Category: Proverbs

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Search The Word

I really enjoy “hidden object” games. Looking for things that are hidden and then remembering them for the next time you come back to that scene – it’s a real challenge and something I just like to do.

That’s how it was when I first really got turned on to God’s word. My goodness, that’s been almost 50 years ago now. I had been raised in church all my life but never really got in and studied the Word for myself.

But after we saw God do a miracle and heal our son, we started searching to find out what the Word said to us and how it would impact our daily lives. I remember so clearly sitting down at our kitchen table with our Bibles, a Strong’s concordance and a legal pad. We began to search out different words and how they had been used throughout the Bible. We would read a verse and then the verses before and after to make sure we saw things in their proper context. The search was on!

I will interject this here. When sharing these thoughts, I tried to be brief, but it is almost impossible to without diminishing the depth of the meaning.

We asked the Lord for understanding of His Word and He gave it to us. One Scripture that I had always heard took on new meaning. “Eye hath not seen or ear heard what has entered into the heart of God and that no one can know God’s thoughts” but in reading, truly reading the Scripture with the Holy Spirit guiding I found that there was more to that verse than how it had always been quoted.

“We teach wisdom to people who are mature, but the wisdom we teach is not from this world. It is not the wisdom of the rulers of this world, who are losing their power. 7 But we speak God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden from everyone until now. God planned this wisdom for our glory. He planned it before the world began. 8 None of the rulers of this world understood this wisdom. If they had understood it, they would not have killed our great and glorious Lord on a cross. 9 But as the Scriptures say,

‘No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’

10 But God has shown us these things through the Spirit. The Spirit knows all things. The Spirit even knows the deep secrets of God. 11 It is like this: No one knows the thoughts that another person has. Only the person’s spirit that lives inside knows those thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows God’s thoughts except God’s Spirit. 12 We received the Spirit that is from God, not the spirit of the world. We received God’s Spirit so that we can know all that God has given us.” I Corinthians 2:6-12 ERV

What had been left out was the part about the Holy Spirit knowing God’s thoughts and He would give us the ability to KNOW all that God has for us. WOW!!! Talk about Hidden Treasures – we had a whole book of God’s thoughts right before us and all we had to do was search them out.

Jesus said the same thing to His disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

Then there was also Jeremiah “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13

So let me encourage you today to start your own “treasure” hunt but this one isn’t a game. The verse above says we search with all our heart and King Solomon gave instruction this way

“4 Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. 5 If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the LORD, and you will come to know God. 6 The LORD is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. 7 He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right. 8 He makes sure that people are treated fairly. He watches over his loyal followers. 9 If you listen to him, you will understand what is just and fair and how to do what is right. 10 You will gain wisdom, and knowledge will bring you joy. 11 Planning ahead will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” Proverbs 2:4-11 ERV

I didn’t have a photographic memory so I would write the verses that really spoke to me on an index card. I always had them close at hand until they were in my heart. God’s word changed my life!

His word is more than ancient words on a page. God’s word is life. The Scriptures are God speaking directly to me and to you, life-giving, life-changing treasure that is better than gold!

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Consider This

What are you considering today?

A job change, a relationship, a trip, a new car, holding a grudge, financial difficulties, being lazy – so many things to consider. To consider means to think carefully about, especially in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on.

The things we consider are very important in directing our lives. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 23 that “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”. The things we think on can become snares.

Have you ever heard a noise in the night, something different that you haven’t heard before? It’s outside, it’s dark, the dog is whimpering on the floor looking at the door. If you’re not careful as to what you consider you will frighten yourself just with your own thoughts.

Abraham was an old man when God told him he would be the father of many nations. His wife, Sarah, was past “the age of bearing children” but that wasn’t really an issue because even in her child bearing age she had never been able to conceive. But God made him a promise!

