July 5, 2009
Distinguishing Marks of Your Life:
Strength from the Shepherd!
Mike Fritscher, pastor  

Genesis 49:22-28

Genesis 49:23 "The archers bitterly attacked him, And shot at him and harassed him; 24 But his bow remained firm, And his arms were agile,

From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),

Recognize, Believe, And Confess that Your Victory is From God!

Psalm 20 –

•  I. Victory is From the Hands of God!

• Confident in God!
• Walk In the Authority that God has Given!
• Journey towards the Vision God has Given!

•  II. From Those Hands is the Shepherd of Israel !

Genesis 48:15 He blessed Joseph, and said, " The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, 16 The angel who has redeemed me from all evil,

One Proper Response to the Shepherd! Follow Your Shepherd!

•  The Shepherd's Role!

• Gives You a Great Life!

John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

• Lays Down His Life For You!

John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

• He Knows You!

John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, NASU

John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

What Happens to You When You Follow the Shepherd?
You, Like Joseph will Be Fruitful and You Will Be Victorious!

Psalm 23:1-6

Joseph Received Everything He Needed! When You Follow His Voice, You Have Everything You Need!

Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

1. We find Peace
2. We Find Restoration!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature ; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

3. We Find the Right Path!
4. His Presence Even in Death's Shadow!
5. We Find True Comfort In His Leadership and His Discipline!

Hebrews 12:1-13
Luke 15:1-7

Illustration of Peter! Luke 22:31

The Sheep's Response! John 10:1-6 and 10:25-30

•  You Believe Him!
•  You Hear Him!
•  You Follow Him!