STOP--LOOK--LISTEN

The Shepherd "left the 99" to go and search and rescue the "one" that was lost.  The 99 were all huddled safely together, but the "one" needed help.

God is asking, "Who will go and rescue the ONE?"  We have our "clicks" and our "in-groups," etc.  But, can we venture out of our "comfort zones" to search out and assist those that have been overlooked, ignored, or forgotten?

It's easy to hang around with our friends, or set in the comfort of our homes (in front of the computer or TV).  It's more fun to do our own thing.  But there's more joy in doing the Jesus thing!

A few years back, there was a popular phrase--four letters:  "W-W-J-D" that stood for "What Would Jesus Do?"  Those four letters were stamped on a bracelet, which was to be worn as a visual reminder for us each day to try to act as Jesus would have acted and responded.

STOP today and
            LOOK around!
                         LISTEN to the hearts of hurting people.  WALK in love.  Let them see Jesus in you.

LOST TREASURE

Ships that have been "LOST at Sea" are found sometimes centuries later by deep sea divers in search of "buried treasure."  They dive deep in hopes of discovering broken pieces of pottery, old coins, and other artifacts of great worth (even though they're marred and broken).

Everybody "ohhhs-and-ahhhs" when they see these long, lost treasures that have been rescued and reclaimed from the bottom of the ocean--left and lost for such a long time.  NOW they've been found!

I'm reminded of the parable that Jesus told about "The Lost Sheep."  The Shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to search for the one that was lost.

Most of us are like dumb sheep!  We prefer to stay behind with the herd...huddled together...eating, drinking, and being merry!  We eat of His Word, drink from the Shepherd's well of (living) water, and prefer to be merry and content.  But only a few of us are willing to go out onto the hills, into the dark valleys to search for the one who is lost; the one who has fallen; the one who is sick or injured!

Many hear the cry for help.  Many hear the Good Shepherd calling and compelling us to join His "Search and Rescue Team."  But few are willing to enlist--few volunteer.  Sad, but true--many are called, but few choose to respond to His call.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?
     CAN YOU HEAR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CALLING YOU?
             WILL YOU LEAVE YOUR "COMFORT ZONE" AND FOLLOW HIM?