The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

When we celebrate, what do we do?  We have a meal, we gather around the table.  When things are bad, what do we do?  We have a meal, we gather around a table.  When we are going through conflict in our lives, God still invites us to the meal, even with our enemies, our struggles around us; God invites us. 

Throughout the bible, anointing with oil is a symbol of God’s blessings and healing.  Even when we are going through trials and tribulations, God abundantly blesses us, anoints us and guides us.

As you journey through this week, consider how God prepares a table for you, blesses you and offers you abundance.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

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.

In just over a month, we will see children walking around our streets wearing costumes including ghosts, monsters and vampires.  I was asked once about my thoughts on Halloween and all the new decorations available.  I responded that there is real evil in the world and it is not a kid asking for a piece of candy while wearing a monster mask.  Real evil, evil that allows children to starve, evil that continues warfare, evil that denies our humanity is real.  But God is stronger.

Every day we walk with God we need not fear evil for God is with us – that is the eternal promise.  And, not only does God walk with us, but God guides us, just as a shepherd.  The shepherd uses his staff and rod to guide the sheep, and chase away the predators.  In the same way, we can follow God’s guidance and avoid the evil around us (or better yet, not be afraid to confront it).

As you journey through this week, allow God to guide you.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

This is the heart of the gospel message, that we can be forgiven and restored.  We can be reconciled to God, through God alone. 

No matter what you have done in your past, you can be restored, God can restore your soul and lead you towards righteousness.  This is the good news!

As you journey through this week, know that God guides you and God restores you daily.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
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.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

God is aware we need to rest, so much that God create the Sabbath, a day of rest (not that we follow the concept very well). Yet here the psalmist after telling us that God will provide, immediately tells us God gives us something good – a place to rest.

I love the outdoors, especially sitting near water. It is a place of peace, a place where I can relax and even work out issues in my mind.

I assume David did the same thing as he sat in a green field or by still waters, writing his poetry, contemplating the universe and enjoying God’s provision.

As you journey through this week, spend some time in nature and allow God to speak to you.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

It is, perhaps, one of the most well known and loved pieces of scripture/poetry ever.  It is recognized the world over by people of many faith traditions as a meaningful writing.  The 23^rd Psalm, the Shepherd’s Psalm, is a very special word of God. Over the next few weeks, let us contemplate this important writing.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  God is in control, and God will provide.  So often we get lost in the many perceived needs of our day, as well as the necessities of life and yet God will provide.  This is especially true when we think we do not have enough resources to do what God calls us to do – and yet the Good Shepherd will give us all we need to go out into the world with hope.

As you journey through this week, know that the Shepherd leads you, and will provide.

Peace,

Pastor Bill