LORD IS MY LIGHT

A Prayer for The People

Glory to God we thank you because you are our refuge and our Hiding Place in a time of trouble ,and we bless your Name /Now lord we ask that you anoint these lips of clay that I might speak a word that might bless your people.

Introduction:

2 Timothy 2:23 “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”

Paul in the book of Hebrews the 11 Chapter.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:2 “For by it the elders obtained a good report.”

Hebrews 11:3 “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT

Psalm 27:1 “A Psalm of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 3:1 “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.”

Psalm 10:16 “The Lord is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.”

Psalm 10:2 “The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.”

Psalm 10:3 “For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.”

Psalm 10:4 “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”

Psalm 10:5 “His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.”

Psalm 10:6 “He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.”

Psalm 10:7 “His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.”

Psalm 18:1 “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.”

Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Standing On the Solid ROCK(CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK.

And he is My Fortress

Let the Weak Say that I Am Strong/When I Am Stong In Him.

Psalm 46:1 “To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:2 “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”

Psalm 20:1 “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;”

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”

Matthew 7:25 “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”

Matthew 7:26 “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:”

Matthew 7:27 “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

LORD IS MY SHEPHARD

Psalm 23:1 “A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

LORD IS MY ROCK AND MY FORTRESS.

Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Finding Refuge in the Rock: God's Promise Amidst the Storm

Bible Passage: Psalm 18:1-2, Matthew 7:24-27

Summary: This sermon emphasizes God as our rock of refuge, exploring how His steadfastness provides comfort and assurance during life's chaotic moments. By drawing strength from God's unwavering character, we can face trials with confidence and hope.

Application: This message encourages believers to seek God as their primary source of strength and comfort during times of struggle. It highlights practical ways to rely on God's promises, fostering a deeper connection through prayer, scripture, and community support.

Teaching: The teaching communicates that God's identity as a rock signifies His strength and reliability. It teaches that turning to God in times of trouble leads to solace and stability, and emphasizes our responsibility to cultivate a relationship with Him during both calm and turbulent times.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is revealed as the ultimate rock for salvation and refuge. He invites us to find rest and security in Him, the cornerstone of our faith, ensuring eternal protection and peace as our stronghold in life's storms.

Big Idea: In an unstable world, finding refuge in God as our rock signifies not only security but the transformative power of belief that empowers us to overcome adversity and support one another in faith.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring historical instances in Psalms where God's role as a rock is emphasized through various Hebrew writings, examining different translations in Logos for deeper insights. Additionally, looking into commentaries on Matthew 7 could reveal how Jesus' teachings on foundations relate to societal values during His time, enhancing your application points.

1. Declare Your Dependence

Psalm 18:1

You could start by explaining how declaring love for God establishes Him as the foundation of our lives, even in adversity. Emphasizing God as our strength invites believers to lean on Him rather than rely solely on their own power. This point sets the stage for understanding how acknowledgment of God leads to peace and stability.

2. Discover Divine Protection

Psalm 18:2

Perhaps you can highlight each descriptor of God: rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, salvation, and stronghold. Each image portrays different aspects of protection, illustrating how God offers comprehensive refuge. Encouragement to personally embrace these characteristics through faith deepens trust, forming the heart's refuge in life's storms.

3. Construct on Christ

Matthew 7:24-25

You may invite the audience to build their lives on Jesus' teachings, likening it to a house founded on rock. By following His words, believers gain spiritual resilience against life's storms, learning to respond with faith rather than fear. This solid foundation supports a transformative belief system that reinforces God's promises.

4. Choose the Cornerstone

Matthew 7:26-27

Maybe focus on the consequences of neglecting Jesus' teachings, represented by the house on sand. This point warns against superficial spirituality, urging people to fortify their lives on the reliable teachings of Jesus. True refuge comes from earnest dedication to the gospel as the sole source of unwavering hope.

The Unshakable Foundation: God as Our Rock in Times of Trouble

Bible Passage: Psalm 18:1-2, Isaiah 26:3-4

Summary: This sermon focuses on the assurance and stability God provides as our rock, encouraging believers to trust in His promises during life's upheavals. It emphasizes the contrast between God’s unwavering nature and the uncertainty of the world around us, demonstrating that true security is found in Him alone.

