Psalm 23

Psalms 23

By Estelle Nazary

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I 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 have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

This Psalm is a message of great beauty, describing the peace and calm delight which dwell with one whose trust is wholly in God. David's thoughts are happy thoughts. He lacks nothing, has no fear. God's mercy and goodness are with him and he feels assured that they will continue to be with him all his life. He has but one desire for the future and that is to dwell in the presence of God forever.

This is a Psalm of great beauty, sweetness of purpose and happy thoughts.

The Provision is "The Lord is my Shepard”.  This is the key note of the whole Psalm. This is the voice of personal experience. Christ is the shepherd. He seeks and saves the lost, ruling and feeding each one who follows him laying down his life for the flock. Can you say, "The Lord is My Shepherd"?  ‘I shall not want that is therefore can I lack nothing.’ He gives everything one needs.

Plenty – The Lord gives food and rest. He provides spiritual food and rest. Waters of refreshment for us

spiritually. He revives the soul and reinvigorates it when it is exhausted and weary.

Paths – He leadeth me in paths of pleasantness and peace to magnify his name as a gracious and merciful God. 

“To everyone there openeth a way, and ways, a way – The high soul climbs the highway and the low soul 

gropes the low.  And in between in the misty flats, the rest drift to and fro.  But to everyone he decideth 

the way that his soul shall go” – John Oxenham. 

Choose the path where Jesus leads!

Protector – Gives assurance of God's presence with us when we need help and strength. He will not fear because the same gracious God will be with him, leading him, guiding his steps, keeping him from evil. The rod and staff comfort me. However, long and dreary the way through the dark valley, I shall still have guidance and protection.

Power – God prepares his table laid before his enemies. His whole life full to overflowing with blessedness. His cup is not only full to the brim, but runs over with happiness.

Peace – David has no doubt that God's goodness and mercy shall continue to cling to him all his life. Perfect peace and blessedness is his to enjoy.

Praise – To live with God forever, to behold His beauty. This expresses the longing of the soul for the continual presence of God and communion with him forever. Lifelong and everlasting companionship is his blessing.

Are you experiencing the blessings of this Psalm?  Can you truly say the Lord is MY shepherd?

If you cannot, you may do so by simply trusting Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

                A young man tells the story of how he was led to Christ by a consecrated and understanding mother, very early in life.  He was out at play when a bee came buzzing about his head.  Quickly he ran to his mother and took refuge behind her.  The bee stung her on the arm.  When this boy saw that the bee had stung his mother, he began to cry.  She misunderstood his tears and said, “You need not be afraid now.  The bee cannot sting you.  He has left his sting in my arm.”  When she understood the boy’s tears, she saw an opportunity to teach him the salvation of Christ.  “Sin is like that,” she said.  “It has an awful sting that results in death.  Christ has taken away this awful sting.  He became sin for us and died in our place.  Because you got behind me, I saved you from the bee’s sting.  It is this way in the salvation of your soul.  You must get behind Jesus and he saves you from the sting of sin.”  The boy testified that he was saved that day.  You can be too.  Will you trust Him, give Him your life, accept the price Jesus paid that you might have salvation?  Is the Lord your Shepard?

The Sinner's Friend

The Sinner's Friend

Sermon by Jack Nazary - West Jackson Baptist 1989, Midway Baptist 1992, and West Carthage Baptist 1997

Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?" But when Jesus heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick." But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:10-13

Fact well established in the Bible, "…Friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

The earth's greatest man is the sinner's best friend. He is the centerpiece of the human race.

“I am far within the mark when I say that all the Armies that ever marched, all the Navies that were ever built, and all the Parliaments that ever sat, and all the Kings that ever reigned together have not affected the life of man upon the earth so powerfully as has that one solitary life" - an ancient writer said. This is who he is the sinner's friend - the greatest individual - the greatest personality - the greatest lover - the greatest sympathizer - the greatest hearted man - the only savior - he is the sinner's friend.

If Christianity is not primarily for the purpose of being a friend to sinners, then it has no purpose.

Jesus is a friend of Sinners.

                                          Jesus proves that He is the sinner's friend.

          His words indicate the fact "neither do I condemn thee", "I come that they might have life", "I come not to call the righteous", "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bound." Yes he is the sinner's friend. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden" "They that are whole..." Remember that Christianity is redemptive. He can give you rest!

