SPRING FORTH NOW 2026

June 11

Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.

John 10:1-5 (NIV)

In a world full of competing voices, Discerning The Holy begins with learning who truly knows your name. Jesus says that the sheep recognize the shepherd's voice and refuse to follow strangers, reminding us that spiritual maturity is not just hearing God speak but recognizing when something is not from Him. What is High and Lifted Up is a life guided by divine wisdom rather than public opinion, cultural pressure, or fear-driven decisions. For a people who have often had to navigate voices that questioned our value, limited our potential, or distorted our identity, this passage reminds us that God's voice always leads toward purpose, dignity, and life. Dream Big, because the Shepherd who calls you also sees possibilities in you that others may never recognize. Decide To Become someone who cultivates a listening spirit, learning to distinguish God's direction from every distraction competing for your attention. Demonstrate Your Power by following God's leading with courage, trusting His guidance over popular trends, and walking boldly into your calling, because those who know the Shepherd's voice will continue to rise High and Lifted Up.