PSALMS 23

[runner4jesus]

We can take it verse by verse and see what nuggets of truth and blessing are in this Psalms.

Psalms 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (lack, or need)
Jesus is the Chief Shepherd of the sheep. We are the sheep of his pasture. It's a good thing we have Jesus to watch over us as he does. Years ago, we raised sheep. We had one ram and 8 ewes (females) They really needed someone to take care of them and protect them. I even named these sheep. Their names were Sam the ram, Annie my favorite, Daphney who was a stinker, Daisey who was a precious lamb. I loved them all, and they all had their own individual personalities. They were sweet though; except Sam he hated buckets. And one day and the Lord was watching over this sheep (me); well I was holding this bucket in my hand and didn't know that Sam was charging me. He hit the bucket full speed ahead and broke it to pieces but my hand and wrist was unharmed. That was Jesus. He was with me. This was a powerful ram, big & strong & I might add beautiful. But dangerous as he got older. The three ewes had their babies and that was an experience; because we had to take care of them and make sure they delivered right. I really cared about those sheep just as Jesus cares for us. I even sang to them with my auto harp and they loved it. Well, enough of that.

In this verse we can see that Jesus who is the Chief Shepherd really cares for us and the needs we have. We will not LACK. There's a promise that goes right along with this in Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

This word is true. We raised 4 children and had hard times, but not once were we without enough. God took care of us even through the lean times. That's what the lack in this verse represents. We will have no lack. We will have enough, even it it's a few potatoes and we've know those times. But we never were without enough.

[runner4jesus]

God has a way to bring about restoration in our hearts and lives. He is a God of restoration of the broken hearted and lost. I praise God, for the restoration of my life as I walk with Jesus.

Psalms 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

The peace that we know in our hearts & minds as we walk the narrow road with Jesus. A peace the world cannot give. He feed us with food convenient; good food that nourishes our soul. His word sustains us in the midst of trials and temptation. The peace of God is with us each day, even when turmoil is all around us; his peace is with us.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, (surpasses) shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

As our Shepherd, he leads us beside the still waters. Beautiful, quiet, peaceful waters of life that we can drink in and be satisfied in him.

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

v.14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

[burien1]

I've never tasted lamb in my life. Growing up in a non-Christian family, My soft hearted mother told us that a lamb would literally lay it's head on the chopping block. She would never prepare it because of that. Now that I'm a Christian, I understand why the lamb represented Jesus.

He's the Lamb of God , but he is our shepherd. A shepherd that came here as one of us, but he was spotless and blameless, therefore he is the first fruits and leader of all the sheep. He is with us always, guiding us, providing for our every need. Taking us where we need to go. Protecting us from evil. Doing what he has to do to keep us from staying.

One of my favorite verses of the bible is;


[/quote]Psalms 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.[quote]

I remember as a child going to the creek in the woods in my backyard. There was a quiet little spot right next to the water that was covered with beautiful, lush green moss. I would lie down there and soak up the sounds of the water trickling, the dragonflies buzzing, the quietness of the woods. That's what this verse always reminds me of. It makes me want to cling to the Lord as a toddler wants to hold on to her daddy's leg as he is leaving.

I can't wait to meet King David. He could express his love for our Lord so well. { And you too, Margie!]

YSIC

[runner4jesus]

Hello Burien: Your sharing blessed me so much. It makes everything so real. Thank you, for sharing your personal account. Love in Jesus, Margie

[Abiding in His Word]

What a beautiful, inspirational, encouraging thread!

Psa 78:71 From the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.

Psa 78:72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands.

[runner4jesus]

Thank you! Abiding for your observation of this study. Appreciate it.

Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

God is a God of restoration. To better understand what restoration is; we'll look at the meaning first. To give back something that was lost or taken away. To bring back to a former condition, as by repairing.

As Christians we go through valleys, and suffer fiery trials, some excruciating to endure as in a kiln where the final step is taken to make pottery. But what is produced is a beautiful vessel to be used for the masters use; honor & glory. It cannot take place any other way.

This chapter is talking about Israel, but this is how God is and he is the potter we are the clay. Jeremiah says it well in Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred (injured or damaged so as to make imperfect) so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Here's a verse in the New Testament from Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another dishonour?

