EDWJextra
Session 1: The Lord is my shepherd Icebreakers Describe how you have looked after a pet. What is your favourite animal and what have you learnt from it? Key thought In this psalm God reveals Himself not as a distant potentate but as a caring shepherd who provides, restores, guides and protects His sheep, not out of a sense of duty, but because He genuinely loves them and wants them to flourish. Key verse ‘The Lord is my shepherd ...’ Psalm 23:1 Discussion starters 1. Which is your favourite phrase from Psalm 23? 2. Discuss the quote: ‘If we haven’t that within us which is above us, we will soon yield to that which is around us.’ 3. What is the difference between hearsay and heartsay? 4. What do your emotions in a crisis reveal about your primary view of God? 5. Why may Christians be ‘whistling in the dark’? 6. Identify and discuss the characteristics of a good shepherd.
Still Waters JUL/AUG 2012
Every Day with Jesus group resource
1–7 July
The example of Jesus ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’ John 10:11 Prayer pointers • Pray for fresh understanding and growing faith as we study Psalm 23 together. • Thank God for His shepherd-like care and sacrifice.
Session 2: Lacking nothing and lying down Icebreaker Read Psalm 23 from as many translations as you can. There is even a Scouse paraphrase and versions for astronauts, sailors and computers! Key thought With God as our shepherd we will not lack His presence or spiritual provision. Key verse ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures ...’ Psalm 23:1–2
8–16 July
9. Describe a time when God’s grace has been sufficient for you. 10. Describe your spiritual diet. The example of Jesus ‘... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ Matthew 28:20 Prayer pointers • Cast all your care and anxieties upon Him because He cares for you – 1 Peter 5:7. • Pray for those who are experiencing trials.
Discussion starters 1. Do you experience anxiety and how could you become free of its power? 2. Why are Christians not exempt from difficulties? 3. How can we have a true perspective on life? 4. Have you heard God speak to you when you have experienced an island of isolation? 5. Discuss the phrase, ‘The Lord of the work is more important than the work of the Lord’. 6. How has Christ’s presence made a world of difference to you? 7. Discuss the concept of becoming like that on which you focus and how that relates to fear and faith. 8. How could a church be free of conflict? www.cwr.org.uk/edwjextra