The Daily Dose

Focus on the purpose

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. John 11:9

Have you ever worried about something bad happening before it actually does?  How about being fearful for future events, but then when the time came you found out there was never anything to be afraid of?  I sure have, many times.  Times like when I was going on a trip or starting a new job.  Of course, there were times when my concerns were a little more intense when family was going through a trial and I wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out.

In today’s reading, Jesus’ disciples were concerned about going to Bethany where Jesus’ friends lived because the last time they were there, the Jews wanted to stone Jesus.  The disciples were nervous for Jesus’ life, and also for their own.  Jesus, of course had the perfect answer for them and talked about the light of day being better than the darkness (which I’m still not sure I understand).  He doesn’t really explain his analogy, but He does tell them, we need to go to do something good and not worry about what could happen when we get there.  The disciples did concede and go with Jesus despite their fears and concerns.

The answer Jesus gave to His disciples on that day is the same He would give to us today.  When the opportunity comes to go help someone in need, especially when it is friends or family, we should not be worried about what bad things could happen.  When keeping your eyes and prayer on the reason for going, you will eliminate the fear of why you shouldn’t go.  When Jesus and His disciples showed up in Bethany, there is never a mention about the fears that they had ahead of time.  Their focus was turned to the great work and miracle that Jesus went there to do.

Today I want to encourage you in whatever you do in life not to worry about what could happen in the future.  Walk step by step with the Holy Spirit and He will lead you to the right place at the right time.   Even if you have to wait for a bit before going to help someone in need, He will get you there at just the right time to do His great works.  Don’t let yourself imagine what might happen if you don’t get there in time or who might be upset with you. Instead, focus on the purpose you are going and pray for His grace and power to flow through you along the way and when you get there.

Today’s scripture reading: John 11: 8-16

8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 

10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 

11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”

12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 

13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 

15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”

16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

For God’s glory

When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4

Recently, the entire world came out of a pandemic.  It was a terrible disease and sadly, many people died from it.  As individuals, everyone did what they could to not contract the disease.  We washed our hands frequently, wore face masks and maintained a recommended distance from other people.  Still, many got it just the same.  After the first two years, our guard was let down and even though the plague was still out there, a lot less people died.   Then last year, I went away on a trip to a convention where I was around a lot of people and flew in an airplane.  When I got back home, you guessed it . . . I came down with the symptoms and because of my work, I had to test to determine that I was indeed infected.  My head hurt and I was tired, but my symptoms were mild.  Most of all I was annoyed that I could not live life as I normally did.  By the 3^rd day, I was feeling pretty bad.  I had a big weekend coming and had a lot to do to get ready for it.  I had asked the Lord to heal my body, but had felt no relief up to that point.  So when I got up that morning, my body hurt like it had never hurt before.  Every joint and muscle was so sore like I had been beaten up the day before.  I was only up a short while when I told my husband. I have to go lay back down.  When I did, I called out to God again.  This time, I did not ask for healing though, I asked for strength.  I said, “Holy Spirit, please give me the strength I need today to get the things done that I need to do.”  I felt myself slipping back into sleep and in that very instant, I felt pain leaving my body.  I literally felt it leave.  It was like strength came back to every connection point inside of me.  I sat up and felt completely normal with not pain or symptom left.  I am convinced it was a miracle!

In today’s reading, Jesus’ good friend, Lazarus was sick.  When Jesus heard about it, He emphatically said “that sickness was not unto death, but for the glory of God.”  He followed that statement by clarifying that it was not the sickness that was for God’s glory, but that through the work that Jesus was going to do, God would receive all the glory.  That is exactly what happened.  It didn’t look good for Lazarus, and even when it looked like all hope was lost, God still showed up and did a miracle.  Lazarus was not only healed, but he was also raised from the dead.  Glory to God!

What if we began to approach every set back, sickness and struggle with the mentality that this circumstance is not here to kill me, but it is here so that God can be glorified through my life and through my victory?  What if we made a conscience effort to recognize that God is on our side and is going to bring me through to victory what ever we are facing so that He is seen by the world and glorified through our life?  It would, at minimum empower us to view problems in a new light and give hope each time we face something that He is going to bring us through it for His glory.

