
d. Will you listen to the Shepherd’s voice today, and follow Him – into whatever He’s calling you into?
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I Shall Not Want! (Part 2)
Psalm 23:3 (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment Series of Psalm 23
i. Our society teaches us to crave more!
1. Even though we have more than most others in our world!
ii. Yet God’s Word teaches us words of contentment!
1. Paul said he’d learned to live contently whether he had much or little! (Phil. 4:11 – 13)
2. Jesus instructed the Roman soldiers to be content with their wages (Luke 3:14)
3. Paul even told Timothy that godliness, accompanied by contentment, equals great gain! (1 Timothy 6)
b. The key is to know our Shepherd! (“The Lord is my Shepherd”)
i. And to know His Provisions! (“I shall not want…”)
ii. And to know His Compassion! (“He makes me to lie down in green pastures (The Word), and leads me beside the still waters (His Spirit).”)
c. Now let’s look at the Shepherd’s work (v.3)
II. (Body)
a. “He Restores My Soul” (v. 3a) – Our Promise!
i. Restore: to make something alive and new again
1. David understands the need for restoration!
a. A very imperfect man, who apparently jotted down some notes on how to deal with women for his son, Solomon.
b. And he knew how things worked when he tried to fix them (Look at Bathsheba – adultery – lying – murder)
2. Yet as a sinner living in GRACE, this man after God’s own heart had been RESTORED!
ii. Some of us are still trying to survive on what we got way back when we accepted Christ!
1. And you wonder by your relationship with God is just dry bones religion!
2. We need to be restored – DAILY!
iii. We need to be giving our Shepherd time EVERY DAY to restore our soul!
1. That’s living in contentment!
b. “He Guides Me in the Paths of Righteousness” (v. 3b) – Our Pathway!
i. We don’t know a terribly incredible amount about this life.
1. There are times when we don’t know where to go or what to do.
2. Sometimes – LIFE IS HARD!
ii. Yet look at David’s words: “He guides me in the TRACKS of righteousness…”
1. Our Shepherd has already been this way!
a. All we’ve got to do is follow His tracks!
b. And He’s even promised to guide/lead us!
iii. Our goal – our job – is to follow our Shepherd!
1. And as we follow, we’ll look more and more like Him!
2. FOLLOW HIS TRACKS!
iv. That’s living in contentment!
c. “For His Name’s Sake” (v. 3c) – Our Purpose!
i. Paul said, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever, Amen!” (Ephesians 3:20 – 21 NASB)
1. Who are you living for?
a. You’ll never been content living & working for yourself.
b. Another lie of our society: “It’s all about you!”
i. That’s a sad, shallow life!
ii. Our Shepherd leads us in the TRACKS of RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE!
1. Why?
2. The other paths lead to destruction!
a. (The two roads Jesus talked about in Matthew 7.)
3. Sin = death & destruction!
4. Righteousness = life & contentment!
III. (Conc.)
a. Living in contentment begins with knowing the Shepherd!
i. He desires to lead you in the tracks of life and eternal joy!
b. But you can choose.
i. Either road – life or destruction.
c. It’s your choice – but would you Come to Jesus?
d. DRAMA
e. Living in Contentment begins with surrender to the Shepherd.
i. “The LORD is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks), for His name’s sake (because His name is worthy and wonderful).”
ii. Which tracks are you walking down?
1. Who are you following right now?
2. Will you come to Jesus?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 3
Psalm 23:4a (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Psalm 23 – Living a Life of Contentment
i. In a world constantly craving more – God is calling us to quit craving stuff and be content!
ii. Throughout Scripture, we are called to be content with God’s provisions!
b. The key is knowing our Shepherd! (“The Lord is my Shepherd…”)
i. And knowing His provisions (“I shall not want…”)
ii. And knowing His compassion (“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…”)
iii. And knowing our promise (“He restores my soul…”)
iv. And knowing our pathway (“He guides me in the paths of righteousness…”)
v. And knowing our purpose (“For His name’s sake…”)
c. But what about when it’s hard to be content?
i. What about when verse 4 is where you are?
ii. What then?
II. (Body)
a. “Even Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death…” (v. 4a) – Our Location
i. One literal translation says, “the valley of deep darkness” – WOW!
1. Regardless of the wording – we all understand that place!
a. Some of us may be there right now!
ii. Life sometimes takes us to that valley!
1. Reality Check: sometimes, as we follow Christ, He leads us there!
a. After all, this Psalm is written in the context of following a Shepherd!
2. So anyone that tells you that a relationship with Christ is a bed of roses or a bowl of cherries is WRONG or LYING!
a. Sometimes our Shepherd leads us through the TOUGH STUFF!
iii. Reality Check #2: Everybody’s “valley” is different!
1. You probably don’t have all the answers to my valley!
a. But the Shepherd does!
iv. The honest truth: DARKNESS STINKS!
1. Anyone afraid of the dark?
a. I AM!
2. What about dark, empty churches?
a. If a dark CHURCH is spooky – just think about the dark VALLEY!
3. Darkness is scary – you don’t know what’s out there!
v. But, if we’re following the Shepherd into a life of contentment, we can honestly say:
b. “I Fear No Evil…” (v. 4b) – Our Strength
i. Everyone has a fear, deep down inside.
1. Just listen to these:
a. Chronophobia: fear of time
b. Aphenphosmphobia: fear of being touched
c. Ouranophobia: fear of heaven
d. Xenoglossophobia: fear of foreign language
e. Tetanophobia: fear of lockjaw, tetanus
f. Galeophobia: fear of cats
g. Pteronophobia: fear of being tickled by feathers
2. Some fears can ruin your life:
a. Philophobia: fear of falling in or being in love
b. Basophobia: inability to stand due to fear of falling
c. Phobophobia: fear of phobias
ii. Yet some fears are healthy:
1. Fear of jumping off a 10 story building without a parachute
2. Fear of poisonous snakes
iii. But what does God’s Word say about fear?
1. 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
2. A Spirit of power fell on the day of Pentecost!
a. Just read the book of Acts and you’ll see their boldness!
b. They followed the Shepherd wherever He led them – without blinking in the face of torture or death!
c. They stood and proclaimed, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot STOP speaking what we have seen and heard!” (Acts 4:19b – 20)
3. They feared no evil, even in their own valley of the shadow of death!
iv. But how?
c. “For Thou Art With Me…” (v. 4c) – Our Source
i. Our Shepherd has promised not to walk away from us – EVER!
1. “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you!” (Heb. 13:5)
a. Look at the context of that Scripture!
b. “Let your character be free from the love of money, being CONTENT with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.’”
2. Contentment in life comes when the Shepherd’s presence is realized!
a. And when the SECURITY of that presence is accepted as truth! (Why is security so important?)
ii. Nothing can stop us – when our Shepherd is near!
1. Our abilities, our talents, our financial resources, our history, our accomplishments – they are all immaterial when compared to the presence of the Shepherd!
a. Our #1 question should always be – is God in this?
i. If not – we don’t need to drop it, we need to drop it and run from it!
ii. If so – we need to quit making excuses and become a part of it!
iii. The Shepherd’s presence is crucial to the contentment of a believer!
1. And the contentment of a believer is crucial to the peace, joy, and success of that believer’s life!
iv. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me!”
III. (Conc.)
a. But He isn’t with you unless you are His!
i. Talk about FEAR!
1. I would be terrified to face this life without Him!
2. And even more horrified to think about death!
ii. Do you have that looming fear hanging over your head?
1. We will ALL stand before God some day.
b. Today, the Shepherd calls to you.
i. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
c. “The Lord is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks), for His name’s sake (because His name is worthy and wonderful), even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark but I’m on my way OUT!), I fear no evil (because His Spirit gives me power), for Thou art with me (The God of the universe inhabits my life!)…”
i. Is He your Shepherd yet?
1. Are you lost?
2. He’s FOUND you – will you listen to His voice calling you now?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 4
Psalm 23:4b (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. How?
1. Know our Shepherd (The Lord is my shepherd…)
2. Know His provisions (I shall not want…)
3. Know His compassion (He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…)
4. Know our promise (He restores my soul…)
5. Know our pathway (He guides me in the paths of righteousness…)
6. Know our purpose (For His name’s sake…)
7. Know our location (The valley of the shadow of death…)
8. Know our strength (I fear no evil…)
9. Know our source (For Thou art with me…)
b. Now look at the Shepherd’s tools!
II. (Body)
a. The Shepherd’s Rod (4c) – Our Discipline!
i. Marked what was sacred! (“And for every tenth part of the herd or flock, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:32)
1. Our Shepherd disciplines us to remind us of the importance of our offering!
a. Some disciplines come because of sins of omission:
i. We fail to do what God asks of us:
1. We don’t give faithfully (Malachi 3:8 – 15 TURN IN BIBLE)
a. And God rebukes!
2. We don’t worship properly (Malachi 1:6 – 8 TURN IN BIBLE)
a. And God rebukes!
3. We don’t share Christ (Mark 16:15 – 16, “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned”
a. And God rebukes!
b. Some disciplines come because of sins of commission:
i. We do what God has expressly said not to do:
1. We gossip and tear one another down!
a. And God rebukes!
2. We sleep around like the rest of the world!
a. And God rebukes!
3. We get drunk like the rest of the world!
a. And God rebukes!
4. We lie, cheat, steal, and speak profanely!
a. And God rebukes!
ii. Reminded of the Shepherd’s Authority! (Micah 7:14, “Shepherd Thy people with Thy scepter (rod), the flock of Thy possession…”)
1. Our Shepherd is our LORD – and rightfully so!
a. He created us! (Rights of Design)
i. We are His creatures!
b. He purchased us! (Rights of Redemption)
i. We are His children!
2. He has double-ownership – HE IS LORD!
a. To be content – we must submit to the Lordship of the Shepherd!
iii. Reawakened to the Shepherd’s Love! (Proverbs 3:12, “For whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father, the son in whom he delights.”)
1. Proper discipline flows from a heart of love!
a. He is teaching us a better life!
b. He is saving us a life of heartache!
c. He is showing us how to be like Him!
iv. Pronounced Judgment on All Predators! (1 Peter 5:8, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”)
1. The Shepherd is the sheep’s only real protection!
a. Sheep were sitting ducks for a lion if not guarded by a shepherd!
b. The sheep’s security was totally dependent on how capable their shepherd was of protecting them!
