Names of God – Wonderful Counselor

Week Four – Day 1

Isaiah 28:29 – This also comes from the Lord of hosts;
he is wonderful in counsel
and excellent in wisdom.

O – The Lord of Hosts gives the idea of God being in charge of the hosts of angels – a general of sorts.   He is the “one in charge!”   But – it is also that God is one who can give counsel, advice, a “battle plan.”  His wisdom is excellent, beyond reproach and ready to help us.  Matthew Henry’s Commentary gives further insight:  “Even the plainest dictate of sense and reason must be acknowledged to come forth from the Lord of hosts. And, if it is from him that men do things wisely and discreetly, we must needs acknowledge him to be wise in counsel and excellent in working. God’s working is according to his will; he never acts against his own mind, as men often do, and there is a counsel in his whole will: he is therefore excellent in working, because he is wonderful in counsel.”  (Matthew Henry Commentary – Biblegateway.com)

A – God’s wisdom is higher than ours; His ways are higher than ours as well.  I know that when I have had to make decisions, it is God’s wisdom that I need.  It never brings me to the place where I am confused – it makes the way plain.  I think of the verse that my dad always used with me when I faced decisions:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”  (Proverbs 3:5,6)  It IS true – to trust in Him, and not my own faulty understanding.  In ALL my ways to allow Him access and control.  HE directs my way.  I think back to the week of God being our shepherd.  I am like a sheep, as my own way wanders all over the place.  IF I allow Him direction, He “makes my path straight!”  As I look at Matthew Henry’s commentary again, God works according to His will – and He NEVER goes against His own will!  His workings are excellent – BECAUSE of his nature – He is wonderful in counsel!  OH, that I would allow Him to work in me!

P – Father God, You are the Wonderful Counselor.  You have all wisdom – wisdom that will make my paths straight.   Help me to give You access AND control to my heart, my soul, my mind, my life.  I need Your wisdom!  Thank You for Your character of never failing, and of Your nature of counsel and wisdom.  I give You control today.  Direct my paths.  Work in me.  May You receive the glory and honor.  Amen.

Immortal Invisible, God only Wise – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I_VwA4d44g

Names of God – Prince of Peace

Week Three – Day 5.

John 16:31-33 (ESV)

³¹ Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? ³² Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. ³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

O – Yesterday’s passage struck me that God’s peace was to strengthen and equip me.  Today, I read – “DO you now believe?”  Jesus is saying that times of persecution will come – yet we will not be alone.  Difficult times are coming, not in our circumstances, but in standing for HIM.  But, His words of reassurance are:  “I told you these things so that you would have peace.  There will be tribulation and trials in this world, but stand strong and take heart.  I am bigger than all this – I have overcome the world.”

A – I can’t say that I have had to “suffer” for Christ’s sake.  Not like those times of martyrdom or in today’s majority world countries.  I do know the peace that God gives in times of adversity – when we have difficult circumstances because we are believers.  My husband left me thirty years ago, because he turned his back on the Lord, and said that he didn’t want to share me – with anyone, including God.  Yet, in the pain of that time, I experienced peace beyond measure.  Would I cling to that same kind of peace – if I experienced the command to renounce my faith – or die?  That is what the disciples faced – and some people do today.   Will I be “confident, undaunted, filled with joy?”  Oh, that I would stand strong.  And in the miniscule, daily grind of my life today, may I invite His peace to reign in my soul.

P – Father God – You have provided what we need to stand strong in You.  Your peace is a gift, if we accept it.  Strengthen my soul so that I stand strong in You.  Father, prepare me for a world that does not see You as Lord.  Help me to stand in You – filled with Your perfect peace.  Help me to see beyond circumstances to the knowledge of Your victory over sin, death, and evil.  Thank You for Your equipping.

