Author: Anna

  • Romans 1:16

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” — Romans 1:16

    The believers in Rome faced intense persecution. Emperor Claudius had expelled the Jews from the city, including faithful Christians like Priscilla and Aquila. Later, under Nero, Christians were tortured, burned alive, crucified, and thrown to wild animals. To be a follower of Christ in Rome was to live under constant threat and public humiliation.

    The word translated “ashamed” in this verse means “disgraced” or “personally humiliated.” The Romans made believers feel exactly that way that they are disgraced and humiliated for their faith in Jesus. But Paul writes, “I am not ashamed.” Notice that he does not simply tell them not to be ashamed; he declares it personally. The believers in Rome knew what Paul had endured. They were aware of how he was persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and misunderstood wherever he went. Yet none of that persecution stopped him, hindered him, or moved him away from what God had called him to do. Now, Paul was encouraging them and us, to remain steadfast in the same calling.

    Even today, we still experience disgraceful looks and humiliation because of our faith and convictions. This message still speaks powerfully to believers in every generation. When we preach repentance to someone who is not walking according to the righteousness of God but according to the ways of the world, they will often accuse us of judging them or hating them. When we proclaim that we are Christians, people may expect us to be like God Himself, never making mistakes, never getting angry, and never standing up for what is right.

    Some believers around the world are pressured to stay silent about their faith. They are even killed because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Others are afraid to speak about Him because they do not want to offend anyone, be misunderstood, or risk persecution.

    But Paul reminds us that our calling is not to be accepted by the world but to be faithful to Christ. Jesus Himself warned us about this in Luke 9:26,

    “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

    I know exactly what it feels like to be looked at as disgraced and humiliated because of my faith. There have been times when I chose not to say that I am a Christian because I did not want to be in uncomfortable situations. But I am always reminded of the words of Jesus, that if I am ashamed of Him, He will also be ashamed of me. I would rather be humiliated, disgraced, and uncomfortable in this world than have Jesus deny me before the Father.

    The book of Revelation also warns us that being ashamed of our faith is an act of cowardice. 

    “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8 

    To be ashamed of Jesus is to walk in fear, and fear has no place in the kingdom of God. I would rather stand for Jesus and face rejection on earth than be rejected by Him for eternity.

    Then Paul continues by reminding them that the very message the world tries to make us feel ashamed of is actually the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. In spite of persecution, mockery, or hateful comments directed toward us, we should never stop witnessing, sharing, and preaching the gospel. The people in front of us are not the real enemy. 

    “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭

    These people are being used by Satan to discourage us, but God calls us to stand firm and continue sharing the gospel, the only message that can save their souls and bring them salvation. Think about this: before we knew Jesus, we acted the same way, because we had not yet received the truth. But Jesus showed us mercy and grace, and He forgave all our sins. Therefore, we must do the same for others.

    Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and He also said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). That love is not silent. We are called to preach and share the gospel despite opposition, because this is the greatest act of love we can show our neighbors. We do not want them to perish or go to hell, so we share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. It is the only power of God that can bring salvation to them and to us.

    When I think about heaven, I remember what Revelation 21:4 says:

    “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

    The kingdom of God, where we will spend all eternity with Jesus, cannot be compared to the hardships, struggles, challenges, difficulties, and pains we are facing right now.

    I want myself there, and I want my entire family there. I want my neighbors there. I want every broken soul I meet to know that they are invited. And I want you to be there too.

    That is why you and I should never be ashamed or discouraged from sharing Jesus. That is why you and I must keep speaking, even when it is hard. Because real love cannot stay silent, and real hope must be shared.

    Now go and share Jesus, Who is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes in Him.

  • Proverbs 18:22

    “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” — Proverbs 18:22

    The book of Proverbs is filled with God’s wisdom. Wisdom that helps us navigate life, make sound decisions, and walk in a way that benefits us today and prospers our future. 

    Before we focus on the phrase “he who finds,” let’s pause and understand first what “a wife” truly means.

    The first mention of the word wife in the Bible appears in Genesis 2:22:

    “Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.”

    Here, God Himself created the first wife. He took a rib from Adam and made Eve, a woman designed specifically for Adam. The Hebrew word for wife is ish-shah, the feminine form of ish, meaning man or husband. In Greek, the word for wife is gyne, from the root ginomai, which means “to come into being” or “to bring forth.” It is the same root word for gynecology, the study of women.

    From the very beginning, God created a woman with divine purpose. The very purpose of a woman is to be a man’s helper in fulfilling God’s work.

    “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”” – Genesis‬ ‭2:18‬ ‭

    God knew that the task He had given Adam could not be completed alone. Adam needed a helper, to help him to accomplished the assignment. The word helper is not a lesser title. It describes function, not identity. God Himself is called our Helper many times in Scripture.

    Now, Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter becomes more specific about the role of a wife “helper” in their letters, they clearly explains how a godly woman should live and what her relationship with her husband should look like in the Lord.

    “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” Ephesians‬ ‭5:22-24‬ ‭

    “that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” – ‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:4-5‬

    “Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” ‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭

    “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” I Peter‬ ‭3:1-4‬ ‭

    All the qualities that Paul and Peter mention in their letters should be what a man looks for in a woman. A woman who loves Jesus and is fully submitted to God already has the qualities of a wife before she is found. It is God who transforms her to become one, just as God created Eve before Adam even realized his need.

    God already knows the woman He is preparing for a man. She doesn’t suddenly become a wife after the wedding. She is already walking in that identity, because Jesus is her identity. She knows she was created with a purpose, to help her husband accomplish God’s will for their lives together. She understands that submission is not weakness or control, but God’s protection over her. She loves managing her household, knowing that her home is God’s house and must be cared for with love and excellence. She will bear children and raise them to know that they are part of God’s plan, to expand His kingdom on earth. She understands that her children are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. She will not gossip or speak reproachfully about her family or anyone else, because she has been taught by Jesus that there is power in her tongue, the power of life and death. She chooses to speak life, not only to her family but to everyone around her.

