HE KNOWS MY NAME!

HE KNOWS MY NAME!

John 10:1-4

10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

           Do you like your name? It’s surprising how many people don’t like the name they were given. But God likes your name and has it memorized. When he thinks of you he thinks of you by name! When Moses approached the burning bush on the back side of the desert the voice of God called out to him using his name.

           Today the Creator of Heaven and Earth knows you well. He knows not only your name but He is aware of your location and your circumstances. He knows your pain and what makes you happy. The secrets of your heart are not hidden from Him.

           As we spend time with Him we learn his voice and we learn to trust Him and to follow Him. His daily provision becomes routine. He is not a God far off but a God who is as close as the beating of our heart. He has already paved the way for this day. “When he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them.” (Verse 4)

Dear Lord, thank you for leading the way throughout this day. AMEN

IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES!

IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES!

Ps 23:5

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

           This verse expresses, through symbolism, great truths. The picture is of a great banquet lavishly prepared by one who is not in the least taxed by the preparations. Every dainty and every delight are present on the table. The enemy is nearby watching but unable to eat from the table because he has been uninvited and unable to reach me with violence because I am safely guarded.

           Today many troubles may come your way but the greater troubles will be kept at bay by a guarding God. You are very blessed by a God who traded His Son’s life for yours. Though you are imperfect you are favored and given portions of the inheritance of the Prince. One might thing it would have been better to remove the enemy but he is still present. My table is a treat for me and a taunt for him.

Ps 23:6

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me [“run after and chase me”] all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Dear Lord, you are the Host of my table and my personal Guard. I am loved with a prejudice and preference. Today I will rest in your provision and your protection. Thank you Lord! AMEN

HIS THOUGHTS!

HIS THOUGHTS!

Ps 10:4

4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Isa 55:7-9

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

           It is early morning and I struggle to gather my thoughts. The smell of strong coffee helps a bit and the sound of a train passing through our town sets the mood. It is quiet and I wait for God to speak to my spirit.

           I am a shepherd first of all and I mentally count my sheep. I think of the vast majority of the flock who manage to navigate from pasture to pasture. I think of the sick and long to pour into their wounds oil and wine. I think of those who are entangled in the briars and long to set them free and brush the brambles from their fleece. Mentally I embrace them and sniff the sweet aroma of sheep. I pray for green pastures and sweet waters where my flock might find rest. This is the shepherd’s life and I am born to it and love it. I am reminded of the shepherding thoughts of the Great Shepherd and I am greatly comforted for the day.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Dear Shepherd of my soul let my thoughts agree with yours today. AMEN