Humility and Resistance

In review of James 4:7 it says, “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”

Bottom Line:

Submit to God. Resist the enemy and he will flee.

What this means to me:

I am to humble myself before God. I am to resist the devil and he will flee from me.

Today's passage from James 4 comes right after James tells me that "God will opposes the proud, but give grace to the humble." So he tells me to humble myself before God. If I resist the devil, he will flee from me. If I come close to God, God will come close to me. I should think about my life and my choices. Is my loyalty being divided between God and the world? I should be sorrowful for those things that I have followed (and maybe still following), that take me and my focus away from him. Instead of exalting myself, I should be humble before the Lord. For in His timing he will lift me up.

As I get knocked down by life’s circumstances, I should not give an alibi or give up. Rather I should give it another try. God does not sponsor flops, nor does he manufacture junk. I am not a victim, I am a victor. All things are possible for me.

When it seems the enemy is throwing the kitchen sink at me, I can rise up and fight! I can put on the full armor of God and start waging war against the enemy.  As I humble myself before God and resist the enemy, God will begin to bind those things on earth that are against me. I can take heart in knowing that in the end, if I am faithful, I will gain the reward he has planned out for me.

One thing is true about my time here on earth, I’m never going to outgrow warfare. So James encourages me to stand in there and fight like the champion God made me to be. In the long run God designed me for victory!

Look At Intently and Do

In review of James 1:25 it says, “He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

Bottom Line:

If you look into his perfect law, and not only remember it, but practice it, you’ll receive blessings.

What this means to me:

If I keep looking into and adopting God’s word in how I live, not only remembering it, but really practicing it, God has promised to bless me and what I do.

Today’s verse comes from the last part of James chapter 1. In this section James is telling me about listening and doing. He wants me to understand the value in being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. For my anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. I am to get rid of all the filth and evil in my life, and humbly accept the word God has planted into me. Furthermore, I must not only listen to God’s word, I must do what it says, otherwise I’m only fooling myself. For if I only listen but don’t obey, then it's much like glancing at myself in the mirror, but then walking away and forgetting what I look like. For if I carefully look at the perfect law that sets me free, and I do what it says, not forgetting what it says, then God will bless me for doing it.

Today, as I look into the mirror, I should consider what do I see?  Is it an outlook of hope, or is it one of being dissatisfied or lost?  As much as I try, I will not be the general manager of the universe. The only thing that I can change is me. So If I don’t like the person I see when I look at the mirror, it’s time to adjust.  But I must keep in mind that I cannot change what I won’t confront.

If I have trouble pinpointing what needs changing or have lost contact with myself I should consider where I’m spending my time. Where I spend my free hours is a direct reflection of who I am. I should spend time meditating on and absorbing God’s word.

I should not accept a lifestyle that compromises who God wants me to be. So I should stop living a tired lift and start living one to it’s fullest.  As I put my hope and trust in Him, I’ll have a much fuller life.

God’s Transformational Gift

In review of John 1:12 it says, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

Bottom Line:

All who believe in and accept him, obtains the right to become direct children of God.

What this means to me:

Because I believed, accepted and put my faith in him, he gave me the right to become child of God.

Today’s verse comes from John chapter 1. In it he explains that He (Jesus) came into the very world he created, but those of the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. These believers are reborn, not physically, but with a birth that comes from God.

This verse is a great reminder of how our God is the God of the supernatural wonders. In his mercy He has saved me from my sin and has made me a new creation. One of my responsibilities is to share my life and what he has done for me with all those He brings into my life.

God can save as many as choose to receive Him, from the gutter-most to the uttermost. No sin is too great, no past too checkered that He cannot wash them whiter than snow, which he does through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through Jesus action, He brings us into His family, adopting us as His very own.

In my own life, I know that God is a supernatural healer, a Deliverer in the day of trouble. In my darkest hour, the Lord has shown Himself as the light of the world. When my heart has been broken, He touches my life and eases my pain.

He is the God of second chances! His mercies are new each day. If my dreams get crushed, He’ll bring me great hope and an all-surpassing peace. He is worthy of all of my praise, honor and glory!

Given all he has done for me, it seems today is the day to make God the top priority in my life. So I will continue to make my heart open to His complete transformation. He has made me a child of His new creation.

Learning to Imitate Faith/Patience and Pursue Persistence

In review of Hebrews 6:12 it says, “Do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Bottom Line:

Don’t be complacent, rather imitate those whose faith and patience was revealed in God’s promise being realized.

What this means to me:

I shouldn’t become complacent. Rather I should look to those before me and imitate their faith and patience. God’s promise to them was fulfilled.

