March 13, 2026

Dedicated To You

SeekingHimLogo

Recorded in the Gospel of John, our Lord made seven statements referring to Himself as I AM

I AM The Light of the World
I AM The Bread of Life
I AM The Door

I AM The Good Shepherd
I AM The True Vine

I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life
I AM The Resurrection and The Life

Each week during this season of Lent, here on the Seeking Him blog, we will be focusing our devotionals on a different aspect of Jesus’ revelation of Himself as I AM.  The aim of Lent should be to prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice—His trial and torture, the Crucifixion and His death…and above all, the celebration of His Resurrection from the dead.  We pray that this will be a great encouragement to each of you who read them.  And that all of us will consider the significance of Jesus’ words and, through them, be helped as we remember and are thankful for all Jesus went through during the last few weeks of His life on this earth.

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I AM the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. As I pondered this verse, I continued to read all the way to verse 21. We all know that Jesus died for us on the Cross to save us from our own sin. I know we are all very thankful for this selfless act, because we have come to accept this act as our saving grace. However, the fact still remains that Jesus is many things to us—not just our Savior. This week we are looking at how Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

Shepherds lead their sheep. They watch them, guide them, make sure they have a place to eat, a place to sleep, and safely exist in the world. The sheeps very being is dependent on the shepherd—and so our very being is dependent on Jesus.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.
Proverbs 21:31

This verse has reminded me, time and time again, that there is only so much that is MY part. I can only make so much happen. I can only do so much. The real success comes when I allow God to do His part. This verse also reminds me that the Lord is my Shepherd; He is the one who orchestrates the comings and goings of my life.

Another verse that reminds me that Lord is the One who is control of my well being is Proverbs 20:21.

A man’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand his own way?

God cares for us. He sent us Jesus. Jesus cares for us, and because He does, He has chosen to be our everything.

  • Are you hungry…physically or spiritually? He will lead you to the food you need.
  • Are you tired? He will give you a safe place to rest.
  • Are you lost? He will guide you.
  • Are you scared? He will shelter you.

He is our EVERYthing. There is nothing in this world that you can experience that He Himself cannot help you with. The real question is…

Will you let Him be your Good Shepherd?

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Lord, thank You for being such an amazing Provider and making my life simple. I know I am the one who complicates things. Help me to live in You and follow Your lead. Amen.

He’s Alive!

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin’ through
To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call
I hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers’ fee

But there was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told us where she’d been
She said they might have moved Him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stone’s been rolled away
And now His body isn’t there

We both ran toward the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they’d taken Him
Was more than I could tell

Oh something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn’t lift me very high
‘Cause I’d seen them crucify Him
Then I saw Him die

Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I’d promised Him
Just added to my shame
When At last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive
It wouldn’t be the same

But suddenly the air was filled
With a strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove the shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to Him and cried

Then He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
The love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I’d ever had
Just melted into peace

He’s alive, He’s alive
He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive, He’s alive

Written and sung by Don Francisco

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I cannot think of a better song to represent suffering for your actions and attitudes.  The guilt and shame we carry for an act for which our head knew we should not do, but our fear and emotions reacted first.

Peter is such an excellent example of this and how much Jesus loves us. We may not walk physically with Jesus as Peter did, but He is right there, waiting on us to call upon Him as we would a trusted friend.  Jesus, of all people, knew what Peter was going to do but He also knew what Peter was capable of once he was forgiven and released from his sin.  Sisters, that is what God wants for us! He wants us to be released from our guilt and shame…to turn away from our sin…to rely on God’s love, grace, and mercy.

Another great example of Jesus’ forgiveness and love is the woman who was caught in adultery (Luke chapter 7) and brought before Jesus to be condemned.  I cannot imagine how she felt, appearing before all of the people, with her sin being proclaimed in the open, in front of the temple. As the men were trying to trick Jesus, He cleverly reminded them to not be so hasty in their attempt to throw stones.

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—
as her great love has shown.
But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.
Luke 7:47 NIV

God loves His people, Jews and Gentiles alike. He does not want to condemn us…our sins, yes…but not us.  Jesus commanded husbands to love their wives as He loves.  Unconditionally, without reservation, without restraint.

