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GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN'

Shortgrass

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 25, 2006
Messages
2,407
Location
Eastern Colorado
This time of year many of us folks begin looking at the hunting rifle on the wall with a bit more interest than we've had all summer. In Colorado, hunting season is an event! We enjoy liberal hunting seasons with growing numbers of hunters. Being hunted is part of life for the big game animal. Hunted by man, mountain lions, bears or other predators, these animals not only survive, but actually flourish in the presence of their enemies. Deer eat out of our gardens and are seen right in our yards. I know there are more red foxes living in the city of Colorado Springs, than we have in rural El Paso County. The coyote quarrels with the farm dog. Though these wild animals are wary, there is a sense of contentment, of serenity and assurance one can only envy. I have out smarted and been outsmarted by many a wary buck, but I've never met one that was neurotic or maladjusted. I have even seen a bull moose out here at our place on the prairies. He was far from his comfort zone and his kind, but he calmly spent the several days feeding and enjoying the situation he was in. I don't think he even developed ulcers from his experience! When I observe all this, I am reminded of the psalmist and his familiar words "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." A table in the presence of enemies is a fascinating symbol. Our enemy may take on various forms such as cancer, heart attacks or other disease. It may be rebellious children or strained relationships. God is telling us that we don't have to have all our problems solved or under control before we can find nourishment for our souls. God is not our servant whom we instruct how to handle situations in our life. God is God. We trust His judgments. We serve Him. He will overcome our enemies, but in the meantime, He has provided a table for our benefit. Pull up a seat and partake. God is good, so you can have yourself a good Sunday mornin' and a good rest of the week too.
 
Shortgrass, thanks once again for your message that, shall we say in the spirit of hunting, is right "on target" :wink: :D

Yes, God is good and gives us all we ever need, simply for the asking.

I was just looking over the scripture readings for church today in my lector workbook. In one word, both the OT and NT passage and the Gospel could be summed up as "persistence pays". (Well OK, two words :lol: )

The first reading from Exodus 17:8-13 tells the story of Amalek waging war against Israel. Moses told Joshua to go out and engage Amalek in battle. When Moses went out on the hill and kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the battle. When Moses' hands got tired and he rested, Amalek was winning. Moses got tired so Aaron and Hur sat him down on a rock and supported his hands for him until sunset. "And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."

In the second reading from 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 Paul advises Timothy to remain faithful and persistent about proclaiming the Word, no matter what.

The Gospel reading from Luke 18: 1-8 is the parable of the poor widow who is persistent with the dishonest judge. The judge gives in to her not because he cares or wants to do what is right. The judge rules in her favor just to keep her from bothering him anymore. The lector workbook also refers to Luke 12: 28 "If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will He not so much more provide for you?"
 
Thank you Shortgrass, for a very pertinent message that hit home.

Thank you too, John SD, for the "persistence pays" thoughts.

Sunday is off to a good start because of the words of both of you. Have a great day and week. :-)
 
Thanks for the messages. With some difficult and frustrating times, thanks for steering me back to the table. Even if I don't like what is being served, I need to trust that the table has been prepared by THE PROVIDER.....he has conquered all the enemies. I hope I can reflect on that this week and get my appetite back up.
 
Thanks, shortgrass. I like the way you include daily living into scripture. I love the 23rd Psalm, it gives me peace when I'm upset. You have a good week, too. :)

Today sw is hunting hunters who think they are getting away with trespassing :mad:
 
It's taken me until Tuesday night to get here to read your message and thank you for taking the time to post it. Even on a Tuesday it makes one think.
 

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