Today, I want to encourage you that if you are going through a fight in your life right now that you call out to your Father in heaven.  Just as Lazarus’ sisters called for Jesus to come and heal him up, call out to Him for hope and help.  It may not come immediately.  Even Jesus waited for two days before He started traveling to the family at Bethany, but He did go to them, and He will come to rescue you, too.  Call on Him today and let God be given the glory for every victory you experience in your day to day living.

Today’s scripture reading: John 11:1-7

1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 

2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 

3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 

6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 

7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”

Enriched in everything

“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were ENRICHED in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,”  1 Corinthians 1:4-7

Have you ever felt like you were being ineffective in your witness for Christ Jesus?  Have you ever been in a position that no matter what you thought to say just didn’t seem like it would be enough to bring someone to the truth of God’s love?  What about the feeling of not being gifted enough to touch and influence the lives around you?  

According to the key verse today, God’s grace on you will enrich your life in the areas of speaking, knowing and being gifted to share His message of salvation and reveal Jesus to those around you.  My favorite part of this passage is the word “enriched”.  For some reason every time I hear the word enriched, I think of enriching uranium.  I know it’s an extremely random and strange thought, but my understanding of enriching uranium in the context of nuclear power is to bring it to its fullest strength or potential.  The process is taking something from a useless or inactive state and bringing it to a useful form to its greatest potency.  So, to be enriched in all utterance (speech) and knowledge in Him would be to increase to full strength or our greatest effectiveness.

It is not only God’s grace that produces this enrichment in your life.  If you continue reading the following verses, you will find that coming into agreement in speech and getting rid of contention with those you fellowship and worship with brings this enrichment of a greater speaking ability and knowledge of God’s goodness.  It also brings your gifts together with others to grow them to their greatest fruitfulness in God’s kingdom progress. 

Well, in the process of enriching uranium, components are added to develop uranium to become an armor-penetrating weapon.  The passage we are reading today is talking about how God’s people are one body and that we cannot function properly or powerfully without each other.  Therefore, adding God’s gifts to His body of believers and agreeing with each other, we become an armor-penetrating weapon to defeat the enemy and rescue the wounded.

Today I want to encourage you to begin enriching your speech and knowledge of God by adding God’s grace and His goodness to your everyday activity.  Start by receiving His grace so that you are not lacking in any gift needed to be a blessing to others.  Ask God to make plain the opportunities in front of you to use the gifts He has given you.  Then, position yourself in the body of Christ to do your part so that God’s work can be brought to its fullest potential.  In doing this you will accomplish your life’s mission.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:4-17

4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,

5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge,

6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,

7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,

15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.

16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Grace and Peace

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 1:3

This scripture is the greeting that the Apostle Paul used in his letter to the people of the church at Corinth.  It’s an interesting greeting because he starts by giving grace to them.  He said: “I’m sending grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ”.  How can he write this message?  Did He get permission from God and Jesus to offer grace and peace to those in Corinth?  Paul uses this greeting in many of his letters.  So why does he think it is ok to speak on behalf of God and the Lord Jesus?  The reason is because grace and peace are for all God’s people, and they are necessary to live life and complete each assignment.  How does the Apostle Paul know that it is ok to greet members of the body of Christ with grace and peace?  Because he knows that God freely gave them to him at his conversion and also gives them to all believers that receive salvation through the Lord Jesus as Savior.

This may sound like a simple concept, but why did he choose these two aspects of salvation as his greeting?  Grace and peace?  We read in 1 John that the Apostle John offered prosperity and health in his letter. So there are many different ways that the letters were addressed.  The reason, I believe, is because grace and peace are what they needed at the time he was writing to them.  Paul starts his letter by letting the Corinthian people know that grace and peace are available, and this is what he wants to draw their attention to.  God’s unlimited grace and surpassing peace.  As we read through 1^st and 2^nd Corinthians, make note of the trouble the people at Corinth are having, then you will be able to ascertain for sure that the solution is indeed grace and peace to their trouble.