Today, seek out areas where you can love more and better and  unconditionally.  Today, ask for the Holy Spirit to show you where you are forgiven and let the ‘strange,  sweet perfume’ surround your senses (as this song describes Peter’s experience). Wow!

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Father, we love You! Thank You for the reminder from Don Francisco of Your unconditional love. I want a most intimate relationship with You.  Help me shrug off all of the years of guilt and shame.  Help me surrender them all to You so You can build a brand-new me that honors and glorifies You in everything I do.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep

SeekingHimLogo

Recorded in the Gospel of John, our Lord made seven statements referring to Himself as I AM

I AM The Light of the World
I AM The Bread of Life
I AM The Door

I AM The Good Shepherd
I AM The True Vine

I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life
I AM The Resurrection and The Life

Each week during this season of Lent, here on the Seeking Him blog, we will be focusing our devotionals on a different aspect of Jesus’ revelation of Himself as I AM.  The aim of Lent should be to prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice—His trial and torture, the Crucifixion and His death…and above all, the celebration of His Resurrection from the dead.  We pray that this will be a great encouragement to each of you who read them.  And that all of us will consider the significance of Jesus’ words and, through them, be helped as we remember and are thankful for all Jesus went through during the last few weeks of His life on this earth.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

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.
John 10:11-14

In this passage, Jesus declares Himself to be the promised Good Shepherd.  This is also illuminated in a number of Scriptures.  It was spoken of in the Old Testament prophesying of His coming as well as in the New Testament where He Himself now is confirming the prophecies spoken of in the past.

Here are things the Shepherd would do:

  • Psalm 23:1 He ensures we lack nothing.
  • Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to his heart, He gently leads those that have young.
  • Ezekiel 34:23 God was saying I will place one shepherd—my shepherd, David. This shepherd being talked of here is Jesus the Messiah who came from David’s line and who laid down His life for the sheep.
  • Ezekiel 37:24  We see the Messiah cleansing the people who would receive forgiveness.

These examples illustrate Jesus’ tender and devoted care for His people. It is as if He is saying “As a good shepherd is toward his sheep, I am toward all who believe in Me—caring, watchful, and loving.”  He was willing to die for His sheep. This emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ the Shepherd…His death on the Cross saves His sheep.

Christ was mentioned as Good Shepherd in John 10:11-14; Great Shepherd in Hebrews 13:20; and the Chief Shepherd in 1 Peter 5:4.

We also, as His followers and believers, are shepherds.  We win souls, we are shepherds of His sheep also.  Others (pastors/evangelists) also shepherd the flock.  Do we sacrifice ourselves for our sheep or we leave them to die of thirst?  We are to take our sheep to the river banks where they can get water (the Word of God).  As true believers we are to care for the sheep, and are to think about the sheep first and then ourselves.

Let us truly take care of the sheep, pray with them, feed them with the Word every day, and follow up with them, so that they should not be in any want.

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Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your lovingkindness, thank You for who You are.  Indeed we are the sheep of Your pasture and so we are to exercise our calling.  We pray, Lord, that You help us take care of Your sheep You have given us.  May we also help grow the sheep and die to ourselves for them in Jesus’ name.  We pray for Your leading in all we do as we win souls to Your Kingdom.  In Jesus’ name we have prayed.  Amen.

Amazing Love (You Are My King)

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, should die for me
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, to honor You

You are my King
You are my King
Jesus, You are my King
You are my King

 Newsboys
written by Billy James Foote

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This song personifies Easter to me.  I love the parallels given in this song—forgiven/forsaken, accepted/condemned, alive/died.  All these gifts and blessings are mine because of Jesus’ sacrifice.  A sacrifice He willingly chose to make.

He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men,
a Man of sorrows and pains,
and acquainted with grief and sickness;
and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised,
and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him.
Isaiah 53:3 AMP

I can’t even find words for this!  How is it possible Christ would choose to be treated in this manner?  Amazing love indeed!  Mark 15:34 (AMP) gives us a glimpse of what Christ experienced:

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?
—which means, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me
[deserting Me and leaving Me helpless and abandoned]?

