sheep to the right

Apr 14


Jesus is back. The angels surround Him with striking radiance. The King’s entrance is grand this time, so unlike the first. His robes of scarlet and purple trimmed with gold eclipse the swaddling clothes from long ago. He ascends the throne, where hints of gold peek around the edges of hefty gems. Every nation is present. Each one humbled; with faces down, they worship. A hushed silence falls over this holy place as Jesus readies to speak. Those in the back strain to hear His words. What will He say?  Is there a battle coming? Does He know my name? He raises His right arm, and His rich baritone voice fills the air. “Sheep to the right, goats to the left.”

 

Matthew 25 says the sheep will inherit the kingdom of heaven and the goats eternal punishment. Of course, we all want to be sheep, but which flock are we following?  We are creatures of habit. We drive the same way to work, stop at the same gas station, speak to the same people, shop at the same stores, etc. Most of us do this on autopilot, oblivious to what goes on around us, oblivious to the hurting hearts mere inches away. Have you ever been shocked when someone shared a difficulty they experienced and thought, “I never would have guessed that about them”? People with needs are right in front of us. We only need to open our eyes to see them, and open our ears to hear Him.

 

Do you long to be used by Christ?  God’s only requirement is a willing heart. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says in helping others we help Him. In Matthew 22:39, He says to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How can we become more conscience and responsive to those who need the loving touch of Jesus? We are Christ’s hands and feet on the earth. “…so in Christ we who are many form one body” (Romans 12:5 NIV). Sheep to the right illuminates our reasons for wanting to join the flock on the right and teaches how to reach out to those around us. Through Bible study and practical stories, it will guide us to an awareness of the needs of others and challenge us to step up to meet them. On any given day, in any given city, at any given time, people are in need. Don’t you want to be the one to help? Sheep to the right will leave you saying, “I wanna be a sheep!”    

Most of you know I’ve been working on a book called sheep to the right. What you’ve just read is a description of the book. I’m still plugging away on the proposal. (I was done and then decided to change things around.) Here is how you can help. I want to know what you do to reach out to the people around you. Maybe you volunteer at a soup kitchen, or perhaps you give your time at a clothes closet passing out clothes to the needy. If you have any stories you’d be willing to share about your experiences, I’d love those, too. Leave me a comment or send me an email letting me know what you do to love others like Jesus. 

Thanks for your help!

***P.S. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing one of the sheep to the right pins pictured above. It comes with the commitment card. I’m running a spring sale. You can get one for $3 or 5 for $10. (ships for FREE!)

You Might Also Like

  • Runner Mom Apr 14 at 5:15 pm

    I wanna be a sheep!! But I struggle with who, what, and where the shepherd leads me!! I’ve got stories I can share, Carol! Just let me know!

    Hop over to my blog if you have time today! I would love YOUR input on my post!!

    Hugs!
    Susan

  • Donna Kay Apr 14 at 9:20 pm

    I’ll take a pin! So cute!

    I try to be sensitive to the nudge, the voice. . .I never know what prompting will come. . .help someone with their groceries, talk to someone, hug someone, etc. etc.

    I love your motto though Carol, to bless/love one person at a time, whenever, wherever He asks.

  • Barbara Apr 15 at 1:06 am

    There is something for you at my site at Beyond Still Waters. You have so blessed me with your entries and are such an encouragement for women of God….sisters in Christ. Thanks for what you share.

  • Becky Apr 15 at 1:56 am

    Hi Carol,

    I stopped by to thank you for the nice comment on my blog last week. I’m so thankful to be going to She Speaks. Everyone’s kindness meant so much to me.

    I love the name of your blog and am excited for your book. Thanks for this motivating post. I do want to serve Him.

    I’m trying to ask Him every day what my assignments are for that day, big or small, what do you want from me today, Lord? The hard part for me is following through and not just thinking good intentions are good enough. : )

  • Sandy Apr 16 at 2:59 pm

    Looking for a way to "be out in the world" & also having a passion for the Military folks who protect our country & our freedoms, I began volunteering at the USO when it opened here 5 years ago. It has been quite a challenge, going through 5 directors & two interim directors. I seemed to be about the only Christian there & there were many very difficult situations to deal with, not involving the military guests, but the staff & other volunteers. My prayer throughout the entire time has been that I would be a testimony for Christ, have opportunities to witness to fellow workers, be able to minister to our guests, & have some other Christians get involved. Our 6th director was just hired, & she is a delight to work with & for. She has been the assistant director for nearly a year & many good things are happening. But just a couple of weeks ago, they hired a new assistant director…& he is a believer! We also have a part time ad.min who is a believer! And those are the only paid staff! Two out of 3! Also I have had people ask me to pray for them "because they knew I pray." Finally I am seeing some break throughs & am praying for more "goats to turn into sheep." I've know all along that God has prompted me to never give up & trust Him. The other thing I have started doing is saying, "Have a blessed day" instead of "Have a good day" to sales clerks & others. It is hard to change the habit, but is sometimes amazing to see or hear the reaction from the other person. It is all about loving others, even when they do not give the best service…or when they do. People so long for encouragement & we have the best kind to give!

  • Melanie @ This Ain't New York Apr 16 at 3:44 pm

    Well, talk about timing girlfriend. I know you read my cafe post today. So you know I've got me some stories. (There are more. We should chat sometime!)

    I still have my pin from Glorietta! :>)

    God can do amazing things through us if we just let Him. We first have to be sensitive to His voice.

  • %d bloggers like this: