Podcasts about Good Shepherd

Pastor Jay Ewing reflects on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the One who protects, guides, and lays down His life for His sheep. Drawing from Psalm 23 and early Christian imagery, this episode invites listeners to see Christmas as the coming of the Shepherd-King who rescues, restores, and carries His people through every season.

God loves surprises. He unexpectedly selected the small town of Bethlehem to be the birthplace of the Savior of the world. In this message, Pastor Lutzer gives us courage to look to Jesus when we feel overlooked and unimportant. He is the Bread of Life and the Good Shepherd! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

God loves surprises. He unexpectedly selected the small town of Bethlehem to be the birthplace of the Savior of the world. In this message, Pastor Lutzer gives us courage to look to Jesus when we feel overlooked and unimportant. He is the Bread of Life and the Good Shepherd! Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/ 

Diane helps us think about this time of Advent as not just a time to remember what happened 2000 years ago but also preparation for today and for this unknown time of Jesus coming again.  Diane Olsen has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1990. She has received all formation levels and was recognized as a formation leader in 2002. She is actively involved leading catechist formation around the country. Diane has a philosophy and math degree from St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.    Links for this Episode:  The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds  History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa  Episode 42 – The Mystery of Time  Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation      Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you!    Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:    Episode 27 – The Mystery of the Incarnation  Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus  Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation  Episode 105 – Welcoming the Christ Child as a Sacred Act  Episode 128 – CGS Advent in the Home  Episode 129 – The Family in Advent  Episode 132 – The Depth of the Christmas Season      The Religious Potential of the Child  CGSUSA Store      BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER          AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

There's no hurt like church hurt.As we move through this Christmas season, Angie pauses to address a reality many of us know too well: spiritual wounds that leave us questioning whether community, worship, and trust in spiritual leaders are worth the risk again.With compassion and honesty, Angie shares part of her own story, reflects on John 10:14, and walks through five common struggles believers face after church hurt. Through Scripture, she reminds us that while human shepherds may fail, the Good Shepherd never does.Whether you're actively engaged in a church community or still finding your way back, this episode will meet you with gentleness and invite you to take a small, Spirit-led step toward healing. What You'll Hear in This EpisodeAngie's personal story of disappointment with a spiritual leader and what the Holy Spirit taught her about truth and discernmentThe comfort of John 10:14 and how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, contrasts with failed earthly shepherdsFive common struggles that follow church hurt and the Scriptures that speak healing into each oneEncouragement for those who feel spiritually weary, disconnected from worship, or hesitant to re-enter communityA gentle invitation to take a small step toward re-engagement this ChristmasResourcesDownload When Church Hurts: 5 Common Struggles and How Scripture Helps Us Heal It's a free companion resource that offers verses and reflection questions to help you process your own journey.Download When Church Hurts here:https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurtIf you're ready to take another step toward community, consider joining us for Gather, our upcoming study inside Steady On University. Together we'll explore worship, community, and the sacred rhythms God gave His people. Classes begin January 8, 2026.Learn more about SOU here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/nNuXFKn/souThe Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time.Get your free Starter Kit here:https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25Verse of the WeekI am the good shepherd; I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me.John 10:14 (VOICE) Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.comTheme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Today, Pastor Jeff talks about the Christmas color green and reminds us that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us into green pastures. Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

Some of Israel's great heroes were shepherds: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. Both Psalm 23 and Jesus compare God's care to that of a Good Shepherd. But in the first century, it seems, shepherds, specifically, hireling shepherds, had a rather unsavory reputation. But what about the New Testament shepherds of Luke’s Christmas infancy narrative? Ee47. Books by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson available at https://amzn.to/46ORT00 Gospel of Luke available at https://amzn.to/45vVii4 ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Sources: Shepherds in Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-20) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson (JesusWalk Bible Study Series; Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All of us long to know Jesus' presence with us as we go about each day. Imagine sharing unbroken intimacy with the Good Shepherd during every mundane moment, challenging circumstance, and distressing emotion you experience. The good news is that Jesus desires to be with you always in the secret place of your innermost soul.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi draw you into the reality that Jesus is with you here and now. You'll discover practical ways to practice God's presence (like scripture memorization and breath prayers) and get help sorting through the emotions of your inner world as you move toward abiding in Christ.Resources for this Episode:Breath Prayer GuidesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

If wolves attack a flock of sheep, you would hardly expect the sheep to emerge victorious, but the Lord Jesus has promised that not one of His sheep will perish. The people of God face daunting enemies: the devil and his dark forces, the hostility of an unbelieving world, and the power of our own sinful flesh, but through Christ, our Good Shepherd. we are more than conquerors. Dr. Barnhouse shares this powerful message of victory from Romans 8:37. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: James 1-5 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter invites us to gather on this 15th day of December for day 349 in our journey through the Bible. Together, we explore the heart of God as revealed in the book of James, discovering how God's light and steadfast love guide us through life's troubles and joys. Hunter encourages us to look deeply into scripture—through the lens of Jesus—reminding us of our identity as God's prized possessions, never forgotten or forsaken. Throughout this episode, we reflect on practical faith, genuine love, and the power of prayer, soaking in wisdom for everyday living. Whether enduring trials or seeking peace, Hunter assures us that God's grace is abundant and His presence is near. After reading and contemplating the Word, we move into a spirit-filled time of prayer, lifting up ourselves, our families, and the world. Gratitude echoes for the community that makes this ministry possible, and listeners are invited to partner in spreading hope and encouragement. As the episode closes, you'll be reminded of one life-changing truth: you are deeply loved. Join us as we listen, pray, and walk forward in God's joy together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Wanderers brought back. This is a story of grace—one that is written over every human life. All of us have wandered, just like sheep, each one straying off on our own path. But the Good Shepherd does not leave us lost; he pursues us. God was not content with the ninety-nine—he sought after the one, every wandering soul. That is the good news: God's actions, his love, reach for the whole world. Behold the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of all—the enormity of this gospel is that it is for everyone, without exception. Sometimes this news seems so good it almost defies belief, and James knows this. He warns us not to forget who we truly are; not to look into the mirror of God's word and then forget our reflection when we turn away. In Christ, God chose to give birth to us, making us his prized possession, his beloved children. But it is easy to forget—especially when the truth seems too good. We fall back into the old lie: that God is distant, disapproving, far off. James wants to remind us how loved, how valued, how seen we are. God offered himself for us, count us among his treasured flock. This love is for all people and it's so immense we might struggle to take it in. Yet this, James says, is the truth: you are the beloved of God. Look deeply, look Christologically, at the word of God—see all scripture through Jesus, for he reveals both the Father's heart and our true identity. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you see it. The reality is better than you've imagined: you are loved, pursued, made new in Christ. My prayer for myself, for my family, and for you is that after seeing who you are in the mirror of God's word, you will not forget, but reflect that love in this world—in your relationships, in your home, everywhere God leads you. May we not be wanderers any longer, but living witnesses to the grace that has found us, restored us, and made us whole. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  b. 