God is the potter and he is making the vessel. One year we visited a potter who lives nearby. We saw how the potter would take a lump of clay and begin to form it on the wheel and the care it took to do that. He uses water as he forms it; which was amazing to me. The water of the Word of God is used by the potter; God. After the potter forms the vessel he wants to make on the wheel which goes round & round as he forms it with his hands. He takes it off the wheel and lets it dry on a shelf. The vessel has to cure. He then puts a sealer on it and a design on it with paint. The next step was interesting and there is a longer process than I'm explaining to make a vessel. This vessel then goes into the kiln, heated to over a 1000 degrees. That's not the end. Some vessels cracked in the firing and had to be sold as seconds or discarded. Others came through the fire beautifully. Then they are coated with something else and fired a 2nd time. I'm not sure but they may have had to be fired a 3rd time. The finished product is absolutely beautiful. We have some vessels from this potter and treasure them.

The verse in Joel made a lot of sense after seeing what the potter does. In all that we have to endure; God will bring us through and a restoration of our soul which is eternal takes place. Then and only then can we be used for God's glory; for that which he has designed. There are vessels of different kinds; vessels of mercy, honour, pleasant vessels, clean vessels, empty vessels that God fills, a chosen vessel.

We'll cover the second half of that verse in Psalms next time.

[runner4jesus]

By Lynette:

Greetings everyone! When I read the post about how the potter seals his work---I was thinking about how we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Alleluia and amen! We have the assurance that we are God's sons and God's daughters because we have the Holy
Spirit within us. Wahoo and amen!
I just thank God that He is my Shepherd today! I was a rebellious sheep until March 4, 2008. Many ups and downs in my walk with the Lord.
On March 4, the Lord intervened and did a miraculous work in my heart. My mind and my heart are working as one now. Glory to
God and alleluia!
The Good Shepherd sought me out and brought me back into the flock of believers. He is my Shepherd! He is a good Shepherd. He loves me and calls me by my name. He never leaves me or forsakes me.
I have seen many times of financial duress in this house of mine, especially now after Larry, my hubby, having two major heart attacks and not able to work during the months of recovery.
But I have never ever starved! I still have a house to live in! I may not have a bed to sleep in, but that is okay. Jesus did not have a place to lay his head either. He used a stone for a pillow.
He leads me beside calm still waters. Alleluia and glory to God!
There are many huge mountains that I am facing right now and I could be in great inner turmoil. But God is leading me to His peaceful still waters today.
We serve an awesome amazing God! He is worth everything to serve and to obey. His love for me is unconditional--no stipulations. Nothing. If I fail, He still loves me. Although He desires for me to live in victory.
And wahoo--He anointed me with His oil. I am drunk on Him! A high the world cannot give--no pill or no drug can give you the high you have when you are right with Jesus and living for Him!
Well, this is getting rather long so I will sign off for now!

Glad to be a part of this group! Have a blessed day in Jesus. Amen and Amen Lynette (roadrunner4Jesus)

[Salty Skipper]

The Lord ALWAYS comes through, that's for certain!

Praying about you and your hubby's situation, Runner4Jesus.

[runner4jesus]

Thank you! But this post is regarding Lynette and her hubby. Tim & I are blessed and happy in the Lord. But thank you for prayer. We'll always invite prayer. God is meeting Lynette but I'm sure she'd welcome prayer also. Love in Jesus, Margie

[Salty Skipper]

Ooops, I'm sorry. I got confused.

Praying for Lynette and her hubby.

[runner4jesus]

Thank you, Salty, I'm sure Lynette would appreciate knowing that. She is experiencing victory in her walk with the Lord and rejoicing in him. It's a blessing to see how God is working in people's lives.

[runner4jesus]

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Paul said in Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
We have absolutely nothing to fear when the Lord Jesus Christ is with us. When we leave this earth we are right in the presence of the Lord. We are only sojourning through this land; but a short time in comparison to eternity. So we need to keep in mind what I Peter 1:17 says.
v.17 And is ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons (favoritism) judgeth according to every man's work, PASS THE TIME OF YOUR SOJOURNING (temporary stay) here in fear:

The fear this verse is speaking of is not to be afraid but the fear of the Lord (reverent fear of him). Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, (cautiously, discreetly, prudently; carefully considering all circumstances before acting, judging, or deciding) not as fools, but as wise, v.16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

God is with us even in these last days of time, that I'm sure you will agree are desperately evil. But as it gets darker, the light that is within us that is Jesus; will shine even brighter and brighter for all to see. Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY.