2. Our only hope for victory is Christ!
a. Satan is not intimidated by you, apart from your Shepherd’s protection!
i. The devil will eat you alive and spit you out if you aren’t living under the power of the Shepherd’s rod!
v. I can live in contentment when I know my Shepherd can take care of me!
b. The Shepherd’s Staff (4d) – Our Rescue!
i. Luke 15:1 – 7 tells us what the staff is for! (TURN IN BIBLE)
1. RESCUE!
ii. That’s what Christ did!
1. He left heaven’s amazing glory – to come to earth’s disgusting filth!
2. He came to be born in the most humble of ways – in a stall, to 2 Jewish teens/young adults, needing total care/raising.
3. He came to be betrayed, arrested, mocked, beaten, spit upon, flogged, and crucified on a Roman cross.
iii. The CROSS was His STAFF!
1. It was with it that He reached down into the mire and much of our sin and rescued us!
2. He can always reach down to where we are.
3. Today, He reaches down to you – will you accept His gift of rescue?
iv. I can live contently when I accept my Shepherd’s rescue!
III. (Conc.)
a. “The Lord is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks), for His name’s sake (because His name is worthy & wonderful), even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark but I’m on my way OUT!), I fear no evil (because He gives me a Spirit of power), for Thou art with me (The God of the universe inhabits my life!), Thy rod (of holy discipline and protection) and Thy staff (my only hope for rescue) they comfort me (through the ministry and power of the cross!”
b. Do you know Him?
i. Are you following Him?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 5
Psalm 23:5a (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. How?
1. Know our Shepherd (The Lord is my shepherd…)
2. Know His provisions (I shall not want…)
3. Know His compassion (He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…)
4. Know our promise (He restores my soul…)
5. Know our pathway (He guides me in the paths of righteousness…)
6. Know our purpose (For His name’s sake…)
7. Know our location (The valley of the shadow of death…)
8. Know our strength (I fear no evil…)
9. Know our source (For Thou art with me…)
10. Accepting our discipline (Thy rod…)
11. Acknowledging our rescue (and Thy staff, they comfort me.)
b. But what about when people make it hard to live contently?
i. What does the Master Shepherd do then?
II. (Body)
a. “Thou Does Prepare a Table…” (v.5a) – God’s Goodness!
i. Can we ever talk too much about the goodness of God?
1. The bottom line: God will not leave His children who are seeking Him high and dry!
2. Remember Matthew 6:25 – 34?
a. God provides food for the birds, clothing for the lilies – and He loves us infinitely more!
b. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things (the stuff you need) will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)
i. NOT WANTS – NEEDS! (food/clothing)
ii. You may be doubting He’ll come through if you completely sell out.
1. You aren’t the first to doubt Him.
a. The Children of Israel – Psalm 78:11 – 20 (BIBLE)
b. They had forgotten His provision in the past!
i. Are you there today – forgetting God’s past goodness and worrying today?
iii. But follow me down another path of thought today: what if the “Table” He’s prepared is covered with the “manna” of His Word?
1. Look at the concept of MANNA: “Yet He commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven; and He rained down manna upon them to eat, and gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.” (Psalm 78:23 – 25)
a. Came down from heaven – ALL GOD, NO THEM (OT grace)
i. Rabbinical tradition said it tasted like whatever you wanted/needed it to – it melted in your mouth!
ii. God’s Word is just the same – it always hits the spot!
iii. They just had to eat it – devour it – it was right before them!
iv. God’s Word: 773,692 divinely inspired words (592,439 OT, 181,253 NT) – all God-breathed – right before us!
b. The manna had three rules (that apply to our lives):
i. “Simple Rule”: the manna came down with the dew & vanished with the sun.
1. Anyone too lazy to gather their daily supply went hungry – that simple!
2. It could not be “stored up” – it was simply a daily thing!
3. So, you think Sunday’s enough Bible, huh?
ii. “Sabbath Rule”: the day of rest – they still ate manna, but rested from their labors (the one day manna would keep)
1. Do you have a day of rest?
iii. “Special Rule”: a pot of manna was miraculously preserved in the tabernacle
1. A reminder of God’s goodness from generation to generation (we must carry the light!)
iv. My God prepares a table of provision out of His goodness!
b. “Before Me…” (v. 5b) – God’s Personal Goodness!
i. God deals with us individually – not collectively!
1. Paul said we make up a “body of Christ” – and that we each have our own purpose (1 Corinthians 12)
a. An eye has its purpose, as does a nose, mouth, ear, hand, foot, etc.
b. They make up a collective body – but their individual responsibility is enormous!
c. If the eye isn’t doing its job – the whole body suffers!
i. We are individuals in something bigger than ourselves!
ii. We must be seeking after the Lord as individuals if the body is to be healthy.
1. “He prepares a table before me…”
a. Do you spend time at the table on your own?
b. Do you spend time in the Word on your own time?
c. Do you spend time talking to the Lord on your own time?
d. Do you worship on your own time?
i. All these thing we should do corporately, yes, - but if we aren’t doing them on our own time we’re missing the picture!
c. “In the Presence of My Enemies…” (v. 5c) – God’s Personal Goodness & Timing!
i. David understood the concept of enemies well.
1. He’d been a shepherd for quite some time.
a. The enemies of a shepherd are those who would like to harm his sheep – David had fought a few of those.
2. He’d stood before Goliath with just a few stones and a sling.
a. A man, no doubt almost twice his size – and enemy of the people of God.
3. King Saul had pursued David to kill him out of jealousy.
a. Saul hated David – yet David spared Saul’s life.
b. It’s during this time that David writes Psalm 23.
ii. But when we come to the New Testament, we find Paul writing, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:12 – 13a)
1. You are not my enemy!
a. The ACLU isn’t my enemy!
b. The liberals or conservatives aren’t my enemies!
c. The Democrats or Republicans aren’t my enemies!
d. The Methodist, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, Churches of Christ – they aren’t my enemy!
2. The devil and his imps – that’s my enemy!
a. When we forget that, we’ll lose the battle!
iii. I believe one of the reasons that the church has lost a lot of our influence in this nation is: we’ve become a special interest political force, waging war against flesh and blood instead of the principalities that are behind it all!
1. Example: “Protest of Prayer” scheduled outside an upcoming political convention!
2. What if we used prayer as a spiritual battle tool, instead of a political statement or social activist routine!
iv. My Shepherd prepares a table in the presence of my enemies – and that’s not people.
1. God supplies our needs in spite of satan’s attempts to thwart His work and purpose in our lives!
2. He supplies us for the battle – but we must understand who we’re fighting.
v. My God provides what I need to “fight the good fight of faith” and stand strong against my enemies!
III. (Conc.)
a. “The Lord is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks), for His name’s sake (because His name is worthy & wonderful), even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark but I’m on my way OUT), I fear no evil (because He gives me a Spirit of power), for Thou art with me (The God of the universe inhabits my life), Thy rod (of holy discipline and protection) and Thy staff (my only hope for rescue) they comfort me (through the ministry and power of the cross), Thou dost prepare a table (of your goodness and mercy) before me (because you are a personal God) in the presence of my enemies (the spiritual forces of this world – not flesh and blood).
i. Is He your shepherd yet?
1. You’re being led by someone/something – is it Him?
2. If it isn’t, the destination isn’t pleasant.
a. Will you commit to Him today?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 6
Psalm 23:5b (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. How?
1. Know our Shepherd (The Lord is my shepherd…)
2. Know His provisions (I shall not want…)
3. Know His compassion (He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…)
4. Know our promise (He restores my soul…)
5. Know our pathway (He guides me in the paths of righteousness…)
6. Know our purpose (For His name’s sake…)
7. Know our location (The valley of the shadow of death…)
8. Know our strength (I fear no evil…)
9. Know our source (For Thou art with me…)
10. Accepting our discipline (Thy rod…)
11. Acknowledging our rescue (and Thy staff, they comfort me.)
12. Remembering God’s goodness (Thou dost prepare a table...)
13. Remembering God’s personal goodness (before me…)
14. Remembering God’s personal goodness & timing (in the presence of my enemies…)
b. But can we do it in our own power?
i. Where does that supernatural power come from, then?
II. (Body)
a. “Thou Hast Anointed…” (5b) – God’s Action!
i. Anointed – “dâshên”: Hebrew verb meaning to be fat, to become fat, juicy, well fed; to be rich, to be mighty
1. Notice Proverbs 15:30, “Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones.”
a. “Fat” is the same Hebrew word – “dâshên”
ii. The term side references fatty offerings – deeming them acceptable to God!
1. David is saying, “You have put meat on my bones and made me acceptable in Your sight, Oh God!”
iii. It is the result of a righteous heart – seeking God’s face in life! (Hebrews 1:9, “Thou hast loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above thy companions.”
1. We should seek the anointing of God in our lives and ministries!
a. Apart from His anointing, we’re wasting our time!
iv. It is the consecration of something or someone set apart for the service of God.
1. Exodus 30:22 – 33, READ FROM BIBLE!
2. For instance: tonight we will anoint (set apart) Nathan for the work of the ministry.
v. I can live in contentment when I realize that my Shepherd has empowered me and set me apart for that which He has called me to do!
b. “Thou Hast Anointed My Head…” (5c) – God’s Workmanship!
i. Head – “rô’sh”: the head, person; chief, leader…
1. It is with our head that we make the choice to follow the Shepherd or turn away!
2. David says the Shepherd has anointed (set apart, empowered, and made acceptable) our chief decision maker!
ii. Life is full of tough choices, right?
1. Job choices, family choices, financial choices, church choices, etc.
a. Do you ever not have the answer?
b. Do you not know what to do?
iii. David was a young man with the responsibility of an entire flock of sheep!
1. David – I feel ya, man!
2. Do you ever think he had to make tough choices?
a. Of course!
iv. But he writes, “God anoints my decision maker!”
1. WOW!
v. I can live in contentment when I know my Shepherd empowers my ability to make decisions!
c. “Thou Hast Anointed My Head with Oil…” (5d) – God’s Presence!
i. Oil – “shemen”: oil
1. David refers to the anointing with oil because of its various purposes!
a. When God sets us apart and empowers us, He willingly provides everything we need!
