Good men
and leaders have learned to follow the Good Shepherd.
Yesterday
we learned from Psalm 78 that the people of Israel were often rebellious,
forgetting what God had done for them. So they didn’t trust him. We could say
that they were like sheep always going astray. It was a rather depressing psalm. But it ended on a hopeful note, with God
choosing David. He “took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he
brought him to be the shepherd of his people…And David shepherded them with
integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Ps.78:70-72.
Interestingly,
the shepherd David, who had lots of time to study sheep, wrote about being a
sheep under the good shepherd’s care. Let’s read that super psalm now- the 23rd
Psalm.
Psalm 23
is interesting in a number of ways. David writes it as if he were a sheep. That’s
different! Also,he didn’t write it as a prayer or a praise, though you could easily
turn it into such. It’s categorized as a psalm of trust. Trust is the very
thing that the Israelites lacked in the teaching psalm that we looked at
yesterday- Psalm 78. We know that without trust or faith, it is impossible to
please God (Heb.11:6). We also know that Satan does everything he can to
discourage us from trusting in God’s word. He is a liar and the father of lies.
From the beginning, he lied to Eve in the garden. And all throughout the Bible,
he is presented as the enemy seeking to lead us astray. Such enemies of God’s
people are a major theme in Scripture. (They are even mentioned in Psalm 23.) This
brings us to another BIG Bible Interpretation Guideline- Look for major Bible themes as you read. The Bible truly is amazing
in this respect. It was written by 40 different writers, in three
different languages (Hebrew, Greek and a bit of Aramaic), over a period of 1,500
years, dealing with all kinds of controversial subjects, yet the Bible speaks
with one voice and wonderfully weaves major themes throughout it. (Kinda makes
ya think there was a grand plan and Author behind it:) So what are some of
these major Bible themes to look for?
The
glory of God,
The promised Messiah
The Holy Spirit
The promised Messiah
The Holy Spirit
Creation
and the new Creation
First
Adam (and fallen man) and the last Adam (perfect man)
Blessing
and curses, covenants and promises
Rebellion,
Ruin, Restoration
Sacrifices
for sin, including lambs, culminating in the perfect Lamb of God sacrificed
Bondage
and Deliverers
Redemption & Transformation
Enemies
(evil people, sin, death, Satan) and Victory
God’s
presence with His people- Eden, the tabernacle, the temple, Christ, believer’s
bodies, and ultimately face to face with God!
God’s
special land- the garden, the promised land of Israel, the promised new Earth
Priests representing
man to God, culminating in Christ our great High Priest
Prophets representing
God to man, culminating in Christ the perfect Prophet
Kings, culminating in
Christ the ultimate King
Kingdom
of God- to be advanced by
God’s obedient people
Faith and Love
Godliness vs ungodliness
Battle
Godliness vs ungodliness
Battle
God’s people to be
light to those in darkness so that the world might know God (Israel did poorly
at this- example Jonah)
The tabernacle/temple – Christ, the dwelling
place of God and also the Church
Servants of God- Israel, Christ- the Ultimate Servant of the Lord, the church
Laws to lovingly live by- OT laws and NT laws
Bride of the Lord- Israel, the unfaithful bride; and the church, the faithful bride of Christ
Servants of God- Israel, Christ- the Ultimate Servant of the Lord, the church
Laws to lovingly live by- OT laws and NT laws
Bride of the Lord- Israel, the unfaithful bride; and the church, the faithful bride of Christ
The
dwelling place of the believer-
Notice that Psalm 23 ends on this last grand
theme- the dwelling place of the believer- “I will dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.”
1.- Write that or any other phrase you especially like
from Psalm 23 on your MP3 card (then do
the “Did it.”) What good words to share with others!
That brings us to another BIG Bible Interpretation Guideline- Remember, God is the true hero of the book. David was a great warrior and a good shepherd, but the Bible reveals how he strayed like a sheep as well. Don’t get overly enamored with the godly character and deeds of any individual in scripture or in society. The best of men are men at best. We all need a Savior and a Shepherd. Good Bible study and good preaching takes even a hero such as David and draws a straight line from him to Jesus. We need to keep going back to Jesus. “Remember Jesus Christ.” Thank you Lord for being our good Shepherd!
