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
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