“I am the Gate," Jesus said. "To enter through Me is to experience life, freedom, and satisfaction.
The thief has only one thing in mind – he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect – life in its fullness until you overflow! I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice for the sheep. But the worker who serves only for wages is not a real shepherd. Because he has no heart for the sheep, he will run away and abandon them when he sees the wolf coming. And then the wolf mauls the sheep, drags them off, and scatters them. I alone and the Good Shepherd, and I know those whose hearts are mine, for they recognize me and know me, just as my Father knows my heart and I know my Father’s heart. I am ready to give my life for the sheep.” John 10:9-15 (TPT)
Christ is a stark contrast to the enemy and thief of this world.
Because I have so much to share about His goodness and faithfulness Bountiful Living is moving to a podcast format very soon “so that you will fully believe that Jesus is the [Christ], Anointed One, the Son of God and that through your faith in Him you will experience eternal life by the power of His name.” John 20:31
Eternal life with Him in paradise is a beautiful and wonderful thing to look forward to when He will "wipe away every tear and there will no longer be any death, mourning or pain." Revelation 21:4
Until that day comes, Christ gives us a taste of that life in our present circumstances.
For anyone who has spent more than five minutes in this world knows that it is harsh, full of injustice, strife, and striving. Because we have an enemy, Satan, a thief set out to steal, destroy and oppose everything Christ came to give.
Satan's tactics show up in many ways, abandonment, despair, fear, and hate.
Christ is good, kind, faithful, our protector, and He wants our freedom.
Just so we are clear, knowing Jesus and choosing life in Him is not some magic pill to make the bad things go away or trials disappear entirely.
Rather, the Bible tells us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2
and
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12
When we give our life and heart to Christ he becomes a pathway through the suffering and trials. Our God who promised is faithful. And His promises are beautifully true.
He gave His life for you; will you live your life for Him?
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living, just because He lives." (written and sung by Bill and Gloria Gaither)
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