Secondly, although this offer of grace and peace was sent to the Corinthians hundreds of years ago, it is still available today for you and me.  Glory to God.  God’s unlimited grace and excessive peace are still here for us to walk in each day.  Not only that, but we can give them to others just as the Apostle Paul did.  We can greet each other with words of encouragement and remember that grace is available to get you through the day and peace is there to calm the storm you are facing.  Instead of getting down in the dumps with those who are already down, give a word of truth that will remind them that they are a child of God and more than a conqueror. (See Romans 8:17 & 37)

Today I want to encourage you to remember that grace and peace belong to you.  As a born-again child of God, you don’t have to be knocked off course and have your world rocked every time a new problem comes along.  The storms will not stop, but you always have a way through riding on the grace and goodness of God’s love and peace!  Take that with you and then share it as you have the opportunity.  Help others to navigate their storms by remembering that grace and peace belong to them, too.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Be a witness

Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.”  John 10:41

Have you ever felt intimidated about being a witness?  Has there ever been a time in your life when you didn’t tell people about the love of God for them?  Maybe it was because you didn’t think they would believe you or maybe you decided they wouldn’t be interested?  Maybe you just didn’t have time to stop that day to share the good news?  I think it is pretty safe to say that we all have passed on opportunities for one reason or another.  I remember at times thinking that if God would do some great miracle through my hands or life, then others would come running to Him because of the mighty work or sign.

In today’s reading, people came to Jesus and because they had heard about Him from John the Baptist, they remembered that John didn’t do any miraculous signs, he just told them that Jesus was coming, and He would do the signs and wonders.  When they had a personal encounter with Jesus and saw that everything that John had said about Him was true, then they believed.

I believe it still works that way today.  When we tell others about Jesus and that He wants to be their Savior and do a might work in their life, they may not be convinced at first.  After they leave and go on with their life, that word about salvation goes with them and continues to work in them.  Then one day, they have a personal experience with Him and they realize that everything you told them about His love and goodness was true and then they believe.  It may take an hour or a day, it could even be a month or a year.  It just doesn’t matter how long it takes for that meeting to take place because when someone is rescued from this dark world because of your witness, it will all be worth it.

Today I want to encourage you to be a witness.  Help others come to God and know Him on a personal level through Jesus our Savior.  Tell the good news of His love and salvation every chance you get.  It doesn’t matter if they understand or believe that very hour or not.  They will take your words and testimony with them and it will grow up until the day that they see, understand and realize that everything you told them is true and many will believe in Him through your conversation.

Today’s scripture reading: John 10: 40-42

40And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. 

41Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” 

42And many believed in Him there.

He really did love them

but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”  John 10:38

Have you ever really wanted to sincerely help someone know the truth, but no matter how hard you tried and no matter how kind you were, it just didn’t seem to make a difference.  I’m sure it made you feel frustrated and although your intentions were good, you may have even started to get a little tense because of the resistance.  I have been in situations where I felt that I could help someone see that even though they thought they were a mature believer, their conversations always seem to end up in gossip and condemnation for others.  At first, I felt like I had to stop it and control it when I was around it, but then one day, the Holy Spirit spoke up on the inside of my heart and said:  You don’t have to try to “fix” everyone.  Wow!  This was such freedom, and I instantly felt the relief of a burden that I didn’t need to be carrying in the first place.  Although it was up to me to not let myself get pulled into the negative conversations, I didn’t have to let others know that I didn’t approve of their talk.  It was almost like I had a knowing inside that if the Holy Spirit isn’t talking to that person about their conduct, then I certainly don’t need to be.  Sure, the Holy Spirit probably was, but that is His job, not mine.  This has helped me many times since then.  When I become tense or even irritated about a conversation that I hear other believers engaging in, I quickly remember that I don’t have to “fix” or correct them.  I can walk away, or I can pray silently if I am confined in that circumstance.  Mostly what I try to do is gently steer the conversation in a direction that is uplifting and edifying for everyone involved.

In today’s scripture, Jesus is talking with the Jewish leaders and they once again are trying to corner Him into saying something that they can charge Him with.  When you listen to Jesus’ response, you can hear His love for them in His words, and that He truly does want them to believe and understand why He was sent into the world.  He is not trying to argue or belittle them.  He talked about things that were prophesied in the Old Testament and then He told them to look at the good things He was doing because He was sent by His Father to do good.  As much as He tried to help them, they refused to believe and ultimately, they ended up condemning Him.  It is truly a sad story but still goes on even today.  Sometimes no matter what we do there are still some that will not surrender their heart.

