Journal for Christ

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The Way Up is Down

The title for this blog entry comes from the worship and witness sections rather than the WORD section.

October 24, 2015:

Worship: Humble Thyself by Maranatha Singers

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord;

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord.

And He (And He) shall lift (shall lift)

You up (higher and higher)

And He (And He) shall lift (shall lift) you up.

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord;

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord.

And He (And He) shall lift (shall lift)

You up (higher and higher)

And He (And He) shall lift (shall lift) you up.

And He (And He) shall lift (shall lift)

You up (up into heaven)

And He (And He) shall lift (shall lift) you up

http://www.hymnlyrics.org/newlyrics_h/humble_thyself_in_the_sight_of_the_lord.php

Video:

https://youtu.be/sU8MAQKSbEI?list=RDsU8MAQKSbEI

Who is the man to whom the Lord will have regard

He who is broken and has a humble heart

God is not impressed with the loftiness of man

For everything was made for Him and comes from His own hand

So humble yourself before your Lord and King

Give Him your heart, offer your everything

There’s no limit on the love He has for you

So humble yourself and see what God will do

Who are the people that the Lord will bless

Those who love and fear Him, and seek His righteousness

Nothing else in all the world can satisfy your soul

But the One who made the universe, He longs to make you whole

So humble yourself before your Lord and King

Give Him your heart, offer your everything

There’s no limit on the love He has for you

So humble yourself and see what God will do

“If My people humble themselves and pray

I will hear them and lead them in My way”

So humble yourself and let Him have His way

Love His word and His will obey

For His eyes are on the one who’s heart is true

So humble yourself and see what God will do

Video:

https://youtu.be/Knk-DlTLckg

Witness: Today’s time is fleeting by. I actually spent much of my time tonight finishing yesterday’s WORD portion. Today I sought to come up with a song for worship. As I finished my prayer time an instrumental version of “Humble Thyself” was playing. This seemed appropriate as a song to worship and encourage. Actually, the song’s emphasis is more horizontal than vertical. Nevertheless, it reminds me that the way up is down. You see I am afflicted by something that many of us struggle with. It’s something I am not proud of. You see I struggle with pride. My form of pride comes in the form of self-doubt and lack of confidence. So when I write or speak, I am more prone to listen for praise from others than to pray for their edification and blessing. I seek it to confirm that what I said was good and not so much for their good. Instead of realizing that this is exactly where I should be, not trusting in my sufficiency, but God’s all-sufficiency through me, I search for that which will bolster my self-confidence and not God-confidence. I think if we were honest, many would admit that they struggle with this same form of pride, though they may have never seen it as pride until now.

So with this simple lyric and the lyrics from another wonderful song by the same people, I remind myself that the way up is down. Not “up” to make much of myself, but the way up, to bring me into the presence of my God, my Shepherd, my all in all. I remind myself with the words from the lyrics from the second song above:

“Who is the man to whom the Lord will have regard

He who is broken and has a humble heart

God is not impressed with the loftiness of man

For everything was made for Him and comes from His own hand”

I must remember I am the “sheep” and not the “Shepherd”.

2 Chronicles 34:27
You were sorry and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this city and its people. You humbled yourself and tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord.

WORD:

A psalm of fDavid.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even 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.
NIV

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
KJV

In reading commentaries about the “rod and staff”, one thing is clear. They are not clear on what each one is. Most see these as two different instruments with different purposes. From what I can glean from the various commentaries and resources “their” purposes are the following:

1. Protection

2. Support

3. Rescue

4. Inventory

5. Guidance

6. Preservation

7. Discipline

More tomorrow, the alarm is going off saying, “time to get ready to go to work!!!”

"I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me."

