A Table of Peace in Troubled Times

AMY TURNER

Psalm 23:5 tells us that God sets a table for His people even when enemies are close by. The picture is not one of comfort and quiet, but of danger and pressure. Imagine preparing to share a meal with family while storms strike the house and violent voices shout outside the door. Most would struggle to enjoy that moment because fear and noise take over.

David reminds us that God, like a shepherd, does not wait for safe and easy conditions before caring for His flock. The meal is spread out even while threats are near. Enemies may roar, but they cannot remove the shepherd’s protection. The sheep can still eat because their safety depends on the shepherd, not on their surroundings.

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:11

What It Really Means Not to Judge

JEFF TURNER

Many people, especially those outside the Christian faith, turn to Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” when they feel challenged about sin. But this verse is often misunderstood. Jesus was not saying that believers should never make judgments. Instead, He was warning against taking the place of God by acting as if we have final authority over others.

Just a few verses later, in the same chapter, Jesus says not to give what is holy to dogs or to throw pearls before pigs. To follow that instruction, a person has to make a judgment. I’m speaking of a judgement that involves spiritual understanding. This shows that some level of discernment is necessary when handling sacred things, especially the message of the gospel.

The warning in Matthew 7:1 is really about pride and hypocrisy. Jesus was speaking against the religious leaders of the time who were treating others harshly, as if they had God’s insight and power. While Christians are called to evaluate right from wrong, they must remember that only God can make the final judgment, because only He sees everything clearly.

Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

John 7:24

Understanding God’s Guidance Through Trust

FLOYD ROGERS

Learning how God works comes through experience and obedience. As a person follows God’s leading and responds to His direction, they begin to notice patterns in how He moves in different situations. With time, it becomes clearer how God responds when certain choices are made. This gradual understanding helps believers recognise His ways.

While God willingly offers guidance, some matters remain known only to Him. He chooses not to explain every reason behind what happens in life. People often feel the need to understand everything, believing it will bring them peace. However, peace does not come from having all the answers. It comes from trusting God, especially when the reasons are unclear.

Even without knowing why, peace is possible through trusting Him.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all [b]comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

The Rogers Family affirms the Lord’s eternal presence, power with “He’s Still God”

SPECIAL HORIZON & SONLITE RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 26, 2025) — For their Horizon Records debut, The Rogers Family have chosen a rollicking affirmation of the Lord’s eternal presence and power that exemplifies the group’s respect for the Southern Gospel tradition — and their mastery of the genre’s signature harmonizing.

“We’re so excited to officially release our brand new single, ‘He’s Still God,'” enthuses Rebekah Shields, who takes the lead through most of the song. “This upbeat and joyful song has quickly become one of our favorites to sing, and we pray it becomes an encouragement to you as well. No matter what life brings, it’s a powerful reminder that He’s still God… and He’s still on the throne!”

Kicked off with an interchange between legendary studio multi-instrumentalist David Johnson’s fiddle and the piano of the family’s mother, Kim Shields, “He’s Still God” features the group’s own creative arrangement. Its first verse is sung by the trio of youngsters — Rebekah, Samuel and Hannah Shields — but another verse follows as Rebekah takes the lead, and as the song progresses, the shape of the chorus is repeatedly recast, with different voices emerging to take the lead and offer the triumphant lyric:

He’s still God (He’s still God), who rolled back the troubled water
He’s still God (He’s still God) and He’s still in control
He’s still God (He’s still God) though the world may be raging
He’s still God (He’s still God) He can calm your troubled soul
When it seems (when it seems that) that you have been defeated
Speak His name (Speak His name) and you are not alone
He’s ever listening (He’s ever listening) for the cry of His children
He’s still God (He’s still God) and He’s still on the throne

With its snappy call-and-response, down home feeling and intricately intertwined voices, “He’s Still God” offers both a memorable listening experience and, for those who have not yet heard them, an outstanding introduction to The Rogers Family.

The Comfort of the Shepherd’s Care

AMY TURNER

Psalm 23:4 says that the shepherd’s rod and staff bring comfort. These were not random objects. The staff, with its curve, guided sheep when they wandered into danger. The rod, a strong club, protected the flock by driving away predators. One corrected mistakes made by the sheep, while the other defended them from outside threats.

For David, both were signs of safety, and the same is true for us. Living under God’s care means His hand reaches into our struggles, whether they come from our own choices or from enemies around us. Because of this, we should not push back when God disciplines us. His correction is for our good, and His protection is certain.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Romans 8:31