There is good news though.  When you do your part and follow the direction that the Holy Spirit gives, you are not the one responsible for the other person’s decision.  You can try to help all you want, but the fact is, you cannot choose for anyone but yourself.  When you do your part of loving people, praying for them and letting them know that the God of the universe has made provision to save their lives, you are no longer responsible for their decision.  It is only when you don’t tell them that you will be held accountable.

So, today I want to encourage you to pray for people.  Pray for hearts to be softened.  Pray for opportunities to share the love of God with other and pray for lives to be changed.  You don’t have to fix people, but you do need to tell them that there is a God and Father that loves them and wants to walk through life with them. Then they make the decision for themselves. Be a witness and testimony today but when it comes to making the decisions, that is the Holy Spirit’s work, not yours.

Today’s scripture reading: John 10:31-39

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 

32 Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”

33 The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”

34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? 

35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 

36 do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 

37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 

38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” 

39 Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand.

Follow His leading

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. John 10:14

Yesterday, I talked with a friend who was struggling with a life decision she was about to make.  She said that her co-worker had given her some counsel on how to go about making the decision.  This co-worker told her where she should be looking and how to go about it.  That person told her what to look for and who to talk to.  My friend was a little overwhelmed.  In fact, she was beginning to stress over the situation.  As I talked with her, she said that before she talked with her colleague that she had peace about the right decision to make.  She explained to me what she believed the Holy Spirit was putting in her heart about the situation.  When she told the person she worked with that she was trusting God, that just make sense to her.  I encouraged my friend to follow that peace and believe for God to open the right doors for her at the right time.  I advised her to write down what she believed He was putting in her heart so that she could look at it whenever she began to doubt or when she had a bad day.  Lastly, I told her to pray that her heart would be in the direction that the Spirit was leading and for the faith to follow even when it didn’t make sense to the people in the world around her.

Our Heavenly Father is so wonderful, and He wants to help us and lead us away from things that can trap and harm us.  He also wants to lead us to the wonderful plans and things He has for us.  That is why He sent His Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth (His way) and away from darkness (John 16:13). To recognize when you are hearing from God, you must know Him.  That is the first place to start. To hear or sense God’s leading in your life, you must first be a child of God.  That is when you come to the point in your life when you recognize that you need a Savior and receive the Lord Jesus into your heart and life.  After you receive Him into your life, develop a personal relationship with Him through spending time talking to Him (praying) and reading His Word (the Bible).  As you begin to bring your life into agreement with the things He has taught in His Word, you will sense promptings on the inside that you know are aligned with His Word.  Such as:  If you tell a lie, you may remember that you read in God’s Word you should not lie, or if you gossip or talk about others, you may hear a “prompting” again that these are things you know are not pleasing to God by what you have read in His Word.   Using God’s Word as a guideline in every area of your life will empower you to know what you should and should not eliminate in your daily habits. 

Side note: Just because you have accepted Jesus into your life as Lord, doesn’t mean that whatever you are thinking or feeling is from Him.  You have to yield to Him and let Him know that you want to follow His leading into your designed purpose.  This is the way God wants to lead us, by relationship.  You can go through life obeying all the rules you read in the Bible, but never have a personal relationship with God.  You will probably miss out on things He wants to lead you to through following the leading of His Spirit.  The other thing to watch out for is not doing things because you don’t feel like it or because it may not make sense in the natural world.  Feelings are fickle and because they can change so quickly, you cannot depend on them to lead your life. Things such as tithing, loving your enemy, or submitting to one another may not make sense to you in the natural, but they are spiritual laws that God has set up to bless you.  These are things that require faith and humility and may be uncomfortable at times.  But when you act in faith on the things God leads you to, He will give you the grace to follow through and receive His blessing in response.

Lastly, hearing from God is a step of faith, and His Spirit’s promptings will always be backed up with His Word.  If you are not sure God is leading you in a direction, ask Him for scripture to back up what you hear on the inside.  He will bring it to your thoughts or will lead you to it in your daily reading.  In the case of my friend’s decision, she already knew the direction God was leading, but because of an outside influence, she began to question it.  It is not wisdom to live life by what is going on around you but rather who is living in you.  I promise you God is not trying to make it hard.  He sent us His Holy Spirit to help us have an advantage over the rest of the world and He wants us to know the things He is leading us to and that they are good.