    Now, we are ready to focus to the “he who finds,” The Hebrew word for “finds” in this verse is masa, which means not just to find but also to obtain. The word means more than just stumbling upon something. The idea of finding here means that someone is searching for something.

    “So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.” Genesis‬ ‭2:20‬

    Before Adam searched for a wife, he was already working, naming the animals, and walking in obedience to God in the Garden of Eden. Adam already knew his identity and had a clear understanding of his purpose, and that is why satan could not deceive him. Adam could not be deceived because he had an intimate fellowship with God.

    Before God gave a wife to Adam, He first taught him how to till and tend the Garden of Eden. God taught him the work that he needed to do. God made sure that Adam would not search for a wife out of loneliness or desperation, but because he needed help to fulfill God’s calling over his life. The same principle applies to us. Before you go out to look for a wife, you must first set yourself apart in the wilderness and seek the presence of God.

    Now that iniquity abounds and we are living in a chaotic and broken culture, many people carry trauma, pain, and deep wounds that need healing, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose. All of this can only be found in Jesus.

    Imagine bringing all that brokenness into marriage. What do you think will happen? Disaster. It could lead to a painful and terrifying marriage. That is why you must first have an intimate fellowship with Jesus. Let Him heal you, transform your life, and reveal His calling over you.

    When you know who you are and what God has called you to do, you’ll recognize the woman who is meant to walk beside you.

    Our messy culture today is always centered on self-driven desires, even when it comes to marriage. We are the ones who decide who we want to be with, instead of turning to God and asking Him to prepare the woman who will become our wife.

    Because everything in the world is now so confused and corrupted, sex before marriage, “try before buying,” and relationships built only on pleasure. We have lost the true meaning of the union between a man and a woman. Marriage is not just about two people choosing each other; it is about God joining two lives together for His purpose. Isn’t it Jesus Himself who said, “What God has joined together…?(Matthew 19:6). That is why before you take that step, it is so important to be led by God to the woman He has appointed for you.

    I encourage you to study the story of Rebekah and Isaac. Their marriage are arranged by God through faith, prayer, and obedience.

    Before you search for a wife, love Jesus and live for Him alone.

    To understand “finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord,” to make this simple, think about this, How do you feel when you find a godly woman who is exactly what you prayed for, one who fits your needs, and both of you know your purpose? When both of you have been healed and transformed by Jesus. isn’t that a good thing?

    Now that both of you are ready to work together and are willing to yield to God’s calling over your lives, you begin to become one instead of two. And anyone who walks with God will surely find favor.

  • Acts 20:28

    “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” — Acts 20:28

    The Apostle Paul is giving his farewell message to the elders of the church in Ephesus. Paul knew his time was very short and that he would not see them again. The Holy Spirit had already revealed that troubles and afflictions were waiting for him in Jerusalem, where he could be imprisoned or even killed, as we know eventually happened. Because of this, Paul wanted to remind and warn the elders one last time before he went home to be with the Lord Jesus.

    Knowing that his earthly ministry was coming to an end, Paul wanted to leave the elders in Ephesus with a final charge, to protect themselves and the people entrusted to them, those who were purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus. He would no longer be there to remind or warn them. Once he went home to the Lord, they would carry the responsibility to lead, protect, and nurture God’s people.

    When Paul said, “Take heed to yourselves before to all the flock,” he emphasized the importance that self-checking must come first. For this is the only way you can guard your own salvation and the salvation of the people entrusted to you. He also warned this to Timothy:

    “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
    ‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭

    If you hold a position in the church, entrusted by God with His people, I hope you see every person as a precious soul purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus, just as the Apostle Peter reminds us:

    “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” I Peter‬ ‭1:18-19‬ ‭

    We often say that salvation is free, but is it truly free? It is indeed offered to us as a free gift, but for the Lord Jesus, the price of that salvation was His own blood shed on the Cross. Anyone who serves as a leader in the congregation must have a deep understanding of this truth. It is very crucial, because not all believers fully grasp its weight.

    Jesus said that a single precious soul is worth more than all the riches of the world combined:

    “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” — Matthew 16:26

    That’s how serious Paul’s message was. The people we lead are souls purchased with the very life of Christ. The elders were called and entrusted by God to care for His people, and they would be held accountable for how they fulfilled this calling.

    “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Hebrews‬ ‭13:17‬ ‭

    To better understand the battles these leaders faced, we need to look at the background of Ephesus. Paul once said that he “fought with beasts in Ephesus” (1 Corinthians 15:32). The city of Ephesus was the capital of a Roman province in Asia. It was a center of trade and also of religion, known for the worship of the goddess Diana. There were many cults in this city that practiced various forms of idolatry and sexual immorality, often led by women.

    Much of the Ephesian industry was connected to this temple. Craftsmen made shrines and household idols of the goddess, which worshipers purchased to take with them on long journeys. Because of this, when Paul preached the gospel, many people turned away from these false idols and abandoned their idolatrous practices. This led to a great uproar among the craftsmen, whose livelihood was being threatened by the spread of Christianity (see Acts 19:23–41). The Ephesians were proud of their religious heritage and the legends surrounding their goddess, which made them fiercely resistant to the truth of the Gospel.

    When the gospel spread in Ephesus, many new believers who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them publicly as a sign of repentance and total surrender to Christ. This powerful act showed how deeply the gospel transformed their hearts and values. It also reveals that witchcraft and sorcery were common in this city.

