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June 27, 2019

The word Sabbath means to cease. So as Dr. Brooks is away on sabbatical, we will be using his original devotionals from 2009 on the book of Psalms. He will resume The Bible Project devotionals upon his return. Thank you for reading with us and praying for him as he replenishes his soul for the next seven years of ministry.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
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 your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.
New International Version (NIV)

What is it like to walk with God? David offers us three analogies in this most memorable psalm. First, God is our Shepherd and we are his sheep. We see this same theme in the Old 100th. As our Shepherd God provides everything we need. Notice the quietness of this relationship. We lie down in green pastures, we are led beside quiet waters. As a boy, I lived in a tiny village called Schrollbach, West Germany. In the summer time, my brother Dan and I went on adventures through the lush green meadows which surrounded the hamlet. We found quiet streams and looked up into the sky. In hindsight, it must have been ideal for the sheep who lived in the area. It was great for boys as well. God also provides direction and protection as our Shepherd. His presence comforts us.

Second, God is a Gracious Host and we are his guests. Think of all that God has provided for us in the banquet we call life. Jesus told stories of invitations to great banquets. In the movie Antwone Fisher, an angry young man who had been abandoned by his parents found his extended family as an adult. His grandmother, the matriarch of the family smiles and warmly says, “Welcome.” He has dreamed of such a gathering and his dream comes true. Someday our heavenly Father will say, “Come for all things are now ready.” Already we can taste the sumptuous fare of his grace and love poured out, overflowing into our lives.

Third, God is a Father and we are his children. His goodness and love pursue us throughout our lives here. Thankfully, this life is not the end. We will dwell not as guests but as members of his family in his house. Forever. Spend a little time today thinking about God our Shepherd, Host, and Father. Are you living fully in his love today? Let’s rest in him, feast in his presence and trust him for the future.

This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan. Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download
the app at readscripture.org. Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully,
Duane

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Houston, TX | 77024 US

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