S2|Ep 1 The Lord Is My Shepherd | Embracing Our Identity as God's Flock

Today we explore Psalm 23 through the lens of a shepherd, as we begin our journey through the book, ‘A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23’, written by W. Phillip Keller. Keller shows in his book how this rich psalm takes deeper meaning through a shepherds eyes. Calling God "my shepherd" is a joyful, humble surrender to a loving, sovereign God who cares for, marks, and redeems us. The episode examines the sheep-shepherd metaphor, Christ’s sacrifice, the mark of ownership, and the call to genuine discipleship and self-examination, ending with prayer and an invitation to continue the journey together. Come join in this episode!    Sent Beyond on Instagram: @sent.beyond   ➡️ Feedback/questions? Anything else? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at:  [email protected]   Links/Resources: Unless stated otherwise, all of the verses in this episode have been taken from the CSB translation of the Holy Bible. (Christian Standard Bible)   A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2G6ITzV   Psalms 23 The LORD Is My Shepherd A PSALM OF DAVID. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.   Self-Reflection Questions (p27 in the book) Do I really belong to Him? Do I really recognize His right to me? Do I respond to His authority and acknowledge His ownership? Do I find freedom and complete fulfillment in this arrangement? Do I sense a purpose and deep contentment because I am under His direction? Do I know rest and repose, besides a definite sense of exciting adventure. In belonging to Him?       *A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 is a book written by W. Phillip Keller. Through this series, we will walk through each chapter and consequently, all of Psalm 23. By using this book, along with scripture, as our guide, we will breakdown the verses of Psalm 23 from a shepherd’s point of view. **I will do the best that I am able to paraphrase, explain and teach you what I have learned through Keller’s findings in this book. My prayer that you grow deeper roots and hold a greater understanding of the riches that Psalm 23 has to offer by digging deeper and learning from someone who has firsthand experience as a shepherd himself.