Making the Bible Personal

A friend of mine gave me a  copy of a page in the December 2000 issue of Decision Magazine. In it, the author examines Psalm 23 one concept at a time and suggests what each means for us today.



Psalm 23 For Me

The Lord is my Shepherd.

Safety

I shall not want.

Supply

He makes me lie down in green pastures

Peace

He leads me beside still waters.

Harmony

He restores my soul.

Healing

He leads me in the paths of righteousness.

Guidance
For His name's sake.

Purpose

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Darkness

I will fear no evil.

Confidence

For You are with me;

Protection

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Instruction

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;

Provision

Thou anointest my head with oil.

Consecration

My cup runneth over.

Abundance

Surely goodness and  mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

Loving Care

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Eternal Home.

I've read Psalm 23 many times, but not until I read this breakdown of the concepts did it mean so much.

When I look at each of these,  I realize just how much God gives us, and wants for us.  For me, guidance is one of the key needs in my life, especially since so much changes in today's world. 

How 'bout you?  Have you ever considered how much Psalm 23 tells us about God and His provisions for us? What strikes you as most significant? 

The Great I AM

Anxious
from Phoney Nickle

I was regretting the past

and fearing the future.

Suddenly, my Lord was speaking.

"My Name is I AM"

He paused. I waited.  He continued:

When you live in the past, 

With it mistakes and regrets, 

It is hard. 

My name is not I WAS.

When you live in the future,

With its problems and fears,

It is hard.

My name is not I WILL BE.

When you live in this moment, 

It is not too hard.

I am here.

My name is I AM


by Helen Mallicoat

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) 

When Life Throws Us A Curve

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

Yesterday, in an effort to encourage me, a friend e-mailed me these words to an old hymn.  As I looked at the e-mail again today, it struck me.  It’s easy (at least for me) to take things for granted when life’s going well.  But when the going gets tough, we sit up and take notice.  And we may complain, “Why, God?”  We may even get mad at Him. 

But He stays right beside us. Despite our protests, and complaints, He never leaves our side. 

Even if the situation doesn’t change, He gives us the strength to endure it.  To persevere one step at a time.  We receive His mercy as He never gives more than we can handle as we walk with Him. 

And when we surrender it all, because we realize we can do no more, He gives us His peace.  It’s ours for the taking. 

If only I could remember this as trials come up. I’ll try to remember this as I go about my day. Every day. I think it’ll  change my attitude, and how I experience the everything that comes up, even if the outcome doesn’t change.   What do you think?