July 10, 2018

Are You Following Jesus?

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

– John 10:3-4

Several years ago my Dad planted rye grass in the pecan orchard. He would allow the cows access only an hour or so a day. This was to keep them from getting sick by eating too much of a good thing.

One day we came home and found the cows in the front pasture. He wanted to bring them around to the rye grass field. He talked about using feed to entice them around. He wondered aloud if he could somehow drive them to the correct area.

I was astounded at the obstacles he thought he needed to overcome. I shook my head and told him to go open the gate and I would get the cows around. He didn’t believe me but headed toward the gate anyway.

I went to the front gate and started calling the cows. I called them by name. I called them babies. I did what any pet parent does: I talked in a sweet voice. First one and then another raised their heads. I patiently called them again to come on. In a few minutes the entire herd was coming at a brisk pace.

I turned to find my Dad standing there with his mouth open, totally amazed that I hadn’t even needed to go into the pasture to bring the cows around to the correct area. Why did they come when I called them? Because they knew my voice. They knew that I was calling them to something good. They trusted that there was something wonderful at the end of their journey.

Jesus calls us in much the same way. We can ignore Him. We can do our own thing and miss the blessings He offers. Or we can choose to follow His call and end our days with more than we could ever imagine.

Don’t let the world distract you. Don’t listen to voices who claim to know the way and yet only offer worldly things as a reward. You’re not here to stay. You’re just a traveler headed home. Don’t let anyone focus your attention elsewhere.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

– John 10:27

Do you hear His voice? Are you following Jesus or the world? Don’t be so quick to answer. Think about it.

Every single day we make choice after choice after choice. All those choices come with consequences. Are those choices drawing you nearer to Jesus or are they drawing you nearer to the world?

If you know Jesus, follow Him. He will always lead you to something better than you could ever imagine.

And if you don’t know Jesus, take a moment to think about all the wonderful blessings you are missing. He’s standing at the gate to let you in. You only have to believe and trust that He truly will lead you home.

May 16, 2016

Listen For Jesus’ Voice

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. -- John 10:27-28

Goosie was distraught. I heard her as soon as I opened the back door. Her friend, her buddy, her companion, was gone. Probably a coyote had struck during the night.

I began talking to her and she calmed down. She knows my voice. She knows that I feed her twice a day. She knows that she is safe with me.

That’s how it is with Jesus. As believers, we know His voice. He will calm us, His children, if we will let Him. We are safe with Him.

Have you ever been afraid? The other day our pastor asked for folks to tell what excites them and what frightens them. Some of the answers were what you would expect. Grandchildren and adventures were high on the excitement list. Flying and disappointing God or those we love topped the list of what frightens us.

Our pastor admitted that he’s afraid of being at his house alone. He and his wife have four children. There is always somebody around. And when there isn’t, well, that’s unsettling.

But for us there is somebody always around. His name is Jesus and He never, ever leaves us alone. When your mind won’t quiet itself in the night, He is there. When you’re driving a lonely stretch of road, He is there. When you’re afraid of people trying to hurt you, He is there. Always. He is there.

What are you afraid of? Losing someone suddenly. I’ve been there. So was Jesus. Losing your job? I’ve been there. So was Jesus. Getting sick? I’ve been there. So was Jesus.

There is no place we can go, nothing we can experience, where He won’t be by our side.

That includes the good stuff too. We sometimes forget about Jesus when things are going well, don’t we? We don’t notice His Presence. We don’t include Him in our celebration, our joy.

Why is that? Maybe because we don’t think we need Him. We do. I do. I need Jesus to be there celebrating with me, enjoying the sunset with me, laughing at the antics of the dogs or geese with me.

We got nine new geese to join Goosie on the pond. I don’t want her to be alone. I’ve already started talking to them. They are learning to listen for my voice. Just as I have learned to listen for Jesus’ voice. What about you? Jesus is calling you. Do you hear Him?

March 24, 2016

Resist Satan’s Attacks

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -- John 10:10

I want peace. I want to live in the moment, to be thankful for what I have and where I am. I don’t want to worry about what might or might not happen. I don’t want to bother with things I can’t predict or control.

