John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

The definition of truth is the real facts about something. In today’s society, many have lost sight of what it means to tell the truth. They have fabricated a reality that will most benefit them or their needs. Many times, this is done through manipulation or out right lies. It often accompanies the desire to make the self look good in the eyes of everyone around them. Many times this alternate reality is based on some form of truth with facts scattered throughout. Ultimately, the manipulation and lie becomes truth or fact in their own eyes resulting in a life of bondage. Yes, I said a life of bondage.

‘If you are not speaking the truth according to the love of God He has placed in your heart, then you are speaking a lie. This places you in a state of bondage because it limits how the truth operates in your life. According to the Scripture above, it’s the truth that makes you free. If you believe you are sick because God is teaching you a lesson, you limit God’s healing power in your life because the word says, “by His stripes you are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5). If you believe God is keeping you poor so you’ll stay humble. That’s a lie, because the Word says,”He’ll supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). So, the truth of God’s Word will free you from the bondage of poverty.

The world is full of lies and manipulation. You only have to listen to the news to know this is true. Unfortunately, lies and manipulation function in the church as well. Many Christians and even pulpit ministries live in this life of bondage, sometimes knowingly and sometimes ignorantly. That’s why it is important for each individual Believer to get in the Word and study for themselves what the Word says about each every situation that arises in their life. If you do this, you’ll live in the truth and be free. If you choose to accept everything that comes your way, you’re susceptible to believing a lie or become manipulated causing you to suffer the consequences of being in bondage. You owe it to yourself to get in the Word, so you can live a life in the truth along with the freedom it brings.  Don’t take my word for it. Get out there and learn the truth for yourself. Your life will never be the same as you do!

Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord had prepared appointed, destined a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.

In the Bible, the book of Jonah is a very small book, but packed full of good information to learn how God works in our lives. But, I’d like to focus on one point mentioned in the Scripture above, “…… Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.” If you know the story, Jonah was there because he didn’t want to do what God told him to do. In fact, he was going in the opposite direction. God had a specific plan for Jonah to carry out, but He decided to go the other way. Now ultimately Jonah did what God told him to do and the entire city of Nineveh was spared from God’s judgment. The turning point for Jonah was in the belly of a big fish.

So, that’s a nice story, but how does that apply to me? I’m glad you asked. You see, God has a reason for everything He tells you to do. It might be as simple as giving someone a hug or as big as moving to a foreign country. No matter what He says to you, it is your responsibility to do it, no matter how big or small the command is. That hug may be insignificant to you, but it might mean the world to the one you hugged. That person may just realize that someone out there really does care about them and decide not to commit suicide. That foreign country God asked you to go to may just be the key to a revival because of a church you will help build.

Lots of times, we don’t want to do what God says because we like where we are right now. We don’t want to change and move out of our comfort zone. We might even compromise and do what we would like to do instead. It’s difficult at times to follow after God’s will. But, if we are disobedient like Jonah was, God will go to any length to get us where we need to be. The Word says that God prepared a fish for Jonah. Can you imagine being in the belly of a big fish? It was probably dark, smelly, and lonely there. Jonah had to be miserable for those three days and nights. But, he stayed in that belly until he decided to do things God’s way.

What is God telling you to do today? Are you doing what He wants you to do? If so, that’s great. If not, is your life miserable? Does everything around you seem dark and gloomy? Does your life stink right now? Do you feel all alone? If  so, God is waiting on you to make a move and follow after Him. How long will you stay in the belly of the big fish God has prepared for you before you are willing to fulfill the next step in His plan for your life? Once you decide to go His way, mighty things will begin to happen in your life and the lives of those around you. The only thing holding you back right now is you. So, get out there and fulfill His plan for your life today! The results will last for all eternity.

Mark 11:23-24 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and does not doubt in his heart in God’s unlimited power, but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him in accordance with God’s will. For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer in accordance with God’s will, believe with confident trust that you have received them, and they will be given to you.

