Recognize His Voice

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

“If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?” Acts 11:17

…He walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.  John 10:4

Piety

How Can I Keep From Singing

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

Study

The early Christians were challenged in many ways.  Religious practices set the Jews apart from the Gentiles.  Jesus did not see the same separation.  Slowly, the same realization washed over the disciples as some of the old practices like circumcision were resolved.

Peter saw a vision that required him to preach to the Gentiles.  Once he recognized the voice of God the shepherd, he realized he could not hinder the vision of the kingdom and he followed what the Lord instructed.     

Action

Saturday, at lunchtime local time, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal about 50 miles from the nation's capital and largest city, Kathmandu. The quake destroyed buildings and left at least 2,500 dead.

The heart wrenching images of the damage and the far-off cry of the victims   may inspire you to want to help.  Relief charities and governments are mounting a response to provide food, clothing, hygiene items, medicine and temporary housing to assist with the immediate after-effects of this disaster. 

Check out some of the highest rated organizations listed by Charity Navigator which are responding.  Consider channeling your charity through www.CRS.org or others.