2.-Please enrich each other by sharing something you got out of today's time together.
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Announcements
A big shout out to Gary on his birthday today. Happy Birthday Gary! You are a vital part of our family. Best of blessings!
High Fives to several of you and 10+ to George with 10; Sam with 12 and Jack with 14!
On Monday we will have our Pros joining us and then everyone can encourage them on as well.
Look for repeated words or phrases to help you discover what the author is emphasizing.
God is the true hero of the book. The best of men are men at best.
2.-Please enrich each other by sharing something you got out of today's time together.
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Announcements
A big shout out to Gary on his birthday today. Happy Birthday Gary! You are a vital part of our family. Best of blessings!
High Fives to several of you and 10+ to George with 10; Sam with 12 and Jack with 14!
On Monday we will have our Pros joining us and then everyone can encourage them on as well.
| 1 Tim.4:15 | G=God's Word | G MP3 sharing | Right Wrongs | Encouragement | A= Attack Prayers | T | Totals |
| For Mon.3.9.15 | |||||||
| Alpha Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 1 | |||||||
| Jack Rogers U.3 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| Roger Vinlasaca U.3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||
| Fire Team 2 | 0 | ||||||
| Mike Pagan U.3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||
| George Rabiela U.1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 |
| Fire Team 3 | 0 | ||||||
| Sam Vargas U.3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 12 | |
| Gary Remson U.3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | ||
| Fire Team 4 | 0 | ||||||
| Robert Roman U.2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 9 | |
| Vince Diaz U.2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 8 | ||
| 0 | |||||||
| Delta Force | 0% | ||||||
| Fire Team 1 | 0 | ||||||
| Alvin James U.2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | |||
| Kentrayle Adams U.1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||
| Fire Team 2 | 0 | ||||||
| Dave Heidekruger U.3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | |
| Israel Fuentes U.3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||
| Fire Team 3 | 0 | ||||||
| Daniel Contreras U.2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||
| Antonio Palomar | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||
| Fire Team 4 | 0 | ||||||
| Eddie Morales U.3 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 8 | |||
| Ismael Andrade U.2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
Here’s a summary of our BIG Bible Interpreting Guidelines we've discovered so far-
Ask questions!
Give careful consideration to what you read.
The purpose of rightly interpreting the Bible is to rightly obey it.
The Bible is the best interpreter of itself. So compare Scripture with Scripture.
Being prayerful is commendable, but it is not a dependable replacement for the careful study of Scripture.
It’s imperative that we know what kind of literature we are reading to interpret it and apply it correctly.
Knowing the background to what we are reading helps us better understand the passage. Commentaries and online resources can help us with such.
Knowing the mood of the author helps you better understand his message.
The apostles often quoted the OT from the Greek version of it called the Septuagint; thus don't be surprised that it doesn't line up exactly with our OT translated from the Hebrew. Plus,they paraphrased at times, all under the inspiration of God.
Since the Bible is God’s perfect word, if you think you’ve found an error in the Bible, it’s your error, not God’s! Many people think they’ve found a contradiction, when it may only be a contrasting statement, not a contradictory statement.
“Humbly accept the word” We don’t stand in judgment on it, it stands in judgment on us.
Keep in mind that the grand theme of the Bible is Jesus.
Don’t spiritualize the Scriptures. Those who spiritualize tell spiritual lies. Don’t read spiritual hidden meanings about Jesus into everything.
The plain thing is the main thing. And the main thing is the plain thing.
Recognize the progress of revelation. The NT supersedes the OT.
Understand Hebrew poetry- the second line gives insight into the first line.
The context of a word determines its meaning. A text without a context is a pretext.
Words also need to be understood in their historical context.
Interpret difficult verses in light of clear ones.Look for repeated words or phrases to help you discover what the author is emphasizing.
Look for major Bible themes as you read.
1.- Did it--- Ps 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..."
