2018 April 20 Friday

2018 April 20 Friday in Liberty Hill Texas

55°

Our Grandies* group went to Marble Falls to cash in our aluminum cans $23+.

Then it was to the Blue Bonnet Cafe for lunch and pie.

There is always a waiting line to eat here. And we had a group of eleven for lunch.

They did a good job of seating us all at a large round table

We returned home and did some work toward getting the RV ready for storage.

And this sunset to close out the day.

*Grandies is a ministry for senior citizens who have, since it’s beginning, has mailed more than 3,300 greeting cards to our military, healthcare needs, sympathy, birthday, anniversary, and others.

They also work with the schools and other organizations to provide personal items, snacks and meals to children in need.

MUSING – April 20 2018

I AM SAFE IN HIS PRESENCE

Psalms 23
“The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters. He renews my soul. He guides me along the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because you are with me, I fear no harm. Your rod and your staff give me courage. You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Certainly, goodness and mercy will stay close to me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the LORD’s house for days without end.”

This Psalm can arguably be called the most familiar chapter of the Bible. I have used a more modern version (GOD’S WORD) here rather than the King James that is more familiar. I find that different versions may give me new insights into familiar passages.

I’m concentrating on the following section of the Psalm. “Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because you are with me, I fear no harm. Your rod and your staff give me courage.”

The first thing that pops out at me here is that the Shepherd doesn’t lead his sheep around or away from this valley. But goes with them through the valley of death. Did you hear that? Through and with. He has no fear and because the Shepherd is with them there is no fear in them. They trust in him to keep them safe even in this dark place.

The Shepherd’s tools reassure the sheep that everything will be alright. The rod is a weapon to be used in defense or offence as needed. So the sheep are comforted knowing that the Shepherd has the strength, ability, and tool to protect them from those that would do them harm.

The staff was a long stick with a curved end that could be used as a weapon if needed, but its primary purpose is to protect the sheep from themselves. The staff corrects the path of wayward sheep by gentle nudges or perhaps not so gentle for those more prone to wander. The crooked end is perfect for lifting those who have fallen or become stuck.

There rod to protect from outside threats and the staff to protect them from themselves.

Truly ,I fear no harm, for he is with me.

All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

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