Beside Still Waters

Fish in Bulow Creek

PSALM 23 KJV

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 for ever.

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There are few things in this world that restores me better than sitting beside or on still water. The water whether it is still or rough reminds me of the awesomeness of God. It can be very rough at times reminding me of the troubled times that come to us all and then peace makes its entrance with the calming of the waves.

Water is a reminder of our baptisms into Christ; into his death and into his resurrection. Our old selves are drowned in the waters of baptism and come out totally new; totally cleansed. Water is not only a spiritual life-giving gift from God; but, a precious gift that is essential to our life and physical well-being here on earth. We would well to protect it.

We may walk through proverbial shadows of death as day after day we encounter obstacles that would turn us away from God; but, we should not fear. God is with us and he leads us through those dark valleys on a path of righteousness beside still waters and will give us rest in luscious green pastures of his making and his choosing.

God bless you with goodness and mercy all the days of your life!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Make A Joyful Noise

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100 NIV

I do not like noise for the sake of noise. I never listen to music at home or when I am driving. Music during worship or at concerts or at youthful events is good for me. But; normally, I like things quiet so I can actually hear things that are going on around me like sirens coming up behind me on the highway or someone at the door. Nor do I consider shutting out the sounds of God's creation nor the possibility of hear His voice as a good or a wise thing to do.

However, there is a time and a place for joyful music. I do enjoy listening to and watching music come alive as it's presented by young people that I know. They are so full of enthusiasm when they come together as a group to make music or to dance or even to skate. Music has the ability to affect our moods; our emotions. Some music can bring us way down, which is not so good. Some music has the ability to bring us up when we are down. Joyful music presented by joyful youth is especially good for the calming of our souls.

I do not care to listen to music just for the sake of having noise to distract me or fill in the silence. But, if there is to be noise, let it be joyful sounds that will gladden the heart; let it be music that will glorify God.

Let the noises be joyful songs of praise as we live in the presence of the Lord of all the earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J