March 13, 2017
Psalm 23:3-4 
 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.

New International Version (NIV)
               Siri is great.  Until she isn’t.  This is especially true with directions.  How did we find our way around before our smart phones pointed out the fastest paths?  I called my assistant Cindy and my fellow pastor Larry Bertrand.  Like sheep, we need a Shepherd, not only to provide for us but to guide us.

                Wait.  If God is leading us then why do we ever go through dark valleys?  Especially, why do we go through the valley of the shadow of death?  If God is guiding, why doesn’t he just lead down another path?

                I learn a lot about God’s protection as I watch our daughter Casey care for her heifer Maylee.  I write after a day in the barn getting our heifer ready for her big show in Austin tomorrow and Houston on Saturday.  Maylee is startled by the blowdryer and by the kind man who comes with electric clippers to cut her hair.  Strange sensations and sounds startle her.  But one touch from Casey, or a whisper in her ear calms her down.  Thankfully she survives the makeover. 

                God’s does not promise us as his people that we will never go through the fearful valley of the shadow of death.  Believers and unbelievers alike face the fearsome prospect of death.   Instead God promises to be with us as we go through that valley.   We, too, survive the makeover.  No matter what we face today, we will face it with God because he has said, “Never will I forsake you.  Never will I leave you.”  This will not change on the day of our death.  But we will!  Hold on to this hope as God holds on to you.  
Pray with me:  
Father, give us grace to bring all of our fears into your presence, just now.  Shine your light on the scary shadows so that we never forget your presence and your power to protect us.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.
I want to invite you to join me in memorizing 52 passages this year from the 2017 set of Fighter Verses.  You can find the Fighter Verses App at the App Store on your phones or via this link  http://fighterverses.com/the-verses/fighter-verses/As we study the Bible this year, let's look at each text and learn what it says about God. 
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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