Day 198 | Saturday, 3 October 2020

Day 198 - Audio Version

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Day 198 | Saturday, 3 October 2020

​There is a mystery to be solved here in the Woodlands.  If you take the walking path from the street between Karen’s and the Green’s, you may just notice some rocks near the catch basin that are smiling at you and showing their teeth.  The mystery – who is behind this joyful creation.  It is not Ken and Stephen from the maintenance staff.  It is not the Woodlands Shepherd.  Someone with a wonderful sense of humor has brought us a delightful experience – thank you, mystery person.

John 10:22-30 Jesus at the Festival of Dedication
22 The time came for the Festival of Dedication in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple, walking in the covered porch named for Solomon. 24 The Jewish opposition circled around him and asked, “How long will you test our patience? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, but you don’t believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you don’t believe because you don’t belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life. They will never die, and no one will snatch them from my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them from my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”  
Today's Scripture & Insight: From Our Daily Bread for October 2, 2020 By:  Marvin Williams
“Julio was biking across the George Washington Bridge—a busy, double-decked thoroughfare connecting New York City and New Jersey—when he encountered a life-or-death situation. A man was standing on a ledge over the Hudson River preparing to jump. Knowing that the police wouldn’t arrive in time, Julio acted quickly. He recalls getting off his bike and spreading out his arms, saying something like: “Don’t do it. We love you.” Then, like a shepherd with a crook, he grabbed the distraught man, and with the help of another passerby, brought him to safety. According to reports, Julio wouldn’t let go of the man, even after he was safe.”  
“Two millennia earlier, in a life-or-death situation, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, said He would lay down His life to save and never let go of those who believed in Him. He summarized how He would bless His sheep: they would know Him personally, have the gift of eternal life, would never perish, and would be secure in His care. This security didn’t depend on the ability of the frail and feeble sheep, but on the sufficiency of the Shepherd who’ll never let one be snatched “out of [His] hand” (John 10:28–29).”
“When we were distraught and feeling hopeless, Jesus rescued us; now we can feel safe and secure in our relationship with Him. He loves us, pursues us, finds us, saves us, and promises to never let us go.” 
Reflect & Pray “What makes you feel insecure in your relationship with Jesus? How do you feel knowing that your security in Him depends on His sufficiency and not your weakness? ‘
“Jesus, when I let go of You because of my sin, You never let go of me because of Your grace.”
Lord hear our prayers this day especially those who need to be held.