Table

We have been looking at the simple yet deep and profound 23rd Psalm - the shepherd's psalm.  The Shepherd-King David reminds us that life is like a journey, where the path leads us along scenic vistas, sometimes winding over treacherous cliffs and then again along quiet waters.    He also reminds us that enemies do sometimes surround and assault us, but God will protect us and even prepare a table of His blessing before us in their presence.  God's provision is not thwarted by enemies and those who would undercut or seek to destroy us.  Instead we can have full confidence in God's bounteous provision.  Don't live in fear, live in faith.  God's plan and power will see you through.  When we have fought long and hard in the heat of the day, God's Holy Spirit will be the oil of healing.  And when we feel depleted God will pour a cup that overflows with love and mercy, and restores our soul.  God's presence is with us to guide and uplift us and fill us with hope and peace.   The images remind us to invite others to sit at table with us and to allow the oil of God’s Spirit to overflow and touch their lives.  Amid challenge and adversity, reach out to others.  Share grace!  Know that come what may the Shepherd of Love leads the way and will see you through.
 
(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)
Gracious Lord, Shepherd of Love, lead and guide me through the challenges and adversities of life.  Protect me from that which would destroy and guide me that I may always follow your way and grow each day.  Prepare a bounteous table that I may share with others when difficulties threaten.  Help me to trust your power to see me through.  Through your power, I am strong and well-able to overcome.  Open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others every day, through your power and to your glory.  Amen.                                                       
 
Blessings in Christ--Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week)
    Words to live By-Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable, ill-logical and self-centered;
  Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
  Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
  Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
  Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
  Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
  Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
  Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
  Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
  It was never between you and them anyway!