Psalm 23 // The LORD Is My Shepherd

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Psalm 23 // The LORD Is My Shepherd

July 23, 2023 • James Allison • Psalm 23

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Sheep are one of the only animals that can’t really take care of themselves. All of the dirt, grime, and dust naturally gets absorbed into their wool, and they need someone to clean them. Left to themselves, sheep would wander off into the wilderness and die. They need a someone to guide them. A sheep can't really protect itself, and it can't really provide for itself. Sheep need a shepherd.

Isaiah 53:6a says, we all like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way. This is the human condition. We, like sheep, wander off on our own path leaning on our own understanding - trusting in something other than the Good Shepherd to save, sustain, and satisfy.

Psalm 23 is King David's deeply personal testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness throughout his life. As a Shepherd King, David knew what it meant to say of his creator “The LORD is my Shepherd”

Praise the Lord // Psalm 150

August 6, 2023 • Psalm 150

Psalm 32 // The Forgiveness of God

July 16, 2023 • James Moseley • Psalm 32

When it comes to understanding who God is, we often make the mistake of viewing God based on how we view ourselves. We all have faults and areas where we have come up short, and if we are not careful, we end up with a view of God that looks a lot like us. When this happens, it affects the way we relate with Him. This is seen in a big way when it comes to God’s forgiveness. The way you and I forgive is very different from God’s Forgiveness. Some of us may struggle in our relationship with God because we have defined God’s forgiveness based on who we are instead of who He is! Today we carry around the weight of our guilt and shame as believers, and this is not the life Jesus speaks of when He invites us into a relationship with him. In Psalm 32, we see that David has had his joy restored for his year of carrying around the guilt and shame from his sins. David experienced the forgiveness of God! He starts by showing us what comes with God’s Forgiveness. From here, he opens our eyes to what conviction looks like in the life of a Jesus Follower, followed by how we can experience this forgiveness in our own life that only comes through Him! HE FORGIVENESS OF GOD Psalms 32: 1-5 ESV 1. WHAT IS FORGIVENESS? A. God's forgiveness REMOVES the guilt of our sin “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven… ( v1) B. God’s forgiveness COVERS the shame of our sin “… whose sin is covered!” (v.1b) C. God’s forgiveness WIPES CLEAN the record of my sin “ How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity…” (v. 2a)

Psalm 145 // Forever And Ever

July 9, 2023 • Psalm 145

Psalm 145, a magnificent hymn of praise, beautifully captures the essence of God’s goodness and mercy towards all His creations. It is an acclamation of God’s greatness, a testament to His everlasting kingdom, a celebration of His righteous acts, and an affirmation of His tender mercies. This Psalm paints an awe-inspiring image of our Lord as a compassionate and gracious God who fulfills the desires of all who fear Him, hears their cries, and saves them. It is not just a declaration of God’s splendor but a call for us to continually extol His virtues to the ends of the earth. We, as God’s chosen people, are invited to personally bless and praise His name in our daily lives. This is not merely a religious duty, but a joyous privilege that brings us closer to Him. We can do this through prayer, worship, and by living a life that reflects His love and kindness. In doing so, we immerse ourselves in His blessings, experiencing His grace, mercy, and peace in profound ways. This personal act of praising God not only strengthens our relationship with Him but also fills our hearts with hope, love, and unshakeable faith. Finally, Psalm 145 underscores the importance of passing down God’s teachings to the next generation. Our role extends beyond personal devotion; we are called to be torchbearers of His word, guiding our children and the younger members of our community toward knowing, understanding, and appreciating His grace. By sharing stories of His goodness, teaching His commandments, and demonstrating His love in our actions, we can encourage a deep-seated love for God. This spiritual legacy is invaluable, for it ensures that the praises of God continue to echo through generations, keeping His goodness, mercy, and love alive in the hearts of His people. FOREVER AND EVER. Outline Praise must be personal (v. 1). Praise is proportionate to the way its object is seen. A great Savior results in great praise (v. 3). Praise God with your children watching, and never make them think it is a burden (v. 4). Praise God with all your heart, but don’t forget your mouth (v. 6). A praise that pours comes from the soul who has been to the fountainhead and joins the choir (v. 7). God stoops to lift those who are prone to fall or do not think they can stand (v. 14). The hand of grace is never closed to sinners (v. 16). A holy heart desires what only a holy God can give (v. 19). Praise and blessing come from a heart that knows it is kept by God’s love (vv. 20-21). Application Is God your King? Each generation composes a chapter of praise to be shared with the next generation… what does yours say? Is praise a daily practice for you? Questions Where have you seen God’s goodness, faithfulness, and power—in this psalm, in the life of Jesus, and in your life? How could you remind yourself to praise God more often? How are you teaching the next generation about who God is and what he has done? What impact might your praise have on those around you? Is there anything that needs to change in your praise life?