Our Father remembers the sparrows,
Their value and fall doth He see;
But dearer to Him are His children,
And He’ll never forget to keep me.
—    ​F.   A.   Graves

​In Bible times, a shepherd would take his sheep from pasture to pasture, making sure they were well fed and protected. At night, especially out in the wilderness, the shepherd would build a pen by piling up stones, leaving only one opening. After all the sheep were inside the enclosure, the shepherd would lay down across the opening, keeping his sheep safe. He was literally "the door."

The phrase "go in and out" was an Hebrew expression that referred to the activities of everyday life. When Solomon asked God for wisdom, he said that he did "not know how to go out or come in" (1 Kings 3:7). Today's verse tells us that Jesus is "the door." He is the Good Shepherd, the Way to Salvation, and He also guides us, for we (like Solomon) need daily direction.

Each day we must follow our Shepherd's leading: first, we must "GO IN" to God's presence, a place of protection and comfort. This is where we get our strength for the day. But we are not to live in the sheepfold. There are pastures where God wants us to labor, and there are souls who need to hear and see the Gospel lived through our lives. Just as a literal shepherd led his sheep to the best pastures, Jesus will lead us where we need to be today. Then, when our day is done, He wants to bring us back to the enclosure, to a place of rest and closeness with the Lord. I have found the best way to start AND end each day is by "GOING IN" and spending time with the Shepherd. The "GOING OUT" is much easier after that!

​This verse was the answer given to Moses and Aaron when they told Pharaoh that the God of Israel had said, "Let my people go." Why did Pharaoh say, "I know NOT the Lord"? Was he being stubborn, or did he truly not know who Jehovah, the God of Israel, was? This very God, whom Pharaoh said he did not know, had saved the Egyptian nation from starvation through the wisdom of Joseph. However, Exodus 1:8 tells us that this Pharaoh "knew not Joseph." How sad that such a life-preserving event in that nation's history was not remembered!

I wonder if America is not more like this Pharaoh than we would like to admit. The time from Joseph to Moses could be compared to the time from the pilgrims coming to America to now. Why did they come? How important was God to our nation's founders? People today say that America was not founded on Christian principles; they say that we are not a "Christian nation." Yet, our founders believed that we are created in the image of God, and they included these beliefs in documents such as the Declaration of Independence.

As a nation, how soon we have forgotten the people who (in times of great persecution) came to America and created a "nation under God." History is seeming to repeat itself, with people today saying: "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice? I know not the Lord." What an opportunity for the people of God to let our lights shine in a time of such great spiritual darkness!    

​Simon and others had been "washing their nets." These fishermen used cast nets to catch fish. It was important that all the weeds, sticks, dead fish, and other trash be carefully picked out of the nets. Otherwise, the debris would prevent the net from opening and catching fish. Also, a net not properly cleaned would stink up the boat and attract rats, which would gnaw on the ropes and create holes. If not kept clean, the cord (used as a drawstring) would rot. Another problem with a dirty net is that it would be easier for the fish to see and to avoid.

"Washing their nets" was not a quick process, but required carefully going over each piece by hand, removing debris, scrubbing, and repairing any holes. After all this work, Jesus told Simon to "let down your nets." Because the Sea of Galilee was very clear water, daytime was not a good time to fish. I can only imagine the thoughts that might have gone through Simon's mind: "Our nets are finally clean and repaired. If we couldn't catch any fish all night, we certainly aren't going to catch any now. And then, we'll have to clean our nets again!"

How many times does our Lord ask us to do something, and we think it is a waste of time? Perhaps we think: "Lord, I've tried and I've tried, but nothing seems to happen. It doesn't make sense for me to try anymore." We are tired and discouraged, and then Jesus says, "Launch out into the deep," when all we want to do is just QUIT! But Jesus knows something we don't, the answer is just ahead of us. When we take Him at His Word, we (like Peter) can be "astonished" at what God can do!

​One of the more challenging aspects of raising small children is when you tell them not to do something, and they do it anyway. As parents we often say, "Are you listening to me?" The Amplified Version of this verse says that the people of Israel "did not listen to the voice of the Lord." They heard what God said, but they refused to take heed and obey. I can almost imagine God, similar to a frustrated parent of toddlers, saying, "Are you listening to me?"

