John 21:1-22 - "Feed My Sheep" Is Still an Active Command Today

John 21:1-22 - Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me? ”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me? "Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 

18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 

19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

The call is still going forth today. The command from heaven to earth still is "FEED MY SHEEP".

God bless and I love you all.

Debra

I do not own this video nor do I claim ownership of it.

Hebrews 4:16 Take It To God's Throne In Prayer

Hebrews 4:16-Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The call on today is to draw near to the throne of God in prayer with confidence and assurance so that we may find the help we stand in need of.

People of God, we must daily remind ourselves of this one thing and that is our God is "God of the impossible." NOTHING is to hard for Him.

Jeremiah 32:27-"I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?

The Lord our God is declaring to us on today that He is our "HELP" in our time of need, therefore, "IF" we come, we are promised to find grace and mercy at His throne. 

Searching for peace in a world full of chaos and confusion? Come boldly to God's throne of grace. Searching for love and hope? Come boldly to God's throne of grace in prayer." These words still ring true in my ear and heart today from when I was a child.

Let's listen:When we suffer, the enemy of our mind often comes to us with thoughts that are contrary to God's Word in his attempt to convince us that “God doesn’t care about us and that is why we suffer and He is not, have not yet answered and will not answer us so stop wasting your time with these worthless prayers?”  THE DEVIL IS A LIAR! KEEP PRAYING!!! TRUST GOD!!!

At God's appointed time, HE WILL ANSWER! He promised us in this text that when we come in prayer, "we will find the grace and mercy we need." KEEP PRAYING PEOPLE OF GOD!

Now is not the time to be discouraged, but NOW is the time to PRAY!

In need of help on today? Take it to God's throne in prayer for that is the place where grace and mercy awaits you on today.

God bless.

Debra

I do not own this video nor do I claim ownership of it.

Proverbs 22:6 Are You Training Your Children As God Commands You To

Proverbs 22:6-Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

TRAIN=paideuó in the greek and is defined as  I discipline, educate, train, (b) more severely: I chastise.

We are reminded in scripture that children are a heritage from the Lord. In other words, they are God's gift given to parents to raise in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

With that being said, we as parents are to make it a top priority to raise our children with the knowledge and understanding of who God is. First,  by our own example of a life of one who knows God, honors Him and obey Him. 

What are your goals as a parent who is responsible for raising your child as God commands you to based on the scriptures? What is your goal? is it your agenda to raise them to be self sufficient or God dependent ? What is your goal in raising your child? What is it?

If we are parents who confess Christ as our Savior then raising our children according to scripture should be a priority.

How do we begin to train our children as God commands us to? Glad you ask!

Let's listen to how God instruct Moses to train the generations of his time. This same word applies to us. God changes not for He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

God and His word is one! Let's listen to our instructions from the Word of God on how to raise our children as He commands us to.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 -These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your [b]children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. 8 And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand (forearm), and they shall be used as [c]bands (frontals, frontlets) on your forehead. 9 You shall write them on the [d]doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Believe it or not, in everything we are doing with our kids, we are training them either for gain or loss in their life.

Our primary task as parents is to prepare our sons and daughters to walk according to God’s plan, His will, and His purpose for their lives. 

Parents, take your children to Sunday school and church regularly so that they may receive knowledge and understanding of God's Word. Teach them to pray by letting them see you pray and study God's Word.

Parents, teach your children by allowing them to read a bible verse each day. Teach them to pray at meal time, at bed time and when they arise early in the morning. Teach them to pray when you get in the car and head out on the road. Let them pray for safe travel to and from their destinations. Teach them to pray for family members, friends, their teachers, neighbors, the needy and poor, the sick, etc.

Parents, once you have done your BEST in what God commanded of you and your children are grown and out of the home, they can either follow the path that you have taught them that God has outlined in His Word for them to follow or they can follow the ways of the world. Either way, there are consequences for both.

Parents, if you have done what God told you to do in raising your child in the way he or she should go according to scripture, you have done well, regardless of the course of action they may take in later life..

When we have done our best to raise our children in godly homes will they still stray? Possibly!  BUT, if the seed is planted, it may take years, but they will come back.

The good news is the "seed" of God's Word has been sown into their hearts by you and they will eventually take root.

 One thing of a surety is only what we do for Christ will last. A personal relationship with Jesus will be all that matters when we all and our children come to the end of life on this earth. 

The example of praying parents is the foundation for a child's faith!

Parents, are you training your children as God commands you to?

