John 10 ~ Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the Door of the sheep."

John 10

1 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.

2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him, the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."

6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

7 So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

We are always invited to hold on to Jesus.

14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." 19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, "He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to Him?"

21 Others said, "These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"





22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.

24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."

The Second Temple was a constant building project. No wonder the stone was found.


31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?"

33 The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God."

34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I said, you are gods'? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came--and Scripture cannot be broken-- 36 you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?

37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father."







39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.

40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained.

The Throne of God is beside The Shining Water.


41 And many came to him. 

And they said, "John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true."

42 And many believed in him there.

Jesus is always speaking to His fulfillment. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from His Every Word until all is accomplished.

Jesus goes to the Children of God as Shepherd.

Jesus makes a Straight Path.

Jesus goes to the lost and Jesus is their Shepherd.

Jesus is our Path.

Jesus is our Destination.

Jesus is Today.

Jesus is our Joy and Safety in the Path Tomorrow.

Abba, Father,

We need You. You are the Rock and the Shelter we need.

All of us face, "Days may come." 

Be our Shepherd in the Storms of Life. 

We need You. 

Speak in the days may come and the water and the wind will cease. 

In Jesus we will abide.

Our trust and our favor come from Thee.

Your Gracious Mercies.

In Jesus.

Dwell in us, please, Father.

Dwell in those we Love.

Help us to seek You first.

In Jesus Christ, we will finish well.

To see

to bring

to be

more daily

Thy Kingdom come

Thy will be done

on earth

as in Heaven

In Jesus Christ is 

Our Love, Joy and Hope.

Bless those working for

Post Pandemic Healing

and Care.

Bless us all, worldwide

with Healing

Safety

Prosperity and

Peace.

We ask healing

of Your Good Creation

The fullness of the earth is Yours.

The healing of those we pray for

in our heart and soul.

The safety of Your people.

Let evil and practicing evil

depart far from us

and our children.

The safety of Your people.

The Healing

of the Nation.

Wholeness

Holy.

Goodness.

You are the Shepherd of our Souls. 

We always want You to Dwell within us. 

Help us to make our eternal being a good and joyful place 

for Your Holy Spirit.

Help us to stay with You in Faith.

Giving our hearts to You, to tend to us and the ones we love. 

We rest our cares with You.

In Jesus, our Alleluia will be found.

We believe You are the Willing and Good Father.

Thank You for Jesus.

To You, our Father, be the Glory

Amen and Alleluia

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes The Lord Fulfills His Purpose

Thank You Jesus

†

Adopt a good boy!

 ✨ Scout A402720,10yrs, Neutered Male, 58lbs, Heartworm Negative✨

Meet Scout, a sweet, sweet gentle Smile Dog!!!

🐾FOSTER INQUIRIES: 281-861-2116

Email: foster.coordinator@mctx.org

🐾RESCUE INQUIRIES:

Email: rescue.coordinator@mctx.org

Text: 832-790-6432

🐾ADOPTION INQUIRIES: Email shelter.counter@mctx.org;

Adoptions are open Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am-5pm

Montgomery County Animal Shelter

8535 SH 242

Conroe, TX 77385

www.mcaspets.org

✨ Scout A402720,10yrs, Neutered Male, 58lbs, Heartworm Negative✨

Meet Scout, a sweet, frosted-faced gentleman who recently found his way to us under unfortunate circumstances. Last week, a kind-hearted Samaritan brought Scout in after witnessing him being hit by a car. Our veterinary team discovered that he has nerve paralysis in his left forelimb, and he will most likely need to have the limb amputated. Despite everything he's been through, Scout's gentle nature has shone through, quickly winning over our staff and volunteers. He spent a few hours in the office today, lounging comfortably and soaking up all the love and attention. His calm demeanor and kind eyes, coupled with his great smile, make him an absolute joy to be around. Scout also seems to be housebroken, which is just one more reason he's such a special dog.

Scout is looking for a rescue that can assist with his surgery or a foster home where he can recover post surgery.  If you or someone you know can offer Scout the care and love he deserves, please reach out to us today. Help us give this sweet boy the second chance he needs!

