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- Apr 25, 2006
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16 October 2007
John 10 v 7-10
So Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the door for the sheep. All the people who came before me were thieves and robbers. The sheep did not listen to them. I am the door, and the person who enters through me will be saved and will be able to come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life - life in all its fullness.
I used to work in a primary school. Where there are children security is an important issue, so whenever anyone went into the school they had to key in a code on a panel, which then unlocked the door and gave them access. The Headteacher selected the code and it was only given out to those who worked there - who belonged. No one else could get past that door but I could go in and out as I chose because I was part of that team - part of the school community. I never once felt trapped or locked in - because I had a great deal of freedom to come and go, knowing there was safety in that building.
It's just the same with Jesus - there's only one way in - and that's through him. There's a lot of freedom within that safety. I don't always have the sense to stay within the boundaries in my Christian life - but I know what those boundaries are and I know they're there for my protection and freedom from fear and danger.
Did you notice what Jesus says about giving us life? Not just day to day survival - but "life in all its fullness." I wonder how much more rewarding and fulfilling my life could be if I just relax and trust in his protection a little more?
Jesus, I really want this full life that you came to bring. I don't want to plod through each day, but experience all the amazing things you have for me. Sometimes I don't feel very fulfilled, though. Please show me if there is anything in my life that's stopping me from experiencing all you have to give and help me to deal with those things. Thank you that I can trust you. Amen
Written by Tracy Lambert
John 10 v 7-10
So Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the door for the sheep. All the people who came before me were thieves and robbers. The sheep did not listen to them. I am the door, and the person who enters through me will be saved and will be able to come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life - life in all its fullness.
I used to work in a primary school. Where there are children security is an important issue, so whenever anyone went into the school they had to key in a code on a panel, which then unlocked the door and gave them access. The Headteacher selected the code and it was only given out to those who worked there - who belonged. No one else could get past that door but I could go in and out as I chose because I was part of that team - part of the school community. I never once felt trapped or locked in - because I had a great deal of freedom to come and go, knowing there was safety in that building.
It's just the same with Jesus - there's only one way in - and that's through him. There's a lot of freedom within that safety. I don't always have the sense to stay within the boundaries in my Christian life - but I know what those boundaries are and I know they're there for my protection and freedom from fear and danger.
Did you notice what Jesus says about giving us life? Not just day to day survival - but "life in all its fullness." I wonder how much more rewarding and fulfilling my life could be if I just relax and trust in his protection a little more?
Jesus, I really want this full life that you came to bring. I don't want to plod through each day, but experience all the amazing things you have for me. Sometimes I don't feel very fulfilled, though. Please show me if there is anything in my life that's stopping me from experiencing all you have to give and help me to deal with those things. Thank you that I can trust you. Amen
Written by Tracy Lambert