SMOKEY'S MIRACLES

Luke 15:3-7
3 Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

For years, Smokey Robinson was one of the biggest names in pop music. He wrote hit songs like "The Tracks of My Tears," "My Girl," and "Shop Around." He's in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

But in the mid-1980s, his life took an unexpected turn. "My life was going exactly as I would have written it," he says, looking back. "But drugs don't care who you are or what you're doing."

What started as a way to unwind and hang out with friends turned into a 2-year addiction. Smokey sums it up this way: "I was dead." But he remembers the day he came alive again. A friend took him to a storefront church. "I turned it over to God. The Lord freed me that night, and when I came out of there I was healed."

Today Smokey wants the world to know about his relationship with Jesus, and he's using his musical talent to do it. His latest album of gospel songs is his way of giving praise and honor to God for His love and grace.

No matter who we are or where we come from, we can lose our way. We never think that we'll be the one to fall into drugs or some other addiction--but it can happen.

One thing you can be sure of: If you're a lost sheep, the Good Shepherd will come looking for you. He wants to carry you home on His strong shoulders (Luke 15:5-6). If you're one of His sheep, He knows you by name. He goes ahead of you and calls you to follow Him. He will lead you if you listen to His voice. "He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:3).

If you've lost your way, if you're far from God, don't give up--there's hope. Turn to Him, He can heal you. Know someone who's wandering, but doesn't recognize the danger? Keep praying. Keep pointing him or her to Jesus. He can do miracles. --Tracy Carbaugh

DESTINATION POINTS

* Which of these Smokey Robinson song titles best describes my life right now: "You Can Depend on Me," "I'll Try Something New," "Choosey Beggar," "Tears of a Clown"?
* Why did Jesus use the metaphor of a shepherd and sheep to describe His relationship with His people?
* What do I need to turn over to Jesus?

LINKS
The Way BackHow To Have A Revival

bottom line: Every sheep needs the Shepherd.

soul journey