What signs to take to heart?

John 10:1-4

1.      In light of this passage, respond to one of the questions below about the Shepherd and his sheep.

a.     What does this passage teach you about God as our shepherd?

He will always approach us directly. He will never sneak around us. He will make Himself known to us. He knows each of us in every individual detail. He can satisfy our needs. He will always lead us. He would never stand back and let us wander.

b.     What does it teach about us as his sheep?

We will recognize Him. We will follow Him. We will trust Him.

c.      Tell about how you hear the Good Shepherd’s voice and how you receive his leading in your life.

I for one have only heard a voice maybe once or twice, maybe three times. And as you can see, it is rather iffy. And I would say those times were very intense and stopped me in my tracks. Twice I acted immediately. Once I played with the idea and decided against it. And that might have been the goal.

Mainly, ideas are put in my head that are too good to be my own. And they linger and resonate and whirl about. My mind keeps returning to them. And there are always the goosebumps when I finally comprehend the meaning.

Certain people keep appearing over and over. And I wonder if it’s because I’m to address them or they’re to address me … And then we neither one do anything. Until this moment I acknowledged that I was failing the leading. Now I see that I might not be the only one at fault.

2.     What are some modern day “pillars” we can set up to help remind us to be attentive to God and ready to hear his Spirit speak?

Once, I wrote the word PRAY on the palm of my hand to remind me to be in prayer more often. I laughed when I read that the author wrote the word LISTEN on his hand to remind himself to listen for the Spirit. Maybe I should try that too. There is always post it notes on your vanity or rearview mirror. Perhaps a reminder on your phone. Your screensaver. Your background.

But I prefer that deaths not be wake-up calls.

“ …and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house…”
Genesis 28:22a (NIV)