So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.”

John 10:7

During our Ash Wednesday service this week, we invited everyone to reflect on the gate that leads into God’s pasture. God sent Jesus to us so that we would all know that gate is opened wide to us – yet so often we continue to stay outside the gate – we keep ourselves from entering the space defined by the Good Shepherds love, protection, provision and care.

What keeps you from entering the gate of God’s pasture?

What responsibilities, concerns, doubts, fears, and even excuses keep you from stepping into God’s care?

Spend time in conversation with God about what keeps you on the outside and ask God to help you follow the Shepherd during these 40 days of Lent.