 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect]peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (AMP)

It is Well with my Soul – Chris Rice – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HLyhEdh92E

 

Names of God – Prince of Peace

Week Three – Day 4

Hebrews 13:20-21(ESV) – 20 may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, ²¹ equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

²⁰ Now may the God of peace [the source of serenity and spiritual well-being] who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood that sealed and ratified the eternal covenant, ²¹ equip you with every good thing to carry out His will and strengthen you [making you complete and perfect as you ought to be], accomplishing in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

O – I am struck today with the thought that the peace that God gives is not for ME – it is to strengthen and equip me TO CARRY OUT HIS WILL.  It is not peace that is just to comfort me – it goes way beyond that!  God’s peace comes from the God who raised Christ from the dead, Christ who is our shepherd and the fulfiller of the covenant.  This God of peace equips us SO we can do His will – equipped with everything we need to do just that!  It is through His strength that we are able to do this – and to accomplish what He sets before us  – all that is pleasing in His sight.  In ALL THIS – He receives the glory!

A – How many times have I thought of peace in terms of ME?  How that peace would affect me – and allow me to cope with the situation at hand?  Here, I see that the peace that God gives has a higher purpose – to EQUIP me, to STRENGTHEN me, to help me to DO HIS WILL, and to do that which is PLEASING in His sight.  It is not just to get me through the day, or through the next circumstance.  It is to allow Him to work through me – to bring glory to Himself.  Oh, that I would see that His peace was equipping and strengthening!

P – Father God – thank You for this message today.  In all that I have experienced in Your love, I hadn’t fully realize that Your peace had a higher purpose than my comfort.  It is to equip me and strengthen me to bring glory to YOU.   Father, help me to see that the next time that I go through times that desperately need Your peace – and then to realize that Your peace equips and strengthens me for Your glory.  Oh, may You be glorified in my life today – and all days.

May the Peace of God Reign

Names of God – Prince of Peace

Philippians 4:6-7(ESV) – ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

O – I am told to not be anxious (or worried) about anything.  BUT – in everything to present my requests to God – with prayer and supplication.  WHEN I do this – God’s peace will guard my heart and mind.  IT’s the kind of peace that goes beyond my understanding.  I also see that my prayer and requests (supplication) MUST be made with thanksgiving – acknowledging God’s presence and understanding  – NOT His answering in the way that I want, but in the way that He deems best for me.  That is where the peace comes from!

 

A – By nature, I am a worrier.  I think about the “what if’s” of life so easily!  When I see that “something” could happen, I imagine all the end results that COULD happen – even if they don’t!  I am told here to NOT be anxious or worried, but to present my cares to God.  WITH THANKSGIVING!  IN EVERYTHING!  And, I need to leave it with Him.  I just was reminded of that old hymn – “Take your Burden to the Lord – and leave it there…”   How many times do I “take my burden to the Lord” – and – take it back??  I am told to CONTINUE to let my requests be made known to God – over and over and over.  I think if I were to do that – I wouldn’t be as tempted to take them back!  The capstone of this passage, though, is the peace that God gives IF and WHEN we give our cares to Him.  When we present our requests to Him – with thanksgiving – He gives His peace.  It’s the peace that we don’t really understand.  It’s the peace that comes from beyond ourselves.  It’s the peace that passes all understanding (transcends).  AND – it will guard our hearts and minds.  It protects them from attack or excess worrying.

⁶ Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].  (Amplified Version)

P – Father God – thank You for Your perfect peace.  It’s peace that I don’t always understand, but a peace that is tangible.  Help me, protect me from myself, when I am tempted to worry, or “take care of things” myself.  Help me to present my cares, my worries, my concerns – to You.  Help me to have an attitude of thanksgiving in all those aspects of life that sometimes seem beyond my control.  I need to remember to continue giving my cares to You – over and over.  This passage today reminded me that You WANT me to continue to present my cares to You.  Help me to be specific – and yielded to You.  Thank You for Your continued reminders of Your love and Your care for me, in the daily grind of life.

Perfect Peace – Laura Story

I looked up this passage in the NIV Application Commentary on Biblegateway.com.  It gave better understanding to the word “anxious” and the context of the scripture.

The words “be anxious” (merimnao, 4:6) can refer to being unduly concerned about anything, but it is often used in contexts where persecution is the issue.

