THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - INVISIBLE IMPOSTERS
Focusing on self.
Introduction
This workbook is designed to help you deepen your relationship with God by understanding the role of God as our Shepherd. Through scripture readings, reflections, and practical action points, you will explore the concept of God’s shepherding, identify impostor shepherds, and learn to depend wholly on God.
Session Outline (30 minutes)
Scripture Reading (10 minutes)
Psalm 23
Psalm 62:1-8
Jeremiah 17:9-10
John 15:1-5
Reflection (10 minutes)
Understanding Impostor Shepherds
The Role of Self in God’s Shepherding
Dependency on God vs. Self-Sufficiency
Action Points (10 minutes)
Personal Application
Prayer
Journaling
1. Scripture Reading (10 minutes)
Psalm 23 (2 minutes)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 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.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 62:1-8 (3 minutes)
1 Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his high position; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (2 minutes)
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?
10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.
John 15:1-5 (3 minutes)
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
2. Reflection (10 minutes)
Understanding Impostor Shepherds (3 minutes)
Impostor Shepherds: These are influences that mimic or take the place of God’s shepherding in our lives, such as religious institutions, societal roles, or even ourselves.
Visible vs. Invisible Shepherds: Visible shepherds include doctors, teachers, etc., while invisible ones often include our own self-perception and self-reliance.
The Role of Self in God’s Shepherding (3 minutes)
Self as a Deceptive Shepherd: We might unconsciously put ourselves in the place of the shepherd, relying on our understanding and effort.
Jeremiah 17:9-10: Highlights the deceitfulness and wickedness of the heart, reminding us that self-reliance is flawed.
Dependency on God vs. Self-Sufficiency (4 minutes)
Psalm 62: Emphasizes waiting on God alone and recognizing Him as our sole source of strength and salvation.
John 15:5: Without Christ, we can do nothing. This teaches the importance of abiding in Him, drawing our strength and purpose from Him.
3. Action Points (10 minutes)
Personal Application (3 minutes)
Evaluate: Identify areas in your life where you rely more on yourself than on God. Reflect on how you can shift this dependency.
Commit: Make a commitment to consciously depend on God in those areas.
Prayer (4 minutes)
Adoration: Praise God for His role as your Shepherd.
Confession: Admit areas where you have relied on yourself instead of God.
Thanksgiving: Thank God for His guidance and provision.
Supplication: Ask for strength to trust and depend on Him fully.
Journaling (3 minutes)
Write: Document your reflections on today's scriptures and your commitment to depend on God.
Plan: Outline specific steps you will take to reinforce your dependency on God in daily life.
Conclusion
Remember, God is our Shepherd. Trusting Him means relinquishing self-reliance and acknowledging His sole authority and provision in our lives. Reflect on this daily, pray continuously, and watch as He leads you beside still waters and restores your soul.