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PSALM 23

"JEHOVAH IS MY. . ."

Intro: David a shepherd boy, called to be a King, knew well the responsibilities and
       duties,  the watchful care and diligence that are required of a shepherd. He
       sees Jehovah as  His shepherd yet more also as guide and Host.

I. JEHOVAH IS MY SHEPHERD.
        A. Maybe he had just rescued a Iamb from some danger.
        B. "I shall not want."
                1. Think of the want in the world.
                        a. We usually think in material terms. food, shelter,
                           transportation, safety.
                        b. Think of the spiritual wants. Deeper & more persistent.
                2. Others who are wiser than I may want. Others who are stronger than
                   I may want.
                3. For provision "He maketh me lie down in green pastures."
                4. For refreshment "He leadeth me beside the still water."
                5. For spiritual satisfaction "He restoreth my soul."

II. JEHOVAH IS MY GUIDE.
        A. "He leadeth me in the path of righteousness."
                1. How confusing our lives can sometimes become.
                2. How important that we make the right decision.
                        a. Our entire future sometimes dependent.
                        b. Young man in for counseling. Agnostic.
                                "l can't afford to make a mistake."
                                "I feel very sorry for you."
                3. How beautiful and comforting as I walk the path of life to know it is
                   the right path.
                        a. Not the easy path the right path.
                                1. Here is where I mess up. The easy path is not
                                   always right.
                        b. It may lead to a cross.
                4. "For His name's sake."
                        a. Theme of life "never the less I live yet not..."
        B. "Yea thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death."
                1. If Jesus does not rapture His church first, this is inevitable for
                   each of us.
                2. Note "shadow of death."
                        a. What does that tell you? There is light on the other side.
                        b. Death to us is not as Goethe described "I am about to take my
                           last journey..."
                        c. Nor need we scream as Voltaire "More light."
                3. "I will fear no evil."
                        a. When I approach that valley I shall not slack my stride for
                           fear of evil.
                        b. "For thou art with Me."
                                1. God's presence always so near in hour of death.
                        c. "Thy rod & thy staff they comfort me."
                                1. Rod like shepherd's crook, pull sheep back in line, also
                                   at end of day held low over entrance of sheepfold every
                                   lamb must pass under.
                                2. Staff was club to defend self & sheep.

III. JEHOVAH IS MY HOST.
        A. "Thou preparest a table before me."
        B. "Thou anointest my head with oil."
        C. "MY CUP RUNNETH OVER."
        D. "Because He is my shepherd guide and host "goodness & mercy shall follow me all
           the days of my life."
                1. What then?  "I shall dwell in the house. . ."

The shepherd holds my hand as we walk this path of life; soon the path is to dip into a
valley, there a shadow shall cross the path, but holding His hand, I shall emerge on the
other side to dwell in His house forever.

Read John 10:14-18  - Wouldn't you like to have a shepherd like this?  He wants to make you
a part of His flock.