Day 72 Time

 

3/13/2026

"A most beneficial exercise in secret prayer 

before the Father is to write things down so that

I see exactly what I think and want to say. Only those

who have tried these ways know the ineffable 

benefit of such strenuous times in secret." 

Oswald Chambers

 

Blustery winds have continued to blow all day long today, making the temperatures much lower than those earlier in the week. Storm clouds are forming in the Midwest and Southwest for the possibility of real arctic weather. What a turnaround in weather for all of us. 

Sadly, I haven't been very productive today, but rather contemplative, if that's permissible from time to time, I believe. My reading this morning was seemed splintered or somewhat opposing to each other. I finished up reading last chapters of the book of Judges that ended with the almost total annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, and ended reading the book of Ruth. After the death of Joshua, Israel fell back into the old sin patterns, and everyone did as they thought was best. When things got really bad, God used the heathen nations to punish them, until in their distress the people cried out to the Lord. All through history, no matter how badly God's people rebelled and sinned, whenever they cried out, He answered. During this time period, God appointed judges who ruled over the nation by conquering their enemies, and restoring peace. 

Against the backdrop of the period of the judges, during a time of famine a man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem, moved his family to Moab. Along with him were Naomi, his wife; and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The sons married two girls from Moab - Ruth and Orpah. When Naomi's husband and later her two sons died, Naomi decided it was time to return to Israel. Although the two daughters-in-law wanted to go with Naomi, she told them both to return to their homes, so they could find husbands. Orpah finally departed, but Ruth did not want to leave Naomi. These are her words to Naomi:

"Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me." (Ruth 1:61-17) 

The book of Ruth is a powerful love story about Ruth's marriage to Naomi's relative, Boaz who portrays the kinsman redeemer. Ruth has a son, Obed, who becomes the father of Jesse, who was the father of David who later became King of Israel. Ruth the Moabitess became a member of the royal lineage of Jesus Christ, Our Messiah. It's a beautiful story and demonstrates that God's ways are much higher than ours. I think about Tamar and Rehab who were also included in the lineage of Christ. When I read these accounts, it renews my hope. God's ways are so much higher than mine, and His thoughts than my thoughts. He is from the beginning to the end, and He upholds us with His righteous right hand.

This afternoon I was reminded that time is our most precious gift, and we need to use it wisely and intentionally. The hour of the church is growing to a close, and we cannot waste any more time, distracted by things that look good and acceptable, but that are taking the time away from God's focus for this hour. The days are darkening, and at any time the Lord could return. Our lamps must be lit, and we must be ready. Each day must be intentional, and each voice must speak out for righteousness and truth. There is no time to waste. Make certain your election is sure. 

Day 71 A True Heart

 

3/12/2026

"...let us draw near with a true heart in

full assurance of faith..."

Hebrews 10:22 

 

True to the weather reports, my morning began with overcast skies, increasing winds, followed by rain mixed with ice and snow, changing to light snowfall that managed to cover the ground lightly, before the weather changed its focus to a semi-sunny afternoon. The weather has remained cold and a bit balmy, so I can hardly wait to see what the morning will bring. The week began with warmer weather going up to 80 degrees yesterday afternoon, so this sudden change was somewhat unexpected, even though we are still in the month of March. I had planned to go to Trader Joe's tomorrow afternoon, but I may decide to stay home and finish catching up on my chores. I doubt the weather will allow for outside garden chores, but I could be wrong, as I often am when it comes to predicting weather.

The quiet morning provided a little extra leisure as I prayed about the day ahead. Thursday evening I host a Bible study group, so I usually finish up going over the message notes. Deciding to put that for later, I turned to my study of the book of Hebrews using Andrew Murray's companion book entitled The Holiest of All. I have been ambling through this intense study, that is closely linked to the Old Testament book of Leviticus, for quite some time. There is so much depth in these scriptures, as it relates to the Holy Priesthood of Christ, that I have to savor it a bite at a time, if that makes sense. This is why I feel the only way to study the scriptures is line by line, precept by precept. I believe that's the whole idea, wouldn't you think? 