— Ps 23:4

Behold, how independent of outward circumstances the Holy Ghost can make the Christian! What a bright light may shine within us when it is all dark without! How firm, how happy, how calm, how peaceful we may be, when the world shakes to and fro, and the pillars of the earth are removed! Even death itself, with all its terrible influences, has no power to suspend the music of a Christian's heart, but rather makes that music become more sweet, more clear, more heavenly, till the last kind act which death can do is to let the earthly strain melt into the heavenly chorus, the temporal joy into the eternal bliss! Let us have confidence, then, in the blessed Spirit's power to comfort us. Dear reader, are you looking forward to poverty? Fear not; the divine Spirit can give you, in your want, a greater plenty than the rich have in their abundance. You know not what joys may be stored up for you in the cottage around which grace will plant the roses of content. Are you conscious of a growing failure of your bodily powers? Do you expect to suffer long nights of languishing and days of pain? O be not sad! That bed may become a throne to you. You little know how every pang that shoots through your body may be a refining fire to consume your dross—a beam of glory to light up the secret parts of your soul. Are the eyes growing dim? Jesus will be your light. Do the ears fail you? Jesus' name will be your soul's best music, and His person your dear delight. Socrates used to say, "Philosophers can be happy without music;" and Christians can be happier than philosophers when all outward causes of rejoicing are withdrawn. In Thee, my God, my heart shall triumph, come what may of ills without! By thy power, O blessed Spirit, my heart shall be exceeding glad, though all things should fail me here below.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Can discipline be comforting?

I have three songs of worship today. If you don't like to sing then pass by to the next two sections. However, if you do, then by all means enjoy the mix of styles before you move on to the rest of this journal entry.

October 23, 2015:

Worship: Shepherd of my Soul by Rivers and Robots; Shepherd of My Soul by Tony Miller; Shepherd of My Soul by Don Moen

Lord of the mountains and sea
You are treading a path set for me
God of the seasons and sky
You have always been holding my life

And Lord, You are the shepherd of my soul
So I lay down my plans, I give up my rights
And let You take control of this surrendered life

So I put my trust in the one
Who created the stars and the sun
You are eternally kind
Always faithful and endlessly wise

You comfort, You sustain
In shaking You remain
Unmoved and unafraid
Forever and always
You lead me by still waters
Lead me through the valleys
Lead me in Your wisdom
Shepherd of my soul

Through valleys of shadow and death, I am not afraid
By my Father’s breath, every star in the sky was made
And who can I fear when You’re standing right here by my side?
Always leading, protecting and guarding my left and my right

Father, You make all things new
Great God of creation
Father, You will always be my rock and salvation

https://riversrobots.bandcamp.com/track/shepherd-of-my-soul

Video:

https://youtu.be/P4S8ne-xU0E

Shepherd Of My Soul

Chorus 1
Oh Shepherd of my soul
Maker of my heart
Keeper of my life I will follow
Oh lead me by the hand
As I travel through this barren land
I will fix my eyes on You and You alone
Shepherd of my soul

Verse 1
All like sheep have gone astray
Each one following his own way
But the Father who cares for us ev'ry one
Has given us His Son
Just like a shepherd
He leads us to pastures and streams
Where our strength's renewed
Though the valley of death
He leads us through
We are never left alone

Verse 2
Your rod and staff they comfort me
In the presence of my enemies
At the banqueting table, I will not fear
For I know that You are here
You anoint my head overflow my cup
With the oil of joy, You fill me up
You pursue my heart
With Your goodness and love
I'll forever dwell with You

Copyright:

2005 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing

http://wordtoworship.com/song/528

Video:

https://youtu.be/dsfeMhEdKeA

Shepherd of my soul

I give you full control

Wherever You may lead

I will follow

I have made the choice

To listen for Your voice

Wherever You may lead

I will go

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse:

Be it in a quiet pasture

Or by a gentle stream

The shepherd of my soul

Is my by side

Should I face a

Mighty mountain

Or a valley dark and deep

The shepherd of my soul

Will be my guide

(Repeat Chorus)

(Repeat Verse)

Album: Forever Grateful

http://www.pwsonglyrics.com/shepherd-of-my-soul/

Video:

https://youtu.be/dtqliuDZlKA

Witness:

I tried something new today. I decided to pray through my prayer list when I woke up today. I realized that when I come home every day I am tired and sometimes even fall asleep for a few seconds as I am praying. I also rush through sometimes because I am so tired and want to go to sleep. Good intentions but poor execution today. Got up, but instead of getting on my knees I got on my phone and looked at my Facebook notifications. By the time I got praying my grandkids from next door came over and shattered the silence. Then there was the dinner I was cooking. So I had to pray in the midst of turmoil and task. Sometimes on my knees and sometimes as I walked around to make dinner or sat down to comfort a crying grandchild. I got through, but it was not the quiet, open-ended and personal time I planned on and yearned for. Nevertheless, instead of giving up, I persevered. I say that not as a boast, but as an encouragement. Plan well, use your time wisely, but when all else fails plow through and pray anyways!

