April 20, 2023 ~ Linda K. Milam April Devotions: "The Good Shepherd"

And so, I continue. . . That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

John 10:2-3 ~ 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.  KJV  

The SHEEP know their Shepherd when they hear Him; I have heard this all my Christian life AND it was usually in relationship with me and my Saviour. Jesus is the true Shepherd, but Jesus is not talking about Himself here. The shepherd that comes to the sheep through the "right door" is the surrendered to God shepherd of the flock/congregation. A true shepherd comes through love, a God calling, care, and sacrificial service. God always intended that His people be led, fed, and protected by those who come in the legitimate, intended way. The door is there for a reason. Some will always climb over the barriers, but God has the barriers and the door there for a reason. 

So those who do not enter by Jesus Christ into the pastoral office, is no other than a thief and a robber in the sheepfold.  "Ambition, avarice, love of ease, a desire to enjoy the conveniences of life, to be distinguished from the crowd, to promote the interests of one’s family, and even the sole design of providing against want-these are all ways by which thieves and robbers enter into the Church." (Clarke) Woe unto those who are not in pastoral position by the call of God Himself. We must be discerning of those who would come for one desire, to better self, not the flock/congregation.

Jesus is the one to follow, He is the door to enter. . . there is no other way!

HE CARES! Lost person, Do You Want to Know HIM?  Lord, help us to be wise, studied up, aware, and faithful to You. Amen.  With love and prayers, may we be your faithful Philippians 2:16 Missionaries?

Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 

Listen to Bro. Tom on www.wbofradio.com "The Jewel For The Day" program, every Monday - Friday at 6am and 2pm EST.

In the name of Jesus, may we be HIS emissaries and used by Him to help others. 

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America and around the world! 

PRAY BIG FOR OTHERS AND YOURSELF! GOD WANTS TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS!