Why oil? For refreshment and to honor guests Oil, in Old Testament and New Testament times was rubbed on the skin for refreshment.  An anointed face was associated with joy, which is why we read of the oil gladness in passages like Isaiah 61.  When people were mourning, they specifically refrained from this usual practice. […]

You prepare a table The Hebrew here is Shulchan a meal-table.  You Prepare The shepherd prepares the table for the sheep A shepherd would make scouting expeditions before the sheep ever get to the mesas, to see how the grass is growing, and which mesas will be suitable for grazing and would also check to […]

When shepherds were out in the field, they typically carried a rod and staff.  Your rod Protection One of the primary purposes of the shepherd’s rod was for protection.  The rod was a branch with a knob on one end which was used like a club or to throw at a predator.  Considering how the […]

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Between the two hilltops is usually a valley.  This verse about the dark valley between two hills is the center verse of the Psalm.  Even though I walk Just like veterans that have been […]

35 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD during the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: God is going to use this family as an example to ________, and as an example to ________. 2 “Go to the Rekabite family and invite them to come to one of […]

He restores my Soul.  He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. He restores my soul In Psalms 43:5, David cries out during one of these times Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, […]

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.  God as our shepherd provides for our spiritual nourishment and refreshment.  It’s only when we heed Jesus’ instruction to lie down, and we let Him lead us by the quiet waters, when we obey, that we receive these times of refreshing. […]

The 23rd Psalm is a Psalm of comfort, a Psalm that celebrates right relationship between God and Man.  In the twenty-third psalm, God reveals himself primarily as our shepherd.  As we The relationship that David is talking about here between himself and God is a forever relationship, that should be getting deeper and more fulfilling […]

18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, Paul indicates that he has received everything in […]

Watch online at 10am by clicking here. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.  15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for […]