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Fork In The Road: God Alone Is My Shepherd Series
Contributed by Kenton Beshore on May 8, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: An exploration of God as our Shepherd and our One and Only refuge.
Kenton Beshore is Executive Producer of the small group curriculum Liquid, a new revolutionary video-based resource for small groups and church-wide campaigns. Visit www.experienceliquid.com to learn more.
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GOD ALONE IS MY SHEPHERD
People’s choice, God’s choice 1 Samuel 16
“Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.” 1 Samuel 9:2
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7
God is my shepherd Psalm 23
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep . . . I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me . . . My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:11,14, 27
“For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17
• My provider
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2 (NKJV)
• My leader and guide
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in
the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV)
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’” Matthew 11:28-29
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6
• My peace
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for
You are with me . . .” Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
• My protector
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies . . .” Psalm 23:4-5 (NKJV)
• Generous, extravagant blessing
“You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:5-6 (NKJV)
The fork in the road Psalm 62
• God alone is my . . .
- Rock, hope, victory, refuge, fortress, salvation, honor
• God and ________________ is my . . .
“Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air. Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life.” Psalm 62:9-10
• David’s counsel–one way to live . . . God alone
“One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.” Psalm 62:11-12 (NIV)