The Upper Room Daily Devotional of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Sunday, 27 August 2017 "BY STILL WATERS" - Read John 10:14-18

The Upper Room Daily Devotional of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Sunday, 27 August 2017 "BY STILL WATERS" - Read John 10:14-18
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John 10:14 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 on behalf of the sheep. 16 Also I have other sheep which are not from this pen; I need to bring them, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
17 “This is why the Father loves me: because I lay down my life — in order to take it up again! 18 No one takes it away from me; on the contrary, I lay it down of my own free will. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it up again. This is what my Father commanded me to do.”
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Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” [John 10:14 (NRSV)]
Once when I was out walking after a heavy thunderstorm, I saw some sheep desperate to get away from flood waters and onto higher ground. But they were obstructed by deep water in front of the gate. Scared and bleating loudly, they started to panic, running around in circles.
Soon I saw the shepherd rushing toward the sheep. She shouted and they stopped running, reassured by her familiar voice. She put planks over the water and walked across to the group of sheep. She spoke to them softly the entire time, and they became quiet and calm. It appeared that they knew from experience that they could trust their shepherd. She urged the nearest ewe to walk with her across the wooden path to the safety of higher ground. The other sheep watched, and they too began to follow. Soon they had all followed the shepherd and were safely away from the dangerous waters.
This experience reminded me of the way Jesus, our Good Shepherd, comes running when we call and walks with us through stormy waters. Jesus Christ will always lead us on the right path.
Read more from the author, here.
More from Pam Lewis
We British are well known for our preoccupation with the weather. Well this Summer it really has been worth talking about! Instead of the usual mix of sun, wind, or rain accompanied by hugely varying temperatures, where we need a coat one day and a t shirt the next, we have experienced several weeks of unbroken sunshine and much, much hotter temperatures than average. And it has been wonderful.
I have gone to work without a jacket; a raincoat or umbrella, day after day. Life has been slower and more relaxed because of the incredible heat. Workplaces have given more breaks and cool drinks as very few buildings have, or usually need, air conditioning. Neighbours have been in their gardens, sharing food, cooking out, and enjoying the continuing sunshine. Children have enjoyed water fights and have been playing outside much later into the evening than normal because it was too hot to sleep. At lunch time, office workers are eating their lunches in the parks, teenagers are out on their bikes, and no one is hurrying anywhere.
After work I have been taking a book and an ice-cold drink to a shady spot in my garden to make the most of this unusual weather. In my shady area, I have a six foot buddleia bush which this Summer has had an absolute abundance of pale purple flowers with a lovely scent. It has attracted bees and the occasional butterfly.
I sat there yesterday, feeling relaxed and content as I inhaled the heady perfume. I suddenly saw a movement and turned to look at the bush. There I saw that it was completely smothered in “Painted Lady” butterflies. It was breathtakingly beautiful! I just stood and stared and stared at it. As I gazed at the sight, I was overwhelmed with wonder at the wonderful, amazing and intricate world that God has created and was filled with joy.
It seemed that the Lord has once again reminded me of the need to “stop and look.” The need to notice and enjoy the world around me. The need to see what the Lord has done and say as God said while bringing the world into being: “It is good.” [Pam Lewis]
The Author: Pam Lewis (Essex, England)
Thought for the Day: Christ hears my cry and will lead me to safety.
Prayer: Dear God, hear us when we cry out, and help us to trust that you will lead us to where we should be. Amen.
Prayer focus: SHEPHERDS
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Saturday, 26 August 2017 "SPIRIT OF JOY" - Read Psalm 98:1-9
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Psalm 98:1 (0) A psalm:
(1) Sing a new song to Adonai,
because he has done wonders.
His right hand, his holy arm
have won him victory.
2 Adonai has made known his victory;
revealed his vindication in full view of the nations,
3 remembered his grace and faithfulness
to the house of Isra’el.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
4 Shout for joy to Adonai, all the earth!
Break forth, sing for joy, sing praises!
5 Sing praises to Adonai with the lyre,
with the lyre and melodious music!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the shofar,
shout for joy before the king, Adonai!
7 Let the sea roar, and everything in it;
the world, and those living in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands;
let the mountains sing together for joy
9 before Adonai, for he has come to judge the earth;
he will judge the world rightly and the peoples fairly.
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Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. . . . give thanks to him and praise his name. [Psalm 100:1-2, 4 (NIV)]
The 88-year-old woman had come to the soup kitchen for her supper. She seemed to be the life of the party at her table, encouraging everyone around her. Apparently hard of hearing, she talked loudly, which allowed many people to hear the “Bless you!” that she said to those who stopped by to greet her.
Prior to the meal, many of the people who entered the dining area looked downcast and seemed ashamed to be there. However, the Spirit of God, working through this positive and joyful woman, seemed to change the atmosphere of the whole room. In no time, the laughter and relaxed fellowship at her table had spread to all the other tables.
Serving the Lord with gladness is contagious and brings joy to the heart. It helps us to understand that no matter our circumstances, we can be agents of God’s blessings.
The Author: Walter N. Maris (Missouri, USA)
Thought for the Day: God can help me bring joy to others through my joyful attitude.
Prayer: Helper of all persons, help us to be positive and joyful witnesses for you wherever we are. Amen.
Prayer focus: SOMEONE WHO IS HOMELESS
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