We First Suffer

Psalm 2:6-12 KJV; Transfiguration Sunday. Our egos our self-serving desires must first suffer and die before we can truly live life.

What A Gift!

Silver River, Aura, MI

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.
Psalm 23 KJV

What a way to begin to my birthday. I'm not into big birthday celebrations. But, I am into waking up to such a beautiful morning. I slept in until about 7:30. that has not happened in a very long time! This is such a peaceful and relaxing place. I have always affirmed that it was a gift from God to me.

When we first purchased the place, only two people affirmed that it was a wise choice. Pete and Jean Suomela said that they thought it fit me perfectly. Even my husband was not thrilled. The mobile home was condemned. But, I was convinced we could fix it up. After all, we had time. We were living nearby and this place was meant to be a retreat for me. 

When Pete and Jean said it fit me they were not looking at the house. They were looking at the river and the woods surrounding it. They were sensing the peace that I sensed here in this place. Over the years, the mobile home has been renovated. Due to zoning laws and since we are so close to the river, tearing it down and rebuilding was not an option. 

The house was remodeled and we lived in it for quite a few years. It has once again become a retreat for our retirement. Winters where we don't have to shovel snow and freeze. Summers here in this place. 

I thank God for this beautiful morning and for another birthday to enjoy His gifts.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Leads Me

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I 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 mercy shall follow me
  all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
 my whole life long.

Psalm 23 NRSV

 

May your day be richly blessed with God's peace.  Pr. J

 

The Lord Is My Shepherd And King

What's so good about a shepherd king? What's so good about having a king that knows how to lead the flock? Everything! The ability to lead others even through the darkest shadows of the valley of death is a very important trait for someone who would be king or maybe president. The ability to protect and comfort them when times are troubling is an awesome trait for a ruler.

David was a good shepherd and a great king. But, we have one who is even greater. He is the King of Kings. He looks after us as only a good shepherd can. He will reign over us forever.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads 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 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 runs 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

 

What's so good about a king who is also an experienced shepherd? Everything!

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Shepherd's Psalm

Psalm 23 NIV

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
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 your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

As the storms brew; whether they are hurricanes or threats of nuclear missiles or something more closely related to your personal life may we all find peace in the knowledge that God loves us and that all who trust in Him will dwell in His house forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is Your Shepherd

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
     he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I 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 mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.

What a comfort this Psalm has been to me. It is not a prayer only for times when we lost a loved one. This prayer, I pray daily and not just for me; but, for all of you, as well. No matter what day it is we will meet challenges of some sort. Whether those challenges be enemies or temptations to stray from the path we can know that Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd, is with us always, leading us on right paths.

May God grant each of you comfort and peace in the knowledge of the Lord's presence with you today and always.

Pr. J