2. The many purposes of oil:
a. Sacrifices & Worship
i. When God anoints our head with the oil of His Spirit – we can worship!
1. Ever just not felt able to?
a. Don’t blame someone else – seek God’s anointing!
b. Don’t make excuses – seek God’s anointing!
c. Don’t quit and walk away – seek God’s anointing!
b. Set Apart Someone/Something for Service
i. Don’t know what God wants you to do?
1. Seek God’s anointing!
ii. Wonder what your ministry purpose is?
1. Seek God’s anointing!
c. To Cleanse
i. We should seek God’s anointing daily because we get dirty so much!
1. We get into “flesh mode”, right?
a. We get selfish!
b. We get cynical!
c. We get sinful!
ii. We need to be anointed (empowered & set apart) by God every day!
d. To Light the Darkness
i. We are the light of the world!
1. And is it every dark!
ii. We have got to get back to seeking God’s anointing in our lives!
1. Too many followers of Christ are doing it on their own!
a. And it’s not working!
iii. Our community needs light!
1. And God’s anointing brings that!
2. Our hope shines out!
3. Our love & compassion shine out!
e. Medication
i. Our God is the Great Physician!
1. His anointing brings healing – eternally!
2. It’s God’s anointing that sets us apart as His children and grants us entrance into heaven as joint heirs with Jesus Christ!
ii. We have been healed…
1. …Of our sin condition spiritually!
iii. We will be healed…
1. …Of our sin condition physically!
III. (Conc.)
a. Only through knowing the Shepherd can we say:
i. “My cup overflows!”
ii. He gives us everything we need and more! (Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”)
b. Apart from Christ – you are facing eternity alone!
i. The highest court, the Highest Judge, the highest standards, the highest judgment!
1. And you will stand without an advocate or attorney to defend you.
2. And you will lose.
3. And judgment will be forever.
c. Yet today, the Good Shepherd says come to Me!
i. And then the case is closed!
d. Where are you today?
e. “The Lord is my shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word) He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He leads me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks) for His name’s sake (for His name is worthy and wonderful). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark, but I’m on my way OUT) I fear no evil (for He has given me a Spirit of power), for Thou art with me (the God of the universe inhabits my life!), Thy rod (of holy discipline and protection) and Thy staff (my only hope for rescue) they comfort me (through the ministry of the cross). Thou dost prepare a table (for You are so good) before me (you know me by name) in the presence of my enemies (the spiritual forces of this age), Thou has anointed (set apart and empowered) my head (my chief decision maker) with oil (the element of Your Presence), my cup overflows (I can barely contain myself)!”
f. That’s contentment!
i. Where do you stand today?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 7
Psalm 23:6 (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. How?
1. Know our Shepherd (The Lord is my shepherd…)
2. Know His provisions (I shall not want…)
3. Know His compassion (He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…)
4. Know our promise (He restores my soul…)
5. Know our pathway (He guides me in the paths of righteousness…)
6. Know our purpose (For His name’s sake…)
7. Know our location (The valley of the shadow of death…)
8. Know our strength (I fear no evil…)
9. Know our source (For Thou art with me…)
10. Accepting our discipline (Thy rod…)
11. Acknowledging our rescue (and Thy staff, they comfort me.)
12. Remembering God’s goodness (Thou dost prepare a table...)
13. Remembering God’s personal goodness (before me…)
14. Remembering God’s personal goodness & timing (in the presence of my enemies…)
15. Recognize God’s Action (Thou hast anointed…)
16. Recognize God’s Workmanship (…my head…)
17. Recognize God’s Presence (…with oil.)
18. Realize God’s Immense Blessing (My cup overflows.)
b. So if I am living in contentment, what is the result?
i. Will anyone see anything from my life?
II. (Body)
a. “Surely Goodness & Lovingkindness will Follow Me…” (6a) - Our Testimony & Legacy!
i. Goodness: 1 Peter 3:13 – 17, “And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear there intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong!” (NASB)
ii. Lovingkindness: 1 John 4:7 – 21, TURN IN BIBLE!!!
b. “And I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord…” (6b) – Our Destiny!
i. John 14:1 – 6, “’Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”
ii. We were created for eternity!
III. (Conc.)
a. I can live in contentment when I understand God’s purpose and expectations of my life with Him, and that He has an eternal home prepared for me!
b. “The Lord is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content). He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit). He restores my soul (daily); He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks) for His name’s sake (for His name is worthy and wonderful). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark but I’m on my way OUT), I fear no evil (for He has given me and Spirit of power); for Thou art with me (the God of the universe inhabits my life); Thy rod (of holy discipline and protection) and Thy staff (my only hope for rescue), they comfort me (through the ministry and power of the cross). Thou dost prepare a table (You are so good) before me (You are so personal) in the presence of my enemies (You are always on time); Thou hast anointed (empowered and set apart) my head (my chief decision maker) with oil (a reminder of Your constant presence in my life); My cup overflows (I can barely contain myself!). Surely goodness & lovingkindness (signs I’m looking more like my Father) will follow me all the days of my life (for I have an eternal legacy), and I will dwell in the house of the Lord (my destiny) forever (because you created me as an eternal being.” (Psalm 23 NASB/DBM)
c. “Forever!” (6c) – Our Options!
i. Hell
ii. Heaven
1. Luke 16:19 – 31 (TURN IN BIBLE!!!)
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I Shall Not Want – Part 8
“URGENT DISCONTENTMENT!”
Psalm 23:1 – 6, Matthew 9:35 – 38 (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. Why?
1. The Master Shepherd is good!
ii. How?
1. Know the Master Shepherd is good!
iii. Why the emphasis on contentment?
1. God has given us too much for us to focus on what we DON’T have!
b. But there were times with Jesus wasn’t content!
i. So when do the times warrant URGENT DISCONTENTMENT, and for what?
II. (Body)
a. When We Go! (v. 35a)
i. Jesus was going – among the people!
1. You will not see people’s needs unless you go to where they are!
2. He could have reached a small handful and been content – BUT HE DIDN’T!
ii. We have been called to go! (“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18 – 20 NASB)
1. It’s not a matter of “just not being good at it!”
a. Part of being a faithful, obedient follower of Christ is going to the lost and hurting!
iii. Why are so many churches having major internal conflicts today?
1. Most of their membership is sitting, soaking, and souring!
2. We need to be going, church!
b. Where We Go! (v. 35b)
i. Jesus went to ALL people!
1. Not just wealthy OR poor – all!
2. Not just “socially acceptable” or not – ALL!
3. His one determining factor: Did you have a need?
ii. That is our one question, church: Do they have a need?
1. Are they hurting?
2. Are they sick?
3. Are they alone?
4. Are they hopeless?
5. Are they angry?
6. Are they broken?
7. Are they trapped (in a sinful lifestyle)?
8. Are they lost?
iii. We are called to go, with URGENT DISCONTENTMENT, to those in need of rescue!
1. And how?
c. How We Go! (v. 36)
i. COMPASSION!
1. You may be so far up on your high horse that you don’t even realize the desperate hopelessness of the people back down in the real world!
2. Oh, that God would knock us off that!
ii. Jesus SAW the multitudes – and His heart BROKE!
1. They were distressed (literally “harassed”)
a. These were predominantly “religions rejects!”
i. Temple outcasts or seclusions!
b. Our world – our COMMUNITY – is full!
i. Legalism ran them off!
ii. Carnal, hateful church-folks ran them off (notice I didn’t call them Christians…”
iii. A ‘dress code’ pushed them outside the inner circle of the weekly church fashion show called Sunday morning in America!
iv. An ungodly church clique made them feel unwanted.
c. And now there they are – either pushed away or driven away by harassment – and there they are.
i. And if your attitude is “it’s their own fault” – why wasn’t Jesus “smart” enough to think of that!
2. They were downcast (literally “thrown down”)
a. They’d been thrown away by religious society that didn’t want OR need them!
i. Next time you glance down your nose at someone I pray that you realize what you’re doing!
3. They were sheep without a Shepherd!
a. In the “deepest, darkest valley”
i. And He did not turn ONE of them away!
b. There is no LOST CAUSE in God’s field of vision!
i. So why do we cast people aside?
iii. Today – SEE THE MULTITUDES!
1. And ask God to break your heart with compassion for a community in need of rescue!
2. The waters of judgment are rising for this world – do you see the people trapped out there looking for rescue?
III. (Conc.)
a. (SHOW VIDEO)
b. “Hanging on for dear life!”
i. Cold water isn’t what awaits them – death and hell are.
c. And what if rescue never comes?
i. Jesus has already provided for the rescue – but if those of us who are sent don’t go – what happens?
1. “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord is all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; for ‘Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:12 – 13 NASB)
d. Do you need rescue today?
i. From your unforgiven sin?
ii. From your hard heart?
iii. From yourself?
Psalm 23:1 – 2 (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Our society is a “More, More!” Society
i. We are never content – we always want more than we have!
ii. Nevermind that we are some of the wealthiest people in the world!
1. (Read statistics of American wealth…)
b. Yet, God’s Word teaches us to learn contentment!
i. Paul said, “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11 – 13 NASB)
ii. Jesus told the Roman soldiers in Luke 3:14 to “Be content with your wages…”
iii. Paul told Timothy, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.” (1 Timothy 6:6 – 10 NASB)
iv. The writer of Hebrews said, “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?’”
c. So how can we be content?
i. This series is titles, “I Shall Not Want: Learning to Live in Contentment.”
II. (Body)
a. Realize Our Shepherd’s Identity! (Psalm 23:1a)
i. We have an AMAZING Shepherd!
1. He knows the way – He created it!
2. He isn’t a young boy with a staff to defend us from harm – He’s GOD!
3. He is the Name that every knee shall bow to!
4. He is:
a. Alpha & Omega
b. The Creator of all we know!
c. The Bright and Morning Star!
d. Almighty, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent!
e. Emanuel – God with us!
5. That’s my Shepherd!
ii. I don’t have a hard time following when I realize Who’s leading me!
b. Realize Our Shepherd’s Provisions! (v. 1b)
i. “I shall not want”
1. God is not only able to provide for us – He’s faithful to do so!
2. Psalm 34:8 – 10, “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him, there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.”
3. Psalm 78, TURN IN BIBLE!!!
4. Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
a. Do you want to talk about resources???
ii. God’s people who depend on Him, follow after Him, and are faithful to Him will survive!
