Welcome...(# 9)

to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Remember our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning.

I must admit to you all - I am having a hard time focusing. :) It is late Monday night...and I think there are a couple of reasons:

First of all - this past week we had the extremes that I mentioned earlier...

From glorious celebration of new life with my new grandson- to the diagnosis of Cancer with my mom - to the leaving for the first leg of deployment for my son. Extremes.

(The best part of the week for me has been the precious opportunity to help out with the new grandson. I even love the middle of the night feeding. Those precious eyes staring up at me as he takes his bottle makes my heart skip a beat. Joy - pure joy.)

Second - tonight...

I am loving the Theology Reading group that I mentioned in my last blog post... but wow - what a lesson tonight. Chapter five was on the Pleasure of God in Election. If ever there is a subject that will stretch your brain - it would have to be that one. Our finite (human) minds cannot truly grasp the truth of an infinite God or His ways. So, I am still processing alot of the truth discussed in this chapter and tonights discussion. So, my "focus" button is not working well. LOL

But how fitting to have this very familiar passage of scripture to share with you from this week's reading plan.

Psalm 23 (Amplified Bible)

1 THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not
lack.
2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me
beside the still and restful waters.
3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.
4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to
guide], they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days
of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His
presence] shall be my dwelling place.

This is one of the first complete chapters of the Bible that I ever memorized (of course it was from the KJV). It is a passage that has been used so many times to comfort those in times of need. It is/was a passage for me this week.

The Lord is my Shepherd... he is not at all surprised by any of this. He is leading me. He is the one to restore me. He is with me - with all that is going on.

I love this part... his rod - to protect and his staff - to guide... they comfort me.

I am to be reminded that even in the presence of enemies - He still prepares a table for me. One commentator said this about this verse: God promises to bless us even though enemies may surround us. Not only will He supply our needs, but He will supply "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).

His goodness, mercy and unfailing love - will be with me all the days of my life.

Precious truths to hold on to... familiar verses... fresh application...

Laying down in a green pasture... being restored even now.

Thank you Father.

Now, your turn. Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us.