Jesus was left helpless and abandoned on the Cross so we might be forgiven.  God turned His back on His only Son in order to redeem us.  Look at 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT): “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”  We may be persecuted, but we will never be forsaken; struck down, but never destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Because of Christ’s selfless sacrifice, we are accepted and protected by God Himself!

And not only are we accepted, but Romans 8:1 tells us “Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus…”.  Christ was condemned in our place so that we could share His robe of righteousness.  We will never be condemned by God.  It is that robe of righteousness that allows us to stand before God, holy, pure, unblemished and unstained.

Isaiah 61:10 (AMP) talks about why we should feel joy in honoring Him.

I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness….

The opportunity for salvation exists only because of Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice.  THAT is amazing love.  It is our choice to honor Him with our lives.  We should be honored to call Him our King.

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Lord, I cannot even begin to put into words what I feel when I think of all You chose to suffer just so I could be forgiven and accepted.  ‘Thank You’ will never be enough to express the depth of my gratitude.  It is my joy to honor You in all I do.  In Your name I pray, Amen – so be it!

Lay Down My Life

Recorded in the Gospel of John, our Lord made seven statements referring to Himself as I AM

I AM The Light of the World
I AM The Bread of Life
I AM The Door

I AM The Good Shepherd
I AM The True Vine

I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life
I AM The Resurrection and The Life

Each week during this season of Lent, here on the Seeking Him blog, we will be focusing our devotionals on a different aspect of Jesus’ revelation of Himself as I AM.  The aim of Lent should be to prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice—His trial and torture, the Crucifixion and His death…and above all, the celebration of His Resurrection from the dead.  We pray that this will be a great encouragement to each of you who read them.  And that all of us will consider the significance of Jesus’ words and, through them, be helped as we remember and are thankful for all Jesus went through during the last few weeks of His life on this earth.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

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.

All your pain will be made mine
All your troubles, the tears you cry
Give it up…all that binds
I will place it on My shoulders
And up this hill I’ll climb

Father, give Me strength
I know there is no other way

I lay down My life for you
This is the moment when all will be made new
I know that you don’t understand
But this is part of a greater plan
So I lay down My life for you

This is Love that had to bleed
To bring you mercy, to set you free
You are Mine, I am yours
And I will wear your burdens
Just like this crown of thorns
I will take your place
I know there is no other way

Give me all your pride
Give me all your fears
Give me all your secrets
Give me all your tears
Give me all you doubt
Give me all your shame
Watch them wash away
Watch them wash away
In Jesus’ name

Though I know that you don’t understand
These scars are part of a greater plan
And I lay down My life for you

Arms stretched out upon this tree
To show true love, to set you free

Sidewalk Prophets
songwriters: Dave Frey and Ben MacDonald

This Week…I AM the Door (John 10:1-10)

SeekingHimLogo

Recorded in the Gospel of John, our Lord made seven statements referring to Himself as I AM

I AM The Light of the World
I AM The Bread of Life
I AM The Door

I AM The Good Shepherd
I AM The True Vine

I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life
I AM The Resurrection and The Life

Each week during this season of Lent, here on the Seeking Him blog, we will be focusing our devotionals on a different aspect of Jesus’ revelation of Himself as I AM.  The aim of Lent should be to prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice—His trial and torture, the Crucifixion and His death…and above all, the celebration of His Resurrection from the dead.  We pray that this will be a great encouragement to each of you who read them.  And that all of us will consider the significance of Jesus’ words and, through them, be helped as we remember and are thankful for all Jesus went through during the last few weeks of His life on this earth.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   * 

So Jesus said again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you,
that I Myself am the Door for the sheep.
All others who came [as such] before Me are thieves and robbers,

but the [true] sheep did not listen to and obey them.
I AM the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live).
He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture.
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 itoverflows).

John 10:7-10 AMP

Another incredible promise that Jesus gave…how grateful and thankful are we?!!?   This past week, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, our sisters have shared some insight on these words spoken by our Lord.  Here are a few highlights from the devotionals that Tina, Laura, Cynda, Ann, and Ahmee wrote to encourage us.

