Photography

Valley of the Shadow – Part 2

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

…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  Psalm 23:4-5

In David’s Psalm I often picture a meadow of the greenest grass in the very heart of the dark valley. There, while the enemies of the sheep peered down sept-oct-2013-025_crop_cropfrom the rocks, the Good Shepherd stood guard over the sheep as they grazed. They calmly eat then lie down to rest, trusting that they are safe. When they hear the silent footsteps of the enemy or see a shadow move in the distance, they have only to glance up to reassure themselves that the shepherd’s staff and his heavy rod are there. Then they rest their heads back down on their hooves and sleep.

What enemies are you facing today? What fear is keeping you from finding green pastures to rest in? When you trust in Jesus Christ as your Good Shepherd you will discover that He has also prepared a table for you. It does not matter what dangers you face, His rod and staff will keep you in perfect peace even in the presence of your enemies!

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We’ll Meet Face to Face

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We’ll Meet Face to Face

 

Am I learning to be thankful in the way you told me to?

To have that true and faithful heart that trusts the whole day through?

Will I walk with blinders on seeing just my own small world?

Or can I find the grace and strength to bind another’s wounds?

 

When weakness looms I pull the shades and double lock my door

No limping step, no bleeding lip, no bruises cuts or sores

No fever hot, no icy chills, no loss of any kind

Will I accept within my home just sweet and sunny times

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Yet in the silence of the night when sleep is sliding by

I awake with faith and doubt engaging in a fight

The Spirit stirs and takes a stand while flesh just moans and sighs

Then in my weakest moment when I feel I can’t keep on

My Savior stoops and picks me up and holds me in His arms

 

Son you see these troubles come

While we are in this world

There is a Battle in your soul

To turn you from the goal

But set your eyes upon the prize

That pearl of greatest price

Is waiting for you in my hands

When we meet face to face

 

The everlasting hills

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The blessings of your father Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers Genesis 49:26

There are times to walk through the valleys, but God has also called us to the everlasting hills. Only on those hills where we walk alone with God can He give us the blessings we will pass on to the next generation.On the mountain Abraham offered his son and discovered that God had provided a lamb.  On the mountain Moses’ face began to glow in God’s presence then He was given the ten commandments on stone tablets.On the mountain Elijah saw the earthquake, the hurricane and the fire then he heard the still voice of God for Israel’s future.On the mountain Jesus prayed all night before He chose the twelve apostles. But of all these blessings which God gave none was greater than when He gave eternal life on the mountain called Calvary.

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur or hear the brook

Or feel the gentle breeze…then sings my soul!   Carl Boberg

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