No Truer Words

No truer words have been spoken than the words I've heard my Pastor say time and time again: "They weren't there when God gave you the vision".  So why would I think that they would support me when the vision is coming to pass? Mostly I would think that because we are friends and I've earned the support. But recently I've learned that that is not the case. Why? Because they weren't there when God gave me the vision!

Sure, it's disappointing to not have the support I thought I should have gotten from the people who have told me over the years what I should do: Write a book!  But I guess since this isn't a book, just a Blog, they don't see it as me doing what they thought I would do: Write a book! Better yet, I don't think they see God in what I do. That may be the real issue I'm writing about.

They see my Blog as me being me, which is a good thing because it fosters credibility and realness in my posts. But they weren't there when God spoke to me about this vision of teaching His children. I realize that people have different learning styles and I'm open to teach them in manners where they can learn. I will eventually get to write a book but where I am now is Blog posts. 

I've come to terms with the fact that people don't owe me their support just because we're friends or just because they know me: But I cherish those who just give it to me naturally. Why? Because with all the things I'm up against just trying to carry out God's directive, I don't need to harbor any ill-will towards those who have Encouraged me long before I even considered God's purpose for my life. They Encouraged me for the time and season they were meant too: It's time now to navigate down my own Path of Encouragement. 

POE - Lois

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

John 10: 1-5 New Living Translation Bible tells us Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” and we are His sheep!   

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice”.

#PATHSOFENCOURAGEMENT #POE

 My thoughts: Jesus enters thru the gateway or door of our hearts by invitation, we welcome him; HE then enters and calls us HIS sheep. HE knows HIS sheep and we (HIS sheep) recognize HIS voice and we come to HIM and HE calls us, HIS own sheep; by name, we are HIS. HE has chosen us to follow HIM!!

HE leads by HIS voice! We are HIS sheep; HIS sheep do not follow the voice of a stranger; they run from a strange voice because they do not know the voice of a stranger; only the voice of the Good Shepherd! And they follow HIS voice because they know the voice of the Good Shepherd and trust HIM to keep them safe from harm and danger; and to assist them to fulfill their purpose in life! HE is Not a Hireling! Who would abuse and abandon the sheep; He will protect and provide for the Sheep with his own life; He will get in harm’s way or contend with evil face to face for the sake of HIS sheep! 

He will protect HIS sheep from wolves, thieves, devils or anything that comes to steal, kill or destroy the sheep! He will gather the sheep, and lead them in and out of the gate; He goes before them; not just “with” them, but “ahead” of them; and lead them to green pastures and fresh, living waters; and give them abundant life; and meet all their needs, because he loves and cares for HIS sheep deeply!

Praise God! I love you Jesus! And I am so glad you chose me to be one of your sheep! So glad I am YOURS and YOU’RE mine; that I am covered by your precious blood that you shed for me; and you’ve empowered me by your Holy Spirit, who raised you from the dead to eternal life to live forever more; and for the awesome love of God, our Heavenly Father! THANK YOU JESUS FOR THE VICTORY! AMEN!

Meditation by Guest Writer -  Lois D. Reeves 

Servant and Handmaiden of the Most High God!