    Now we understand that Ephesus was a center of paganism, and sexual immorality was widespread. Ritual prostitution and sexual practices were part of pagan worship and were tolerated in society. These were the forces the elders had to guard themselves against. If they became entangled in these sins, how could they help others find freedom?

    These are still the same struggles most Christians face today. The Apostle John reminds us,

    “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” 1 John 2:15

    Many believers battle with letting go of idols, whether it’s money, success, comfort, or pleasure. The challenges may look different on the outside, but the spiritual warfare remains the same.

    Before we lead others, we must first learn to watch over and guard our own souls. Jesus said,

    “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?” Luke 6:39.

    A distracted, weary, or unfaithful heart cannot guide others toward faithfulness. Before you were given a position, you were first called to follow Jesus and your main calling is to keep following Him while you lead others to do the same. Do not let ministry steal your intimate fellowship with Jesus, who loves you and gave His life for you.

    Then Paul said, “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” This means, as I mentioned, that you were chosen and appointed by God. Sometimes, as leaders, we put ourselves down because the enemy whispers lies that we are not worthy. But listen to what the Lord Jesus says:

    “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John‬ ‭15:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    The position you were given, the Lord Himself chose and appointed you for it. Every time you question your worthiness or calling, you are, in a way, doubting God’s decision over your life. It’s like asking Him, “Are You sure?” But how can we question the One who is all-knowing? “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). Of course, He is sure. Of course, He knows you are able and perfectly fit for the calling He has given you. That’s why false humility can be dangerous, it belittles God’s confidence in His own choice.

    The Scriptures say, “Stand fast in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1), meaning stand firm and confident in what God has called you to do. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37).This means your strength does not come from yourself—it comes from God. He is the One who appointed you, and He is also the One who will supply all your needs—not only your material needs, but your spiritual strength as well. As the Apostle Paul said,

    “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19.

    You will feel the heavy weight of responsibility, but do not forget the beauty in Paul’s words: “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” This means you are not alone.

    “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John‬ ‭14:16-18‬ ‭

    The Holy Spirit is with you, working together with you to care for God’s people. He is your Helper, your Teacher, and your Guide. Yield and submit to His leading with humility.

    Now I pray that the Lord gives you understanding of what you have read and reveals to you through the life of the elders in Ephesus. They eventually turned away from God—not because they lacked faith or works, but because they left their first love, as the Lord Jesus warned them:

    “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” — Revelation 2:4

    This warning speaks to all of us. If we desire to serve the body of Christ, we must first be bondservants of the Lord Jesus, serving with fervent love for Him. Let our desire for ministry never exceed our desire for Jesus Himself. Let our goal be to abide in Him every moment, not only when it is convenient.

    Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). Through our union with the Lord Jesus, we will bear much fruit, not through our own strength, but through Him.

    I hope that you receive an understanding that you were appointed by the Lord Himself, not by man. That means you are able, because God never makes mistakes in His calling. Speaking negatively about yourself or the position God has entrusted to you is the same as doubting His
    sovereignty.

    Remember that the believers around you are purchased by the blood of Jesus and must be cared for with great love, and those who have not yet believed are still precious souls worth more than all the riches of the world.

    Do not be discouraged but be encouraged! The Holy Spirit is within you and always ready to work with you.

    “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians‬ ‭15:58‬ ‭

  • Psalm 90:12

    “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

    If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I would hand her this verse and say, “Meditate on this, it will change how you live.”

    This verse is a prayer written by Moses, one of the oldest Psalms in the Bible. Moses reflects on how brief and fragile human life truly is. He describes life as a sigh, here for a moment, then gone.

    When we’re young, we often think we have endless time ahead of us. We chase dreams, make plans, and assume the sky’s the limit. But that’s a lie. Life on this earth is short, and time is passing faster than we realize. The world we live in has an appointed end. One day, God will bring judgment, and this world will be replaced by a new heaven and a new earth.

    “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” II Peter‬ ‭3:10-13‬ ‭

    A promise reserved for those who believe and follow the LORD Jesus Christ.

    We are not meant to stay here forever. We are only pilgrims and strangers passing through this world with a divine purpose entrusted to us by God.

    When Moses prayed, “Teach us to number our days,” he wasn’t asking God to help him count the years. He was asking for wisdom to live with purpose. To “number our days” means to live with the awareness that time is sacred, and that each moment should align with God’s calling on our lives.

    If we don’t ask God for that understanding, we risk wasting our lives on things that don’t matter. We’ll chase distractions, comfort, and worldly desires that pull us away from what truly counts. But when we live with purpose, our priorities shift. The Apostle Paul gives us a clear picture of how short our lives are here on earth.

    “But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭7:29-31‬ ‭

    Paul reminds us that time is short and that the things of this world are only temporary. He isn’t telling us to stop caring or to withdraw from life but to set our minds on things above. The relationships, emotions, and possessions we have are part of this world, but they shouldn’t be our highest priorities in life.

    Everything around us is fading, and only what is done for God will last. That’s why the Apostle Paul urges us to live with focus, urgency, and a heavenly perspective. When we truly understand that “the form of this world is passing away,” we begin to receive from God a heart of wisdom. Our way of thinking transforms, and it begins to reflect in how we live.

    We start to reorganize our lives around His calling. We set ourselves apart from people and habits that don’t help us grow or fulfill our God-given purpose. We stop holding on too tightly to temporary things and instead start investing our time and energy in what matters for eternity.

    But if we allow distractions to take over, they can easily blur our sense of purpose. Before we know it, the years slip away. We look back and wonder how time moved so quickly and realize we haven’t even begun what God called us to do. We’ve wasted time that could have been used to serve God’s kingdom and accomplish far greater things for His glory.

