We started our new series about abundant life. JP went through John 10 with us and I encourage you all to read back through the chapter. Here are a couple verses:
John 10: 11-13
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns 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.
There have been many times where I put my trust and hope in everything except the Lord. Often that meant depending on others for my happiness, or depending on myself for success, or my family and friends for comfort. While re-reading these verses it really hits home because all that lead to was feeling let down, hurt, disappointed, frustrated, regretful, sad, and never satisfied. JESUS is the good shepherd. He is the one that has come to give us life, and life to the full!
"Paul shows us that abundant life being content in any and every situation. Abundant life is "I don't need stuff; I have Christ. If I'm stripped of everything, I still have Jesus" Philippians 4:12"
Why then do you, and me, continue to look elsewhere for abundant life? Even if you feel like you have everything this world could offer, doesn’t part of you feel like there is something missing? Sort of that “yank” at your heart that there just has to be more? A longing for purpose and meaning to this life? There have been so many times where people that I really cared about abandoned me and ran away, because he/she cared nothing about me (John 10). How about you? It is the greatest feeling to know that Jesus is our good shepard who knows us, and will NEVER abandon us.
I decided to look up the word abundant in the Bible to just see what it would pull up. One of the last ones I came across happens to be in some of my favorite verses because as someone who is their own worst critic and struggles with guilt I can truly identify. So here is some great news!!!...
1 Timothy 1:13-16
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me ABUNDANTLY, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Praying for you all~
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