1. Many want God’s provisions, but not His providence and leadership!
a. “God, please provide for my needs, but I can’t make any sacrifices for You…”
2. Look at the context of Philippians 4:19!
a. The Philippians were giving in THEIR NEED – and Paul promised God would provide for them because of their faithfulness!
3. We aren’t promised all our wants – but our needs are GOING to be met!
a. Listen to Jesus in Matthew 6:24 – 34! (TURN IN BIBLE!)
i. He’s saying, “Commit to Me and I’ll take care of you!”
ii. But – you can’t have it both ways – either GOD or STUFF!
4. I shall not want when I realize my Shepherd’s provisions!
c. Realize Our Shepherd’s Compassion! (v. 2)
i. God knows your deepest hurts and struggles!
1. He can see how tired you are –how empty you feel.
2. He understands – better than you do – what you need right now!
3. He knows about your worries – your stressers – your concerns.
4. He knows.
ii. That’s why sometimes He allows us to just LIE DOWN in those peaceful green pastures, and rest beside those quiet waters!
1. The green pastures for a sheep meant FOOD!
a. Good allows us, as the Master Shepherd, to lay down into His living WORD – and find filling and rest there!
2. The quiet waters for a sheep meant DRINK!
a. The busy, noisy, chaotic, rushing waters terrified the sheep and they wouldn’t drink!
b. God sends His Holy Spirit to help quench our thirst in life for Him – for contentment!
c. When our world is hectic, crazy, and chaotic – we can hear that still, small voice saying, “Peace – peace, be still” if we are listening!
iii. Our world is searching for something to fill their void – their emptiness!
1. Our Shepherd has compassion on them!
a. Matthew 9:35 – 36, “And Jesus was going about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.”
b. THAT’S WHY HE CAME!
III. (Conc.)
a. We are all searching for contentment!
i. Our search brought us to Psalm 23!
ii. Psalm 23 brought us to the Shepherd!
iii. The Shepherd brought us to the green pastures of His Word and the quiet and still waters of His Spirit.
b. But it all begins…
i. With knowing the Shepherd.
c. And it continues…
i. With falling in love with Him!
1. And that will fix our volunteer shortage, or need for more giving, or church faithfulness, or whatever else we run across in the future!
d. Will you listen to the Shepherd’s voice today, and follow Him – into whatever He’s calling you into?
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I Shall Not Want! (Part 2)
Psalm 23:3 (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment Series of Psalm 23
i. Our society teaches us to crave more!
1. Even though we have more than most others in our world!
ii. Yet God’s Word teaches us words of contentment!
1. Paul said he’d learned to live contently whether he had much or little! (Phil. 4:11 – 13)
2. Jesus instructed the Roman soldiers to be content with their wages (Luke 3:14)
3. Paul even told Timothy that godliness, accompanied by contentment, equals great gain! (1 Timothy 6)
b. The key is to know our Shepherd! (“The Lord is my Shepherd”)
i. And to know His Provisions! (“I shall not want…”)
ii. And to know His Compassion! (“He makes me to lie down in green pastures (The Word), and leads me beside the still waters (His Spirit).”)
c. Now let’s look at the Shepherd’s work (v.3)
II. (Body)
a. “He Restores My Soul” (v. 3a) – Our Promise!
i. Restore: to make something alive and new again
1. David understands the need for restoration!
a. A very imperfect man, who apparently jotted down some notes on how to deal with women for his son, Solomon.
b. And he knew how things worked when he tried to fix them (Look at Bathsheba – adultery – lying – murder)
2. Yet as a sinner living in GRACE, this man after God’s own heart had been RESTORED!
ii. Some of us are still trying to survive on what we got way back when we accepted Christ!
1. And you wonder by your relationship with God is just dry bones religion!
2. We need to be restored – DAILY!
iii. We need to be giving our Shepherd time EVERY DAY to restore our soul!
1. That’s living in contentment!
b. “He Guides Me in the Paths of Righteousness” (v. 3b) – Our Pathway!
i. We don’t know a terribly incredible amount about this life.
1. There are times when we don’t know where to go or what to do.
2. Sometimes – LIFE IS HARD!
ii. Yet look at David’s words: “He guides me in the TRACKS of righteousness…”
1. Our Shepherd has already been this way!
a. All we’ve got to do is follow His tracks!
b. And He’s even promised to guide/lead us!
iii. Our goal – our job – is to follow our Shepherd!
1. And as we follow, we’ll look more and more like Him!
2. FOLLOW HIS TRACKS!
iv. That’s living in contentment!
c. “For His Name’s Sake” (v. 3c) – Our Purpose!
i. Paul said, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever, Amen!” (Ephesians 3:20 – 21 NASB)
1. Who are you living for?
a. You’ll never been content living & working for yourself.
b. Another lie of our society: “It’s all about you!”
i. That’s a sad, shallow life!
ii. Our Shepherd leads us in the TRACKS of RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE!
1. Why?
2. The other paths lead to destruction!
a. (The two roads Jesus talked about in Matthew 7.)
3. Sin = death & destruction!
4. Righteousness = life & contentment!
III. (Conc.)
a. Living in contentment begins with knowing the Shepherd!
i. He desires to lead you in the tracks of life and eternal joy!
b. But you can choose.
i. Either road – life or destruction.
c. It’s your choice – but would you Come to Jesus?
d. DRAMA
e. Living in Contentment begins with surrender to the Shepherd.
i. “The LORD is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks), for His name’s sake (because His name is worthy and wonderful).”
ii. Which tracks are you walking down?
1. Who are you following right now?
2. Will you come to Jesus?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 3
Psalm 23:4a (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Psalm 23 – Living a Life of Contentment
i. In a world constantly craving more – God is calling us to quit craving stuff and be content!
ii. Throughout Scripture, we are called to be content with God’s provisions!
b. The key is knowing our Shepherd! (“The Lord is my Shepherd…”)
i. And knowing His provisions (“I shall not want…”)
ii. And knowing His compassion (“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…”)
iii. And knowing our promise (“He restores my soul…”)
iv. And knowing our pathway (“He guides me in the paths of righteousness…”)
v. And knowing our purpose (“For His name’s sake…”)
c. But what about when it’s hard to be content?
i. What about when verse 4 is where you are?
ii. What then?
II. (Body)
a. “Even Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death…” (v. 4a) – Our Location
i. One literal translation says, “the valley of deep darkness” – WOW!
1. Regardless of the wording – we all understand that place!
a. Some of us may be there right now!
ii. Life sometimes takes us to that valley!
1. Reality Check: sometimes, as we follow Christ, He leads us there!
a. After all, this Psalm is written in the context of following a Shepherd!
2. So anyone that tells you that a relationship with Christ is a bed of roses or a bowl of cherries is WRONG or LYING!
a. Sometimes our Shepherd leads us through the TOUGH STUFF!
iii. Reality Check #2: Everybody’s “valley” is different!
1. You probably don’t have all the answers to my valley!
a. But the Shepherd does!
iv. The honest truth: DARKNESS STINKS!
1. Anyone afraid of the dark?
a. I AM!
2. What about dark, empty churches?
a. If a dark CHURCH is spooky – just think about the dark VALLEY!
3. Darkness is scary – you don’t know what’s out there!
v. But, if we’re following the Shepherd into a life of contentment, we can honestly say:
b. “I Fear No Evil…” (v. 4b) – Our Strength
i. Everyone has a fear, deep down inside.
1. Just listen to these:
a. Chronophobia: fear of time
b. Aphenphosmphobia: fear of being touched
c. Ouranophobia: fear of heaven
d. Xenoglossophobia: fear of foreign language
e. Tetanophobia: fear of lockjaw, tetanus
f. Galeophobia: fear of cats
g. Pteronophobia: fear of being tickled by feathers
2. Some fears can ruin your life:
a. Philophobia: fear of falling in or being in love
b. Basophobia: inability to stand due to fear of falling
c. Phobophobia: fear of phobias
ii. Yet some fears are healthy:
1. Fear of jumping off a 10 story building without a parachute
2. Fear of poisonous snakes
iii. But what does God’s Word say about fear?
1. 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
2. A Spirit of power fell on the day of Pentecost!
a. Just read the book of Acts and you’ll see their boldness!
b. They followed the Shepherd wherever He led them – without blinking in the face of torture or death!
c. They stood and proclaimed, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot STOP speaking what we have seen and heard!” (Acts 4:19b – 20)
3. They feared no evil, even in their own valley of the shadow of death!
iv. But how?
c. “For Thou Art With Me…” (v. 4c) – Our Source
i. Our Shepherd has promised not to walk away from us – EVER!
1. “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you!” (Heb. 13:5)
a. Look at the context of that Scripture!
b. “Let your character be free from the love of money, being CONTENT with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.’”
2. Contentment in life comes when the Shepherd’s presence is realized!
a. And when the SECURITY of that presence is accepted as truth! (Why is security so important?)
ii. Nothing can stop us – when our Shepherd is near!
1. Our abilities, our talents, our financial resources, our history, our accomplishments – they are all immaterial when compared to the presence of the Shepherd!
a. Our #1 question should always be – is God in this?
i. If not – we don’t need to drop it, we need to drop it and run from it!
ii. If so – we need to quit making excuses and become a part of it!
iii. The Shepherd’s presence is crucial to the contentment of a believer!
1. And the contentment of a believer is crucial to the peace, joy, and success of that believer’s life!
iv. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me!”
III. (Conc.)
a. But He isn’t with you unless you are His!
i. Talk about FEAR!
1. I would be terrified to face this life without Him!
2. And even more horrified to think about death!
ii. Do you have that looming fear hanging over your head?
1. We will ALL stand before God some day.
b. Today, the Shepherd calls to you.
i. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
c. “The Lord is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks), for His name’s sake (because His name is worthy and wonderful), even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark but I’m on my way OUT!), I fear no evil (because His Spirit gives me power), for Thou art with me (The God of the universe inhabits my life!)…”
i. Is He your Shepherd yet?
1. Are you lost?
2. He’s FOUND you – will you listen to His voice calling you now?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 4
Psalm 23:4b (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. How?
