Psalms 23:1-6 KJV 1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

David had sweet assurance of faith that one day he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Who was David but a shepherd boy. Who was David, but a warrior king. Who was David beside a man with desire. Who was David but a human being. He knew God because he knew him tending his father's sheep. He knew God on the battle field as well as at times of peace. He knew God's wrath through his sin. He knew God protection in times of grief, despair, war, pain, hunger, and even anger. David understood when he went against King Saul and ran, the kingdom now at war against him would pursue him and even kill all that helped him. He knew what was to eat at the Lord's table when it belonged to another. He knew what was to hide in the same cave as the enemy. He knew what was to protect the enemy the king. He knew what was to send orders to his men to protect and to kill. He knew what the power of war was. David declare God his shepherd, that he would not be in want. Want is a desire, a need meet not always. We may want something, but in truth it not a need. David knew what was to have all his desires met. He knew what was to lay his head in the field and take a nap, and drink water from a stream. He knew what was to play his harp and sing the praises of God and find his soul restored despite what was going on around him. He knew what was to have God touch his enter being, and lead him down the right road of faith. There were times David walked with the enemy encamped around him and he be in the valley. He knew death was at his door, but could not touch him. He fear nothing, for he had learn to kill bare handily bears and lions as a boy, no he learn not to fear because God was with him all the days of his life. He knew the comfort of the Shepherd God, that protect him in the storm. He knew the power of the Holy Spirit who chose him to be king. He knew God's grace and mercy even into old age. One day he would know what was to dwell in God's house forever because his hope was assured through faith. Today is Memorial Day a time of sweet remembrance of loved ones that fought in battle as well as friends, companions, ancestors and strangers. People will to give their life for our freedom that we to might live in peace and comfort all our days. These people giving hope to the people caught in misery of the world. Giving people freedom who never experienced it before. The other day I seen a news report of big brother in China. Big brother making sure the people obey and do what is right always. Making people feel like prisoners in their own home. Those that spoke in China thought it was a good thing, but then one has to remember they use to communism. It is natural means of control even people that need not be controlled. There life so under attack by the shadow game called follow/stalking. Stalking is evil, following someone to the point they can not breath is rude. There groups all over that try these tactics and it is only about control. It not about giving people freedom and protection. No one minds camera's in our streets. It keeps one safe from strangers, it when it in someone home, it is not freedom. No one minds it in business, if there is a criminals around. The point being the communist way of living is not the freedom of yesteryear. It is the freedom our soldiers died for. God being sovereign gave people freedom, but when sin got so bad, He did something about it to hope bring his people back. How much control and freedom lost before the world says let God have that control alone. God sees the heart of man and his thoughts, government can not. A knife to cut a slice of bread may kill a person the next day. The thought given with the slicing of a loaf of bread. Christ broke the bread and devil would pierce Christ's side with a sword in hours to come. Christ spoke of Judas's betrayal to come in the presence of the disciples. Did it only spur Judas to do what Christ said, or was his agenda already set for the evening. We know a devil enter Judas. We know the devil roams the earth even today. Our soldiers fight a enemy they do not understand. An enemy called Satan. They understand freedom, but they know not the freedom God gives. His eye all seeing, the power the enemy tries to claim in our world. Technology can be good or it can be evil. It has the power to be used wisely or destructively. Some using big brother to change the course history might take. Soldiers our freedom is not with control, but with God given right of all individuals being protected. Remember this Memorial Day that our rights were being fought for. Do not forget the power of God to protect even before technology learn to do so. God's power still reigns in the universe if we will only trust in Him. His power supreme and His freedom still reigns in the hearts of his people. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your freedom and protection in our modern world. Thank you for the brave men and women that fight for our freedom. Help us to remember what true freedom is and God's power to control is not big brother's type of control. In Jesus precous name, Amen. Continual Scripture Study for Devotion: 1Peter 5:1-4 KJV 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. http://www.turtle30cshell.com