It is easy to read of the complaining, wayward Israelites and think, "What was wrong with them?" They continually got into trouble because they did not "hearken" to what God told them to do. Yet, are we not more like those Israelites than we would like to admit? When God impresses on us something to lay aside, do we procrastinate or find reasons for why we do not need to? When God asks us to do something, do we "murmur" (complain) in our homes about how hard it is or how it does not make sense? 

Jeremiah described this as failing to "incline their ear." To incline one's ear brings to mind leaning in as close as possible to the person speaking so you do not miss a word they are saying. When we fail to "hearken," when we fail to lean in close to the Lord to hear what He is saying, Jeremiah warns that we will go "backward, and not forward" (Jeremiah 7:24).

Help us, Lord, to be more attentive to what You're saying to us, to lean in closer so as not to miss a word, and to give heed to those words of life.

Make me more like You, Jesus,
​Make me more like You
Give me a heart that's filled with love
And make me more like You.
—   ​   Author Unknown

It was customary at sheep-shearing time to have great feasts and repay others who had helped protect the sheep from enemy raids. It was not unusual that David expected compensation after he and his men had protected Nabal's sheep and servants from the Philistines. When  Nabal  "railed" (yelled in contempt) at David's servants, David became furious! Great harm would have been done, but  Nabal's wife Abigail interceded with "a soft answer," turning away David's wrath.
 
How many times have we been done wrong, and we think, "I'm going to give them a piece of my mind"? Our first response is to justify ourselves. It is so hard to NOT fight back. How often has such an "answer" only added fuel to the fire, prolonging the conflict?
 
Today's verse shows the importance of "a soft answer," a timely, gentle response that defuses a difficult situation. How is that possible? The Book of Proverbs is full of wisdom, teaching us how to develop a disciplined life. Our words come out of the "abundance of the heart" (Luke 6:45). What we think about has a way of coming out in our words.
 
Do we give ones the benefit of the doubt? Do we seek first to understand, to listen instead of thinking of what we are going to say next? Martin Luther gave this good advice: "Take his words and actions in the kindest way possible." Another piece of good advice: "Get into the habit of taking a deep breath before responding." In that moment, ask for God's help to see the person and not their actions and for Him to give you "a soft answer."

The city of Jerusalem was "besieged" by Babylon's army, and Jeremiah was in prison. Things looked hopeless! Jeremiah's prophecies had warned of this coming destruction.

Yet, right in the middle of all this, we read that Jeremiah bought some property. Why? The Chaldeans were going to overthrow the city, burn it down, and take the people into captivity. It seems like Jeremiah should have saved his money.

But God promised in today's verse to bring His people "safely" back to Jerusalem. Jeremiah's purchase shows his belief in that promise.

It is one thing to SAY we believe God's promises, but do we put ACTIONS to our words? In the midst of a severe drought, Charles Finney grabbed his umbrella, went to church, and prayed for rain. During that church service, his prayer was answered! What a good reminder to step out in faith. God will take care of His people!

​Herod Antipas seemed to have it all: ruler of Galilee and Perea, great wealth, married to King Aretas' daughter, and achieved many impressive accomplishments. However, he fell in love with his brother Philip's wife, Herodias and divorced his first wife to marry her. No doubt, this change in status was also attractive to Herodias, as Philip was not a ruler over any province.

John the Baptist warned Herod, saying, "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife" (Mark 6:18). But Herod would not listen. Consider the results of Herod's decision to marry Herodias:

• King Aretas declared war and defeated Herod. Herod was only saved when Rome intervened.
• Herodias tricked Herod into beheading John the Baptist.
• When Agrippa (Herodias' brother) was made king (a title Herod Antipas was never given), Herodias was jealous. She persuaded her husband to ask the emperor to also be given the title "king." Although Herod was reluctant, he did what his wife demanded, but this backfired with the emperor giving Herod's money and territory to Agrippa. Herod was then banished to Gaul, where he lived in exile until his death.

