Psalm 23
The Lord Who Is Worthy of Our Trust

Tyler Anderson, a student at The Master’s Seminary, was our guest preacher.

Tyler stressed that Psalm 23 was birthed from David’s life experiences. That reminder led me to imagine a scene from David’s life when he was a fugitive from insanely jealous King Saul. I picture David and his band of men huddled around a campfire in the mouth of a damp, cold cave, sharing meager rations. That is the scene as it would appear to someone who sees as the world sees, from a strictly material, physical point of view. But David would say that the Lord had provided for all his needs. He saw lush pastures, still water, an abundant feast. David and his men are cornered by Saul and his army, and they are in grave danger … from the world’s point of view. David saw Yahweh leading him along a safe path, defending and protecting him. How do we view our circumstances? With the eyes of the world? Or with eyes of faith? What is most real to us? Ask the Lord to open our eyes so we may see the spiritual realities around us.

We often assume that the well-known phrase the valley of the shadow of death refers to the end of earthly life. Tyler explained that the phrase is an idiom meaning a time of great distress of any kind, not just impending physical death. He taught that this valley is the necessary path if the shepherd is to guide his sheep to where he wants to take them. But we don’t like trials and troubles. We would rather detour the valley of the shadow of death or turn back. Various flavors of the prosperity gospel tempt us that way, telling us that the Christian life means getting everything you want. But the destination our good shepherd is leading us to is Christ-likeness; the path is sanctification. Lord, help us humbly accept trials and welcome sanctification. Grow our trust; remind us that You know what You’re doing and that You have our good in mind.

Calvary Family

Pray for Deni Martin, who is having open heart surgery this morning at St. Jude’s to replace her mitral valve and repair the tricuspid valve. She had the same surgery twelve years ago. Ask the Lord to fill the surgical team with great skill and the ability to quickly make wise decisions as needed during surgery. Join Deni in praying that she will be a “good patient,” which I’m guessing means one who is patient with the long recovery process, leaning into the Lord, especially on the hard days. Pray also for husband Allan and the whole family, for comfort and for strength to support Deni through this surgery.

Lift up Calvary’s leadership, who are participating in a retreat locally Thursday evening through Saturday mid-day. Staff, elders, deacons and their spouses will be engaging in prayer, Bible study, shared meals, and some fun for the purpose of building relationships and unity. Ask the Lord to strengthen our leaders as individuals and as a team for the good of our body.

At the info meeting sponsored by Fostering Hope on Sunday, the presenter – an Orange County social worker – shared how dire the need for foster homes is. Here’s one piece of evidence: As of Sunday, 83 children were staying at the Orangewood Children’s Home, the county’s emergency shelter. This is usually the first place children go when removed from their homes. Their stays are supposed to be very short – a week to 10 days – but many will stay much longer because foster homes are not available. Ask the Lord to move in hearts across our county to care for these vulnerable children. They are precious to Him!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert