Great Joy Ministries Minister Leonie Allen

A special Easter Sunday Message; Featuring the resurrection story of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. Biblical reference: Matt 27 v 60; Matt 28: 1-10; Luke 24: 1-9.

Looks at Psalm 23 in detail. Discuss the Shepherd Imagery in the Psalm. Highlight God as provider and protector. Restoration found in the Lord only.  Outline  ways in which we can continuously dwell in God's house (V 6). 
Sources:
The King James Study Bible 2nd ed (Nashville:Thomas Nelson, 2013)
Wilson, Gerald Henry, Psalms, The NIV Application Commentary, Volume 1  (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan , 2002)

Psalm 46. Looks at the declaration made by the Ancient Israelites "God is our refuge and strength" and how believers today can find strength in God in these uncertain times. The psalmist emphasised "God with us"; but what does it mean for us to live a life with God. ? Some suggestions are given in a call to action for living a life with God.

Further Reading:

Foster, Richard, Life With God ( London: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd., 2002)

The City of God: The psalmist may have been referring to Jerusalem.  In the O.T. era Jerusalem was seen as the city of God because  the Temple situated there.  'The Presence' of God was in the city. In the N.T the city of God is not confined to a place. See Heb. 12:22-24. The city of God for Christians is spiritualised and experienced in the Body of Christ which is the Church of which you as a believer is a citizen.

Wilson, Gerald Henry, Psalms The NIV Application Commentary, Vol (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,2002) p. 720

Source: 

The Holy Bible, New International Version ( London : Hodder &Stoughton)

NKJV Study Bible , New King James Version, 2nd ed (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2007)

Mays, James L, Psalms , Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville, Kentucky: WJK, 2011), Amazon Kindle ebook

A brief background information on the first series - focusing  on the Book of Psalms, its use and its relevance to the faith community throughout the generations.

Recommended Reading:

Longman, Tremper, How to read the Psalms (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press,1988)

In times when you are faced with challenging situations you should allow your "soul to wait silently for God". This episode looks at Psalm 62. Utilised verses 5-8 as key verses for the episode. Focused on biblical themes such as trust, silence and confidence in God. Made use of the imagination through depicting a scene of what the psalmist  might have been going through from his poetical lines. Encouraged the use of silence as a spiritual discipline. Take home Message - "Trust in God Alone".

Sources:

The Holy Bible, New International Version (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2011)

NKJV Study Bible, New King James Version, 2nd ed (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2007)

Maas, Robin and Gabriel O'Donnell O.P., Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002)

Mays, James L., Psalms, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville, Kentucky: WJK, 2011) Amazon Kindle e-book

Wilcock, Michael, The Message of Psalms 1-72 Song for the People of God (Nottingham, England: IVP, 2001)

Wilson, Gerald Henry, The NIV Application Commentary: Psalms - Volume 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002)

Presenting a very well loved and well known psalm through the eyes of the psalmist who asked; " Where does my help come from?" May we too ask ourselves the same question today knowing with faith that our help comes from the Lord the creator of the universe.

Source:

The Holy Bible, New International Version (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2011)

The King James Study Bible 2nd ed (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2013)

Tucker, W. Dennis, Jr. and Jamie A Grant, Psalms: The NIV Commentary Volume 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan: 2018)

Wilcock, Michael , The Message of Psalms 73-150 Songs for the People of God (Nottingham, England: IVP, 2001)