"The way of transgressors" indeed "is hard." God was faithful to warn Herod through John, but Herod did not take heed. How differently his life might have turned out if he had listened. This is a sobering example of "the way" of one who was a transgressor. It serves as a warning to us as we travel this road of life. God will be faithful, placing warning signs on our path. Oh, the importance of heeding His warnings!

How many times do we get frustrated and discouraged when things are not working out? Perhaps, it seems like our prayers are not being answered and our problems and decisions are still as big as ever. We often wonder what is taking God so long. Does He not care? When will He answer?

Solomon wrote, "God is in heaven." When He looks at our situation, He sees the whole picture. Solomon also wrote that we are "upon the earth." This reminds me of the story of a child who was watching his mother while she was working on a piece of embroidery. To the child, it looked like a mess, just a bunch of tangled threads; but that was because he was looking at the underside. When his mother turned it over and showed him the top, he saw a beautiful picture!

In our humanity, we want to "fix" our problems ourselves, but there are times when our words (and our actions) need to "be few." If you have ever done needlework, like embroidery, you might have found that you made mistakes and had to redo parts of the picture. However, God does not make mistakes. The "underside" of what He is doing might look confusing and even a bit messy. However, although we cannot see it yet, God is creating a beautiful plan for our lives. 

This verse is a good reminder to put our trust in what God is doing. He does all things well!

The Greek races in Bible times included 200 yards, 400 yards, 3 miles, armor, and torch races. Some runners were best for short distances, and others had a build suited for the races where they  carried 50-70 pounds of armor. No doubt, this is what the author of Hebrews was thinking of when he wrote this verse.

In those races, the Judge of the Games determined the course. Likewise, God chooses our "race," for He knows which path is best for us. Our individual "race" is already planned out. The troubles (obstacles), location, and length of the course is chosen by God.

Often, we are tempted to look at the race "set" before others, thinking, "They have it much easier than I do," or "They have more talents and abilities," or "They aren't weighed down with armor (problems) like I am." There is an old saying: "Stay in your lane." Believing that a change in "lanes" (family, wealth, talents, circumstances) will  help you in your race is a great distraction! 

When Jesus told Peter his "race" would include hardship and death, Peter asked, "What shall [John] do?" (John 21:21). Jesus said, "What is that to thee? follow thou me." In other words, "Peter, stay in your lane. Run your own race with patience and endurance."

Comparison living is dangerous. It will steal our joy and take our eyes off the goal and onto the race of others. How important that we do not become distracted by desiring a lane that God did not appoint for us! With God's help, let us "press on to the goal" (Philippians 3:14) and stay in our lane.

Thomas was an lonely, old man, and when he died it seemed as if no one would attend his funeral. Author Herbert Gee tells how he decided to go, so that at least one person would accompany the old man on his final journey. Gee was right—no one else came. But at the cemetery, there was a soldier who saluted Thomas' grave.

The soldier told the author that Thomas had been his Sunday school teacher when he was a "wild lad." He explained that he had been a "sore trial" to Thomas. He said, "Thomas never knew what he did for me, but I owe everything I am or ever will be to old Thomas." That soldier was a brigadier officer.

All our life we are to be sowing the good seed (the Word). We are to sow it "in the morning" (in our younger years) and keep sowing it "in the evening" (in our later years). It might seem like the seed is not taking root (that people are not being affected), but we, like Thomas, cannot truly know the good it is doing!

Isaiah 32:20 tells us to "sow beside all waters." How many "wild lads" do we pass over, thinking they are not interested, that they will never accept Christ? How many people are a "sore trial" to us, so we tend to avoid them? How many "soldiers in the making" are in need of our sharing the seed through acts of love and kindness?

During the Middle Ages, there was a king who had trouble falling asleep. Every night his storyteller would tell stories to help the king sleep. The storyteller became exhausted, needing sleep himself. So, one night he came up with the story of a farmer transporting 2,000 sheep over a river, two at a time. The counting of the sheep lulled the king to sleep. Thus, the old saying, "Counting the sheep until I sleep."

God designed our bodies to need prolonged periods of sleep. Teens need 8-10 hours, and adults need at least 7 hours every night. Studies show that sleep deprivation can make ones at a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, weight gain, and poor mental health. Writers of the ancient world understood the importance of sleep, saying that sleep is "the most grateful of known gifts."

