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The Good Shepherd

  • Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35'36 WEB.

    When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, for they were as lost sheep. The words "harassed and scattered" here literally mean "torn and thrown down." Jesus saw the people as unprotected sheep wandering about lost, and they were easy prey for predators.

    Jesus would then stop, teach them the word of God, and heal them. He cared about the ordinary people, and He was not a respecter of persons. Several times in scripture, Jesus taught that He was The Good Shepherd and that He came to seek and save the lost sheep (John 10:11, Luke 15:6, Luke 19:10).

    Cold-hearted religious people can make you feel unwelcome, even in what they call "The house of God." They even threw Jesus out of their temple after He preached the truth to them: "So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple" (John 8:59).

    They did not like it when Jesus had lunch with sinners either. Still, He did it anyway: "The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" (Mark 2:16). The cold-hearted religious people stood outside and watched Jesus dine with the sinners, instead of dining with them.

    The religious elite then called Jesus, "A drunkard and a glutton, a friend of tax collectors and sinners" (Mark 2:16). I thank God that Jesus is still a friend to sinners like me.

    Don't ever let cold, negative people influence your view of Jesus, for He is not like them. You are welcome in His flock. Jesus came to seek and save the lost like us, and He is always glad to see us. We need to ask ourselves, "Which group are we in today? The cold and exclusive, or the warm and welcoming." The Bible is clear on which side Jesus was on.

    Jesus is still the good Shepherd. If you are wandering through life today and feel lost, take a moment and pray. No matter what you have done in the past, Jesus will welcome you into His flock with open arms. He is a friend that is closer than a brother. Jesus loves you, but sometimes His followers struggle to represent that love correctly. Let us do better.

    Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to redeem me. I accept Your wonderful gift of eternal life and pray that You lead me from this day forward. Please speak to me in a way that I understand and let me see the world through Your eyes, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

    Note: For those participating in the Creation Photography weekly themes, here is this week's challenge from group leader, Dianna Wyles: Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ~ 'It Made Me Smile Today' will be our next fun theme to focus on and is open wide for creative interpretation! We encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week reflect the two things that make me smile most, my family and nature!! Have a blessed and breathtaking week as you remain joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, and focused on what makes you smile today ~ God bless! Here is the link: Creation Photographers


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19 comments
  • 2
Debi Burton
Debi Burton Thank you for this devotional today.... Help us to be like Jesus and spread his word and show love and kindness. Thank you ❤️
November 10, 2020
  • 2
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello

In Yeshuas name I ask, Amen.

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Yada (Wendy)
Yada (Wendy)

Im wrestling with this right now. I see so many harassed and scattered, and I want to be helpful and they're a bit bitey... and im so angry with men who have set themselves over us and ignored those who came to them for understanding. They got snubbed or ignored out of the fold. the "leaders" act so innocent and arrogantly say things from stages to aggravate them further and pretend they weren't talking about them implying the seekers are vain even... for taking it personally... why do so many of them practice this passive aggressive psychological warfare and throw them away to the waiting wolves, unprepared ... naked even. I don't want to be Chora with them. This week I feel provoked to be. I really wanna wail & rail them verbally. Im locking it down but its setting me on fire inside.

 

Why do they say to read our bibles and when we do and ask them questions they sell us books instead of feeding us the true bread which can be found right after we believe Jesus more than anyone and listen to Him very carefully.

 

Im grateful He showed me His parables and taught me and keeps teaching me His little words. 

 

Jesus Christ, we can't see or hear you clearly

The things in this world are noisy and bright with fake light

Please help us Love our enemies , and hear and see you 

Please overcome our hard hearts God and breathe your heart into us 

Wash us in your words, change us עלם in The Father's great mercies.

Help us remain in You by good discernment and walkjng in Your freedom to not be judges of ourselves or of things bigger than we can see, even of everything

Thank you for this man who loves your lost ones everyday. Please keep him safe and hear his prayers

 

איה אשר איה

In Jesus Christ

Amen אמן

November 10, 2020
  • 2
Kay Collinsworth
Kay Collinsworth

Amen, Father I Thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ. Help me to see things through Your eyes.

November 10, 2020
  • 2
Patricia Walker
Patricia Walker

Amen. I was lost but now I'm found. He is my Shepherd. AMEN

November 10, 2020
  • 2
David  Earlywine
David Earlywine

Thank you Jesus for loving us.We love and worship you.You are awesome. Amen 

November 10, 2020
  • 2
Mari Kaufmann
Mari Kaufmann

Dear God thank you for our many blessings. Guide us and make everything ok. In the name of Jesus Amen 

November 10, 2020
  • 2
Linda Clark
Linda Clark

Amen 

November 10, 2020
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

"You are welcome in His flock" ~ That is the phrase that struck me today because so many we communicate with feel that they are not worthy, that they have somehow ruined their lives and future with Him. That is simply not the case. If we reach out to Him, we are welcome in His flock. No matter what our past, our perceived or real sins, our denomination, or political affiliation, we are welcome in His flock. We are welcome in His flock.

November 10, 2020
  • 2
Yvette York
Yvette York

Amen Good Morning Everyone 

November 10, 2020
  • 2
Sheri Buckner
Sheri Buckner

I am grateful for GOD'S compassion! I don't know what I would do without it! Thank you for this word, Pastor Todd!

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann

Amen thank you so much Jesus for being my friend and brother I love you!

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Jim Jarrell
Jim Jarrell

Amen! Thank You Lord!

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Jose Simo
Jose Simo

Heavenly Father I thank You for all You have done for us, for giving our Pastor Todd the right message for Your flock that is really needing in times as this. Give us the opportunity to hear Your voice in a way we can understand and take it forward. In the Holy name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen. 

Dear Pastor and Sylvia I thank you for your word given to us every morning, words of reconciliation, love for each others through the word of the Lord. God bless you both. 

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Aww, thank YOU, Jose, for always blessing us with your presence and your encouragement, brother :)!

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson

Amen!!

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Cindy Holcomb
Cindy Holcomb

Help me to be more like Jesus Lord,Amen

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer

Yes amen Lord Jesus 

November 10, 2020
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen!

November 11, 2020