WORD:

A psalm o fDavid.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even 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.
NIV

I believe we are just about to leave the valley, but before we do I want to share a few things I have come across that are too good to leave out. Let me also comment briefly on the songs of worship from today. These are songs, perhaps most of us are unfamiliar with. They come from three different genres of music: folk, rock, and praise & worship. Yet their messages all point us to the Great Shepherd of our lives. Read carefully the lyrics of each. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Rivers and Robots video. Worship the One who is faithful and surrender to the One who is able to bring us home safely.

It’s interesting to read various commentaries on the “Rod and Staff”. Some declare that there is no hint of discipline in these words.

JFB argues:

It cannot refer to the rod of affliction, for here "comfort," not chastening, is what is needed when passing through the darkness.

Clarke comments:

We are not to suppose that by the rod correction is meant: there is no idea of this kind either in the text, or in the original word, nor has it this meaning in any part of Scripture. Besides, correction and chastisement do not comfort; they are not, at least for the present, joyous, but grievous; nor can any person look forward to them with comfort.

They abuse the text who paraphrase rod correction”.

Nevertheless, I will at the risk of abusing the text, say that the idea of correction is included in this verse. It is not the sole idea by any means but plays a part in it. I ended yesterday with these words:

Yet, we must realize that we all will enter vales of darkness in life. In those times, we must not lose heart, but trust in our Shepherd to see us through with His rod of protection and correction and His staff of guidance and preservation.

I think that the discipline of the Lord can be comforting to the child of God because, by it, we gain direction from God as well as a reminder that we are His child. The wise parent disciplines as well as rewards. Though discipline may not bring immediate comfort, the wise child of God eventually finds comfort in the fact that their heavenly Father loves them and is guiding them by saying in the discipline: “My Child, this is not the way you are to go!”

Hebrews 12:5-6 declares:

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

NIV

Notice the author uses the word “encouragement”. The Greek word here is

‎para/klhsis paraklesis (par-ak'-lay-sis).

Vines defines it as:

a calling to one's side" (para, "beside," kaleo, "to call"); hence, either "an exhortation, or consolation, comfort,"

In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the O.T., the word used comes from the same root as the word used in Hebrews 12:5. Now I understand that the Greek of the Septuagint and the Koine Greek of the N.T. are not exactly the same, and the context determines the meaning of the word― which as you can see has several ranges of meaning. Nevertheless, I believe that comfort has at least a part in the understanding of Hebrews 12:5, after all when one is encouraged they are comforted as well. Therefore, by inference, I see discipline as at least having a part in the word “comfort” used here in Psalm 23:4. This will also become apparent went we look at the uses of the source of comfort, that is, His “rod and staff”.

Friday, May 6, 2016

In vales of darkness, He calms my chills

The old TV commercial has a man slapping himself in the face and saying, "Thanks, I needed that!" That describe this journal entry as I reread it today. Maybe it will slap someone else in the face who needs it as well.

October 21, 2015:

Worship: Solid Rock by Unspoken

"Solid Rock (Acoustic)"

Let me fail a thousand times if that is what I need
Let me lose these dreams of mine if I need to taste defeat
You walk me through the fire until I see the heart of your desire
You came to me

And through these dark and raging seas
Your grace has not abandoned me
And for these storms, I thank my God
For they drove me to the solid rock

From the shipwreck of my life, you build a truer heart
In my brokenness you shine, my loss is where you start
To form in me your will until my love is a reflection of
Your love for me

And through these dark and raging seas
Your grace has not abandoned me
And for these storms, I thank my God
For they drove me to the solid rock

You pursue those you love
And so we have no need to fear
For these storms will draw us near
To you

And through these dark and raging seas
Your grace has not abandoned me
And for these storms, I thank my God
For they drove me to the solid rock

