Sheep Business

Believe it or not for a short time in my life I was a shepherd! Okay, not in the traditional sense, but I did own and care for two pregnant ewes for six months. I learned a lot about them. First of all, sheep are pretty helpless and really do depend on their owner for all their needs. Secondly, sheep aren’t very bright. They could turn their face to the corner of the stall and start crying (baaa-ing), because they thought they were lost. So then I read what Jesus said in John 10:10, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."

Hmmm I guess that says a lot about our relationship, and the sheep/shepherd one. We depend on Jesus for all our needs, and without Him we’re lost. I’m glad He loves and cares for us aren’t you?

I just want to be a sheep. Amen?

The Question

I love the conservation that takes place at the beginning of the “Lazarus” story. We usually miss it because we want to get to the part where a man who had been dead four days hops out of his tomb! Okay that’s pretty spectacular, but the truth found earlier in Jesus’ discussion with Martha is life-changing for all of us. Jesus said in John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." Then He asks her if she believes.

Every person is asked that same question. Do you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Your answer chooses your eternal destiny.

The choice is yours. To be born once and die twice, or be born twice die once.

Amen?

Pray Today

Today is See You at the Pole™. This global day of student prayer began as a grass roots movement with ten students praying at their school. Twenty-six years later, millions pray on their campuses on the fourth Wednesday in September. See You at the Pole™ is a prayer rally where students meet at the school flagpole before school to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God. See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led event.

In 1990 when youth ministers in Texas first challenged young people to meet on a common day to launch their school year in prayer, one of the concerns what how to help those who wanted to pray together find each other. It was noted that virtually every school has a flagpole, and the flagpole provided an easy-to-identify place to gather. Also, one issue that the teenagers were praying about was the spiritual health of their country and their leaders, in obedience to 1 Timothy 2:1–2. "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Even if you can’t meet at “the pole” today remember to pray. Our schools, communities, and country needs it.

Amen?

Remedy

I saw this in a quote recently. It really helps to be reminded when you are going through the storm who to keep focused on. Amen?

Our God is not only greater, but He is the absolute greatest. Even in the midst of trouble, instead of praising your problem and magnifying it, give praise to your God, magnify Him, and watch Him stand up and step in on your behalf. Hallelujah!  

Like the old hymn reminds us:

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

Thank you Jesus for never taking your eyes off of us, and walking with us through the storms of this life. Amen?

Someone’s Knocking at the Door

The way, truth, and light is how Jesus describes Himself on the night of betrayal. This gives all of humanity clear directions on the way to God. He is truth. The Light that comes from Him illuminates and clarifies how we can be in the right relation with God. Jesus said in John 10:9, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." We are given the opportunity to enter through this gate in to the kingdom of God!

The Christian faith is much easier to understand than any other religion. We all have sinned and separated ourselves from the Lord, but God loves us enough that we can be forgiven.

Jesus, the Way, provides the only entry door to Heaven. We just have to open it. He’s knocking.

Amen?

Give Me Light

The Bible is uses the example of dark and light to symbolize the ways of God (light) and the ways of evil (dark). Darkness contributes to our lost-ness, and confusion. Light allows us to see things: clearly, distinctly, openly, truthfully, and eternally. Jesus said John 8:12; " I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness."

When my kids were little we always made sure we had “night lights” on so they wouldn’t stumble if they awoke in the dark. If we are Christ followers we can always have His light reflected in us. It can keep us and others from falling.

Amen?

Importance

What is the most important thing in your life? The answer to this question can be found in how you live your life, spend your time, thoughts, and money on. Seriously, think about what someone would say is most important to you judging by these criteria. We might be surprised by the answer. Jesus said in Mark 8:36, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"

Stuff and titles don’t impress God. Our love, faith, and obedience puts a smile on His face. We all have a limited amount of time here on earth. Doesn’t it make sense to focus on things that last and truly make a difference?

What the world offers is momentary. God's gift is eternal.

Amen?