Just a note about the rod & staff of the Lord. There is significance of this rod. It can bring correction and life to us. His rod is comforting even when he is correcting us.

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, (correctively punishes, severely rebukes) and scourgeth (whips) every son he receiveth.

When we had sheep, I had a shepherdess staff that I used to correct the sheep when needed. The crook was for placing it around their neck which could be stubborn and would bring them back. I did this very kindly, but it had to be done at times. The sheep want to go their own way; either by distraction or fear. But they knew I loved them regardless of my correcting. The staff was a comfort to them, even when correction was given.
We need to endure the chastening of the Lord as verse 7 of that chapter.

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: (painful) nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (trained by it)

[Be still]

a lamb would literally lay it's head on the chopping block

[runner4jesus]

[runner4jesus]

We're going to back track a little. I didn't cover the second half of Psalms 23:3 (he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

God has given us garments of salvation and his righteousness as we can see in Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

God will lead us in the paths of righteousness and has given us his righteousness and we are to walk before him in righteousness.
We are commanded to be holy before the Lord in I Peter 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (behavior, conduct, manner of life) v.16 BECAUSE IT IS WRITTEN, BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY.

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Psalms 23:3 (he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

The Holy Ghost is leading us in the PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. One last point about this Path God is leading us on. There are two ways we can go; on the wide way or the narrow way.

This is what Jesus said about these two ways. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: (narrow, difficult) for WIDE IS THE GATE, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

v.14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

[Be still]

Thanks for the lamb post.

[runner4jesus]

Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Even though we are surrounded by the enemies of our soul; who would like to devour us. We can have ALL that the Father has given us to sustain us; in the trial and through the trial. He didn't say he would take us out of the trial; but he will be in it with us and bring us through the trial.

Paul had many things buffeting him, including a thorn in the flesh. And this is what the Lord told him, even though Paul asked him to take it away.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, (weaknesses) that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

GRACE: God's enabling power given to us, to overcome all that befalls us. Whatever it is that we have to endure in our sojourning here; his GRACE is sufficient. His grace will get us through every difficulty.

That table is prepared for me. The Father has given everything we need to sustain us. Song of Solomon 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house; and his banner over me was love.

This is what the Lord is to us in the presence of our enemies, even the enemy of our soul, the devil. Zechariah 2:5 For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

We have stood on this verse in our own life, when our enemies seemed to be overtaking us. We rejoiced in him as we saw the Lord work.

A table is prepared for us. Jesus had enemies all around him; the Pharisees & the Sadducee's; the biggest one, the devil. But Jesus overcame them all; the world, the flesh & the devil. He has given us this same overcoming power over all.

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY:

One other, bread is on that table. Jesus is the bread of life. John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Jesus will sustain us with everything he has prepared for us on that table. There is wine and oil on that table; but we will consider these next time; the last part of verse 5 in Psalms 23.

[runner4jesus]

Rebecca from Timothy Ministries discovered this web site from Greg Gorden. You will hear some beautiful music about Psalms 23.

Worship Song: Psalms 23

http://www.christourlife.ca/New%20Worsh ... m%2023.mp3


Psalms 23
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
He leadeth me beside the waters of rest
He restoreth my soul

Chorus:
Though I walk through the valley
Thou art with me
Thou preparest me a table, before my enemies
Though I walk through the valley
I will not fear
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He leadeth me in paths of righteousness
Thou anointest me with oil, my cup overflows
I’ll dwell in Thy house forevermore

From:Christ Our Life Fellowship

[runner4jesus]

This poem was given to me by a man named Osmond from His Holy Space. It's pretty deep and full of truth.

Come, all you who labor
and are heavy laden
and I will give you rest.
So I have told you before
and I tell you now, today,
that this is still yours
for the asking.I still give to those
who humble themselves
and come before Me and repent.
I turn none away.
None do I leave empty handed.
I still fill the aching heart
that comes to Me
with those rivers of living waters,
the water that comes from your belly,
overflowing into a useful life
that glorifies Me and the Father
who sent Me.
For this I've come to you,
that you should know Me
and know the Father also.
Yes, come again today to Me
and see what fullness I give
to the aching emptied heart!