While some nights a lack of sufficient sleep cannot be helped, how many times have we stayed up a little longer to check social media, read a book, text friends, or watch a movie? We are depriving ourselves of a good night's rest—a gift of God. The next day, we often find ourselves more apt to oversleep, weary, and having brain fog. But worst of all, it is harder to hear God's Spirit talking to us when we are tired. 

God "giveth his beloved sleep," a time to refresh our weary body, recharge, and be strengthened for whatever tomorrow brings. Today's verse is a good reminder that sleep is a gift from God. What are we doing with it?

​On June 28, 1914, Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. Years later, telegrams between the leaders of Russia and Germany (Nicholas and Wilhelm) revealed how they tried to avoid involving their countries in a conflict. However, the German chancellor did not agree with Kaiser Wilhelm's plans for a peaceful resolution. He instructed the ambassador in St. Petersburg to tell the Russian foreign minister, "A European war could scarcely be prevented."

Soon after Nicholas sent a telegram to Wilhelm, saying: "Thanks for your telegram conciliatory and friendly. Whereas official message presented today by your ambassador conveyed a different tone. Beg you to explain." But the damage was done, and on August 1, war was declared.

Paul described the Christian as an "ambassador," working "in Christ's stead" to reconcile the lost to God. As ambassadors, we are to make known to others the plan of salvation (God's terms for peace). We are not to change those "terms" or get instructions from another source. Consider the confusion of a lost soul when God's ambassadors bring the wrong message. Is there anything in our words or actions that could cause ones to say: "The message presented by your ambassador conveyed a different tone. Please explain."

It is vitally important that we, as "ambassadors for Christ," frequently talk to the One we are representing. We bear His name and His message. How much conflict might be avoided if His "ambassadors" would talk to Him each day!

The town of Thebez had a strong tower. When Abimelech and his men overthrew this city, the people fled to the tower and shut themselves up inside. When Abimelech tried to burn down the door, a woman on the tower’s roof dropped a millstone on his head. Abimelech died, and his men departed. The high, strong tower provided a place a safety and defense.

In Bible times, towers (often called watch towers) were carefully placed in places of danger. Some were built into a city’s wall, and others were in isolated areas. Watchmen would stand in these elevated towers, sounding an alarm of approaching danger, giving the people time to run to the tower and be safe.

In this verse, "the name of the Lord" is compared with "a strong tower." God told Moses His name was "I am that I am." The name of the Lord is Creator, Provider, Savior, Deliverer, Counselor, the Good Shepherd, and so much more. Whatever we need is found in His name.

All that God is asking of us is that we come to Him, this "strong tower." The verse says, "runneth into it." Do not procrastinate, but come quickly. Lay aside anything that is preventing you from running to Him. Just as ancient people would not have carried things that would have hindered them from running to the strong tower quickly, so we must lay aside every weight.

Regardless of what "danger" we are facing today, Joel 2:32 promises that "everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." He is ALL we need!

The bottom  of your shoes can say a lot about where you have been. Studies on the bacteria of the average shoe show that there can be as much as 440,000 units on one pair of shoes! Forensic scientists are finding that testing this bacteria could possibly link that shoe to where it has been. 

If we could spiritually apply forensics to our "foot," what would be revealed? Have we been walking through anything this week that could hinder our worship? If our Bible has been closed and our mind has been far from God all week, can we  quickly switch to an attitude of worship as we walk into the church building? 

Consider our social media, text messages, internet browsing, conversations, and thoughts. Have we been walking in places of disobedience, bitterness, anger, or spiritual laziness? Like dirt on the bottom of our shoes, these things can "track" into our worship if we have failed to "keep thy foot."

By watching our steps throughout the week, we can come to the house of worship  with a heart that is "MORE ready to hear."

Planning for the future begins before we are born. When  a baby is coming, supplies need to be purchased, a birth plan needs to be created, and research often begins on the best car seats, baby beds, etc. This planning for the future continues. What schools to attend, and how to prepare for higher education? There are graduation parties and then weddings to plan. Soon retirement must be planned for, and in our older years, we are encouraged to make a will, buy a burial plot, and plan our funerals.
 