Application: This message inspires believers to anchor their hopes in God rather than in fleeting circumstances. By illustrating practical steps to deepen their reliance on Him, listeners are encouraged to develop new habits of prayer, worship, and community that reinforce their faith during trials.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God as our rock symbolizes not only safety but also the peace He offers amid life's chaotic moments. By placing our trust in Him, we are empowered to navigate challenges with confidence, knowing that we are built on a firm foundation.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the Scriptures, Christ embodies the ultimate fulfillment of God as our rock. His life, death, and resurrection provide the strongest assurance of our security in Him, as He invites us to rest in His finished work and draw strength from His presence.

Big Idea: In unstable times, finding our peace and strength in God as the rock allows us to navigate life’s tumult with assurance, leading us into deeper faith and a clearer witness to the world’s need for His unshakeable security.

Recommended Study: Consider diving into the historical context of Psalm 18 and Isaiah 26 using Logos, exploring how these passages were framed by the struggles of their times. Look at how the themes of stability and trust in God contrast with surrounding worldviews, which can enrich your teaching on God’s unique role as a refuge.

1. Recognize the Refuge

Psalm 18:1-2

You could explore how the opening verses of Psalm 18 present a vivid image of God as the ultimate refuge and strength. David's declaration of God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer invites us to reflect on the personal relationship we are called to foster with God. This relationship grounds us amidst life's uncertainties, as God's unchanging nature provides the stability we seek. Encourage your listeners to engage more deeply with God through prayer and reliance, drawing comfort and strength from His presence in their lives.

2. Pursue Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3-4

Perhaps in Isaiah 26, you can highlight the promise of perfect peace for those whose minds are steadfast on God. This peace transcends understanding and acts as a bulwark against the chaos of the world. Encourage the audience to focus their hearts and minds on God, emphasizing the transformative impact of trust. Illustrate how faith in God as the everlasting rock can sustain believers and provide enduring peace, even when external circumstances remain tumultuous.

Finding Strength in the Shepherd

Bible Passage: Psalm 23:1-6

Summary: Psalm 23 beautifully illustrates God's guidance and protection, portraying Him as a shepherd who leads, restores, and comforts His people through all circumstances of life.

Application: This passage reminds Christians that in times of struggle and fear, they can find peace and strength in trusting God, who is our rock and refuge. It reassures the audience that no matter the trials they face, they can rely on God’s presence and care.

Teaching: Psalm 23 teaches that God’s nature as our shepherd is foundational to our trust and reliance upon Him. His leadership, provision, and comfort are vital aspects of being in relationship with Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the whole Bible, the image of the shepherd points to Jesus Christ as the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). He embodies the care and guidance that David describes in this psalm and fulfills the promises of protection and love.

Big Idea: In a world filled with uncertainty, we can find unwavering strength and peace by trusting in the Lord, our ultimate Shepherd and rock, who guides and sustains us.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the original Hebrew terms in Psalm 23 using your Logos library to gain deeper insight into concepts such as 'shepherd' and 'path of righteousness.' Additionally, examine the historical context of David as a shepherd and how this informs our understanding of God's pastoral care. Look into commentaries discussing the themes of comfort and provision to better articulate the emotional tone of the passage.

1. Provision from the Shepherd

Psalm 23:1-2

Perhaps you could start by reinforcing that God, as our Shepherd, provides for our needs and leads us gently to places of rest and replenishment. These verses highlight His ability to offer peace in times of stress and assure us of His continuous provision. By seeing Jesus as the embodiment of this Shepherd, we can understand how His care gives us confidence to entrust our lives to Him, knowing He will sustain us and restore our souls.

2. Paths of Restoration

Psalm 23:3

You could use these verses to discuss how God restores us and guides us in righteous paths. His guidance is rooted in His character, and it brings clarity and direction to our lives. Highlighting Jesus's role as the perfect guide for our paths shows how His righteousness directs us to live according to God's will, bringing restoration even in our brokenness.