In the first message of our series called Even Though, Pastor Mel explored Psalm 23:4, emphasizing that biblical hope is a joyful anticipation of good rooted in God's external promises rather than mere wishful thinking. Drawing parallels between faith—which often relates to past, present, and relational trust in Jesus—and future-oriented hope, he focused on the verse's powerful declaration: even while walking through the valley of deep darkness or the shadow of death, believers need not fear evil because the Lord, as the Good Shepherd, is personally present with them. Mel highlighted the comforting role of the shepherd's rod and staff as tools of protection and guidance, connected God's provision and protection in verses 1-4 to Jesus fulfilling Old Testament promises in John 10, and wove in the Christmas story from Luke 2 and Matthew 1, where angels repeatedly proclaim "fear not" because Immanuel—"God with us"—has come to bring peace and great joy. Ultimately, he acknowledged the honest struggle that even though we know God is with us, fear can still arise, yet the presence of the Shepherd remains our source of unshakable comfort and hope.

Midge Noble is an online resiliency coach, podcaster, author, and speaker. She has published two children's books, SHEBA, Home Is Where Your Heart Is, and ICE CUBE AWARD, Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure. Her memoir, Gay with God, Reclaiming My Faith, Honoring My Story has just been released! Her podcast, GAY with GOD! can be found wherever you stream your podcasts. Midge specializes in helping her LGBTQIA+ community in their coming out and faith journeys. Her main focus is to stop gay suicides by educating people wounded by the church that they can be in relationship with the God of their understanding and that God does and has always loved us, just as we are created to be. To that end, Midge is very involved in her parish, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Midge and her wife, along with their fur babies, enjoy spending time at their mountain cabin, hiking, and being with their friends.  On today's episode I focus on abundance.  What does that mean to you?  Are you really fulfilled or is there something missing?  What is most alluring to you? Money? Fame? A bunch of corgis? What will sustains us in the bad times and what will really enrich our lives? Tune in and let's find our abundance!   Connect with Midge Complimentary Session w/ Midge Be MY next GUEST on GAY with GOD! Email  Linkedin Facebook Website Instagram @midge.noble BlueSky @Midge4.bsky.social TikTok @MidgeNoble418 Threads BUY a SIGNED copy of the Gay with God memoir!

Teaching from the Word of God.

On this episode of Lori Cline's Greatest Hits, Lori encourages us to find true rest and renewal by following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, trusting Him to guide and care for us as we let go of control and surrender our lives to His lead. "Interested in becoming a devoted follower of Christ?" Go to follow.lifeword.org

“The Songs of Christmas” Luke 1-2The Song of Elizabeth“The Beatitude” Luke 1:42-45Praise to the Trinity- Numbers 6:24-26The Song of Mary“The Magnificat” Luke 1:47-55“O magnify the Lord with me” Psalm 34:3Hannah's Song at Samuel's birth- I Samuel 2:1-8The Song of Zacharias“The Benedictus” Luke 1:68-78- God has visited our earth!God is with us- “Emmanuel!"The Song of the Angels“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” Luke 2:13-14- Isaiah 40:5“Glory to God in the Highest"The Song of Simeon“Now let thy servant depart in peace.” Luke 2:29-32- Psalm116:15, II Corinthians 5:6-7Why do we sing so confidently and joyfully at Christmas?The History of Christmas- Luke 2:1-3-“a decree from Caesar Augustus"The Prophesy of Christmas- Luke 2:4-“Bethlehem” - Micah 5:2The Mystery of Christmas-“being great with child.”- The Virgin Birth- Luke 2:5-6- Isaiah 7:14The Humanity of Christmas- Luke 2:7-8- “swaddling clothes…manger…no room for them in the inn…shepherds abiding in the field by night.” Luke is the Gospel of Christ's humanity as well as His Diety.The Glory of ChristmasLuke 2:10-14- The Angel's Song- "The glory of the Lord has been revealed.”John 1:14-“And we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth." The Deity of ChristmasLuke 2:11- “Christ the Lord.” The Baby in the manger is God in the flesh!The Necessity of Christ“Unto you is born this day,.a Savior” Luke 2:11, 15-16We are lost sheep.We need a Savior and a Good Shepherd to save us from our sins and its penalties. The Baby in the manger was born to go the Cross and shed His blood for us and our sins. I Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-13When we become Christians and are saved, like Simeon, we are not only ready to live, but we are prepared to die.What greater gift could God give than His Son? “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen."

Chapter 12 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus is inspired by the Gospels. The Good Shepherd - Jesus is faced with a challenge. Does he choose justice and be seen as a tyrant, or does he choose mercy and lose his credibility as a Rabbi? While any other person would have to choose between the two, Jesus does not. He balances love and justice like a good shepherd. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sermon Summary – Zechariah Session 8 This message teaches that God disciplines His people redemptively, warns of the danger of persistent rebellion, and points powerfully to Christ as the true Shepherd and the ultimate hope for Israel and the nations 20251211 - Thursday Bible Study… . 1. God's Discipline Is Redemptive, Not Cruel The study opens with Zechariah 11, explaining that God disciplines those He loves. Discipline is not condemnation but a loving attempt to restore hearts that have wandered. When correction is ignored repeatedly, however, judgment eventually becomes unavoidable. God always provides warnings and opportunities to repent before judgment comes. Discipline is meant to bring humility and dependence on God. 2. A Shepherd Who Loves vs. Worthless Shepherds Zechariah contrasts the Good Shepherd with selfish, corrupt shepherds who abuse and neglect the flock. Israel's leaders exploited their own people and felt no guilt. When God's people reject faithful leadership, they are left with leaders who reflect their rebellion. This serves as a warning for both nations and individuals. 3. Prophecy of Christ's Rejection The passage prophetically points to Jesus: The 30 pieces of silver represent the price paid for betraying the Good Shepherd. The money being thrown to the potter points to Christ's rejection and death, yet also reveals His mercy—He redeems even the broken and discarded. Jesus willingly laid down His life; no one took it from Him. 4. God Can Redeem the Worst Situations Personal testimony illustrates how God can use severe hardship to bring repentance and salvation. God does not cause sin, but He can redeem the consequences of it. No life is beyond restoration—God specializes in turning ashes into beauty. 5. Jerusalem at the Center of God's End-Time Plan Zechariah chapters 12–14 focus on Jerusalem, which remains the focal point of God's prophetic purposes. Nations that oppose Jerusalem will ultimately face judgment. God promises final deliverance and restoration for Israel. The Messiah will return, stand on the Mount of Olives, and reign as King over all the earth. 6. Israel's Future Repentance and Cleansing Israel will one day look upon the One they pierced and mourn in repentance. God will pour out grace and supplication. A fountain of cleansing will be opened for sin and uncleanness. This mirrors the spiritual process of repentance and restoration seen in individual believers today. 7. Refinement Leads to Restoration Though judgment is severe, God preserves a refined remnant. Trials refine faith like fire refines gold. God declares, “They are My people,” and they respond, “The Lord is my God.” 8. The Coming Kingdom The sermon concludes with the hope of Christ's reign: Jesus will be King over all the earth. Jerusalem will dwell securely. Holiness will define everyday life. God's glory will fill the world. Key Theme God disciplines to redeem, judges to restore, and reigns to bring ultimate peace. The Good Shepherd lays down His life so His people can live—and one day, He will reign openly as King.

