Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

John 10:11-21 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?” Others were saying, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

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Reflect

Over the years I have been captivated again and again by the techniques that marketers use to sell products and services. You and I are bombarded at every turn by voices that tell us our worth, our value as living beings is determined by “stuff.” Our marriages are more meaningful when we by our spouse a new SUV for Christmas and deliver it wrapped in a giant red bow. Sexy people drink certain sodas. Only smart, self-confident folks wear these jeans. And, let’s not forget the myriad of ways that I can purchase the items and even earn money back through my credit card purchases.
So, what about me? I can’t afford a giant red bow, much less a new SUV. I don’t like soda. I look chubby in any brand of jeans. I don’t really take well to the barrage of messages that tell me what makes me have value is what I own or what I wear…or what I drive! I often need to hear the truth, and you do too, that we are highly prized by God. We are so valued by our God, that the great Shepherd is willing to lay down his life for us. Christ serves as a sacrifice out of the purest love for us, regardless of what we drive, where we live, and what jeans we wear. That is a value that no advertising agency can take away!

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Pray

Lord Christ, close my ears to the voices that would have me to believe that my identity is found in earthly things. Instead, write your words once again in my heart so that I might know more fully of your love for me and live my life in a way that honors you and serves you faithfully.

Go with God!