My life

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."

I am the sheep and God is the shepherd.  He guides me away from danger because He knows the land better and can see farther than I.  He cares for me and protects me, and He will continually provide for me as long as I choose to be under His watch.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters..."

When I am weary, the Lord leads me to places that are beautiful and peaceful and restful.  The grass is green, and the streams are quiet; there isn't much else a sheep could ask for.

"He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Because He is my shepherd, God keeps me from going astray.  Through Him, I set an example for the rest of the world, so that everyone can see that the Lord is good.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..."

Even when I am going through the toughest times of my life, even when I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death itself, God is my comfortor.  When I am with Him, which is always, I have no fear of the looming darkness.

"Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Sometimes, I can feel the touch of God's shepherd staff against my sides as He guides me along the correct path.  This gives me peace of mind because it reminds me that He is there at all times, watching over me.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

In the midst of those who hate me, God still provides me with all that I need so that those who hate me can see that I am truly blessed.

"You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

In fact, the Lord blesses me so much that it is almost too much!  I am able to share the goodness of God's blessings with my neighbors as it flows out of my cup and into theirs.

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life..."

As long as I am with God, I am certain that good things will come to me until He chooses to end my life.

"And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

And when that day comes, I will be with Him always, into eternity.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses..."

We are the Church, the body of Christ.  And we are being watched, cheered on, by those who have gone before us.  They are the Saints and the Angels.  And they're cheering for US!

"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles..."

Ged rid of everything that weighs you down, even if it's difficult. Cut ties and break shackles and jump hurdles!

"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

God has marked a path for each one of us.  Everyone is significant, and every person has a purpose in this world!  No job is insignificant if it is done with a cheerful heart and for the glory of Jesus!

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith..."

Don't worry about what's going on around you; keep your eyes on the prize, the finish line, and know what is in store for those who believe.  Jesus not only is the reason for our belief but is the one who helps us believe more fervently.

"Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The gospel is the cross.  There are three parts: death, burial, and resurrection, and without one of those three parts, it is an incomplete truth.  Jesus was put to death on a Roman cross, He was buried in a tomb, and He resurrected on the third day.  He did this 2,000 years ago in order to save humanity, and He still reigns as King over all creation today!

"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose hearth."

REMEMBER. Remind yourself of the greatest gift you've ever received: salvation.  Do this, and it will renew your strength!