I Am Because You Are September 23, 2025 Devotional

JOHN 10:3 | ³  The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

JOHN 14:25-26 | ²⁵ I have said these things to you while I am still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and    remind you of all that I have said to you.

If bravery is required to defend the flock, intimacy is needed to lead it. Judean shepherds gave names to every individual animal they cared for. The animals recognized the shepherd’s voice and           responded to it.

Many followers of Jesus settle for knowledge about Him, and they miss the chance to really know Him. Jesus’ voice can be recognized as we come to understand His distinctive views and vocabulary in the gospels. Often He communicates silent thoughts to us and we know they originate from Him because we know they are not a reflection of our own patterns of thinking. He restrains us from acting or speaking, He directs us toward a person to help, He gives us the right word for a hard situation.

Do you have a sense of being directed by the Holy Spirit?

Gracious God,

Help me distinguish the voice of Jesus from other voices, including my own. Lead me away from evil and toward Your kingdom goods.

Amen.