“There was no hope that Abraham would have children, but Abraham believed God and continued to hope. And that is why he became the father of many nations. As God told him, ‘You will have many descendants.’ 19 Abraham was almost a hundred years old, so he was past the age for having children. Also, Sarah could not have children. Abraham was well aware of this, but his faith in God never became weak. 20 He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. 21 Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he promised. 22 So that’s why “he was accepted as one who is right with God.” Romans 4:18-22

One translation says that Abraham “considered not the deadness of his own body or that of Sarah’s womb”. He pushed out any thought that wasn’t God’s promise. Yes, every one of those thoughts may have been accurate but he had a promise from God!

So, let me ask you again, what are you considering today? Is it a doctor’s report, then consider this “He forgives all my sins. He heals me.” Psalm 103:3 TLB

A bank statement, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory” Phillipians 4:19

Depression, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

Comfort: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy, the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.” II Corinthians 1:3-4

God loves you and His promises are for you as much as they were for anyone who has ever lived. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” Acts 10:34-35

So whatever it is that your mind has been considering, consider it not and think on this:

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. 8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected… And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9

Now, consider the promises of God!

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Looking Up

Today, I want to draw your attention to a time when Jesus “looked up”.

Jesus had left the area of Judea just days earlier because the Pharisees were trying to kill him. Now he learned that his dear friend Lazarus was very sick. He told his disciples that they needed to return to Bethany, and they reminded him that the people in that area were against him.

Jesus waited a couple more days and then he told the disciples we MUST go to Bethany, Lazarus is dead. When Jesus arrived he learned that Lazarus had already been in the grave four days. Martha came out to meet Jesus and told him if He had been there, she knew her brother would not be dead.

Do you get the picture? Jesus is grieving over the death of his dear friend. He is just a two mile walk from a town where a mob had tried to kill him just a few days ago and now his friend’s sister is blaming him for her brother’s death. WOW!

The story goes on from there. Lazarus’ other sister, Mary, and the mourners come to where Jesus is. Mary falls at Jesus’ feet and says the same thing, “If you had been here my brother wouldn’t have died.” And now comes the shortest verse in the Bible – Jesus wept.

I think he wept because he felt the grief of the loss of a friend; I think he wept because he was being blamed for that death; I think he wept because the people around him had no faith and hope. But he wept. And then he did something that we all need to do – He looked up!

“Jesus was still terribly upset. So he went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone rolled against the entrance. 39 Then he told the people to roll the stone away. But Martha said, ‘Lord, you know that Lazarus has been dead four days, and there will be a bad smell.’

40 Jesus replied, ‘Didn’t I tell you that if you had faith, you would see the glory of God?’

41 After the stone had been rolled aside, Jesus looked up toward heaven and prayed, ‘Father, I thank you for answering my prayer. 42 I know that you always answer my prayers. But I said this, so that the people here would believe that you sent me.’

43 When Jesus had finished praying, he shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ 44 The man who had been dead came out. His hands and feet were wrapped with strips of burial cloth, and a cloth covered his face. Jesus then told the people, ‘Untie him and let him go.’” John 11:38-44

He looked up to the Father – he reminded himself that God the Father had not abandon him and that even in his grief, the Father was there to bring victory to the situation. He looked up and he thanked the Father for answered prayer. And He knew the purpose of all of this – so that the people would believe!

Jesus moved his attention from the circumstances around Him and looked to the One who changes things.

Jesus called Lazarus from the grave – His words, “Lazarus, come forth” brought the power of God to the situation and Lazarus came walking out of the tomb.

Awesome! Absolutely Awesome!

A kind and loving God brought an end to grieving and despair. He brought life to Lazarus and life to the hope and faith of the people who were there. He can and will still do the same today.

What is it in your life that is dead and needs to be resurrected? Your hope? Your faith? Your health? Your marriage? Your joy? Your finances? What???

Look up to the One who has life giving power – look up and thank Him for resurrection and then be bold like Jesus and call it forth from the grave. King Solomon said Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21.

Jesus was focused on looking up – we need to do the same!

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Follow His Lead

The words that came from my heart before I even got out of bed this morning were “Father, I want to follow your lead with each step I take. I want to follow, not lead”.

