Universal Utterings

for May 12, 2025

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

05-12-25 John 10 v0115 I Am the Good Shepherd

http://universalutterings.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/05-12-25-John-10-v0115-I-Am-the-Good-Shepherd.mp3

The Gospel of John Chapter 10 Verses 01 thru 15

1 “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. 2 But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. 5 But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” 6 Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them. 7 So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.8 All who came [before me] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.10 A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. 13 This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.”

In John 10:1-15, Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd and the Gate for the sheep, a powerful metaphor that illuminates the profound relationship between Him and His followers. He emphasizes that those who enter through Him find security and nourishment while those who try to enter another way are mere thieves and robbers. This passage serves as a reminder that the Gate of God's Kingdom lies in our commitment to the Word of God.

When we practice the teachings found in Scripture, we engage in a life of prayer and purpose. This practice invites us into a deeper relationship with Christ, where we learn to seek His guidance in every aspect of our lives. It is through the Word that we discover the nature of salvation that is not only a personal blessing but a gift meant to be shared with others. As we embody the lessons of love, compassion, and service, we become conduits of grace, reflecting the light of Christ in our interactions with those we encounter.

Furthermore, knowing Jesus as the Good Shepherd assures us of His unwavering care and presence. He knows us intimately, and we learn to hear His voice, guiding us in our journey of faith. This relationship leads us towards eternal life—an existence enriched by love and purpose that transcends our earthly experience.

In essence, to enter the Kingdom is to embody the teachings of Jesus, live out our faith through service, and extend grace to others. As we strive to serve God and one another, we fulfill our calling as true followers of Christ, sharing the joyous experience of salvation. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany.. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

05-12-25 John 10 v0115

**I Am the Good Shepherd**

In shadows cast by twilight’s glow,

The Shepherd calls, where calm winds blow.

A gentle voice, so pure and kind,

He guides the lost, the weary mind.

Through gates of grace, we find our way,

In tender love, He bids us stay.

Not thieves nor robbers, we shall fear,

For in His arms, our hearts draw near.

With every step, He leads us right,

In darkest valleys, His light shines bright.

No fear of harm, no need to roam,

With Christ, the Shepherd, we are home.

His flock we are, and He knows each name,

In every trial, His love the same.

With open hearts, we’ll freely share,

The gift of grace, so rich and rare.

Eternal life flows from His hand,

A wellspring deep, like shifting sand.

As we abide in word and prayer,

His presence guides us everywhere.

So let us serve, with love our guide,

Share hope and joy, and walk beside.

For in this life, as shadows fall,

The Good Shepherd hears the heart’s sweet call. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

May 12, 2025 @ 04:44 AM EST

® Universal Utterings ® is brought to you by;

**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using [email protected], or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**