We are hostages to our fears
Slaves to our addictions
Subservient to our habits
Until the day we hear the voice
Of the Shepherd in our wilderness
And choose to hearken, to follow
To where the pastures are green
To where the waters are still
May be not to our taste
But in peace and safety
We flourish, fit and fruitful
Free under the wings of His love.

Food for Thought: Whereas some of us believe that we were conceived in sin and born slaves of sin until Christ came to redeem us, there are those who believe that they have never been slave to another and never will be. The undeniable truth remains that whoever or whatever we yield to, masters us. Those who choose to follow their feelings are servants of their emotions. Those who elect to serve God are servants of God. Those who would continue in their ways are mastered by the weaknesses they are unable to overcome. Those who believe in the finished work of Christ on the cross acknowledge their inability to save themselves. They surrender their weakness to Jesus who by His Spirit empowers humans to do that which is impossible to man. At the end of the day, we all have our masters, we all bow to Someone or something; God or mammon, our fears or our faith – and that by choice.

Scripture: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10: 27.

Prayer: Dear Lord, whenever You call to me, may I listen, may I answer, and may I follow, to the very end, amen.