THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - INVISIBLE IMPOSTERS
The powerful concept of God as our shepherd.
1. Introduction and Prayer
Opening Prayer:
“Father, we thank You for Your presence with us today. We pray that You would help us to truly understand and experience what it means for You to be our Shepherd. Help us to let go of the influences of the world and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Open our hearts to receive Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
2. Scripture Readings
Read and Reflect on the Following Scriptures:
Psalm 103:1-5 (NKJV)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
Matthew 13:22 (NKJV)
“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”
3. Reflection Questions
Take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions:
What stands out to you in Psalm 103:1-5 about God’s benefits? How does this encourage you in your daily life?
In Romans 12:1-2, what does it mean to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”? How can you differentiate between being conformed to the world and being transformed by God’s Spirit?
1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world. What are some practical ways you can guard your heart against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life?
Matthew 13:22 talks about the cares of this world choking the word. What are some specific cares or distractions in your life that you feel may be choking your spiritual growth?
4. Action Points
Consider these practical steps to apply what you have learned today:
Meditate on Psalm 103: Take time each day this week to read and reflect on Psalm 103. Write down at least three specific ways you have experienced God’s benefits in your life.
Renew Your Mind: Identify one area in your life where you need transformation. Spend time in prayer, asking God to renew your mind in that area. Use Romans 12:1-2 as a guide for your prayer.
Guard Your Heart: Make a list of the things that draw your attention away from God. Set aside specific times this week to pray and ask God to help you focus on Him instead.
Cultivate Fruitfulness: Evaluate your current priorities and commitments. Ask God to show you if any of them are choking the word in your life. Take steps to remove or adjust them to foster spiritual growth.
5. Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for Your Word and the promises it holds. Help us to be mindful of Your benefits and to seek Your will above all else. Transform our minds and hearts, so we are not conformed to the patterns of this world but are renewed in Your Spirit. May we prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect in Your sight. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
Next Steps:
Continue to meditate on the scriptures and reflections from today. Join us next week as we explore further how to live under the shepherding care of the Lord and not be led astray by the world.
God bless you on your journey of faith!