So much of our lives is spent planning for the future. Yet, how much time is spent planning for the life to come? This verse says it is "HIGH TIME to awake." Being too busy, overanxious, careless in our devotions and church attendance, becoming weary in well doing, and neglecting fellowship with Godly people are all things that can put us to "sleep" spiritually, causing us to forget what "time" it really is.
 
God's mercy is sending us a wake-up call. It might come through the Word or through hard trials and persecution. Sleeping is dangerous! It is "HIGH TIME to awake"! Instead of only living in the moment or planning for the near future, let us consider living in the light of eternity.
 
When we look at how our time is spent, do we have an awareness of the life to come? Are we "awake" to temptations, time wasters, people in need, and opportunities to witness? What do we do with all our spare time? Will those things matter in a few years or in eternity?
 
"Knowing the time" (it is getting late) should challenge us to change some of our priorities and to invest in what is truly lasting. Today, it might be good to take a few minutes and ask, "What time is it?"

​There is a story about a man who was on a mountain and saw a snake. The snake was cold, and he asked the man to carry him down to where it was warmer. The man said, "No, you’ll bite me," but the snake promised he would not. The man believed the snake, picked him up, and carried him down.
 
Of course, after a while, the snake did exactly as the man had feared – it bit him! The man said, "You promised not to bite me," and the snake said, "You knew what I was when you picked me up."
 
Often there are things that have not been good for us. They might have even "bit" us in the past, causing us to spiritually stumble or fall. God gives us victory, but then a little snake comes along. "Surely we can handle it now," we tell ourselves. We feel much stronger than we were before.
 
Just as we cannot literally place a fire inside our shirt without painful results, we cannot pick up those "snakes" (things that have caused us so much trouble in the past) without equally painful results. The next time the enemy tells you that NOW you are strong enough to handle those "snakes," remember he is a liar. Regardless of how long you have been saved, the things that you struggled with in the past must be avoided! It is good to remember the words of the snake: "You knew what I was when you picked me up." 

God was angry with the people of Israel! When Aaron created an idol (a calf) at the people’s request, they worshiped it, saying, "These be thy gods which have brought thee up out of Egypt." God told Moses He would not "go up in the midst" of Israel, "lest I consume" them (verse 3).
 
What could Moses do? Other versions of this verse say that Moses took his own tent, pitched it outside the camp, and called it the "Tent of Meeting." Historians say it was 2,000 cubits (about ¾ of a mile) from the camp. There Moses met with God, and God talked to Moses "face to face, as a man talks with his friend" (verse 11).
 
When Moses left the camp for the Tent of Meeting, the people noticed. "Every man stood at his tent door." When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud (God’s presence) moved to the door of that tent. 
 
Today, wickedness abounds in our world. Is God any less angry? Now, more than ever, God needs His people to consistently meet with Him. Do you have a "Tent of Meeting," a place where there is a separation between the profane (things that are earthly) and the holy (time spent with the Lord)? Do you have a place where you regularly meet with the Lord? Is it "outside the camp," away from the noise of everyday life?
 
When Moses spent time with God, it was obvious to the people. Likewise, as we spend more time in our "Tent of Meeting," it will become obvious to those around us. Our nation needs more people who consistently withdraw from life to meet and hear from God. Perhaps it would be good to consider the discipline of a place (a "Tent of Meeting") to regularly meet with God.

Not far from where we live is an old house that is slowly falling down. In years past, people once lived there, but now it is completely uninhabitable. We drive by and think, "How sad!" It did not take someone with a sledgehammer or a chainsaw to destroy that home. Simply neglecting to care for it and maintain it has, in time, had a destroying effect.
 
I have often said, "Oh, I neglected to tell you" or "I neglected to take care of that," but this verse reminds us of the one thing we MUST NOT neglect – "so great salvation." How tempting it is to skip a daily Bible reading, prayer, or a church service! We think, "Just one won’t matter that much." But one almost always becomes two and soon a regular habit of neglect is established.
 
The enemy knows many Christians will avoid sins like stealing, killing, cheating, drinking alcohol, or taking illegal drugs. Yet, how easy it is to neglect a few things here and there! King Solomon described it as "a little sleep, a little slumber" (Proverbs 6:10). The songwriter told of the serious end of a life of neglect: "Through neglect, I’m lost at last" (Soon the Summer Will Be    Ended).
 
