This week, we gathered with family and friends to celebrate my father's life. It was a special time for us to smile, cry, laugh, and cherish the precious memories of a man who deeply loved the Lord. As a young teenager, my father heard the voice of the Good Shepherd and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He faithfully followed the Lord for 74 years.
Throughout his life, my father encouraged and uplifted those around him. He was quick to offer kind words and eager to pray for others. His smile was contagious, and he loved to laugh. Dad had a passionate love for God’s Word. I am thankful for my father and his loving care for my mother and our entire family.
The following piece was first published last year.
One night, my father came home carrying a big box. He announced, “I have a surprise for you!” He put the box on the kitchen floor, and we gathered around to look inside. There was a small lamb in the box. We squealed with delight and excitement as we touched the lamb’s short, curly wool.
My father’s friend had hundreds of sheep, and he asked my dad if we would care for this little one. The lamb’s mother had died giving birth to it, and we named her Princess. Over the next few weeks, we all helped bottle-feed the lamb. But my mother spent the most time with her, and Princess quickly learned to follow my mother’s voice. My mom became the lamb’s shepherd.
In John’s gospel, Jesus shares keen insights about the Good Shepherd. When He uttered this message, those listening understood the working relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me … and I lay down My life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15).
The sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice.
- John 10:3-4 (ESV)
When sheep hear the shepherd's voice, they recognize and follow him. This is true about sheep. If a stranger calls to a flock of sheep, they will continue grazing in the field. They will not follow a stranger. However, when their shepherd calls, they will lift their heads, cry out “baa, baa” and begin running toward the shepherd.
After reading John 10:1-15, ask yourself these questions:
Do I know the Good Shepherd’s voice?
When was the last time I sat quietly and listened for His voice?
Have I heard Him call to me?
Do I heed to His voice? Do I follow, obey, and embrace His wise guidance?
The one who does not expect God to speak
will discount every single time when God does speak.
– A.W. Tozer
Head to Heart
It is helpful to prepare a place where you can quietly meet with the Lord. Put distractions aside and commit this time to the Lord. Open the pages of your Bible and, in a notebook, write down any words or phrases that stand out from your reading.
Be patient and wait before the Lord. Listen for the Good Shepherd’s voice. The Holy Spirit wants to guide and direct you. This is an important spiritual practice, and it takes time to develop this aspect of your personal relationship with God.
© 2025 Discover God's Truth Ministries
This was by far my favorite so far :)
Dear Brenda, my love and deepest sympathy in the earthly loss of your dad. Thank you for this touching story. Appreciate your friendship and your wonderful ministry. Much love, Denise