Ponder this question on today parents.

God bless.

Debra

1 John 1:9 Confession Bring Healing And Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

CONFESS=exomologeó  in the greek and means I consent fully, agree out and out, I confess, admit, I acknowledge, I give thanks, praise, I publicly declare.

The problem is "PRIDE".  Many people around the world refuse to admit that they are a sinner in need of God's forgiveness and are still living under the curse of sin which has already been broken by Christ when He shed His blood at Calvary over 2k years ago.

Refusing to confess (acknowledge, admit declare, agree with God that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and refusal to repent (change, to turn away from sin and turn to God) will cause you to miss heaven and eternity with God if you should die in your sins

How do you obtain faith? Romans 10:17-So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hebrews 11:6-And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The good news on today is that "SALVATION" by faith alone through Christ Jesus is still being offered by God to all who would confess and believe.

Today is the day of "SALVATION" for now is the acceptable time. Confess and be forgiven! It is a promise from God to you!

God bless.

Debra

I do not own the pictures and video on this site nor do I claim ownership of them.

Proverbs 3:13-22 Blessed Is The One That Find Wisdom

Proverbs 3:13-22 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; 20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

Wisdom is the principal thing. In all our getting, make sure we get understanding of true  wisdom that is only available through a personal relationship with God through Christ Jesus!

Be not wise in thine own eyes for blessed is the man or woman who find God's Wisdom for it is priceless and no value can be placed on it.

In need of Godly wisdom? The Word of God is the key to finding it. God and His Word is one.

Godly Wisdom! Blessed is the one who find it.

God bless.

Debra

I do not own this video nor do I claim ownership of it.

Colossians 3:16 In Christ Alone

Colossians 3:16-Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

The Apostle Paul here describes a life that is happy in the Lord.

If the Word of God dwells richly in you, then happiness will always be your lot, regardless of the circumstances of your life.

Even when the storms of life is raging and you are being tossed to and fro from the raging strong winds and heavy floods of life, there is shelter in the Word of God.

Yes, it is in the Word of God where true happiness, joy and peace is found.

It is the Word of God alone that has the power to sustain us in all circumstances of life.  

Hebrews 11:6- And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

In God alone is where true happiness is found. It is in the Word of God where all wisdom, teaching and admonishing, singing, thankfulness of heart to God can be found.

In my times of distress, brokenness, heartache, failures, rejection, disappointments, etc., nothing was more comforting in bringing me joy than the truth of God's Word in knowing that whatever storms comes my way, it too shall pass for God was then and still is with me in them.

Today is Sunday! The day we come together as the people of God to share in His Word, through teaching and admonishing one another, through scripture, singing, thankful praise and worship to our God.

People of God, I can only hope and pray that you arose this morning with your mind on the Lord. A mind that was set on going out to His house on today to fellowship with the saints in praise, worship and thanksgiving to the Father.

Remember, only what we do for Christ will last.

People of God, allow the Word of God to dwell in you richly. Strength for the journey of life is indeed found in God and His Word alone.

God bless.

Debra

I do not own this video nor do I claim ownership of it.

Deuteronomy 15:11-The Poor And Needy Will Always Be Among Us

Deuteronomy 15:11- "For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'

God Himself declares these words in scripture. The "poor, needy and orphans" will always be among us." It is our duty and responsibility as people of God and as a nation  to be benevolent to them when God gives us opportunities and resources to do so.

When we serve the poor, needy, widow and orphans, God's Word declares that we are serving Him. When we fail to do so, we are rejecting Him.

Jesus declares that "ALL NATIONS" will be judged in Matthew 25:31-33 -When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 Before Him will be gathered all nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats. 33 He will set the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left.

34 “Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in. 36 I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 And when did we see You sick or in prison and come to You?’

40 “The King will answer, ‘Truly I say to you, as you have done it for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you have done it for Me.’

41 “Then He will say to those at the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

44 “Then they also will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not serve You?’

45 “He will answer, ‘Truly I say to you, as you did it not for one of the least of these, you did it not for Me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Everyone of us will individually give an account to God as to what God has commanded of us in taking care of the poor, needy, widows and orphans.

True service to God is not on Sunday morning. True service to God is our everyday service to those that are suffering and in need. Especially the poor, needy, widows, hungry and orphans.

The Apostle James tells us what pure and genuine religion is to God. God does not see as man sees. God sees through the lense of His Word in all His ways and in all that He say and does. Man on the other hand, sees and does what He often times want and need to do based on his own view.