Satan things that’s funny. How do I know? Because his attack is relentless. The Bible calls it spiritual warfare. It is real and it is way beyond anything I am capable of combating on my own.

In Ephesians, Paul talks about the armor of God. But those are things we put on before we go in to battle. It’s too late once the battle wages all around you.

I keep thinking of a scene in the War Room. Elizabeth has finally broken and cried out to God. Afterwards, she keeps repeating “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” That’s out of James. She basically throws the devil out of her home and her life.

In real life, it’s not that easy because the devil comes back again and again. Every time you think you’ve finally reached a place of peace, here he comes again with another attack. Satan doesn’t want us to pray. He doesn’t want us to seek God. He wants to negate all we are in Christ. But he can only do that if we allow it.

One of my favorite weapons is Scripture. When the enemy attack is in my mind, I push it aside with Scripture. It isn’t an easy battle. I repeat the same verses over and over again until the attack passes. Why? Because when Jesus was tempted by the devil, he answered with Scripture. I want to follow Jesus’ example.

I am certain I cannot fight this battle alone. No chance. Scripture tells me to humble myself before God and to stand firm in my faith. I so badly want to do that. I refuse to allow Satan to have my peace.

I resist, not on my own authority or with my own power, but through Jesus. I am nothing without Him. Really I am just another insecure person being battered by people and events who would do me harm. But through Him I have power to defeat this unseen foe.

January 4, 2014

Find Rest In Jesus

 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

-- John 10:10

I am exhausted. That's not unusual. It was another busy day. Except there is a voice in the back of mind that keeps reminding me that it is Sunday. A day of rest. Not a day to be so tired.

What did I do? Attended church. Taught Sunday school. Bought lunch. Washed dishes. Completed late afternoon lesson. Led late afternoon discussion. Got home after dark. Still have family duties waiting for me. Then I can shower and fall into bed and blissful sleep. I hope.

Don't get me wrong. I have a good life. It is full of  blessings. I am grateful. I am. I just wish I wasn't so tired. I just wish the toll of this wonderful life didn't leave me too exhausted to enjoy it.

Maybe enjoyment isn't what it's all about. What is "happy" anyway? For many, it's the stuff that we fill our lives with. But for how long? Stuff won't fill that hole inside. It's momentary. Fleeting.

I consider what I would change about my day. Not much. I am doing what I love, what I believe God has called me to do. Fatigue is part of the cost and that's okay most of the time.

The other days of my life are a work in progress. This new reality that has engulfed me threatens to consume me. I am fighting it. There is a deep need for solitude that comes before everyone else has done with me for the day. There is a need for exercise and healthy eating without having to fight that battle every day. When do my needs matter to someone besides myself?

They matter to Jesus. I matter to Jesus. My weariness matters to Him. I find my strength in His words. I find my joy in His promises. And on days like this, when the fatigue seeps deep into my pours, it is where I find my rest.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Make Good Choices Moment To Moment

“The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

-- John 10:10

Yesterday I had a choice to make. I could choose something healthy and low-calorie for lunch. Or I could choose something unhealthy, high-calorie and yummy. I chose the yummy. And then I felt guilty.

Life is all about choices. And, yes, sometimes those choices are big ones. We give a great deal of time and thought and prayer to moving across the country or changing jobs. But we don’t tend to think so much about those smaller choices.

So we make choices that end up becoming bad habits. And bad habits are really hard to change. Why do you think that is?

Well, they’re part of who we are. Even the ones that are destructive. Even the ones we hate the most. Because it’s comfortable, like having that bowl of ice cream every night before we go to bed. Being overweight is who we are. Being tipsy at every gathering is who we are. Using foul language all the time is who we are.

But we don’t want to be who we are anymore. So why do we keep making bad choices? Maybe we think we don’t deserve better. Maybe it’s safer to be who we’ve always been than to dare to become who we might be.

Then one day you wake up and decide this time you really are going to change. This time you’re going to make the right choices. That’s when Satan starts his steady chant. He’s quick to remind you that you can’t change. That you’ll never be more than you are right now. Satan makes us forget he is a liar.

