Powerpoint - Mar. 8, 2011, Daily Word from Pastor Graham

Powerpoint - Mar. 8, 2011

March 08, 2011

Trusting your Shepherd in the dark valleys of life

March 8, 2011

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

If you ever get the chance, you have to try to make a trip to the land of Israel. Not only will it help you to better understand the worldview of the writers of the Scriptures, but the aesthetic beauty alone of that wonderful land will leave you awestruck.

Now when we read today’s passage, it’s important to understand the geography of the land where David lived. When he talks about the “valley of the shadow,” he’s probably thinking of a literal valley in Israel that’s 1,500 feet deep in some places and was cut by a river flowing from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea.

Quite often, shepherds would have to lead their sheep on the treacherous trip through this valley to get water from the river. And not only was the terrain rugged, but all kinds of predators could hide in the cliffs. So when it came time for the shepherd to move his sheep up through the valley, he had to give special care as he led those sheep into such a dangerous situation.

David begins Psalm 23 with the famous words, “The LORD is my shepherd.” And the Lord is your shepherd as well. You can step confidently into any spiritual valley knowing that he will guide you and protect you from the enemy. There is no evil that can stand against him!

IN THE DARK VALLEYS OF LIFE, TRUST THAT THE LORD JESUS, YOUR SHEPHERD, WILL GUIDE AND PROTECT YOU FROM ALL EVIL!

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About PowerPoint

PowerPoint Ministries is the radio and television broadcast ministry of Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church — a nearly 37,000-member church with three campuses in the Dallas and North Texas region. Through PowerPoint Ministries, Dr. Graham offers practical, biblical steps on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.

About Jack Graham

Dr. Jack Graham serves as Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the nation’s largest, most dynamic congregations.

When Dr. Graham came to Prestonwood in 1989, the 8,000-member congregation responded enthusiastically to his straightforward message and powerful preaching style.

Now thriving with more than 57,000 members, Prestonwood continues to grow, reaching throughout the North Texas region. In 2006, the church launched a second location, the North Campus, in a burgeoning area 20 miles north of the Plano Campus. Prestonwood also has a flourishing Spanish-language ministry, Prestonwood en Español, which includes members from more than 20 nations. And Prestonwood.Live, the online community, draws worshippers from all over the world.
Dr. Graham is a noted author of numerous books, including the latest Reignite: Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith. In this deeply personal book, Dr. Graham shares lessons he learned in the midst of crisis – offering insight on how to focus on Jesus even in the darkest days.

Other books include A Man of God: Essential Priorities for Every Man’s Life; Unseen: Angels, Satan, Heaven, Hell and Winning the Battle for Eternity; Angels: Who They Are, What They Do and Why It Matters; Powering Up: The Fulfillment and Fruit of a God-Fueled Life; and Courageous Parenting, written with his wife, Deb.

His passionate, biblical teaching is also seen and heard across the country and throughout the world on PowerPoint Ministries. Through broadcasts, online sermons and e-mail messages, Dr. Graham addresses relevant, everyday issues that are prevalent in our culture and strike a chord with audiences worldwide.

In October 2022, the Bible in a Year with Jack Graham podcast was launched in partnership with iHeartPodcasts and Pray.com, with a cinematic feel that brings the Bible to life. Within the first week of its release, the podcast reached the top spot on the Spotify religion list, and it has now surpassed 30 million downloads.

Dr. Graham has served as Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer and has helped lead various national prayer initiatives. He served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the country with more than 14 million members.

He and Deb have three married children and eight grandchildren.