Psalm 23 – Page 2

A Steward’s Green Pastures

June 22, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year Three, June 25, 2017
Luther likens the 23rd Psalm’s “green pasture” to the church, and the church’s beloved community to the Good Shepherd’s flock. It is easy to overlook the fact that this short psalm of praise is both communal as well as personal. We are stronger in community, and we have the capacity to be better, too. In community, in concert and in contact with God’s word read and proclaimed, and in the bread and wine of Holy Communion, we experience something precious and life-giving. We are strengthened for the journey, our focus is sharpened, and we are reminded of God’s many good gifts. In our life together we affirm our abundance rather than fear our scarcity. (Photo: Katrina L, Creative Commons)

Day by Day with Glad and Generous Hearts

May 4, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A, May 7, 2017
If we are to be effective as the people of God reaching out to the world and ushering in the reign of Christ right now and right here, then it is time to look our practice with fresh eyes. Where are we stale? What makes us tired? Are we simply going through the motions and trying to stay afloat in our congregations? Can we articulate our congregational identity, our sense of vision and mission? We can learn a thing or two from the early church’s understanding and application of “glad and generous hearts” and “life abundant.” (Photo: minkmonkeymoo, Creative Commons)

Real Vision

March 23, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 26, 2017
Jesus is still in the business of miracles today. He takes us, ordinary sinful, yet named and claimed disciples, and through water, word, bread, and wine equips us to be his people. He takes our humble gifts and multiples our meager offerings in ways that can’t be explained rationally. We who were once blind now see a new vision, fresh possibility, and real hope. (Photo: Creative Commons)

Weekly Stewardship Bible Devotion

September 20, 2016 By Rob Blezard Leave a Comment

Keep your mind and heart focused on stewardship with this weekly Stewardship Bible Devotion from Crosswalk.com. Using the exampe of Paul in Acts 26:1-23, this week’s lesson explores the role of storytelling in faith formation and education. (Photo: Alvanman, Creative Commons)

The Voice

April 14, 2016 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C, April 17
In following Jesus, we are trained and equipped by the Holy Spirit in the beloved community to use our hands to do God’s work and our voices to proclaim the Good News of the Shepherd King whose song is truly unending. (Photo: Alan Levine, Creative Commons)

Peace and More Peace

July 16, 2015 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 19, 2015
This is a good Sunday to preach and teach about peace–both peace found in our unity in Christ and peace that Christ commands us to seek in rest and time apart. Whichever route you take, we all need a little more peace in our lives. That’s one thing upon which we can all find common ground. (Photo: bana gurl, Creative Commons)

Rambling in the Ruts of Righteousness

April 23, 2015 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B, April 26, 2015
The 23rd psalm may be to the life of faith what mac and cheese is to comfort food, but it’s certainly no promise of a four-lane highway. The good news is that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is with us all the way–guiding, goading, loving, and equipping each and every one of us for the journey. (Photo: Joan Campderros i Canas, Creative Commons)

Come to the Feast

October 7, 2014 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, October 12, 2014
God sets a forth a feast in three of today’s four readings, sending a message of abundance and provision. Yet how often do we seek to accept God’s blessings on our own terms and at our own convenience–often to the detriment of others? (Photo: zoe.wang, Creative Commons, Thanks!)

Stewards of the Promise (Part One)

May 6, 2014 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A
May 11, 2014
Yes, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, but why not use this Sunday to begin a three-part series on stewardship? We are called to steward the promises of God, yet too often our stewardship focuses too much on money and not enough on our role as active participants in ushering in God’s reign and the life abundant. (Photo: fady habib, Creative Commons)

A Steward’s Psalm for All Seasons and Reasons

April 17, 2013 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C, April 21, 2013

Psalm 23 is probably the most beloved and oft-spoken one in the Psalter, but do we truly recognize, honor, and harness its power and praise to guide our lives in all times and in all places? Why not consider this powerful song of praise and promise this Sunday?