Shepherd's Pastures is a planned community for those who have met our Lord’s requirements to love Him, love His people and who have been faithful servants. Once the decision has been made to live with the Lord in Shepherd's Pastures, you must agree to the purchase agreement. There is no lease or rental because once you commit to enter the Gate, your residency there is guaranteed for life!
What does the commitment require? It’s a three-fold process.
1. Admit our sinful nature. None of us can live life left to our own strength, wisdom and abilities. We all fail, fall, and are at fault more often than we care to acknowledge. Every day brings new challenges and we often try to carry the load on our own. Many of us have had little support, no guidance and few positive role models to learn how to cope, survive or thrive. We struggle to find community and acceptance but sometimes fall prey to those who take advantage of us or who lead us into destructive paths, activities or lifestyles that can adversely affect our lives. This can lead to addictions or dependency to persons, substances or dangerous habits. Trusting in self or others instead of seeking God’s will for your lives, can lead to a myriad of problems, none of them good! Until we admit that we are not “independent” and that “Worldly Concerns” require a “Heavenly Solution” we will unnecessarily suffer to overcome sin in our lives. Admit Jesus is the Savior we all need to ransom our lives from sin.
“For we ALL have sinned and have come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
2. Repent of our sins. When we come to the realization that we are sinful and the inclination of us all is to do what we want, when we want, and without regard for others, then we can take the next step. We can confess to our Lord that we have not lived a life that is pleasing to Him. We have not shown love for Him and often we have hurt others. We have created a chasm can only be filled as we turn away from our former attitude, actions and activities. Dying to old habits, lifestyles and deleting some unsavory relationships is how we show that we are “being transformed and not conforming” to the world’s standards any longer. In Psalm 51:10, David asked God to “Create in me a clean heart and renew a RIGHT Spirit within me.” Our Lord will hear the confessions from the rich and the poor, those who tell “little white lies” to the vilest offender. Our Lord has no favorites! He will forgive our sins and cast them, “As far as the east is from the west” and He will remember them no more. Confess and live forgiven.
“If we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
3. Believe in faith that Jesus is Lord and Savior, that Jesus is the Son of God, and that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth and the Life” and through Him you will be saved. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and BELIEVE in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.” No one will be able to condemn those who are in Christ Jesus. We are free from the power of sin and death. Most important to know is that ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED.
John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will be able to snatch them out of My hands.”
Make the decision today to enter the Gate. The residential neighborhoods of “Shepherds Pastures” have been planned since the beginning of time to reflect the diversity of all races, colors and former lifestyles. The sense of eternal salvation and peace is immediately felt as you enter in. Enter and enjoy the newness of life!
WE ARE LOCATED IN THE NEW JERUSALEM, LESS THAN A CONFESSION OF FAITH AWAY. JUST BEFORE THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH!
Cynthia Jones is a child of God, wife, mom and Shazzy Fitness guest blogger. Cynthia has led several Women’s Ministries for over 28 years; she and her husband serve all over the country, mentoring and teaching couples how to love & grow according to God’s design for Christian marriage. Subscribe to our newsletter and get awesome updates on faith, fitness, fun, family and fellowship!