In Chapter 10 of Hebrews the author, who is unknown, speaks of drawing near to God with a true heart. In order to look at this thought, I prefer to include the entire portion of scripture in order to view the context:

"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."                 (Hebrews 10:19-25)

In this section of the chapter, the author is exhorting the Hebrew believers to hold fast to their confession of faith in Jesus Christ whose death tore the veil in the temple, allowing all who believed full access to God, to His throne of grace, a privilege previously only allowed to the high priest only one time a year for atonement of the sins of the nation. In Chapter 8:10 speaking of the New Covenant through Christ's death and resurrection, he says: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD; I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

God encourages us to draw near to Him. He has always longed for fellowship with man, but this is not to be confused with religion that is more of head knowledge and doing rather than being. The first thing that He asks of us is to enter into His holy place with a true heart, with desires fixed upon Him, drawing near from a place of total surrender, yielded to Him, true to Him only. In Chapter 3 God speaks of hardened hearts, wandering hearts, and unbelieving hearts, but here God says He will put His laws into our minds, giving us a new heart, one desiring to abide in Him. God asks for our hearts, a heart ready to obey, to trust, to find the life He offers in the secret place of the most high. A pursuit of holiness, a deep spiritual hunger to live a life of full fellowship with God who is the Holy One. It is here, from this place, He calls us to draw near and receive the blessing. "Let us draw near with a true heart."

Day 70 My Soul Waits

 

3/11/2026

"Prayer does not mean simply to pour out one's heart. 

It means rather to find the way to God and to speak with Him,

whether the heart is full or empty. No man can do that

by himself. For that he needs Jesus Christ."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

and in His word I do hope."

Psalm 130:5   

 

Do you ever feel that too much is happening way too fast? I feel as if my head is constantly spinning, and I hardly have a chance to recuperate before something else is thrown in my direction. I remember so many times in my life when I had to deal with opposing views and find some semblance of rationale in the mix. Why is it so hard for adults to behave respectfully towards one another? 

The home across from ours is occupied by a few guys who cut trees and clean forests debris for a living, or so it seems, as they often bring home large loads of cut timber or branches and other forest debris. Yesterday they brought home four logs that took up the entire truck bed of the semi-truck they were using. As they slowly came up the hill approaching their driveway, the van that drove up behind them began impatiently laying on the horn. The truck had stopped, probably to access how to best pull into their driveway with that extra large load. The van pulled around the truck eventually, then the men in the van got out, and they began yelling at the men in the semi. Fortunately the only ones yelling were the men in the van, perhaps because the semi-drivers only spoke Spanish, or maybe they were speechless at this rude behavior. After that embarrassing situation ended, the men got back into their van, drove a few feet further and turned into their own driveway. Rather than cause all this fuss, the van could have easily taken the street at the other end of the road, sparing the neighborhood of this show. And we wonder why our children and grandchildren are so confused and behave poorly. I imagine we could have become enraged, because the truck pulled into our yard while attempting to back the semi into their driveway, but what good would come of it?!

For the past three days I have been outside battling with thorns and thistles, hacking out the wild vines sucking the life from my once vibrant bushes. I had hoped to burn the thorny culprits this afternoon, but winds picked up, so the vicious species lay waiting for another day. I still have a fair amount of work remaining, aside from the burning, that will not require a long time, as the fire seems to snap them up quickly. I love working in the garden, or in this case, in the bushes, as it is peaceful and there is a sense of satisfaction in seeing a job well done. When my son helps, it makes the job lighter, and it is more enjoyable laughing over silly things. The only hitch in the process is that thorns prick the skin, causing an allergic reaction, and the histamines cause intense itching. It's hard not to scratch itching skin, but that will only make the problem worse. It's nearly impossible not to scratch them in the night unless I bandage my arm. With the stronger winds this afternoon, there is also the threat of rain mixed with snow tomorrow, so that allows time for my wounds to heal. I find it hard to believe that 80 degrees temperature today would change to 40 degrees in such a short time, but it is getting cooler already, and temperatures are falling. 

