PPic: Oberon Golf Course - Links Pro Am 2006

PGA Chaplain Bible Studies

Study 27: 10th - 16th Se[ptember 2007

Reading – John Chapter Ch10:1-6 .

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchmen open the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought back all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. John Chapter 10: verses 1to 4(NIV).

Feeling Safe?

There have been a number of people in my life that have had such a positive influence that my life would never be the same without them. My wife Sandra is the most obvious. She has loved me so much. There have been others; Geoff who led me to put my trust in Jesus. There are sisters and brothers in the church who have encouraged me. Many golfers come to mind. All through my life I am grateful for those who have walked alongside me.

It is so nice to be able to come home after a beating at the hands of the golf course and to know that your good or bad round is of no value in comparison to having your family and friends.
It’s a little more important for those who earn a living from playing the game.

There are many though who have been left down by those you should be able to trust. Parents, leaders in the community and the church are but a few who have left scars in people’s lives. I cannot imagine how hard that must be to manage when these abuse our trust.

I do not think there is anything more valuable in life than knowing someone loves you; encourages you and you feel secure in their presence. Though these themes are more typical and valuable for the female, I think males also need a good dose of security, especially when it comes to things that give us significance.
Our reading today is about sheep and shepherds, about those we can trust and those we need to avoid in life. Jesus is called a shepherd in our reading today and we are referred to as sheep. This will be developed further in the chapter next week. The sad part about life today in my opinion is that many do not think they need a shepherd. They are happy to be led by their own wisdom and insights and leave God behind. If only they could let go and see how truly great God is and how vulnerable we are.

What a shepherd does is to care for and protect the sheep. Thieves and wolves were the most common form of attacks for sheep. The shepherd is there to protect. A shepherd is also one to follow. A shepherd leads and you know that you are going in the right direction when you follow a shepherd.
Our reading today talks about knowing the voice of Jesus. This refers to all that Jesus stands for as revealed in his life as recorded in the New Testament. I encourage you if you have not read Jesus’ life recently, get your bible out and read it again, especially John that we are studying. We have already seen how Jesus is the bread of life and the light of the world. Now he is the good shepherd who cares for us.

I cannot imagine life without Jesus, though once I lived without Jesus. If Jesus is not your shepherd, why not ask him to help you today.

Prayer
Great Shepherd, today help me to follow in your footsteps and not do the leading. Amen.

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Wyong Trainee Pro-Am.

Venue: Wyong Golf Cub
Date: Monday 17th November.
Cost: $50
Tee Time: 7:30am and
12 noon shotgun start.
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