🐾FOSTER INQUIRIES: 281-861-2116

Email: foster.coordinator@mctx.org

🐾RESCUE INQUIRIES:

Email: rescue.coordinator@mctx.org

Text: 832-790-6432

🐾ADOPTION INQUIRIES: Email shelter.counter@mctx.org;

Adoptions are open Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am-5pm

Montgomery County Animal Shelter

8535 SH 242

Conroe, TX 77385

www.mcaspets.org

*We cannot guarantee the behavior of animals *

Jude ~ through Jesus the Christ, our Lord

Jezreel Valley - Looking up at the Ridge of Nazareth. End of winter, beginning of spring.

The view of Nazareth of Mt Tabor - Transfiguration - and of Jezreel Valley. March - Spring.

The Finish of Summer in September - Nazareth overlooking Jezreel Valley.

And in Winter when the clouds are low and the earth rests.

Jezreel 

Nazareth drew Mary's family out of Bethlehem. 

Higher than other cities, 325 feet above sea level on Mount Precipice, Nazareth dwells having: a view, a breeze, cooler temperatures and the safety to see advancing weather and advancing armies. A splendid place. Nazareth, like all of Israel, was part of Tribal Jews settling. "Nazareth" is one of the Hebrew words for 'branch', from the prophetic, messianic words in the Book of Isaiah 11:1, 'from (Jesse's) roots a Branch will bear fruit'. And toponym might be an example of a tribal name used by resettling groups on their return from exile. Including the name may derive from na·ṣar, נָצַר, "watch, guard, keep," in the sense of "watchtower" or "guard place."

The Gospel of John reveals ancient Jews did not connect the town's name to prophecy.


Maybe... Mary and Joseph had something in common with Nazareth.

Luke 2

47 And all who heard Him were amazed at his understanding and His answers.

48 And when His Parents saw Him, they were astonished. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for You in great distress.”

49 And Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father's House?”

50 And they did not understand the saying that He spoke to them.

Regular life - the bells and whistles of God are in the Bible.

One of the Holy Family knew God's arrival and the approach of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Luke 2

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature

 and in favor with God 

and man.

From a Lithograph of 1800s Mount Tabor - easy to climb.

Mount Tabor has become a reflection of God's Promise Israel is a land flowing with milk and honey.

Mt Tabor is not difficult to climb, nor farm.

There is another set of people who wander in and out of faith in God's Plan. One day, Jesus invited them on a local walk.

Matthew 17

Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

An interesting choice from the 12. 

Peter - the Rock, the first Pope - sure. John - His Beloved friend. James - the brother of John - sons of Zebedee - - - why? Maybe to prepare John for an extremely long life and to know James, his brother, is indeed with Jesus in Heaven. Jesus is the Word made Manifest. God's Word Alive. Words matter. We would have to consider the Words of these men of God.

John keeps his oath of secrecy and the great change within John is represented as Jesus as the Light of all mankind and the world of John's Gospel - Chapter 1 for importance.

2 Peter 1:16-21

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the Voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this Voice that came from Heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain.

19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, 

and you will do well to pay attention to it, 

as to a Light shining in a dark place, 

until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 

20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

And we have arrived! THE TRANSFIGURATION.

Except Jesus has understood this for a long, long time. Genesis 1 - Let There Be Light. Jesus was not about to see Himself as newly made. Instead, with those He had lived with in His Father's Kingdom.


God is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow. If anyone could now understand in hindsight - Jesus had known all along about Capernaum, His Ministry, His Sacrifice, His Gift to all of mankind and a new Heaven for His Father. A new earth. Jesus was thinking of you.

Jude, Brother of Christ, records this:

Jude 1:25

To the only God, our Savior, 

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, 

before all time and now and forever. 

Amen.

When Jesus told us He wanted to hold us as a Hen holds her chicks, we see in the Video - this mother hen is not a hug - she is the living, moving, having their being example of a Temple to dwell in - in love, in care and in tenderness.

These chicks are planned and prepared for long before they arrive.  No matter the season, the time, all is Love. Care. Dwelling.