In The Door Is Our Protection, Cynda shared a bit of the enlightenment she received…

“…as I was studying commentaries on this passage, I came across a statement that made me pause.  Had I perhaps missed an additional meaning in this Scripture?  Had I stopped short without completely understanding the depth of this Scripture?

“In a ‘field’ sheepfold, the shepherd actually laid his body across the entrance, to keep the sheep in and to keep out the wolves.” – David Guzik

I totally get the symbolism that Christ laid down His life for our salvation.  But I missed the part about Him being our protection. Christ is there to protect us from the evil one.”

In The Gate for the Sheep, Ahmee helped us to see the value of each of our differing journeys to salvation.  

“Our stories are so different.  True, but there is something in common with all our stories—we all said ‘yes!’ to Jesus.  There is no other way.  So, before the yes, our stories are very different. After the yes, our stories are very different. It is even possible that during the yes, our stories are very different.

The point is, Jesus said that He is the Gate for the sheep.  Well, sisters (and brothers) we all walked through that same Gate!  Saying this makes me want to high-five each and every one of you.  We are ‘in’ because of our Savior.  Yay for us! What an awesome feeling it is to have walked through the Gate.  Why not bring someone along?”

In The Door To a New Life, Tina also wrote about salvation….

“As verse 9 states, Jesus wants to give us salvation. All we have to do is ask.  Then believe we are forgiven of all of our sins.  Change our lives and begin living for God.  This changes everything.  Believing and developing a trust in God will empower you in every area of your life. You will believe you can speak before a crowd to share your testimony with others.  You will be able to tell your story with such conviction and self confidence.  You will be proud. ”

In Re-Entering The Door, Laura encouraged us to recognize that  the Door—Jesus—rescues us from distractions of this world.

“However, we can easily reenter that Door when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Christ opened the door to redemption when He died on the Cross for our sins.  He reconciled us to God, so we may have eternal life. A s the children of God, we should pay attention to Jesus and being faithful to Him.  We should not listen to a world that has turned away from God.  If we turn away from God then we will die a certain death when Judgment Day arrives.  All we have to do is see Jesus’ open Door, give up the worldly distractions, and accept Jesus as our Savior.  When we cross over the threshold of that Door, we are no longer of this world. ”

In The Door Gives Access, Ann reminded us of the abundant life available to those who accept Jesus as Lord. (Check out the list of Scriptures she provided for us!)

“Jesus said, ‘I AM The Door’ …what does this imply?  He is giving us access to use Him because those who enter through Jesus will be saved—they will have abundant life (verse 10); they will have all they need to be delivered from sin, guilt, condemnation. He is the ONLY Door; none other exists.   [These}…verses help us to understand what this Door can do and how it is going to help us.  Let us therefore choose deliberately to use this Door which will take us to the highest places. ”

Have you had the opportunity to read through these blogposts this week?  If not, I would encourage you to do so!  Our bloggers have made these as well as some other wonderful points to direct us towards Jesus, Who IS The Door to salvation and eternal life.

The Door Is Our Protection

SeekingHimLogo

Recorded in the Gospel of John, our Lord made seven statements referring to Himself as I AM

I AM The Light of the World
I AM The Bread of Life
I AM The Door

I AM The Good Shepherd
I AM The True Vine

I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life
I AM The Resurrection and The Life

Each week during this season of Lent, here on the Seeking Him blog, we will be focusing our devotionals on a different aspect of Jesus’ revelation of Himself as I AM.  The aim of Lent should be to prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice—His trial and torture, the Crucifixion and His death…and above all, the celebration of His Resurrection from the dead.  We pray that this will be a great encouragement to each of you who read them.  And that all of us will consider the significance of Jesus’ words and, through them, be helped as we remember and are thankful for all Jesus went through during the last few weeks of His life on this earth.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *  

So Jesus said again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you,
that I Myself AM the Door for the sheep.
John 10:7 AMP

I AM the Door.
If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved
and will come in and go out and find pasture.
John 10:9 HCSB

As I read this passage, my first thought was of Christ as the Door to eternal life.  In one of my digital media classes I created a photo depicting the Cross with a door in it and a highway sign that said ‘Heaven’ and pointed to the door in the Cross.  I used John 14:6 (HCSB) as my focal point for the image.

