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Sheep, Shepherds and Wolves ----------------------- The flock was about its usual business: laughing, joking, discussing this and that, when, suddenly, an old ram charged, as fast as his legs would carry him. He ran past the little groups, chatting and chewing, past the shepherds, lounging and watching, then, with steely determination and every ounce of his strength, he rammed the wolf with his broken horns. The wolf reeled backwards; but, being ferocious, and with that hideous strength that is part of his nature, he snarled and bit and clawed the ram. The ram kept butting, and the wolf retreated, bruised, to get more of his pack. Exhausted, bloody and alone, the ram returned to the flock. The reclining shepherds watched him limp past and said, "We did advise the wolf that he was in the wrong; but you really need to step back and calm down.". The numerous little chat-groups muttered to each other that the ram was too aggressive and they quite liked the wolves anyway. The ram made it to his spot in the grass and slumped down, to recover. A few other rams and ewes joined him, fresh from their own clashes with wolves and they strengthened each other. ----------------------------------------------------------------- We are in a war, whether we like it or not. The Lord commands us to contend earnestly for the faith, once for all delivered to the saints. This should not be left to a faithful few, who are then rebuked or ostracized for doing what they are supposed to do. When Legalists, Universalists, anti-Trinitarians, Kenosis heretics (who deny that Jesus had all the attributes of God, during his earthly ministry), Evolutionists, those who cast doubt on the Bible, etc. attack the flock with their vile false teachings, don't just sit around, join in and drive them away, if they won't repent. It's all well and good to encourage each other and discuss interesting matters; but don't leave the unpleasant tasks to a tiny minority. Do you think they want to spend much of their time fighting off wolves, with almost no help? No, of course they don't; but, someone HAS to do it, so, when duty calls, the faithful few will carry on, as long as they are able. The ones who are new to the faith can watch, learn and pray, but the mature ones should know better. Limp-wristed advice, a couldn't-care-less attitude, sticking your head in the sand, rebuking the ones who should be supported, or ignoring them, are NOT godly approaches! Jude 3 (VW) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning the common salvation, it was necessary for me to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Acts 20:28-31 (EMTV) 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit placed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of the Lord, and of God, which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that savage wolves will come in after my departure, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among you yourselves will arise men speaking things having been distorted, in order to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years, night and day I did not cease, with tears, exhorting each one.

Daily Reading 20 If you prefer, you can look up the following verses in your own Bible, of by whatever means and in whatever version you choose. Luke 15 Genesis 27:1-45 Psalm 20 Audio 4:19 Audio 6:25 Audio 1:04 The above addresses are linked to Bible Gateway. That is an easy way to read (or listen to) the Bible verses, and choose your version. Personally, I prefer written, that way I can go at my own pace, on think about it, before moving on. Nothing wrong with doing either or both. The Bible says faith comes by hearing. See the picture below to get an idea of what to expect if you follow the above links. Thank you Lord for making the your word so accessible for us in these times. Amen