I had a couple of frustrating situations yesterday. Ever have any of those? That let me know I wasn’t following; I was trying to lead. Trusting God’s lead isn’t frustrating, it’s a way of peace.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him. 31 There is no God except the Lord. There is no Rock except our God.
32 God is the one who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take. 33 He makes my feet as steady as those of a deer. Even on steep mountains he keeps me from falling.
34 He trains me for war so that my arms can bend the most powerful bow.

35 Lord, you have given me your shield to protect me. You support me with your right hand. It is your help that has made me great.” Psalm 18:30-35 ERV

“He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:2 ERV

When we follow the Lord’s leading it’s more reliable than the most accurate GPS. He keeps us from taking the wrong route and making bad turns. He establishes our steps, even on steep mountains.

Yes, He guides our way!

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

“People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ERV

Our walk with the Lord is guided by the Master.

“Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you a different kind of fishermen. You will bring in people, not fish.” Matthew 4:19 ERV

“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die, and no one can take them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 ERV

And now one last verse for the day.

“People who live following their sinful selves think only about what they want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about what the Spirit wants them to do.” Romans 8:5 ERV

My feet are on the floor and very shortly I will be heading out the door to embrace a new day. Join me.

Father, lead us and guide our steps. We determine to be led by the Spirit and follow the Shepherd. Amen and Amen.

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Leaving on a Jet Plane

Well, this wonderful trip has come to an end.

We pack up this morning, drive back to Jacksonville, turn in the rental car and board a plane, headed for home. One stop over in Dallas and arrive in Phoenix later today. It’s been fun and exciting – but home is sweet.

That’s my day. What’s yours got in store? Whatever it is the Lord has designed a path and is waiting for us to follow Him.

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMPC

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

“ If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours:

3 “He will bless you in the city and in the field…6 He will bless you at all times in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 28:2-6 ERV

I am praying for your day to be filled with the blessings of the Lord. That’s the kind of day He has designed for us.

I’ll be with you tomorrow from my living room in Queen Valley.

Enjoy the blessings of the day!

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Loving Conversations

In those times when we think “doesn’t God see what’s going on” or when we say “I wish I knew what to do now”, the Bible tells us that God, our heavenly Father, is waiting to talk with us, to direct us, to reassure us.

From the beginning, in the garden the Lord would come to talk with Adam in the cool of the day. On the day they sinned, He still came looking for them. Sin doesn’t keep us from God but trying to hide our sin from Him does. God didn’t abandon them. He made clothes from them and gave them instruction on how to live.

The Lord talked with Noah and gave him the specifications for building an Ark and told him how to care for the animals that would be on it.

God spoke to Abram and made him a promise that he would be the father of many nations and that his descendants would occupy the “promised land”.

Joseph and the Lord talked about a famine that was coming to Egypt and he told the pharaoh how to prepare for it. It saved the Egyptians and also all the members of Joseph’s family.

The Lord spoke to Moses from a burning bush while the nation of Israel was being held captive in Egypt. He gave Moses an exit plan.

The Lord spoke to the kings of Israel showing them how to succeed in battle and He gave this promise to the prophet Jeremiah.

“I was still being held prisoner in the courtyard of the palace guards when the Lord told me: I am the Lord, and I created the whole world. 3 Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

And that’s just a few examples from the Old Testament. In the New Testament we find the Lord giving instruction to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zachariah and the shepherds through visiting angels.

Once Jesus started His ministry the Father spoke through the words of Jesus and those words are still our instruction for today.

“ Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.” Matthew 7:7 CEV

We have also been given the Holy Spirit to give us instruction and guidance.

“The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. The Spirit doesn’t speak on his own. He will tell you only what he has heard from me, and he will let you know what is going to happen.” John 16:13 CEV

And because we have the Holy Spirit, we also have this promise.

“We who have the Spirit are able to make judgments about all these things. But anyone without the Spirit is not able to make proper judgments about us. 16 As the Scriptures say,

‘Who can know what is on the Lord’s mind? Who is able to give him advice?’

But we have been given Christ’s way of thinking.” I Corinthians 2:15-16 ERV

The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to hear and know God’s love and direction. That’s why we bring everything – everything – to Him. We trust Him, unwavering and He gives us the direction we need.

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

Start the day meeting our Father for a loving conversation. He will direct our paths and He tells us not to worry. We can trust Him!

