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Morning Devotional...

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS Jeremiah 6:16 By the late Jack Scott 11. The Shepherd's Psalm Part (v)

Not far from the city of Guelph, in the valley of the Eramosa River, nestles a neat little hamlet of rough hewn houses. By Ontario standards, this pretty little place is quite old. Although there is no need for me to do so, I occasionally drive through this sleepy place on my way to or from our local major highway.

Who were the first settlers? What was their life like? What were their aspirations and hopes, joys and sorrows? To try to find an answer to these and other intriguing questions, I decided one day, a few summers ago, to explore the necropolis that surrounds the hamlet's only church. I found that the mortal remains of several generations of Presbyterians lie awaiting the resurrection morning beneath the cold clay. Well kept tomb stones declare their names, and in some cases their faith in the Saviour of sinners. A few of the head stones record something of their long forgotten lives and exploits.

One old block of granite records that the two interred beneath were born in the north of Ireland in the last century, married there and emigrated to this part of the world. Underneath the descriptive words, a verse of Scripture is quoted:


"These are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 7:14"

As I read this inscription a lump seemed to form in my throat and a wee tear appeared in the corner of my eye.

Probably I shall never know this side of eternity what this couple suffered. The heartaches they felt, the broken dreams, sadness, pain or penury they endured as they struggled on in a new land are now veiled in history. The vicissitudes experienced in a harsh environment are not etched in the dark grave stone. The words "came out of great tribulation" can only point back to excessive trial and hardship; to dark days and desperation.

When the Psalmist said: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4), he must have had some awful tribulation in mind. Days of dark despair and drowning disappointment had been his lot.

The old Jewish Targum interprets Psalm 23:4 to be a prophetic reference to the horrors of the Jewish captivity in Babylon, while Aben Ezra says it speaks of grievous calamities.

John Gill, in his commentary, explains it this way: "Afflictions attend the people of God in this life; there is a continued series of them, so that they may be said to walk in them; these are the way in which they walk to heaven, and through which they enter the kingdom; for though they continue long, and one affliction comes after another, yet there will be an end at last; they will walk and wade through them, and come out of great tribulations."

Perhaps you, my friend, are experiencing great tribulation. Do you see yourself as captive to circumstances? Do you know what it is to suffer deep affliction? Do you feel deserted and alone? Does trouble come upon trouble like the rolling of mighty waves at high tide against a storm tossed ship, near a rocky shore. Then the rest of this verse is meant for you if you are one of the sheep of the Lord's flock:


"I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

If we know the Good Shepherd; the one who gave His life for the sheep, we need not fear the evils of time and circumstance. He is Sovereign in all His ways. He knows our every need. He has experienced while walking as a Man among men the heartache, sorrow and trials common to humankind. If we understand His Sovereign power as God Eternal, and His sympathy as our High Priest, we will be enabled to declare with King Solomon, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10 NKJV).

There is an old much loved hymn based on Psalm 31:15:



Yes, He is with us all the way, not only in the coveted "Mountain top experiences" but also in the dark and dismal valleys of despair and death.

Our dear Shepherd is always armed with two implements: "His rod and His staff". In old times the rod was used to defend the flock from wild animals and thieves, and one day He will use that rod on the enemies of truth and Zion's King will be seen to reign in righteousness. We who are His elect own His royal rule in time. In eternity His Kingship and glory will also be manifested to those who hate Him. They, too, will recognize Him but, oh, too late! Even now He uses the rod to defend His believing people from dangers both seen and uncomprehended.

The second implement He carries is the staff, the purpose of which was to direct the sheep. Sometimes the sheep would rather go their own way but have to be forced to travel in paths that lead them safely home. Their path of choice would lead to places of danger and ruin, but the path of the shepherd's choosing leads to the peace and security of green pastures and the still waters.

Well may we with David pray, "Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip." (Psalm 17:5 NKJV).

Let's retrace our steps to the old grave yard and take one more look at the stone which held our attention. Let's read the last part of the inscription once more "and have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb". Only those on the pilgrimage of life who have washed their robes in the blood of Calvary's Lamb will come safely through. None of those who are "blood washed" will ever perish. That is why they can say "I will fear no evil".

Have you been to Calvary's fountain and have you by faith been cleansed of your sin? If the answer is "Yes", then you have the Royal right to appropriate the words of Psalm 23:4 "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." If you are His by sovereign grace, then God, the Holy Spirit inspired the Psalmist to write these words for your blessing, reassurance and comfort.