    The Apostle Paul echoes this truth again in Ephesians 5:16, urging us to:

    “Redeem the time, because the days are evil.”

    In other words, make the most of every moment. The distractions of this world are designed to steal our focus and waste our time. Everything we pour ourselves into whether pleasure, wealth, or even family will eventually fade away. But what we do for God will last forever.

    Lastly, we must remember: tomorrow is not promised. That’s why the scripture says,

    “For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭

    Today is the only moment we are truly given, it’s a present from God. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and we are not promised another sunrise.
    As the Apostle James reminds us, 

    “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James‬ ‭4:14‬

    Tomorrow is not guaranteed. We don’t know what will happen in the next hour or even at the next sunrise. But one thing is certain that eternity is real. And every person must choose where they will spend it: in eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, or in eternal life through Jesus Christ.

    If you believe in the Lord Jesus with all your heart and surrender your life to Him, your salvation is secure. He died for your sins, rose again, and offers you forgiveness and eternal life not because of what you’ve done, but because of His mercy and love.

    And if you are already a believer, remember this: the Lord didn’t call you just to believe. He called you to follow Him. Faith is not meant to be stagnant. God wants you to walk with Him daily, to grow deeper in your relationship with Him, and to fulfill the purpose He has entrusted to you.

    Because one day, we will all stand before the Lord Jesus and give an account of how we lived.

    “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Let today be the day you choose to live to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, to make your days count, and to glorify God with the life He has given you.

  • John 15:5

    “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

    LORD Jesus spoke these words to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. It was part of His final conversation with them, the seventh and last of His “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John. Each “I Am” declaration reveals a deeper truth about who Jesus is and what He came to do. The LORD Jesus often uses familiar things from everyday life to help His disciples easily understand His message. The Jewish people were well acquainted with vineyards. Growing and cultivating grapes was a common part of their culture and livelihood. They knew that the vine is the one supporting and providing nourishment for the branches to bear fruit.

    Jesus used this image to help His disciples understand the importance of staying connected to Him. Just as the branches depend entirely on the vine for life, strength, and fruitfulness, we must also depend completely on Christ.

    The first six “I Am” statements reveal Jesus as the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, and the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Each of these reveals His divine purpose, to give us life by giving His own, so that through faith in Him we might have eternal life and be restored to the Father, becoming part of His Kingdom.

    Now, in this final “I Am” statement, Jesus says, “I am the Vine.” He is saying that our relationship with Him must be ongoing and alive. We have to dwell in Him and live for Him. We are still here on earth, working to fulfill His purpose and calling that He has assigned to each of us. Because the enemy is still active in this world, he continually tries to hinder us by throwing challenges, temptations, and distractions our way.

    Have you ever wondered why many Christians still struggle with sinning even after accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior? It is because, at times, we fail to stay connected to the Vine. When we drift away from daily fellowship with the Lord Jesus, our spiritual strength weakens.

    Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to overcome the desires of the flesh. It is through prayer that we crucify our fleshly nature and allow the Spirit of God to take control. Have you ever noticed that when you start praying, you suddenly begin to yawn, or feel sleepy and get distracted?The same with reading the Word of God? Prayer and the Word work together to crucify the desires of the flesh and strengthen our spirit. When we pray, we speak to God; when we read His Word, God speaks to us. 

    That is what Jesus meant when He said, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” We cannot bear good fruit if we are not connected to the Vine. As the Lord said, the Father is the vinedresser, meaning God is the One who tends, nourishes, and shapes our lives. He alone can produce good fruit in us, the nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We cannot bear these fruits on our own.

    So if you ever wonder why you are struggling, it may be because you are trying to do it in your own strength. We are not the source of our own growth; God is. Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” It was God who made the growth possible. As Jesus said, “For without Me you can do nothing.” Amen.

    Jesus is the source of everything we need, not only for our physical needs but also for our spiritual life. If He had not died for us on the cross, we would all be dead in our sins and lost forever.

    At the same time, just as a farmer needs to prune his plants so they can produce more fruit, God must also prune us. This process can be painful because it involves removing old habits, unhealthy relationships, or distractions that keep us from growing in faith and developing godly character. But once the pruning is done, new growth begins, and the fruits of the Spirit start to flourish in our lives.

    Today, abide in Jesus, and let Him grow in you. 

  • John 14:6

    “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” — John 14:6

    On the night before His betrayal and death, Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was about to happen. He had just told them that He was going away to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. Thomas having a difficulty to grasp the words of Jesus asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

    “We do not know where You are going, ” was a great question. Jesus had been teaching about the Kingdom of God from the very beginning of His ministry. His first recorded message in Mark 1:15 declares,

    “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

    Jesus continued to reintroduce to His disciples the Kingdom of God by giving them many parables about the Kingdom so they could gain understanding about His Kingdom. Yet on the night before His crucifixion, after three whole years of walking with the Lord, they were still asking Him, “Lord, where are You going?”

    Think about that. Even the disciples, who were Jewish and had been taught the Scriptures from childhood, still struggled to fully understand Jesus’ words. It was not just because of a lack of faith. It was because everything Jesus spoke was spiritual. Jesus said, “

    “… the words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”
    ‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭

    Why was this so important? Because every human being faces the same problem. We simply do not know God on our own. We have been completely separated from Him. Our sins and trespasses have made us spiritually dead, unable to see or understand the things of God apart from His revelation. That is why Jesus wants all of us to be born again, born of the Spirit, so that we can truly understand Him. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the Word of God and guide us into all truth. It is the Holy Spirit who reveals to us the things of God, so that we may know what God has freely given us. Without the Holy Spirit, we can read or hear the Word, but we will not truly understand it.

    Then Thomas continued, “How do we know the way?” Another great question that led to an even greater answer. Jesus said, “I am the way.”