[burien1]

GRACE: God's enabling power given to us, to overcome all that befalls us. Whatever it is that we have to endure in our sojourning here; his GRACE is sufficient. His grace will get us through every difficulty.

"His grace is sufficient."


YSIC

[runner4jesus]

We'll cover the last half of Psalms 23:5 (part'l) thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.

Oil remember is representative of the Holy Spirit. So with that in mind we'll consider why God would anoint our head (mind). Also remember the anointing abides. Stays with us, remains as we walk with Jesus. We need the OIL, the fullness of the Holy Ghost in these days. It's the anointing, the oil of the Holy Ghost that will give us overcoming strength. That's why the CUP IS RUNNING OVER. We need our lamp to be full as the wise virgins did that Jesus preached about. We need to be FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST. And if we need more oil, we need to ask Jesus for it; he won't deny us.

This is what Jesus said about us asking.
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

v.8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

We need the OIL OF JOY. Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty of ashes, THE OIL OF JOY for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; THAT THEY MIGHT BE CALLED TREES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, the planting of the LORD, the HE MIGHT BE GLORIFIED.

Just like the wise virgins, it is for the bridegroom, JESUS, that we have our lamps full to overflowing. It's for us, but even more for Jesus who wants us to have more oil. More of the Holy Ghost who will with his anointing, give us the power to overcome as Jesus did. That's what the oil if for. Jesus wants us to overcome in this day that is coming upon us. We cannot have the power to do this, without the power of the Holy Ghost. When I got saved, the Holy Ghost made my spirit alive in him and I became born again. But I did not at all experience the fullness of the Holy Ghost until later in my walk. You know in your spirit when you have the fullness of the Holy Ghost and you have the oil that this verse in Psalms is speaking about.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, that ye may abound (ABUNDANTLY OVERFLOW) in hope, THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST.

In this verse it is that ABUNDANTLY OVERFLOWING that the cup in Psalms is speaking about. Our cup will be overflowing with the power of the Holy Ghost. Praise God! Amen! Amen! So Be It!

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, (clay containers) that the excellency (superiority) OF THE POWER MAY BE OF GOD, and not of us.

[mark s]

Even tho' I walk throught the valley of the shadow of death, Your perfect love is casting out fear

[runner4jesus]

This is the last verse in this study. Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

This is God's promise to those who walk with Jesus faithfully. We are following on to know the Lord and goodness and mercy shall follow us as we do. His Word is YEA AND AMEN! Amen means "so be it". God keeps his word and we need to keep ours to him and be faithful to him and the Word of God, JESUS.

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

v.23 They are new every morning: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS.

David knew the compassions of the Lord very well; and the hand of the Lord that was upon him for good.

Psalms 86 5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

There was many a time that David called upon the Lord for mercy with Saul pursuing him.

Psalms 86:15 But thou O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

We should keep in mind God is not only merciful and compassionate but he is severe. There are times when God has to chastise us to get our attention. That is in his mercy a good thing, or we would stray away from the narrow way that leads to life.

Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, IF thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

We are to continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. Colossians 1:23 part'l
It's important to continue, to be steadfast in the faith.

This was an exhortation from Paul in I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding (abundantly overflowing) in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Praise God! here's a good exhortation in Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ; IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast UNTO THE END;

Jesus said something similar in Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

We'll finish up with the last part of the Psalms 23:6 verse next time.

[runner4jesus]

Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

When reading this verse another verse from Psalms was quickened to me. Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

v.24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. This is very comforting to know; that the Lord's mercies fail not. That his hand is upon us for good not evil, no matter what we have to endure as good soldiers. He's right with us.

2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness (hardships), as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Even in the trial the mercy of the Lord and his goodness is with us in it, through it. We will have the victory through the blood of Jesus Christ. Victory is ahead when you trust him that it is his mercy and goodness that will bring us through all. This is his promise to us who trust him.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Last part of that verse from Psalms 23:6 and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

We are his house, when we are IN HIM; walking with Jesus. Ephesians 2:21-22 In whom all the building fitly (properly, suitably) framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

v.22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation (dwelling place) of God through the Spirit.

Finally, this is the key and something we should always remember. This is what we are in Christ. Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY:

Give him the glory due his name. Alleluia, glory to God!

[AndCanItBe]

[runner4jesus]