Back inside, I was once more confronted with the concerns I temporarily laid aside in order to do my yard work, although out of sight is never out of mind and heart. I initially mentioned that things were happening too quickly, but this is the reality I face daily as we stand with Israel during this time of war. As the world is becoming increasing aware, the situation involving Israel and Iran has evolved into a much larger crisis involving several countries now, and America at the lead as we stand with Israel. That in itself is very much a concern, but there are many other problems that exist within our nation and without, that are also of grave concern. Whenever there is war, many people suffer, but the underlying problems have been quietly dormant and in many respects hidden. In America, the discord within our nation, that was already out of control, has become louder, and it seems as if finding common ground is becoming harder, while the rest of the world, especially our enemies, are watching. Although each situation is extremely important, often critical, they become distractions from the main focus of our prayer. I am so grateful for my daily prayer calls, because standing in prayer together, we are able to discern the enemy's tactics. But honestly, it can be exhausting, and heartbreaking at the same time. So we have to find balance in our lives, so we are able to rest and refresh in order to remain alert. There are days when going emails to obtain updates is exhausting.

The only way I can get up in the morning to face another day is knowing that my confidence does not rest in man, military strength, or in the hands of powerful rulers or leaders. My hope is in the Lord who made heaven and earth. When I open my eyes, and take the first breath of air into my lungs, I rejoice in the day the Lord has made, that He has given me another chance to serve Him. My first priority of each day is spend time alone with Him, listening, worshiping, and reading His Word, because His Word is life. We must abide in His Presence where there is fullness of joy. Once you come to know Him, you will discover that it is true. Days can be difficult, but fighting for freedom is never free. It comes at a cost, a very high cost, and the real freedom is found only in Christ. May Jesus be the center of your life. 

Day 69 God's Ways

 

2/10/2026

"It's true God never changes, but He

continually surprises."

Daily Walk  

 

Yesterday, as we prayed for the current situation with the war between the evil jihad in Iran and Israel, we revisited the condition of the modern day church, that is, the body of Christ. There is the growing concern about where the modern church stands with regard to scripture and the end time restoration of Israel. I have been concerned for quite some time, and I have spoken about this subject many times, but I feel as if my words, as those of many scholars and allies of Israel, God's chosen people, have fallen upon deaf ears. Why is it that the church has become so blinded and self-absorbed that they cannot see within the print on the pages of the Bible, the truth of what God has written in His inspired word? As with the church of Ephesus that the Lord addresses in Revelation, the church has lost its first love. As with others warned in Revelation, the church has tolerated sin within the camp, and with others the love has grown lukewarm. Is it apathy? Indifference? Ignorance? Fear? We speak of revival, but revival cannot come to a church whose mind is steeped in religion, and whose hearts are not totally yielded to the love of God.

Many churches are preaching godly messages, even teaching total books of the Bible, line by line. They have discipleship classes in the evening and Bible studies during the days, and they are growing in popularity, because of the music or children's ministries, and outreach to foreign missions. All good things, but as the church is growing, increasing in membership, acquiring bigger and better buildings, what is being left undone? What does the Lord require of us? I was asked this question once, and to me the answer is so obvious, as it was spoken by the prophet Micah: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

The Word of God is changeless, yet some forget the whole counsel of the word God has spoken, especially with regard to the covenants. The different denominations or non-denominations all have their beliefs and what truths they adhere to, when Jesus did not minister in this way, nor do I believe it was His intention for things to become so divided and self-centered all in His name. It is a good thing that God looks upon the heart of man. When Jesus began His ministry, His first words were to repent for the kingdom of God was at hand. His forerunner, John the Baptist, echoed these words before Jesus began His public ministry. Why is repentance seen as such an unholy word to some today? I repent every day, and to me it is so refreshing to examine my heart and stay clean before a holy God. So much ugliness filters into our lives through conversation, television, social media, advertisements are especially cruel and full of deception and lies, and so many buy into the evil and follow it. Both John the Baptist and Jesus confronted the evil of the day. They didn't hide it or try to work around it, rather they confronted it and shared the deception with the people. They educated and confronted. So why is it that pastors are not warning their sheep of destructive heresy that is taking over in our nation? Is it truly to protect others so they will not worry? We need to be told the truth, and every word that goes forth attempting to sway our opinions or instruct us in what is best for the nation, needs to be judged against the word of God. People need to be informed, or like wayward sheep, they stray, then pay the price of carelessness. The church needs to awaken and become bold, as Jesus was bold.

