Pastor Randy’s
devotional:
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He
lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews
my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even
when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close
beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast
for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with
oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the
Lord forever. Psalm 23 (NLT)
January 27th Prayer:
January 27th Prayer:
Lord, You are the Shepherd of my life. You are near, and I will not be
afraid. Even though worry, fear, dread, and threat of calamity are encircling
me, you prepare a table—a meeting place in the middle of threats. Simply
because You are with me, I will not be overcome. Your power and willingness to
defend and protect— this is comforting to me. My soul will find rest today from
all fear, anxiety and worry. I release this to You and worship You victoriously
in the midst of it all . . . in Jesus’ name!
My thoughts:
Mrs. Sebring taught me
the Lord’s Prayer. I was no more than 5
or 6 and attending First Baptist Church, Tecumseh. There was a picture
of Jesus hanging on the brick wall in our Sunday School Class and we all
sat around these small circular tables.
It’s a prayer that we all have heard numerous times and many have
memorized, forgotten, memorized again and forgotten again. But, looking at the words again now as a more
matured adult, I have fresh eyes and different perspective than the small child
sitting in Mrs. Sebring’s class.
Then I was actually a little afraid of it; “Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”. Really, a small child can’t comprehend “valley of the shadow of death”. I was looking over my shoulder all the time for the shadow of death to be following me (lol). Seriously though, I have learned to trust in the Lord in all things and have come to realize that no matter where I am in this life, He is right there beside me and will guide me through. I’m still learning to put my worries upon Him and to let them go. This is a huge challenge for me, as my pride and determination often get in the way.
What I am coming to understand is that trusting that God is good and only wants good things for me. His love is unmeasurable and He is more than willing to pour out blessings upon me and my family. By accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior, God will guide me along the right paths and provide comfort, protection and safety through the darkest valleys. I am His child. Which parent would not do everything they can to ensure the comfort, protection and safety of their own children from the evil in today’s world? David, in writing the 23rd Psalm, was clearly in connection with God the Father, and had learned to put all of his faith in the Lord to guide him through the path’s in his life. We all need to take a moment and re-read the 23rd Psalm with the eyes of a child looking to God as our Father. Put all of your trust and faith in Him, and He will guide your paths as well.
Then I was actually a little afraid of it; “Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”. Really, a small child can’t comprehend “valley of the shadow of death”. I was looking over my shoulder all the time for the shadow of death to be following me (lol). Seriously though, I have learned to trust in the Lord in all things and have come to realize that no matter where I am in this life, He is right there beside me and will guide me through. I’m still learning to put my worries upon Him and to let them go. This is a huge challenge for me, as my pride and determination often get in the way.
What I am coming to understand is that trusting that God is good and only wants good things for me. His love is unmeasurable and He is more than willing to pour out blessings upon me and my family. By accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior, God will guide me along the right paths and provide comfort, protection and safety through the darkest valleys. I am His child. Which parent would not do everything they can to ensure the comfort, protection and safety of their own children from the evil in today’s world? David, in writing the 23rd Psalm, was clearly in connection with God the Father, and had learned to put all of his faith in the Lord to guide him through the path’s in his life. We all need to take a moment and re-read the 23rd Psalm with the eyes of a child looking to God as our Father. Put all of your trust and faith in Him, and He will guide your paths as well.
Be Blessed,
Rich
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