John 12:20-36,Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”When Faye delivered our first child, I wasn't ready. I mean no one's ever really ready, right, but I really wasn't ready. After our son was born, Faye was wiped out and fell asleep. The nurse came in to give us the “bad news” that there weren't any postpartum rooms available. I say “bad news” because our delivery room was big and beautiful and comfortable, and the postpartum rooms at this hospital were fine but tiny. She wasn't really giving us bad news. She was just being courteous and notifying us about the change. But the only place I had ever heard the word “postpartum” was with postpartum depression (again, I wasn't ready). So I looked over at my sleeping wife and then said to the nurse, “Oh, you know she seems pretty happy right now, I don't think she'll need a postpartum room.” The nurse stared at me blankly for a second, and then said, “Okaaay, that's great. . . .” In my mind, a woman had her baby and got to hold her baby, the baby she has carried and waited for all these months, and then immediately fell into some horrible depression. And so they must have these brightly colored rooms, with comfy pillows and happy music, to cheer her up — a postpartum room. The hour came, and I wasn't ready. I believe that's something like what's happening in these verses. Jesus's hour has been months in coming, years in coming, really centuries in coming — and yet when the hour finally comes, even his closest friends aren't ready. The hour has come in the Gospel of John, the eleven-chapter pregnancy is ending, and the people are ready for a king to be born, but they don't know what it really means for him to be king. They don't know what kind of king he is.And my prayer has been that God would make us more ready than they were, more ready than I was in that delivery room a little more than nine years ago. The Hour Has ComeOkay, John 12:20–36, this is a big moment in the Gospel of John. This is the hour. John wants us to know that something has changed in the story, and I know that because he's been telling us that this moment would come. Back in chapter 2, during the wedding in Cana, when Mary tells Jesus that they had run out of wine, Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4).Then in chapter 4, with the woman at the well, Jesus says, “The hour is coming . . . when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth . . .” (John 4:23).Then in chapter 7, during the confrontation at the Feast of Booths, Jesus claims to be sent by the Father, and “so they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come” (John 7:30).John's telling us: an hour is coming, an hour is coming, an hour is coming, and then here in John 12, Jesus says . . . now. “The hour has come.” Verse 23:“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. . . .”The time has come. And we should ask — he wants us to ask — the time for what? What hour is this? I believe that's what our passage is all about this morning. Jesus is going to tell us what time it is, and he's going to prepare us for that hour. He unpacks the hour for us in four ways (and those are my four points).1. An Hour for GlorySo what is the hour? What time is it? The clearest answer is in the same sentence, John 12:23,“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. . . .”So, point one, this is an hour for glory. Now, as Pastor David showed us last week, the people expected the Messiah to come in glory — to finally defeat all their enemies and take his throne as king. And they weren't totally wrong! The humble, unattractive man they saw ride in on the donkey is glorious. All along the way, we've seen glimpses of his glory, like when he turned the water into wine. “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee,” John says, “and manifested his glory” (John 2:11). Or when he healed the paralytic, or fed the five thousand, or gave the blind man new eyes. This Son has been glorious all along and yet the hour has now come, the verse says, for him to be glorified. What does that mean? It means that the glory we have only seen in bursts and glimpses — bursts and glimpses like calming a terrible storm or raising the dead — the glory that the Son has had from eternity past, that glory will now break forth in full dawn before our eyes. The Son of God came in the flesh, in a manger, in the small, obscure town of Bethlehem, and then he lived in darkness, he took on and bore our darkness, and now he's going to rise above the darkness and reveal who he really is. We're about to see the sunrise in the Gospel of John. Jesus is going to pull the veil back from all of his unlimited power, wisdom, and worth. This is the hour. We've gotten these tastes in the story — glorious tastes — but only just tastes, and now Jesus has announced the full meal has finally arrived. And the people were so hungry. They had waited for so long. Their parents had prayed for a king, and their grandparents, and their parents before them. And now they're under the heavy hand of Roman rule, with vicious soldiers and cruel taxes and public executions for those who resist. And into all of that darkness, Jesus says, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. . . .” It's time for the king to be king. We've seen these rays of light in his miracles, but now the sun's going to rise in full strength. Morning's coming. This is his hour.The Son and the FatherOne of the reasons we know something has changed in the Gospel of John is that Jesus is suddenly talking about his own glory. Up until now he's been focused on the glory of the Father. “I do not seek my own glory,” John 8:30, “there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.” Or 7:18: “The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true.” But now, the hour comes for the Son to be glorified. Even here, though, in the hour of the Son's glory, look how Jesus prays: “Father, glorify your name.” Verse 27:“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”My hour's coming and I know what I have to do. Should I pray and ask the Father to spare me from the thorns, the nails, the wrath? No, this is why I came. I came for the glory of my Father. And so he prays, “Father, even in my hour of glory, glorify your name.” And how does the Father respond? He glorifies the Son, next verse:Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The Father's actually speaking to two audiences here. First, to Jesus: “I have already glorified my name in you these last thirty years (and in all the endless years before that), and now I will glorify my name in you again in this hour.”But there's a second audience here. We know that if we keep reading, verse 29, “The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.' 30 Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not mine.'”The message was for him (only he understood the actual words), but the thunder was for them. This was the Father's way at the end of Jesus's earthly life to say what the Father said at the beginning of his ministry, at his baptism: This thunder booms the chorus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5).2. An Hour for AgonySo, the hour is an hour for glory, but that glory doesn't come like the people expected. No, this hour is an hour for glory, but, second, this hour is also an hour of agony. We've already heard this, verse 27: “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'?”Now you and I already know why Jesus would want to be saved from his hour of glory (and he's tried to tell his disciples what's about to happen), but you can still imagine their confusion. Wait, it's finally time for you to receive your glory as king, and you want the Father to rescue you from that glory? Shouldn't you want your hour of glory? Why is your soul so troubled now?Because he knows that his glory comes through terrible agony. Verse 31,“‘Now is the judgment of this world, now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.' 