King David the Shepherd King reminds us in the final verse of this deep and beautiful psalm that God's goodness and mercy or love will follow us all the days of our lives. King David had risen from a lowly shepherd to a victorious war hero and finally a legendary king. He had experienced incredible success and blessing along the way. He had also experienced personal failure and God's forgiving grace. But more than anything else he knew that through all the vicissitudes of life, God's blessing and goodness and love had been with him. And even facing death, he knew that God's abiding presence and love would see him to the other side of eternity where he would be in the eternal presence of the Shepherd of Love. God promises His blessing and goodness and love to each of us, too. We will experience adversity and difficulty along the way, but rest assured God's abiding love and goodness will surround you and uplift you. Whatever you are facing, trust God to see you through. Have faith in God's love and power. The Easter miracle reminds us that God’s love is greater than any failure or obstacle and Christ’s love and presence will be with us forever. Open your heart and life to God's amazing love!
(Verse of the week)
Psalm 23
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.
(Prayer of the week)
Heavenly Father, Shepherd of Love, lead and guide me through the challenges and adversities of life. Thank you for your goodness mercy and love. Help me to trust in your love and power. Through your power I am strong and well-able to overcome. And through your love I know forgiveness and true love. Open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others every day, through your power and to your glory.
Amen.
May you feel the grace and love of God in a special way this week!—Pastor TJ
(quote of the week)
“Faith is the bird that feels the dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark” –Rabindranath Tagore
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