It’s just been one of those days Father, and I humbly sit in Your presence this evening. I am oh so grateful that Your marvelous grace and mercy grant me the privilege of doing so. All praise goes to You, Heavenly Father.
John 10:14-16 (<<click here to read the passage)
How often are we influenced by an out-of-line perspective? Even those of us who hold that we are abiders of true faith. Are we? Are we really? Or are we just wrapping the shroud of comforting religiosity about us and repeating over and over to ourselves, “It’s good. I’m good. Not a thing to worry about.”
I happened upon an article from The Washington Times entitled, America’s new religion: Fake Christianity. I don’t know if I agree 100% with everything that was said, but I agreed with enough of it for it to leave me a little rattled.
Take a moment and read through today’s passage – remember this is Jesus speaking.
14 I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]— 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep. 16 I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become one flock with one Shepherd. John 10:14-16 AMP
The end of verse 14 once more.
My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]
That is surely our goal…but do we? …do you? …do I? Oh, I want it. Sometimes I feel as if I am oh, so close. But other times, life sucks me away and, at least in my mind, there goes that relationship right out the window! But the very best news of all – the Good News! – is that Jesus never gives up on me!
He laid down his [very own] life sacrificing it for the benefit of…me…
Gratitude is much too small and insignificant a word to utter in that I – one of those other sheep – have been brought into His fold.
Lord Jesus, if I go my own way, life quickly becomes empty. It may entice for a while but every time, it leads to nothingness…and death. I pray that I will listen to [Your] voice and pay attention to [Your] call. I pray that I will be genuine and not a fake. And I breathe a most solemn amen (so be it.)
July 26th, 2021, Mon, 8:29 pm
