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PSALM 23

I. GOD REVEALED IN THREE ASPECTS.
        A. Shepherd.
        B. Guide.
        C. Host.

II. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD "I SHALL NOT WANT."
        A. I might want otherwise.
        B. I shall not want provisions "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."
        C. I shall not want refreshment "He leadeth me beside the still waters."
        D. I shall not want for strength "He restoreth my soul."
        E. I shall not want for direction. "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness."
                1. That path ultimately leads us 'through the valley of the shadow
                   of death."
                        a. Walking "through" not IN.
                        b. Not death but "shadow of death."
                                1. Indicate light on other side.
                                2. No need to fear a shadow.
        F. I shall not want for courage. "I shall fear no evil for thou art with me."
                1. His presence dispels all fear.
                2. His presence never closer than in valley.

And when we cross through the valley and come out on the other side, "I shall dwell in
the house of the Lord forever". Presently we shall go on beyond the pastures of tender
grass, the still waters that have restored & refreshed us here. Beyond the discipline
that has kept our feet in the path of righteousness, we will be beyond our enemies but
never away from our shepherd, for I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Lord is my shepherd "I shall not want."
The Lord is my guide, I shall be led in the right paths.
The Lord is my host, I shall go to dwell in His palace by & by.

What is death to the one who knows the Lord as His shepherd? N0t the king of terror who
would snatch our loved ones from our presence, but only a shadow on the path to our
Father's House.