THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

June 10, 2020

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

Do you know that God loves talking to us? He loves having conversations with His children, and always has since the beginning of time.

After the creation of Adam and Eve, God would come down each day and took a walk with them. Isn't that amazing! Can you imagine having a daily visitation from God? He shows up just because He loves you, wants to spend time with you, so comes to take a walk with you.

Even after Adam and Eve sinned and were banned from the garden, God still continued speaking to people. Throughout the Old Testament, over and over again, it says, "The Lord spoke to, whoever it may be at that time, and said......"

After Cain killed Abel, the Lord had a conversation with him. "Where is your brother, Abel?" Cain responded, "I don't know. Am I my brother's keeper?"

God said, "What have you done? Listen! The voice of your brother's blood is crying out to Me from the ground." God went on to tell Cain what his punishment would be for killing his brother.

In Genesis chapter 7, God tells Noah to build an ark due to the wickedness of mankind. He gave him detailed instructions on how to build it and what to do in order to preserve his family and the different specials of animals.

In chapter 12, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland so that he can become a great nation. Over and over again during Abraham's life, the Lord spoke to him and gave him instructions and promises.

In chapter 26, the Lord appeared to Isaac.

In chapter 28, Jacob is given a vision and sees the Lord, who speaks to him. Again in chapter 35, God speaks to Jacob.

God was with Joseph and gave him interpretation of the kings dreams.

In Exodus, God speaks to Moses over and over again! Moses has amazing encounters with the Lord.

God spoke to Joshua, following the death of Moses; then continued speaking to him throughout his leadership of the Israelites.

In Judges chapter 6, Gideon has an encounter with God.

In 1 Samuel chapter 3, the Lord spoke to Samuel for the first time, then continued speaking to him throughout his life.

God spoke to David before and after he became king.

When you read the writings of the prophets, you read the visions and words that God spoke to each one.

God spoke to and through Elijah and Elisha.

I think you get the picture! God didn't just speak a couple different times to people, but throughout each generation, God has continued to speak to individuals.

Does God still speak to us today? Yes, He does! God speaks to us in many different ways, and uses various methods of getting His message to us.

God speaks to us through the reading of His Word. Often I have needed encouragement or answers or a word to help me through a situation or whatever the case was at that time, and while reading God's Word, a verse would speak to that need in my life.

God speaks to us through visions and dreams. In Joel 2:28-32, and also in Acts 2:15-21, God promises to pour out His Spirit on all flesh. Sons and daughters will prophesy, old men will dream dreams, and young men will see visions.

There have been times when I've had a dream and when I awake, I know that there was something significant that God was wanting to say to me through that dream. Sometimes I understand right away what the meaning of the dream is, and others times I have to wait and pray about it before God shows me the interpretation.

God speaks to us through prayer. Prayer isn't only us talking to God, but us taking time to listen to what He is wanting to speak to us. It is important that we wait in quietness to see what God is wanting to whisper in our ear. God can still speak to us audibly. But more often than not, it is that still, small voice that we hear in our spirit that lets us know what God is saying to us. The more we listen, the easier it becomes to hear His voice.

God can also use other people. It may be a minister that shares a message that is exactly what we need at a particular moment. It may be someone coming up to us and sharing a word of encouragement or hope. Perhaps it is a song that we hear that speaks specifically to us.

He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. That inner nudging or voice that we hear in our spirit. There are different ways which the Holy Spirit can speak to us; as a church and as individuals.

God is so vast and cannot be placed in a box. He has always found ways in which to speak to mankind, and will continue to do so.

He doesn't just choose the godly and good to speak to. We don't have to be holy enough, or worthy, or without guilt or shame. As I mentioned earlier, God spoke to Cain right after he had murdered his brother. Sometimes the messages that God speaks to us may be one of discipline or to get our attention, when we are living in rebellion or disobeying what He is wanting to do in our lives. God will speak to us to give us direction, answers, wisdom, discipline, and to keep us on the right path. But He also speaks words of love, hope, and encouragement. He loves showing us how deep His love is for us and how precious we are to Him.

God wants to speak to each of us! I encourage you to spend time in His Word and in prayer. Don't always be the one talking to Him, then jump up as soon as you are finished. Sit quietly in His presence and ask, "So what do You want to say to me today?" He may give you a specific word, direct you to a scripture, place a picture in your mind, whisper into your thoughts, etc. But take time to listen and enjoy having that quality time with our Father!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

I'm going to risk getting a bit deep here. The raw truth is that it isn't always easy to distinguish what is a nudging from God, what is our own desire, or what is our own expectation.

If we need to chose between two options. One seems exciting, good, and pleasurable. The other is tough, and unpleasant. A young Christian might be tempted to think the tough route is God's will.

It's true, sometimes God has a rough path for us to walk through. It was rough for Moses to face up to Pharaoh. It was tough for Jonah to go to Nineveh. So sometimes when we are faced with an option that looks tough, we might think that has to be God's will.

On the other hand, we might look at two options where one looks like a blessing, and the other looks like a curse. We know that God desires to give us blessings, and would never curse us. So we might think the easy path is the right one.

And sometimes, we might think we deserve to go through a tough path. Maybe we feel like we have to make a sacrifice, and the difficult path would be some kind of penance. We might expect a punishment, so we could think the difficult path is God's will.

I wish there was an answer I could give to solve every case. I don't. But there are a few measuring sticks that may help. 1) God will never demand you sin against Him. If one route is a sin or contradicts the Bible, you can be sure it's the wrong one. 2) If it blesses God, through your own praises to Him or through others, then it's probably good, whether it's God's first choice for us, or His second. 3) In my own experience, most decisions that require acting too quickly to think them through aren't right, but that doesn't mean we should take time to look for excuses not to act, either. 4) God often gives confirmations somehow. In the past few years, I've seen many cases where someone is trying to make a decision, and someone else describes a dream, similar situation, or story that has been on their hearts. And that acts as a confirmation.

Like I said, I wish I had a single, perfect answer. But I hope this can help in any decisions you are facing.

ON THE MENEWE:

Beefy King Ranch Bubble Up

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

In a large skillet cook ground beef; drain fat and return to skillet. Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in soup, Rotel, seasoning, and Velveeta; cooking until cheese is melted. Remove from heat.

Cut biscuits into quarters, then stir into beef and cheese mixture. Pour mixture in the 9x13 prepared pan.

Bake for 30 minutes. Top with favorite taco toppings, if desired.

**Note: If you use the regular size can of biscuits, cut each biscuit into 6 pieces and don't use the entire can.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

I've always been pretty sentimental, but I think I've grown even more so the older I've become. I love seeing old pictures and hearing family stories. I enjoy reminiscing and thinking about my various memories.

Recently, one of my older cousins sent me a special treasure in the mail. She is in her 80's now (very young for her age!). When she was a young girl, she had an autograph book that people would sign and write little poems in. She copied off poems that our grandparents had written in her book.

"Dear little Joann, Remember me early; remember me late. Please meet me, Joann, at the golden gate. (meaning Heaven) Your Grandma Parton"

"When in some far and distant land, you can see the writing of my hand. Although my face you can't see, look at this writing and think of me. Your Grandpa Parton"

Their spelling wasn't perfect (spell check keeps correcting!), but it was precious for me to see. My grandma had passed away before my oldest sister was born, and my grandpa passed away when I was just a baby. But some day, I will get to see them and give them great big hugs!!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.

Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Psalms 116:1-2 (NLT)

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org