69 Mill Hill, Deal, Kent, CT14 9EW. UK - www.dealpentecostal.co.uk - Tel: (44) 1304 380131
Email: church@dealpentecostal.co.uk

In spite of the evolutionary theories, man did not evolve from hunter to herdsman. There is no mention of hunters until Noah’s great grandson, Nimrod.(Gen.10:8-9) Adam was an arable farmer(Gen.2:15) as was his eldest son (Cain).(Gen.4:2) Adam’s 2nd son (Abel) was a shepherd(Gen.4:2) as were Israel’s Patriarchs and so it was natural for God to use Shepherding as a picture of His care for us. The proper pastoral care for animals has many parallels with care for people. A good shepherd can anticipate problems and so avoid most emergencies: Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds.Prov.27:23(NLT) King David’s training to be king was as a shepherd: He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them.Ps.78:70-2  Psalm 23, which has brought hope and comfort to millions of people over thousands of years, was written by David as he reflected on his time as a shepherd.
The LORD is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.(NIrV) Jesus revealed Himself as the Good ShepherdJn.10:11 who truly cares for us: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1Jn.3:16 Jesus is no thiefJn.10:1 strangerJn.10:5 or hirelingJn.10:12 but Someone who leads us into spiritual blessings which overflow from us to others.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. Sheep lie down and “chew the cud” which basically means they regurgitate their food and eat it again! God has given us clear instructions on how to succeed: Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.Josh.1:8 We must study the Scriptures, talk about them, think about them and apply them! As we talk and share what we believe about God we understand more about our inheritance in Christ: I pray that you will be active in sharing what you believe. Then you will completely understand every good thing we have in Christ.Phile.1:6 (NIrV) Another translation puts it this way: And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it.
He leads me beside quiet waters (or waters of rest). God gives us rest when we trust Him. Trust is not difficult – it is a matter of agreeing with God! i.e. we don’t quarrel or argue with Him! How terrible it will be for anyone who argues with his Maker!Is.45:9(NIrV) Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Amos 3:3 Trust gives us joy, peace and hope: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom.15:13