LOST / FOUND

John 10:14-15 - Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me....and I lay down my life for the sheep."

Exodus 23:20 - God said, "See I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."

Have you ever taken a wrong turn and found yourself hopelessly lost? I have. Sometimes I find myself in a place I don't want to be. I immediately start looking for someone to give me directions so I can find my way.

This reminds me of my spiritual journey. When I become confused, about the circumstances happening in my life, or tired because my direction is unclear, where do I turn for help, to receive directions to get back on track? SCRIPTURE! Scripture is my guide. The words of Christ help me in times of the storms of life. They calm me. Its guidance orients me and provides assurance and comfort. It never changes.

I am so grateful that Jesus rejoices when I find my way back, and no matter where I wander Jesus looks for me until He finds me.

Changes (Oppportunities from God)

Psalms 107: 1 - "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever."

Changes

Have you thought about changes that occur in our everyday lives. Sunrises, sunsets, weather and seasons are some examples. In a sunset the most glorious change occurs as the gray-green sky turns to vibrant, pinks, reds, oranges and purples. In sunrises, the brilliant sun's rays glistens and shines like diamonds reflecting on the dew of trees, plants and grass.

God's presence and love appears in many different forms as well. Some of life's changes we welcome, and others break our hearts. In the midst of all life's changes God sustains us, and strengthens us. With changes that occur in our lives we can rely on God's love, grace, mercy and presence to never leave us.

The Gift of Choice

Psalm 119:19 - "I have chosen the way of truth. I have obeyed your laws."

People talk about Free Will. God gave us free will - we can choose. In the book of Matthew chapter 7: 13-14 we are told we can choose:

• the narrow gate or wide gate
• narrow road or wide road
• big crowd or small crowd
• Verses 24-27 tell us we can build on rock or sand.
• Chapter 6: 24 say we can serve God or riches.
• Chapter 25: 32-33 says we can be numbered among the sheep or the goats.

God gives us eternal choices and eternal consequences. One of God's greatest gifts is the gift of choice. My prayer for you is you choose wisely. Max Lucado