If you’ve been in the faith movement any length of time, these scriptures above are very familiar to you. They certainly are to me! I cut my Spiritual teeth, so to speak, on these two verses. Kenneth Hagin preached them all his life. So, I’m going deep within my Spirit to share this Word with you today. It’s the very root of these two verses that will cause you to be a success in the things of God.

Jesus is telling us here to speak to our mountains. We, as the Body of Christ, have forgotten how to talk to the situations in our life. We’ve been sitting back in our spiritual easy chairs waiting for God to give us the answer to our problem. But, God is waiting for us to stand up, point to the mountain, and tell it to move. It’s time to get back to the basics of what God wants us to do. He’s not going to do it for us!

So, what are you saying? Are you speaking things like, “Well it’s flu season again. I got it last year, I guess I’ll get it this year, too.” What about this one, “I can’t afford to tithe. I’m up to my eyeballs in debt.” Maybe you’re okay with these two areas, but have you ever said, “I can’t forgive that person. You just don’t know what they did to me.” I could name many other examples, but you get the idea.

Sickness is a mountain. Lack is a mountain. Unforgiveness is a mountain. Any situation that goes contrary to God’s Word is a mountain. So, get out your Bibles and dust them off, or update that Bible app on your tablet and find out what God says about your situation. When you do, stand up, take that Scripture God shows you and speak to the mountain in front of you and tell it to leave. Once you do your part, stand back and watch what God does on your behalf. Before you know it, the mountain will be a tiny little mole hill that you can trample under your feet. That, my friend, is how you grow strong in the Lord living a victorious lifestyle. So, stand up and speak to your mountain today. Then, you too, will be rooted and grounded in the things of God!

Mark 4:14-20 The sower sows the word of God, the good news regarding the way of salvation. These in the first group are the ones along the road where the word is sown; but when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. In a similar way these in the second group are the ones on whom seed was sown on rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy but accept it only superficially; and they have no real root in themselves, so they endure only for a little while; then, when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately they are offended and displeased at being associated with Me and stumble and fall away. And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries and cares of the world the distractions of this age with its worldly pleasures, and the deceitfulness and the false security or glamour of wealth or fame, and the passionate desires for all the other things creep in and choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those in the last group are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word of God, the good news regarding the way of salvation and accept it and bear fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much as was sown.”

In the above passage, Jesus explains the parable of the sower mentioned in Mark 4:3-8. First of all, Jesus tells us that the seed being sown is the Word of God. So, anytime the Word of God is spoken, seed is being planted. As believers, we’re all responsible for sharing the Word of God with others. But, notice that Jesus doesn’t elaborate on us being sowers, but rather on how we receive seed that is sown. Listed above are four types of believers.

1. The By Stander Believers

These are the ones who stand by the roadside. They like what they see and hear, but they don’t live it. Satan comes along and tells them that what they’ve heard is great, but then go about their lives the way they’ve always lived it without changing theeir ways. In other words, they listen without actively getting involved with the things of God. Ultimately the seed dies until they hear the next spoken Word of God.

2. The Unstable Believers

Although these are similar to the group above, they stand on rocky ground. They see and hear the Word of God and love it. They want to take it as their own and live it for a little while. As long as things are going great, the Christian walk is a wonderful way to live. But, when things go wrong, which they eventually do, they begin to question the new lifestyle. Friends may question why they don’t do the things they used to do. Maybe a family member becomes ill or they get laid off. Something will come up at any giving time that will cause them to go back to their old ways.

3. The Thorny Believers

This group not only hears the Word of God, but also are very excited about the Believers lifestyle. They love everything about. Some will participate in the church, while others will become leaders. But, they also want everything this world has to offer them. In a way, they want their cake and eat it too. They don’t mind serving in the church, but their motives are usually self gratifying. Eventually, they lose sight of the Kingdom of God and begin to focus on the things around them. This causes them to forget the Word of God that was sown in their heart and begin to live a religious lifestyle.

4. The Solid Believers

The final group listed above is the one that sees and hears the Word, receives it, and focuses their attention on what God wants. These want to live a lifestyle that centers around the Kingdom of God. They begin to grow in the things of God and do what the Word says to do. Eventually they learn God’s will for their lives and the Body of Christ begins to increase.

