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Saturday, March 30, 2024 Valley Of The Shadow Scriptures: Psalm 23:4 (ESV) – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Hebrews 12:2b (ESV) – “for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame,” Message: I sat in the choir loft, my heart heavy. That week, concern for both my mother and my husband – both with worsening physical and cognitive problems – had weighed me down. I whispered a silent prayer: “Lord, help me look beyond myself and bless others.” Then came the Scripture reading, a passage that I’ve heard and known since childhood. As the familiar words rang out, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”, it struck me: “That’s where I live right now”. And that’s where we all live. Whether from our own mortality, or that of someone we love, we see reminders of death and its effects all around us. But just when we wonder how we can continue, David’s poignant words remind us: “I will fear no evil, for you are with me … Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The promise of His presence, the assurance of His love and provision – these truths guard and guide us as we walk our own path in the valley of the shadow. We know these same truths guarded and guided the One who lived His entire life in the valley of the shadow. Hebrews 12:2 tells us He endured the cross with confidence and trust, and not shame. I looked up after the Scripture reading ended, my eyes damp, yet my heart full. He is with me through every step in the valley of the shadow. And because of His matchless work on the cross, I can face my own future with confidence and trust. Family Activity: Empty Tomb Rolls & Resurrection Cookies. Prayer: Father God, thank You for the promise of Your presence and the assurance of Your power to carry me through the valley of the shadow. Thank You for your matchless gift; dying on the cross to save me from my sins. Thank You that when I am bowed down, You restore my soul. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
Marti Pieper There WILL be a devotional tomorrow, Sunday, March 31. |
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