Shepherd
Doorman
photo credit: vincentag <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/165551863@N02/42734671594″>Yes, knock in</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>(license)</a>
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep (John 10:1-2 NASB).”
Jesus is the doorman.
“So Jesus said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (John 10:7-9 NASB).”
Jesus, as the door, knocks at your heart’s door.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me (Revelation 3:20 NASB).”
In His Presence
{Image: crosscards.com}
In His presence…
“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.
He refreshes and restores my soul (life);
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.”
Psalm 23 (AMP)
Apple for the Teacher
Most of us have fond memories of favorite 
schoolteachers. They had the knack of telling stories or sharing pertinent information in an interesting way.
We were learning because they had valuable knowledge and knew how best to share it with others. They were good teachers because they made learning enjoyable.
I consider some pastors as having been among my best teachers. I sat under their preaching as they taught their flocks about the Shepherd, Jesus. Using, the Bible as text book they used illustrations and personal experiences. The messages were not entertaining. Instead, they were convicting, inspiring and comforting. Their lives reflected an intimate relationship with Christ.
Mary had her relationship and service priorities in order.
“While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said (Luke 10:38-39 HCS).”
Mary’s place, position and apt attention to Jesus teaching pleased Him.
“Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:42b HCS).”
Each that makes the right choice will sit at Jesus’ feet in heaven. In love, we will worship and listen to His teaching for eternity.
Rejuvenation
“He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him-not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3 Amplified Bible).”
Visualize a dog day of summer with sweltering three digit temperatures. You are caught in rush hour traffic; your vehicle AC is on the fritz and you are running thirty minutes behind schedule. Company is coming for dinner and you become frantic.
Swerving into your driveway, rushing inside your home, you hustle to your bedroom, slip out of perspiration-drenched duds and step into the shower. Cool water cascades down your shoulders and back; instantly you feel refreshed, restored and rejuvenated.
“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it abound (Isaiah 40:29 Amplified Bible).” Draw from His well.
Forget the standard R & R get away for rest and relaxation. Seek the shepherd for refreshing and restoration. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] (Matthew 11:28 Amplified Bible).”