Here is how James says that God views pure and genuine religion in James 1:27 -Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

In other words, not being corrupted by greed and ignoring the desperate need of the poor among us, but serving them where there is a need.

Many people in our country and our world have been blessed by God to have enough to help those in need around the world, and some still refuse to do so out of greed.

Know this fact! Everything that we accumulate on earth will be left here when we die. Others will live in our homes, drive our cars, spend our money, eat your food, sleep in your bed, wear your clothes, jewelry, cologne, perfumes, etc.

None of us will take ANYTHING with us except our soul which will live forever. What price have you placed onyour soul? What is it worth to you?

If God has blessed you, find someone on today that is less fortunate than you and bless them. God gave all of us what He gave us to be a blessing to others.  

When I was growing up as a young girl, there was a song that the saints of old used to sing that says "You can't beat God's giving no matter how you try. The more you give, the  more He will give to you."

The lyrics to that song still holds true today as far as God is concerned. It is the principal in which He operates. He loved us and He gave "JESUS". The World benefits still yet today from God's gift to us over 2k years ago through Jesus Christ, who shed His blood and died for our sins.

God specifically reminds us today of our responsibility to the poor, needy, widows and orphans. What will we do with what God told us in His Word on today?

To serve or to be served? Where do you stand on today in your service to God in serving others?

Remember, the poor, needy and widows will always be among us, for they will NEVER cease to be among us,  but Jesus says He Himself will not always physically be with us.

God bless.

Debra

I do not own this video nor do I claim ownership of it.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be Very Careful Of The Company You Keep

1 Corinthians 15:33-Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Deceived- planaó in the greek. To cause to wander, to go astray, to get off course, to deviate from the correct path or to be misled.

Be careful of the company you keep. In other words, be aware of deception and deceivers for they are everywhere. There is no place where they do not exist on earth, including the church, homes, families, marriages, workplaces, relationships, on the golf course, in friendships, in the classes at school, in the neighborhood and on. Deceivers are planted everywhere. 

Who are your friends? Who do you clique with on a daily basis? What are they adding to your life? Or, should I say, "what are they taking away from your life?"  Is your relationship with them profitable to your soul and your future?

Everyone that befriends you or confess to be your friend is not necessarily coming to you or hanging with you for the right reason. Their motives can be deception and self gain.

Of course, there are some good and true friendships everywhere too. How we know if they are good and true is if they added to the relationship and not take away from it. Does our friendship makes me better or bitter?

Believe it or not, the master of craftiness and deceit name "satan" who is the accuser of the brethern and the father of lies sends his workers into the world to not only deceive but to cause division and bring about offenses to those who are not able to see him because they refuse to put on their spiritual eyes that God made available to them through prayer and daily study of His Word.

I have learned in my short years of life that "misery loves company." Hurt people always hurt others because they refuse to find their much needed healing in prayer and the Word of God. They do not see God's Word as their source of comfort and healing because they see self.

Deceivers are very miserable people who set out to attack and destroy anyone that refuses to go along with their hidden plots of deception.

If the people you are daily partnering with and calling friends operate in behaviors and character that is opposite to God's Word, you need to flee them for the Apostle Paul says this concerning them in Romans 16:17-these people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites, and through smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 

People of God, we must be watchful and alert at all times. We are warned in 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober and watchful, because your adversary the devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Ephesians 6:10-17 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Avoid people that causes division and offenses that are contrary to God's Word. WHY? They may cause you to loose your "SOUL." That part of us that will live forever that will either live in eternity with God or in hell separated from God. 

The company we keep says a lot about who we are! You can talk all day long about who you are and what you believe, but your behavior and your circle of friends begs to differ.

We are warned in Proverbs 4:23-Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

If you confess to know Christ and to be in a personal relationship with Him, there is no way I can be convinced that you could partner with deceivers and evil doers that bring about division which separates people and not bring them together.

People of God, be very careful of the company you keep. All shining is not gold. There are indeed wolves in the world who try to appear as sheeps.

If there ever was a time that the wisdom of God is needed with urgency, that time is NOW. Deceit and craftiness is operating at a level higher than ever before.

People of God, keep your eyes, ears, mind and heart open to what the "Spirit" is saying to the church (people of God) in this hour in which we live.

Be very careful of the company you keep for "deception" comes with a price that pays wages that is of no value to us now nor in eternity.

