March 8, 2015
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
I hope this note finds you well this wonderful day we have been given. I pray this past week you have been able to intentionally STOP, BE STILL and KNOW and in doing so, are experiencing God in new ways. Your feedback is so encouraging. Feel free to check in on the Journey. We are helpers to each other. Our sermon series continued yesterday on the "I AM" sayings of Jesus. The third and fourth sayings were shared at the 8 and 11:15 a.m. services. Jesus said, "I AM THE DOOR" and "I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD".
Many sheepfolds during the time of Jesus had no door which could be opened or closed. It was simply an opening. Once the sheep entered, the shepherds would position themselves at the opening as the "door". No one and nothing could enter in or out without first coming through the door. With the good shepherd, there is protection, provision and promise as he keeps a close and watchful eye on the sheep even giving his life for them. So no matter what threat, obstacle or challenge arises this week, BE STILL and KNOW that are doubly protected. Jesus is both the good shepherd and door of His sheep. He gave his life for you to redeem you! The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came to give you life, abundantly!This week, practice ASSURANCE. Assurance is freedom from doubt. It is confidence and certainty in the truth of something. Practicing assurance is a declaration of that truth. David had a wonderful assurance of God's presence, protection and provision as evidenced in the Psalms. Even during those times when everything was falling apart and he felt as if his life was over, he was sure that God would eventually act on his behalf. In the face of it all David declared, "The Lord is My Rock, My Fortress, My Deliverer". (Psalm 18:2a) When it comes to God, what do you know for sure? As you reflect on the scriptures this week, look for the assurances that you can capture to increase your knowledge of and faith in God: Psalm 23, Matthew 7:13-14, Psalm 121:4-8, John 10:1-10, Ezekiel 34:11-16, and Psalm 103.
The civil unrest and racial tensions in our nation continues. Racist chants on college campuses by white fraternities; systematic and institutional Jim Crow practices of taxation by citation in Ferguson; yet another loss of life by the hands of law enforcement; the pervasive spirit of violence from urban centers to nations throughout the world causes one to wonder, "How long shall wickedness triumph." (Psalm 94:3) But what I know for sure, our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. That same God will empower us to stand against injustice in all its forms knowing that the Good Shepherd can and will restore our souls! BE SURE!
May your week find you singing Blessed Assurance! Join us Sunday, March 22, 2015 - where the series will continue.
Be still and know,
Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor
