You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations

to help you encounter the divine presence of God all throughout your day.

If you want to have free access to the entire library of 500 meditations, I encourage

you to download the Encountering Peace app where all the meditations are free, as they should be.

I've always been a bit envious of people that can whistle, and I don't mean like whistle a little

tune as you walk along, I can do that. I mean like a whistle at a ballgame that can be heard across

a loud stadium. Even though I don't have a loud eardrum piercing whistle,

the whistle I could make when our children were young was enough for them to know I was nearby

and calling for them. From across a crowded room, my little whistle was enough for them to stop

and turn their heads. To look at me and see my smile, as if to say, I'm just checking in, I see you.

I know you, and I love being near you. Do you know that God knows you too that personally,

and he longs for you? The theme of this meditation from John chapter 10 is about coming to know the

nature of God, the character of God who longs for you, who longs to be near you, to care for you.

I want you to remember that the king of kings, the lord of lords, the creator of the universe knows

you, he knows your name, and he craves to be near you always. We will be together for about

15 minutes, but allow me to mine the time. I want you to begin your meditation,

I softly closing your eyes and resting in the truth that God longs for the best for you.

I want you to consent to surrender this time to know and appreciate the care of God,

the desires of the spirit and the love of the sun.

I realize our world can make us feel alone in a crowded room sometimes, but you aren't alone.

God is present and longs to be near to you. So listen and join in this responsive prayer from

John chapter 3, and as I lead us, respond, Lord God, help me encounter your presence.

...