Psalm 23 - Reflecting on this day

Psalm 23 - Notice The Setting.  God is our Good Shepherd and Gracious Host
1-4 - Green Pastures & Still Waters
5-6 - The Banquet Table

Questions/Thoughts about this Psalm:

Do we find the concept that everything for us beyond the presence and work of God in our lives is a luxury true?  God's presence comforts us in fear-filled times, places and moments.  He is our protection and guidance.  With Him there is no lack.  He leads us in righteous paths, because it is his character to do so.  It is for the sake of his name - not ours.  It is certainly a different point of view.  The banquet God provides is more than sufficient, even in the midst of peril.  His commitment to us is not fickle.

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Personal Reflections:

Taking a break in painting interior walls and having the guys come back from storm clean up with friends to reflect on today and write something down about it.  Scattered or unorganized though it may be. Yet. What a good weekend it has been - despite the storms.

Storms on August 9 and August 10, 2025 dealt of a lot of tree damage to Lincoln, Nebraska.  Enjoyed working with others in my church to clear much of the downed limbs and branches on the property yesterday before it stormed again last night.  Enjoyed the Sunday Worship gathering today.  In spite of the lack of power, our congregation still worshipped.  Singing together and hearing the voices around us and the many bits of harmony here and there is something to savor and enjoy.  This week there will be some further cleanup to do.

Call to Worship:  Revelation 22:17
And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Better is One Day was one of the congregational songs that was chosen for this day.  It holds many memories for me.  It was a wedding song for a long time family friend.  More and more my father-in-law longs to be in the presence of God and worship him.  He is now on hospice, but is holding his own at this stage.  He reminds my children of his desire to be worshipping God in person each time we visit him.  This song is a song of personal significance and encouragement, not just an abstract regurgitation of the Psalms.

The Call and Response contained a reminder of our sin and of God's patience towards us when we sin.  We are dependent on God's strength on a daily basis.  He is merciful towards us.

Romans 8:31-32 was another reminder of God's assurance.  Although if you think deeply on this verse without the rest of the context in Romans.  Out of context, it can be a bit unsettling.  Giving us all things does not mean all the material things.  So then what exactly does it mean?  A good question to discuss at some future date.

Additional songs in the service:  Abide with Me, Blessed Assurance, Only a Holy God

"Who else could rescue me from my failing?
Who else would offer His only son?
Who else invites me to call Him Father?
Only a Holy God.  Only my Holy God."

Impact of Recent Storms in Early August:

• Tree damage to some homes of people in our congregation.
• 387 Inmates relocated due to storm damage at 2 housing units
• Thousands without power in region - this included our home and workplaces.
• 33,000 lost power.  Recovery to 1,500 out of power by days end
• Government entities report damages
• 18 schools lost power, 15 had tree damage, 4 had roof damage and 6 had fence damage
• Norris PPD calls for mutual aid.  Photographs of tree damage.
• Storm damage at Lancaster County Superfair
• 1 Death, several serious injuries, property damage at Waterloo and Branched Oak
• Nearby apartment complex damaged.
• Distribution Warehouse roof damaged

School starts 8/12/2025.  Colleges start 8/18/2025.

Updated: 8/11/2025