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Dear brothers and sisters, Today we reflect once again on Psalm 46. In this song, we find many names for God. Each one highlights a different aspect of who He is!  Psalm 46:4 NIVThere is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy place where the Most High dwells. According to the prophets, God lives in the temple in Jerusalem. However, it is reassuring to know that no building can contain Him. He is omnipresent! This verse reminds us of this fact. Here God is called the “Most High.” When our children are young, they believe the…

Dear Friend, How often do you get into trouble? We regularly sense the pressure rising around us and this kind of affliction can feel suffocating. The sons of Korah give us hope in Psalm 46:1 Psalm 46:1 NIVGod is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. How very comforting to all who find themselves in trouble! God is ever-present. He never abandons us. He abides in us as we abide in Him. We are never all alone and can be confident in our protection from God. The word “trouble” used in Psalm 46:1 is also used in the…

Dear Friends, As we examine Psalm 46, we see God portrayed in all His glorious omnipotence!  “God is our strength” is a promise for inner strength, which our God gives freely to all who trust in Him. God’s strength is perfect; it never grows old or weak. Since God never tires, we can always rely on His strength. See Psalm 121. David celebrates God giving strength in Psalm 138 as well. Psalm 138:1-7 NIVI will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and…

Dear Friends, During June and July we are going to memorize Psalm 46! This is an exceedingly comforting song of praise. Sons of Korah were worship leaders who wrote a total of 11 psalms.  Martin Luther was inspired by Psalm 46 to write his hymn: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God!” Many scholars believe the psalm may have been written to celebrate the dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem recorded in 2 Kings 18-20. Psalm 46:1 NIVGod is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. The titles for God in this psalm are so very reassuring. Each one highlights the…

Dear Friends, Today we conclude our look at Psalm 23:3. Once again, I rely on the wisdom in Philip Keller’s book: “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm.” 7) “Instead of choosing my own way, I am willing to choose to follow in Christ’s way: simply to do what He asks me to do.” I love the word “simply” in this attitude. Often, I am overcome by complexities and too many choices. If I simply follow Jesus, I am blessed and content. My head can lay on my pillow each night with confidence that I sought to follow Jesus. I…

Dear friends, As we have been investigating Psalm 23:3, we have been challenged to reflect godly attitudes we have found in Philip Keller’s book “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm.” Each of these attitudes requires the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in us.  They do not come naturally, but supernaturally! 6) “Instead of exercising and asserting my will, I learn to cooperate with His wishes and comply with His will.” Every one of these attitudes requires a decision of my will. I am often tempted to only focus on what I want regardless of its impact on others. …

Dear Fellow Followers of Our Good Shepherd, We have reached the fifth attitude Philip Keller wisely gives us as we allow the Lord to “guide us into paths of righteousness.” Psalm 23:3. 5) “Instead of finding fault with life and always asking ‘Why?’, I am willing to accept every circumstance of life with an attitude of gratitude.” This attitude reflects our trust in the Shepherd who providentially watches over our lives. Can I really trust Him to meet my needs? Do I honestly give thanks in all circumstances? This attitude is in direct conflict with the common attitude of entitlement….

Dear friends and family, We have reached the fourth attitude in Philip Keller’s book, “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm.” These attitudes help us to experience the promise we find in Psalm 23:3, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” 4.) “Instead of being ‘boss’, I am willing to be at the bottom of the heap.” When we desire first and foremost to please our Lord, we are free to serve others in any possible way. We find great pleasure in self-sacrifice and discover that doing things right to benefit others is wonderful! Conversely, when…

Dear Ones, Psalm 23:3 “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Philip Keller observes a third important attitude to cultivate as we follow our Shepherd into righteous ruts! 3. Instead of insisting on my rights, I am willing to forego them in favor of others.” Here is a practical attitude from the direct teachings of our Lord Jesus to deny yourself in Mark 8:34. “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” Are we…

Fellow Faith Walkers, We continue our observations from Psalm 23:3 today.  Again, I will rely on the insights from Philip Keller’s book, “A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm.” Philip Keller lists several fresh attitudes we need to maintain as we follow our Good Shepherd. He writes, “These are the equivalent of progressive forward movements onto new ground with God. If one follows them, they will discover fresh pasturage; new, abundant life; and increased health, wholesomeness and holiness in their walk with God.” 2.“Instead of being one of the crowd, I am willing to be singled out, set apart from…