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by Dennis Wheeler
When our youngest daughter, Kendra, was about four years old, we were strolling through a suburban mall and it was unusally congested with excited holiday shoppers. In the hustle and bustle - Kendra's hand got loose from mine and she was swept away by the crowd. My eyes frantically searched the sea of unknown faces. But then, in the midst of all the hub-bub and noise I heard a familiar voice, "DADDY! DADDY!" I followed the worried, trembling voice and found my scared little lamb! For the rest of the shopping trip - she wasn't content to hold my hand - she wanted me to carry her!
If we want to hear God speak to us, we have to get to know Him. The more time we spend in His presence, the more we read His Word, the more easily we will recognize His voice when He is trying to get our attention.
God's followers are described as sheep throughout the Bible. Not a very flattering analogy, in some regards! Generally speaking, sheep are helpless and dependent, apt to go astray, and they need to be guided to pastures and water. But if a sheep knows its shepherd's voice, it's in good shape. It's the sheep that thinks it can go it alone who gets itself in trouble!
We have a Shepherd who knows each of us by name and by characteristics. He knows what is likely to distract us, and if we wander off, He goes after us to bring us back (Luke 15:4-6).
All our lives, He is calling our name, guiding us with His staff, leading us to nourishment and safety. But sometimes we don't notice.
Maybe if we act more like the sheep we really are, we will be better able to hear the Shepherd's voice!
Pray: Lord, when I go astray, help me to hear Your voice. Amen!
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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