ReplyDelete2.- When I personally am going through a difficult time, this is an important Psalm that like to read. It fills my heart with hope and strength. It reminds me that I serve the Almighty God that crated this universe and that no matter how difficult my situation may be, He is still in control and loves me very much. Thank you Lord that we belong to you.
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God bless you Roger. Lifting you up today.
DeleteRoger, his perfect Love endures and comforts us always. Your confidence in our Lord glows
DeleteThat's a great verse of comfort Roger. I am praying for you.
Delete1. Did it. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (Psalm 23:1-2 ESV)
ReplyDelete2. Just was studying in depth, John 10, recently. Jesus says that he is the good Shepard. And the good Shepard goes before his sheep, leading them out. The term leading them out meant taking the sheep to green pastures to eat and flowing waters to drink. But it also means that the good Shepard lead, went first, and the sheep followed. It wasn't that he stood behind the pack and pushed them out from behind. He lead. Thanks be to God that he is a Shepard, leading us in His ways to everlasting life.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11 ESV)
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Eddie, he is using you in so many ways my Brother to lead, and guide others--as it is clear you follow him and lead clearly by example.
DeleteVery good Eddie. And I want to echo the great words that Jack has said about you. Amen!
Delete1. Did it :-)
ReplyDelete2. "the Bible speaks with one voice and wonderfully weaves major themes throughout it."
Proverbs 8:34-35 "Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”
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Correction: Proverbs 8:34-36
DeleteThank you Robert! It's evident that you have faithfully been daily at His doors for many years! Thus, God's blessing rests upon you.:)
Delete1 "Surely your goodness and and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever."
ReplyDeleteDid it Ps 23:6
2. How faithful our God is and I believe in my heart that he is with us and has been all my life even though I was not following. He stood by me knowing his master plan for me before I was even born and has guided me to him and built me to use me for his purpose to love only him and enhance his Kingdom. He has shown me unknown love before and transformed me into one who can lead others through his love.
He is faithful!!
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Very good Jack!
DeleteAnd you greatly have R Respect :)
1) Did it
ReplyDelete2) I think its wonderful that God uses our everyday lives as metaphors to convey to us deep spiritual truth in common words.
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Yes Antonio!
DeleteGreat encouraging of others! Excellent!
ANTONIO!!! my brother Great words. I pray the lord continue to use you.
DeleteGOD BLESS
1) Did It. Psalm 23:4 New International Version (NIV)
ReplyDelete4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me.
2) This is one of the first verses I learned. One person told me that when it says "your rod and your staff, they comfort me." That shows God correcting us and pointing us to the right direction. I never thought that Gods discipline would be comforting. Thank you God for always being there for me when I fall. It's not that God is being mean to us when he discipline us. Its the fact that he loves us so much for us to perish.Its great to know that we are not alone in the valley.
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Hey Vince, I especially like those words of yours- Its great to know that we are not alone in the valley.
DeleteGood job passing on encouragement to others!
1- Did It.
ReplyDelete23:1-The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 23:4-Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me.
2-These verses are at times what gets me through different situation in my life and work life. I have learned that God provides all things in my life and I should not want or envy things or people. Also I use to fear things in my life for a long time but for a while now I have placed my fears in God's hands.
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Hi Mike! I remember you said Psalm 23 was a favorite of yours. You not only know the psalm, you know the Shepherd of the psalm.
DeleteThank you for making a point to especially encourage the new pros joining us. Best of blessings.
1. Did It.
ReplyDelete2. Psalm 23:4 > Even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
King David learned to have great confidence and courage in God when facing great dangers to his life. He would reflected on God's past goodness to him and he hoped in the promises of future blessings. But it was especially David's trust, and reliance of God's continued presence with him helped him to control and overcome his fears and worries. O Lord, like David, help us to keep our wits about us. Help us to remember Your promise to be with us and that You will never to forsake us as we walk through shadows of death.
Mike Fabarez spoke on Psalm 23 this past Feb at the MBI's Founder's Week Conference.