1. Know our Shepherd (The Lord is my shepherd…)
2. Know His provisions (I shall not want…)
3. Know His compassion (He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…)
4. Know our promise (He restores my soul…)
5. Know our pathway (He guides me in the paths of righteousness…)
6. Know our purpose (For His name’s sake…)
7. Know our location (The valley of the shadow of death…)
8. Know our strength (I fear no evil…)
9. Know our source (For Thou art with me…)
b. Now look at the Shepherd’s tools!
II. (Body)
a. The Shepherd’s Rod (4c) – Our Discipline!
i. Marked what was sacred! (“And for every tenth part of the herd or flock, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:32)
1. Our Shepherd disciplines us to remind us of the importance of our offering!
a. Some disciplines come because of sins of omission:
i. We fail to do what God asks of us:
1. We don’t give faithfully (Malachi 3:8 – 15 TURN IN BIBLE)
a. And God rebukes!
2. We don’t worship properly (Malachi 1:6 – 8 TURN IN BIBLE)
a. And God rebukes!
3. We don’t share Christ (Mark 16:15 – 16, “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned”
a. And God rebukes!
b. Some disciplines come because of sins of commission:
i. We do what God has expressly said not to do:
1. We gossip and tear one another down!
a. And God rebukes!
2. We sleep around like the rest of the world!
a. And God rebukes!
3. We get drunk like the rest of the world!
a. And God rebukes!
4. We lie, cheat, steal, and speak profanely!
a. And God rebukes!
ii. Reminded of the Shepherd’s Authority! (Micah 7:14, “Shepherd Thy people with Thy scepter (rod), the flock of Thy possession…”)
1. Our Shepherd is our LORD – and rightfully so!
a. He created us! (Rights of Design)
i. We are His creatures!
b. He purchased us! (Rights of Redemption)
i. We are His children!
2. He has double-ownership – HE IS LORD!
a. To be content – we must submit to the Lordship of the Shepherd!
iii. Reawakened to the Shepherd’s Love! (Proverbs 3:12, “For whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father, the son in whom he delights.”)
1. Proper discipline flows from a heart of love!
a. He is teaching us a better life!
b. He is saving us a life of heartache!
c. He is showing us how to be like Him!
iv. Pronounced Judgment on All Predators! (1 Peter 5:8, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”)
1. The Shepherd is the sheep’s only real protection!
a. Sheep were sitting ducks for a lion if not guarded by a shepherd!
b. The sheep’s security was totally dependent on how capable their shepherd was of protecting them!
2. Our only hope for victory is Christ!
a. Satan is not intimidated by you, apart from your Shepherd’s protection!
i. The devil will eat you alive and spit you out if you aren’t living under the power of the Shepherd’s rod!
v. I can live in contentment when I know my Shepherd can take care of me!
b. The Shepherd’s Staff (4d) – Our Rescue!
i. Luke 15:1 – 7 tells us what the staff is for! (TURN IN BIBLE)
1. RESCUE!
ii. That’s what Christ did!
1. He left heaven’s amazing glory – to come to earth’s disgusting filth!
2. He came to be born in the most humble of ways – in a stall, to 2 Jewish teens/young adults, needing total care/raising.
3. He came to be betrayed, arrested, mocked, beaten, spit upon, flogged, and crucified on a Roman cross.
iii. The CROSS was His STAFF!
1. It was with it that He reached down into the mire and much of our sin and rescued us!
2. He can always reach down to where we are.
3. Today, He reaches down to you – will you accept His gift of rescue?
iv. I can live contently when I accept my Shepherd’s rescue!
III. (Conc.)
a. “The Lord is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks), for His name’s sake (because His name is worthy & wonderful), even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark but I’m on my way OUT!), I fear no evil (because He gives me a Spirit of power), for Thou art with me (The God of the universe inhabits my life!), Thy rod (of holy discipline and protection) and Thy staff (my only hope for rescue) they comfort me (through the ministry and power of the cross!”
b. Do you know Him?
i. Are you following Him?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 5
Psalm 23:5a (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. How?
1. Know our Shepherd (The Lord is my shepherd…)
2. Know His provisions (I shall not want…)
3. Know His compassion (He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…)
4. Know our promise (He restores my soul…)
5. Know our pathway (He guides me in the paths of righteousness…)
6. Know our purpose (For His name’s sake…)
7. Know our location (The valley of the shadow of death…)
8. Know our strength (I fear no evil…)
9. Know our source (For Thou art with me…)
10. Accepting our discipline (Thy rod…)
11. Acknowledging our rescue (and Thy staff, they comfort me.)
b. But what about when people make it hard to live contently?
i. What does the Master Shepherd do then?
II. (Body)
a. “Thou Does Prepare a Table…” (v.5a) – God’s Goodness!
i. Can we ever talk too much about the goodness of God?
1. The bottom line: God will not leave His children who are seeking Him high and dry!
2. Remember Matthew 6:25 – 34?
a. God provides food for the birds, clothing for the lilies – and He loves us infinitely more!
b. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things (the stuff you need) will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)
i. NOT WANTS – NEEDS! (food/clothing)
ii. You may be doubting He’ll come through if you completely sell out.
1. You aren’t the first to doubt Him.
a. The Children of Israel – Psalm 78:11 – 20 (BIBLE)
b. They had forgotten His provision in the past!
i. Are you there today – forgetting God’s past goodness and worrying today?
iii. But follow me down another path of thought today: what if the “Table” He’s prepared is covered with the “manna” of His Word?
1. Look at the concept of MANNA: “Yet He commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven; and He rained down manna upon them to eat, and gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.” (Psalm 78:23 – 25)
a. Came down from heaven – ALL GOD, NO THEM (OT grace)
i. Rabbinical tradition said it tasted like whatever you wanted/needed it to – it melted in your mouth!
ii. God’s Word is just the same – it always hits the spot!
iii. They just had to eat it – devour it – it was right before them!
iv. God’s Word: 773,692 divinely inspired words (592,439 OT, 181,253 NT) – all God-breathed – right before us!
b. The manna had three rules (that apply to our lives):
i. “Simple Rule”: the manna came down with the dew & vanished with the sun.
1. Anyone too lazy to gather their daily supply went hungry – that simple!
2. It could not be “stored up” – it was simply a daily thing!
3. So, you think Sunday’s enough Bible, huh?
ii. “Sabbath Rule”: the day of rest – they still ate manna, but rested from their labors (the one day manna would keep)
1. Do you have a day of rest?
iii. “Special Rule”: a pot of manna was miraculously preserved in the tabernacle
1. A reminder of God’s goodness from generation to generation (we must carry the light!)
iv. My God prepares a table of provision out of His goodness!
b. “Before Me…” (v. 5b) – God’s Personal Goodness!
i. God deals with us individually – not collectively!
1. Paul said we make up a “body of Christ” – and that we each have our own purpose (1 Corinthians 12)
a. An eye has its purpose, as does a nose, mouth, ear, hand, foot, etc.
b. They make up a collective body – but their individual responsibility is enormous!
c. If the eye isn’t doing its job – the whole body suffers!
i. We are individuals in something bigger than ourselves!
ii. We must be seeking after the Lord as individuals if the body is to be healthy.
1. “He prepares a table before me…”
a. Do you spend time at the table on your own?
b. Do you spend time in the Word on your own time?
c. Do you spend time talking to the Lord on your own time?
d. Do you worship on your own time?
i. All these thing we should do corporately, yes, - but if we aren’t doing them on our own time we’re missing the picture!
c. “In the Presence of My Enemies…” (v. 5c) – God’s Personal Goodness & Timing!
i. David understood the concept of enemies well.
1. He’d been a shepherd for quite some time.
a. The enemies of a shepherd are those who would like to harm his sheep – David had fought a few of those.
2. He’d stood before Goliath with just a few stones and a sling.
a. A man, no doubt almost twice his size – and enemy of the people of God.
3. King Saul had pursued David to kill him out of jealousy.
a. Saul hated David – yet David spared Saul’s life.
b. It’s during this time that David writes Psalm 23.
ii. But when we come to the New Testament, we find Paul writing, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:12 – 13a)
1. You are not my enemy!
a. The ACLU isn’t my enemy!
b. The liberals or conservatives aren’t my enemies!
c. The Democrats or Republicans aren’t my enemies!
d. The Methodist, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, Churches of Christ – they aren’t my enemy!
2. The devil and his imps – that’s my enemy!
a. When we forget that, we’ll lose the battle!
iii. I believe one of the reasons that the church has lost a lot of our influence in this nation is: we’ve become a special interest political force, waging war against flesh and blood instead of the principalities that are behind it all!
1. Example: “Protest of Prayer” scheduled outside an upcoming political convention!
2. What if we used prayer as a spiritual battle tool, instead of a political statement or social activist routine!
iv. My Shepherd prepares a table in the presence of my enemies – and that’s not people.
1. God supplies our needs in spite of satan’s attempts to thwart His work and purpose in our lives!
2. He supplies us for the battle – but we must understand who we’re fighting.
v. My God provides what I need to “fight the good fight of faith” and stand strong against my enemies!
III. (Conc.)
a. “The Lord is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks), for His name’s sake (because His name is worthy & wonderful), even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark but I’m on my way OUT), I fear no evil (because He gives me a Spirit of power), for Thou art with me (The God of the universe inhabits my life), Thy rod (of holy discipline and protection) and Thy staff (my only hope for rescue) they comfort me (through the ministry and power of the cross), Thou dost prepare a table (of your goodness and mercy) before me (because you are a personal God) in the presence of my enemies (the spiritual forces of this world – not flesh and blood).
i. Is He your shepherd yet?
1. You’re being led by someone/something – is it Him?
2. If it isn’t, the destination isn’t pleasant.
a. Will you commit to Him today?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 6
Psalm 23:5b (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. How?
1. Know our Shepherd (The Lord is my shepherd…)
2. Know His provisions (I shall not want…)
3. Know His compassion (He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…)
4. Know our promise (He restores my soul…)
5. Know our pathway (He guides me in the paths of righteousness…)
6. Know our purpose (For His name’s sake…)
7. Know our location (The valley of the shadow of death…)
8. Know our strength (I fear no evil…)
9. Know our source (For Thou art with me…)
10. Accepting our discipline (Thy rod…)
11. Acknowledging our rescue (and Thy staff, they comfort me.)
12. Remembering God’s goodness (Thou dost prepare a table...)
13. Remembering God’s personal goodness (before me…)
14. Remembering God’s personal goodness & timing (in the presence of my enemies…)
b. But can we do it in our own power?
i. Where does that supernatural power come from, then?
