The Lord Is My Shepherd — It’s All Gooood !
by Pastor Roy Esposito
Ephesians 1:17-18 (Passion)
The Spirit of Wisdom and of the Spirit of Revelation — so that we might have direct knowledge of Him.
“Ordinary Knowledge” — Knowing about Him through second hand experiences or hearsay.
Affords a sense of false security in our relationship with God.
Direct Knowing — produces the sovereignty of sons of God and the inner authority to BE witnesses of Him to the world.
Jehovah Rophe — “The Cure”
Humility — allows us to look at ourselves truthfully and to admit our powerlessness without Him.
Courage — allows us to enter the “cave of the heart,”confess our wounds and our need for “The Cure”
Julian of Norwich — “The spiritual life begins with the acceptance of our wounded self.”
Brennan Manning — “Seek transformation not information.”
Spiritual Hunger — to pursue holiness.
Holiness – doing things God’s way.
Craftiness — The serpent’s way
Nature of the Son — to do the Father’s will.
John 10:11 — “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
John 10:27 — ” My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me.”
Psalm 23 –” The Lord is my Shepherd —-“
Shepherd (Heb) — Ra’ah — “Best friend”
1. He supplies every need.
2. Lie down in green pastures
Love (Grk) Agape —
Ago — “to lead like a shepherd”
Pao — “To rest”
His love leads us to a place of rest in His heart.
3. By still waters — (Heb — Menuha) “Waters of a resting place” -speaks of tranquility in times of storms.
4. Restores my soul — “He causes my life (soul) to return.” — So often our lives drain us.
5. Leads me to paths of righteousness — “Circle of righteousness.”
Sheep traveled up the mountains of Israel in a circular manner forming paths to the top. With each step we take the Shepherd leads us higher, though it may seem like we’re going in circles.
6. In the valley of the shadow of death we fear no evil.
A shadow has no substance. It is only a representation of the an original.
7. His rod and staff bring comfort. ” The comfort of Your love takes away my fear. I will never be lonely.”
Rod — correction
Staff — guidance
8. Prepares a table in my enemy’s presence.
The place He chooses for fellowship makes a mockery out of those who would bring accusation against us.
9. He anoints my head with oil. — He anoints us with the fragrance of the Holy Spirit.
Two Types of oil:
1. Oil of the priesthood
2. Oriental perfumed oil – the fragrance of God’s hospitality.
Both overflow us getting on everyone we come into contact with.
10. Goodness and mercy follow me all my days.
(Passion) — “So why would I fear the future? For Your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.”
11. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(Passion) “Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to Your glorious presence to be forever with You.”