Scripture: John 10:14-17
[Jesus said,] “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I give up my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that don’t belong to this sheep pen. I must lead them too. They will listen to my voice and there will be one flock, with one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me: I give up my life so that I can take it up again.”
Thought for the Day: I have a pet peeve, and it is bad sound systems at funeral homes. For the most part, funeral homes are very profitable. They want you to buy a top of the line casket and vault, but rarely do they put any money into their microphones and speakers. Just last night – I found myself at a funeral home here in the Houston area where the sound system sounded like a $99 Karaoke machine that a couple of teenagers had in their basement. The vocalists were quite good, but the sound was embarrassing. Our sound technician at the church (Cory) often reminds me that his job is to make sure that no one knows we have a sound system. Everything should be so clear and uninterrupted that it sounds as if you are standing right in front of the speaker or singer.
Now Jesus didn’t struggle with bad sound systems even when the crowds were over 5,000. I’m not too sure how exactly the message made it throughout such a large group, but it seemed to spread among the folks quite well. Yet I think his strength was in the smaller settings. It was there that people heard Jesus’ voice and felt called to join the flock. Christianity has plenty of large gatherings where good news is proclaimed over excellent sound systems, but I would suggest that the most impactful moments are when we are one-on-one or in small groups. It is there that kind words, a genuine prayer or a simple song can be most impactful to someone else. I hope people enjoy our Sunday morning services where we use a sound system, but the hope is that such settings inspire the listeners to go forth and speak a word of grace to someone else…to be the inviting voice of Christ.
Prayer: As you have spoken so graciously to me, O Living Lord, provide me words so I am able to speak for you. Amen.
TONIGHT-TUESDAY
Men’s Gathering
Dinner at 6:30pm
Study at 7:00pm
Cramer Retreat Center
WEDNESDAY STUDY
At Noon & 6:30pm