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Christmas Traditions

What brings a smile to your face as you remember Christmases past? What things do your children request that you did with them when they were small?

In our decorating there are a few items that MUST be put out. Each person has their own personalized Christmas stocking, some of them made by my mother and now the rest that I have made.

Movies and books. I’ve been watching White Christmas since I was 8 and there are books at stories that were always a must.

What’s meaningful about the traditions of Christmas is not how big or expensive the gift but the memories that bring us together, things we share from the heart.

“Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.” Proverbs 22:6 CEV

The one tradition that is center stage is the reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2. When I was little, my daddy read it each Christmas morning. When Dave and I married and we took our kids to my parents’ home, my daddy read it. All the years that we had the kids at home Dave has read the Christmas story and even when they were all gone, the two of us sit and open the Bible and read before we do anything else. One year he read the story with our oldest daughter and family via Google Chat.

So many distractions try to rob our traditions, the constants in our lives, the things that bring us hope and peace.

Traditions are important reminders of where we’ve been and what God has done for us. The Jewish people had Passover to remind them of their deliverance from Egypt, something they were told to always remember and to teach their children about God’s goodness and power.

This year I pray that everyone would return to the joy of that first Christmas. The awe, the wonder and that hearts will declare with the angels:

“Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying, 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.’

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’” Luke 2:13-15 AMP

Like the shepherds let’s seek this wonderful thing the Lord has made known to us.

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The Questions

If you’ve ever started out on a major adventure you know there are questions, lots of questions.

The circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ were no different. The next couple of days we are going to look at a few of those.

Our first question comes from Zacharias, the father of the baby who would grow to be John the Baptist.

It was a normal day at work in the Temple. He was going about his priestly duties of burning incense with the daily offerings when an angel appeared to him.

“ Zacharias was doing his work as a religious leader for God. 9 The religious leaders were given certain kinds of work to do. Zacharias was chosen to go to the house of God to burn special perfume. ” Luke 1:8-9 NLV

Just another regular day at the office until the angel appeared.

“Zacharias, do not be afraid. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son. You are to name him John. 14 You will be glad and have much joy.” vs 13-14 NLV

Since both he and Elizabeth were very old, (his words not mine), and had never conceived, Zacharias questioned the angel.

“ Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I know this for sure? I am old and my wife is old also.” 19 The angel said to him, “My name is Gabriel. I stand near God. He sent me to talk to you and bring to you this good news. 20 See! You will not be able to talk until the day this happens. It is because you did not believe my words. What I said will happen at the right time.” vs 18-20 NLV

It wasn’t the question that bothered the angel, it was the unbelief that the question was wrapped in. Here was a priest, a man of God, who knew the prophesy that Isaiah spoke over 400 years before about a man who would precede the Messiah, preparing the way for the Messiah’s ministry and he doubted God’s messenger.

Please note that the doubting, the unbelief, didn’t stop the message or the miracle that the angel came to deliver. God sent Gabriel to deliver good news and he did.

Zacharias had to watch the miracle unfold in silence. Do you think that was too harsh a consequence for him to endure? King Solomon said this about the words we speak.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NLV

God’s word is powerful. It changes circumstances, brings miracles, creates worlds, and gives new life. Zacharias got to be part of the adventure that was unfolding, he just needed to experience it in silence.

God doesn’t mind our questions, in fact, He tells us to come to Him and ask. But when we ask, we should always ask in faith.

Tomorrow we will look at a similar question to the one Zacharias asked but it was asked in faith.

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428 – The Unexpected

Yesterday was an adventure – truly in every sense of the word it was an adventure.

We had been planning a “Christmas Tree Cutting” outing with our oldest daughter and son-in-love for several months. This was something we did quite often when the kids were younger but the last time the four of us had been together cutting a tree was in 1994. 30 years ago, way too long.

As my daughter said, this was Christmas tree cutting without the down coats, snow boots, gloves and caps. We could have gone in t-shirts, and it would have been just fine. Started like all road trips should, with donuts.