All of this points to the context of persecution as the background for Paul’s admonitions. The Philippians were suffering under opposition from their pagan neighbors, just as Paul and Silas had suffered when among them (Acts 16:19–24; Phil. 1:28–30). Thus, just as Paul had started the admonitory section of the letter with a command for the Philippians, despite their persecution, to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (1:27–30), so he returns to this theme at the end of the section, asking the Philippians to maintain an attitude of joy “in the Lord” at all times (v. 4; cf. 3:1), urging them to adopt toward their persecutors Christ’s approach of gentle nonretaliation (v. 5; cf. Rom. 12:17–21; 15:3; 1 Peter 2:23; 3:8–9; cf. Isa. 53:7–9), and admonishing them not to be anxious about anything (v. 6; cf. 1 Peter 5:7). Instead, they should remember that the Lord is near (v. 5; cf.3:20–21) and replace their anxiety with thankful prayer about their suffering (v. 6).

The “and” at the beginning of verse 7 is more important than it looks. It does not simply attach another statement to verses 4–6but gives the result of the thankful prayer that Paul has described in verse 6. If the Philippians follow Paul’s advice, he says, then “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” will stand like a garrison over their hearts and minds. But what is the “peace of God”? Is it an overwhelming sense of inner contentment? Is it the serenity that characterizes God himself, who is never anxious? Is it the peace (cf. Rom. 5:1) that results from God’s justifying work in Christ Jesus? Since the peace mentioned here stands in contrast to the anxiety mentioned in verse 6, it is probably an inner sense of contentment supplied by God. It transcends all understanding because the anticipated response to the persecution the Philippians are experiencing is anxiety, but just as throughout this letter Paul expects Christian behavior to break the bonds of normal behavior, so here God supplies an attitude in the face of adversity that does not fit the normal categories (cf. 2 Cor. 1:3–11). (NIV App. Commentary – biblegateway.com ) 

Names of God – Prince of Peace

John 14:25-27 – (ESV)

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

O – Jesus is comforting His disciples before He leaves them. He reminds them that the Holy Spirit will be there with them after He leaves – the Father is sending the Holy Spirit in His name. But – Jesus also leaves His peace – not the kind of peace that comes and goes, or is from the world – but the kind that is deep and inner. With this peace – we do not have to be worried or troubled – or afraid. The Amplified Version states it this way: “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

A – It is hard to explain the kind of peace that God gives. I KNOW that it is there – I have experienced it. It is a peace that is far beyond myself, or what I am able to muster up. It is a peace that overcomes that trembling feeling inside during times of trouble. Yes – it is the peace that calms me in EVERY circumstance – and gives me courage and strength for each challenge! IF I LET HIM BESTOW IT UPON ME! It is that peace that gave me the ability to traverse through divorce, my parent’s accident, unemployment, health crisis times in my family, and even the adjustments to living in a new community in Indiana. Can I explain it? No. But I can tell of my experience – and know that the Holy Spirit works within me. But I have to allow Him access. He will not go where He is not invited! Again, the Amplified gives clarity here: the Holy Spirit’s role is: “Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby).” What comfort it is to know that!

P – Father God – thank You for providing for me – even when Jesus was talking with His disciples about the Holy Spirit and the peace He gives. Even though I cannot explain it, or fully understand it – I KNOW that the peace that You give is not from the world, or even within my own strength. Help me to lean on You in times of trouble, in times of stress, in times of grief, and in times of turbulence. Thank You for Your peace – that passes all understanding!

Perfect Peace – a perfect accompaniment to today’s reading!

Names of God – Prince of Peace

Week Three – Day 1

Monday Luke 2:8-14 Luke 2:13-14

Luke 2:8-14English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² Andthis will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

O – I find it interesting that God sent angels to shepherds to announce Jesus’ birth.  They were common, uneducated, hard-working people, not rich or famous.  They were doing what they should have been doing – keeping watch over their flocks.  They were just doing their everyday jobs.  Yet – God chose them for His announcement!  They must have been terrified – to have a multitude of angels descend upon them.  They were given directions and a sign to find the baby – who would be wrapped in cloths and laying in a manger – very familiar to them.  God sent not only the angels, but the announcement that peace would be given to them.  Glory went to God – peace went to those whom God was pleased.

A – Would God be pleased in what I do in my everyday life?  Am I doing what I should be doing – common tasks though they may be?   Doing laundry, cleaning the house, making dinner, contacting those I love through Facebook or my phone?  In my everyday life, I can have God-encounters!  I need to keep my eyes open, and DO WHAT I SHOULD BE DOING.  Then, glory will go to God – and peace will come to my life.  Even though unexpected announcements or events.   This is a huge reminder – to do what I should be doing – common tasks though they may be.