Today verse is another one from Hebrews chapter 6 where Paul tells us that we eventually need to move away from the basic teachings of Christ and move toward becoming more mature in our understanding and faith. Paul is confident that we are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For our God is not unjust. He has not forgotten how we have shown and continue to love to him by caring for others around us. Paul's great desire is that we keep on loving others like this for the rest of our lives. If we do, then we won't become spiritually lazy, sluggish or indifferent. Instead, we are to follow the example of those before us who inherited God's promises because of their faith and endurance.

In my own life, to keep from being lazy or indifferent, I usually need something that drives my interest or passion.  If I do, then my persistence becomes the fire in my bones that burns with a white-hot intensity that nothing can put out! It can carry me through ridicule, rejection, and reversal, and it doesn't’ always require a public approval or a pat on the back.  Persistence gives me the power to say in faith, “Mountain get out of my way, for nothing is impossible!”

The victory can be mine if I persist!  The Bible promises me that faith is the victory that overcomes the world.  A persistent person won’t hesitate, rather the would be bold and daring; they would take action nor would they allow themselves to be controlled by their circumstances or by others.

Nothing great has ever been accomplished without persistence. I shouldn’t focus at yesterday’s mistakes or play the blame game! I should know that the victory is already mine; pursue it in Jesus name.

Guidance As I Face Decisions

In review of Psalm 46:10 it says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Bottom Line:

Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world!

What this means to me:

As I approach Him, I need to calm myself down, learn to be still and realize that He is God. After all He is the one who will be honored by every nation and exalted in all the earth.

Today’s verse is one I use frequently to remind myself to slow down and be calm as I approach Him. I can’t rush it. If I’m frantic, I won’t be able to hear God. In other words I need to just, “Sit down and shut up.”

What do I do when I don’t know what to do? Sit down until I figure it out. This verse reminds me to be still. The answer may be right under my feet, however I’m so busy running in every direction that I can’t see what is right in front of me!

Proverbs 3:5 reminds me to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Why? Because human understanding is flawed at best; it is shortsighted. If I am constantly chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, I won’t have time to listen for the small, still voice that is trying to lead me down paths of righteousness.

Whatever it is that I'm chasing, I should stop. Before my world implodes, I should sit down and take a breath! Cry out to my Father, and know that He is listening to my heart. He knows my need before the words ever leave my lips. Give Him the opportunity to intervene. Be still and know.

Drawing Strength and Confidence

In review of Isaiah 41:10 it says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Bottom Line:

Don’t be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord will strengthen and help you. He will hold you up with his victorious hand.

What this means to me:

I should not be afraid or tremble with fear, for the Lord my God is with me. He tells me that he will strengthen and help me. He will uphold me with his righteous hand.

As I consider this passage today, I can see that attitude is the fire in my bones that keeps me going or can cripple my progress. When my attitude is right, there is no barrier too high or valley too deep; hell has no challenge so great that I cannot defeat it with a water pistol.

However as a flawed person, I spend much of my time fretting over things that I cannot change instead of changing the things I can actually control. Given this I should not allow worry to steal my peace.

I am to serve the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and body. If I do this, then he has told me that I will have a successful life; one drenched in His favor.

Being Thankful for This Day

In review of Psalm 118:24 it says, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Bottom Line:

The Lord has made this day. So rejoice and be glad in it.

What this means to me:

Today is a day that the Lord has made, it belongs to Him. Regardless of my circumstance or feelings I should turn my focus toward Him; rejoice, be glad and celebrate for what he has provided.

Today's passage comes from Psalm 118. Psalm 118 starts with "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." Let all repeat "His faithful love endures forever." The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see. Today is the day that Lord has made, so  rejoice and be glad in it. Let's ask the Lord to give us success in it.

There is a really big difference between “Good morning, Lord!” and “Good Lord, it’s morning!” So I should consider, does my day start out looking like a reprint of the book of Lamentations?

Any day the Lord chooses to give me is a good day to be alive. Given this, I should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. For God is on his throne and everything is going to be just fine. So I should pick up my chin and know that the Champion of Calvary is already fighting my battles.

It is the adversity I face that truly tests my character and quality. It is the refiner’s fire that burns out the impurity and helps me reach my maximum potential  The tea kettle sings when it is up to its neck in hot water. The kite flies against the wind. God will not fail me!. I will always win if I put my faith in Him and refuse to quit.

My Attitude Is A Decision

In review of Hebrews 6:9 it says, “Beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation.”

Bottom Line:

We are confident that you were meant for better things, things that come with salvation.

What this means to me:

I can have confidence that I’m meant for better things, blessings that come from my salvation.