A ninety-minute drive and hearts were merry and light. We headed to a location that none of us had ever been to before. We had a map, although it was not very useful, that was to lead us to the cutting areas. Finally, we found a road that was clearly marked on the map and set out to find the best Christmas tree ever.

Wrong!

We were on a dusty, rocky, bumpy, (did I say rocky), forest service road. We stopped once to get off the trail and look for a tree in the more wooded areas but there were none to be found. Back in the truck and on the road AGAIN. Our moods were far from jovial. We had no cell service so we could not determine how much longer we would be on this “wonderful adventure”.

Making it back to the highway, finally, we stopped for lunch. Our conversation was guarded. We were all thinking we should just go home. This was a bad idea. But our spirits lifted, and we decided to ask the waiter at the pie shop if he knew where we could cut a Christmas tree. He said he would find out. He came back and said, “you go up the road here and take forest service road 428”. We didn’t even let him finish, we all laughed. That’s where we just were!

That laughter was like taking a spoonful of much needed medicine.

“ Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 ERV

What could have been a ruined trip now returned to the fun adventure we had hoped for.

Back in the truck and down the road we went. Let’s take one more side road before we head down the hill for home. We turned off at a road that went past several campgrounds and would loop around to the highway. Eyes peeled for any side road that might have trees…and there it was.

We found several trees that would do but the two we cut were the best. Not perfect, but good. As we got them back to the truck I looked down and saw a rusty old horseshoe on the ground. Our daughter took it home with her. It was the perfect ending to a rocky start.

“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. ” II Corinthians 4:8 ERV

I know this may seem like a silly and insignificant story but to the four of us it will be something we will always remember – our time on Road 428.

Whatever you face, simple or complex, don’t give up!

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Obedience

I think we all struggle with obedience from time to time. We don’t want to appear foolish or be taken for a religious nut. Maybe we think what God is asking us to do isn’t significant and it won’t matter if we obey or not.

Wrong.

As we come to the Thanksgiving season, I want to be aware of those who may need my kindness and acts of love. I want to be obedient and attentive to the Lord’s leading.

“So be sure to give to the poor. Don’t hesitate to give to them, because the Lord your God will bless you for doing this good thing. He will bless you in all your work and in everything you do. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. That is why I command you to be ready to help your brother or sister. Give to the poor in your land who need help.” Deuteronomy 15:10-11 ERV

When the Lord is prompting the act of kindness it’s never in vain. No gift is too small when God puts it on your heart.

I remember a time not long ago when Dave and I pulled into a gas station and a man knocked on our window. He offered to wash our windows for a quarter – a quarter, mind you, no one was going broke over giving a quarter.

“I’ll wash your windows for a quarter. Oh, but it doesn’t look like they need washing, do they?” Dave explained no, we had just come from the car wash. To this the man walked on to another vehicle.

As I sat there my heart began to race and I knew the Lord was dealing with me on this. This thought came – give the man the ones you have in your wallet. Really? I figured there were probably 2 or 3 ones but wasn’t sure. I opened my wallet and looked, only one. I took it out and held on to it thinking when he comes back around, I’ll roll down the window and give it to him.

Next thought was this is probably a panhandler or a scam.

Then this thought – Really? You’re going to argue with what I’m asking you to do. It’s only a dollar. Go give it to the man. I jumped out of the truck walked over and gave him the dollar. I told him our windows were clean but wanted him to have this and before I could get the words out of my mouth to say “God bless you” he said them to me.

“The Lord blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 CEV

I never want to stop hearing from the Lord. I know His voice and when he speaks, I want to be obedient, even if it’s just a dollar. I know I did what my Father asked. Reluctantly, but I did. For many mornings after that I found myself praying for him and asking the Lord to bless him and to protect him.

Just a reminder to be obedient and follow the Shepherd’s lead.

“But the man who takes care of the sheep enters through the gate. He is the shepherd. 3 The man who guards the gate opens the gate for the shepherd. And the sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd. He calls his own sheep, using their names, and he leads them out. 4 He brings all of his sheep out. Then he goes ahead of them and leads them. The sheep follow him, because they know his voice.” John 10:2-4 ERV

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