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.”So not just agony, but death. For the king to enter his glory, he had to die. This hour is a dying hour. He wants them to get this, and so he holds up something he knows they'll understand, verse 24: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”They're ready for the grain of wheat — the seed — to finally bear some fruit. They want the harvest! They're starving for a king and all the good he's going to do for them. And yet he reminds them that for a seed to bear fruit, it has to die first. The plant doesn't die, but everything that makes a seed a seed breaks down and falls away — it dies, it gives everything — so that new life might spring up out of its death. And if that little seed dies, it produces 30, 60, 100, sometimes 300 new grains in its place. That's a miracle. And that's what's happening in this hour.But how could the promised king die? He can't die, right? The crowd is confused, and for good reason, verse 34:“We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up?”The Christ was supposed to be different. So many kings have disappointed us and died. The Messiah was supposed to never leave. What they couldn't see yet is that this Messiah reveals his power and glory by dying to save sinners. We needed the cross to see what kind of king he is. That's why this can be an hour of both glory and agony — not just agony and then glory. Because the Good Shepherd dying for his sheep sets him apart from every god the world has ever known. Why is this an hour of agony? God made the universe — wheat and seeds, trees for beams, metal for nails, thorns for crowns — and he wrote out history to highlight the glory of his grace. This is what Ephesians 1 says, that in this Christ, in Jesus, God sets forth “a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and on earth.” And in that plan, he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, so that in him we might have redemption through his blood — through his dying — “to the praise of his glorious grace.” Not just to the praise of his glory (of his power and wisdom and holiness), but to the praise of his glorious grace. And the glorious grace he showed us cost him terrible agony. Even death on a cross.His hour of glory is an hour of agony because his glory is to rescue sinners like you, like me — to the praise of his glorious grace. 3. An Hour for VictoryThis brings us to the third point. This is an hour of terrible agony, but don't mistake his agony, his death for defeat. Don't mistake glory for easy — no, this is going to be excruciatingly hard. He's going to have to die. But don't mistake his dying for losing, either. This is an hour for great agony, but it is also, third, an hour for victory. And this really is how an hour of agony can be an hour of glory. Because it's by extraordinary agony that he achieves his victory. Hear verses 31–32 again: “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”I see great victory in these two verses, two great victories actually.First, this is the hour of victory over Satan.“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. . . .”Now why did Jesus call Satan “the ruler of this world”? Does that mean Satan is the ruler of this world and God is not? Absolutely not. No, God is the capital-R ruler of this world and every other one. Every ounce of influence Satan has for now, has been granted by God for the glory of God. No, God's working all things and uniting all things, even evil, to the praise of his glorious grace. And one reason he's allowed evil up until this hour, is so that evil could be crushed in this hour.“The ruler of this world is about to be cast out.”But at the cross, doesn't it seem like Satan won? His enemies thought they won. Surely Satan thought he'd won. He never would have done what he did if he'd known what was about to happen. He killed the incarnate Son of God. He killed the Messiah who was supposed to remain forever. And in that moment, in that hour, Satan lost everything. To be clear, he was never in control here, and he was never winning. Jesus told us, just two chapters before, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:18). And when he laid it down, he had already won. “Through death,” Hebrews 2:14–15, Jesus destroyed “the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and [delivered] all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” Does it look like Satan has the upper hand in your life? Are you going through something right now that makes it seem like the ruler of this world is in control of your body . . . or of some painful relationship in your family . . . or of some difficult situation at work? He's not! For a brief time, he's been given a measure of influence in this world and in your life, but he is on a leash. Your Father in heaven rules over the ruler of this world, and so, like the cross . . . your hour of agony can become your hour of greatest spiritual victory. . . .It's so much easier to see this in other people's suffering, right? This hard hour in your life really might be the moment when Jesus's glory and reign will be most obvious through you. That sure sounds like victory over Satan to me.There's a second victory here, though. This hour of agony is also an hour of great victory over unbelief. Where do I see that?“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”When I'm lifted up on the cross and killed and abandoned by everyone, then, at that lowest of all moments, I will draw all people to myself. I'll win all my sheep back from sin, death, and shame. I'll make my awful grave my conquering throne.And that's exactly what's happening in these verses! Did you notice in the first verse, verse 20?“Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.”When he says he'll draw “all people” to himself, he doesn't mean every person (we see this clearly because lots and lots of people, then and now, reject him and run away). No, he means all kinds of people from everywhere — Jewish people and non-Jewish people. When this king comes, he's not just winning people from Israel, but from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. And what does this victory sound like in the moment? It sounds like verse 21, when the Greeks say to Philip,“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”That's the sound of victory. These people were dead in their trespasses and sins, following the course of this world, trusting the evil ruler of this world, living out the passions of their flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath. But God, “being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved them, even when they were dead in their trespasses, made them alive.” And when mercy did that to them, their desires changed and they said,“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”Is there any better anthem for Advent? “We wish to see Jesus.” And that brings us to our last point, the fourth way Jesus unpacks this hour.4. An Hour for You This is an hour for glory, for agony, for great victory — this is Jesus's hour. But this isn't only his hour. Fourth, and lastly, this hour is an hour for you.When he's lifted up, he says, he will draw all people to himself — but not all people. Again, they ask him how the Christ could die if he's supposed to remain forever. Now, verse 35:So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” Jesus was ready for his hour. The question is are you ready for this hour? Some of you are walking in darkness this morning, and I don't want the darkness to overtake you. While you have the light — he's still inviting you to come! — while you have the light, believe in the light and walk in the light, that you may become forgiven and loved children of light.Now, Jesus warns us that walking in the light will bring some agony. Notice that he doesn't say here, “I'm going to die so that you don't have to.” It's true that those who believe will never face divine judgment for our sins. We'll never experience condemnation. But that doesn't mean we won't have to suffer, verse 25:“Whoever loves his life loses it [he's not talking about himself anymore] and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”In other words, if you want to live with me, you're going to have to die with me. You're going to have to pick up a cross to follow me. He bore our greater agony, the judgment we deserved, but he doesn't spare us from all agony in this life. Through that agony, though, we also receive his victory and glory. Next verse:“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”Do you hear that? The Father doesn't only glorify his Son. No, the hour is coming when the Father is going to honor you. For now, we pray like Jesus, in our hours of darkness and heartache, “Father, glorify your name.” And here in these verses, you can almost hear the thunder — the thunder of him responding, “I have glorified my name in you thus far — and I will glorify it again.”Following Jesus will come with some agony. But it will also come with great glory, your glory. The Father will honor you — if you believe in the light and walk in the light. You can't have his victory while you walk in darkness. The one who walks in darkness doesn't know where he's going. Some of you don't know where you're going right now. And the hour's come. Don't let the darkness overtake you. Walk while you have the light.

