I started this 52 week series because as I was unpacking boxes and boxes of personal development books after a move, I realized that I’d spent more time reading those than the word of God. Fast forward one year and I can honestly say that I’ve spent more time studying God’s word than I ever have before! Mission accomplished.
And my time in the Word has shaped how I process on a lot of what’s going on around me. For instance, in many social circles, “be lions not sheep” has become a popular motto. It basically means lead or be led. Be a leader and stand for what you believe in and don’t just do what everyone else is doing.
While that idea has merit and sounds attractive, I’d like to offer a different perspective. In 2021 I took several steps back from leading. I made the choice to be a sheep. Why? Because I know who my shepherd is. In John 10:27 it says “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” I’m begging you, don’t be a lion unless you have first been a sheep! You shouldn’t be leading if you haven’t first been lead by the Lord. Sheep know their shepherd’s voice.
And that’s important, because there are countless voices competing for your attention. In fact, even the devil has plans for you. He’s constantly at work trying to distract you from God’s plan. So our last verse in this 52 week series, Jeremiah 29:11, is about our shepherd: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” As we move into 2022, let’s be dedicated to being sheep before we are lions. While the devil does have plans, God’s plans for us are SO MUCH BETTER. Take the time to listen to your shepherd.
This is the last email in this 52 week series, but I’d love to still connect and communicate with you. TEXT: FAITH to my number (940) 276-2224 and I’ll send you a text every now and then reminding you of who God says you are.
Finally, I want to say thank you. Thank you for doing this with me, for the accountability, for praying with me, and inspiring me to lean into who God wants me to be. I’d also like to give a special thank you to Heather Hite and Matt Guilford for editing my weekly emails and using the gift of words to help communicate with you. Being dyslexic and pretending to be a writer required outside expertise and they were so wonderful to gift us with their time and talent.
I also want to say thanks to my mom, Beverly Ritz. Thank you for helping me lay a strong foundation of faith. I feel so blessed to be a tiny drop of the large legacy she has built, dedicating her life to helping children know and love the Lord.
Know you are loved,
