Jesus said...I am the gate

Good morning my sisters-

I had the pleasure of going over to take pictures with my youngest son.  It brought back so many memories of getting senior pictures done for my oldest son.  One day you wake up and your little men are men and you are in awe of what God has done.

At the park, which is referred to as "Hobo park," I saw a man with a sleeping blanket.  It was really hot and really windy.  I spotted him along with a wedding party, young girls going to prom and my son.  We were all looking for the perfect spot to take pictures.  Often, I see things that are transparent to others. I have asked Christ to give me a heart like His with eyes to see what He sees.

As I watched my beautiful son, I could hardly stop thinking about this man.  How does a young, vibrant young man become homeless? I felt so sad.  It's proven that many of the homeless suffer from mental illness and drug addiction but even at that, my head couldn't stop thinking about him.  Once upon a time he was someones little boy.  Is this how Christ feels when He looks down?

What will save them Lord? That was the thought that kept running through my mind.  And my answer, "Only I can."  Isn't that the truth.  While we sleep our Father is working, loving them and calling them to hear the message.  Christ didn't come to save the learned.  He came to save the helpless sinner from themselves.   Pride only makes you fall, while vulnerability allows Christ to meet you right where you are.  That's my prayer for the man in the park.  Meet him Lord and heal him.

As we continue on the path of what Jesus said, I want to remind you that He sacrificed His life for everyone that hears the call.  He didn't distinguish between those that have much and those that have nothing.  He looks for those that have a heart open to a Savior.  Please pray that this series will bring the unbeliever to Him.  May God bless you as you seek Him.

 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:7, 9-18 NIV)