Today, I want to encourage you to talk to God about “hearing” from Him or getting a “word” from Him on the inside, so you can begin to learn what His voice sounds like.  You can start by saying something like “I love you, heavenly Father”. Then sit quietly and wait for a response on the inside and He will tell you.  Let Him know that you want to start living your life led by the prompting of the Spirit inside you. He will begin small, so if you act on it, you will have little risk if you are wrong.  Write down what you are hearing and review it often to reinforce and remember that He is leading you.  God is so good, and He has given us a Helper to help us in this life.  Don’t ignore His leading, learn His voice on the inside, and He will guide your every step.

Today’s scripture reading: John 10:11-21

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 

12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 

13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 

14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 

15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 

16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 

18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 

20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”

21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Expose your enemy

 “The thief comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  John 10:10

Have you ever felt confused about things going on in your life’s circumstance?  Maybe when going through a struggle or even tragedy of some kind? Maybe you even thought that God was the reason for the trouble.  Sometime people even think God is punishing them when things aren’t going very well, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

In today’s key verse, Jesus plainly explains why sometimes bad things happen and sometimes good things happen.  It is not strictly up to God.  In fact, it is mostly in our own hands.  Jesus said that it is the thief (Satan) that comes to steal, kill and destroy not God.  So now we have a guide on how to recognize what is happening around us.  If it’s stealing, killing, or destroying clearly, it’s the work of God’s enemy Satan, the thief.

But Jesus didn’t stop there.  He goes on to reveal what His purpose is:  Jesus said that He came to give life more abundantly!  He is showing us that abundance and goodness comes from Jesus and His Father!  Simply put:  If it is good, it’s from God, but if it is bad, it is because of the enemy.

This is not to say that God doesn’t take the bad circumstances and turn them around for good.  Certainly, when we call on Him, He answers us. (Psalms 91:15) Everything we bring to God can be turned around for good.  Just like Joseph told his brothers that what they meant for evil, God made good to come out of it. (Genesis 50:20)

Lastly, I mentioned that it is mostly within our control what happens in the circumstances around us.  When we wake up each day and commit the day’s activities and events to the Lord, He is faithful to walk us through the day with success in the things we put our hand to.  He brings life to our circumstances and abundance in His grace.  Simply put: God is good and He desires to lead us in His good plan and purpose for our life.  He also wants to protect us from the traps and distractions of the enemy by helping us to stay far from them.

Today I want to encourage you to begin to recognize that the good coming your way is from God and the bad is from your enemy.  God is not out to get you, He’s out to save you and give you life more abundantly!!  He is your good Father that wants only His best for you!! Commit your day and life to Him right now and follow His leading away from the pits and troubles the enemy is setting up for you.

Today’s scripture reading: John 10:7-10

7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 

8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Watch out for the sheep

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  John 10:1

I’m going to take this passage quite literally, so I hope you will be able to follow.   Have you ever gotten to school or work late and tried to sneak in through a side door so you would not be noticed?  What about running out to the store but avoiding the main aisles because you are in a hurry and do not want to see people.  Maybe, you passed by someone needing help on the side of the road because you didn’t want to be inconvenienced.  Could those scenarios count as stealing?  Stealing time or opportunities?

Today’s verse talks about a thief trying to get in to the sheep without being noticed so he can either steal some or cause problems.  It is definitely not the same as avoiding people, but what if we took this a step further.  What about those who are on the inside that are not looking out for the robber when He breaks in?  Shouldn’t we take some responsibility to keep the flock close to the Shepherd to keep them from being devoured by the enemy?

This passage goes on to say that when you are one of His, you will know the Shepherd so well, that when He speaks, you are hanging on every word.  It also says that when another voice tries to call you away, you will not follow because you know that it is not your Shepherd’s voice.

