Loved this Rhonda.
Thanks for sharing.


----- Original Message -----
From: Rhonda Partain <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Monday, January 12, 2015 7:02 pm
Subject: Psalm 23 for today

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> God's guidance is even more important than common sense . .. . I can declare that the deepest darkness is outshone by the light of Jesus. Corrie Ten Boom
> As I sat on the couch, I opened the USA Today. Inside the front section was an article detailing the ways to prepare for all sorts of terrorist attacks. As I read, visions of duct tape and plastic sheeting danced in my head, and the fact that I live a mere twenty miles from a nuclear power plant crossed my mind more than once.
> Then I tried to go to bed. Right. (What was I thinking?!)
> But after I crawled in the covers, with my mind swirling and my heart racing, I looked up my daily reading in a Devotion book. As God's providence would have it, the selection was Psalm 23. And as I read, I realized the words were timeless. They comforted me, and I began to think of ways that they might apply to our current situation in America.
> Here's what I recorded that night in my journal:
> The Lord is my shepherd 
> In the midst of the war on drugs, 
> the war on terrorism, 
> and the spiritual warfare in my soul. 
> I shall not want 
> with him as my Savior and provider, 
> I'm perfectly content. 
> While others strive for and worry about 
> a bigger house, a newer car, designer clothes and jewels, 
> I will rest in my calling and purpose 
> knowing God and making him known 
> in this hurting, harried world.
> He leads me beside still waters 
> Cool, clear streams of peace 
> in the midst of orange alerts,  
> space shuttle disasters, stock market fluctuations, 
> and baggage inspections. 
> When emotional baggage threatens my sanity, 
> he renews my mind. 
> When grief and despair descend, 
> he heals my heart. 
> When doubts and fears assail my tranquility, 
> he restores my soul.
> Yea, though I walk through the valley  
> of the shadow of death 
> filled with threats of biological and chemical warfare, 
> nuclear bombs and ghosts of past regrets 
> I will fear no evil. 
> Not AIDS, or smallpox,  
> not child abductors or doomsayers. 
> Thou art with me 
> even when I feel alone in a crowd.
> Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me 
> especially when I read the paper or watch the news. 
> (Why do I read or watch? I know the ending!) 
> Thou anointest my head with oil 
> the oil of gladness and peace,  
> with a calling to be 
> light and joy in a dark, fear-filled world.
> Help me to be a peace-full, grace-full person, Lord, 
> in the midst of a chaotic world. 
> Truly, my cup runneth over. 
> You have blessed me so much! 
> I have friends and family who love me, 
> a warm bed, freedom, grace, (more than) enough food, 
> and a fulfilling purpose.
> Surely goodness and mercy 
> your grace, love, forgiveness and compassion 
> shall follow me all the days of my life. 
> Every second, every minute, you are before and  
> behind me, with your arms of love outstretched.
> And one daywhen all wars and pain, 
> terror and shame 
> will come to an end . . . (Come quickly, Lord Jesus!) 
> I will dwell in the house of the Lord,  
> your glorious kingdom, 
> where you've prepared an eternal home for me.
> As I finished the Psalm, I turned out the light and went to sleep. Peacefully. 
> Notes from the Coach:
> A psalm of David.
> The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  
> He makes me lie down in green pastures,  
> he leads me beside quiet waters,  
> he restores my soul.  
> He guides me in paths of righteousness  
> for his name's sake.  
> 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.
> You prepare a table before me  
> in the presence of my enemies.  
> You anoint my head with oil;  
> my cup overflows.  
> Surely goodness and love will follow me  
> all the days of my life,  
> and I will dwell in the house of the LORD  
> forever.  
>  
> Psalm 23:1-6, NIV
> More Devotions on Spiritual Life
> More on Spiritual Life
>  
> Excerpted from Grace for the Race: Meditations for Busy Moms, Copyright © 2004, by Dena J. Dyer. Used by permission.
>  
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As Always, Vicki