Trying to organise a group of people who aren’t listening, will often be described as “trying to herd cats”. Today’s chapter shows what it takes, and how to recognise, a good shepherd…
READ JOHN 10 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
It wasn’t until we had the 2001 Foot and Mouth Outbreak (where as many as 20 million animals across the UK were killed), that we realised the seriousness of what had happened. The numbers of animals infected was shocking enough, but our Lakeland sheep were special. They’re territorial, and this instinct was passed down through the generations. Losing this vital link meant that the new stocks of sheep, that should ordinarily graze freely on the Cumbrian Fells, would take generations to regain their natural knowledge of their territory.
In keeping with the Creator God’s instructions while His “sheep” journeyed 40 years through the wilderness[a], and in keeping with wonderful songs from the past such as Psalm 23, today’s chapter reveals Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He said, “…my sheep know my voice…” [v4] We’ll come in and go out, and find pasture. [v9] But why has the Creator God put this metaphor into HIStory?
Because we’ll know our territory. We’ll know His voice. And, because He came that we may have LIFE and have it to the full. [v10]
Read More? …CLICK on “19 April – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect with the Greatest Shepherd of all? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Sovereign Lord, you’ve begun to show to me, your servant, your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works that you do? [Deuteronomy 3:24]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for the future of China[c]
Your Country: Revival among Believers
Yourself: Greater Discipline
Your concerns for today
To you, Lord, I call; You’re my Rock, please don’t turn a deaf ear to me. For if You remain silent, I’ll be like those who go down to the pit. [Psalm 28:1]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Now forgive my sin once more, Father God. I pray to You Lord, to take this deadly plague (my sin) away from me. [Exodus 10:17]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
You’re the same yesterday and today and forever, O Lord. Help me then, not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, but that my heart will be strengthened by grace. [Hebrews 13:8-9a]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[d] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: An Assured Future
Jesus said: “Very truly I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” [John 5:24]
[a] Exodus 23:20-22a
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/chna/owtext.html
[d] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31