Shepherd’s Voice

In John 10, Jesus is recorded as He likened His place with His followers to the role of a Good Shepherd with his sheep. The Good Shepherd protects his sheep and leads them to bountiful postures. The sheep follow the Good Shepherd because they trust him. The sheep know the Good Shepherd’s voice and follow faithfully when he speaks. They do not follow other voices who use lies, deceptions, and accusations to mislead the sheep into dangerous paths.

John 10:4-5 says, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” We must learn to listen to God’s voice of truth and resist the voices of lies, deceptions, and accusations. God’s voice will lead us in paths of security, truth, and hope. Other voices will lead us to danger, hopelessness, and futility.

In the Spotlight

Some people seek the spotlight. They love the opportunity to be deemed noteworthy. Others of us would rather work behind the scenes and not be seen. However, we all enjoy the kind attention given to us by other people.

I Samuel 2:9 says, “Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and also with man.” What was the key for Samuel to gain favor from the Lord and from men? Verse 30 says, “but now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” Honor God, and He will bring you honor with Himself and with men.

High Jump

Suppose a high jump competition was held and everyone in the world had to participate. So one by one, everyone tried to jump over the bar as we each watched. Some jumped higher than most people, but failed to clear the bar. Others, like myself, did not jump very high and also failed to clear the bar. I took solace in those who couldn’t even jump as high as I did, but I ignored those who jumped much higher. Still none of us could clear the bar. Finally, one person came into the stadium and easily cleared the bar. Those of us who cheered him on had his score attributed to us. Those who mocked him were sent away to their own demise.

Romans 3:10-11 says, “as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks God.” God is not impressed with our performance. His standard for righteousness is perfection, which none of us can attain. Therefore, we must trust in the sacrifice that God made of His own Son on the cross. Then, God will cover us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ and we will spend eternity in His presence, while those who reject Him will be sent away to their own demise.

Run With Endurance

I have never run a marathon race before, although I did run a half marathon race years ago. I understand that marathoners can run into what is called the “wall” at some point in the race. The wall is a seemingly impossible place to penetrate and continue on with your race. In life, we can face a wall that makes us want to stop what we are doing. But life continues and we need to find a way through the wall.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Don’t ever give up. Keep going. Living by faith is a marathon race, not a sprint. Jesus is our example, as He suffered much to bring us salvation, and now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father. Our reward is great, so keep the faith. As the perfecter of our faith, Jesus gives us the strength to continue through the wall and come out on the other side stronger, wiser, and more like Him.

Caught in the Surf

When I was a teenager growing up in southern California, I went to the beach often. I never learned to surf on a surfboard, but I did body surf a lot. Occassionally, I would be taken underwater by a wave and tossed around quite a bit. Life’s decisions can do the same thing to us. They can overwhelm us at times and we go back and forth with what we are trying to decide. One internal voice says one thing and the other internal voice says another. Where can we go to find true wisdom for our decisions?

James 1:5-6 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” Sometimes, we face a difficult decision and waver back and forth as to what to do. God promises to give us wisdom, if we simply ask in faith. It is the doubt that causes us to be tossed and turned in uncertainty.