John 10: He Knows My Name

“I am the Good Shepherd ; I know my own sheep and they know me.” John 10:14 (NLT)

Jesus, the Good Shepard.  He knows each one by name.  He leads them to pastures.  He is the gate and through Him all are saved. They come and go freely finding good pastures. Jesus purpose is to give life, rich and satisfying. He willingly sacrificed His life. He protects and cares for each one.

A parable of Jesus care, protection and provision for those who trust and follow Him.  He knows my name!  He cares about when I come and when I go.  He not only provides for me, but His provision is life giving and eternal.  I can and do trust Him.  I know His voice and I follow His leading.

I think for some it may be difficult to understand the goodness of Christ because of what we see happening around us.  But, that is the very reason He came.  There is a real and evil enemy who works to destroy lives, to cause division, to turn us to hate, to bring despair and hopelessness.  Verse 10 says “the thief’ purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.”   Sometimes I want to ask God “Why?”  But today I am reminded why, the power of evil is at work destroying lives, leading us to hopelessness, causing brother to turn against brother and wanting us to believe it’s all Gods fault.

There is no promise that life with Christ here on this earth will be easy.  But, He does promise He will never leave us and He will walk with us.  When I put my hope in His eternal promise, all the difficulties of this life become insignificant.  I look to His Word and listen for His voice.  He comforts me, he provides for me and He protects me.

I pray today for a fresh perspective. I want to see His presence and work happening in my life and all around me.  Lord, help me to see where you are moving, where you bring provision and offer hope.  Lead me and use me to bring life, hope, and love to those in my family, my church and in my community. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in chapter 10 of John?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Day 2: My Shield, Guard and Protection – Proverbs 2

picture of ocean and boardwalk

“He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. He guards the paths of the just. And protects those who are faithful to Him.” Proverbs 2:7-8

Proverbs is all about wisdom, seeking it and gaining understanding. I hear that and I long for it. I want to be a person who walks out wisdom in every part of my life. Making right choices in the moment that will reap good consequences. But you know what, I’m not going to get it right every time. I probably get it wrong more often then right. In all honesty, I just get in a hurry and make decisions in the moment that just feel good. It’s later that I realize where I failed and forgot to seek out wisdom.

Today I read in verses 7 and 8, if I will have integrity, live justly and remain faithful to Him, then he will shield and guard me and He will protect my path.  To know that regardless of my mistakes, there is protection for me. Now, I don’t think that I can just go out and do what ever pleases me in the moment. I still must seek out wisdom, but it’s in those moments I fail that He is shielding me, guarding me and keeping my path protected. I wonder, how often is His protection keeping me from harm? I believe He is working for me and with me, even in those moments when I am unaware and miss the guidance of wisdom. . .

I’m aware that I have a responsibility to live my life according to the call and purposes of God. But, it’s impossible to live out perfection in every part of my life all the time. I need Him, His wisdom, His strength. And when I fail, I need his protection.

Thank you, Lord, for wisdom that is available to me. Thank you that through your Word and by the leading of the Holy Spirit, I can walk out my life with wisdom and understanding. I pray today that I will be a person who lives with integrity, who lives a just life and above all else, remains faithful to You. I am thankful that when I am weak you are strong. You are a shield and guard around me and you protect my future. Amen.

Join the conversation on the Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group or leave a comment below. What is God speaking to you and how can I be praying for you?