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Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:48 am
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Since this forum has been here for a while and hasn't had anything posted yet, I figured I'd post one verse and see what you all think of it and I'll most likely post my response at a later date. Keep checking back since I'll try to post a new verse each week. The purpose is to share our thoughts concerning certain Bible verses.
When you post about a Bible verse, just write what you feel or think about that verse. Perhaps write about how this verse can be applied in life, or why it is important. You can post memories associated with the verse posted as long as it follows Gaia's ToS and the Guild Rules.
Here is the first verse I will post:
Psalm 23: 1 - 6 NIV:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23: 1 - 6 KJV:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 7:19 am
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It's important to remember that we have a King who doesn't just "care about us", but "provides for us": he nourishes our bodies with food and nourishes our soul with rest/refreshment; someone is protecting you so don't worry: don't worry about where your food will come from or about enemies jumping out to get you. He guides us into "green pastures". Just the sight of a green pasture is peaceful in and of itself, but it also functions as an abundant source of food for eating and a place to rest in; enemies are easily spotted from afar and even when they draw close, he can defend us with his rod/staff. That shepherd's staff isn't just there for protection from enemies, but for correcting his sheep. If we step out of line, he can bring that rod of correction down on us to keep us from walking off the path and walking into danger. So we should rely on that staff regardless of what kind of action it is taking: beating away an enemy or disciplining us back into safety. Relying on the staff is to rely on the shepherd, to rely on the word, his words, the scriptures.
If we do, we'll be given stillness and peace because we don't have to worry about where our food will come from or about the consequences of an attack. Even if someone does attack us, we're not worried about it; we stay still without scattering or becoming anxious because, through the examples in scripture, we know the possible outcomes. As long as we're following his voice, following his advice, walking on his righteous path, we won't fear death or our enemies. A lot of the time, his commands keep us from experiencing such things in the first place. But even at the time of death, we won't fear. If we're threatened with death, we won't crumble, we won't compromise our beliefs, we won't stop trusting in his ability to save us. Even if he chooses not to, we know "spirit death" is something we will never experience and we'll never be separated from him if we rely on him until the end. So, green pasture or dark valley (good times, bad times, good situations, bad situations), just keep your eyes and your ears on him. Focus on him because he won't lead you wrong.
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:26 pm
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:55 pm
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