Category Archives: Psalm 23

Love with the eyes and heart of God

Jesus cures the man born blind
John 9:1-41

But the LORD said to Samuel: “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

With God as our shepherd, the light of Jesus to illuminate our way, and the Spirit of God to fill us with faith, we have all we need to bring the light of kindness, compassion, reconciliation, and hope to everyone we encounter. We are blessed to participate in carrying out God’s vision of a world where love dissolves the darkness of greed, power struggles, poverty, trauma, grief, and loneliness.

Today I will ask for the grace to see as God sees. I will ask Jesus to heal anything and everything that prevents me from seeing and treating all people as precious, beloved children of God. I will ask the Spirit of God to help me shine the light of love everywhere I may be.

Jesus welcomes us all

Frank Wesley (1923-2002)
Jesus in Benares

[Jesus said to the crowds:] “I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” John 6:37

We hope in Jesus and invite all people to walk with us in his way of mercy, love, nonviolence, justice, kindness, and healing. We walk with Jesus and have the courage to face adversity and hardship. We trust Jesus to guide us and we live in peace.

Today I will go to Jesus and know he will welcome me. I will trust him to sustain me in everything.

Fear no evil

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. Psalm 23:4

We are walking in a dark valley at this time in history. War and hatred are not God’s way. Peace and love are God’s way.

Today I will remember the Lord is walking beside me and leading me in his way. I will release all fear. I will have the courage to love my neighbor even when we do not see eye to eye.

The voice of love

Shepherd and sheep in Saudi Arabia
haitham alfalah, 28 September 2012

Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage. Psalm 23:4

At this time in history, we are walking in a dark valley of cosmic panic, trauma, and grief. But we are not alone. The Lord is always with us.

When loud voices bombard us with messages of distress, despair, and doom, we must take time to get quiet and listen deeply in our hearts to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd, the One whose voice calms us and gives us hope and courage.

Today I will remember I am always in the presence of the Good Shepherd. I will remind myself I have nothing to fear.