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 4, 2025

LIFE IN THE FOLD

Recently, Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty, passed away. He was 79 years old and the patriarch of the Robertson family. I've been listening to the Unashamed and Duck Call Room podcast where they honored Phil and talked about his life. The main theme that everyone talked about was how bold he was in telling others about his faith. Phil was truly unashamed of the gospel of Christ and took every opportunity available to tell others the good news about Jesus. Through people coming to his home for bible studies, speaking engagements, his boldness in talking about Jesus on the Duck Dynasty show, 'The Blind' movie about his life, etc... it has been estimated that millions have heard the gospel through this one man.

I know that I will never have the impact that Phil Robertson had on the world, but I've asked myself if I've truly taken advantage of the opportunities that God has given me to tell others about Him. Have I been too timid, thinking that those around me wouldn't want to hear what I had to say? Have I failed in telling others about Jesus and all that He has to offer them?

There is an old, old song that says, "Your life's the only bible some people read." It's true, that we can be an example of Jesus to those around us by the way we live our life. And it's also true that sometimes when we begin talking about Jesus to others, it causes them to run away, so living by example in front of them is what they are watching. But we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and obey when we feel those nudges to speak out about our faith and the hope that is within us. There are times when we need to be bold and speak out, and times when we need to quietly allow others to watch our life and see Jesus within us.

One of the things that I want others to see in me is that it's about relationship, not religion. There are a lot of religious people, who don't really know Jesus or don't have a deep relationship with Him. For me, it's not about church attendance or obeying a list of rules or being a good person -- although those things can be important. It's about loving the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul, mind and spirit. When I love Him like that, then I love others as I love myself. When I do those two things, then all of those other things should fall into place. It's not about a list of rules of what I can or can't do, but it's about living a life that pleases Christ.

It's about having God walk through my life on earth alongside me. I know that He is with me and will never leave or forsake me. I'm never alone!

It's about having peace that surpasses all understanding, when life is tough and I go through difficulties. It's also about peace when life is going great and blessings are coming my way.

It's about having that blessed hope that when my life on earth is over, I will spend eternity in heaven with my Father. While Jesus was on earth, He said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am." (John 14:1-3)

I want everyone to have that blessed hope and that peace throughout their life on earth, don't you? Let us all be more diligent in sharing the good news about Jesus, so that none perish, but all come to repentance. We may not be able to reach millions, or even hundreds, and maybe not even a dozen. But even if we all reach one and they make the decision to follow Jesus, it will be worth it.

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

In the last 50 years, I've heard about many different people who spread the gospel. Many of them are what I'd call evangelists. Phil Robertson isn't one of them.

Many people came to have a relationship with Jesus because of evangelists. But many other people can't stand to listen to them. I happen to be one of them. I can tolerate listening to most, but there are a few that I hear on the radio, and change stations. It isn't that I disagree with anything they say, or even dislike anything about them personally. It is simply that I don't enjoy listening to them. And just because I don't enjoy it doesn't make them wrong.

Phil was more of someone I could relate to. I could imagine sitting down to dinner with him and most of his family, and enjoying visiting with them. Or I might just listen to them visiting together. I imagine I would feel comfortable with them. On the other hand, I know people who would feel very uncomfortable around them, and would rather change stations if they were on. That doesn't make them wrong.

There are also people who grew up in rough parts of crowded cities who can go and reach out to others living in the same conditions. They help build relationships with Jesus among many other people. I can't relate to them myself. But again, that doesn't make them wrong.

They are simply each using the skills and history God has given them to share what God has done for them, and will do for others. If you are going through something rough, it might be a history you can use to show others what God has done. Look at what you might be learning and can later teach.

I've heard it said that every experience has the potential to build us up or tear us down. But it is our choice which it will be. Sharing it with others helps build us all up.

ON THE MENEWE:

Fruit Dip

Soften cream cheese. Blend in brown sugar and vanilla.

Serve with strawberries, sliced apples, and grapes.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

My niece and her husband were recently reminiscing about when their son, Jax, (who is now 16!) was a baby. He would have explosive poopy diapers that would shoot all the way up his back. I remember, because I babysat him when he was a baby! One time they were in Texas visiting family and had gone shopping. My niece kept smelling something and saw someone who was near them and thought it was them stinking. She went into another store and still smelled it, but looked and there was that same person. Finally, she realized that Jax had had a bad poopy diaper and it was him that she was smelling. She went into the bathroom to change him and it was so bad that it took her a while to get him cleaned up. My nephew's wife finally came in to check on them and ended up helping them. She could hear women coming into the bathroom, they'd start gagging from the smell, then leave. Her husband and my nephew were standing outside waiting for them. They heard ladies coming out gagging and talking about how awful the smell was. Two young teens came out and they overheard them saying, "That makes me NEVER want to have a baby!!"

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

When David faced Goliath, he didn't talk about how dangerous Goliath was.

He talked about how great God is.

Don't talk fear. Talk faith. - TobyMac

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org