Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Lord Is My Shepherd John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. Exodus 23:2a - You shall not follow a crowd to do evil. Application: What are you following? Who is your shepherd?

The Shepherd Takes Care of the Sheep Want is a synonym for “lack.” Psalm 34:10 - The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger, but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. God will provide whatever is good for you. Application: Be content. Do not be a “wanter.” Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

The Shepherd Refreshes the Sheep The Lord satisfies our spiritual hunger. He makes the sheep lie down in green pastures. Be more like Mary (not Martha) and enjoy the presence of God. Application: Set aside a time for a personal retreat to “Be still” before the Lord.

John Piper “One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook [and Wechat] will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.”

The Shepherd Leads the Sheep There are many paths These paths go TWO ways Only ONE is right Our ultimate purpose in life is to bring glory to God. John Piper - “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

The Shepherd Stays with the Sheep The Shepherd does not promise an easy life. He does promise to be with us each step of the way. Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. His rod/staff are duel purpose: (Protection and discipline)

The Shepherd Blesses the Sheep He gives victory! Our cup overflows! Have you reached the point where you can proclaim “My cup overflows?”

Jesus is the Good Shepherd John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Commit today to following Jesus as your Shepherd. Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.