So many parallels in life in this passage.  First of all, we know the thief, or the one sneaking around to make trouble is our enemy, Satan.  We can also consider those who try to pull us away from the purpose that God has for your life a burglar, too?  Certainly, any person or activity that creeps into your life to steal your time and ministry is considered an enemy and not the true Shepherd.

Going back to the ideas at the beginning of avoiding people, could also be considered missed opportunities that the enemy is orchestrating?  We know he wants to fill your life up with distractions and preoccupations.  How many diversions are in your life even right now. 

What about those of us on the inside that are close to the shepherd?  Do we stay so close that we are not even aware that some of His sheep are suffering at the hand of His enemy?  How can we be better at keeping watch and help others stay accountable so they remain enclosed and protected by the Shepheard and the flock?

One way is to stop avoiding people.  Go out of your way for the little person.  Watch for those hurting and lost along the way.  Even those who are not in the flock (church) right now are just lost ones who can’t find their way because they have been blinded.  Walk along side those who are fallen and struggling to get back on their feet again.  Bring people with you to the good Shepherd when you pray and when you hear His calling.  Don’t let the distractions of life and the hurry of schedule keep you from being the hands and feet of the Shepherd to bring the forgotten ones in to Him.

Today I want to encourage you to be on guard for the things and activities that the enemy would distract your with.  Clean out the distractions of this world that are not absolutely necessary for you to be involved in.  Follow the voice of your Shepherd and step into the purpose that you were designed for as part of His flock.  Then start reaching out to others that have been deceived and lured away from the call.  If you have never given your life to the good Shepherd, Jesus, do that today.  Invite Him into your heart and ask His Spirit to lead you out of the pits and traps you have been snared in.  He will come close and save you and deliver you from everything that holds you.  Pray this prayer today and receive Him as your own Savior:

_{God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen}

Today’s scripture reading: John 10:1-6

1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 

2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 

3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 

4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 

5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 

6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.

Power of God

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16

Are you ashamed of the gospel?  I think most of us would answer “No” to that question, but what we really feel shows up in our actions.  Paul says to the Christians of Rome that he is not ashamed of the good news about Jesus because it is the power of God to get salvation to us.  The message of salvation is actually God’s power on display!  Think about it:  There was nothing in the entire world that could get us back to God after sin entered.  There was absolutely nothing we could do to gain access to Him.  As much as He wanted us back, there was only one solution, and a brilliant one at that.  He demonstrated how much He loves us!  He tricked His enemy into thinking he had won.  He made a way to restore us back to the relationship He had in mind when He created us and He made it so simple, even the most challenged can get it.  All you have to do is believe.

Sounds easy right?  So why does it seem so difficult to live by faith at times?  This passage says the just or the justified through the blood of Jesus should live by faith.  What does that even look like?  It means that all those who would call Jesus their Lord, live every area of their life submitted to Him and His plan.  There is no “me” place anymore.  You give Him access to every detail and keep nothing seemingly hidden from Him.  For example, in your day-to-day activities, you consider what He would have you do and whom He would have you reach out to.  Then when you do sense that He is leading in a direction or to someone to encourage, you follow that leading instead of ignoring it.  This is truly when you know that you are not ashamed of the gospel.

This happened to me just the other day.  I briefly said hi to someone at work and exchanged pleasantries.  As I was getting ready to leave, I sensed a nudging to share a book with her.  I didn’t want to.  It was awkward and uncomfortable, and besides, I was in a hurry.   However, I knew I would regret it if I didn’t, so I got back out of my car and went back over to her and briefly explained the booklet.  She was very happy and then she told me it meant so much more to her than I could ever know.  That was simple, but in my mind, I made it hard.  I was so glad that I listened and impacted her life in that way.  The thing is that I only need to listen and follow instructions.  The Holy Spirit does the real work, and He is working in her heart even now.  So now I am praying for her, and I feel much more compassionate and love toward her because of the encounter.

Today I want to encourage you to live every part of your life by faith.  Whether it’s your family, friends, finances or work, don’t hold anything back.  Make the decision today to surrender all to Him.  Start each day by offering up yourself for God’s purpose.  Ask Him for the courage and empowerment to impact the lives around you.  When You get on His mission, you don’t have to be anxious, worried or ashamed of the gospel of Christ Jesus because He is sure to make all your obedient acts successful.

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”