Now, each one of us has been a member of all four groups of believers at one time or another in our walk with Christ. It’s all a part of growing up in Him. The question I have for you today is, “Which believer are you?”. It is important that we all strive to be a part of the fourth group, the solid believers. As members of this group, we are totally focused on God and His kingdom principles. Who knows what we can accomplish for God as we turn our whole heart to Him. So, let the Word of God be firmly planted in your heart and let it grow and flourish. As we do this together, it just might change the lives of those around us and bring about the soon return of Jesus Christ!

Matthew 6:33 “But first and most importantly seek aim at, strive after His kingdom and His righteousness His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God, and all these things will be given to you also.”

Once a person accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, a gift is given to that person. That’s right, every believer has a gift. Ephesians 4:8 says, “….. He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And He bestowed gifts on men.” You may be wondering what yours is right now. It’s the number one question I’ve been asked over the years anytime I bring up the subject of the gifts of God. So, what am I called to do?

While I may not be able to give you the specifics of the calling of God on your life, I can tell you what to do to get that answer. In Matthew 6:33 listed above, Jesus tells us to “…..strive after His kingdom.”

Okay, that sounds simple enough, right? I know your wheels are turning in your brain right now. So, what’s this Kingdom we’re supposed to be striving after? I’m glad you asked. Once you get this revelation in your Spirit, then the Lord will begin to unpack the gift He has given you and reveal His will for your life. Are you ready for it? Well, here it is!

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking what one likes, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

You see, the Kingdom of God is really very simple and easy to remember. In the above Scripture, Paul tells us that the Kingdom of God is made up of three things: righteousness, peace, and Joy. If we follow after these things, everything else comes our way. This is where so many Christians are missing it. No wonder so many Believers don’t know what they are supposed to do on this earth. They are too busy seeking after the gift and what needs to be done rather than the Giver of the gift.

So, if you really, truly want to know the answer to the question, “What am I called to do?”, then you will work hard at doing these three things.

1. Follow after His righteousness according to 2 Corinthians 5:21 “He made Christ who knew no sin to judicially be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness.”

2. Follow after the His peace according to Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God that peace which reassures the heart, that peace which transcends all understanding, that peace which stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus is yours.”

3. Follow after His joy according to Nehemiah 8:10 “…..for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.” 

Once you Start consistently following after the Kingdom of God, then you will be on your way to operating in the gift God has given you. Remember, that your gift may not be a pulpit ministry or even in the church. It might be in the marketplace, raising a family, or something as simple as bringing a smile to someone’s face when you walk into the room. Each gift is important and vital to the Body of Christ. It can’t function without you. So, get out there and start seeking after God and His kingdom. Your life will be changed forever and so will the lives of those around you!

 

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

So, you want to be a Christian? Do you really, truly want to know what it means to live the God kind of life? Getting saved is the easy part because accepting CHrist as  your personal Lord and Savior is all about what God does for you. Everything after that is up to you. Paul says it this way:

Philippians 2:12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed my instructions with enthusiasm, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity with awe-inspired fear and trembling using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ.

We have To work at being saved! God gave us the package. It’s up to us to open it up and use what’s inside. So, what’s in the package and how do we use it? I’m glad you asked that question. While each package is uniquely different for each individual based on the gifts and callings of God that He has placed in you, there is one item that God has placed in each and everyone of us – LOVE.

You see, without it we are nothing! Everything else in our package is useless. Have you ever heard the sound of a creeky old gate? It’s irritating and frustrating. It may be working great. You can use that old gate to get in and out of your yard. But, each time you open it, it has a tendency to be an aggravating noise. If you attempt to use all the gifts that God has placed in your package without using the greatest gift of love, then you sound like that old creeky gate. The gifts may be useful, but less affective because you creek like that gate each time you use them.

Okay, nobody wants that! So, what do we do with the love that’s in our package. 1 Corinthians 13 above gives us a list of the qualities that tell us how to live the God kind of love.

