I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep."
(JOHN 10:14-15)

On July 8, 2005, stunned onlookers watched helplessly as 450 sheep plummeted to their deaths near the Turkish village of Gevas. The wooly train wreck started when one sheep walked off a cliff, luring more than 1,500 others to follow suit.

Sheep are known for being easily distracted, directionless, and defenseless. They utterly depend on the shepherd to provide for, preside over, and protect them. The Bible often refers to us as sheep, saying, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6).

The prophet Ezekiel foretold the coming of a Good Shepherd (34:11-24), the Messiah, who would save and defend His sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. He is our only protection against the "thieves and robbers" who seek to steal our joy and peace. The more time we spend grazing in the verdant pastures of God's Word and drinking from the waters of Truth, the more recognizable His voice will be.

INSIGHT
WE MUST DAILY FILL OUR HEARTS AND MINDS WITH GOD'S WORD SO THAT WE CAN DISTINGUISH TRUTH FROM LIES. DO YOU KNOW THE SHEPHERD'S VOICE?




"But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'"
(ISAIAH 43:1)


There were people of all different ages, races and stature, all waiting to be acknowledged and helped. As I thought about the myriad of broken lives and hurting souls in the world just trying to survive another day, my heart was drawn to Isaiah 43.

God's words through Isaiah remind us that we "are precious and honored in His sight, and He loves us" (vs. 4). Although we have done absolutely nothing to merit His love and grace, God lavishes it freely on us - costly though it was to Him. He is the one true Savior (vs. 11), humbly demonstrating His love on the bloody cross of Calvary. He calls His children by name, declaring them to be His very own! God's Word is filled with precious promises offering hope and assurance for lonely, desperate, weary souls. Christ did not come simply to "acknowledge" us. Those who trust in Him are redeemed by His saving blood and belong to Him!

INSIGHT
Whenever you feel alone in the water and flame, remember God's promise that the Holy One of Israel is with you!