Scripture
John 10: 27 “My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Observation
A) God knows me. Jesus said he knows his sheep. He knows me completely, intimately. He knows my past, present, and future. He knows my thoughts, dreams, and fears. He knows my strengths, weaknesses, and failings. He knows everything about me.
B) Jesus’ sheep recognize His voice. Not only does God completely know me, I know him well enough to recognize his voice. I know when God is speaking to me. I can discern His guidance and care. It is hard to explain how this works, but the Bible is true. I can hear and recognize the voice of God. I can know the leading of the Holy Spirit.
C) Because I can recognize His voice, I must obey. I follow my shepherd. I have no excuses. Following my shepherd is the key to success in life. He leads me down the righteous path or the right path for me. He knows where he is going and all I have to do is follow him. I do not follow where my friends are going. I do not follow where culture is leading me. I do not follow religion. I follow the voice of God.
Application
I must seek God, so I can hear him. Once I hear him, I obey. I follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life. The cycle of success is: depend on God, seek God, hear from God, obey God, persist in obedience, achieve by God’s power, give God all the glory. The key is to hear from God and obey him. I follow the Good Shepherd. He will lead me to the right place at the right time, every time.
Prayer
Father I acknowledge my total dependence on you. You are my Good Shepherd. I want to hear your voice. I want to know your purpose and will for my life, family, and First A/G. I seek your face. I seek to know you and to hear from you. Give me the love, faith, and courage to obey you. I need you today. Give me a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. I love you.