As Paul warned the church at Corinth, I warn you all on today to be very careful of the company you keep for indeed bad company corrupts good behavior. We see it on a daily basis!

Who are your friends? HUMMMMM

God bless.

Debra

Psalm 119:105 Looking For Direction In Life?

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Looking for direction in life? Confused about the next step? Concerned about which path to take and which one not to take? If you answered "yes" God has a Word for you on this morning.

LOOK NO FURTHER!

The "Word of God" is our compass in life. It is also our guide, our helper, our deliverer, our peace,  our joy, our redemption and our everlasting promise.

The Psalmist of this text declares that the "Word of God" is a lamp to his feet and alight to his path.

The light of God's Word makes things clear and visible so that we will not trip and fall into the traps and snares of the enemy.

When God’s Word becomes a lamp unto out feet and a light unto our path, He leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 

The Word of God is the Christian life support,  our sustaining power, our oxygen tank, our feeding tube, our guiding light and our eternal hope of glory.

 As Christians, we must daily search the Word of God, study it, believe it and obey it for indeed it is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

Without the light of God's Word we will continue to stumble in the dark. We will never make it to our destination because we will not be able to see our way out of where we are. It is the light of God's Word that illuminates our path.

How are you keeping your lamps burning? I can only hope and pray that is is by the leading of God's Word alone.
 
To walk in the light we must enter the small gate and stay on the narrow path. Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Avoiding darkness involves the daily choices of choosing to walk in the light of God's Word.

Walking in the light means disconnecting form the darkness of situations, people, places and things that hinders clear vision.  

It is the Word of God that has the power unto salvation.

It is the Word of God that has lead all of us who are saved, out of darkness into God's marvelous light.

The Word of God is a guiding light! Are you being lead by it? Or, are you still walking in darkness?

Thank you Lord for your guiding light, for indeed it is a light unto my path.

Still looking for direction in life? Look no further!

God bless.

Debra

I do not own this video nor do I claim ownership of it.

Psalm 61:2 PRAY

Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Daily we come to the Lord with prayers of petition for all types of situations and circumstances of life that we deal with on a daily basis.

We often pray for family, friends, our enemies, our future, ministry, our brothers and sisters in Christ, the unbelievers, our nation, leaders, government, the world, for our needs and sometimes our wants and on and on praying to God with one request after another.

In all our prayers, there is not any other prayer that forces or pushes us with urgency to God than when sickness, death, trouble or tragedy shows up.

When life moves from normal to abnormal, from calm to chaos, when troubles of various kinds have become overwhelmed,  when the test, trials and tribulations of life unexpectedly strikes, we somehow seem to find the strength and wisdom need to go to God in prayer that is not of the ordinary or norm, but prayer that is full of fervency with urgency.

Luke 18:1-One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.

In this text, we find David crying out to God for deliverance from that which has overwhelmed him. 

David knew that God was His "ROCK, SALVATION, AND FIRM FOUNDATION" therefore, he cries out to Him in prayer.

Are you in a situation that is causing your to cry out for the "ROCK" that is higher than you? Like David, are you gonna seek Him out? If you do, He will lead you directly to where He is.

God's loving kindness, His grace and His mercy has no expiration date. Call on Him for He promises to hear and answer your prayers.

When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  

God, we declare on today with conviction, power and authority that you are our Rock, our Firm Foundation, our salvation, our Solid Rock.

Here my cry o Lord! Is this your prayer to the Father on today?

Regardless of the situation you may have found yourself in as you arose this morning, lean on the rock name Jesus, who is the Chief Corner Stone. You can lean on Him and He won't let you fall.

Lord, we thank you for being our firm foundation, our salvation, our Solid Rock.

OVERWHELMED? PRAY! The Lord your God is your Firm Foundation, your Solid Rock, call on Him saints!

Lord, thank you for leading us to the "ROCK" that is higher than us when we are overwhelmed.

People of God, in your time of feeling overwhelmed, do not become a victim of despair, but a "warrior" in prayer.

When our heart is overwhelmed Lord, lead us to the "ROCK" that is higher than us O Lord.

Thank you Lord for hearing and answering our prayer.

Thank you Lord for your presence and your power that always carry us through.

Indeed, you are the "ROCK" that is higher than us. You are the "ROCK" of our salvation and we  love you Lord.

Overwhelmed? Run to the "SOLID ROCK." He is a "FIRM FOUNDATION"!

God bless.

Debra

I do not own this video nor do I claim ownership of it.