It was an excellent message. Here is the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzRfxf-QVNw
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Thanks Dave! May the Lord continue you to fill you and flow through you as you enrich others.
DeleteHappy B-Day Gary. It is great to see that you are part of M3. God bless bro.
ReplyDelete1. Did it. Psalm 23:4
ReplyDeleteEven though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
2. I have to "Remember, God is the true hero of the book." just like david we all stray off the path ,we all fall short of God's glory. Thanks be to God that we have a forgiving God because of the blood of Jesus ,not only a true Shepard but also the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
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A. Help us with our unbelief that we might grow and have more faith.
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Great thought George- Jesus is not only our Good Shepherd, but the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world!
Delete1. Did it. Ps 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
ReplyDelete2. May we know who we are in God's love and fear nothing on this earth.
Psalm 56:11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
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Great outreach and encouragement Sam!
DeletePsalm 23:1
ReplyDelete1.The Lord is my shepard, I lack nothing.
Dit it.
2.The Bible truly is amazing in this respect. It was written by 40 different writers, in three different languages (Hebrew, Greek and a bit of Aramaic), over a period of 1,500 years...
Yet so amazing and truly mind-boggling to think we times can easily put God in a box. Thus He is all knowing yet incomprehensible.. Beautiful to know the essence of God and intention is that in any language,nation or tribe He is trying to manifest His glory to us and have an intimate, permenant relationship with us.
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Very good reminder Ismael of God reaching out even to remote tribes to be their good shepherd.
DeleteYes, indeed brother.
Delete1. I love the image of God overseeing us and in control of everything. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters... he refreshes my soul" (Psalm 23:2-3a NIV).
ReplyDelete2. I'm reminded of another favorite psalm... "The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand" (Psalm 121:5 NIV)
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Good cross ref. Daniel! So glad you are my brother in arms.
Delete1. Did it.
ReplyDelete2. Verse 3: he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths. Although I've read this Psalm many times, today I got that the Lord has kept me so much of my life from going with the wrong people and kept me out of harm's way for the most part. And through teachings and the word I experience I receive a renewal of my mind constantly.
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How good to know and rest in that Kentrayle!
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I can share on Psalm 23:3 "He restores my soul," because in such a way the God restores souls especially my could only be done by God. It is the meaning of the Gospel that He restores my soul, and leads to paths of righteousness. I was once in the farthest distance from God and only by His pursuit have I, like David, been restored to be convicted and have trust in Him
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Hello my fellow "Night-owl :) " I hope you had a wonderful birthday my dear brother in Christ! Glad to see you still accomplished your lesson, on such a busy day for you.
DeleteYes Gary, hope it was a happy birthday!
Delete1. did it
ReplyDelete2. As i read vs 4 that states, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.." I believe that David said this because he experienced God in his past protecting him, and he also experienced many victories when he trusted the Lord in many past life changing difficulties. For example, before David went out to fight against Goliath ( talk about walking thru the valley of the shadow of death), even the king of Israel, Saul, was very skeptical that David could do it, but David recounted all of his previous successes in past battles, with the Lord's help.
1 Sam. 17:33-37 says, " Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
--- Wow, talk about Positive Faith, that came from previous Success with the Lord!! I believe that God gives us many smaller successes to help us build our faith in preparation for facing a Goliath of a problem, and therefore, David could trustingly say, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.." Oh Lord, help us M3 Manly Men experience many victories in our spiritual walk, by having a positive Faith in You and Your power, so that we can boldly and confidently state in faith, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.."
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Thank you Israel! Great words- may we have positive faith even when we meet with set backs. God is with us even through the valley of the shadow of death. What a good shepherd!
Delete1. Did it
ReplyDeletea. Verse 4 "your rod and staff they comfort me". The shepherd's rod and staff here are metaphorically representing God's protection and correction. Both of which are symbols of God's love and concern for us.
2. It is so easy for me to focus on the aspects of this passage that speak of comfort in the midst of difficulty, but so much harder to understand what God's corrective love and discipline looks as you're going through it. And yet there is such comfort in knowing that there is purpose even God's chastisement...mind blown!