the rod and staff

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalms 23:4 NLT

The rod and staff fight off predators, the staff,  imagine would hook a wayward sheep. In Australia, the sheep dog is sent after the wayward sheep, and we know sheep instinctively know how to be wayward.

When my children were small they would occassionally be smacked for bad behaviour. I did not abuse them and they still love me.

Our Father disciplines us when we need it, He still loves us. Amen!

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