The Gate for the Sheep

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. — John 10:7, 9-10

Do you think Jesus had to say this again because His followers weren't listening?

That happens to me at times.

I have to read a Scripture passage several times because I get distracted and lose focus.

But Jesus has patience with us and repeats the Word again, helping us understand.

Explaining the parables to His disciples who didn't get them.

And to me, when I'm not getting them either.

When we wander off, He brings us back into the fold.

And He opens the gate for us, His sheep, to enter eternal life.

No Servant Is Greater Than His Master

Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.  — John 13:16-17 

Today we celebrated Lent with 17 other congregations at our church.

It was a wonderful service of praise and worship.

And ended with contemplation and darkness.

We left in silence, reading Scriptures written below artwork depicting the stations of the cross.

Very moving and humbling.

Those Who Hear Will Live

Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. — John 5:25

Tomorrow Kirk and I both go in to get our covid vaccines.

Finally!

Kirk goes to Albertsons and I go to UCSD.

Hopefully we will not have the symptoms Abby had — fever, chills, and nausea.

Easter reminds us that the Son of God has overcome death.

When we put our faith in Jesus, we hear His voice.

The time has come when the dead will hear His voice and will live.

You Turned to God

They tell how you turned to God . . . to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. — 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

This week Aunt Jean turned 93!

Here she is three years ago celebrating her 90th.

How amazing is that.

My brother Tim called last night just to check in. 

Last night some friends stopped by after our church service just to hang out and share some excellent.

We are blessed to have family and friends who care about us.

They tell us show they turned to God to serve Him with their lives.

 

Present in Spirit

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. — Colossians 2:4-5

La Jolla Shores Beach

Paul is warning the people in Colossae to beware of fine-sounding arguments.

As a new Christian, I was often swayed or confused by elaborate arguments.

As I grew in my faith, I became more confident of my beliefs.

I became more familiar with what God's Word actually said.

As I read more Scripture, I learned that God's Word is true for all time.

Now I see His hand in everything I do and in all the circumstances I'm in.

He guides me each day.

Return to God

 Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty. — Zechariah 1:3

God commands us to return to Him.

When we do, He returns to us.

Last night we spent some time with friends and family on Zoom.

It was fun to connect with Rudy, Ernie, Marion, Brad, Peggy, Kyle and Mariana.

We have been enjoying sitting outside on our patio.

And walking around the neighborhood.

God has blessed us.

God's Righteous Acts

My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long. — Psalm 71:24

God continually blesses me with His righteous acts.


My tongue will tell of them all day long.

From the rising to the setting of the sun, God watches over me.

He is our Creator and Redeemer.

He has planned the months and the years, the seasons and the times for solstice.

We are coming to end of April, but this week has been really hot here in San Diego.

God's righteous acts are continual and amazing.