My heart is so troubled these days that I spend much of my quiet time before God crying for the church. There is so much division within the church regarding God's chosen people and the restoration of Israel in the end times. I have spoken countless times of the heresy within the church called Replacement Theology which teaches that the church has taken the place of Israel through the new covenant, even though the truth of our place as Gentile believers in Christ is clearly spelled out in bold terms by the Apostle Paul in the Romans, Chapters 9 - 11. Yet, it is ignored, but the truth is, salvation comes through the Jews (John 4:22). Something needs to change, as a house divided cannot stand. Things have become so self-centered, concerned only with "my ministry," but isn't the church God's, and do we really consult Him? When we look at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, it was rather simple, as is His mandate to His followers in Matthew 28:18-20, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, He sent them two by two, and He told them not to take money, or food, or an extra tunic, or an extra pair of sandals, only a walking stick. He commanded them to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons. Jesus did not need a church building, and He didn't require money. Spreading the gospel message was simply done, trusting in God's providence. We quote the scripture about God providing all of our needs when it works for us. Do we really believe it enough to just test Him? I remember many years ago when I spent time with Youth with a Mission, about testimonies of God's provision. Once when one of the young people felt led by the Lord to go to a certain country, he questioned God, because he did not have the money. Yet, the call was urgent within his heart. So he packed his bags, went to the airport, and stood in line, penniless. As he was nearing the counter, someone came up to him and handed him some money, saying God had asked him to give the man this money. When his turn came at the counter, the agent told the young man the cost, and as he opened his hand and began to count out the money he had been provided, it came to the exact amount of the flight, to the penny. Only God can do that! Loren Cunningham, who started Youth with a Mission after receiving a vision from the Lord of thousands of young people coming to the Lord, as the waves of the sea, has testified of many such times of provision as I just described. It is no coincidence, but a sovereign move of an Almighty God who uses those who answer His call.

Later in the book of Acts the disciples gathered together, and each had their own job to do, and the church exploded in growth, so more and more people were reached, because they kept it simple. The focus was not church growth, but on making disciples who would then, in turn, make disciples, and spread the message of Jesus Christ. Once when Jesus was ministering, He was approached by a scribe (Matthew 8:18-22):

"And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, 'Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.' And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.' Then another of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.'"

There is a high cost of discipleship when we choose to follow Him wholeheartedly. This does not mean that modern day churches or ministries should not have buildings or programs or experience growth, but we must examine the motives of our hearts, and we must not simply be concerned with our own agendas. And we must rightly divide the Word of Truth. 

When my husband went on a missionary trip to the Dominican Republic in the 1980's to build a church for the Christians there, he said that they had barely raised the sides of the building, still needing to put on the roof, before the people came into the unfinished church to worship the Lord. They came in singing with tambourines, and he said the presence of the Lord was in that meeting. I recently saw a movie where someone burned down the church, and rather than hide in their homes or worship in a salon, the people were gathered outside the town in a cove, benches prepared from boards and tree stumps, and they worshiped and were encouraged. When a heart truly desires to follow Christ and worship God in the spirit of holiness, there are no limitations to what only God can do! 

Day 68 Little Things

 

3/9/2026

"And He is the head of the body, the church, 

who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,

that in all things He may have the preeminence."

Colossians 1:18  

 

This morning I woke up sharply at 8 am, as the alarm clock didn't go off at the usual time. Fortunately, my biological time clock rang louder. The house was still. Daniel was softly snoring on the sofa in the living room, otherwise all was silent and calm. A dense fog was rising from the ground, and a couple of cars were passing by on the lonely highway that runs across from the house. There's some activity at the church across the way announcing school in session. Blooms are forming on the bushes along the back of the yard, but the thorns and thistles threaten to choke out the beauty of the natural bush. Last year I worked hard and long trying to rid the trees of a nasty vine that has been choking the life from the crepe myrtle trees. The same vine is threatening my bushes along the back, so we are working against time to try to cut them back and dig out the vines.