Jesus told him, “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me.

There is no other way to God but through the Door—Jesus.

Yet as I was studying commentaries on this passage, I came across a statement that made me pause.  Had I perhaps missed an additional meaning in this Scripture?  Had I stopped short without completely understanding the depth of this Scripture?

“In a “field” sheepfold, the shepherd actually laid his body across the entrance, to keep the sheep in and to keep out the wolves.” – David Guzik

(You can read the entire article here.)

I totally get the symbolism that Christ laid down His life for our salvation.  But I missed the part about Him being our protection. Christ is there to protect us from the evil one.  Further down in John 10 we read these verses:

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever!
No one will snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all.
No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.
verses 28-30 HCSB

Psalm 121:8 (HCSB) tells us:

The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.

I love that!  Not only has Jesus provided us with the only way to reach God, He makes sure no one can snatch us out of His protection.   Amazing grace!  Such love is unfathomable.

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Jesus, thank You for not only providing me with a way to have fellowship with God and eternal life but for protecting me from the enemy as well.  Thank you for never letting go of me or giving up on me.  In Your Precious name I pray – Amen, It Is So!


The Gate for the Sheep

SeekingHimLogo

Recorded in the Gospel of John, our Lord made seven statements referring to Himself as I AM

I AM The Light of the World
I AM The Bread of Life
I AM The Door

I AM The Good Shepherd
I AM The True Vine

I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life
I AM The Resurrection and The Life

Each week during this season of Lent, here on the Seeking Him blog, we will be focusing our devotionals on a different aspect of Jesus’ revelation of Himself as I AM.  The aim of Lent should be to prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice—His trial and torture, the Crucifixion and His death…and above all, the celebration of His Resurrection from the dead.  We pray that this will be a great encouragement to each of you who read them.  And that all of us will consider the significance of Jesus’ words and, through them, be helped as we remember and are thankful for all Jesus went through during the last few weeks of His life on this earth.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   * 

Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I AM the Gate for the sheep.”
John 10:7

Sometimes I sit and wonder why a God as awesome as we serve would want to be in a relationship with me…. What did I do that I should I should be so privileged to have a relationship with the Lord?  Why me?  Why us?

The truth of it is that He chose us.  So, how then did we enter into our relationship with the Lord?  Well, if you want to be picky, we all have different stories.  I myself came defeated, reluctant, and skeptical.  I was all out of options.  You may have experienced the same, or your story may be different.  However, with that being said…really…we all came to relationship with the Lord the same way.

How could this be?!?!  Our stories are so different.  True, but there is something in common with all our stories—we all said ‘yes!’ to Jesus.

There is no other way.  So, before the yes, our stories are very different. After the yes, our stories are very different. It is even possible that during the yes, our stories are very different.  I, myself, experienced the most calming and thought-cleansing moment of my life!  Light shined into my world.  I did not know what would happen next, or what my life would look like, but somehow I knew I’d be okay.

The point is, Jesus said that He is the Gate for the sheep.  Well, sisters (and brothers) we all walked through that same Gate!  Saying this makes me want to high-five each and every one of you.  We are ‘in’ because of our Savior.  Yay for us! What an awesome feeling it is to have walked through the Gate.  Why not bring someone along?

Oh, and be careful though!  Jesus said in John 10:10, that “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

That which is of our Father gives life.
That which is of Satan brings destruction.

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Lord, thank You for bring me to You. I am so grateful for Your provisions. Help us to be mindful of all that is around us and diligently be on the lookout for those that You would have us touch. Amen.