P – Father God, speak to me in the common everyday life.  Help me to see You in the things that I do today – the laundry, the cleaning, the errand running.  Help me to keep my eyes open to Your workings – and to be prepared for action.  Father, may You be pleased in my life today – and may You bring peace to my soul through my day.  Thank You for Your reminders that You bring to me through Your Word.

Glory To God!

Names of God – Jehovah-Rohi

Week Two – Day 5

Read Psalm 100  – SOAP Psalm 100:3 

Psalm 100English Standard Version (ESV)

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

A Psalm for giving thanks.

100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
²     Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

³ Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

⁵ For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

O – After coming through this week of thinking of God as our shepherd, we move to praise – praise to our Great Shepherd!  What other response can we have when we think of all that He does for us?  We are reminded that it is HE that made us – we didn’t “make” ourselves.  We belong to Him – we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.  Yes – reminded again of our “sheep-ful” nature – needing protection, our stubborn bents, our foolishness, and yes, our need for a shepherd.

A – I was reminded of the song “Shepherd of My Heart” as I read the blog posting from LoveGodGreatly and then Psalm 100.  While we are reminded to praise Him – I am also reminded to trust in Him – the shepherd of my heart.  He meets my needs – if I allow Him to!  This does not mean that life will be perfect, or without storms, but that I can trust Him – my shepherd.   Not only of my life – but my heart.  It is my heart that needs shepherding – as it is the part of me that worries, or wanders, or gets conflicted.  I need to be reminded to trust in Him – the shepherd of my heart.

P – Father God – You ARE the shepherd of my heart.  I belong to You.  You made me, and know me intimately.  You know my struggles to belong, and to be found worthy.  Thank You for Your Word, that speaks to me, and gives me comfort, peace, and strength for each day.  Thank You for Your loving care in my life, and for providing for my needs.  Keep me in Your Word, daily, so that I can know You – and find my strength for today.  I praise You for WHO You are – my loving Lord, my Shepherd, my God.

What are these “​green pastures”​ but the Scriptures of truth—always fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep.   ~ C.H. Spurgeon

Shepherd of my Heart – Sandy Patti –

Maker of this heart of mine
You know me very well
You understand my deepest part
More than I know myself
So when I face the darkness
When I need to find my way
I’ll trust in You
Shepherd of my heart

Keeper of this heart of mine
Your patience has no end
You’ve loved me back into Your arms
Time and time again
So if I start to wander
Like a lamb that’s gone astray
I’ll trust in You
Shepherd of my heart

You’re the beacon of my nights
You’re the sunlight of my days
I can rest within Your arms
I can know Your loving ways
So let the cold winds blow
Let the storms rage all around
I’ll trust in You
Shepherd of my heart

Giver of this life in me
You’re what I’m living for
For all my deepest gratitude
You love me even more
So as I walk through valleys
Listening for the Master’s call
I’ll trust in you
Shepherd of my heart

You’re the beacon of my nights
You’re the sunlight of my days
I can rest within Your arms
I can know Your loving ways
So as I walk through valleys
Listening for my Master’s call
I’ll trust in You
Shepherd of my heart

I’ll trust in You
Shepherd of my heart

Psalm 100 – Chris Tomlin –

Names of God – Jehovah-Rohi

Week Two – Day 3

Luke 15:1-7 –  SOAP Luke 15:7

Luke 15:1-7 (ESV)

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. ² And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

³ So he told them this parable: ⁴ “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ ⁷ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

O – Jesus replies to those who are complaining about WHO He was spending time with – sinners!  Imagine – eating and receiving sinners – isn’t that WHY He came?  To seek and save the lost?  But He replies with this parable.  If a shepherd had 100 sheep, and lost one, he would leave the 99 home safely in the fold, and would go searching for that lost lamb.  He would rejoice when he found it.  But the comparison is how God and the angels rejoice when one who is lost come to Him.  There is GREAT rejoicing over the saving of the lost.

A – This parable is convicting in the point that in order for heaven to rejoice, a lost person has to come to HIM.  Do I seek out those who are lost to bring them into God’s kingdom?  Am I proactive in seeking out neighbors, my community now, to share His love?  Even though I am new in this community, I now have three neighbor women whom I have contact with that I can share my life, my faith, and my Lord with.  If we, as Christians, do not share our faith with others, who will?  Convicting thought.