---

Jack Scott loved his Lord! He passed away on January 10, 2001 after a lengthy illness.
He is missed greatly by his family.

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51 Rob?  You look so much older (grinning ducking and running).  Love you brother!  Happy birthday!!!  I reach double nickles next month.


Pat, here's an email that I received not long ago:

The Lord is my Shepherd -- That's Relationship!

I shall  not want -- That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures -- That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters  -- That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul  -- That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness  -- That's Guidance!

For His name sake -- That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death   --  That's Testing!

I will fear no evil -- That's Protection!

For Thou art with me -- That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -- That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil  -- That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over -- That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life -- That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -- That's Security!

Forever -- That's Eternity!

 

YES!  He loves us!

i'm not pushing to get through school quicker, but if i don't give myself a pretty good course load i don't stay focused on school cuz i have too much free time to do other things and so i try to keep myself with something to do for school so i don't get distracted away from it. Also the sooner i finish the sooner i can fly (i really want to fly)! and another thing i still have a few years after i finish at panhandle. anyways off to do some homework gets some sleep go to school then to work ttyl
Sarah

  Rob!

Good day y'all!

Sarah ~ It is great to see you posting and it seems like you know what you need to do to graduate from college.  So keep on keeping on!  You go, Girl! 

Ohenry ~ That explaination of 'The 23rd Psalm' gives it more meaning.  I love that!

Pat ~ Jack's legacy lives on.  Don't you feel close when you read his words?

Well, I set the alarm so I could shower this morning and get Ali to the vet by 8 a.m.  Ali had different ideas.  She wants nothing to do with the carrier.  She scratched me all over.  Now she doesn't even want me near her.  And I am afraid of getting scratched again.  Bless her heart.  I am pretty sure she is infection free but the vet still wants to see her.  I will keep on trying for a few days but I really don't think Ali will allow the carrier.  The vet suggested a pillow case.  I can't see Ali letting me put her into a pillow case either! 

So here I am....all cleaned up and ready to go but nowhere to go!!

   Happy Birthday Rob!

Thanks to the person who made that clickable so easy.  

Pat:  Thank you for sending along Jack's message.  So timely for me as I had what I call a "panic " time last night of just feeling frightened about future and so forth.  This only happens once in every two or three years but it is hard to get a grip - I was reciting the Lord's prayer to myself to calm those thoughts.  

O Henry:  Thank you for the birthday greeting as well.  And, most of all, I really enjoyed your interpretation on the Lord's prayer.  Food for thought.  

Marilyn:  Is the velour hard to work with on your quilt?  I am teaching granddaughter to sew a flannel quilt.  She had to take out some stitches and didn't like that job  

Etta Sue:  Thank you for your really nice greeting.  

Ruth Ann:  It sounds like a good progress that you son is meeting a friend.  Small steps are so important.

Carol

Etta Sue:  Sorry about your being scratched by Ali.  It has to be frustrating when you are trying to do your best to keep Ali healthy.  We used to have a terrible time & had to fake out a Golden Retreiver to give her a bath - she almost knew what we were thinking.  I wouldn't have the strenght to wrestle that size dog anymore.   

Quote from: ohenry on August 23, 2006, 12:05:53 AM



Pat, here's an email that I received not long ago:

That's lovely, Carl.  I'm going to keep a copy of that. 

Good Morning I am just running through on my way out the door.

'Tis a beautiful, sunny day here on the island.  Nights are getting cooler now and that dreaded FALL is in the air.  Time to start looking over my warmer clothes and go shopping....

Etta Sue, have you tried placing a cat treat in the carrier.  Seems to work with my cats.  Let her stick in the head and then give a push on the lower posterior. 

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY  to all that have had and are having another one of 'those'!  Mine is coming up in September, so understand the feeling.

Must go for a X-Ray this morning and Wendy & I are both battling colds.  Rather stay home with a good book and sit in the sunshine.  Drat!

Welcome home, Janet.  Waiting for your pictures to appear....small suggestion:
I sometimes have to re-load my PSP when it stops working properly.  Have you tried that?  Works for me...

Sarah, this reminds me of you.  Keep up the good work.

"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use."


Not certain who wrote that, but does make sense.  Take care all and Pleasant Day/Evening & God Bless.

Liz

I am back.

Carol Yes it is hard to sew the velour onto the calico fabric; getting it to line up  with each row the way it is supposed to be is the hardest part. Then making sure you don't stretch it too much. When what a pail but it sure looks nice. It is worth the effort even if I have to take it back out a few times to get it right.