Honestly, it would be easier to just keep on doing what we’ve always done. But we can change if we want to. It won’t be easy. But it is possible. How? By making good choices, moment to moment. It’s not about the choice you made yesterday or the choice you might make tomorrow. It’s about the choice you make in this moment that counts.

I think sometimes we fail because we’re trying to leave behind all our bad habits in one massive jump. We’re just setting ourselves up for failure. Nobody can do all that and the frustration of it will send anybody scurrying for the chocolate.

Pick one thing. Just one. Then make right choices until those choices are the habits you always wanted to have. Then pick another and stay with it until your choices are now your habits. And on and on. One choice at a time. One moment at a time.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Keep Eyes Focused Straight Ahead

Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

-- Proverbs 4:25-27

In the Deep South we learn early to look down while we walk, especially during late spring, summer and early fall. You never know when one of those “sticks” will start moving and snakes can be deadly.

That’s great advice for navigating our region safely but it can create bad habits when it comes to living our lives. When we spend all our time looking down, we lose sight of what’s ahead.

Look around you. There are probably some wonderful things going on in your life. We always have blessings, even when circumstances keep us from noticing them right away. Some seasons of life keep us focused on what’s wrong and we miss those blessings that are right before us.

When we look down, we see our immediate circumstances. We see unpaid bills, health problems, family strife, uncertain job prospects, even the laundry waiting to be done. We worry so much about what’s happening right now that we lose sight of Jesus. We lose sight of hope.

What’s important? Family and friends. People. Living as Jesus would have us live. Doing good where we can, however we can. Staying focused on what lies ahead, on the eternal life that awaits us at the end of the journey.

It isn’t always an easy journey. We want to believe that somehow as followers of Jesus we should be immune to the stresses of daily life. Where did we ever get that idea? The Bible clearly tells us that we will suffer. It also tells us we will never walk alone. He will never leave us.

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” -- John 10:35-36a

The light lies straight ahead. You see it when you focus forward rather than downward. We don’t always see where we’re going but we don’t need to. All we have to do is follow the light and Jesus will lead us along the right path and on in to eternity with Him.

The road on this earth is rocky and filled with stumbling blocks. Resist the urge to linger on your worries and turn instead to Jesus. Trust Him to lead you home.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Meet God In The Silence

“My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” -- John 10:27

The other day a friend, along with her mother and aunt, decided to make a quick trip to a neighboring town. Another driver decided she could text on her cell phone and listen to music and drive all at the same time. The result almost brought devastation.

The young girl nearly sideswiped my friend’s car. The only reason she didn’t is that my friend is a very aware driver, saw the girl’s car coming into her lane, and left the road. The oblivious driver kept going.

My friend sped up and pulled along side the girl. Her head was bobbing to the music no doubt coming from the earbuds firmly planted in her ears. Her eyes were on the cell phone in front of her as her fingers worked the keys. Only fleetingly did she glance at the road.

This girl had no idea that her decision could easily have cost all four of them their lives. As it was, my friend’s mother and aunt were nervous wrecks. A year or so ago the two older women were driving to a doctor’s appointment when they were hit by a drunk driver. Both were badly hurt. This was yet another reminder of what can happen with no warning.

We all lead such distracted lives these days. When did we come to believe that we had to be available to everyone 24/7? When did we decide that music, or some other media source, had to be blaring in our ears all the time? What happened to solitude? What happened to silence?

I know that some of you have already brushed me aside as being “old” and “out of touch.” Perhaps a little of both. But mostly I am very, very aware that we can never truly hear God’s voice until we face Him in the silence.

Maybe that’s the point. Maybe we don’t want to hear what God has to say. Maybe we’re too focused on what we want, on what we need, on what we’ve decided to do, that we don’t think we need God. Until that moment when metal collides and suddenly God is all we want or need or desire.

But why do we have to wait until disaster strikes to seek His voice? Why must we behave like unrepentant children who have no need of a Savior? Because we all need Him. All it takes is one mistake, one disaster, one illness, to remind us of that fact.

