god s heart for the lost · 2020-03-15 · the lord is my shepherd, i lack nothing. he makes me lie...

GOD’S HEART FOR THE LOSTMessage by Pastor Mark Johnson

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 10:11

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 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. =>

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 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.”

Psalm 23

Lessons from the Shepherd:

1. The Shepherd would want his sheep to fight fear!



“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

Psalm 23:1

“If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Psalm 139:11-12



2. The Shepherd would want his sheep to focus on faith!




“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Psalm 23:2-4

Shrek the Sheep

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30




3. The Shepherd would want his sheep to love boldly!




3. The Shepherd would want his sheep to love boldly!

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” Psalm 23:5

"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. =>

If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”

—Martin Luther, Works v. 43, p. 132. Letter "Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague" written to Rev. Dr. John Hess.

How to practically and boldly love our neighbors through COVID-19

1. Pray for our neighbors…today is a National Day of Prayer for our nation and world



2. Heed advice from health experts




3. Stay connected through technology




3. Stay connected through technology

4. If you are off, use the time wisely…enjoy the sun, exercise, limit time with news

5. Stay Positive, keep focus on the Lord and on love


6. Share your toilet paper and your hand sanitizer



7. Be creative on how to love your neighbor boldly



7. Be creative on how to love your neighbor boldly

Remember the promise: “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.”

Psalm 23:6

god s heart for the lost · 2020-03-15 · the lord is my shepherd, i lack nothing. he makes me lie...

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