In today's' verse from Hebrews chapter 6 we hear Paul telling us that we eventually need to move away from the basic teachings of Christ and move toward becoming more mature in our understanding and faith. Paul is confident that we are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For our God is not unjust. He will not forget how we show and have shown love to him by caring for other believers. Paul's great desire for us is that we keep on loving others like this for as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what we hope for will come true. Then we won't become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, we follow the example of those before us who will inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance.

I’m reminded this morning that the Cross means that what I used to be is over. I can let it go in the Jesus’ name. God will never consult my past to determine my future. Losers focus on what they’re going through, while champions focus on what they’re going to. My attitude will be the first key ingredient on my journey to success. So, what am I focusing on now  that is affecting my attitude.

“I can’t” is the brother of “I don’t want to.” My attitude is an inward feeling expressed by my behavior, and it is a choice that should never be based on circumstances. My behavior will be different when I decide to make it different.

My attitude will determine the the quality of my life and my relationships. It’s not what happens to me, but what happens in me that matters. So, today I make a choice to be happy and let the quality of my life improve.

Problems Are Opportunities For Growth

In review of Philippians 1:6 it says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of the Lord”

Bottom Line:

When God starts to work in our life, you can be assured that He’ll continue to work with you till Christ returns.

What this means to me:

I can have confidence in knowing that God, who began a good work within me, will keep on working in my life, until Christ returns for me.

Today’s verse comes from the beginning of Philippians. In this, Paul is grateful for the people there and what they are doing to spread the Good News about Christ. He tells them that as he thinks of them, he joyfully gives thanks. Paul gives them assurance that God, who began a good work in them will continue to do so all of their lives. He goes on to tell them that he prays that their love will overflow more and more and that they will keep on growing in their knowledge and understanding,

What I’m learning is that problems I face can transform my spaghetti spine into steel. They can make me a lean, mean, fighting machine. I can go from mama’s little biscuit eater into a soldier for the Cross.

Problems can help move a defeated mindset, to a confident one, that declares nothing is impossible with God. Improvements are most often made as a direct result of a crisis. So as I think back about problems I’ve had in the past six months, I can rejoice and be glad for what He is doing to improve me. Problems should not get me down. After all, problems are a sign that I’m still part of the human race and that God is still at work in my life.

I think the rewards I’ll receive in this life are determined by the problems I encounter and solve, and not the ones I create.  So am I seeking Him on how to resolve that which concerns me the most?  I can ask God for help in solving these. God has something much greater in store for me and will present situations that cause me to grow and count on Him.

Wisdom Brings Success

In review of Ecclesiastes 10:10 it says, “Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.”

Bottom Line:

A dull ax requires great strength; be wise and sharpen the blade.

What this means to me:

If I don’t sharpen the ax, my efforts will require more physical strength to do the same amount of work. So sharpen the blade. That is the value of wisdom; it will help me succeed.

From what I can see, champions are willing to do the things they hate and to achieve the things they love. Athletes do what it takes to achieve the win. They are willing to run the same course over and over again until their technique is perfected. For them, to win, requires they become disciplined in their sport; they end up giving it their all.

Today, I consider whether I’m running the race of life like a well-seasoned champion, or are if I’m just sitting around, hoping that one day I might get close to the finish line?  Am I settling for mediocrity? If I learn to be successful, then I’ll learn to do the things I hate, so that I can achieve the things I love.

There will be a price to pay for becoming better, stronger, and faster. But there is also an even greater price I’ll pay for just staying the same. In Jesus’ name, I should not be afraid to try something new, even if I do it wrong. Success will be the progressive achievement of worthwhile goals that fulfill my divine purpose in life.

God wants me to thrive in all that I do, and that my life honors Him. I am to seek out godly success. I should remember that doing so will take me much farther than anything I could ever do on my own.

Work Ethic

In review of Colossians 3:23-24 it says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Bottom Line:

Whatever you do, do it willingly, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.”

What this means to me:

Whatever I do, work at it with all of my heart, as though I was working directly for the Lord and not people. For the Lord will give me as my reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master I serve, not men.

Today’s verse comes from the latter half of Colossians chapter 3, where Paul is giving instructions for Christian households. He starts with wives, telling them to submit themselves to their husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. He then tells the husbands to love their lives and never treat them harshly. Children are always to obey their parents, for this pleases the Lord. And Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. He even addresses those who were slaves at that time. He told them to obey their earthly masters in everything they did. They were to try to please them all the time, not just when they were being watched. They were to serve sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Lastly he tells us all to work willingly at whatever it is we do, as though we were working directly for the Lord rather than people. We need to keep in mind that that Lord will give us an inheritance as our reward. The master we’re serving is Christ. But if we do what is wrong, we will be paid back for the wrong we have committed. For God has no favorites.