1. Love never gives up

well, that’s pretty simple. Don’t be a quitter! No matter how tough things get, hang in there. God’s got you covered.

2. Love cares more for others than than for self

This one is easy enough if you really care a great deal about someone. It’s much tougher if the person is an irritating family member, a grouchy boss, or a whiny church member who thinks they know it all. So, how do we do this? Asking God how to handle each situation is the first step. Pray for their salvation and let the love of God shine through. The second step is to quit being selfish and live a selfless life instead. Learn how to respect those around you. Their life is as valuable as yours. Stop complaining about those around you. Show up on time for church, work, family meetings, and other events. Being late shows you care more about yourself than others.

3.  Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have

This one is a “no brainer”. Be content with what you have. God knows what you need.

4. Love doesn’t strut

Don’t be arrogant. Let’s face it. None of us are as important as we think we are. Each person is valuable and plays a unique part in life and has a special purpose to fulfill.

5. Doesn’t have a swelled head

Everybody knows somebody like this. But, nobody knows everything. Be attentive to what others around you have to say. You might just learn something you didn’t know before.

6. Doesn’t force itself on others

It’s best not to be pushy. Don’t force your opinions on someone else. While giving advice is a good thing, what is done with the information is not up to you. It’s between the other person and God.

7. Isn’t always about “me first”

To be truthful, it’s not “all about me”, it’s all about God. When we put Him first place in our lives, everything else comes together.

8. Doesn’t fly off the handle

Anger can get us in more trouble than we want or need in our lives. It may take practice, but the calmer a situation is handled, the more peaceful our lives will be. It want be easy at first, but it can be done.

9. Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others

While we may not realize that we do this, our memory has a tendency to remember the wrong and hurtful things in our lives. Walking in forgiveness will let the love of God shine through. It covers a multitude of sins. Holding grudges only hurts yourself, not others

10. Doesn’t revel when others grovel

Everyone has a bad day every now and again. Ignoring a person that is hurting inside while you’re busy going about your happy everyday life doesn’t really help the one who is struggling. Take the time to encourage the hurting. Maybe the happiness in you will help that one see who they are in Christ. Joy is contagious!

11. Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth

The truth will set you free! Complaining about a revealed flaw in our lives will only stop the flow of love in our lives. Look at it this way, the truth revealed in your heart is God’s way of getting the garbage out of your life.

12. Puts up with anything

Stuff happens! Each day on this earth is an adventure. We’ll have good days and bad days.

13.  Trusts God always

We may not know or understand what God is doing in our lives. What we do know is that it is all for His purpose to advance the Kingdom of God.

14. Always looks for the best

Stay positive, even when things look bad. Storms come and go. It’s always darkest before the dawn. God has good things in store for us. God’s love pays no attention to all those negative thoughts that come your way.

15. Never looks back

The past is already gone and can never be altered. Put it all behind you. We have a race to race to run and things to accomplish for God’s glory.

16. But keeps going to the end

Keep moving forward. It’s never too late. No matter what you’ve done or how old you are, God has a purpose for your life.

So, you want to be a Christian? It’s a tough job, but God has enabled us to do it. When I began meditating on 1 Corinthians 13, I saw where I need to do a whole lot of work in the area of love. I hope this encourages you to join in this journey with me to be more full of the the love of God like never before. This is the key to having a fulfilled Godly lifestyle, so our light can shine bright for the world to see. You never know, they might just want what you have!

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God……..

Once upon a time before time existed, there was God. Now we all know the story in the first book of Genesis how God created everything; earth, sky, water, animals, and even mankind. Long ago, God began a story. While we may not know everything, God pretty much hits the highlights in the form of the Bible that we have today.

Genesis 2:7 then the Lord God formed that is, created the body of man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being an individual complete in body and spirit.

Once upon a time, God created Adam and later on created Eve so he wouldn’t be alone. Now, we all know this is the first couple on earth. Sometime afterwards, they had children and their children had children and so on. I know all this is foundational information that most everyone knows, but there is a method to my madness.