This Bible verse is a reminder as we start each day to not neglect those things that keep our spiritual house strong and secure. ​

If you have ever driven a car that needed an alignment or pushed a grocery cart with a crooked wheel, you know how difficult it is to go forward while being pulled to the left or to the right.  From the moment we wake up until we fall asleep, there are demands for our time and attention—responsibilities, social media, technology, a job, or school. Is it any wonder that we often feel like we are "out of alignment"?
 
When your car is "out of alignment," tires wear out prematurely, it causes extra stress and fatigue to the driver, and it is a safety concern. An alignment will make sure all four wheels point in the same direction.
 
Just as Bible reading and prayer, silence and solitude are much needed spiritual disciplines. Jesus spent time alone with God, making sure His will and life was in alignment with His Father's.
 
In this age of technology, we seem to be addicted to noise. Times of silence can be unsettling. Often, we are uncomfortable being alone with our thoughts. We would rather keep busy so that we can push aside our true needs. In silence and solitude, distractions are removed, and God can bring to the surface inner problems and needs that we have been ignoring.
 
Today, let us create a space where we STOP (talking, doing, socializing, being entertained) and START (listening to what God has to say). It might be painful as God reveals what is out of alignment in our life, but when we allow God to do His perfect work in us, we will find true rest and peace.

We are silent at the beginning of the day because God should have the first word, and we are silent before going to sleep because the last word belongs to God.
—   ​Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The French Revolution lasted ten years, but for many people 1793-1794 was the worst. One politician said, "Let's make terror the order of the day!" During this "Reign of Terror," it is believed that 300,000 people were arrested, 17,000 were executed, and 10,000 died in prison. 

When Paul called on Christians to "persuade men" because we know "the TERROR of the Lord," this was not the kind of terror he was talking about. Other versions translate this as "the FEAR of the Lord." To fear God is to have respect and reverence for Him, to understand He is holy, just, and righteous, and to learn how much He hates sin. This fear includes a strong desire to not displease the Lord.

To gain this healthy "fear of the Lord" requires getting into God's Word (Bible reading and study). Psalm 119:38 promises that God's Word (when proved and confirmed) produces fear (or reverence for God).

Proverbs 2:1-5 has great instructions for understanding fear and finding Godly knowledge.
Verse 1 - RECEIVE  God's words 
Verse 2 - APPLY your heart to understanding
Verse 3 - CRY after knowledge
Verse 4 - SEARCH for knowledge and understanding
Verse 5 - "THEN shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."

It is dangerous to be a Christian (a "salesman" for Christ) and have little fear (reverence, understanding, and knowledge) of the Lord. 

We fear men so much because we fear God so little.
—   ​ William Gurnall

 ​John Henry Patterson is regarded as “one of the greatest salesmen of all time." He purchased the National Cash Register Company after cash registers used in his own store showed a profit of $5,000. Yet, in 1884 there was no market demand for cash registers. Patterson and his salesmen had to "persuade" store owners they needed this product.
 
Patterson realized his salesmen were unprepared. He said, "One half of our salesmen are so ignorant of their product that they will actually prevent a man from buying, even though he wanted a cash register." Although many of his salesmen resisted, Patterson created a mandatory sales manual and training schools for his employees. Sales doubled the first year, and by 1914, the NCR company was producing 110,000 cash registers per year!
 
As Christians we are to be witnesses, ambassadors, and one might say "salesmen" to "persuade" others to follow Christ. Yet, how many times have we not known HOW  to do this? Are we fearful of questions about our faith because we are unsure of the answers?
 
The Scripture says "KNOWING." It might help to learn from Patterson who required his salesmen to learn the sales manual by heart. "KNOWING" is going to require some work: Bible reading and Bible study. Just as Patterson's salesmen had to go to training school, the Christian also must take advantage of learning opportunities (Sunday school, youth services, church services).
 
In today's culture, it is more important than ever that God’s people "be ready always to give an answer … of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

(How Do We "Persuade Men"? - Part 2)