The Door to a New Life

SeekingHimLogo

Recorded in the Gospel of John, our Lord made seven statements referring to Himself as I AM

I AM The Light of the World
I AM The Bread of Life
I AM The Door

I AM The Good Shepherd
I AM The True Vine

I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life
I AM The Resurrection and The Life

Each week during this season of Lent, here on the Seeking Him blog, we will be focusing our devotionals on a different aspect of Jesus’ revelation of Himself as I AM.  The aim of Lent should be to prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice—His trial and torture, the Crucifixion and His death…and above all, the celebration of His Resurrection from the dead.  We pray that this will be a great encouragement to each of you who read them.  And that all of us will consider the significance of Jesus’ words and, through them, be helped as we remember and are thankful for all Jesus went through during the last few weeks of His life on this earth.

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So Jesus said again, Truly I say to you, I AM the Door of the sheep.
All who came before me are thieves and outlaws:
but the sheep did not give ear to them.
I AM the Door: if any man goes in through Me
he will have salvation, and will go in and go out, and will get food.
The thief comes only to take the sheep and to put them to death:
he comes for their destruction:
I have come so that they may have life and have it in greater measure.
John 10:7-10 BBE

Thief – a person who steals, especially secretly or without open force; one guilty of theft or larceny.  Doesn’t that sound like Satan?  Think about it…he steals our joy when we relive the lies people have spoken to us from our past or are currently speaking.  Satan secretly tells us we are not worthy of God’s love and forgiveness, when it is there for us to embrace and make our own. 

When we accept Jesus into our hearts, He makes us new from the inside out.  He lifts us up out of the pit and builds us up.  Just like a loving father, God wants to show us the easier way through life.  A life without fear.  A life without sadness from the things we did or said.    A life of blessing and for us to bless others.  He wants to show us the freedom of living His way.

As verse 9 states, Jesus wants to give us salvation. All we have to do is ask.  Then believe we are forgiven of all of our sins.  Change our lives and begin living for God.  This changes everything.  Believing and developing a trust in God will empower you in every area of your life. You will believe you can speak before a crowd to share your testimony with others.  You will be able to tell your story with such conviction and self confidence.  You will be proud.

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Father, we want the salvation Jesus spoke of in Your Word.  We want to be lights in this world.  We want others to look at our lives and see You and Your ways.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

He Knows My Name

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

He counts the stars one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shore
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountain and the seas
He’s in control of everything
Of all creatures great and small

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring
I can’t tell you what’s in store
I don’t know a lot of things
I don’t have all the answers to the questions of life
But I know in Whom I have believed

He knew who I was when He carried the cross
He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

~  Written by Annie and Kelly McRae / Sung by The McRaes  ~

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This passage seems to have been my almost constant confession this past week or so…listen.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation
will be able to separate us {me!} from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 and 39

Oh, and how I endeavor to cling to these promises!  I want to say, as Paul did, that ‘I am persuaded…’ though, I must admit that I do falter in my persuasion.  And times do come when my little heart doesn’t sing out quite as bravely. But here’s what I do know….

…Nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

And I remember and am encouraged as I read through the Scriptures and see the strong evidence of God’s provision in the lives of His people; for example, His man Job. Job went through much but he knew his life was in the Almighty’s sovereign and powerful hand.  And so, he could say of God…

But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him?
And what He wants to do, that He does.
For He performs [that which He has] planned for me,
and of many such matters He is mindful.
Job 23:13 and 14

I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2

See, myself…well, I get weary; and I am not strong at times. But my God…He is able! He is faithful! He keeps His promises! And so I trust His Word(s). Therefore when I remember He has said, “I formed you and made you,” “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” “My grace is sufficient for you…” I am encouraged!

One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 139. It is such a beautiful prayer of praise of Almighty God! Throughout this psalm, David acknowledges God’s providence, His sovereignty, His foreknowledge, His provision, His protection, His wisdom, and truly, His love.

Here are excerpts from this psalm…may I suggest you read these verses aloud, allowing Your eyes and ears and mind to take them in. Consider them, my friend; dwell on them.  And may your heart be reminded and strongly encouraged as you remember that God Almighty, your heavenly Father, truly KNOWS you.

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You. 

❥ He knows your every step, every move, every tear, all your ways.

❥ He knows you, inside and out, before and behind, sitting down and rising up.

❥ He knows your frame, your thoughts, your words, all your ways, all your days.

❥ He knows y.o.u., my friend…He knows your name!