You see, everything God created had a purpose. The earth gives us a place to live. The sky gives us day and night for us to work in the light and sleep in the dark. Each animal and plant is here for us to eat or enjoy its’ beauty. Even Adam and Eve were given a purpose to take care of the earth and all that’s in it. Yeah, I know it’s all history, but it’s a pattern for us to live by.

Ephesians 1:9-11 He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, with regard to the fulfillment of the times that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages—to bring all things together in Christ, both things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have received an inheritance a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own, having been predestined chosen, appointed beforehand according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will,

Once upon a time, as Paul wrote above, God has given each one of us a purpose. Each individual is uniquely designed to fulfill a portion of God’s perfect plan. When we are born, we are assigned a destiny that will help fulfill the plot of the story that will ultimately finish with a happy ending. That desire you have on the inside of you to do things a certain way is from God. If you are are fascinated with the human anatomy, chances are your purpose is in the medical field. If you love giving instructions to others, chances are your purpose is in the teaching field. If you enjoy singing or playing an instrument, chances are your purpose is in the music profession such as a performer or worship leader. It’s up to us to discover that purpose and develop a plan to pursue it.

We may not know what it is at first, but God will reveal it if you ask Him. I must warn you, though, you probably want get the plan all at once. It will come in steps. But, God is faithful to give you directions to the first step. It’s up to you to take that first step. When you do, he’ll reveal the next thing you must do. Remember also, that your plan may not be the same as His. You will ultimately have to make adjustments along the way. So, are you ready to begin your life to conform to His? If so, let’s begin.

Once upon a time………….

1 Timothy 5:17-18 The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor financial support, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain to keep it from eating,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages he deserves fair compensation.”

There are many men and women in the Body of Christ today that are doing the work of the ministry. Each one has a specific message to deliver to the church. Some preach foundational truths, while others preach end time prophecy. There are also those who work in the trenches and share the gospel on the mission field, both here and abroad. It’s a big job to reach this world for Christ and it takes a diversity of people to meet the needs of the masses. We’re all in the Body of Christ together to make sure as many as possible enter into God’s kingdom.

There are many struggles to carry out this task. Some who are not in the Kingdom of God would like to see the church silenced. Satan and his cohorts would like to see the church destroyed because it interferes with his diabolical plans. But, there is even a greater force at work in our midst that is slowing down the growth of churches and tearing down the work the ministry. There are those in the Body of Christ who are loading their “spiritual guns” and aiming them at the Pastors, leaders, and missionaries to destroy their efforts of building the kingdom. The “ammo” being used to accomplish this is one of the tiniest members of the human body – the tongue.

You see, what we say is vitally important to the success of the church. There are various “bullets” that many Christians are using today to “shoot off at the mouth” that is hindering the spread of the Gospel. These “bullets” include:

1. Gossiping about the Pastor

2. Complaining about how much money a minister is paid

3. Telling others that you could do a better job

4. Criticizing the messages that are being preached

And the list goes on. Let’s stop this insanity! Don’t shoot the messenger! He or she is simply doing what God has called them to do. It’s time to lay down those “spiritual Guns” and put the “bullets” away and stand beside these workers of the Word and help build the Kingdom. Do what Aaron an Hur did with Moses and raise the hands of those leaders around us with prayer and words of encouragement. The Scripture above says they are worthy of their hire. If possible, take it a step further and bless them financially. They should be the richest folks on earth. It’s time we give honor to whom honor is due. When we begin to do this, nothing can stop the Church from winning this world for Christ, then we can rejoice because the return of Christ will be close at hand!

Job 1:20-21 Then Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head in mourning for the children, and he fell to the ground and worshiped God. He said, “Naked without possessions I came into this world from my mother’s womb, And naked I will return there……”

We’ve all heard the story of Job at one time or another in our life. In Job 1 an account is given of how he lost everything, including his ten children. Now I’m not here to discuss Job’s life throughout the book or how God blessed him by the end of it. I want you to see what Job says when he lost it all. To paraphrase the above passage, Job brought nothing in this world and he’s taking nothing out when he leaves it. By the end of the book of Job, he realizes it all belongs to God anyway.

