Crisis Care for Struggling Sheep - Calvary Christian Fellowship of Tucson, AZ

Heading for Heaven

April 26, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:6, Revelation 19:6–9, John 14:1–3, Ephesians 5:31–32

Heaven is being with Jesus. The more we love and understand Him as our treasure and prize, how and why we live this life will be put into proper perspective. 1. We can't be certain of our expectations of Heaven, but we can be certain of God's Revelation about Heaven. 2. The hope of Heaven is the same in the Old Testament as it is in the New. Eternal fellowship with God because of grace. 3. Heaven is rightly defined as “With Jesus.”

When We Get It Right, When We Get It Wrong

April 19, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:6, 2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Timothy 2:13, 1 John 4:19

Goodness and Mercy are the two defining terms of our relationship with God. Because God has been good to us, we have eternal life. Because God has been merciful towards us, we can know that we have been given and will retain it. 1. God's promises are the answer to the questions we ask about our salvation. 2. God's goodness is demonstrated towards us along side His mercy. 3. The legacy we should all strive to leave behind is a reminder of Jesus.

Answers for Anxiety

April 5, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:5, John 7:37–38, Romans 8:31–39, Philippians 4:6–7

David continues to illustrate his relationship with the Lord as a sheep relates to his shepherd. In anointing his head with oil, he describes the provision of God continually keeping him from parasites, infections, and injury from outside influences. And in describing his cup running over, he also understands God's involvement in his life is one He considers a pleasure rather than an obligation. 1. God's power is only an answer to our anxiety when it is understood and appreciated as active in our lives. 2. God's provision doesn't stop with instruction on how to live your life. He's involved Himself personally in the process. 3. God's proximity to us is in of itself an answer to our anxiety.

Head for the High Ground

March 29, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:5

The abundant Christian life is one in constant fellowship with God. Through His Word, we know everything we have to look forward to concerning His work in our lives. Through His Spirit, we have everything we need to know and enjoy that ongoing relationship. And through His promises, we know how to live in light of the fact this world is a battleground. 1. God has a purpose and a plan for your life. 2. God's involvement in your life is as much in your present as it is in your future. 3. God will use His work in your life as an example of His goodness to Heavenly creatures.

Connecting with God’s Comfort

March 22, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:4, Psalm 91:1–4, Isaiah 11:1–4, 2 Corinthians 1:3–7

David continues to illustrate his relationship with God in terms of comfort. He does this through a shepherd's rod and staff. These tools were for the protection and comfort of the sheep. The Rod is a picture in scripture of God's Word and its role in our lives. The Staff is also a picture in scripture of God's Comfort. Both are necessary for an abiding relationship with Him. 1. God's Word keeps us out of trouble and keeps trouble away. 2. God's Correction is gentile when we respond it to quickly. 3. God's Comfort is most meaningful when shared.

Survival In the Shadow

March 15, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:4, Job 2:9–10, Deuteronomy 31:6, John 16:33

David continues to illustrate our relationship with God through that of a sheep's relationship with a shepherd. In his acknowledgment of the fact that there are times between winter and summer that require difficult and dangerous journeys to preserve the ultimate well-being of the sheep, he also acknowledges the fact God doesn't promise us freedom from what this world tends to throw at us. The only hope we have and need in the process is to remember He is with us every step of the way and hasn't led us astray. 1. Following Jesus isn't an easy journey, but He is a worthwhile destination. 2. Ministry is the overflow of what God is already doing in your heart. 3. Faith is trust based on the reasons God has given us before to be considered worth of it.

When God Guides

March 8, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:3, Luke 15:4–7, Matthew 16:4–5, 2 Corinthians 1:3–7

Being led isn't an easy process. It takes us away from where we are comfortable. It takes us through places we aren't familiar with. It forces us to either focus on where we can trust the Shepherd is leading us or to simply panic. 1. God will always lead us according to His Word. 2. Asking Why accomplishes nothing. Asking what to do in your circumstances can accomplish anything. 3. If you know the Shepherd, you'll know that wherever He's leading you is a green pasture. Key Topics: Spiritual Growth, Trials, Faith

Welcome to Green Pastures

March 1, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:2–3, John 7:38–39, Philippians 2:13, John 14:1–6

W. Phillip Keller continues to provide meaningful insight to David's words in Psalm 23. With topics like Cast Sheep and the Eating Habits of Sheep, to the responsibilities of a Shepherd in Restoring their Souls and Preparing Green Pastures for his flock. All model the character of Christ beautifully that even those familiar with Psalm 23 could appreciate with new eyes. 1. We serve from acceptance, not for it. 2. Our place of true rest isn't found on this Earth. We're being prepared for it by God. 3. God knew what He was getting into when He saved you. He'll restore you as many times as it takes.

The Challenge of Contentment

February 23, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:1, John 10:11–15, 1 Timothy 6:6–10, Psalm 34:1–10

The attitude of covetousness can be described as an “If Only” view of everything you have in life. An attitude of thankfulness and contentment is an a view that prefaces everything we desire from God with “Only If” it will glorify Him. 1. Covetousness is a “Have More” attitude that is only answered by contentment. 2. Thankfulness and contentment go hand in hand. 3. Appreciating the source and purpose of the good things we have in life produce thankfulness.

Someone to Watch Over Me

February 16, 2020 • Scott Richards • Psalm 23:1, 1 Corinthians 1:26–31, 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, John 10:11–15

David was an excellent example of someone who understood that the Lord was his shepherd. As a shepherd himself, he understood that apart from God he was helpless to predators. Because of the times of difficulty God saw him through, it enabled him to be a meaningful source of comfort to those who have endured the same things. And as a result of seeing where his own faithfulness fell short, we all benefit from remembering that no one less than the Lord can truly Shepherd us. 1. The past was preparation for today, and today is preparation for tomorrow. 2. You will never receive until you learn how to give. 3. Jesus is the only Shepherd that can truly be called Good. Key Topics: Comfort, Faith, Suffering