As I grabbed a cup of coffee before sitting down to my quiet time alone with God, I tried to refocus my mind as I glanced at the news from Israel. Over recent days the war has been accelerating, and other countries are responding to attacks made on their countries by Iran. My email was packed with similar information stating the same things. I'm learning how to glean my emails, deleting the repetitious ones or those that appear to rant and rave. I've decided that I need to prioritize my mail and unsubscribe to others. I think I must be on everyone's mailing list, as it never seems to slow down. I must not allow it to consume my thoughts, so I realign my focus to seeking God's face before anything else. He must have preeminence. 

When I passed by the living room my son was waking up. He told me that he'd been up since 2 am. He had plans to take our car in for a check up, but the fog put a damper on those plans. Since the accident in December, we prefer to stay closer to home, limiting travel on days when the weather is uncertain. Fog is very dangerous to drive in, so plans changed, and the day was rearranged to another focus, another task. That's progress, as there have been many times when change had to be planned out in advance. I think it's a victory to say that tasks can now be completed without prior planning or notice, and no longer have to be scheduled. When one is dealing with depression, mental health challenges, and a past that flies in the face, and voices that echo the lies of the enemy, it is understandable that change cannot come easily. But now, I see new hope, and that brightens and lights up my day.

Day 67 Yes, I See

 

3/8/2026

"It is blessed to know of a place where we can

lay our tired head and heart, our heavenly Father's 

arms, and say to Him, 'I can do no more. And I have

nothing to tell you. May I lie here a while and rest?

Everything will soon be well again if I can only

rest in Your arms a while."

 

O. Hallesby

 

 

Here I am, sitting on a log, looking down at the grass, lost in my thoughts, feeling small and vulnerable, the noise in my head threatening to steal my peace, my joy. It's lonely sitting on this log, alone, weary, and afraid, but help is on the way. Soon I'll see a car pass by, and a stranger will smile and wave a friendly hello. The birds will eat the crumbs left on the meadow grass, then happily fly away. The sun is slowly rising and hope is on the way.

 

There are days when I feel "stuck" not knowing what to do. For a few months now my normal life has been changed, and when things finally appear to look hopeful, another potential snag threatens the peace that has been gained. Yet this time there's a difference, there's awareness, yet a calming feeling as if no matter what comes, it is well. As if in affirmation I hear the words "it is well with my soul" softly playing in the background. And I know that it is well with my soul, and in my life, because great is the faithfulness of the Lord. Again, confirmation comes "Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be." 

 

It appears as if the Lord is sitting here beside me on my lonely log, no longer alone but resting in the arms of my Savior and Lord. He's assuring me of His love, and He's singing to me, reminding me of His faithfulness. He sent the stranger's smile and wave of affirmation. He sent the birds to dine and happily fly away, and He sent the sun to awaken the sky and shine the light of His countenance. He is reminding me that it's a new day, and although the clouds may appear in the sky, He is always with me. Never be afraid to start again, as many times as it takes, no matter what another may say to hurt and harm, He changes not, and His compassion never fails, great is His faithfulness.

 

Day 66 Jesus, Our Shepherd

 

3/7/2026

"As the Father knows Me, even so I know

the Father; and I lay down my

life for the sheep."

John 10:15

 

Yesterday, after fueling up with the Word of God, I put on my work gloves, grabbed my yard tools, and I worked the better part of the day outside. Physical labor, although unkind to lazy muscles from winter slumber, is so energizing, and playing in the dirt is something I enjoy. As a kid I used to love making mud pies, but I had no such luxury today as there was much work to be done. I love getting my hands dirty, working the soil, so later on I can see the fruit of my labor spring forth an abundant harvest. It was a good day and much was accomplished. 

Today I enjoyed a quiet, peaceful, and restful Sabbath day. I woke up around 3 am to let Alex, my cat,  outside, as he's an early morning riser who enjoys making his visits around the neighborhood before circling back around to the field that lies dormant beside my home. He's a natural born mouser, so he enjoys waiting and watching, just as the sun rises and unsuspecting field mice come out to play. It's the highlight of my neighbor's day when she sees him stalking his prey. It seems as if the little fellow brightens many lives, and I am so grateful that God sent him to my doorstep for his forever home. Although with spring around the corner, I have been seeing less of him inside lounging on my bed, but he's a free spirit, and he knows where to come if the need arises. I know Abba watches over him, as He watches over all of His furry creatures.