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Title: A Better AnnouncementScripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20Series: A Better StoryWe're celebrating Advent at Grace 242 with podcast-style sermons on the theme: A Better Story. God's plan to send His Son on Christmas was a far better story than any of us could have possibly written. Today Kathy Rosen joins Pastor Bill to explore the God's plan to announce the birth of His Son to an unlikely group of shepherds. 

The sermon from John 21 draws us to the shoreline where the risen Jesus meets weary disciples with grace, abundance, and a call that still echoes today. We see a Good Shepherd who seeks out failed followers, feeds them before correcting them, and restores love before assigning responsibility. In the miracle, the meal, and the ministry, Jesus shows that our failures are not final and that devotion can grow even from regret. Peter's story reminds us that being a Christian is not about flawless faith but about returning again and again to Jesus with honest love. We are invited to cry out to Him, to open our lives fully, and to trust that He knows us completely and still calls us to follow. The Christian life is imperfect and often costly, yet it is held steady by a Shepherd who redeems our past, sustains us in the present, and leads us faithfully into whatever comes next.

John 10

DAY 13 — Songs for the ShepherdGod's people have always sung when He saves—and the Psalms teach us how to sing in every season. Today we explore how David's songs point to the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. What does worship look like when life is hard? Advent invites us to lift our voices as we wait for our Shepherd-King.

Discover a new perspective on faith and relationships through the lens of our connections with dogs. In this episode of "God and Our Dogs," host Meg Grier welcomes Lorie Diller, entrepreneur and creator of Eden’s Promise, to reflect on a heartfelt story from guest Stacey Almiguer, they explore themes of trust, service, regret, and the unconditional love that mirrors God’s relationship with us. Lori also shares her journey as a goat farmer and her mission to bring hope and healing through her products and spiritual direction. Timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to "God and Our Dogs" with Meg Grier 00:40 – The show’s purpose: discovering new perspectives through dog stories 01:02 – Today’s “Pawnder” episode and guest introduction: Lori Diller 01:29 – Lori’s background and her dogs’ perspective 01:59 – Story from Stacey Almiguer: childhood, coon dogs, and regret 02:34 – Feeding the dogs in winter: a lesson in responsibility 02:49 – Reflections on shame and personal growth 03:07 – Lori’s thoughts: The Good Shepherd vs. the hireling 03:58 – Exploring connection, ownership, and God’s desire for relationship 04:23 – Serving and loving through Christ’s strength 05:13 – Humility, letting go of self-motivation, and embracing God’s love 06:02 – Regret, learning from mistakes, and God’s forgiveness 07:24 – Bringing honesty and realness to God 07:54 – Repentance and finding refreshment in faith 08:22 – The burden of regret and God’s promise of rest 08:49 – Daily surrender: asking Jesus for guidance 09:12 – Lori shares about Eden’s Promise and her mission 09:36 – Spiritual direction and restoration 10:01 – How to find Lori and Eden’s Promise products 10:23 – Closing remarks and gratitude 10:44 – Where to listen, follow, and support the show 11:05 – Next week’s preview and final thoughts Host: Meg Grier - Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com Website: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098 God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - www.boerneradio.com. Air Date: 12/13/25See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John 10:1-20 (Sylvester Siu)

Welcome to Day 2752 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2752 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 100:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2752 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred fifty-two of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Rhythm of Gratitude – Entering the Gates with Praise. Today, we arrive at a beloved landmark on our journey through the Psalter. We are exploring Psalm One Hundred, covering the entire hymn, verses one through five, in the New Living Translation. This short, vibrant psalm serves as the grand finale to the collection of Royal Psalms we have been trekking through (Psalms Ninety-three through Ninety-nine). In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-nine, we were on our knees. We saw the Holy King enthroned between the Cherubim, and the command was to "tremble" and to "bow low." It was a psalm of heavy, transcendent holiness. Psalm One Hundred resolves that trembling into uncontainable joy. It tells us that the Holy King is also the Good Shepherd. It is the invitation to stand up, dust off our knees, and march through the temple gates with a song of thanksgiving. It is the only psalm in the Bible with the specific superscription "A Psalm of Thanksgiving" (Mizmor l'todah). It was likely sung as the procession entered the temple courts to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice. It teaches us that while God is the High King of the Divine Council, He is also our God, and His courts are open to us. So, let us join the procession and enter His gates with thanksgiving. The First Segment is: The Universal Call to Worship. Psalm One Hundred: verses one through two. Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. The psalm opens with a burst of energy, issuing three imperative commands to the entire world: "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!" The command to "shout" (rûa‘) connects us back to the earlier Royal Psalms. This is the shout of homage to a King; it is the fanfare of coronation. But notice the audience: "all the earth." This is a missionary call. Just as we saw in Psalm Ninety-six, the invitation to worship Yahweh is not restricted to the ethnic borders of Israel. It is a summons to the nations—who were formerly under the dominion of the rebel gods of the Divine Council—to switch their allegiance. We are calling the whole earth to defect from the darkness and shout allegiance to the True King. The second command defines the attitude of our service: "Worship the Lord with gladness." The word "Worship" (‘ābad) literally means to serve. It implies slavery or bond-service. In the ancient world, serving a god or a king was often a terrified, burdensome duty. You served to avoid being crushed. But Yahweh demands a different kind of service. We are to serve Him...

