Manna for Your Morning

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. — John 10:2-3 (NKJV) I wonder if the secret to the popularity of Starbucks is that they call their customers by name instead of a number.  Our longing to be known and feel special, is a perfect complement to God's desire to have a personal relationship with each one of us. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls His own by name. Another person, whether pastor, priest or parent, can only tell you about God. The way to know Him and develop a personal relationship with Him is to consistently have that one-on-one time with Him. As we spend time in prayer, in His Word, and in worship, we nurture an intimate relationship with the Lord that grows deeper each day. Jesus is calling your name. Just come and keep coming.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. — Ephesians 4:1 (NIV) As any parent can attest, we only want the best for our children. We want to see them do well and excel in life. Our heavenly Father desires the same for us. Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity (Hebrews 6:1a, NIV). May we live the dynamic life, full of freedom, power, and joy, that Jesus paid the price for us to have! Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves (James 1:22, NAS). Stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God (Colossians 4:12b, AMP).