II. (Body)
a. “Thou Hast Anointed…” (5b) – God’s Action!
i. Anointed – “dâshên”: Hebrew verb meaning to be fat, to become fat, juicy, well fed; to be rich, to be mighty
1. Notice Proverbs 15:30, “Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones.”
a. “Fat” is the same Hebrew word – “dâshên”
ii. The term side references fatty offerings – deeming them acceptable to God!
1. David is saying, “You have put meat on my bones and made me acceptable in Your sight, Oh God!”
iii. It is the result of a righteous heart – seeking God’s face in life! (Hebrews 1:9, “Thou hast loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above thy companions.”
1. We should seek the anointing of God in our lives and ministries!
a. Apart from His anointing, we’re wasting our time!
iv. It is the consecration of something or someone set apart for the service of God.
1. Exodus 30:22 – 33, READ FROM BIBLE!
2. For instance: tonight we will anoint (set apart) Nathan for the work of the ministry.
v. I can live in contentment when I realize that my Shepherd has empowered me and set me apart for that which He has called me to do!
b. “Thou Hast Anointed My Head…” (5c) – God’s Workmanship!
i. Head – “rô’sh”: the head, person; chief, leader…
1. It is with our head that we make the choice to follow the Shepherd or turn away!
2. David says the Shepherd has anointed (set apart, empowered, and made acceptable) our chief decision maker!
ii. Life is full of tough choices, right?
1. Job choices, family choices, financial choices, church choices, etc.
a. Do you ever not have the answer?
b. Do you not know what to do?
iii. David was a young man with the responsibility of an entire flock of sheep!
1. David – I feel ya, man!
2. Do you ever think he had to make tough choices?
a. Of course!
iv. But he writes, “God anoints my decision maker!”
1. WOW!
v. I can live in contentment when I know my Shepherd empowers my ability to make decisions!
c. “Thou Hast Anointed My Head with Oil…” (5d) – God’s Presence!
i. Oil – “shemen”: oil
1. David refers to the anointing with oil because of its various purposes!
a. When God sets us apart and empowers us, He willingly provides everything we need!
2. The many purposes of oil:
a. Sacrifices & Worship
i. When God anoints our head with the oil of His Spirit – we can worship!
1. Ever just not felt able to?
a. Don’t blame someone else – seek God’s anointing!
b. Don’t make excuses – seek God’s anointing!
c. Don’t quit and walk away – seek God’s anointing!
b. Set Apart Someone/Something for Service
i. Don’t know what God wants you to do?
1. Seek God’s anointing!
ii. Wonder what your ministry purpose is?
1. Seek God’s anointing!
c. To Cleanse
i. We should seek God’s anointing daily because we get dirty so much!
1. We get into “flesh mode”, right?
a. We get selfish!
b. We get cynical!
c. We get sinful!
ii. We need to be anointed (empowered & set apart) by God every day!
d. To Light the Darkness
i. We are the light of the world!
1. And is it every dark!
ii. We have got to get back to seeking God’s anointing in our lives!
1. Too many followers of Christ are doing it on their own!
a. And it’s not working!
iii. Our community needs light!
1. And God’s anointing brings that!
2. Our hope shines out!
3. Our love & compassion shine out!
e. Medication
i. Our God is the Great Physician!
1. His anointing brings healing – eternally!
2. It’s God’s anointing that sets us apart as His children and grants us entrance into heaven as joint heirs with Jesus Christ!
ii. We have been healed…
1. …Of our sin condition spiritually!
iii. We will be healed…
1. …Of our sin condition physically!
III. (Conc.)
a. Only through knowing the Shepherd can we say:
i. “My cup overflows!”
ii. He gives us everything we need and more! (Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”)
b. Apart from Christ – you are facing eternity alone!
i. The highest court, the Highest Judge, the highest standards, the highest judgment!
1. And you will stand without an advocate or attorney to defend you.
2. And you will lose.
3. And judgment will be forever.
c. Yet today, the Good Shepherd says come to Me!
i. And then the case is closed!
d. Where are you today?
e. “The Lord is my shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content), He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word) He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit), He restores my soul (daily), He leads me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks) for His name’s sake (for His name is worthy and wonderful). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark, but I’m on my way OUT) I fear no evil (for He has given me a Spirit of power), for Thou art with me (the God of the universe inhabits my life!), Thy rod (of holy discipline and protection) and Thy staff (my only hope for rescue) they comfort me (through the ministry of the cross). Thou dost prepare a table (for You are so good) before me (you know me by name) in the presence of my enemies (the spiritual forces of this age), Thou has anointed (set apart and empowered) my head (my chief decision maker) with oil (the element of Your Presence), my cup overflows (I can barely contain myself)!”
f. That’s contentment!
i. Where do you stand today?
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I Shall Not Want – Part 7
Psalm 23:6 (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. How?
1. Know our Shepherd (The Lord is my shepherd…)
2. Know His provisions (I shall not want…)
3. Know His compassion (He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters…)
4. Know our promise (He restores my soul…)
5. Know our pathway (He guides me in the paths of righteousness…)
6. Know our purpose (For His name’s sake…)
7. Know our location (The valley of the shadow of death…)
8. Know our strength (I fear no evil…)
9. Know our source (For Thou art with me…)
10. Accepting our discipline (Thy rod…)
11. Acknowledging our rescue (and Thy staff, they comfort me.)
12. Remembering God’s goodness (Thou dost prepare a table...)
13. Remembering God’s personal goodness (before me…)
14. Remembering God’s personal goodness & timing (in the presence of my enemies…)
15. Recognize God’s Action (Thou hast anointed…)
16. Recognize God’s Workmanship (…my head…)
17. Recognize God’s Presence (…with oil.)
18. Realize God’s Immense Blessing (My cup overflows.)
b. So if I am living in contentment, what is the result?
i. Will anyone see anything from my life?
II. (Body)
a. “Surely Goodness & Lovingkindness will Follow Me…” (6a) - Our Testimony & Legacy!
i. Goodness: 1 Peter 3:13 – 17, “And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear there intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong!” (NASB)
ii. Lovingkindness: 1 John 4:7 – 21, TURN IN BIBLE!!!
b. “And I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord…” (6b) – Our Destiny!
i. John 14:1 – 6, “’Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”
ii. We were created for eternity!
III. (Conc.)
a. I can live in contentment when I understand God’s purpose and expectations of my life with Him, and that He has an eternal home prepared for me!
b. “The Lord is my Shepherd (the Shepherd is my Lord), I shall not want (for I am content). He makes me lie down in green pastures (of His Word), He leads me beside the still waters (of His Spirit). He restores my soul (daily); He guides me in the paths of righteousness (His own tracks) for His name’s sake (for His name is worthy and wonderful). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (it’s dark but I’m on my way OUT), I fear no evil (for He has given me and Spirit of power); for Thou art with me (the God of the universe inhabits my life); Thy rod (of holy discipline and protection) and Thy staff (my only hope for rescue), they comfort me (through the ministry and power of the cross). Thou dost prepare a table (You are so good) before me (You are so personal) in the presence of my enemies (You are always on time); Thou hast anointed (empowered and set apart) my head (my chief decision maker) with oil (a reminder of Your constant presence in my life); My cup overflows (I can barely contain myself!). Surely goodness & lovingkindness (signs I’m looking more like my Father) will follow me all the days of my life (for I have an eternal legacy), and I will dwell in the house of the Lord (my destiny) forever (because you created me as an eternal being.” (Psalm 23 NASB/DBM)
c. “Forever!” (6c) – Our Options!
i. Hell
ii. Heaven
1. Luke 16:19 – 31 (TURN IN BIBLE!!!)
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I Shall Not Want – Part 8
“URGENT DISCONTENTMENT!”
Psalm 23:1 – 6, Matthew 9:35 – 38 (NASB)
I. (Intro.)
a. Living a Life of Contentment – Psalm 23 Series
i. Why?
1. The Master Shepherd is good!
ii. How?
1. Know the Master Shepherd is good!
iii. Why the emphasis on contentment?
1. God has given us too much for us to focus on what we DON’T have!
b. But there were times with Jesus wasn’t content!
i. So when do the times warrant URGENT DISCONTENTMENT, and for what?
II. (Body)
a. When We Go! (v. 35a)
i. Jesus was going – among the people!
1. You will not see people’s needs unless you go to where they are!
2. He could have reached a small handful and been content – BUT HE DIDN’T!
ii. We have been called to go! (“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18 – 20 NASB)
1. It’s not a matter of “just not being good at it!”
a. Part of being a faithful, obedient follower of Christ is going to the lost and hurting!
iii. Why are so many churches having major internal conflicts today?
1. Most of their membership is sitting, soaking, and souring!
2. We need to be going, church!
b. Where We Go! (v. 35b)
i. Jesus went to ALL people!
1. Not just wealthy OR poor – all!
2. Not just “socially acceptable” or not – ALL!
3. His one determining factor: Did you have a need?
ii. That is our one question, church: Do they have a need?
1. Are they hurting?
2. Are they sick?
3. Are they alone?
4. Are they hopeless?
5. Are they angry?
6. Are they broken?
7. Are they trapped (in a sinful lifestyle)?
8. Are they lost?
iii. We are called to go, with URGENT DISCONTENTMENT, to those in need of rescue!
1. And how?
c. How We Go! (v. 36)
i. COMPASSION!
1. You may be so far up on your high horse that you don’t even realize the desperate hopelessness of the people back down in the real world!
2. Oh, that God would knock us off that!
ii. Jesus SAW the multitudes – and His heart BROKE!
1. They were distressed (literally “harassed”)
a. These were predominantly “religions rejects!”
i. Temple outcasts or seclusions!
b. Our world – our COMMUNITY – is full!
i. Legalism ran them off!
ii. Carnal, hateful church-folks ran them off (notice I didn’t call them Christians…”
iii. A ‘dress code’ pushed them outside the inner circle of the weekly church fashion show called Sunday morning in America!
iv. An ungodly church clique made them feel unwanted.
c. And now there they are – either pushed away or driven away by harassment – and there they are.
i. And if your attitude is “it’s their own fault” – why wasn’t Jesus “smart” enough to think of that!