3. Presence in the Valley

Psalm 23:4

Maybe emphasize that even in the darkest valleys of life, God's presence provides comfort and courage. As our Shepherd, He walks with us, ensuring that fear does not overwhelm us. By focusing on Jesus's presence with us, even through suffering and trials, we can have confidence in His protective care, which diminishes fear and assures us of His continual presence.

4. Abundance Amid Adversity

Psalm 23:5

You could point out how God prepares a table for us, even in the presence of our enemies, symbolizing abundance and blessing amidst adversity. This abundance reflects Christ’s sacrificial love, which overcomes the world’s opposition. Stress the importance of trusting in His provision, knowing that He abundantly blesses and protects us even when surrounded by trials.

5. Assurance of Goodness

Psalm 23:6

Perhaps conclude by highlighting the assurance of God’s goodness and mercy following us all the days of our life. This eternal promise mirrors Jesus's gift of eternal life and the continual pursuit of His grace and love. Encourage your audience to find hope in the promise of dwelling with God forever, where His loving care never ceases.

The Shepherd's Comfort in Every Season

Bible Passage: Psalm 23:1-6

Summary: Psalm 23 expresses deep confidence in God as a shepherd who nurtures and sustains His flock. Each verse reflects on how God's presence guides believers through life’s challenges, granting solace and security in His constant care and provision. This psalm invites believers to acknowledge God's active role in their daily lives, emphasizing not just comfort during trials but also His persistent guidance and restoration throughout all circumstances.

Application: This message encourages Christians and others to lean into God’s comfort and guidance in their lives. It reminds them that regardless of the difficulties they face, they can find refuge in God’s promises and a peace that surpasses understanding, especially when navigating through uncertainty, loss, or fear.

Teaching: The teaching of this sermon centers around understanding the multifaceted role of God as our shepherd. It emphasizes how trusting in His guidance can transform our perspectives on hardship, leading to deeper faith and reliance on Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme correlates with the overarching biblical narrative of God as the shepherd of His people, fulfilled in Jesus who claims this title as He guides and lays down His life for the sheep. This psalm foreshadows Christ’s intimate relationship with believers and the compassionate care He extends to all, as He leads them to eternal life.

Big Idea: In every season of life, whether in abundance or adversity, we can find unwavering hope and assurance in God’s shepherding love, knowing He is actively guiding us toward peace and restoration.

Recommended Study: You might find it insightful to delve into the shepherding practices of ancient Israel using your Logos library to draw parallels between those practices and God’s care as described in Psalm 23. Additionally, explore various translations to see how language nuances convey the emotional impact of the passage. Studying historical commentaries that focus on the contexts of Psalm 23 can also provide valuable insights into its relevance for contemporary faith and practice.

1. Provision in Pastures

Psalm 23:1-2

Perhaps begin by considering how these verses highlight God’s provision of rest and nourishment. Picture the green pastures and still waters as symbols of His peace and sustenance. This imagery invites believers to trust that God will meet their needs even when life’s demands overwhelm them. Urge your audience to seek and cherish these moments of divine peace, allowing God’s presence to renew their strength. Communicate that such rest is a reflection of Christ, who offers soul rest for weary hearts.

2. Guidance Through Valleys

Psalm 23:3-4

You could focus on how God’s restoration and guidance through righteous paths signify His loving commitment to our well-being. The shadowy valleys should be depicted as inevitable challenges, yet highlight how God’s presence abolishes fear. These verses assure believers of His protection amidst life’s trials, suggesting they can walk boldly in faith, just as Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, leads us through life’s darkest moments with His victorious light.

3. Abundance Amidst Adversity

Psalm 23:5-6

Maybe examine the overflow of God’s blessings depicted in these verses, from the prepared table to the overflowing cup. Encourage your audience to envision these as tangible expressions of God’s abundant grace and favor. Even amidst adversarial circumstances, God’s goodness follows the believer, similar to Christ’s promise of eternal life. Urge them to live with the assurance of His persistent love and righteousness, which bring ultimate fulfillment and hope.