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Listen while you read: "Just A Closer Walk With Thee"1 (Lyrics) |
Years ago, John and I raised sheep on our farm. During those years of farming, we learned many spiritual lessons. God's creatures can teach us much if we pay attention. Our sheep would come running from the back fields to the barn only if John or I called. Other people tried saying the same words but the sheep paid no attention and kept on grazing. We learned the truth taught by Christ:
John 10:27-30 – My sheep recognize my voice and I know who they are. They follow me and I give them eternal life. They will never die and no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. And no one can tear anything out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one. (Phillips)
This truth of Scripture came to me again loud and clear recently due to a sweet story from Ukraine during this time of sorrow, carnage, and war. Russian volunteers had found a dog wandering, alone, scared, and hungry. They rescued it and fed and cared for it.
Days went by, when a Ukrainian man showed up and spoke to the dog. The dog was so excited that it could hardly stand on its four feet from wagging its tail so hard and fast and licking the man's face. The dog knew the master's voice, even through the loneliness and tragic circumstances of war. What a wonderful news story!
Romans 8:16 – The Spirit himself endorses our inward conviction that we really are the children of God. (Phillips)
When people accept the eternal salvation offered by God in Jesus Christ, their sin is forgiven and they become His children. Believers love and appreciate time with God in prayer, knowing that He hears.
We have recently experienced hearing the Easter story once again. On this Ascension Day, I am so thankful that I have the freedom to worship Jesus Christ. How wonderful it is to know that our Saviour is alive! We can depend on the written Word of God when it says:
Acts 1:11 – Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This very Jesus who has been taken up from you into Heaven will come back in just the same way as you have seen Him go. (Phillips)
Believers are waiting for our Saviour to call us home. What a blessed hope we have in Jesus! Are you waiting to hear His voice to come home? I am!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to encourage others to know You in a personal way. May we recognize Your voice as we live for You. Keep us mindful of Your daily goodness and comfort in times of turmoil. Help others to see what is of Christ in us. Amen.
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Amen Ruth.
Thank you.
Another good one, Ruth.
Thanks for sharing your hope and faith today, Ruth.
Very encouraging post, Ruth. Thanks, and blessings!
Thank you, Ruth, for reminding us how much Jesus loves us.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us! Blessings.
Thank you so much, Ruth. Your devotional was so enjoyable but challenging, too.
Amen dear Ruth, thank you so much for this meaningful message!! I have never known this about sheep, awesome!
(N.S.)
So very true Ruth!
What an incredible story about the dog and its Ukrainian master. Had not heard that one.
Blessings.
Thank you, Ruth, for another of your very special devotionals. Yes, our Lord truly is our comforter and sharing about Him with others is very important outreach for us to do. Blessings for these writings you prepare.
Good morning, Ruth
What a beautiful devotional. Having been raised on a farm I sure understand recognizing a voice.
Sooo pleased that you reminded us all of ascension day today.
Blessing.
Dear Ruth,
This is beautiful and encouraging. Not many of us have experienced that particular witness of scripture as you’ve had!
Thank you for sharing.
God bless you!
(BC)
Good morning, Ruth,
I enjoyed your devotional and the comparisons to the sheep and the dog who knew who were their providers.
I know that I am a child of God and sometimes I have trouble discerning His voice from other voices. I am not always sure what is God’s will and what is not God’s will. It takes me prayer and time to hopefully get it right.
I like your prayer because it covers a few items: for God to help us encourage others, for us to recognize His voice, for us to feel God’s comfort in our turmoil and for others to see Him in us.
I love the hymn which was chosen to go with your devotional. May you continue to be inspired to share your thoughts with others. Thank you.
Good morning, Ruth,
Thank you for your ascension day message. It is a day not very much recognized here in North America. I always enjoy your devotionals and learn from you.
Thank you for writing and keep up the good work.
Blessings.
Dear Ruth,
Thank you for this devotional insight.