Let’s fast forward in time to today’s society. What would be the reaction of someone, especially a Christian, who faced the same circumstances Job did in today’s society? Many would give up on God and say that it’s not fair what’s happening to them. Some may feel that someone else should give them back what they lost because they feel like they deserve to have the same lifestyle they had before it was stripped away. Maybe you’re one of the fortunate ones who’ve never had a “Job” experience, life has been good to you. That’s great. But, there has been an attitude that has arisen in recent years that says, “it doesn’t matter who I am or what I do. I’m entitled.”

The word entitled means “believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment:”. Here’s a couple of questions to ask yourself. Do you feel like you deserve an eduction? Do you feel like you deserve a high paying job with no experience? Do you feel like your parents should give you a car and a roof over your head when you are old enough to obtain these things for yourself? On the Spiritual side, do you think you deserve to be saved? Do you think you should be allowed to spend eternity in Heaven, even though you never accepted Jesus as your Lord an Savior? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have fallen victim to the entitlement mentality.

You see, Job made it clear, you came in this world with nothing and you will leave it the same way. I’m here to tell you that you are entitled to nothing unless God gives it to you. Instead of having the attitude that you deserve what’s in front of you, start having the attitude that you are grateful for what is in front of you. Houses, cars, and jobs are great, but they are subject to change at a moment’s notice. You don’t even deserve salvation, but Jesus gave His life freely on the cross so you could have life eternal.

We’re only on this earth a very short time in comparison to eternity. So, stop viewing everything around you with an entitlement mentality with your hand out to take what you don’t deserve. Instead, lift your hand up to God and thank Him for every opportunity that comes your way, whether good or bad. If you’ll do these things, you’ll be blessed in the end, just as Job was.

John 10:1-10 “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up from some other place on the stone wall, that one is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep the protector and provider. The doorkeeper opens the gate for this man, and the sheep hear his voice and pay attention to it. And knowing that they listen he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out to pasture. When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call. They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what He was talking about. So Jesus said again, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am the Door for the sheep leading to life. All who came before Me as false messiahs and self-appointed leaders are thieves and robbers, but the true sheep did not hear them. I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved and will live forever, and will go in and out freely, and find pasture spiritual security. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance to the full, till it overflows.

In this world we live in, there are good and honest people as well as bad and dishonest people. The good and honest folks go through life doing what is right in the eyes of God and man. The bad and dishonest folks go about doing what is wrong and taking what does not belong to them. Fortunately for us, there are security systems out there designed to protect us and our stuff, along with a police department to enforce the laws to help apprehend those who do wrong.

It’s like this in the Spiritual realm as well. There is a place of life and peace that everyone has opportunity to enter into. It’s called the sheepfold. But, not just anyone can get in. There is a security system in place to protect those inside the sheepfold. His name is Jesus and He is the Door you have to use to enter in. Now there are those who try to find another way in by climbing over the wall or even try to use religious talk to get past Jesus. But, I’m here to tell you that the security system is very secure. No one can climb the wall or get past Jesus without the password.

Jesus is the only true way to enter into this sheepfold. The password is salvation. You must accept Him as you’re personal Lord and savior in order to obtain the abundant life He has for you. Just as a thief thinks he is entitled to obtain anything he wants whether it’s his or not, false teachers and leaders, and those who have rejected Christ are not entitled to the benefits in the sheepfold, no matter how badly they want them.

Jesus is the Door to those who know Him. So, the next time the devil, false teacher, or one who does not know Him tries to steal the abundant life that Jesus has given you, remember that they have to get through the Door first! That means that all the good things that God has for you are Spiritually secure unless you push Jesus aside and let them into your heart. Make a conscious decision today and let The Door Keeper do His job and you enjoy all the abundant life that Christ died to give you and enjoy all the benefits that you can find hidden in the Word of God!