So take a moment today to turn off the television, the iPod and the smart phone. Power off the laptop. Ask God to meet you wherever you are. Seek His wisdom in His Word and ask Him to speak to your heart. Then, as the silence wraps around you, wait patiently. Because God will always, always meet you wherever you are.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

No Greater Love

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” -- John 10:14

How do you define love? Many people think of love as a feeling, like a husband for a wife or a parent for a child. Others see love in action. It is defined by how we treat one another. The dictionary even offers one explanation for love as God’s benevolence toward mankind.

Yes, God has shown us grace and charity. Our Creator gave us the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, so that those who believed could be reconciled to Him. That is love. That Jesus would die for my sins and yours.

But before all that love came to earth in the form of a tiny baby. His first cries echoed in the night. Mary no doubt held him close as Joseph and the animals in the stable looked on. God would have been watching too, loving His Son even as He understood the path that lay ahead.

Love isn’t always easy. We want it to be. We don’t want to work at love. We don’t want to love our enemies or the people who mistreat us. We want to love those who also love us. We want to do good, loving things for those who do good, loving things for us.

How grateful I am that God doesn’t view love that way. He didn’t wait for me to realize how great a sinner I am and how much I need Him before loving me. God loved me from the first and waited patiently for me to realize how much I love Him. He never gave up on me. He’ll never give up on you. That’s love of the deepest kind.

Sometimes as I read the Bible I am amazed that God would still love any of us. We have all done such horrible things. We have betrayed God and His goodness. We have wronged Him again and again. We have turned away. We have filled our lives with sin.

Yet His goodness never fails. His love remains steady and true. In our darkest nights, God reaches out to hold our hand. His love surrounds us all our days.

What is love?

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” -- John 15:13

May we always remember that one night long ago when a baby was born to show the world how much God truly loves us all.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Believe Jesus’ Promise

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” -- John 10:10

Do you believe in coincidences? I believe coincidences are from God. Like the day my two daily readings both had this Scripture. It was also the same day my Bible study homework had that same Scripture. Coincidence? Nope. God all the way.

Who is the thief in this verse? Satan? Sure, that’s a reasonable answer. Satan certainly desires to take us away from God. But Satan works through others to do his dirty work. We forget that sometimes. We believe the lies that come from others who want to steal our happiness and destroy our faith in God.

Last year I met a young man who already believed he couldn’t do any number of things. He’s in high school. Yeah, he has some challenges but he’s very smart. And he already thinks he’s a failure. How sad is that? Lack of self-esteem means this young man could miss even trying to live the wonderful life God has planned for him.

Disappointment hangs like a cloud over a young woman who was denied a job she really wanted. They told her she was “over-qualified.” They even gave her leads and tips for other jobs. But she’s so depressed. Her hope of a job she’ll enjoy has been destroyed. Satan’s handiwork, no doubt.

A wonderful couple longed for a child. She had suffered cancer and it left serious problems. They endured endless rounds of fertility treatments but the treatments didn’t work. They had the promise of a newborn. They had a photo and permission from the birth mother. Everything was in line -- but they didn’t get the baby. The foster parents did. Devastation led to deep despair and a surrender to God. His will, not theirs. They’re in the process of adopting their fifth child. God’s blessing.

Satan wants to destroy all our dreams. He wants us to lose hope. He wants us to believe we’re stuck wherever it is we don’t want to be. He thrives on leading us astray and stealing our joy.

Jesus is just the opposite. He gave His life so that we could have eternal life. Jesus wants us to succeed. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to fulfill our dreams and the destiny God set out for us.

So don’t let Satan still your dreams. Cling to the hope that is Christ Jesus our Lord. Believe in Him, belief in yourself. You are a child of God. Your possibilities are endless if only you believe.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Follow God's Direction

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. -- John 10:4

A few years ago I was determined to purchase a booth at an arts and crafts event. It's one I display at every year so it wasn't that big of a deal. Or so I thought.

God told me quite plainly not to do the event. I argued. I pleaded. Still, His answer remained no. I am not an easy child. I even pouted. God refused to relent. Other people tried to convince me to send in my booth fee. God remained firm.

