This past Sunday morning (October 30) I spoke about using Psalm 23 as a daily guide for stopping and spending time with God in order to experience various aspects of His character and Kingdom. You can hear this message at http://www.valleyfellowship.org/audio or on the Valley Fellowship of Yakima podcast. It is entitled, “What Is Making You? Part 3.

Below is an Outline of the 4 points brought out from Psalms 23 and my wife Robin’s  interpretation of the Psalm made while listening to my message.

A Prayer,  A Promise and A Plan

Developing a Sabbatical Lifestyle from Psalm 23

 :1-3 Experiencing God’s Love and Grace

The absolute authority, presence and being in whom all Creation resides, is my shepherd. He puts me in a perfectly secure place of total peace, continually providing me with ‘newly minted’ provision.    I’m restored.  He safely takes me where I need to go, staying with me all the way.

:4 Experiencing God’s Protection

Even when I am in places that terrify me—where death seemingly waits to pounce—nothing evil can get to me, because it has to go through him first. He holds back the enemy and keeps me safe. His protection is my security and comfort. I am not vulnerable with Him there.

:5 Experiencing God’s Extravagance and Favor in the Presence of the Destroyer

Right in the enemy’s face, he serves a me gourmet meal fit for kings.

:6 Experiencing Belonging in God’s Kingdom With all the Rights and Privileges of a Favored Child.

His favor will highlight my life forever and I will always live with him!

Psalm 23 NIV — A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

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 your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.