Praise the Lord, who is our Shepherd for another day and another chance to spread the gospel. Today we start fresh, putting behind us the things we did or didn’t do. How will you use it today? The body of this message is from 21 years ago and rings truer than ever. Let it bless you.
Today’s Prayer
Father, Your Word tells us that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let me give from my heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for You love a cheerful giver. And You are able to make all grace abound toward us, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Lord, please bless us that we may bless others. Through the hands of Your servants, You minister to and touch the lives of others. May we be a faithful servant and give of our time, talents, our treasures as You have provided. In Jesus’ wonderful name we pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
One Flock, One Shepherd
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. – John 10:16
A friend of mine once told me a story about an experience he had in Israel. They were in the country visiting some of the famous biblical sites when they saw a group of sheepherders. A shepherd brought his flock of sheep into a round pen for the night. Then, a few minutes later, another shepherd brought his flock into the pen. Then, a few minutes later, yet another shepherd brought his sheep into the pen. There were three groups of sheep in the pen with no identifying marks among any of them. My friend wondered how in the world they would separate their sheep the next day.
The next morning, a shepherd came over to the pen and made a comment to his sheep. One by one, the sheep filed out to follow him. Only his sheep followed his voice. My friend said it was an amazing scene to see only that shepherd’s sheep follow him and the others remain in the pen. What a picture of Jesus’ words spoken centuries earlier.
Hearing and responding to Jesus’ voice is the key to having a two-way relationship with God. It is the difference between having religion and a relationship. Can you recognize God’s voice in your life? Are you listening to the Shepherd’s voice? Do you respond when He calls? Ask Jesus to help you increase your ability to hear. Give more time to spending quiet moments in His presence to hear His voice. He wants to be your Good Shepherd.
Quote of the Day
We count the Scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy. I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever! ~Isaac Newton~