I didn't send in my application. It was a good thing. Bad weather caused the event's organizers to cancel it for the first time in its history. Yes, I did thank God. I was, and remain, thankful for His wisdom. I am also grateful that He didn't just give in and allow me to learn an expensive lesson.

That's been on my mind the last few days. Once again God said no. This time I didn't argue. I did feel a few pangs when the advertising started. I love seeing everyone. But I knew God had a reason. Yeah. Wind. Rain. Thunder and lightening. I would have been a nervous wreck. I felt so bad for all those artists and the organizers who had worked so hard. I am so grateful God told me no.

We tend to think of God as the One in charge of the big things. And He is. We call out to Him about sickness and death. We plead for His healing touch on relationships. We honor Him with worship and tithes. But do we ask Him to take care of all the smaller decisions that each day brings? Oh, God is so in the details of our lives.

I'm sure days will come, decisions will rest before me, and I'll fail to consider God's opinion. I hope not but that's the human in me. Always trying to go my own way when I truly don't have a clue. My desire is that God will continue to hold tight to my hand, refusing to let me wander from His side. He really does know what's best for me. I want to follow where He leads. Always. In all things. Forever. 

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

He Calls Me By Name

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." -- John 10:14

Don't you just hate going someplace new by yourself? That's especially true when you seem to be the only person there alone. The loneliest I think I've ever felt is being alone in a room full of people who are clustered in groups. They know each other. Friendships abound. I am the outsider. No one knows my name.

I am so thankful that Jesus knows my name. When I get to heaven, He'll call me by name and welcome me home. I won't be alone there. I'll belong to a huge family where I am welcomed and loved.

I've never figured out a certain way of determining who is and who isn't a Believer. Some folks act the part. They say the right things and do plenty of good deeds. But I can't see their hearts the way God can so I really don't know.

Other people seem to stumble and fall on a regular basis. I don't see outward signs of belief. I just see mistakes and excuses. Still, they seem sincere and I am reminded that God welcomes all people. He knows their hearts and sees them in a way I can't.

Sometimes I sit at church and watch the people around me. They are a diverse group. Young and old, life-long members and those newly acquired, mix with people of all races. Some appear affluent while others seem less so. It doesn't matter. Jesus binds them together, as they sing and laugh and worship their Lord.

Jesus knows each person's name. He sees the heart beneath the exterior. He loves each one. As the music starts, He reaches out and touches each person. What started as a eclectic group of people becomes one family, bound together by the Good Shepherd. He calls each by name and they respond as one in love and communion.

Monday, July 5, 2010

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

Transition is always difficult. We tend to be a people who are set in ours ways. Yes, I mean you too! We may not think of ourselves as being in a rut but sometimes we are. We like our world to be settled, at least when it comes to the big stuff.

The Jews didn't want the Gentiles to know God. They wanted to keep Him all to themselves. It was just how things were. But that wasn't what God planned. Jesus included everyone, for which this Gentile is extremely grateful.

We are all part of the same flock. We all belong to Jesus. Yesterday was the first Sunday with two new pastors. They seem wonderful. They'll bring their own special insights into a church family set in its ways. I believe that God has a plan. We'll all be able to learn and grow in the coming weeks and months. We are, after all, part of the same family.

I looked around the special Unity Service held in the New Fellowship Hall. It was quite a sight. The contemporary praise band Narrow Road took the stage -- as they do most Sunday mornings -- but this time the music minister and his wife joined them. Their were lots of jokes about Billy and his tie as he sang next to the two female vocalists. It was wonderful.

Some of the congregation probably had never attended a contemporary worship service. Some may even hope they never do again. But most seemed totally amazed. It was a unique experience for them. When the hand signals started with one song -- you know those movements taught to children -- I saw a few older folks just shaking their heads. At least they were smiling!

We all were. We were singing songs of praise to God -- together. We were welcoming our new pastors -- together. We were worshipping our Lord and Saviour -- together. We were united. One flock. One Shepherd. Amen.