Monday, October 17, 2011

Care For God’s Flock

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers -- not just because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. -- 1 Peter 5:2-3

What has God entrusted to you? Who has God entrusted to you? Because God didn’t place us on this earth to merely exist. He gave us abilities and talents, responsibilities and possibilities.

We are here to serve Him, our Creator, our God, our Father. All that we do is meant to glorify God and care for His sheep.

So, I ask you again: What and who has He entrusted to you? Do you have children to nurture and raise? They could be our own. They could be students or the neighbor’ children. They could be nieces and nephews. But if God places a child in your path, do all you can to protect that child and see that he/she knows Jesus.

Some of us care for aging parents. Others care for siblings. Or elderly neighbors who are alone. One friend has taken it on himself to roll out the garbage cans of his elderly, widowed neighbors to the road the night before garbage pickup, then take the receptacles back to their house after garbage pickup. A simple task -- but a really big deal to someone who has trouble walking. My friend believes God put him in the midst of five widows for just such tasks as these.

Maybe you teach a Sunday school class or pass out bulletins at the front door of the church. Maybe you‘re the one who makes sure coffee is ready before everyone else arrives. Maybe all your kids’ friends gather at your house to socialize, to play, to feel welcome and safe.

We never really know sometimes how our actions effect the lives of others. When I was a small child, my great aunt taught me the words to “Jesus Loves Me.” It was one of my few memories of the time before my parents stopped attending church. The words of that song echoed in my mind many nights as I nursed my broken and rejected heart. I thanked her one day several years ago. She didn’t even remember it. We never know how what we‘re doing may impact someone else.

God put you where you are for a reason. Look around. Measure your words. Be free with your smiles. Let others see Jesus reflected outward from you. God has entrusted you to keep watch over His sheep. Don’t let Him down.

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.