Since I was up already I decided to turn on the early morning Sabbath service from Kehilat HaCarmel in Israel. Since the alerts have been sounding continuously, everyone needs to stay close to bomb shelters, so the service was abbreviated somewhat. Pastor Danny shared from Psalm 23, a favorite passage of scripture that many people have memorized. His dad was a shepherd, so growing up he knew firsthand how to interpret David's psalm to make it relevant for today. Jesus always taught in parables, using examples common to life, as did David when he watched his flock on a mountainside communing with God.  There's an author I enjoy, Phillip Keller, who wrote several books based on his life as a shepherd, comparing a shepherd's role in caring for his flock with that of Jesus, our Great Shepherd. David must have spent many hours alone in the fields, sitting on the hillside guarding his sheep, communing with God, growing in wisdom and understanding. In Psalm 23, David has a deep knowledge of how our Shepherd watches over us, His flock, as he watches over and protects his sheep.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). The Shepherd takes care of His sheep by providing shelter, by feeding them, and protecting them from predators. His sheep know His voice and respond to Him. In John 10:14 Jesus says I am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. When shepherds brought their sheep to the well for watering, the different flocks would mingle together, but when the shepherd called his sheep by name, they would recognize their shepherd's voice and follow him (John 10:3). The sheep know that the shepherd takes care of all their needs.

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters" (verse 2).  Sheep are very timid, and they become tense and fearful if they suspect any hint of a threat. They are unable to lay down or have peace until certain things are done. They must be fed, be free of parasites, and there can be no contention or quarreling among the sheep so they can relax and rest. The shepherd makes certain that all these needs are met, so they will lay down. It's interesting to me that in spite of all the alerts in Israel of incoming rockets, missiles, or drones where the people must hurry to safety in a limited amount of time, never knowing for certain if the their shelter will be hit, the people are able to find peace and rest. Only God, our loving Father, our Good Shepherd can bring them, and us, to a place of rest and peace in the midst of storms. We look to Him from whom our help comes from.

"He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (verse 3). After a night of sleep and rest, the sheep are ready to head back out to the pastures where they will graze during the day. The shepherd guides them along the way that is safe, avoiding hazardous ravines or areas where predators are known to hang out. He must lead them, because if sheep are left alone, they will wander off, and either get lost or fall into some disaster. They depend on the presence of the shepherd to guard and protect them. Proverbs 4:25-27 says, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or to the left. Remove your foot from evil."

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (verse 4). Like a shepherd guides his flock along the well trodden path other flocks have roamed, providing a sure path of safety, so the Good Shepherd guides us along the straight and narrows pathways, remaining beside us, even in times of struggle and hardship. The Israeli people certainly understand what it means to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, as they are continuously being fired at, but they know that God will protect them. Huddled in the shelters, the children feel safe, because their parents are there with them. The parents reassure the children of God's unfailing love, so they do not fear. Even though the sheep walk through deep, narrow, often dangerous valleys where there are animals lurking in the shadows to prey on them, they know that the shepherd will guard them and keep them safe from any danger. The shepherd carries a rod to keep predators away, and he carries a staff with a crooked end that helps to pull the sheep back onto the path, if they veer off or become caught in the brush. These tools are signs of strength and protection.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over" (verse 5). As the shepherd herds his sheep to fertile grasslands where they can feed, there may be predators watching in the trees, but the sheep know they will be protected, because they are loved. Although the enemy is encamped around about Israel, the Good Shepherd prepares a feast for the people, and the enemy cannot touch them. We have peace in our homes even when there may be chaos outside, where we can commune with our Father knowing He is in the midst of us. The shepherd anoints the sheep's head with oil to protect them from insects and parasites that burrow down into their skin and into their nasal passages. It soothes wounds and heals scabs, and it acts to soothe them and keep them peaceful. In ancient days, it was customary for the host whose home one was visiting to anoint the visitor's head with oil as a sign of blessing. An overflowing cup suggests abundance and blessing, and it represents the fact that our God doesn't just provide for our needs, but He blesses us in abundance.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (verse 6). In these closing lines, David is expressing the goodness of our God in providing for our needs always, and the blessing we will receive will be eternal life spent with Him. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!