Today's thought...

"Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Psalm 23:6

You know, if you take a second to think about it, our spouses are almost always cleaning up after us. And they do so with love and kindness towards our iniquity and flaw, as they married us for better or worse. So, in a way, this verse speaks purely to marriage, in that my wife IS goodness and loving kindness, and out of her love for me she follows me... mostly cleaning up what I messed up, but she assumes the servant-leader role.

And I know that in some things she would say the same of me. There are times when each of us are supposed to lead, and the other is to follow. It is the way of love to allow someone else to shine, or take point, or just go first in line.

And as for where we dwell. Well, since we're Christians, I think no further explanation is needed on that one.

Take time today to thank God for the one who follows you... and for the one you follow. That kind of love is from God... and He deserves the honor and glory and majesty in this, and all other things!

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Psalm 23:5

I skipped a week in this, as far as postings go, for some serious reflection. And I came to an interesting discovery about this verse as related to marriage; it fits perfectly.

We come anointed to our marriage table, in the face of the world which tells us to overlook the vows and go please ourselves, regardless of who it hurts. And we sit and consume, together, the liquid that flows through all things, the Word of God. And, though we have ups and downs and corkscrews and sudden drops and missing track and pneumatic starts and stops (can you tell I like roller coasters), we have an overflowing chalice to refresh ourselves from... always there... never changing... the Grace and Love of God is THERE!!!

Take time tonight to thank God for your seat at the table. More importantly, thank Him for your spouse's seat beside you. And remember that the world is trying to get what we have, because they cannot understand our eternal security. Be ready to share it, and unashamed to have it.

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"Even when I walk though the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
Psalm 23:4

He is with us in times of distress. He stands ready to guard us. And this should bring great comfort to all, as our own "darkest valley" is different for each individual. The fears are person-specific, and always hit right to the core. In short, the valley is scary.

So dark; so quiet; wind rushes past your ear, and you can hear it change direction. You hear and feel your every breath and heartbeat. So why not turn back? Because in that same terror, you also feel the presence of the Shepherd, there to ensure your safety and deliverance. And be certain, you would not come this way (figuratively) if it weren't necessary.

Take time today to thank God for His provision and protection over your journey. And pray the same for your spouse. God stands with you, and that is all you ever need... but your spouse CHOSE to be there in those dark times, also, and deserves your gratitude.

God bless you all!!!