And through these dark and raging seas
Your grace has not abandoned me
And for these storms, I thank my God
For they drove me to the solid rock
And for they drove me to the solid rock
Yes you drove me to the solid rock

A-Z Lyrics

UNSPOKEN Lyrics

"Unplugged" (2015)

Witness:

I ended my prayer time before Bible Study with these words, “Lord, though my emotions may go up and down, You remain the same, my solid rock.” With these words on my mind, I began with a song from Unspoken’s latest album. It is my habit to read a previous entry before I begin a new one. Today I read from September 14^th. It’s ironic, even providential that the song I worshiped with then has somewhat the same theme as that of today’s. That day I sang “The Unmaking” by Nichole Nordemen. The main theme of that song can be found in these words from the song:

This is the unmaking
The beauty in the breaking
Had to lose myself
To find out who You are

The second verse from “The Solid Rock” says:

From the shipwreck of my life, you build a truer heart
In my brokenness you shine, my loss is where you start
To form in me your will until my love is a reflection of
Your love for me

Both songs speak of brokenness and restoration. Both speak of discovering or remembering who God is. As I study Psalm 23 I am being reminded of who God is as my great Shepherd.

He leads me in fields of peace and rest

And guides in paths aright and blest

By streams of stillness my needs He fills

In vales of darkness, He calms my chills

WORD:

A psalm o fDavid.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even 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.
NIV

This verse is perplexing perhaps to those who revel in today’s prosperity gospel dining experience. Darkness and places of sorrow or dread are not on today’s menu. We want to skip to verse 5 or return to verse 1 & 2. We will even order the “paths of righteousness” if it can come “sunny side up”. Those who wish only to sump on such things will become lethargic and spiritually unhealthy. If God blesses with abundance, it is to be shared with others for the glory of God and the benefit of His kingdom. Yet, we must realize that we all will enter vales of darkness in life. In those times we must not lose heart, but trust in our Shepherd to see us through with His rod of protection and correction and His staff of guidance and preservation.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

I have...I will... because You are

There is upheaval in my life again. It seems that just as I am gaining ground and enjoying peace, the battle begins again. I can run from the battle or fight. I fight not alone, but with God as my victorious warrior and my friends in Christ as fellow warriors. I am weary at the moment. I need to rest while the battle rages on. I hope to return soon with renewed strength. For now, I am resting with my battle gear on and ready to fight. The helmet of Salvation dims the sound of the artillery from the enemy's attacks.

October 20, 2015:

Worship: Lord I Want to Be Like Jesus as sung by Fernando Ortega

Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart,

Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart.

In my heart, in my heart,

Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart.

Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart,

Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart.

In my heart, in my heart,

Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart.

Oh I want to be like Jesus, Oh I want to be more Holy

In my heart, in my heart, in my heart,

I want to be like Jesus.

Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart,

Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart.

In my heart, in my heart,

Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart.

https://youtu.be/oMgfmZQaA08

Witness:

Today I sat down to worship with a particular song in mind. That is, it was on the tip of my tongue, but I could not find it on YouTube. I had it on my phone, but that was tied up for the moment with an update to my phone. So what should I sing? Earlier as I ate dinner I was reading September 13^th’s entry and the worship song was by Fernando Ortega. The title of the song was Sing for Jesus. It is a beautiful ballad and I decided to sing along with the video link I leave at the end of each song lyric. When it came time to look for a song, and after failing to find the song I wanted to sing, I happened to look at what song was coming up on YouTube. It was a song I sang as a child in VBS. I also remember my mom singing it sometimes as well. It is a simple lyric, a prayer if you will, a desire to be like Jesus. Simple? Yes, but powerful, and one the Father honors faithfully and completely. How do I know this? Romans 8:29!

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to

the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren”.

NIV

We also read in 2Corinthians 3:18:

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being

transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes

from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

NIV

And 1 John 3:1-3 has this to say:

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called

children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know

us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and

what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,

we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in

him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” NIV

Therefore, pray to be like Jesus daily and follow verse three of 1 John.

WORD:

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

4Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,^a

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

Wiersbe makes this observation in verse four:

“This is the central verse of the psalm and the personal pronoun changes

from he to you. David is not speaking about the shepherd but speaking to

the shepherd. In the dark valley, He is not before us but beside us, leading

the way and calming our fears.