IntroductionLimited atonement sounds as if the Lord is setting up an excluvie group or there is not enough for everyone. Far from portraying Christ's atonement as scarce or exclusive, Scripture presents it as infinitely sufficient for the whole human race. However, Christ's work is only applied to the sheep. So, Christ's work is not a scarce resource, but it is only applied to the elect. This is not something for the elite because none of us deserve Christ's work. We are all sewer dwellers who need to be lifted up by the scruff of our necks.Who Are the Sheep?John 10 divides humanity into two groups: Christ's sheep and those who are not His sheep. Christ lays down His life for His sheep. The Canons of Dordt teach us that Christ's death is infinitely sufficient. This means that if the human race continued to generate generations forever that Christ could save ever last one of them. However, God chose only to apply Christ's work to his sheep or his elect people. These sheep are not identified by elite status or by receiving mystical confirmation of election. Jesus explains that His sheep are simply those who hear His voice, and follow him. How do we know if we heard his voice? Do you believe the Gospel? Do you believe that Christ is the God man? Do you believe that Christ is your savior? Well, then you are one of his sheep. The problem with this doctrine's title, “Limited Atonement” is we think we know the number of the elect. However, we have no idea how many people will be in heaven. It is not for us to know. We are simply called to preach the gospel, call Christ's sheep, and follow his lead as faithful sheep.What Does It Mean That Christ Lays Down His Life for the Sheep?Article 4 of the Canons highlights the unique value of Christ's death: only the God-man can offer a sacrifice sufficient to satisfy God's requirements. Christ is both truly human (creature who offended) and truly divine (able to bear the infinite wrath). Christ is our unique savior, but the beauty of John 10 is that he is also our shepherd. His self-giving is radical. He gives his life so his sheep can have life. Christ intentionally lays down His life because this is the only way to secure His people. We do not walk in a dead shepherd, but the shepherd who also takes it up. Christ's work definitively assures us. This is why we sometimes say that this is definite atonement. What Does “Limited Atonement” Actually Mean?The doctrine does not teach scarcity, insufficiency, or elitism. Instead, it affirms:Christ's atonement is infinite in worth and fully sufficient for all if God so chose. The beauty of this is that Christ's sheep not only will hear his voice, but they will obey. As they obey their shepherd they will be lead into the heavenly pastures.Assurance comes through believing Christ, not by calculating how many are saved or whether the “supply” of atonement has run out. Christ knows His sheep, calls them, gives them eternal life, and promises that no one can snatch them from His hand.ConclusionWe need to remember that the doctrine of limited atonement or definite atonement is not meant to unsettle believers but to anchor them. Christ never reveals the number of the redeemed or invites us to speculate on who is in the flock. Rather, He directs us to one simple question: Do you hear the Shepherd's voice and believe the gospel? If so, His atonement is yours, His life is yours, and His protection is yours. The doctrine is therefore not restrictive but profoundly comforting: the Good Shepherd lays down His life with purpose, gathers His sheep across history, and guarantees that His sheep will dwell with him him in glory. Let us hear the voice of our shepherd. Let us walk in the Good Shepherd, who not only laid down his life, but who also took it up again.

"In Advent, we celebrate and anticipate the earth-shaking, life-transforming good news that God is coming to us. Watch out. Get ready. God is on the way." – Will Willimon, Heaven and Earth  Rev. Dr. Will Willimon joined Good Shepherd on Tuesday, December 10, 2025 via Zoom for a conversation about the often-misunderstood season of Advent. In 2024, Willimon authored "Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation" and this conversation touched on the message of the book along with his experiences in leading congregations through the season of Advent. About Will Willimon | (Bio from Heaven and Earth) Will Willimon is a preacher and teacher of preachers. He is a United Methodist bishop (retired) and serves as Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Duke Divinity School. He is former Dean of the Chapel at Duke University and is considered by many as one of America's best-known and most influential preachers. He has written over 90 books and has sold over a million copies.

Send us a textJesus has  many titles that describe His relationship to His Church. but perhaps the most endearing one and multifaceted is as the Good Shepherd. In that role, He provides many, many benefits to His sheep.Let this message draw you in to the depth of His love as your Good Shepherd and the wonderful blessing He affords you.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Wednesday morning, the 10th of December, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Gospel of John 10:9. Jesus says: ”I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus is the door. What is a door? It's a movable barrier to the entrance of a room. Now, in the old days, the shepherd would take his flock at night, as the sun was going down, and he would take them home to a little enclosure close to his home, but there was no door in that enclosure. The shepherd himself would sleep across the doorway. If any wolf or any wild animal wanted to come in during the night and take one of the sheep, that animal had to go across the shepherd who was lying at the door. I want to say to you today that there is no other entrance into the Kingdom of God but by the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who allows us to go in. He is the one who protects us and He is the one who directs our paths. He is the only way. There are no short cuts over the wall, no, only way through the door. John 14:6 tells us very clearly: 'Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Today, I feel it on my heart to pray for you. There are many people who are trying to make a way and they are failing. A young person came to me not so long ago and said, ”Why have I never got enough money? I'm always short of money.” Maybe you are not doing it the right way. Maybe, you are not going through the door. You are always trying to make a plan which is not working. Today, I want to urge you to do it God's way. I want to pray a little prayer for you and I would like you to follow me on this prayer.Dear Lord Jesus, We acknowledge you as the Good Shepherd. You have been sent by Your Father to look after Your sheep. Please help us to obey You and to go through the right entrance in order to find eternal life. We ask this in Your precious name, amen.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day.Goodbye.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, God loves humanity — every one of us — in His terms, in an irrational, exuberant way that defies our limited logic. This is how the divine mercy runs the universe to our joy.We read today (Matthew 18:12–14) how Jesus tests his disciples:“What is your opinion?If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hillsand go in search of the stray?And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over itthan over the ninety-nine that did not stray.In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Fatherthat one of these little ones be lost.”No shepherd on earth would behave that way. They would cut their losses, considering that the lost sheep is probably dead.The Good Shepherd is different. He goes to seek out the lost sheep. And that's good news. The Father and the Son love us unconditionally… in our imperfection.Today, the Church in the United States celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548), an Indian convert, to whom the Virgin Mary appeared as he was going to Mass in Tlatlelolco, Mexico.Our Lady asked him that she desired a shrine to be built on the spot to manifest her love for all mankind. That would be the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• December 9, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Have you ever felt alone, unseen, or unheard? Today's Gospel (Matthew 18:12–14) reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who goes searching for the one who feels lost.   Father Jonathan offers a powerful message for anyone struggling with loneliness, isolation, or spiritual discouragement: You are not alone. Jesus is looking for you. In the silence, in prayer, in the Rosary, in Adoration — He is calling your name.   But the Good Shepherd doesn't drag the lost sheep back. At some point, we must stop, turn around, and say: “Jesus, here I am. Find me.” We were not created to live isolated. God gave us the Church, community, and one another so we would never walk alone.   Today's invitation: Where in your life do you feel alone? Will you allow Jesus to find you there? You are worth it. You are loved. You are a child of God. And you do not have to face life by yourself. Let yourself be found — and discover peace. Peace on Earth Playlist:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuie34UwUVpjiIMU5qfKh59ctB2fW2_Tv #PeaceOnEarth #YouAreNotAlone #GoodShepherd #CatholicReflection #Advent #DailyGospel

Many of us carry the weight of poor leadership. When the people entrusted with shaping us acted from their own brokenness, we learned to stay cautious. For some, that experience can slowly shape how we view God too, especially when the disappointment came through parents or spiritual leaders. But Jesus does not lead the way they led. He reveals the heart of a shepherd who does not fail or falter. The message of You Have a Good Shepherd shows God stepping toward us as the One who gathers the scattered and heals the wounded. He goes after the ones who wandered and brings them back with kindness instead of shame. He is the Shepherd who became the Lamb, carrying our sin so we could be brought into His care without fear. He meets our hesitation with patience and our questions with mercy. Psalm 23 reminds us that His leadership restores the soul and guides us in paths of righteousness. Ezekiel 34 promises that God Himself will search for His flock and bring them home. John 10 reveals Jesus as the Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them. You have a good shepherd.   Listen in now to hear Life Center Church's latest Sunday message from Pastor Colt.   ⛪️ Connect with us ⛪️  https://www.lifecenternyc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lifecenternyc/  

