Evening Prayer

"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!" (Psalm 141:2).

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My Shepherd is Near

Our pastor preached on Psalm 23 today. All our fears are dispelled by the assurance that we have a God who cares for us. David writes from the perspective of a sheep who is in the loving care and protection of a good shepherd. In fact, he says, "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life." As I read the words of this comforting Psalm, I was reminded of an observation I'd read in another book some years ago. David begins his song by talking about his shepherd and then in verse four he transitions to talking to his shepherd. It's almost as if the shepherd shows up part way through the song. When does the shepherd make his presence know, or better, when does the sheep recognize the presence of his shepherd? As he walks through the valley of the shadow of death. I believe he was always there. But like me, David never felt the need for his comforting protection until in the midst of adversity. The fear of evil flees in his presence.

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Location:The Snuggery, Douglas, ON

There is a River

We have a vacation wish list of places that we've driven by in our truck. Some day we'd like to return to take some time to really relish the scenery and sights. I84 heading east out of Portland, Oregon, is one of these. This route is also called the Oregon Trail. It follows the Columbia River. The scene transforms from rainforest and waterfalls to desertlike landscape.

Traveling along this route we passed through many cities using the mighty river as their source of life and commerce. I was reminded of Psalm 46:4-5
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
God is the source and constant supply of all life. Every moment our sovereign Lord is providentially sustaining life on this broken planet. If He were to remove His gracious hand even for a moment we would all dry up and perish.

Further, He has mercifully provided for our life beyond our existence on this planet. In the final words God's message to us, we read these words of hope in Revelation 22,
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
Dive deep into God's unending flow of love and experience His grace for whatever challenges that you are facing. He alone is the source of our life.


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Location:I84 eastbound in Oregon

The Necessity of Thankfulness

Psalm 50
The Lord has no need of my sacrifices or anything else I can offer Him. He already owns all things (vv. 8-12). My only appropriate response to God, who created and owns all things, is thankfulness. "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." (v. 23). Gratitude acknowledges that I have nothing and He has everything I need and has graciously given to me all that I need. His gift of mercy is new every morning!


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Location:Calgary, AB