If you look at the psalm closely you will see that this is the second of three declarations David makes in the first person. We see them in the beginning, the middle, and the end. I believe this was written purposely this way. David realizes that our great Shepherd gives us:

1. Security of Provision	v. 1 "I shall not be in want"NIV
2.Security of Protection	v. 4 "I will fear no evil" NIV
3. Security of a Place to dwell eternally	v.6 "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" NIV

Lord help me never forget that whenever I declare “I shall” or “I will” it’s because You are!

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Three certainties

I really needed this journal entry today. It slapped me gently in the face and reminded me to trust in my Sheperd in spite of all the uncertainty in my life going on right now. My youngest daughters dilemma with divorce, taking care of grandkids, and my wife who seems farther away than ever. Distractions and stress and exhaustion have kept me from having any real quiet time for about two weeks. That is the longest I have allowed myself to go without spending time in the word. Oh, I have read some devotional thoughts and listened to messages but I have not sat down to journal for about 2 weeks. Today I especially felt the burden of all that is going on and the utter exhaustion I feel even though I went to bed early last night and got up late in the morning. As you read this journal entry you will see how this entry was exactly what I needed to read.

October 19, 2015

Worship: You Never Let Go by Jeremy Camp

"You Never Let Go"

Even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle
Of the storms of this life
I won't turn back, I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Yes, I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

A-Z Lyrics JEREMY CAMP Lyrics

"We Cry Out: The Worship Project" (2010)

https://youtu.be/7Pn4KQqSrrA

Witness: I have gone through one those times where life issues and weariness seem to take over and any personal time with God is squeezed out by the tyranny of the urgent. Some of the time was spent in study and preparation to teach my platoon in Band of Brothers. Our platoon leader, David Soudek, had graciously asked me to teach. Because of my schedule, I used the time I had for my quiet time to prepare. Friday I was able to make an entry. Saturday I attended an event at my church called “Chazown” which helps one discover their calling and develop a vision or purpose statement and plan for following that calling. Because it was from 9 am to 2 pm, I had to “sleep” till it was time to work, hence, no quiet time. Sunday I had little sleep when I came home from work because I had to take my first installment of medication in preparation for my colonoscopy procedure I had today. I sat in the very back at church Sunday night just in case I had to run to the restroom (if you know what I mean). Because of lack of sleep and having to get up early Monday morning to drink the second installment of that “wonderful elixir” L, I went to bed without a quiet time. So what’s the point in sharing all of this? The point is that we all get busy and have those times that we cannot get to that which we love to do most, be in an intimate, secluded, one on one time with our great Shepherd. Yet we cannot let that discourage us and give up on getting back to it as soon as we can. It’s during those busy times our enemy tries to entice us away from the green pastures and the quiet waters to his cesspool of sin. Now I’m not saying that everything that interrupts your intimate times with God is sinful, however, I am saying that if you allow things to constantly take you away from having a quiet time with God or give up when you have a few days of interruptions, then it does become sin. We must not become weary in well-doing, nor become too busy to be well doing.

WORD:

2He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

4Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,^a

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

I mentioned last time that we are not to look at this verse as just a possibility but as an inevitability. In fact, Youngs translates verse 4 this way:

Also — when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou [art] with me, Thy rod and Thy staff — they comfort me. Ps 23:4 Youngs Literal Translation (bold print and underline added for emphasis)

I also said, as we began this adventure in Psalm 23, that this is not just a simple psalm with a simplistic message. Not just green pasture and still waters, but life in its nitty gritty. In order to get to those green pastures, a shepherd has to take his flock though some deep valleys.

