Lampstand Review, May 2018~Julie

​Worship:
Ian led worship at this Lampstand gathering and we really spent time declaring that the Lord is WORTHY!  Lifting up the name of Jesus because there is no other name like His name!  His name is higher than every other name.  As we spent time doing this, Ginny shared that the Lord was encouraging her about honing the weapon we have of crying out and declaring His name! 


There was a unique time of sharing things people felt the Lord stirring after our worship time.  It was confirmation of the value of these meetings.  I think it was valuable to people on many levels.


Message:
We are beginning a series about Psalm 23 using the book A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller.  We highly recommend this book to anyone!  This is a powerful look at the way the Lord Jesus is our Good Shepherd. 


At this May Lampstand, we began with Matthew sharing from the chapters of the book dealing with Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.


Some highlights from the teaching time:


-The Lord is my shepherd.  This is a declaration, almost boasting, by David, Israel's shepherd king.  He is declaring that the Lord is the manager of his life and that He is an excellent manager!  It is important to ask, Do I really believe the Lord has the credentials to be the Shepherd or manager of my life?  And, truly, He does!!  He created us; He loves us; He gave His Son for us; He continually provides for us.  He is an excellent Shepherd!!


-I shall not want.  Sometimes people take this to mean that if you come under the management of the Lord, you will never have troubles or problems.  This is clearly not true and not even Biblical!  The idea of this statement is saying I am content in His care and management of my life.  Like in Philippians 4, are we able to say, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation”?  Will we trust the Lord to care for us and lead us despite the trials and valleys and challenges?  Can we be content IN Him?


There were so many beautiful things shared by people in attendance. We all felt the challenge to trust the Lord's leadership and the reminder that sin, Satan, and self are poor masters!! 


Response:
At the end of our response time, Linda Martin shared a dream she had had years ago about climbing with the Lord on a very narrow path.  It was frighteningly narrow and eventually they turned a corner into a lush green pasture.  Sheep were resting in the pasture and there was a beautiful stream.  After resting, Jesus was ready to lead them on again.  The way forward couldn't be seen and it looked scary.  Some wouldn't follow and wanted to stay in the pasture.  So as He led on, some remained behind and Linda saw wolves come out of the bushes in the lush green pasture and devour those who had remained behind.  Where we are seems “good enough” but we must ALWAYS keep following Jesus! 


We must make this our declaration: Lead ON!! We will follow in Your footsteps, Lord!

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