So today, I consider that this life is God’s gift to me. What I do with my it is my gift back to God. In it I can do a lot more than I think is possible; I just need the opportunity to demonstrate my potential. While it’s true that I can do anything I want to do, I can’t do everything. So I should focus on what I’m good at and strive for excellence in all that I do. That means that I should work with a laser focus. I should be doing what I’m good at better than anyone else. If I do God will bring success my way.

Overall, the good news is that I don’t need to be the smartest or the best looking in order for God to use me. However, I do need to apply myself and work hard to be successful. I’m reminded this morning that the only place the “rest” comes before “work” is in the dictionary. So I need to make sure I’m rolling up my sleeves and getting to the work at hand.

Finding Success

In review of 2 Chronicles 26:5 it says, “Zechariah was Uzziah’s advisor and taught him to obey God. And so, as long as Zechariah was alive, Uzziah was faithful to God, and God made him successful.”

Bottom Line:

Learn and obey God. If you do, things will go well.

What this means to me:

It would be wise for me to get into God’s Word, seek and learn to obey Him from it. As I’m faithful, he will allow me success.

If I don’t know what I’m looking for, how will I know when I find it?  This morning I will consider success and what defines it.  Some consider it a lucky break, a stroke of genius, lot’s of money, a great physique or fame.  

What I’m learning is that in the Word of God, success is for everyone. You must believe that you can succeed in order to do so. If your mind can conceive it, you can achieve it!

God’s Word, the Bible, is the greatest success manual ever written; it will bring me more success than I could ever imagine. Open it, read, believe and practice what it tells me.  Then believe that I am capable of achieving God’s very best for my life. For I can accomplish anything when God is on my side.

God wants me to have the best of things even in the worse of times. If I could look at myself through his loving eyes, I will a see a cup running over... a life filled with limitless possibilities. So today is the day to start believing that I not only deserve God’s very best, but I can achieve it.

God is Unchanging

In review of Malachi 3:6 it says, “I am the Lord, I do not change”

Bottom Line:

The Lord does not change

What this means to me:

God is all-powerful, who he is and what he does never changes.

Today’s passage comes from Malachi chapter 3 where Malachi is speaking about a call to repentance. Speaking on behalf of the Lord, he says, “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you.”

God cannot change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His plans stand firm. He is unwavering in His principles and does not adapt to situational ethics. It doesn’t matter what I or anyone else thinks, God does not change. There are no exceptions to this.

The great thing about this, is what He did for me yesterday, He can do for me again today. This means that I cannot trust God in one area of my life and then not trust Him in another area. What He has does in the past, He can and will do again. I am to have faith in God and know that whatever I ask in His name, he shall do.

Without Faith It Is Impossible To Please God

In review of Hebrews 11:6 it says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Bottom Line:

No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and that He rewards those who seek him.

What this means to me:

Without faith it is impossible for me to please God, as I came to him I believed that He exists and that He will reward me for seeking him.

Today's verse comes from Hebrews chapter 11. In it Paul speaks of faith. He starts by saying, "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see." It was through their faith, that those in the past earned themselves a good reputation.  It it by faith that we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying, he just disappeared, because God took him. Before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

It’s impossible to have a harvest without a seed. Faith is the seed that makes everything in the Word of God work. Without my faith in God, it is impossible to please Him and accomplish what he wants to do with my life.  One question for this morning is, “do I have enough faith for God to perform miracles in my life?”

Fortunately, I don’t need to understand miracles to be part of or to ask for one. I don’t have to explain God’s miracle-working power to experience it. So I should never limit myself by my own understanding.

His Word tells me to enter the Kingdom as a child. Children enter with complete faith, totally trusting that what you are telling them is the truth, that what you are saying, absolutely can and will happen. This is how Jesus wants me to come to Him, as a child, to lean on Him and to trust Him fully. For without faith, it is impossible to please God.

The Word of God is Alive and Powerful

In review of Psalm 107:20 it says, “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions”

Bottom Line:

He spoke, and they were healed, saved from the destruction.

What this means to me:

It was by the power of his word that healing comes. He delivers from destruction.

Overall, Psalm 105 tells me to give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. It asks me, has the Lord redeemed you? If so, then I should speak out and tell others how he has redeemed me. For He sent out his word and healed, delivering me from destruction. Therefore I should praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for me.

Today’s verses and reading from Psalm 105 remind me that the Word of God is alive and very powerful. It brings peace in the midst of a storm, joy in the midnight hour. The Word gives me the divine inspiration and power to sing “Victory in Jesus” when defeat seems imminent. The victory is mine in the name of Jesus!

