The Good Shepherd

What does it mean to say that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? What do shepherds do, really? Shepherds take care of the sheep. They feed them, watch over them, and protect them from danger. Shepherds guide, showing the flock where the good places are and leading them away from the bad. But the sheep have their responsibilities, too. They have to listen. The sheep have to obey. If the shepherd tries to lead them away from a cliff and they insist on running straight toward it, they will die. They chose to. In John 10:27, Jesus says "My sheep hear my voice...I know them and they follow me." Listen. Do you hear it?

Because He First Loved Us

 Remember, in that you say and in all that you do, you are a child of God. This does not mean you can do whatever you like and get away with it, like some spoiled brat. This means that you are a member of the royal family and you are expected to act like it. What does your behavior, your dress, the way you talk to people tell others about Jesus and about Christianity? Ephesians 2:19 - "So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God."

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What Is Christianity?

While there are several groups that call themselves "Christian," those who follow the true Christian faith have certain core beliefs that have never changed. They believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. They believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, who is Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the 3rd day, he arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. Jesus died for all of us, for our sins, the things we willfully do which separate us from God. Through Jesus, we again go back to God. Jesus died and was risen for our salvation. 

Pope John Paul II

"As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live." --Pope John Paul II

I'm Not Good Enough

 Sometimes Christians, or those thinking of becoming Christians, feel they are not good enough. They negin to avoid church or helping others because they feel like impostors. Who am I to talk about God? Who am I to help at the church? I'm not perfect. 

True, you shouldn't pretend to be something you are not, and true, Christians should always be striving toward holiness. But to say you cannot go to church or become a Christian because you're not good enough is like saying you're not well enough to go to the doctor. That's what they're there for, to help you get better, to become perfect, to become a saint. Saints were not born perfect. Saints are sinners who just never gave up.

Sometimes It's OK to Say "No"

 Christians are called to serve. They should serve each other, their families, their churches, the community, and the world. But too often Christians think that unless they are doing big things, they are not serving. They sign up for every activity at church and then neglect their work and their families. You can't do everything. Take stock of what you can honestly accomplish and still have time for your family and yourself. Burning yourself out will not help anyone. Volunteering for a good cause and then quitting after two weeks because you can't fit everything in is not serving. You don't have to accomplish huge things in your life. You just have to make everything you do, no matter how small, an act of love.