        The Life of Jesus - shows that He is the sinner's friend.

See where He goes - most time spent among lepers, tax collectors, moral outcast, publicans, sinners, scavengers of the world.

Where do we spend our time? He was with rich - thieving unjust tax collectors, eating with publicans and sinners, among the lepers, the poor and adulterous woman at the well = all types in all kinds of places. He turned from the self-righteous to the unrighteous.

We can easily sit together in heavenly places, but need to walk and work together in unholy places among the lost of the world.

         His compassion demonstrates this fact: When He saw the multitude He had compassion on them.

Example - Experience of Mr. Colgate in his church - Poor street walker saved as they had prayed - the congregation was reluctant to receive him - Mr. Colgate said, "We have been praying for lost souls. The Lord has heard and answered our prayers, but I guess we failed to designate to the Lord that we wanted only respectable sinners saved."  All the congregation saw the rebuke and a newborn soul was received. They were not too good of a friend to the sinner!

         Christ deeds prove His friendship to sinners.

"He received sinners and ate with them"

"He saved Jews, publicans, - made apostles…”

Example - Dr. Scarborough preaching in Argentina = Christ was able to save the worst of sinners.

        Christ death on Calvary confirmed the fact that He is the sinner's friend.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust. God's purpose in sending Jesus, and Calvary was the salvation of the lost everywhere. Jesus spoke "It is finished" from the cross. A cry of triumph for lost men, women, boys, and girls. What agony! Blood ran freely to the ground, the sun refused to shine, the earth shook, the ground was opened… all in the interest of lost sinners.

Come every soul by sin oppressed; There is mercy with the Lord, and He will surely give you rest, by trusting in His word.

         His love seals His friendship for sinners.

"God so loved the World"

"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friend"

Love lifted me

Love lifted me

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

                                             The Strength of His Friendship: 3 ways Jesus demonstrated the strength of friendship

         In the multiplicity of His provisions - He is able to provide for salvation to sanctification to glorification.

His provisions are measureless - Salvation for lost, liberation for prisoner, consolation for sorrowing, bread for hungry, water for thirsty, healing for sick, sight for blind, clothes for naked, riches for poor, hearing for deaf, peace to the troubled, cleansing for leapers, AND LIFE FOR ALL.

      In Christ's timeless power the strength of His friendship is found.

"All power is given unto Me" Matthew 28:18

"And I, if I be lifted up" John 3:14

His power is seen in creation, in upholding all things, in healing diseases, in stilling the tempest, in his resurrection, but most in his forgiveness of sins.

He loves, woes, attracts, and saves sinners.

         The strength and value of His friendship are seen in the plan of salvation which He made.

a. a simple plan b. an inexpensive plan c. the only plan - the old way, the new way, the narrow way, the safe way, the ONLY WAY.

        The Blessings of the Friendship of Jesus

        Christ is our illumination

Isaiah 9:2 "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light."

They saw Him through prophecy, promise and faith. We see Him as he enlightens the heart and lifts them from darkness into the glory of his sunlight. Christ is the illumination of soul in its midnight darkness.

        The blessing of His friendship is seen in that He is our salvation "neither is there salvation in any"

How shall we escape....various days in life - good days, bad days, days of celebration, red letter days, but the day of all days is the day you are saved.

Waft it on the rolling tide, Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves, Tell to sinners far and wide, Jesus saves, Jesus saves

To Zaccheus, Jesus said, "Today I must abide at thy house"

         The blessing of His friendship is seen in that He justifies us

Made Him in God's sight as if he had never sinned. restored to divine favor.

Romans 5 - Therefore being justified by faith

Martin Luther said - The just shall live by faith

Since He is the friend of sinners what should you do if you are not saved...Come every soul by sin oppressed, there is mercy with the Lord.

Recognize Him as your friend - receive Him as Lord and Savior

What should Christians do? draw self-righteous robes about us and criticize the church - NO!

Cease our halfhearted efforts and go to the limit for Him and the Lost in our work and service. He will then make our yesterdays cheerful and our tomorrows confident!!!

Blueprint for Blessing II

Blueprint for Blessing II

By Estelle Nazary

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25

There is a casual observance.

