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

July 3, 2024

LIFE IN THE FOLD

My parents raised my sisters and me in church. They not only took us to church, but we prayed together every night before bedtime as a family. I cannot remember a time in my life when I didn't know who God and Jesus were. In fact, I asked Jesus into my heart and was saved at the age of five. I have always remained in church and had a relationship with God since that time.

I don't remember anyone explaining to me who Jesus was or telling me about Him, I just heard about Him and was taught about Him since I was a baby. He's always been a part of my life.

A while back, I was talking to a child who hasn't been raised in church and has never been taught about God. Yes, that happens in America! Her parents are good people, live good lives, are loving parents, and know who God is. In fact, the father was raised in church and the mother attended church during her teen years. Their two older kids were taken to church when they were young; but the two youngest children have never attended church and it seems as if God is never discussed in their home.

I was with those two young children and the little girl asked me who my mama was and where she was. I told her my mom's name and that she had died and was in heaven with God. She then asked me, "Who's God?"

You would think at 59 years old, and me being in church for all of those years, that I would have had an easier time answering that question! But how do you tell a little girl, who has no knowledge of God and Jesus, who He is? How do you explain Him in words that can be easily understood? It's harder than it may seem!

Have you ever tried to explain God to someone who has no knowledge of who He is? It doesn't matter if it is to a child or to an adult. How do you explain Him? I have spent a lot of time thinking about this since that time.

I started by telling the story of creation. God created the earth and everything on it. He made the skies with all the stars, planets, sun and moon. He then made people... and He decided how each of us would look and when we would be born and who our family would be. He loves us so, so, so much! God can see us all the time and is like the greatest super-hero ever.

The next night, I sung 'Jesus Loves Me'; and then was asked who Jesus was.

For the week that I spent with the kids, each evening at bed time, the little girl asked me if I would tell her more about God and Jesus. My prayer is that the words I spoke would be understandable to her and that they would take root in her heart and be something that she will always remember. I pray that she will continue to ask questions and desire to know more about God and Jesus; and that there will come a time when she will choose to have a relationship with Him and commit her life to Him.

We are all given the responsibility of telling other about Jesus. When someone has a prior knowledge of who He is, that makes it somewhat easier; but what about those who have never heard?

I challenge us all to take time to pray for opportunities to tell others about God. But let's, also, take time to consider what our response will be when asked who God and Jesus is. Let's consider how we will respond if asked about the hope that is within us. Let's be prepared and ready!!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

Loretta shouldn't feel too bad about finding it hard to describe God and Jesus. Many times, Jesus was asked about God and heaven. Again and again, He described both by comparing them to stories. The Gospel according to Matthew says "the kingdom of heaven is like..." seven different times.

The truth is, we can know things about Jesus, things about God, and things about heaven. But I don't believe people are capable or meant to fully understand any of them.

But the more we get to know about them, the more we know them, and the more we build a relationship with God and Jesus. The Bible helps, and as we grow, it means more, and becomes more clear. But it is like constantly moving toward the horizon. We keep seeing more, and experiencing more, but we don't actually reach it. The journey becomes the goal.

ON THE MENEWE:

Eggplant Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 400. Line and grease a large baking sheet.

Cut the eggplant lengthwise 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Arrange slices on large baking sheet. Season with sea salt and pepper.

Roast the eggplant in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until soft. When done, remove pan from oven; but leave oven turned on.

*It is important to roast first before layering in lasagna to keep it from becoming too wet and soggy when baking.

While baking the eggplant, prepare the meat sauce:

Cook the sausage and garlic together until browned; drain. Add in marinara sauce and stir.

While the meat is cooking, prepare the cheese filling:

Mix the ingredients together. It really doesn't matter if you use grated or shredded parmesan cheese; both will work well.

Assembly:

Line the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan with a single layer of roasted eggplant slices. Top with the sausage and marinara mixture. Spoon on half of the ricotta cheese mixture and use a spatula to spread. Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers again, ending with the mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese on top is melted and golden.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

Happy Independence Day! Thank God for the freedoms that we still have in America. Enjoy time with your family, laugh, celebrate, eat good food, and take a nap.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

One season David was a shepherd. The next season he was a king.

One season Ruth as working in a field. The next season she owned it.

We serve a God of the turnaround. - TobyMac

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org