Men’s Fellowship Night is TOMORROW, April 12 at 6:15PM — See you there!

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

— Psalm 23:2

Some of my fondest memories growing up was laying down in high grass in the summer staring at the clouds and trying to see if they resembled anything. Maybe you never did that, but I bet you saw it done on TV. It creates a calming perspective that allows you to escape the reality of the horizontal world we live in.

The Psalmist uses the Hebrew Verb Tense, Hiphil, “to cause to lie down”. This picture can instill a vision of a desire to lay down to rest. I can relate to that time at night when all is quiet and I roll back the covers and “take a load off.”

When I think about the term “Cause and Effect” it helps me to see that each action I perform has an effect that is either positive, neutral or negative. So, what causes you to do what you do? Or in other words, what motivates you? I’m a people watcher, I am drawn to examine the reason why people do what they do. The phrase “What were they thinking?” comes to mind several times a day. Even more confusing is the self-evaluation of my decisions, “What was I thinking?”

When I read Psalm 23 and it says “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters“, it causes me to rest in the comfort of my Shephard. After a “What was I thinking” kind of day, it’s good for me to reflect on the Lord and His presence in my life. After a long day in a horizontal world, it’s important to lay down and “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth”.

When I see the destructive behavior that causes so many problems, I’m encouraged that the Holy Spirit inside me can convict and instruct me to a path that will cause me to be obedient to God’s word. When I’m aware of the Spiritual things in life, I’m directed by conviction which leads to the righteousness that God provides us to walk in as His representative,

“He restores my soul, He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake”.

He also provides us with the Grace needed to lead me to repentance when I fail and the trials and temptations of this life get the best of me,

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”.

So, what “Causes” you to do what you do? Let’s lay down in green pastures and reflect on the goodness and guidance of God and I’ll bet the “Effects” of our decisions improve. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and serves with her as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 13-14| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Our lifestyle, language, attitudes, and manner of dress reflect on His name. He leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Unless you are honestly convinced that the thing in question will bring glory to God, then don’t do it.” – Curtis Hutson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; Psalm 78:7