Cedar Creek Baptist Church · Sunday, October 25, 2026
This week: The Lord Is My Shepherd
A printed copy of this week's sermon readings, for anyone who couldn't be with us. From your church family, with love.
Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6
(King James Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Tuesday: My Shepherd
Read: Psalm 23:1. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
On Sunday Pastor Sam pointed to one small word in this verse: my. "Not just a shepherd. My shepherd. This is personal." David had been a shepherd himself, and he knew how helpless sheep are on their own.
Reflect: Do you think of the Lord as a shepherd, or as your shepherd? What would change today if you said it out loud: "The LORD is my shepherd"?
Pray: Lord, thank You for being my shepherd. Help me trust You for what I need today.
Wednesday: Rest Is a Gift
Read: Psalm 23:2. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
"Rest is not a reward you earn. It is a gift the Shepherd gives." Pastor Sam reminded us that the Shepherd leads; He does not drive. Sometimes He makes us lie down, because He knows we need rest more than we do.
Reflect: Where is your week too full? What is one way you can receive the Shepherd's rest today?
Pray: Shepherd, lead me beside still waters today. Quiet my heart and teach me to rest in You.
Thursday: He Restoreth My Soul
Read: Psalm 23:3. "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake."
"Sheep wander. So do we. And the Shepherd does not give up on a wandering sheep. He comes and brings it back." The paths He leads us on are for His name's sake, not ours.
Reflect: Is there an area of your life where you have wandered? The Shepherd is not waiting to scold you. He is coming to bring you back.
Pray: Lord, restore my soul. Bring me back where I have wandered, and lead me in Your paths today.
Friday: Through the Valley
Read: Psalm 23:4. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
"You are not going to stay in the valley. You are walking through it, and you are not walking alone." In this verse David stops talking about the Shepherd and starts talking to Him: "for thou art with me."
Reflect: What valley are you walking through? Instead of thinking about God today, talk to Him about it. Then think of one person in a valley and reach out to them.
Pray: Lord, You are with me. Thank You that Your rod protects me and Your staff guides me, even when I can't see the path.
Saturday: Goodness and Mercy Follow Me
Read: Psalm 23:5-6. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
"That word follow means to pursue. God's goodness and mercy are chasing you down." And Pastor Sam reminded us that Jesus fulfilled this psalm: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
Reflect: Look back over this week. Where did God's goodness and mercy catch up with you? Thank Him for it, and come ready to worship tomorrow.
Pray: Good Shepherd, thank You for giving Your life for me. Walk with me through every valley, and bring me home to Your house for ever.
Puzzle page
Large-print word search: coming soon.
Until then, look for these words in this week's reading and circle them:
ANOINTEST · GOODNESS · PASTURES · PREPAREST · PRESENCE · RESTORETH · RIGHTEOUSNESS · SHEPHERD
A prayer for this week
Lord, thank you for being our shepherd. Restore our souls this week. Walk with us through every valley, and bring us home to your house for ever. In Jesus' name, amen.
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