Who knows you?

​It's strange how we now have more ways to communicate with others, yet people feel more isolated than ever before.
What's about you? Most of us crave connection with at least one other person and you'd think that with a cell phone attached to us that would be so easy to do. Yet studies show we are increasingly more lonely than ever before. There are stories of growing numbers of adults and teens alike turning to chat bots for real, intimate conversations. We hear stories of people doing incredibly evil or dumb stuff and their family and friends say, "that's not like them... that's not the person I knew!" 

Enter Jesus. In John 10 in perhaps one of his most famous talks, He said He was like a Good Shepherd in that He KNOWS HIS SHEEP and His SHEEP KNOW HIM.  (John 10:14). In Jesus day, and still true today, good shepherds have names for their sheep. They have a certain "call" that they use and sheep will come to the sound of the shepherds voice. Sheep are trustful of the Shepherd. Into this culture Jeus said He knows us by name. He knows what concerns us. He is willing to lead us to safe places and a full life if.... if we're willing to listen and follow. (John 10:4,10)

How does this work? That's the question I've been asking myself. Last night I heard the story of one of our guys who talked about how much his life has changed since following Jesus. It's been about 3 years.  A friend of his recently commented to him how much they like the "new person" he's become. Less anger. Less cynicism to his life. He's much more willing to lend hand. He's looking for opportunities to help others. He mentioned he really does spend more time listening for the voice of God to direct Him in life. His life has literally changed. God cares and wants us to have a full, beautiful life. 

How might Jesus lead us? Guide us? One way is listening to the Word of God. When we read, listen.  If we're in church or listening to a sermon podcast, listen. God speaks thru His Word.  Another way is through the counsel of Godly friends. If we ask for help from people who are walking with Jesus, I believe Jesus uses those individuals to speak to our hearts. It's a matter of us being receptive. 

This Sunday we're in a new called, The Good Shepherd. Over the next 4 weeks we'll see all the ways in which Jesus is Good to Us. Reasons we have to be thankful, grateful people. Because of the Goodness of God. 

I hope you'll be in church this Sunday!

Pastor Mike 
PS: This week we have the awesome privilege of witnessing 4 being baptized as followers of Jesus. 2 of our kiddos',  One of our middle school students and one of our adults. Join us at 9:33am.