Read Online“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.”  Matthew 18:12–13Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson using a familiar image: the shepherd who discovers one of his sheep is missing, goes on a diligent search, finds the lost sheep, and rejoices. The hard work of searching through the hills and valleys is rewarded as soon as the shepherd spots that one lost sheep in the distance. He quickly runs to it, picks it up, and carries it back to the flock. While that one sheep is not more valuable than any of the other ninety-nine, there is great joy in finding the one that was lost.We are all that one lost sheep at various times in our lives. Sometimes we stray just around the corner, while other times we wander far from God. This image of the Good Shepherd diligently seeking out the lost sheep teaches us two essential lessons. First, when we wander away from God and fall into sin, it's easy to forget how much the Good Shepherd loves us. We might think that God is disappointed or angry with us, but these are lies from the evil one that deter us from turning back to God. Since we will always struggle with sin in this life, we must have a clear image in our minds of the Good Shepherd's love. We must be keenly aware of the passion, intensity, and determination with which He seeks us out. He does not sit in judgment or condemnation. Like a loving parent, His deepest desire is to find us and for us to allow Him to pick us up and carry us back to His fold.While this image is crucial for us to consider regarding our personal sins and God's love for us, it must also serve as a model for how we relate to others when they sin. As we grow closer to God and become more aware of His will and moral law, we might be tempted to judge others, especially within our own families. Though we must never downplay objective sin or become indifferent to the sins of others, we must also reject the role of judge and jury. Instead, we must become instruments of the Good Shepherd to those around us. With Christ, our only intention should be to go out to the lost, find them in their sin, love them despite their sin, and offer to carry them home. We must never reject a person because of his or her sin, even if the person remains obstinately attached to it. Reflect today on the burning compassion our Lord has for you, even when you sin. Never hesitate to turn back to Him and allow Him to carry you home, rejoicing all the way. Also, reflect on those you know who have strayed from God. Perhaps they no longer attend Mass, are living in an immoral relationship, vocally support something contrary to the Gospel, or struggle with an addiction or sinful attachment. Do not judge them—love them. Be an instrument of the Heart of Jesus for them so that, through you, they may sense the love Jesus has in His Heart for them. My most compassionate Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd Who never tires of pursuing Your straying sheep. Your deepest desire is to bring them home. When I stray, help me to remember Your burning love for me so that I will never hesitate to turn back to You. When others around me stray, please give me Your Heart, dear Lord, so that I may love them so deeply that You draw them out of their sin. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Scripture: John 1:1-5; 14-18 + The Incarnation Philippians 2:5-8 "...the supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us...lies not in the Good Friday message of atonement, nor in the Easter Sunday message of resurrection, but in the Christmas message of Incarnation. The really staggering Christian claim is that Jesus of Nazareth was God made man - that the second person of the Godhead...took humanity without loss of deity, so that Jesus of Nazareth was as truly and fully divine as he was human. Here are two mysteries for the price of one - the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus." JI Packer, Knowing God. + To Reveal the Father to us Hebrews 1:1 + To Reconcile us to the Father 1 Timothy 2:3–5 + To Rescue us from our greatest enemies Hebrews 2:14–18 + To Relate to us in our weakness and suffering Hebrews 4:14–16 "All other men were lost sheep; he had come as the Good Shepherd to seek and to save them. All other men were sick with the disease of sin; he was the doctor who had come to heal them. All other men were plunged in the darkness of sin and ignorance; he was the light of the world. All other men were sinners; he was born to be their Savior and would shed his blood in death for the forgiveness of their sins. All other men were hungry; he was the bread of life. All other men were dead in trespasses and sins; he could be their life now and their resurrection hereafter." – John Stott, Basic Christianity. 1 John 1:1–4 2 John 7 Colossians 1:19 Colossians 2:9

Midge Noble is an online resiliency coach, podcaster, author, and speaker. She has published two children's books, SHEBA, Home Is Where Your Heart Is, and ICE CUBE AWARD, Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure. Her memoir, Gay with God, Reclaiming My Faith, Honoring My Story has just been released! Her podcast, GAY with GOD! can be found wherever you stream your podcasts. Midge specializes in helping her LGBTQIA+ community in their coming out and faith journeys. Her main focus is to stop gay suicides by educating people wounded by the church that they can be in relationship with the God of their understanding and that God does and has always loved us, just as we are created to be. To that end, Midge is very involved in her parish, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Midge and her wife, along with their fur babies, enjoy spending time at their mountain cabin, hiking, and being with their friends.  On today's episode I focus on our "Wonderful Counselor" whom Isaiah called our Messiah.  How do we access our counselor during this Advent season?  How might we learn to be still and listen for our counselor's nudges?   Connect with Midge Complimentary Session w/ Midge Be MY next GUEST on GAY with GOD! Email  Linkedin Facebook Website Instagram @midge.noble BlueSky @Midge4.bsky.social TikTok @MidgeNoble418 Threads BUY a SIGNED copy of the Gay with God memoir!  

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Monday morning, the 8th of December, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Gospel of John 10:4 and this is Jesus speaking. He says:”And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” I want to ask you a question this morning, I'm asking myself the same question. Do we know His voice? It is vital in these last days that you know the voice of the Good Shepherd because there are other shepherds who are not good and you can so easily be misled.I've just come back from visiting my great-grandson. I am now a great grandfather. He is a small little baby. He's one year old and he is still suckling from his mother's breast and I want to tell you, it is so wonderful for me and my wife Jill to see the communication that that little baby has with his mother. Why? Because he knows his mother's voice, and most of all because he spends all day with his mother. Jesus says that we must know His voice.The shepherds in the Middle East don't herd their sheep with sheep dogs as we do in the West. No, the sheep follow the shepherd, and how is that so because the shepherd spends all day long with his flock of sheep, because in the Middle East, they don't have fences to hold in sheep. We have fences in the west to hold in the sheep. We put them in the paddock and we leave them there and then when it's time for them to come out, we get our sheep dogs and they work very gently with the sheep, don't get me wrong. My son has got working dogs but in the Middle East they don't have fences so the shepherd is sitting under the tree with his sheep all day long like the Good Shepherd. It's because of spending time. I have seen where a number of shepherds will come down to a watering point on a hot, hot day with their respective flocks of sheep. Maybe five or six shepherds with six flocks of sheep and all the sheep are mixed up together. A nightmare for a shepherd in the west and they drink together and the shepherds sit under the tree and they talk to each other and when it's time to go they call their sheep, folks. It's a fact, and those sheep will leave the mixed up flock and they will follow their shepherd. Then the next shepherd will call his sheep and they'll move off in another direction because they know his voice.I want to encourage you to get to know the voice of God. You say, ”How?” by spending time with Him, by reading your Bible every morning, by praying and talking to Him every day, in the workplace, when you're travelling and by listening to Christian music and spending time with other Christians, you will hear the voice of God.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day. Goodbye.

