Gate Duty

Football has taken over our life. Not only is Will playing, but every Saturday the only thing we watch is SEC College football. I enjoy watching Alabama and Auburn but I am not sure why we need to watch every other game. But Jeff loves it so I try to not say much. Key word being try.

Tonight I have gate duty at the football field where Will plays. I have to take up money for those who are entering into the game. The price is not too high, it only cost $2 for adults and $1 for students. Of course Will gets in for free. I hope I do ok, I am not real good with money, counting or charging people. I know it will work out though.

I seemed to be consumed with gates this week. We are doing a study on Nehemiah at my church. This week we will be talking about the rebuilding of the gates around Jerusalem in our Life Group class. The first gate Nehemiah mentions is the sheep gate. It was called the sheep gate because this was the gate the sheep and lambs, used for sacrifice, were brought through. Apparently thieves would try to enter by jumping over the walls or by other means, but they were up to no good. They were not the real shepherds, they were only there to kill, steal and destroy. But the gatekeeper would open the gate for the shepherd and the sheep would recognize his voice when he called them.

Jesus teaches us in John 10 that He is the true shepherd. He said in vs. 9 (The Message)

"I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for - will freely go in and out, and find pasture". You can have restoration and forgiveness only through the sheep gate, which is Jesus Christ. So what ever your worries or cares are today, the answer is in Jesus. He wants to care for you.

Just like at the football gate, all the football players, coaches and cheerleaders will enter at no charge tonight. Their fees have already been taken care of when their parents paid the registration cost for being on the team ($180 I might add). I will allow them to enter at no charge! Well guess what, .....Jesus has paid our price to enter the gate! (You knew I was going to say it) The only way to experience real joy and real peace is through Him. I have to walk through the gate with Him daily to experience the life He has for me. And He never fails to deliver, and it doesn't matter how well I count!

Go Warriors!

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