2/23/2010. JEHOVAH-ROHI: The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

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1 JEHOVAH-ROHI: The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 1. The good Shepherd loves the sheep even John 10:11 (NIV) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 15:13 (NIV) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The good Shepherd: Cares for the sheep Tends to their wounds Protect them from predators even with his own life. 1 Samuel 17:

2 1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. We need a Personal Revelation / Experience of the love of God. Otherwise - mere religion! 2. The good Shepherd is the door of His sheep. John 10:7 Then Jesus said to them again, Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. i.e. He desires that in everything, the sheep should go through the shepherd. A. When the sheep goes through salvation. John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved... A. When the sheep goes through salvation. Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. A. When the sheep goes through salvation. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. B. When the sheep goes through pasture. John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 2

3 Pasture = To refresh and re-invigorate our spirits, minds, emotions and bodies. HOW? i. Posture of a seeking heart. John 5: You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. i. Posture of a seeking heart. Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. ii. Have a Sabbath - daily - weekly - monthly - periodically. Isaiah 30:15 For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. C. When the sheep goes through abundant life. John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. C. When the sheep goes through abundant life. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3

4 C. When the sheep goes through abundant life. 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. C. When the sheep goes through abundant life. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ 2 Peter 1:2-4 2Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. is: Opposite of Life under the sun - toil, meaningless, grasping after the wind, empty, in vain Book of Ecclesiastes i. Importance of centering our lives in God. The Lordship of Christ. Christ the Integration Point of our lives. i. Importance of centering our lives in God. He holds all things together (Colossians 1:17) Our thoughts / mind held together, not scattered. 4

5 i. Importance of centering our lives in God. He holds all things together (Colossians 1:17) Our emotions are wholesome, not diffused. i. Importance of centering our lives in God. He holds all things together (Colossians 1:17) Our decisions are clear and wise, not foolish. ii. Importance of walking with God to know Him and His best for our lives: in Relationships (BGR, Marriage, Friends, etc) Studies / Work / Career Financial Freedom ii. Importance of walking with God to know Him and His best for our lives: Healthy Bodies Wholesome Personalities (Transforming Soul) 3. The good Shepherd speaks to his sheep to lead and to guide them. John 10:27 My sheep hears My voice and follows Me John 10:4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know His voice. 3. The good Shepherd speaks to his sheep to lead and to guide them. Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. 5

6 3. The good Shepherd speaks to his sheep to lead and to guide them. Hearing God s Voice Decision Making and Guidance Led by the Holy Spirit Knowing the will of God HOW? 3. The good Shepherd speaks to his sheep to lead and to guide them. A. From the Word. Direction Guidelines Broad Principles Instructions Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Psalm 1:2-3 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. 3He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. 3. The good Shepherd speaks to his sheep to lead and to guide them. B. From the Holy Spirit of Wisdom. The details of the guidance. This inward witness [Romans 8:16] of the Spirit of Wisdom dwelling in the believer guides us in the following 4 ways. i. The Holy Spirit directs us to People in our lives. An Expert in that area A Counselor A Professional A Consultant Your Parent / Guardian Insurance Broker A Coach Spiritual Leader Pastor A Mentor Other Referrals Teacher Property Agent Nutritionist 6

7 ii. The Holy Spirit directs us to Resources. Seminars Websites Ideas Articles Propositions Conferences Experts Books Magazines Audio Sermons Suggestions iii. The Holy Spirit directs us in specific Situation and Circumstances. Discernment - Perception Capture that idea and truth A business deal - transaction Divine Connections Divine Download Sense - Gut Feel - Intuition Divine Appointments An offer made to us Proposals / Suggestions made by someone iv. The Holy Spirit directs us in our Thoughts and Emotions on the decision to be made. o Hebrews 8:10 o Hebrews 10:16 o Inward Witness iv. The Holy Spirit directs us in our Thoughts and Emotions on the decision to be made. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound / disciplined mind. Knowledge - Understanding - Wisdom iv. The Holy Spirit directs us in our Thoughts and Emotions on the decision to be made. He will guide us to know the facts (knowledge) analyze - weigh - evaluate the facts (understanding) work in us to be inclined towards the decision (wisdom) Holy Spirit Thoughts, Ideas, Suggestions, Proposals, Plans, Decisions... Know that there are 3 SOURCES of all thoughts, ideas, suggestions, dreams 7

8 Decision-Making Process 0 NO Zone YES Zone Not Sure Do Proverbs 3:5-6 always and then make that decision! Make that inclined decision by faith! Romans 14:23.. for whatever is not from faith is sin. Importance of our Choices! YOU GOD 1. God desires to always guide and lead you. 2. You must always desire to be guided by God. 3. The area of overlap is the Hallelujah sector where God s Will is your will. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4 - Summary Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord is my Shepherd 1. The good Shepherd loves the sheep even Q : Are you personally experiencing His love? 1 Peter 2:2-3 Romans 5:5 Do not be a Silly sheep Summary Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord is my Shepherd Q : Are you intentionally submitting to His Lordship [the Door] in all areas of your life? Which areas are you struggling to do so? Do not be a Stray sheep Summary Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord is my Shepherd 3. The good Shepherd speaks to his sheep to lead and to guide them. Q : Do you deliberately posture your heart to hear and obey Him? Do not be a Stubborn sheep 8