August 8: Jeremiah 1-2; John 10

Scripture: John 10: 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.
8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Observation: Gates work two ways, one can “come in” and one can “go out.” Upon release from active duty (ten years in the Navy, six in Hawaii), one thing I missed was being able to drive through the gates to places Sharon, Doron and I had enjoyed. I felt limited. Now there were places on the island I could not go.

Other gates seemed a welcome to a place of safety. And after being refreshed, and restocked, it was through that same gate of Camp Vandergrift that Golf Company, 2/4 would go out to patrol below the DMZ.

Application: Jesus is my gate into the Presence of God. Through Jesus and because of His sacrifice, I have access into the throne room of heaven. Jesus is also my gate back into the world to love the world the way God loves the world.

Prayer: Lord, I am blest that you have made a way for me into your presence! May I not be a stranger there! I am also blest that you send me out into the world you love. May I be useful there. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!