2. They were downcast (literally “thrown down”)
a. They’d been thrown away by religious society that didn’t want OR need them!
i. Next time you glance down your nose at someone I pray that you realize what you’re doing!
3. They were sheep without a Shepherd!
a. In the “deepest, darkest valley”
i. And He did not turn ONE of them away!
b. There is no LOST CAUSE in God’s field of vision!
i. So why do we cast people aside?
iii. Today – SEE THE MULTITUDES!
1. And ask God to break your heart with compassion for a community in need of rescue!
2. The waters of judgment are rising for this world – do you see the people trapped out there looking for rescue?
III. (Conc.)
a. (SHOW VIDEO)
b. “Hanging on for dear life!”
i. Cold water isn’t what awaits them – death and hell are.
c. And what if rescue never comes?
i. Jesus has already provided for the rescue – but if those of us who are sent don’t go – what happens?
1. “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord is all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; for ‘Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:12 – 13 NASB)
d. Do you need rescue today?
i. From your unforgiven sin?
ii. From your hard heart?
iii. From yourself?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Welcome to A Thought from Blake
Please help me get the word out about this blog. I really love sharing my heart, and I'd like for this blog to be a forum for sharing my heart with many people...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
No, I'm not moody...but thanks for asking...
Moody? No, not really. But I do have those days when things are kinda "blah." Everyone has those I'm sure. I came into the office this morning and re-read my blog from yesterday...and all the comments and words of encouragement that resulted. God sure has given me some amazing people in my life - people that truly hold me up in prayer. I've been asked the question, "I know you like blogging your thoughts and stuff, but should a Pastor really be putting things like that online for the world to see? I mean, what does that say to a lost person, without Christ?" (I asked the person who said this if I could include the question in my blog...they agreed.) So, I thought I'd take a second this morning and answer that question with today's Thought from the Heart.
What does that say to a person who doesn't personally know Christ yet? I think it says, very simply, I'm just like you. The only difference is Christ, but that doesn't make me immune from hurt or pain. A Christian isn't a superhero that can fly above all the hurt in life, nor is a pastor able to do those things. We are human. Period. But - we do have a place to turn in those times - a God Who loves us and wants to carry the burdens with us - and even for us.
Yesterday I became overwhelmed, I'll admit. I am a Pastor at heart, by calling, and by trade - and I am also a Chaplain for the Fire Dept. I truly consider myself to be the pastor at that FD, and want to help all of my firemen when they are in turmoil or pain. There are a lot of them that are hurting right now - with family stuff, job stuff, just plain and simple life stuff. And I'm a fixer - I want to make things okay for them. Just as with the church, when these guys hurt, I hurt. It's as simple as that. And yesterday it all sort of piled up on me. And I'll admit, a little bit of selfishness crept in regarding another issue.
Human beings are, by nature, selfish at heart, and we want our way. Our ideas, our concepts, our dreams - sometimes we begin to think they take priority over others' ideas, concepts, or dreams. And then there are times that we have an idea and someone has an idea to improve our idea and before we know it our idea isn't what's being pursued at all...I know, I know...I just used the word "idea" like 50 times...but you get the point. And sometimes that bothers us. If we get "run over" from time to time, eventually we reach a point that the thought comes to our mind, "I really don't like getting run over. I think I'll stop it."
That's where I was yesterday - and in the interest of "Public Confession" (since my feelings yesterday were very public via the blog), I will admit: I was being selfish. And I was wrong in that. And I am sorry.
I walked in today with an entirely new outlook - I've given those thoughts and issues to the Lord, and I'm not going to carry them around anymore. I have decided to "practice what I preach" when it comes to worries and concerns. So there you go. Yesterday my tune was "woe is me." But today, my heart sings a new song...
...Singing oh no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm,
Oh no, You never let go, in every high and every low,
Oh no, You never let go, Lord You never let go of me!
You keep on lovin' and You never let go!
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time, live blessed!
blake
This blog is brought to you by Thoughts from the Heart.
To view daily updates and devotional thoughts, go to http://www.fromblake.blogspot.com .
What does that say to a person who doesn't personally know Christ yet? I think it says, very simply, I'm just like you. The only difference is Christ, but that doesn't make me immune from hurt or pain. A Christian isn't a superhero that can fly above all the hurt in life, nor is a pastor able to do those things. We are human. Period. But - we do have a place to turn in those times - a God Who loves us and wants to carry the burdens with us - and even for us.
Yesterday I became overwhelmed, I'll admit. I am a Pastor at heart, by calling, and by trade - and I am also a Chaplain for the Fire Dept. I truly consider myself to be the pastor at that FD, and want to help all of my firemen when they are in turmoil or pain. There are a lot of them that are hurting right now - with family stuff, job stuff, just plain and simple life stuff. And I'm a fixer - I want to make things okay for them. Just as with the church, when these guys hurt, I hurt. It's as simple as that. And yesterday it all sort of piled up on me. And I'll admit, a little bit of selfishness crept in regarding another issue.
Human beings are, by nature, selfish at heart, and we want our way. Our ideas, our concepts, our dreams - sometimes we begin to think they take priority over others' ideas, concepts, or dreams. And then there are times that we have an idea and someone has an idea to improve our idea and before we know it our idea isn't what's being pursued at all...I know, I know...I just used the word "idea" like 50 times...but you get the point. And sometimes that bothers us. If we get "run over" from time to time, eventually we reach a point that the thought comes to our mind, "I really don't like getting run over. I think I'll stop it."
That's where I was yesterday - and in the interest of "Public Confession" (since my feelings yesterday were very public via the blog), I will admit: I was being selfish. And I was wrong in that. And I am sorry.
I walked in today with an entirely new outlook - I've given those thoughts and issues to the Lord, and I'm not going to carry them around anymore. I have decided to "practice what I preach" when it comes to worries and concerns. So there you go. Yesterday my tune was "woe is me." But today, my heart sings a new song...
...Singing oh no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm,
Oh no, You never let go, in every high and every low,
Oh no, You never let go, Lord You never let go of me!
You keep on lovin' and You never let go!
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time, live blessed!
blake
This blog is brought to you by Thoughts from the Heart.
To view daily updates and devotional thoughts, go to http://www.fromblake.blogspot.com .
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
WARNING: This blog is being written by a tired person...
Yup. Let's just get that out of the way - I am tired...and I'll admit it, a little cranky as well. My shoulders are heavy with situations that are top secret and can't be share with anyone - except the Lord of course. My heart is heavy because I want there to be some way that I can fix those situations - but I'm helpless. My mind is exhausted because it's been running 100 miles an hour trying to figure these things out - to no avail. And in the midst of that I can feel satan's attack in a huge way. I know he's after me - I can feel it.
He's making a huge attempt to divide me and some of the people that mean the most to me. I can feel my heart being tugged - there are thoughts going through my mind that would never normally be there. I don't know how long this will last, but I'm praying it all ends soon because it's really heavy. I love these people -they mean the world to me. They are my support net - my family in Christ. Don't jump to conclusions - that doesn't mean that I'm having "church problems."
Nothing could be further from the truth - God's blessing the church! He's moving in a huge way, and everyone - well, most everyone - can see that. He's doing something that is out of my league, and it's a privilege and honor to even have a small part in it. And I think, just maybe, that's why the enemy is so up in arms against me right now. I need the prayers of my family, the family of God, right now more than ever. I need you praying for me. Please pray for me.
And some will ask why I blogged this. Why couldn't I just keep this to myself? It's just this simple: that's not the way I work. When my heart hurts or is heavy, I need to write. And when I need the prayers of God's people, I will ask for them. It's as simple as that. And I do - so I am.
Not all of this blog is "down in the mully grubs" though. Today two angels of God were born at Baptist Hospital in LR. Both twins weighed in at just under 3lbs and are about 2 months premature - but they are alive. And the brand new, first time parents are elated with their new family. And for a moment today my heart lept within me knowing that I had been in the vicinity of a miracle of God. And I'm reminded that even when we're in a valley - the Son still comes up!
That's just a thought - and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time, live blessed!
blake
This blog is courtesy of A Thought from Blake.
Go to http://www.fromblake.blogspot.com/ for daily updates and devotional thoughts!
He's making a huge attempt to divide me and some of the people that mean the most to me. I can feel my heart being tugged - there are thoughts going through my mind that would never normally be there. I don't know how long this will last, but I'm praying it all ends soon because it's really heavy. I love these people -they mean the world to me. They are my support net - my family in Christ. Don't jump to conclusions - that doesn't mean that I'm having "church problems."
Nothing could be further from the truth - God's blessing the church! He's moving in a huge way, and everyone - well, most everyone - can see that. He's doing something that is out of my league, and it's a privilege and honor to even have a small part in it. And I think, just maybe, that's why the enemy is so up in arms against me right now. I need the prayers of my family, the family of God, right now more than ever. I need you praying for me. Please pray for me.
And some will ask why I blogged this. Why couldn't I just keep this to myself? It's just this simple: that's not the way I work. When my heart hurts or is heavy, I need to write. And when I need the prayers of God's people, I will ask for them. It's as simple as that. And I do - so I am.
Not all of this blog is "down in the mully grubs" though. Today two angels of God were born at Baptist Hospital in LR. Both twins weighed in at just under 3lbs and are about 2 months premature - but they are alive. And the brand new, first time parents are elated with their new family. And for a moment today my heart lept within me knowing that I had been in the vicinity of a miracle of God. And I'm reminded that even when we're in a valley - the Son still comes up!
That's just a thought - and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time, live blessed!
blake
This blog is courtesy of A Thought from Blake.
Go to http://www.fromblake.blogspot.com/ for daily updates and devotional thoughts!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Paperclips and whiteout...
Ok, I know, strange title...but here's the story to go with it. So I'm getting ready to head out of the office to make some visits at a local hospital and begin the day in that way. Now, granted my brain does function slightly differently at 8AM than it does at, say, 2PM, but nonetheless I think I just had an epiphany. Yes, I said it, epiphany. And it all came about because of paperclips and whiteout.
On my desk I have a few stacks...okay, a ton of stacks of papers. Each stack represents a different project...or period of time...or mood I was in when I stacked them...anyway, I have stacks. On the top of one stack was (until I discarded it) an idea that I had handwritten for a blog devotional thought. Boy, was it ever edited - whiteout and sharpy lines everywhere. And turns out, I didn't even use it. After all that, I just found that it was simply unusable. Okay, get ready - here's when I had the epiphany.