Abba, Father,

Dwell in us, please, Father.

Dwell in those we Love.

Help us to seek You first.

In Jesus Christ, we will finish well.

To see

to bring

to be

more daily

Thy Kingdom come

Thy will be done

on earth

as in Heaven

In Jesus Christ is 

Our Love, Joy and Hope.

Bless those working for

Post Pandemic Healing

and Care.

Bless us all, worldwide

with Healing

Safety

Prosperity and

Peace.

We ask healing

of Your Good Creation

The fullness of the earth is Yours.

The healing of those we pray for

in our heart and soul.

The safety of Your people.

Let evil and practicing evil

depart far from us

and our children.

The safety of Your people.

The Healing

of the Nation.

Wholeness

Holy.

Goodness.

You are the Shepherd of our Souls. 

We always want You to Dwell within us. 

Help us to make our eternal being a good and joyful place 

for Your Holy Spirit.

Help us to stay with You in Faith.

Giving our hearts to You, to tend to us and the ones we love. 

We rest our cares with You.

In Jesus, our Alleluia will be found.

We believe You are the Willing and Good Father.

Thank You for Jesus.

To You, our Father, be the Glory

Amen and Alleluia

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes The Lord Fulfills His Purpose

Thank You Jesus

†

Matthew 6:33 ~ First

14 A.D. Africa, Leptis Manga, Libya. All roads lead to Rome. And medically, all DNA leads to Africa. Eve. Mitochondrial DNA. 

Matthew 6:33

 

 Seek first the Kingdom of God 

and His righteousness, 

and all these things will be added to you.

Being in human form, the disciples, did not find this the vast highway to cruise along.  Their individual journeys would take them exactly like Elijah in 1 Kings 19.  And in fact, all the Kings and Chronicles and all the Scriptures would explain we walk by faith. Some days this is easier than others.

Who had doubts? John the Baptist. Jesus did not hear of the doubts of John the Baptist with any glee. Jesus said Heaven knows of what John the Baptist speaks, and Heaven is strong.  Peter spoke of the gladness of God's will and spoke of the hardships. His Brother Jude did as well.  His Brother James always involved our Father and Heaven in every situation, or famous verse.  Paul said some days are difficult. The narrow path has times we are not patted on the back. But in seeking God, we find the Joy of the Lord is our strength. All spoke of times they forged on, not with a great crowd of witnesses, but a great cloud of witnesses by faith.

This weekend, we heard two sermons. Both spoke of the difficulties we find in life. Real struggles. And both promise life will show us difficulties. Just by being human.

This weekend, Edward and I attended the 1962 movie, "Lawrence of Arabia."  Blazing and unlikely history. The beginning of the formation of the Arabs and, later, with congruity, the reformation of Israel.  As the movie opens, T.E. Lawrence is working on one of his 8 motorcycles with vim and vigor. And he dies on the hills of Dorset, riding his motorcycle too fast on a path too filled with hills to have allowed the speed. For years, suicide, assassination and accident have been debated. But those, who knew him best, claimed he pushed too hard for speed. And had been reckless in battles for speed. 

We are all called both to wisdom and valor.  

Our lives do blaze a path.

According to Psalm 139, the Lord says He will provide us His own Plan. 

Elijah in 1 Kings 19 had been reckless. And yet, in his journey, the Lord gave Him Comfort and Help. No one gave Elijah assistance in this journey.  The narrow path.

No one is given the vast highway of comfort all their lives. 

We will all face times we act in our conscience and heart, our will, or to please others. And with endurance, we will please the Lord and have comfort. If you have lived through a family divorce, people will seek justification. Or entirely devoid of justification. But the trauma is real. No one jumps in to help. Families divide. People who have a very ill child will feel the times are difficult. Speaking about the pressures helps. Financial loss creates a tough road and one path the adult will have to cope with. Usually with the Lord's Help.  Substance Abuse can be helped if the one leaning on substance will go for help. Otherwise, those surrounding this issue, will have to forge ahead with the knowledge seeking help can end the marriage.  People who go for intense therapy about child trauma, will relive the trauma getting the help. We hope the Lord will provide those who want to relive this outside of the therapist. Divisions can happen. Divisions happen in careers, neighborhoods, cultures, entertainment, and even in AA environments. Some groups will decide where their attachments will forge and who will and won't be included.  Even decisions in housing can cause lifelong divisions. Family death and will and asset division. And divisions can happen on sunny days riding the wide, comfortable highway.  Leading us to make choices of the narrow path.

