Dear friends,
This morning I discovered an excellent series of messages by Pastor James MacDonald, based on Psalm 23. This four-part series is available at: https://www.jamesmacdonald.com. As a child, I memorized this well-loved portion of Scripture, without taking much time to ponder the meaning of the words of the psalmist. More than ever, believers need to meditate on God’s Word and ask the Lord to help us to do His will.
As we enter into a new season, we would do well to consider how we can take care of our soul. Just as cooler weather brings a greater vitality to many people physically, so times of spiritual refreshment help us to face challenges that are sure to come our way.
When I was a student at Concordia University in Montreal, I looked forward to weekly meetings of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, as Bible studies, singing and times of sharing helped recharge my spiritual batteries. In recent years, Karen and I have been blessed by being in a small group in our home church. In contrast to the lyrics of the popular song of years ago – “I Am a Rock” – we need others’ input in our lives. The Lord uses the encouragements and admonishments of brothers and sisters in Christ to help us mature in the faith.
If you read this blog regularly, you will remember that I have asked prayer for J.P. several times. He lives in a facility for people with mental health challenges and I have had the privilege of visiting him several times. He phoned on Tuesday to tell me that his mother died. Please pray that J.P. will know the Lord’s comfort and that his brother will trust in the Lord.
Scripture for the weekend: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe.
By His grace,
Steve