The blog thought written there wasn't really worth the paper it was written on. There were a couple of pages - all held together by paperclips...whiteout on the pages...paperclips holding them together. So I just happened to glance at the second page before filing this is "File 13" and something caught my attention. A phrase I'd written spoke to me distinctly. It said, "God can't use me." I sat for just a second and thought about why on earth I'd write that. What was going through my mind that I'd write that statement. Then it hit me: there have been many times in my life when He couldn't use me. My pride, ego, whatever you want to call it - prevented me from being usuable. And in those times do you know what I would try to do?
I'd pull out the "Whiteout of Life" and try to simply cover over the areas of my life He didn't like. I would make valiant attempts to just cover it all up - just sweep it under the rug. When God would convict me of areas of my life that weren't pleasing Him (marking it with a black sharpy pen) I would take out the whiteout and try to fix it myself. And all along - He just wanted a fresh page.
My life, at times, was held together by nothing more than cheap paperclips - my efforts, my accomplishments, my bragging rights, my this, my that. And when those cheap paperclips were removed - it all fell apart. God wants to give us an entirely new sheet. And even more than that - He wants to write the story of our life in red ink...His Son's blood - our redemption. And He wants to hold it all together with TONS of staples...our relationship with Him - an intimacy with the Almighty that's second to none.
Some might call that an epiphany - I just call it a God moment. And I'm just waiting and watching for the next one!
That's just a thought - and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time, live blessed!
blake
PS: Sign up to be a "follower" of this blog at http://www.fromblake.blogspot.com !
Get daily updates of devotional thoughts from Pastor Blake!
On my desk I have a few stacks...okay, a ton of stacks of papers. Each stack represents a different project...or period of time...or mood I was in when I stacked them...anyway, I have stacks. On the top of one stack was (until I discarded it) an idea that I had handwritten for a blog devotional thought. Boy, was it ever edited - whiteout and sharpy lines everywhere. And turns out, I didn't even use it. After all that, I just found that it was simply unusable. Okay, get ready - here's when I had the epiphany.
The blog thought written there wasn't really worth the paper it was written on. There were a couple of pages - all held together by paperclips...whiteout on the pages...paperclips holding them together. So I just happened to glance at the second page before filing this is "File 13" and something caught my attention. A phrase I'd written spoke to me distinctly. It said, "God can't use me." I sat for just a second and thought about why on earth I'd write that. What was going through my mind that I'd write that statement. Then it hit me: there have been many times in my life when He couldn't use me. My pride, ego, whatever you want to call it - prevented me from being usuable. And in those times do you know what I would try to do?
I'd pull out the "Whiteout of Life" and try to simply cover over the areas of my life He didn't like. I would make valiant attempts to just cover it all up - just sweep it under the rug. When God would convict me of areas of my life that weren't pleasing Him (marking it with a black sharpy pen) I would take out the whiteout and try to fix it myself. And all along - He just wanted a fresh page.
My life, at times, was held together by nothing more than cheap paperclips - my efforts, my accomplishments, my bragging rights, my this, my that. And when those cheap paperclips were removed - it all fell apart. God wants to give us an entirely new sheet. And even more than that - He wants to write the story of our life in red ink...His Son's blood - our redemption. And He wants to hold it all together with TONS of staples...our relationship with Him - an intimacy with the Almighty that's second to none.
Some might call that an epiphany - I just call it a God moment. And I'm just waiting and watching for the next one!
That's just a thought - and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time, live blessed!
blake
PS: Sign up to be a "follower" of this blog at http://www.fromblake.blogspot.com !
Get daily updates of devotional thoughts from Pastor Blake!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Grace like rain...
It's raining again today. Yes, we need it, but I kinda already miss the sun! However, even in this dreariness there's a pretty deep lesson, I think, about who God is. Allow me to explain...
This morning at around 6:30 Shauna and I left the gym and I got a page that I was needed at a motor vehicle accident. When I got there it was barely drizzling, but that quickly turned into a downpour. So, standing out in the buckets of rain being poured down upon us, I began to ponder...yes, I ponder from time to time...not think...ponder...anyway...
These big drops of rain are all made up of molecules...and I just wonder...where has that water been before it fell from the sky over Hot Springs onto me? Were those very molecules present when a giant killer whale swam by? Or maybe they were in a giant wave that a surfer dude rode into the beach off the coast of California? Did these drops of water experience what it's like to fall during a major hurricane of mass devastation? Were they the drops that brought life to a drought ridden tribe in Africa? Am I crazy? Maybe. But just think about that for a second...
And then, like a tidal wave of energy, I began to think...when I'm calling out to God - who else is He listening to at that very moment? While I am pouring my heart out to Him this morning...was He also listening to the heart's cry of a Christian in China who worships in spite of the danger to his family? While I'm complaining about the rain, is He hearing at that very moment, the cry of a homeowner in Australia whose home is on fire and everything they have it burning because of the massive wildfires?
"Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me! Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, they're washed away!"
That's just a thought - and I welcome your's!
Email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com !
Until next time - live blessed!
blake
This Thought from the Heart is directly posted from http://www.fromblake.blogspot.com .
For daily blog updates from Pastor Blake, visit that site and become an official "follower."
This morning at around 6:30 Shauna and I left the gym and I got a page that I was needed at a motor vehicle accident. When I got there it was barely drizzling, but that quickly turned into a downpour. So, standing out in the buckets of rain being poured down upon us, I began to ponder...yes, I ponder from time to time...not think...ponder...anyway...
These big drops of rain are all made up of molecules...and I just wonder...where has that water been before it fell from the sky over Hot Springs onto me? Were those very molecules present when a giant killer whale swam by? Or maybe they were in a giant wave that a surfer dude rode into the beach off the coast of California? Did these drops of water experience what it's like to fall during a major hurricane of mass devastation? Were they the drops that brought life to a drought ridden tribe in Africa? Am I crazy? Maybe. But just think about that for a second...
And then, like a tidal wave of energy, I began to think...when I'm calling out to God - who else is He listening to at that very moment? While I am pouring my heart out to Him this morning...was He also listening to the heart's cry of a Christian in China who worships in spite of the danger to his family? While I'm complaining about the rain, is He hearing at that very moment, the cry of a homeowner in Australia whose home is on fire and everything they have it burning because of the massive wildfires?
"Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me! Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, they're washed away!"
That's just a thought - and I welcome your's!
Email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com !
Until next time - live blessed!
blake
This Thought from the Heart is directly posted from http://www.fromblake.blogspot.com .
For daily blog updates from Pastor Blake, visit that site and become an official "follower."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Boy, I really blew it this time...
How many times have you said that in your lifetime? I can honestly admit that I say that way too often...and then it's usually followed by, "If only I would THINK before I SPEAK..." All too often...way to often...
I'm going to tell you - I'm truly a messed up stack of bones a lot of the time! And as ashamed as I am to admit it, the closer I get to the Lord the more I am aware of my failures each day! Just let me tell you - there have been many moments that I've have wondered how on earth God could ever accept me...
...but He does! And in such a HUGE way! This morning I was reading Genesis 43. I've been interested in the life and story of this man we call Joseph here lately, and so I was reading another "episode" in the life and times of this man when I ran across a verse that jumped out at me. "...may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man...(Gen. 43:14a) May God grant you compassion...
Compassion...I don't know if you've ever stopped to think about it, but that's a very big word...and I'm talking about more than just how many letters it has in it. God tells us to be a people of compassion as His children, but sometimes I think that we view that as a "benevolent responsibility." Somehow we think that we are in such an amazing position that we have to "stoop down" and offer someone compassion when they are in need, whatever that need may be...but is this really the case?
From my understanding, the only one that "stoops down" is God...to us! When it's all said and done, regardless of what a person's need may be, we aren't sitting on some lofty throne of righteousness offering them an amazing gift of our time and talents...we're really in the same boat they are. And my point? We're all in this together - every last one of us.
We all need grace. All of us. From the richest executive to the poorest man on the street. From the pastor in the pulpit to the prostitute on Central Ave. To quote a well known Jackson - "From the out house, to the poor house, to the White House"...we all need grace.
So next time you're tempted to "look down" or "snub your nose" at someone else, regardless of the reason, just remember: without Christ you're just a dirty and needy. The only difference is Him, which gives you nothing to boast of in yourself - only Christ.
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time...live blessed!
blake
Go to www.fromblake.blogspot.com for daily blogs from Pastor Blake! Become an official "follower" and tell your friends!
I'm going to tell you - I'm truly a messed up stack of bones a lot of the time! And as ashamed as I am to admit it, the closer I get to the Lord the more I am aware of my failures each day! Just let me tell you - there have been many moments that I've have wondered how on earth God could ever accept me...
...but He does! And in such a HUGE way! This morning I was reading Genesis 43. I've been interested in the life and story of this man we call Joseph here lately, and so I was reading another "episode" in the life and times of this man when I ran across a verse that jumped out at me. "...may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man...(Gen. 43:14a) May God grant you compassion...
Compassion...I don't know if you've ever stopped to think about it, but that's a very big word...and I'm talking about more than just how many letters it has in it. God tells us to be a people of compassion as His children, but sometimes I think that we view that as a "benevolent responsibility." Somehow we think that we are in such an amazing position that we have to "stoop down" and offer someone compassion when they are in need, whatever that need may be...but is this really the case?
From my understanding, the only one that "stoops down" is God...to us! When it's all said and done, regardless of what a person's need may be, we aren't sitting on some lofty throne of righteousness offering them an amazing gift of our time and talents...we're really in the same boat they are. And my point? We're all in this together - every last one of us.
We all need grace. All of us. From the richest executive to the poorest man on the street. From the pastor in the pulpit to the prostitute on Central Ave. To quote a well known Jackson - "From the out house, to the poor house, to the White House"...we all need grace.
So next time you're tempted to "look down" or "snub your nose" at someone else, regardless of the reason, just remember: without Christ you're just a dirty and needy. The only difference is Him, which gives you nothing to boast of in yourself - only Christ.
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time...live blessed!
blake
Go to www.fromblake.blogspot.com for daily blogs from Pastor Blake! Become an official "follower" and tell your friends!
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