Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Scriptures in the entire Bible. Its simple yet profound truths have provided comfort to millions for three millennia. My friends have plenty of ideas about what King David meant when he wrote, ƵThe Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.Ƶ
Every year on Independence Day, I begin reading a book that pertains to our nationƵs founding or significant history. Sometimes it is as fundamental as our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Both are relatively short reads, but they set out what our country is all about.
Genesis chapter three promises us all something that we each get to experience in various ways; pain. After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the promise that God made to them begin to come to pass. Death entered the human race and with it we all would experience a life marked by pain. Eve was promised that in pain and sorrow she would bear children. Adam was promised the pain of thorns and thistles as he worked to provide food, shelter, and protection for his family. Our experiences match up with our first parents. No matter the technological advances, pain and death remain.
Recently my wife gave me a book of various types of word puzzles. I have enjoyed spending some of my leisure time working through its pages, finding some of the puzzles more challenging than others. There have been a few occasions where I have gotten stuck or simply gave up on completing one of the puzzles.
The greatest gift God gave to us was JesusƵ death and resurrection to pay the penalty for our sins. His second greatest gift was giving us the law at Mount Sinai. The law defined sin and showed us our need for a Savior. Importantly, it also showed us how to love God.
FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK; FOR IT IS YOUR FATHER'S GOOD PLEASURE TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM! LUKE 12:32
Well, here we are to the final two chapters of Daniel. They tie together so if you get a chance to read them today or this week I encourage you to do that. These are the passages that I struggle with. ƵThe king of the south (Daneil 11:11) and the king of the north (Daniel 11: 15)Ƶ and all that will come do this and that resulting in this and that.
The Fourth of July is now in the rearview, but letƵs not forget why we celebrate. ItƵs more than a day to gather with friends and family for a cookout, cool off at River Springs, or enjoy the spectacular fireworks hosted by the Owatonna Early Edition Rotary Club. While we all love a day off, especially when it extends into a long weekend, thatƵs not the real reason for the holiday.
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