There is a simple comparison between doers of the word and merely hearers.

Notice a sad conclusion:

         He thinks, but he does not know. "delude themselves"

         He looks, but he does not see. he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. "

         He hears but he does not act. "he has gone away"

To be blessed one must have careful obedience.

 The duty of looking attentively.

         discernment

         depth

         discipline

The delight of living accordingly.

         He hears

         He believes

         He is a doer

         He looks

         He continues looking

         He makes the necessary changes

         He is blessed

A faith which produces no trust in Christ and no obedience to Christ is of no value.

But He said, "On the contrary , blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it." 

Luke 11:28

"If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. John 13:17

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers ! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither ; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalms 1:1-3

Blueprint for Blessing I

Blueprint for Blessing I 

By Estelle Nazary

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 (NASB)

Once someone knows Christ, he is a new creation and this change is to show in his life. All his evil must be put aside. God is not pleased with partial obedience.  You must get rid of everything that would stop your ears to the true word of God.  Man's own sins can make him deaf to God.  Let’s look closely at James 1:21. 

"Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness..." There is something we need to remove. This includes moral failure, malice, meanness, abundance of evil...  It speaks of sin's defilement which is a cancerous, defiling growth on the soul.  We become unwilling to listen.  We have a spirit of criticism.  We have unrighteous, unjustified anger. 

          But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Colossians 3:8

          Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

         Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 1 Peter 2:1

To put aside these things, we must acknowledge sin's depth and sin's damage.  The sin must be recognized, regretted and removed by confessing them in God's presence and conquering them in God’s power. 

          He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. Proverbs 28:13

          If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

"in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls."  There is something we need to receive.  Something good must take its place. We must open our hearts to allow God's word to enter and accomplish His wonderful work of redemption.

The What, How, Where, and Why…

What? "Receive the word"

How? "Receive with humility" - Submissive to God and have a teachable spirit. A teachable spirit is without resentment, without anger and is able to face the truth even when the truth hurts and condemns.

Where? "The implanted word" - Like the implanting of human organs - implanting God's word saves life in a spiritual sense.

Why? "Which is able to save your souls"

          There is the initial possession - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; Ephesians 2:8

          There is the gradual progress - For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.1 Corinthians 1:18

          There is the final prospect - Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. Romans 5:9

“like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,”  1 Peter 2:2

"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

Be Strong in the Lord

Be Strong in the Lord

By Estelle Nazary

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 Strength and security in God.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!" The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

What does he mean, "Be Still"?

Stop and think -

           Those who are not Christians, life is useless without God. May have wealth, power, and everything, but nothing is important without God.

  
           To the Christian, it is a call to pause in our activities, anxieties, and haste - to take life into our own hands and look at reality. Be still, take a fresh look at life, and remember that God is in the midst of it. Within the shelter of his strength, we find security.

This life is a battle, continually fighting Satan. Paul in one passage from the New Testament summons Christians to "Be Strong". 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20

The Chinese Christians have a lovely parable that they tell. When a man dies and arrives before the gates of heaven, he will not be asked to make a pretty speech about how much he loves Christ. The gatekeeper will look the man over very carefully, and if he looks like Jesus, he will let him in.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

We need strength and power to live like Christ. We as Christians are a part of the church. The church must possess greater strength, energy, and resources. We are a part of great body of Christ, when one member rejoices, we should all rejoice; when one is in sorrow, we should all sympathize.

Where is the strength of the church?

         The strength of the church is in the strength of its members. It is personal faith, personal          knowledge, personal power that counts. If every church member were just like me, what            kind of a church would my church be?

         The strength of individual Christians is in the Lord, not themselves.

         The strength of individual Christians depends upon a complete armor. Paul calls upon us to put on the whole armor of God. Completeness. It is not enough just to wear a helmet. To be able to stand against the wiles, methods, of the devil, the Christian must neglect no piece of armor. Satan knows our weakest point and he attacks us there. He knows that the fall of one Christian weakens the whole Church, that the victory of one Christian is a victory for the whole church. The Christian can serve best when he puts on the whole armor of God.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:12-13

Paul reminds us of the warfare, the enemies we encounter.

