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

August 9, 2023

LIFE IN THE FOLD

As school begins each year, it brings back many memories of my own school years.... long, long ago.

I was a good student, quiet and always trying my best to do what was expected of me. I never particularly enjoyed school. I had friends, but was never popular. I never had any desire for perfect attendance, but missed every opportunity I had. As long as I did my best and made decent grades, my parents didn't mind me missing school. I never played sports, but was involved in music. I was never one of those people who looked back and wished I could live my school years over again.

I made good grades, but never particularly felt as if I were smart. I always just felt kind of average.

I recently saw a post on social media asking, "What is the smartest kid who was in your class doing now?" I've been out of high school for 40 years, and to be honest, I couldn't tell you who the valedictorian and salutatorian were in my graduating class; and I only had 36 in my class. I could give a guess, but am not positive.

As I was thinking about it, I thought we are all smart, in our own way! I have no idea what has happened to many of the students in my class. The ones that I do know about have all gone various directions in their life. Some made smart life choices and some struggled with alcohol and/or drugs. Careers have been very varied for most of us. Everything from a nurse, to banking, to being supervisors and managers, to dental hygienist, to police officer, to childcare..... Many have made the choice to serve the Lord, while some haven't.

Many times, throughout life, we like to categorize people on who we think are smartest or most talented or most outgoing, etc. Is that truly fair? The truth is, we each have our strong points. There are areas in which we are all smart, in our own way. Some are book smart, some are common sense smart, some are smart in practical application, some smart in problem solving, some smart in bookkeeping or organization, some smart in their people skills........

I think when we begin comparing ourselves to others, we always find those to whom we measure up short. We often end up feeling inferior or as if we aren't good enough. Or perhaps there are those on the other end of the spectrum who tend to view themselves as being more intelligent than everyone else; thinking they know it all and can't learn from anyone else.

The fact that Jesus chose men from all walks of life to follow Him and be His disciples shows me that everyone is needed, regardless of their upbringing or career choices. I doubt that a bunch of fishermen and a tax collector had much in common; but they had to figure out how to live and work together in ministry. Women are mentioned as being followers of Jesus. One was a seamstress who sewed for the poor, wealthy women who had the means to financially support the ministry of Jesus, mothers, widows, etc. Men and women who came from very different backgrounds, those who were poor and those who were rich, those who were more in the forefront who were very bold and those who quietly worked and were content to stay in the background. Jesus chose repentant prostitutes, like Mary Magdalene, and religious leaders, like Nicodemus. Each were smart, in their own way, and were necessary to the kingdom of God. Each person was loved by Jesus and important to Him.

Had the disciples compared themselves to one another, it could have caused their ministry to be ineffective. What if Peter had said, "Well, Jesus loves John more than me! He's obviously the favorite and gets all the attention, so why even try? When Jesus was on the cross, he entrusted the care of His mother to John. My temper gets me into trouble. I cut off a soldier's ear and denied Jesus. I'm not sure why Jesus even chose me." Yet Peter was the one who boldly preached the gospel on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled him with great boldness, and many made the decision to follow Christ as a result. He was a spiritual leader in the church and greatly needed.

Paul could have thought, "I've been too bad! I persecuted christians and had them put to death. I'm not worthy to preach the gospel and tell others about Jesus! Besides, I didn't even get to meet Jesus and get to know Him while He was on earth. People know my reputation and are scared of me, so how effective could I possibly be?" Thankfully, Paul chose to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and had a powerful ministry! Had he not made the wise choices that he did, upon salvation, the New Testament would be very different than it is.

Today, there are those who think that they can't be students of Jesus, because He's not here to personally teach them and they aren't smart enough to understand His Word. But the truth is, we are all students of Jesus and learn through prayer, reading and studying His Word, hearing Him speak to our heart, teachings from pastors, and listening to the Holy Spirit.

We are all smart in various ways. We all have different talents and gifts. We are all needed and can make an impact on the lives of others, in many ways. We all have different ways of learning about God and building our relationship with Him.

My sister, nephew and I were recently discussing various ministers whom we enjoy listening to. There is one that my sister really likes listening to his sermons. My nephew said, "He's good... but his teachings are so deep that I wouldn't want to listen to him all the time, because it would be too overwhelming." I mentioned another minister and said, "His sermons are more on my level. He's very good, but uses words and illustrations that I can better relate to." My nephew mentioned a couple others that I have never heard of.

We all have those whom we can best relate to, who we learn from best, and who speaks to us on a level that helps us grow, yet makes it understandable for us. There are so many different styles of christian music and we each have those songs and artists who minister to us the most. We don't have to agree on styles of preaching, teaching, music, Bible translations, church denominations, etc. The main focus should be Jesus!

The point is, we all need to always be learning and growing in our relationship with Jesus, no matter how young or old we are. Don't feel inferior if someone learns in a different way than you or if they're in a different place spiritually than you are. That doesn't make them smarter or better..... it just means that we all have to find the way that works best for us.

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

When God gave Moses instructions for building the tabernacle, He didn't have Moses do all of it. He had Moses assign artisans and craftsmen to lead groups on different tasks. They used fine thread crafted by one group. Smiths shaped the lamp-stands and fixtures. Others cut the wood posts and poles. Others wove intricate cloth for the curtains and covering. And finally more made cherubim for the curtains.

Each group had different skills, so contributed in different ways. That is how it works best.

It works best today, too. Some of us are given talents to grow food. Others have talents to raise food. Some transport it where it is needed. Others market it. Some of us are given talents to teach, preach, or prophesy. Some of us are given talents to create things for art, or create things for improving people's lives. But we work best when people from different talents work together.

God has designed each of us to fit into the tapestry that makes up our community. I look forward to seeing the whole design someday.

ON THE MENEWE:

Chocolate Frosting

Sift powdered sugar and cocoa together. Add in softened butter, stirring really well. Mix in vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth and it's of a spreading consistency.

If cake is freshly baked, wait at least one hour to frost.

You can add chopped pecans to the top, if desired.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

As the new school years begins, remember to pray for all the students, teachers, and everyone employed in various capacities in the school system. Pray for protection and safety. Pray that our kids will choose their friends wisely and will know right from wrong; choosing to do what is good and right. Pray for wisdom for the teachers and that they will teach with kindness and love the children that are in their classroom this school year. Pray for protection over the buses and drivers. Pray that God will use each worker and teacher in the schools to bring Him honor and glory. Pray that God will touch the heart of each student and send revivals throughout our school systems; giving kids a hunger to know Him and have relationship with Him.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Gratitude helps us to see what is there instead of what isn't. - Annette Bridges

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org