P – Father God, I pray that You will bring those whom You would have me minister to into my life.  I bring my three neighbor women to You.  Keep my eyes open so I can see the needs, or see opportunities to share my life with them.  Help me to build relationships with them – with Your love.  Thank You, Father, for seeking me out so many years ago, so that I could enjoy a relationship with You.

The Lord’s My Shepherd – Keith Green

Shepherd of My Soul – Marty Nystrom

The Ninety and Nine – an old hymn that shows the shepherd’s care for his sheep

Names of God – Jehovah-Rohi

Week Two – Day 3

Wednesday Isaiah 40:11   SOAP Isaiah 40:11

Isaiah 40:11  (ESV)

¹¹ He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.

O – God’s role as our shepherd shows tenderness here.  He will tend, gather, carry, and gently lead.  He doesn’t force, or push us to follow Him.  Our following is our choice – even if we decide NOT to follow.  God’s leading as a shepherd is for our benefit, not harm.  His love is tender and close.

A – Why would I NOT want to follow such a shepherd?  To be tended, watched over with loving care, and in His arms?  Love like this is comforting, and assuring.  Someone who loves us like this is having protective and careful care.  God, the powerful, awesome I AM is also my caring shepherd, who wants the very best for me.  I want this tender care from Him.

P –  Father God, my shepherd, my caring and loving God, thank You for your tender loving care for me.  You have watched over me when I was alone, or scared, or hurting.  You have comforted me in grief.  You have carried me through the rough places in life.  You have gathered me in your arms when I needed your care.  You have led me though the valleys, the shadows, and the storms.  Keep me in Your arms.  Help me to follow You through all the seasons, all the phases of my life.  I love You, and give my life, my direction – to You today.

The Lord’s My Shepherd – Stuart Townend – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN4tPkX0MG0

He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd (Handel)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re75Mn85Jjk

Like a Shepherd – Don Moen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZSyGwk5zU4

Names of God – Jehovah-Rohi

Week Two – Day 2.

Tuesday John 10:1-6; 11-15 John 10:14-15

John 10:1-6 – 10, 11 – 15 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. ² But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ⁵ A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶ This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

¹¹ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹² He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. ¹³ He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

O – The shepherd is known by, and knows, the sheep intimately.  Here, the comparison of the shepherd and the thief is made clear.  The shepherd enters the fold by the door, and is known by the sheep and the gatekeeper.  The sheep follow him because they know him AND his voice.  They run away from strangers, but follow their shepherd.  The shepherd loves and cares for his sheep so much that he will even lay down his life for them.  The thief has to enter the fold by climbing over the wall, or in secret, and has to steal the sheep – they won’t follow him because they don’t know him OR this voice.  He won’t protect the sheep – but will run away from danger because the sheep don’t BELONG to him.

A – Jesus is MY shepherd.  He knows me intimately, and not only is willing to lay down his life – but HE already did!  Do I know His voice?  DO I know Him as intimately as He knows me?  DO I know His voice over all the other voices that call to me?  Do I follow Him?   I am convicted to continue reading His Word, SO I KNOW His voice!  I need to hear it over and over, so that I recognize Him when He calls my name.  This relationship is reciprocal – not only does He know me, but I need to know Him.  Is my relationship to Him as close as His is to the Father’s?  THAT is convicting!

P – Father God – thank You for this reminder to listen to Your voice amongst the others that call my name.  Help me to be discerning – in order to hear YOU.  Sweep away the distractions of my daily life –  and tune my heart to YOU.  Thank You that You know me and have given Your life – for me.

They don’t follow strangers; indeed, they flee from them, because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice (v. 5). The word for know and recognize are the same word in Greek (oida),so the sheep will be known by whom they know. Here is a beautiful picture of both divine sovereignty in the shepherd’s call and the human response in the hearing, knowing and following by the sheep. We also find the theme of discernment, since there are more voices calling to them than just their own shepherd’s. Following Jesus means refusing to follow others who are claiming to be shepherds. – (IVP NT Commentary – Biblegateway.com)

Savior Like a Shepherd Lead us – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPlIlkLFt_A