    Why? Because among all the religions in the world, they all teach that we must do good to reach God. But Jesus said,

    “So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.” Mark‬ ‭10:18‬

    Think about that. Our thoughts, our intentions, and our actions are all under the bondage of sin. All we know is how to commit sin. It is our nature now because of the transgression of Adam, which caused us to be separated from God. We were born into sin, shaped by it, and surrounded by it. That is why we cannot live righteously on our own, because only God can teach us how to live right. That is why Jesus requires only one thing for salvation—to believe. When you truly believe in someone, you will follow what that person says or recommends. Belief always leads to action. We do not know the Kingdom of God, nor the way to it, and even more so, we do not know how to live a life that is pleasing to God. But Jesus laid down His life for us. He paid for our sins with His own blood. The Scripture says,

    “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” Acts‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭

    Jesus is the only way because His death satisfied the wrath of God. His sacrifice not only gave us eternal life with Him but also restored our relationship with the Father. That is the truth!! that we are all sinners, in need of a Savior. And this is the very truth the enemy works so hard to hide, because he does not want you and me to enter the Kingdom of God.

    The presence of the Lord Jesus on Earth, when He walked with His disciples, was not only to bring light to the world but also to show us the way and reveal the truth that we are all separated from the Father because of our sins. Only He, the Lamb of God, was the body prepared by God Himself to satisfy His righteous wrath.

    The Scripture says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). Why did it have to be through a human body? Because it was humanity that committed sin. A life had to be given for life. Jesus offered His life so that we might receive life, and through Him, we can now obtain mercy from the Father.

    How do we receive this mercy? Not by our works, but through the precious blood of Jesus. The scripture says,

    “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 

    If you think you can reach God by your own efforts, unfortunately, you never will. In the sight of God, without being washed and covered by the blood of Christ, we are totally separated from Him because of our sins.

    “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:2 

    If you are looking for the way to enter the Kingdom of God, enter through Jesus. Didn’t He say, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9)?

    When you enter through Him, He will become your Good Shepherd who will never leave you nor forsake you. Jesus said, “The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11), and He did it so that you could be with God for all eternity.

  • John 11:25

    “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’” — John 11:25

    Jesus had heard that His dear friend Lazarus was sick. Strangely, instead of rushing to his side, “He stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” During that time, Lazarus died.

    When Jesus finally arrived near Bethany, Martha the sister of Lazarus ran out to meet Him and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Her words reflected both grief and faith. She believed Jesus had power to heal but could not yet imagine His power over death itself.

    Jesus assured her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha, thinking of the final resurrection, replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Then Jesus revealed His deity and His very nature as the source of life itself.

    “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

    The Greek word for resurrection is “Anástasis” (ἀνάστασις), which means “rising from the dead.” When Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life,” He wasn’t merely giving her comfort, He was correcting her understanding of resurrection.

    Martha believed that resurrection was something that would happen at the end of time. But Jesus revealed that resurrection is not just an event, it is a person. He Himself is the resurrection.

    John had already written earlier in his Gospel:

    “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” — John 1:4

    From the very beginning, life has always come from God. In Genesis, God breathed into Adam the breath of life, and “man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7)

    There is no resurrection apart from Jesus, and no eternal life outside of Him. He doesn’t merely give life, He is the source of life. Therefore, death has no ultimate power over Him.

    Death entered the world because of sin, but Jesus is holy, righteous, and sinless. Because He is God, death cannot touch Him. He conquered it completely through His own resurrection.

    Later, Jesus told His disciples:

    “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.” — John 11:14–15

    Jesus knew exactly that everyone, just like Martha, believed that the Lord could only fix things while there was still hope, because that’s what healing does—it only repairs, as long as the situation is not beyond repair. But what about something completely shattered into very tiny pieces, something that could never be restored by human means, like death itself?

    Paul also spoke about the resurrection of the dead, a truth that many in his time found hard to believe. No one in this world had ever died and then come back to life after several days. But what happened to Lazarus also revealed the Lord’s resurrection. It is almost ironic, because all the disciples witnessed this miracle in the life of Lazarus, yet they still struggled to believe in the Lord Jesus’ own resurrection.

    That is why Jesus intentionally waited until Lazarus had died and had been in the tomb for several days. He waited for the moment when every possibility of human help was gone. He allowed the situation to reach a point where no one could make excuses or offer natural explanations for what was about to happen. By doing this, every witness would know beyond any doubt that what was taking place was not an accident or a coincidence, but the undeniable demonstration of Jesus’ authority and power over death. They would all witness the glory of God.

    By raising Lazarus from the dead, the Lord Jesus gave us a preview of what awaits all who believe in Him, resurrection and new life. Just as Scripture says,

    “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, 

    All the disciples’ issue here was their lack of faith in Jesus. Have you ever wondered why Jesus requires us to believe in Him to be saved?

    The Bible answers this clearly in John 3:16:

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

    To understand this, we need to go back to the Old Testament, to the life of Abraham. The Bible says that God counted him righteous because he believed God. Faith was the foundation of his relationship with the Lord.

    The entire world is dead in transgressions and sins, which means that our natural tendency is to sin and live in lawlessness. To learn how to live a good and righteous life, we would need someone who truly knows how to live that way. Unfortunately, there is no one in this world who can teach us perfectly, because Jesus Himself said, “God alone is good.” (Mark 10:18)

    God simply wants us to put our faith and confidence in Jesus. To make this easier to understand, think about how our world today is filled with influencers promoting beauty products and life tips. When you apply a product to your face, it’s because you believe what the person said that it will make your skin clear.