When I meet God’s conditions, a miracle is what happens. Much like when I fill a tray with water and place it in my freezer, it turns to ice. I don’t have to pray that God turns it into ice; ice is the only thing that can happen if I leave it there long enough. That is a physical law.

I’m learning that there is a spiritual law that is just as real. When I meet God’s conditions, his miracle is what happens. God will not fail me. He knows me better than myself and will give me what I need (not necessarily what I want.) I just need to sit back and wait. His work will appear at the right time.

Choices Always Have Consequences

In review of Proverbs 12:15 it says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise”

Bottom Line:

A fool thinks their own way is right, but the wise will listen to others.

What this means to me:

I should never be so foolish that I think I’m right and do not need advice. It is wiser for me to seek out, listen and heed counsel.

God sees everything from the beginning through the end. I should consider the direction life it taking me. Where are my choices leading me?

Choices always have consequences. I’m learning that I should never point the finger at those around me when I end up somewhere I didn’t want to be. I am today, what I decided yesterday and the days before it to be. I have the opportunity to live with my hand in His or to make my own choices and live like hell on earth. If I end up in a place I didn’t want to be, I shouldn’t blame God or others for the choices I made.

I’m reminded this morning of Jonah. Jonah was full of himself and didn’t want to hear from God. This didn’t bother God, the sun still came up that next morning and God sent His messenger (a great fish) to pick up the runaway prophet. After a little swim around, the fish ended up spitting Jonah right out on the beach... right where God wanted him to be.

So when God speaks to me, I can go to the destination of His choosing, or He can pick me up in the surf and eventually place me right where He wanted me to be in the first place. Either way, I’m going to do exactly what God intended for me to. Based on Jonah’s example, it seems easier to follow God’s lead then be rebellious and ignore what God is leading me towards.

Today, I should consider where are my choices leading me to? Is this where God wants me?

Decisions: Leading a Life Worthy Of My Calling

In review of Ephesians 4:1 it says, “I.. beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called”

Bottom Line:

Paul urges us to walk worthy of the calling with which we were called.

What this means to me:

Paul urges me to walk and live in a way that is worthy of being one chosen by God.

In today’s passage from Ephesians 4, Paul speaks of unity in the body. He is in prison for serving the Lord, however, regardless of his or even our situations, he urges us to lead lives worthy of our calling. For we were called by God himself. To do this, we should always be humble and gentle. We need to be patient with each other and make allowances for each other’s faults because of our love. We are to make every effort to keep ourselves united in the Spirit, binding together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as we have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

When decisions come, how do I know when God is calling me to do something in particular?  

I’m learning in order to answer this that I should look at the condition of my life. Is there peace in my heart about this decision/action?  If an opportunity that I’m facing is destroying my peace, then it’s not right for me.

As I wrote about yesterday, I need to learn to listen to God’s voice and follow His direction. I don’t need him to get out a magic marker and write on my walls to make a point. If I get the feeling that what I would do would not be right, then stop. If my peace is being destroyed by what’s going with this decision or direction, I need to stop.

Contrary to the world’s advice, I should not follow my feelings; for emotions can be toxic and often wrong. I should forego looking for a feeling and instead dive into God’s Word to see what it says about this. I should pray for the Lord’s direction. Think it out, using God’s Word as the compass. I should also pursue wise counsel with those who have been walking with the consistently with the Lord consistently for their advice. Ask the hard questions and come up with practical solutions. If I do so, the Holy Spirit will lead the way, and make me ready and worthy of my calling.

Listening and Following

In review of John 10:27 it says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Bottom Line:

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

What this means to me:

As a follower and disciple of Jesus, I am able to hear, know and recognize His voice and He knows me, and I strive to follow after Him.

Today’s verse comes from John 10, in it Jesus claims to be the son of God. The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus replied to them, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?” They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.”

Typical any book I read will be objective, the same every time I read it. However, the Word of God is alive. A living thing is constantly changing. The amazing thing about the Word is that while what is inside doesn’t change, it changes what is inside of me... and for the better.  As I read it and apply it, I become a better husband, dad, leader, employee and friend. Whatever I do as “unto the Lord,” makes me become a shining beacon of light in an otherwise dark world.

I’m better equipped to hear the voice the Lord clearly when I apply what I find in it, as a son knows his father, a servant knows the king, a sheep knows the shepherd.

So Jesus told them that “My sheep know My voice.” Today, I need to consider if He spoke or whistled to get my attention in a crowd, would I be able to hear Him?