“Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy” – Psalm 86:1

As days go by in our life here on earth so many times our focus gets fixed on something transient and passing. Daily cares of life, all the needs and desires of others in our lives, even our own ambitions, and goals sometimes cloud the vision for what really matters. Remember when you started to know the Lord, the day you bowed your knee and spoke with your Lord who redeemed you? Remember the awe in your heart for Him who died for you? How sitting at his feet for hours was easy? We all can drift from this intimate focus on the Lord, where our hearts desire was for Him to just hear us and answer. Where we had a poor and needy attitude of being poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). If you have drifted from this goal, you can still put your main aim to know Jesus more intimately, He is waiting for you.

 

There is a wonderful contemporary song that captures some of the heart of being a friend with Jesus but still having great fear and awe in what He did for us, here are some of the lyrics:

 

Wonderful, merciful Saviour
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would’ve thought that a Lamb could
Rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men

Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we’re falling before Your throne

 

Today, set your heart back to the place where you first found Him. Not in just Bible reading, or in ministry endeavours or other Christian things, but in that place where you sat at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:39) for Him alone. One day we will bow at His feet in heaven in adoration. Let us also now be found at His feet in intimate worship and relationship.

 

Lord, I bow today before Your feet, I look to Your face and just long to hear words from Your mouth. Forgive me for being so distracted with other things. Precious Lord let me know You more intimately day after day until I see you soon. Amen.

W. Phillip Keller who is the author of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (1970), grew up and lived in East Africa surrounded by herders. He explains that much of what happens resembles those in the Middle East. He writes that for eight years he was a sheep owner and sheep rancher. Keller who was engrossed with the stories of the Bible uses natural phenomena to provide insights into supernatural truth. He points out that present day city dwellers will miss many biblical teachings because they are unable to relate to nomadic folks that live simple lives.

 

Keller brings to bear a shepherd's insight to this Psalm. He empathizes with David himself and refers to Psalm 23 as “David's Hymn of Praise to Divine Diligence.” In “I shall not want,” God points out that in our lives like that of sheep, we will be free from friction for he has prepared an ideal banquet for our every need. As he leads us to “still waters,” He does not want us to toil on dry, semi-arid country without having deep, clean and pure water to drink. This is ideal for sheep that is grazing.

 

He “restores my soul.” Much of this happens when sheep becomes distressed, but here is God ready to comfort them and give them rest. In “paths of righteousness,” God is the assurance that his flock will strive. Even as they “walk through the valley,” is an indication that our savior knows first hand the terrain of our lives, just like any shepherd that leads his sheep in mountainous territory.

 

“Thy rod and thy staff” will bring the sheep comfort as they are guided by a loving and caring savior. “Thou preparest a table,” Keller feels this is similar to the feast like on Table Mountain near Cape Town, Africa. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,” is the everlasting care exercised over the sheep. “I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever,” climaxes this proud and joyous Psalm.

 

Psalm 23 is considered the nightingale of Psalms. It is the epitome of feeding, guiding, governing and defending the sheep. Its climax terminates in everlasting rest, not one with sorrow and pain, but joy, hope and pleasure. We can say, “O death, where is thy sting.” “Thy rod dost comfort me,” as we journey feeding from His Holy Word. Now we reach the zenith and are guests of His everlasting banquet. Keller has captured it all in this wonderful book.

The Remade: Akila's Psalm - Casse NaRome I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Dain has lost his mother she died in his arms and now he is on the run with his best friend Akila. Dain is hurting and is running from his past and so is Akila. Dain and Akila have both lived past lives with other names. They have been friends through each of their lives. Dain's mother gave her life for Dain's. Akila chose to leave her boyfriend behind and go with Dain. She knew Dain needed her more now at this time than her boyfriend did.

It took me a while to realize that Dain and Akila were only friends. I actually thought at first that they were boyfriend and girlfriend. When I realized that they were only friends I kept hoping and thinking that they would begin to care more deeply and in a different way for each other. I wanted them to be together as a couple but I found out no matter how much they cared for each there just was no spark. They seemed just like the perfect couple.

I loved reading about them having past lives and that they knew each other then as well. I loved that they got another chance to do things differently or maybe even better in another life. That would be so awesome if you did and could remember your past lives and you could meet and be with your soulmate in each and every one of your lives. There are times when I do believe in reincarnation.

I have truly loved reading the first book in the series The Reborn and the second book The Remade as well. I thing I liked the second one The Remade better but they are both so good that it is really, really hard to actually pick a favorite. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I truly indeed recommend The Reborn and The Remade to anyone who loves reading about past lives and loves.

I absolutely love this series. I bought it for my kindle and could not put it down. Finished it in one sitting.

Wow, just wow. We have seen a little more about Jeremiah's history and Ms Viguie really knows how to write a story. I am having a really hard time waiting for the next book coming out in 2013.