Hi Liz you and Wendy are in my prayers.

TTYL

 
Thanks everyone for my birthday wishes. That's special. I really appreciate it.

Well, Carl, I love the 23rd Psalm "explaination" that you posted. Very neat !  Yes, you do look "somewhat" younger than me. heehee
55 huh?  You old goat.... heheheee  (now I'm ducking and running)

I spent my Bday at work, then at the insurance providers office. Changing over all my insurance to another broker, not fun, but I feel better now that it's done. I saved money, got the insurance taylored to my needs and like the person I'm dealing with. It was a win-win situation.

Now I'm going to cook my Bday dinner.  Minute Steak, Rice and English Peas.  Yum Yum !

Again, I truly thank everyone for the nice wishes.

Wekk I am back.  Today was a sweater day, and I hace been looking through a bunch of British magazines Pat gave me.  There are a lot of good warm ideas in there!  Perhaps I will start knitting again soon.  I gave all my yarn to Bonnie, so it will be from scratch again.  Thankfully I still have my needles I kept them. 

Happy Birthday Rob.  many more to come.

Well school is back in a little over a week.  Melaura is excited to be going into grade 11.  That is absolutely unbelievable.  She has grown up and matured into a beautiful young lady.  Kassie and Elizabeth really dislike school.  I am used to that refrain.  I didn't like school either.  That will change in highschool, the highschool environment had a good effect on Melaura.   

Well I must go.

God bless
Judy

Pat:  Thanks for the devotional I am enjoying the 23rd Psalm very much. 

Rob:   Are the English peas the mushy kind.  We have found a Fish & Chip Rest. that has mushy peas on the menu and they are just a fine treat. I had them for the first time just a few days ago and I will be having them more often.

I went to my hair dresser so now I look beautiful for a day or two. I have a to do list to get errands done before school starts. For every job I get done I add another to the list.

We also had some rain this evening. 

Ruth

Hi everyone.  The last couple of days have been hectic and I haven't had time to get here to read the postings until just now.  It has been a long day in which a certain amount of chaos seems to have reigned.  I won't bore you all with details but I will be glad to retire shortly for the night and get a fresh start tomorrow.  Pat left this morning to attend the American Quilter's Guild annual convention in Nashville, TN.  They had a leisurely trip to Nashville but their hotel wasn't ready.  After waiting for over two hours for the room Pat asked for an upgrade at no additional cost and she got it.  They are staying at the Grand Ole Opera hotel and she said it was huge and really beautiful.

I am too tired to comment on individual postings other than to say thanks for the expressions of support and encouragement.  I am fine so please don't worry.  Etta Sue, glad you took a nap for me as I didn't sleep very well last night and had no time to rest today.  Tomorrow night should be a quieter day.

Wow, it's good to see all of you here!  I really enjoyed the devotional, Pat, thanks for saving those and for sharing them with us.  Stuff like that is always fresh.

Sarah, good to see you here, in the middle of your young and busy life.  Those are the most amazing days of your life.  Enjoy them completely!

Happy Birthday, Rob!

Etta, I'm hoping Ali gets straightened out.  Trav was sick Saturday night.  Mentioning Ali always reminds me of Trav "chasing" her around your house and scaring me to death that he was going to break something.

Good night, gang!

Hmmm, I remember typing a post this morning early, but it seems to have been gobbled up by the cyber goblins! 

Ruth, since you mentioned peas, I have to tell you this little story.  Saturday night we attended a Melodrama in which our son in law had the title role (The Vile Veterinarian).  For dinner, they served a potato salad which contained whole peas.  Jeff's mother kept commenting that there were peas in the potato salad, and she was eating it anyway.  "I can't believe I'm actually eating peas!  My mother would be so proud of me.  I really ate peas!!"  So I guess she has really hated peas her whole life!  I eat peas, but they are not a favorite of mine, and I can't imagine thinking of them as "a real treat."    Each to his/her own, right?  Nice that we have many things in the world to enjoy.

Sarah, you are right---better to work and stay focused on the task at hand than to get distracted.  You remember Mark, right?  He is a pilot now.  He has his private pilot's license, his instrument rating, and his mountain flying done.  Always new worlds to conquer.  He really loves flying.

We are still feeling draggy, but it gets better each day.  Darrel is still so tired that he gave a new young man at church his ticket to Promise Keepers tonight.  The guys are going to Colorado Springs on Friday and Saturday.

I will post this and hope it isn't lost to a slamming door!

It's that time.  Time to lock this door and open another one here.