    The Apostle Paul echoed this in Romans 1:17,

    “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”

    It’s the same with God. Because belief always leads to action. He calls us to believe in Him because He knows we do not know how to live righteously on our own. We have all been enslaved by sin. That is why, after the Lord Jesus ascended, He sent His Holy Spirit to teach, guide, and convict us. Without the Holy Spirit, we would still be living in sin.

    It is the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead and now gives us new life. The same Spirit that dwelled in Christ now dwells in you and me.

  • John 10:11-14

    I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”

    Before the Lord Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd, He first declares that He is the door (John 10:7). By calling Himself “the door,” Jesus proclaims that He alone is the way to salvation. Just as there was only one door leading into the sheepfold, there is only one way to enter the Kingdom of God, through Him alone.

    Then Jesus says that His sheep “go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9), some misunderstand this is He talking about gaining and losing salvation?. But that’s not what He means. Jesus is describing the freedom, peace, and safety we find when we belong to Him.

    The door is not meant to trap us, but to protect us. Through Jesus, we are safe from spiritual danger. Through Him, we experience abundant life as He says, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundant

    That’s why, right after revealing Himself as the Door, Jesus then declares, “I am the good shepherd.” The people of Israel would have immediately understood what He was saying. He wasn’t just calling Himself a shepherd. He was declaring Himself to be the Good Shepherd. In doing so, Jesus revealed that He is God Himself, just as described in Psalm 23:1–6 and
    Ezekiel 34:11–16, where the Lord is portrayed as the Shepherd who lovingly cares for His people.

    The Greek word kalos, reflects what the Lord was revealing to them, translated as “good,” means something noble, pure, kind, and beautiful. This perfectly describes the character of God.

    Psalm 23:1–6

    The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

    Ezekiel‬ ‭34:11-16

    “‘For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.””

    ‭‭Then the Lord drew a clear contrast between Himself and the religious leaders, the Pharisees. Whom He was speaking to in this passage. He compared them to a hireling, a hired worker who doesn’t truly care for the sheep.

    The Lord Jesus was pointing them back to the prophet Ezekiel, who spoke out against the false shepherds of Israel—leaders who had failed in their responsibility to care for God’s people. They were supposed to watch over His flock like good shepherds care for their sheep. But instead, they were selfish and greedy. They took the best for themselves, ignored the weak and the sick, and never went after those who were lost. Because of their neglect, God’s people were scattered and became easy prey for their enemies.

    “And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.” ‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: “As I live,” says the Lord God, “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock”— Ezekiel‬ ‭34:1-8‬ ‭

    They were acting just like hirelings, those who work only for pay and have no real love or care for the sheep. God had appointed priests to serve in His temple and teach His Word to the children of Israel. He had also appointed leaders to guide the nation and keep order. Their calling was to reflect God’s heart and character by leading His people with love, truth, and compassion. But instead of doing that, they did the opposite. They fulfilled the very prophecy spoken against them in Ezekiel.

    A hireling works only for money; his main concern is his wages, not the sheep. He looks out for himself rather than protecting those under his care. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for the same attitude, they used their traditions to take advantage of the people instead of caring for them.

    “He said to them, ‘All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition… For Moses said, “Honor your father and your mother”; and, “He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.” But you say, “If a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift to God),” then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.’” – Mark 7:9–13

    These religious leaders cared only about their position and profit, not about the people. They acted like hirelings, not shepherds, using God’s name for personal gain instead of serving with a heart that reflects the love of God towards His sheep.

    The Lord Jesus was revealing to them that He is the promised Messiah spoken of in Ezekiel 34:22–23, 28–31—the Good Shepherd sent by God Himself. In that prophecy, God declared that He would rescue His people from false shepherds and raise up one true Shepherd from the line of David to care for His flock. Jesus was showing the Pharisees that this ancient promise was being fulfilled in Him.

    “I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them—My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd.” – Ezekiel 34:22–23

    God promised to send a shepherd, called “My servant David” to lead, protect, and feed His people. This doesn’t refer to king David himself, who had already died, but to the Messiah, a descendant of David, who would rule with God’s heart. Jesus, as the Son of David, fulfills this prophecy perfectly.

    When Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd”, He was declaring that He is the One whom Ezekiel foretold, the Shepherd who would save God’s people, restore them, and bring them into a covenant of peace In Ezekiel 34:25, God promised,

    “I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.”

    We all know that it’s through the blood of Jesus that we have a covenant of peace. His precious blood washes away our sins and restores our relationship with God. Through Jesus, our Good Shepherd, this covenant was made complete. By His death and resurrection, He reconciled us to the Father, tearing down the wall of separation that sin had built between God and us.

    Jesus not only finds us when we are lost and heals our broken hearts but He also brings us back into a close relationship with the Father. He doesn’t just guard us from harm; He draws us near to Himself, giving us fellowship, peace, and everlasting security under His tender and faithful care as He promised in Ezekiel 34:28–31 ,

    “And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them, but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid. I will raise up for them a garden of renown… Thus they shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and they, the house of Israel, are My people,” says the Lord God. “You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God,” says the Lord God.”

    Jesus fulfills every part of God’s promise in Ezekiel. As our Good Shepherd, He never runs when danger comes. When the wolf appears, He stands between us and harm, giving His own life to save ours. Just as He is the Door, He surrounds us with His protection and keeps us safe within His love.

    The Lord Jesus never abandons His flock. Even when we wander or fall, His grace reaches out to find us. He is the Good Shepherd who rescues the scattered, heals the broken, restores the lost, and brings His people into everlasting fellowship with God. Through His sacrifice, He leads us into everlasting fellowship with God, where we find peace, safety, and love that never ends.