And we walk by faith. Not in Someone without Glory, Love and Mercy.

We read the Scriptures to gain ground when seemingly the ground is giving way. 

To know how to find our Joy and keep our Joy. Not become bitter and angry.

To be someone, we like being. To have the Lord's approval. 

In abundance, we hear the complaints of the churchgoers. Well, what about the Shepherds.

In this Pandemic season, Edward and I have known ten ministers to leave the ministry. 

In 5 Churches. Only 1 Church we attended sank. The others we simply know with family.  One worship leader, not clergy, left a Church on Sunday, telling the congregation, The definitive reason was deception.  Another Church accountant, not clergy, quit after being asked to tell the congregation the Leader did not count up the donations each and every week and assess the appropriate category for attention and planning. The majority of the clergy reached the retirement age of 74, in ministry. Some said the Pandemic had aged them. One quit when told they were retiring, the exact week Justice Stephen Breyer was forced into retirement in the same way. And the forcing minister, was found out by outside Church Authority and asked to retire within a few months. Most quit as in the required age. Another said the prayers for the human situations were overwhelmingly sad.  One changed careers. And wasn't happy after doing so. Some became such fundraisers, ethics were abandoned. Others fell into control issues.  

Everyone is dealing with issues at all levels. Is this new within the Church. Yes. 

We have a cultural problem.  And instead of offering judgement, offer prayers. And mercy. It is rough to bring the Gospel.

Those holding forth, are doing so with stresses themselves. 

Should we give up? God Almighty, no. Fight the Good Fight.  We are there for the Lord Jesus and His worship. His Mercy. His Word. His Goodness. To abide and dwell within His Love. His Communion. Worship. Awe. 

It's a season Rodney Dangerfield would say is rough out there.  There is no reason to suggest we should put our head in the sand and not understand who feels pressure.

I only see one way out. We realize that the Lord is Good.  

His People tell us, "God is Love." God forgave... Ahab. Raise your hand if you want to know Ahab was forgiven. He was a murderer. And so was Paul. And David.  And yet, Jesus didn't wander into the Temple to give out carnations to the happy.

God is God. And that is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

We live, move and have our being because of God. Tomorrow is not given. Today is the day to be merciful. We will not obtain salvation from our career. We will not obtain salvation for trophies for being congenial and being good family members. Brownie points for hard work are not given. The human condition is to obtain Joy in the Strength of the Lord. And even this is a gift. 

The Lord says Fight the Good Fight. To present our lives, hearts, minds and soul to the Lord for His Mercy. And to hear, well done. And each heart knows their heart is known to the Lord. The Joy of the Lord and His Love and Mercy is the way, truth and life. 

Abba, Father,

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel.

Beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the Love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Dwell in us, please, Father.

Dwell in those we Love.

Help us to seek You first.

In Jesus Christ, we will finish well.

To see

to bring

to be

more daily

Thy Kingdom come

Thy will be done

on earth

as in Heaven

In Jesus Christ is 

Our Love, Joy and Hope.

Bless those working for

Post Pandemic Healing

and Care.

Bless us all, worldwide

with Healing

Safety

Prosperity and

Peace.

We ask healing

of Your Good Creation

The fullness of the earth is Yours.

The healing of those we pray for

in our heart and soul.

The safety of Your people.

Let evil and practicing evil

depart far from us

and our children.

The safety of Your people.

The Healing

of the Nation.

Wholeness

Holy.

Goodness.

Thank You for Jesus.

To You, our Father, be the Glory

Amen and Alleluia

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes The Lord Fulfills His Purpose

Thank You Jesus

†