Scripture: John 2:2-3 (NIV) 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Observation:  The shriek/cry of a loved one for help (wife, son, daughter, etc.) brings an immediate attention to our whole being.  Everything stops...you become keenly aware and focused on finding them amidst a crowd...recognition of their voice is instant. Although today's scripture is not stated in an alerting type of way, it does draw our attention to our walk with the Lord and if we recognize his voice at all thus: "the sheep listen to his voice".  The latter part of verse 4 tells us: "his sheep follow him because they know his voice".

Application:  It begs the question as believers in Christ-- "Do we really recognize Jesus' voice?"...and if so "Are we listening" and obeying what He tells us?  Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT) gives us a sobering statement: " 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’  OUCH! Bottomline is that we really need to take very seriously our walk with the Lord if we claim that He is our Lord......

Prayer:  Lord I ask your forgiveness if I have made other things in this world more important than your voice that is speaking to me.  I pray you would help me to remove the "clutter" that is drowning out your voice.  I also pray that you would give me the courage I need to obey your voice.  Lord thank you for even speaking to me.....and thank you Heavenly Father for calling me into your family.....in Jesus Name...Amen.