    And the Lord ends by revealing both His purpose and His deity, saying, “I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”

    One of the most defining traits of sheep is that they recognize and follow only the voice of their shepherd. They spend every day hearing his call, walking where he leads, and trusting him to meet their needs. Over time, that voice becomes familiar that brings comfort, direction, and safety for them. In the same way, those of us who truly know God and seek Him daily learn to recognize the voice of Jesus. As we spend time in prayer, read His Word, and walk in obedience to His calling, we come to know Him more deeply and He knows us personally.

    Scripture reminds us,

    “If anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.” — 1 Corinthians 8:3

    Those who belong to the Lord will not follow another voice. They will not be led away by false teachers or deceiving words, because their hearts are tuned to the Shepherd’s call. But those who listen to other voices and reject the truth show that they are not part of God’s flock.

    Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He invites you to enter through His door and become part of His flock.

  • John 10:7–9 

    Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” – John 10:7–9 

    He uses the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate His relationship with those who believe in Him. For us to understand the illustration from the Lord, we must first visualize what the structure of a sheepfold is. A sheepfold had no roof, only four walls and one gate or door. Sometimes it was built next to the owner’s house; other times, it stood out in the open fields.

    That single door was intentionally designed for the safety and protection of the sheep. Sheep are among the most helpless of all animals. They spend their days grazing, wandering from place to place without ever looking up, and as a result, they often become lost. Unlike other animals, sheep have no sense of direction or homing instinct. Even when the fold is within sight, they cannot find their way back on their own. By nature, they are followers, if one sheep steps off a cliff, the rest will follow without hesitation. They are easily injured and completely defenseless against predators. If a wolf enters the pen, they will not fight or flee; instead, they will huddle together, making themselves easy prey. If a sheep falls into moving water, it will drown. 

    Sound familiar? In many ways, we are just like sheep, wandering, vulnerable, and in desperate need of a Shepherd to guide, protect, and rescue us.

    So the structure of the sheepfold was deliberately created for their safety, four walls, one door, complete protection.

    In the ancient Near East, sheepfolds often had a single opening “a door or gate”, that served as both the entrance and the exit. At night, the shepherd would lay his body across that opening, protecting the sheep from harm and keeping them safe from thieves and predators. By doing this, the shepherd literally became the door. Jesus is declaring that He Himself is that Door. Just as there was only one entrance to the sheepfold, there is only one way to be saved and that through Jesus Christ. He is the Door through which we must enter to find safety, security, and salvation.

    When Jesus says, “I am the Door,” He makes a bold statement about the exclusivity of salvation. Just as there is only one way into the sheep pen, there is only one way into the kingdom of God. There are many religions in the world and many supposed ways to reach God, but there is only one gate. Salvation is found in no one else except Jesus Christ. He is the gate for the sheep.

    “This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter.” – Psalm 118:20 

    That gate is Jesus. He said the same truth again in

    “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” – John 14:6

    These are not popular words in a diverse culture such as ours, but they remain the truth. Jesus is the one and only way to the Father. He is the Gate, and only those who enter through Christ will be saved.

    Why is Jesus the only way to salvation? Because we are all sinners, and the wages of sin is death. Only Jesus offers the solution for sin.

    “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

    He died on the cross in our place, paying the penalty for our sins so that we could receive forgiveness and salvation through Him. There is no other way. As Paul writes in Galatians,

    “…for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”” Galatians‬ ‭2:21‬ ‭

    But Christ did not die in vain. He died for you and I, so that we may be saved. He is the Gate for the sheep. Salvation comes through Jesus alone.

    When Jesus says, “All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers,” He is referring to those who were used by satan to steal the sheep from God. Anyone who tries to enter the sheepfold by any means other than the gate is a thief and a robber. In the same way, if someone enters a house without using the door, that person is not the owner but a thief. Likewise, anyone who tries to lead God’s people apart from Christ is also a thief and a robber. How can anyone truly lead others without having fellowship with the Lord Jesus Himself? We are all followers of Jesus, and as you and I continue to follow Him daily, Anyone we invited into the Kingdom of God , We all led them to follow Jesus, not us, but Him. Because He is the Gate for the sheep. Salvation comes through Jesus alone.

    In context, the Lord Jesus was speaking about the Pharisees, who were also spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins. They tried to offer people spiritual life apart from Him. But how can anyone lead others to salvation without first recognizing their own sin and their need for a Savior? How can we offer direction to someone who is lost when we ourselves are lost as well? Jesus said,

    “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?” – Luke 6:39,

    Remember, one of the defining characteristics of sheeps is that they only listen to their shepherd voice. Just as the sheep spend their days listening to their shepherd’s voice as he speaks to them, guides them, and cares for their needs, they come to know his voice because they hear it every day. In the same way, those who truly know God and seek after Him will not listen to anyone who tries to lead them away from Jesus. But those who listen to false teachers show that they do not belong to God’s flock.

    In ancient Israel, shepherds often mixed their flocks together at night. In the morning, each shepherd would call out, and his sheep would follow his voice, because they recognized it. Even today, Middle Eastern shepherds can separate their flocks simply by calling them. The sheep know their shepherd’s voice because they hear it daily. Likewise, those who truly belong to Christ recognize His voice through His Word and Spirit.

    When Jesus says, “If anyone enters by Me,” we are reminded that God is sovereign, yet He never uses His sovereignty to control or dominate us. Instead, He always gives us a choice. He extends an open invitation to everyone, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or what you’ve done. God wants each of us to decide whether to accept His offer of salvation or not. This is a promise of salvation for anyone who is willing to enter. But notice, there is an action required on our part. We must enter through the Door. We have to take that step of faith, an active faith that responds to His call.

    Then the Lord goes on to say: “He will come in and go out, and find pasture”. Some people get confused about this part of the illustration. If Jesus is the gateway to salvation, what does He mean by “going in and out through the gate”? Is He talking about gaining and losing salvation?

