He calleth … by name.

     — John 10:3

When I have sadly misunderstood Him? (John 10:17.) It is possible to
know all about doctrine and yet not know Jesus. The soul is in danger
when knowledge of doctrine outsteps intimate touch with Jesus. Why
was Mary weeping? Doctrine was no more to Mary than the grass under
her feet. Any Pharisee could have made a fool of Mary doctrinally,
but one thing they could not ridicule out of her was the fact that
Jesus had cast seven demons out of her; yet His blessings were
nothing in comparison to Himself. Mary “saw Jesus standing and knew
not that it was Jesus . . ;” immediately she heard the voice, she
knew she had a past history with the One who spoke. “Master!”

When I have stubbornly doubted? (John 10:27.) Have I been doubting
something about Jesus – an experience to which others testify but
which I have not had? The other disciples told Thomas that they had
seen Jesus, but Thomas doubted – “Except I shall see . . , I will not
believe.” Thomas needed the personal touch of Jesus. When His touches
come, or how they come, we do not know; but when they do come they
are in describably precious. “My Lord and my God!”

When I have selfishly denied Him? (John 21:15-17.) Peter had denied
Jesus Christ with oaths and curses, and yet after the Resurrection
Jesus appeared to Peter alone. He restored him in private, then He
restored him before the others. “Lord, Thou knowest that I love
Thee.”

Have I a personal history with Jesus Christ? The one sign of
discipleship is intimate connection with Him, a knowledge of Jesus
Christ which nothing can shake.

On this day...

• Jesus promises the Spirit sent from God - 2010
• The Little Red Book of Wisdom - Mark DeMoss - 2009
• In The Beginning… - 2009
• God's Perspective - 2009
• Gospel - 2009
• Make God's Promises Your Own - 2008
• Revelation 12:7 - 2008