Before I delve any further into this verse, I guess it is necessary to look at a translation issue in this verse, just like we did in verse 3 concerning “paths”. Here it’s “valley”. The KJV translates it as “valley of the shadow of death”. Thus the reason why this psalm is heard at funerals quite frequently. The NIV 2011 translates it as “darkest valley” with a note saying, “or the valley of the shadow of death”. The NIV 1984 version had “the valley of the shadow of death” with a note saying, “or through the darkest valley”. I guess the revisers decided in favor of the 1984’s alternate reading. I do not want to take any more time than necessary on this issue, so I will let one resource I found suffice here:

The valley of the shadow of death: the Hebrew word translated valley is translated in the Septuagint by "the midst" (so Dahood, "in the midst of total darkness"). And the word traditionally translated the shadow of death elsewhere means simply darkness (see 44:19; 107:10; Job 3:5; 10:22; 12:22; 16:16; Isa 9:2). As it appears here in the Masoretic text, however, the word may be taken as a compound, meaning "darkness of death" (so the Septuagint). Most modern translations avoid the word "death": GECL "dark valley"; Weiser "the valley of deep darkness"; FRCL "the dark valley"; SPCL "the darkest of all valleys." "A dark ravine" (with footnote) is another suggestion. But NEB has "a valley dark as death," NJB "a ravine as dark as death," and TOB "a ravine of shadow and death." The word itself does not necessarily mean death; but by definition a dark ravine is a dangerous place.

One more observation for tonight. This verse is filled with certainty and the confidence that flows out of this certainty.

1. Certainty of participation - “when” not “if”	Certainty brings confidence - "I walk *through*"
2. Certainty of presence - “you are with me”	Certainty brings courage - "I will fear no evil"
3. Certainty of protection - “your rod and staff”	Certainty brings comfort - "they comfort me"

Through It All, by Andrae Crouch

Verse 1
I've had many tears and sorrows,
I've had questions for tomorrow,

there's been times I didn't know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.

Chorus
Through it all,
through it all,
I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God.

Through it all,
through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

Verse 2
I've been to lots of places,
I've seen a lot of faces,
there's been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours,
yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own

Chorus

Verse 3
I thank God for the mountains,
and I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I'd never had a problem,
I wouldn't know God could solve them,
I'd never know what faith in God could do

Songwriters: BROWN, GARY VICTOR / HARVEY, STEVE

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/andrae+crouch/through+it+all_20849526.html

It's not if but when!

Been a while again. Life right now is getting very tense. My youngest daughter is beginning the process of divorce from a man who is a serial adulterer and physical and emotional abuser. I am also involved either as a member or leader of a Lifegroup. Several days out of the week so my study time has been curtailed.

October 16, 2015

Worship: Blessed Assurance by Francis J. Crosby; My Story by Mercy Me

Blessed Assurance

Words: Fanny Crosby

Music: "Assurance" by Phoebe P. Knapp

Acts 17:31

Topics: Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain

https://youtu.be/XOv7RmXi7VE

"My Story"

If I told you my story
You would hear Hope that wouldn't let go
And if I told you my story
You would hear Love that never gave up
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life, but it wasn't mine

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
And if I told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life overcome the grave

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long

For the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell
For the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long

· A-Z Lyrics BIG DADDY WEAVE Lyrics

"Beautiful Offerings" (2015)

https://youtu.be/jIHmYBKkGa8

Witness:

It’s been 4 days since I have visited my journal. I thought I could prepare a lesson for Thursday for my Band of Brothers platoon and continue to make entries in my Journal. What was I thinking? Preparing to teach takes so much time for me. That, and my recalcitrant computer and my aging cell phone made my task that much harder. However, the effort paid off and I believe God blessed the lesson. Time is fleeting tonight. Not much time left for the Word. Tomorrow I attend something at my church from 9 am -2pm so I am not sure I’ll be able to write anything tomorrow. God is with me, though, and encourages me daily.

WORD:

2He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

4Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,^a

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

I can still remember Dr. Farris, my Old Testament professor in Seminary, say that this verse is not “if I go through the valley…” but “when I go through the valley”. The valley is inevitable for all God’s sheep, but so is His promise to be there with us. I am reminded of the words of a hymn written by Isaac Watts which says:

When I walk through the shades of death
Your presence is my stay;
One word of your supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.

Let that promise be your comfort, all you who may be reading this. Though the way be dark at the moment, our Shepherd is still with us. Fear not, He will not leave us nor forsake us[AB1] .

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. John 10:11-13

[AB1]

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The Way Up is Down

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Can discipline be comforting?

Friday, May 6, 2016

In vales of darkness, He calms my chills

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

I have...I will... because You are

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Three certainties

It's not if but when!

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