JESUS SPEAKING

                Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  He will come in and go out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10: 7-10.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                In the days of Jesus sheepherding was a very common profession.  A good shepherd would effortlessly love and care for his sheep.  Most shepherds were continually concerned with feeding and watering their livestock; they also fended off hungry predators, and made sure to keep the sheep free from dangerous parasites.  Over time, the sheep would come to trust in and rely upon the one who guided them and loved them.  After many days and nights of grazing in the open fields, the shepherd would need to rest; he would return home and put his animals in a pen where he knew they would be safe; the pen prevented them from wandering off; it also protected them from hungry predators.  Jesus is the ‘Good Shepherd.’  He came to gather together his sheep, and to lead them to safety.  The sheep pen is an illustration that represents heaven; a place free from predators, where all of God’s children will one day dwell safely in peace.  The Lord also proclaimed that there is just one way to enter the Kingdom of God.  Only those who have faith in and follow Jesus Christ can truly be saved.

                Today, flying is a common mode of transportation.  In recent years, many terrorists have utilized airplanes to commit atrocious acts of violence against many innocent people.  In an effort to prevent these attacks from occurring, airport security has become appropriately severe.  There is only one way in, and one way out.  Those seeking to enter through the security checkpoints must have proper identification.  No license, or government identification, means no entry.  This rule is without exception (a nice smile, a kind face, and an appealing excuse are of no benefit.)  God’s kingdom is similar in many respects.  There is one way to enter; only those who have faith in Jesus Christ can be admitted.  If someone has been a kind and generous person for 85 years, but is not a child of God, they lack the proper identification.  No non-believing Buddhist, Muslim, atheist, or agnostic, for example will be allowed entry; for they lack the one thing needed to fellowship with the Eternal Father; his one and only Son.

                Jesus Christ is the ‘Good Shepherd.’  He came to lead his sheep into everlasting life.  Many have heard his words and have received Him.  Still many others have rejected him entirely.  Despite the differences between them, the faithful and the unfaithful share in this; they will both one day stand at the gate; however, only those who called Jesus master and Lord will be able to enter God’s eternal Kingdom. 

                “Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to continue in the faith.  We have come to trust in You fully; lead us Lord; teach us; provide for all of our needs.  May we be Your sheep, and may You be our Shepherd; may we know Your voice and never be deceived.  Protect us from those who would seek to do us harm and inspire us to reach out to those who are lost.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you. 

JESUS SPEAKING

            “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14: 25-26.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

            The Holy Spirit is the indwelling of God within the heart of every believer.  It encourages, purifies, strengthens, and guides those who are faithful.  The Spirit also brings to remembrance all of the teachings of Jesus Christ; his words, his actions, and his example.  When God desires obedience or wishes to encourage us in some way, He often provides us with a scripture that applies directly to that particular situation (a scripture from the Old or New Testament.)  God has not left us as orphans; His Holy Spirit continues to teach and to instruct those who listen and are willing to learn.

            Some time ago, I received a substantial sum of money.  Although my mother is not completely destitute, she is certainly not wealthy either.  The Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart, continually reminding me of a single scripture; “Honor thy Father and Mother.”  The Lord desired that I help my mom with her daily living needs by sending her a portion of my increase.  After a short time of contemplation, I sent her a large sum of money.  Instantly, my mind experienced a wonderful peace, and my heart rejoiced within me; for I had been obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

            Today, God is still guiding and directing those who believe; His Holy Spirit lives within the hearts and minds of the faithful; where it continually brings to remembrance the scriptures that pertain to each one of our particular circumstances.  If we are willing to learn, the Spirit will continue to strengthen us and lead us in to the paths of righteousness.  May we always be sensitive to the voice of God; may we constantly desire the instruction of the Holy Spirit; and may we make great efforts to do all things according to the will of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

            “Lord Heavenly Father, make Your home in us.  Give us Your Holy Spirit, that we may continually be reminded of the scriptures which will enable us to accomplish Your will.  Guide us, teach us, and lead us in to the paths of righteousness; may we always serve You and worthily magnify Your Holy name.  We love You Father, we praise You and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you.

JESUS SPEAKING

                “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away; every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it might bear more fruit.  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.  If anyone not abide in me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them in to the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples” (John 15: 1-8.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                In the first century, grapes were a highly prized commodity grown in Israel.  Most were familiar with how grapes were cultivated.  Many sizable fruit producing vineyards consisted of individual sections; each section possessed a main vine that sprouted from the ground and stretched at great length; this vine delivered valuable nutrients, such as water and minerals to the smaller fruit yielding branches.  In this parable, Jesus likens himself to the vine; his disciples, in turn, represent the branches.  God the Father is the vinedresser, or caretaker, who nurtures and cares for the fruitful branches; like any good farmer, he prunes them; cutting away the stems that are unproductive.  These unproductive stalks represent those who claim to be Christians but behave in worldly ways (the pruning process may also be a reference to God sanctifying His children; He is constantly removing evil habits, thoughts, and actions from the hearts and minds of those who are faithful; making them more pure; more holy; and more righteous.)  Jesus revealed that every true follower was required to allow his words to abide in their hearts and minds.  Therefore, daily bible reading is an essential part of achieving and maintaining a Godly life.

                On the night that I gave my life to Jesus Christ, I was given a cheap paperback copy of the New Testament.  I threw it in the back of my car, and rode around with it for days, not giving it a second thought.  Still, something began to stir in my heart; I suddenly felt the urge to read it.  I chose to utilize my lunch breaks at work to dive in to the scriptures.  As I read, my faith commenced to grow; my life began to change in new and wonderful ways; my spirit became strong and I began to do, say, and act more like Jesus Christ.  A peace came over me; my hatred and resentments were swallowed up by the grace and mercy of a loving God.  Today, I still read my bible; I have made scripture, and the words of Jesus Christ my foundation for living.  I keep them close; in my heart and in my mind; and they have produced much fruit in my life and the lives of those around me.

                Today there are many who pass by the scriptures and pay them no mind; most are unaware of the transforming power of God’s word.  Such people, cut off from the true source of spiritual nourishment, go on to wither and die.  Still, there are those who do comprehend the value of daily bible reading; these individuals grow strong and produce much fruit.  Their hearts and minds find rest; their actions exemplify the love of God; and their lives become instruments of righteousness and peace.  The important question then is, when was the last time we made bible reading a part of our daily lives?

                “Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You today and we ask that Your words would abide in us.  Give us a hunger to read the scriptures daily; that we might grow strong and be Your disciples.  May we discover Your truths and may we bear much fruit for You.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you.