God is my Shepherd

God is my shepherd, I won't be wanting/I won't be wanting

He makes me rest / In fields of green / With quite streams

Even though I walk / Through the valley / Of death and dying

I will not fear / 'Cause you are with me / You are with me

Your shepherd staff / Comforts me / You are my feast

In the presence of enemy / Surely goodness / Follow me

Follow me / In the house of God, forever

God is my shepherd / I won't be wanting / I won't be wanting

He makes me rest / In fields of green / Like quiet streams

Even while I'm walking / Through the valley / Of death and dying / I will not fear
'Cause you are with me / You're always with me

Your shepherd staff / Comforts me / You are my feast / In the presence of enemy / Surely goodness / Follow me
Follow me / In the house of God, forever / In the house of God, forever
In the house of God, forever

~House of God Forever by Jon Foreman

On the Outside

I never suspected my bible would look as it does now. Today as I look it over, I notice the stain from where my pen had harshly stroked the light blue leather and I had tried to mend the damage by using nail polish remover (which proved only to worsen the problem). I notice the light white circles that cover parts of the sparkling silver page tips from when it had been attacked by my exploding lunch (I believe that day yogurt had been on the menu). I notice the bent pages in Genesis from when I had fallen asleep with it in my hands.

I am relieved to remember that the outside of a book is the least important part of the object and the meaning which lies within the pages, regardless of their appearance, is the truly worth while part. But, is it not common in this day to only look at the cover, the skin, the appearance, and so easily over look the deep beauty of what is found within? Unfortunately, this has become the norm in our society and we are worse off for it.

"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.'"

1 Samuel 16:7