    Does the purpose of the pen is to keep the sheep safe and protected, not to trap them inside. Do the sheep ever go out without their shepherd? Of course not.

    “Coming in and going out” does not refer to eternal life but to the quality of life we experience through Christ. It is not a picture of gaining and losing salvation, but of freedom in Him. “Coming in” represents the safety and rest the sheep experience when they enter the fold for the night, while “going out” represents our daily walk with Him, this is where our training happens. It’s where He teaches us to recognize His voice, to trust His guidance, and to follow His lead.

    As the psalmist wrote,

    “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” Psalm 23:2

    The Lord doesn’t just offer us salvation to secure our eternity; He also gives us peace, provision, and guidance in our daily lives. Salvation is not only about being rescued from sin, it’s about being led into a life of abundance in His presence.

    Jesus said,

    …I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundant – John 10:10.

    Because when we come to the LORD Jesus for salvation, He doesn’t stop at forgiving our sins; He also restores our relationship with the Father and fills our lives with His goodness.
    Think about it, what loving Father would delight in seeing His children, who have accepted His salvation, live in pain, lack, or constant fear? Of course not. Our Heavenly Father is a good, good Father. He loves His children and desires what is best for them. Because He is good, He will never give us anything that will harm us or lead us away from Him. Even when He allows trials to come, they are never meant to destroy us but to give us hope and future.

    Today, Jesus is inviting you to enter through His Door. 

  • John 8:12

    “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” – John 8:12


    This is the second of John’s seven “I Am” statements.

    These words were spoken shortly after the encounter with the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees had brought her to Jesus, hoping to trap Him in His words. But instead of condemning her, Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” One by one, the accusers left, convicted by their own conscience.

    When the LORD says, I am the light of the world. The Jewish people knew right away the LORD was trying to convey that He was pointing to Himself as God, who spoke light into existence at creation. He was the pillar of cloud by day and fire at night leading and guiding the people of Israelites in wilderness,

    “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.” — Exodus 13:21

    I hope they understand that the LORD was telling them about His mission, that He came to save us from the ruler of the darkness of this world. 

    “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” — Colossians 1:13

    He came to set us free from the power of Satan and to bring us into His marvelous light.

    “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” — Acts 26:18

    The LORD Jesus came not only to forgive our sins but to deliver us from the grip of darkness and bring us into the light of His eternal Kingdom.

    The Greek text emphasizes that Jesus is not simply “a” light but “the” light. “Egō eimi to phōs tou kosmou.” This means He is the source of the light.

    “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”– 1 John 1:5

    John declared that “God is light.” In these words, we understand that the Lord Jesus is revealing His true deity, the eternal source of light has put on flesh. The invisible God has become visible. The light that once shone in creation now shines in human form, not only into the world, but into the hearts of those who believe.

    As the Scriptures say:

    “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

    Just as the physical world depends on light to survive, every living thing needs it. Light gives energy for plants to grow, and those plants produce food and oxygen for all living creatures.  Everything on earth continues because of light. It gives power to our homes, fuels our machines and technology, and brightens our cities at night. Even the electricity we use comes from energy that reflects the power of light. The world continues to function because of physical light, yet so few recognize their need for the spiritual light that sustains eternal life.

    But how come the world does not recognize how dark it truly is? When you listen to or watch the news, you can see and hear that the world we live in is filled with violence, confusion, deception, and pain. We are so blind that we cannot see how deep the darkness has become.

    The reason is that the world is under the rule of satan. The scriptures says,

    “The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

    “Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” (Ephesians 4:18)

    Now we understand why the world cannot recognize its spiritual darkness because it has been blinded. 

    Then, Jesus says, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

    As the Lord lives and reigns on His throne, He remains the source of light for us, providing not only for our physical needs but also for our spiritual sight. When Jesus came, the Light walked into a darkened world.  When the LORD was on the earth, even His disciples, Nicodemus, and the people around Him had difficulty understanding His words.

    “Then Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see,…

    Here we see that only the LORD Jesus can give us sight. When He died on the cross, He paid for our sins and restored our relationship with the source of Light, God Himself.

    Look at the disciples after the LORD died. They all went back to fishing because without the Spirit, our bodies have no power to resist the desires of the flesh. This is also why people living in the world do not recognize their sinful condition, for we are all dead in trespasses and sins.

    But praise the LORD! After He ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples. Then we saw the power of God revealed, a true transformation. Peter, who once denied the LORD Jesus, stood boldly and preached the gospel. Their lives were changed. They received a clear understanding of their calling to walk with the LORD Jesus and to follow Him.

    As we continue to walk in the Holy Spirit, we become more aware of sin because the Holy Spirit convicts us. Have you ever wondered how the apostles were able to write all those words of correction and awareness of sin? It was through the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We too are in this same process of transformation. Many times, we fall into sin without realizing it. It happens often, doesn’t it?

    That is why the LORD Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, to convict us of sin, to make us aware of our sinful nature, and to give us power to overcome every fleshly desire that is not pleasing in the sight of God. He equips us to finish the task He has given us

    When we encounter the Lord and believe in Him, Jesus does not expect us to stay where we first received Him. He expects us to follow Him. We must continually walk with Him and live in His Spirit, because only the Holy Spirit can give us life.

    The pillar of fire that guided the Israelites to the Promised Land is the same as the tongues of fire given to all who believe in the Lord Jesus, lighting our path. He is the seal of our redemption. He will guide us not only to the truth but into all truth. The Holy Spirit will give us life and power to conquer our flesh. He is the one who transforms our lives.

    Today, do not just stand and look at the light. Follow Him and walk in the Spirit. follow Him!