The Gate, The Shepherd, My Access

‘I’m telling you the solemn truth,’ he said. ‘I am the gate of the sheep. All the people who came before me were thieves and brigands, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone comes in by me, they will be safe, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief only comes to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life – yes, and have it full to overflowing.’

John 10:7-10 NTE

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This morning I am so grateful that Jesus is my Shepherd!

“For thus says the Lord God:
Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. …
I will rescue them …
I will bring them out …
I will feed them …
they shall lie down …
I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep …
I will seek the lost …
bring back the strayed …
bind up the injured …
strengthen the weak … 

Ezekiel 34: 11-16 NIV

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• I am the good Shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me … John 10:14
• The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3
• For you were straying like sheep but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25
• And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:4
• He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms … Isaiah 40:11

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The lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of running water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Revelation 7:17 NTE

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The Lamb is also my Shepherd! He is my all in all. I need to be reminded of this often … especially today!

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The Gate, The Shepherd, My Access

Access, dark to light
A gate, open, inviting
New life born, transformed

Transformed, by His death
Designed, created, redeemed
To be me, set free

Set free, green pasture
Bread and wine; body and blood
Growing up in Him

In Him I am held
Joy and peace, all mine
Holy hope, wholly sustained

Original, 2009

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Praying with the author of Hebrews —

Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you [us] with all you [we] need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you [us],
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21