            We wrestle not against flesh and blood. It is not physical. Material forces are involved as instruments, but the real forces at war are spiritual. We are instruments of Christ. The Christian's battle is against the spirit of evil. Behind what we can see and touch lives the real enemy.

         
            The real enemies are principalities, powers, (organized power not a weak enemy) Rulers of the darkness of this world is the present darkness of this world is the present darkness of paganism, atheism, hatreds, and wars. Spiritual wickedness, in high places, powers that are spiritual and super human. The devil is so powerful, unless we have on the whole armor of God, he will take over in our lives and defeat us.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:14-18

What is the whole armor of God? Paul compares the armor of God with the armor of Roman solider.

            The girdle of truth. The Christian is to be girded with truth, not intellectual truth, but inward reality, sincerity. Without sincerity a Christian cannot stand, he is soon in utter confusion.

            The breastplate of righteousness. It is not enough to be sincere, he must be righteous. It is godliness. It is a spirit in the heart that expresses itself with power in the resistance of evil.

            The shoes of the gospel of peace. The shoes stand for preparedness, readiness to stand in muddy or frozen ground and to march on rugged roads. He must be shod with the preparedness he finds in the gospel of peace. Peace is the purpose of Christianity in the world. Bring peace to our hearts, peace among men, peace toward God, where ever we go.

            The shield of faith. Faith is an attitude toward God. It is trust; trust in Him, in his word, in his assurance, not in oneself. It does his will, lets him choose the place of service, and depends on him for the outcome. Faith puts Christ in command.

            The helmet of salvation. Without salvation, we are hopeless and helpless.

            The sword of the spirit. "The Word of God" If the Christian is to be able to wield that sword, he must take it. He must be always listening to God. We are truly helpless if we do not heed what He says. It is a powerful sword. We must do more than just quote a few verses; we must believe it and obey it.

            Prayer - This is so necessary in our battle against evil. Our deep dependence is in God               Himself.

Mother always put her small daughter to bed after hearing her say her prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, if I should die, I pray thee Lord my soul to keep." One night mother was unusually busy and flustered and she just put the child to bed. After a few moments the little girl called, "Mother you forgot my soul." The child meant only that she had forgotten the prayer, but how often we as Christians forget our soul, the spiritual need that could be met by going aside to "be still" and pray.

God's Word

God's Word

Sermon by Jack Nazary - West Jackson Baptist Church 1989 and

West Carthage Baptist Church 1998

Matthew 4:4

But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.' "

I.          What God’s word does for Me?!

1.      It quickens me - "Quicken thou Me according to Thy Word." Psalm 119:25

·         To make alive, to endure with life, produce alive, preserve alive

·         Ephesians 2:1 - "You hath He quickened."

2.      It sanctifies me – Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knowth him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.  John 14:17

·         Separation to God - Set aside the life befitting those so separated. 

·         Separation of the believer from evil things and ways.

·         It's God's will and purpose for believers.

·         It's taught by Word (by thy truth).

·         It's to be pursued by the believer as he is obedient to the Lord.

·         Holy Spirit is the agent of sanctification = "Saints" "Holy Ones"

3.       Cleanses Me - Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalm 119:9

·         To make clean

·         Physically - from stains and dirt - utensils

·         Morally - from the defilement's of sin, to consecrate by cleansing

II.         What God’s word is to me?!

1.      Precious - And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. I Samuel 3:1

2.      Penetrating - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

3.      Powerful - Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29

4.      Purifying

5.       Protecting - "Take the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:17

III.        How should God’s word be treated by Me?!

1.      Love it - "How I love the law" - Psalm 119:97

2.      Search it - "Search the scriptures" - John 5:39

3.      Feed on it - "I did eat them" - Jeremiah 15:16

4.      Hold fast to it - Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers .Titus 1:9

5.      Preach it - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. II Timothy 4:2

6.       Meditate on it - I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. Psalm 119:15

7.      Delight in it - I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16

·         Psalm 119:116 - "Great peace have they which love Thy law."

·         Psalm 1 - Blessed

·         Psalm 19:8 - "The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart."

8.      Live by it - Luke 4:4, Deut. 4:4, Matthew 4:4

·         Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word...

·         Secret of answered prayer I John 3:22 - "And whatsoever we ask...

·         Keep commandments and do those things which are pleasing to Him.