This week, Cameo talks about how Advent peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of God with us in every circumstance, as seen through Psalm 23's picture of a shepherd who personally guides, protects, and sustains his people. True peace comes from leaning wholly on God, not escaping the dark valleys but experiencing His nearness within them. In Jesus, the Good Shepherd who entered the deepest valley and rose again, we receive both the promise of God's present companionship and the future fullness of peace when all things are restored.Support the show

Scripture Lesson - John 10:1-18 Rev. Kevin Long

I AM: The Good Shepherd Andrew Hébert

Thank you for listening to our Surge Church Podcast. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He came to gather His flock. He doesn't just welcome the well-behaved sheep, but He also seeks out the messy ones, the loud ones and the ones who wander off. Jesus knows His sheep. This means we are not a face in the crowd, He knows us by name. He knows where we tend to wander and seeks us out to lift us up and carry us close to His heart back to where we belong. 

Read Online“Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness.” Matthew 9:35This one line speaks volumes about Jesus' public ministry. He didn't just preach a few sermons or heal a few who were sick. He “went around to all the towns and villages…teaching…proclaiming the Gospel…” and cured “every disease and illness.”It's important to contemplate that Jesus' public ministry lasted approximately three years. Three years of constant preaching, healing, and relating to people. During this time, Jesus encountered many thousands of individuals, and news of His works spread throughout Israel and beyond. Yet, the rest of today's Gospel reveals that Jesus' public ministry, though perfect in every way, was just the beginning. It was the foundation upon which His ongoing ministry would be established through the formation of His Church. As the Gospel continues, we gain insight into Jesus' compassionate heart. When He looked at the crowds, “his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” His three years of ministry were only the foundation, and His merciful Heart began to overflow with compassion. Though He is God, Jesus limited Himself to human interactions within time and space, making it impossible for Him to engage personally with every troubled and abandoned soul in His human form. That's why He told His disciples to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” After this, He summoned His Twelve Apostles, gave them authority to share in His ministry of preaching and healing, and sent them out to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Later, as recorded in Luke 10:1–2, Jesus expanded His mission even further by sending out seventy (or seventy-two) disciples ahead of Him as He and the Twelve began their final journey to Jerusalem where He would suffer and die. After His resurrection, Jesus further commissioned His Apostles to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). This mission quickly spread to at least 120 disciples gathered in the upper room, and as the Holy Spirit continued to guide the early Church, thousands of new converts became evangelists, spreading the Word of God. Reflect today on Jesus' Sacred Heart, overflowing with compassion for all who feel “troubled and abandoned.” It is your mission to be Christ's Heart to them—to love them, to long for their burdens to be lifted, and to lead them to Christ, the Good Shepherd. Do not shy away from this mission, for the mission you are given is a continuation of and participation in the one eternal mission of Jesus Himself. Most holy and Good Shepherd, Your human Heart burns with the perfection of divine love and longs to touch every soul in need of Your mercy. Please transform my heart into Yours so that I may have Your zeal for the salvation of all whom I encounter and become a fitting instrument of Your divine presence in the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Christmas reminds us of the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 to rescue the 1! Join Pastor Cameron as he shows us the connection between this story and Christmas. 

It's FRI-YAY and shout-out day!  Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that we wander like sheep—but praise God, He sent us Jesus, our Good Shepherd, to rescue us and lead us safely back to Him. Isaiah 53:6 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,     each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him     the iniquity of us all.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120325.cfmAdvent invites us to wait—not passively, but with trust. As Fr. Tyler Mentzer reflects on Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” he reminds us that God's provision is never merely sufficient; it is abundant, verdant, and overflowing. In a world where we're tempted to grasp, control, or hurry, Advent teaches us to rest in the “fertile pastures” where the Good Shepherd gives us repose.Fr. Tyler shows how the Lord's generosity is revealed through Scripture: the prophecy of Isaiah, the miracles of Jesus, the multiplication of loaves, and the Eucharist—our “juicy, rich food” and “pure choice wine.” The Catechism teaches: “Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing” (CCC 2090). Advent hope means trusting that God's timing is perfect, His providence lavish, and His guidance steady—even in the “dark valley.”Like Jesus in the desert and on the Cross, we are invited to wait on the Father rather than take matters into our own hands. The fruit of this waiting is abundance, courage, resurrection life, and the promise that we “shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”Watch the full homily on YouTube, DivineMercyPlus.org, the DM+ app, and wherever you get your podcasts.Deepen your Advent with exclusive Catholic content on the free, ad-free Divine Mercy Plus streaming platform. Explore the Diary of St. Faustina and Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org.More resources available at the link in our bio.#marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #frtylermentzer #catholictiktok#advent #psalm23 #goodshepherd #eucharist #hope #waitingonGod #trustGod #CatholicHomily #dailyhomily #JesusChrist ★ Support this podcast ★

Gerald Hyde joins us to catch us up on the amazing ministry the Good Shepherd Center!

“I'm thinking about the end of time in another way,” says Ann Garrido. “Because end can mean the conclusion, the finish, but it can also mean the purpose.” For 25 years, Ann has taught homiletics, pastoral theology and catechetics at Aquinas Institute of Theology, written 10 books and spoken at more than 350 gatherings. A longtime catechist in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd movement, Ann offers her reflection for a planned Advent reconciliation service at St. Thomas More Parish in Decatur, Ga. She begins with a conversation from the parish atrium about the end of time—children offering answers like “God will be all in all” and “there will be peace,” before one boy insists his paradise is “hamburgers.” From there, she moves into Isaiah's peaceable kingdom and the real work of reconciliation: making peace with those closest to us—whoever our ‘X' is, the sibling we fight with, the friend we've fallen out with, the neighbor who drives us crazy. Part of the “Preaching for the Sacraments” series, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks with Ann about what distinguishes Advent reconciliation from Lent. Ann looks to the ancient roots of confession, where the early “confessors” proclaimed faith rather than only naming sin: “What we're really confessing is our belief in a God who can heal and work out things that we ourselves are not gonna be able to fix.” Ricardo echoes this reframing: “Perhaps it's helpful not to think of it only as a confession of sin, but really also a confession of faith that we go there to proclaim our faith in a God who heals the impossible.” Ann also reflects on a recent glioblastoma diagnosis and how it has sharpened her sense of call and taught her to preach from vulnerability—without making herself the hero of the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices