John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Oh Friends, do we really hear the voice of Jesus, and do we really follow Him? At times it doesn’t seem so. I read a quote today, attributed to Oscar Wilde: ‘To most of us the real life is the life we do not lead.’ That’s an undisputed fact. Many of us feel our lives are too mundane and boring, and wish for that of the celebrities, the movers and shakers; those who are always in the media spotlight, jetting here and there, while partying non stop. We believe that’s such a great life, but it’s not always true. They might be busier than us, but not necessarily happier. They’re always on the go, juggling several projects at once, either to make enough money to afford the lifestyle, or because they’re in such great demand. This obviously makes family life difficult. A smile’s always plastered on their faces to satisfy their fans, and they can’t go out without bodyguards, cause people mob them on sight. There’s no privacy, even in their own homes, with the paparazzi constantly lurking, on the lookout for some exclusive photos or juicy tidbits. Don’t be fooled, it’s not always one long party, as per the media impression. Oh Friends, that lifestyle is fraught with pitfalls and minefields. It’s littered with unfortunate souls. You see it in the same media everyday; the fall from glory of some celebrity whose praise everybody was just singing. And this culture of celebrity only exists because we’re hungry for it. We’ve been brainwashed, misled, bedevilled by it’s outward glamour while it’s empty, shallow existence is cleverly hidden. But people, if we truly live for Jesus, focus our lives steadfastly on Him, though they may seem humdrum and lacklustre, they will possess a much more uplifting and lasting quality, than if we follow the wicked ways of the world, which often leaves us with an empty, lonely, unfulfilled feeling. Even when we accomplish lofty goals and possess great earthly wealth, there’s still a great likelihood that we won’t be satisfied. There’ll always be that little empty corner of our lives we just can’t seem to fill. That’s because it’s reserved for Jesus! Yes Friends, in every human heart God designed a special place for Himself, that no one or nothing else can fill but Him, His Son and His Holy Spirit. That means unless our lives are directed by a meaningful, God driven purpose, we’ll never feel fulfilled or satisfied. And I don’t mean just acquiring money and power, but something real and lasting, that will make a positive difference in the lives of others. Many of us follow the human’s natural craving for wealth and power, but once we acquire them, discover to our chagrin, that something’s still missing. And Friends it is. That missing value is Jesus. He’s the ONLY ONE who can give us that sense of peace, of calm, yet of significant involvement, dedication and fulfilment. Yes Friends, He’s the Good Shepherd. ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.’ Does He really know us personally people, do we really follow Him personally? If the answer is no, then we’re in a rather unfortunate state, cause we’ll be missing out on the greatest gift ever; eternal life. ‘And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.’ (Jhn.10:28) Oh people, what a wonderful promise! Those who follow Jesus shall never perish, never die, no one will ever take us from Him, it’s an assurance of eternal safety from any foe. And to strengthen that assurance He further states: ‘My Father which gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.’ (Jhn.10:29-30) Wow! Oh Friends do we have that kind of relationship with Jesus? Can we sing in full voice, ‘Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine?’ I certainly hope so, for He’s the most wonderful and amazing leader ever. He unselfishly gave His life for us, then filled us with His Holy Spirit, to help and guide us. He advocates and intercedes with the Father on our behalf. He’s so full of compassion, LOVE, forgiveness, mercy; all the truly beautiful feelings and emotions. Oh people, the trappings of this world might seem heady and full of glamour, but it’s all fake, a mere facade to fool us; like brass resembles gold, but is not gold. They’re of the enemy’s making, so they obviously cannot compare to what Jesus offers; peace, contentment, LOVE, forgiveness, mercy, possible earthly wealth and power and to crown it all, a glorious salvation that leads to eternal life with Him and the Father in Heaven. It’s the whole enchilada Friends! What can be better eh? So, as of right now, let’s genuinely seek to be one of His flock nuh, have Him know us personally, and then follow His guidance. Friends, it’s not only the best, it’s the ONLY WAY! Much LOVE!…where He leads me…I will follow…I will follow…where He leads me…
Oh Friends, do we really hear the voice of Jesus, and do we really follow Him? At times it doesn’t seem so. I read a quote today, attributed to Oscar Wilde: ‘To most of us the real life is the life we do not lead.’ That’s an undisputed fact. Many of us feel our lives are too mundane and boring, and wish for that of the celebrities, the movers and shakers; those who are always in the media spotlight, jetting here and there, while partying non stop. We believe that’s such a great life, but it’s not always true. They might be busier than us, but not necessarily happier. They’re always on the go, juggling several projects at once, either to make enough money to afford the lifestyle, or because they’re in such great demand. This obviously makes family life difficult. A smile’s always plastered on their faces to satisfy their fans, and they can’t go out without bodyguards, cause people mob them on sight. There’s no privacy, even in their own homes, with the paparazzi constantly lurking, on the lookout for some exclusive photos or juicy tidbits. Don’t be fooled, it’s not always one long party, as per the media impression. Oh Friends, that lifestyle is fraught with pitfalls and minefields. It’s littered with unfortunate souls. You see it in the same media everyday; the fall from glory of some celebrity whose praise everybody was just singing. And this culture of celebrity only exists because we’re hungry for it. We’ve been brainwashed, misled, bedevilled by it’s outward glamour while it’s empty, shallow existence is cleverly hidden. But people, if we truly live for Jesus, focus our lives steadfastly on Him, though they may seem humdrum and lacklustre, they will possess a much more uplifting and lasting quality, than if we follow the wicked ways of the world, which often leaves us with an empty, lonely, unfulfilled feeling. Even when we accomplish lofty goals and possess great earthly wealth, there’s still a great likelihood that we won’t be satisfied. There’ll always be that little empty corner of our lives we just can’t seem to fill. That’s because it’s reserved for Jesus! Yes Friends, in every human heart God designed a special place for Himself, that no one or nothing else can fill but Him, His Son and His Holy Spirit. That means unless our lives are directed by a meaningful, God driven purpose, we’ll never feel fulfilled or satisfied. And I don’t mean just acquiring money and power, but something real and lasting, that will make a positive difference in the lives of others. Many of us follow the human’s natural craving for wealth and power, but once we acquire them, discover to our chagrin, that something’s still missing. And Friends it is. That missing value is Jesus. He’s the ONLY ONE who can give us that sense of peace, of calm, yet of significant involvement, dedication and fulfilment. Yes Friends, He’s the Good Shepherd. ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.’ Does He really know us personally people, do we really follow Him personally? If the answer is no, then we’re in a rather unfortunate state, cause we’ll be missing out on the greatest gift ever; eternal life. ‘And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.’ (Jhn.10:28) Oh people, what a wonderful promise! Those who follow Jesus shall never perish, never die, no one will ever take us from Him, it’s an assurance of eternal safety from any foe. And to strengthen that assurance He further states: ‘My Father which gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.’ (Jhn.10:29-30) Wow! Oh Friends do we have that kind of relationship with Jesus? Can we sing in full voice, ‘Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine?’ I certainly hope so, for He’s the most wonderful and amazing leader ever. He unselfishly gave His life for us, then filled us with His Holy Spirit, to help and guide us. He advocates and intercedes with the Father on our behalf. He’s so full of compassion, LOVE, forgiveness, mercy; all the truly beautiful feelings and emotions. Oh people, the trappings of this world might seem heady and full of glamour, but it’s all fake, a mere facade to fool us; like brass resembles gold, but is not gold. They’re of the enemy’s making, so they obviously cannot compare to what Jesus offers; peace, contentment, LOVE, forgiveness, mercy, possible earthly wealth and power and to crown it all, a glorious salvation that leads to eternal life with Him and the Father in Heaven. It’s the whole enchilada Friends! What can be better eh? So, as of right now, let’s genuinely seek to be one of His flock nuh, have Him know us personally, and then follow His guidance. Friends, it’s not only the best, it’s the ONLY WAY! Much LOVE!…where He leads me…I will follow…I will follow…where He leads me…
SCRIP-BITS 