Author: Texas Gospel

The Shepherd Who Truly Cares

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JEFF TURNER JR

Have you ever considered what it means to have a leader who genuinely cares for those they lead? Someone whose concern for your well-being surpasses their own? The scriptures speak of such a figure: Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We often look for leaders who prioritize our interests. If we sense a lack of care, our trust diminishes. However, the Good Shepherd operates differently.

The scriptures declare, “I am the door of the sheep. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” [John 10:9]. This might seem an unusual comparison. Imagine a sheep enclosure with a single point of entry. A shepherd might even sleep across this opening at night, effectively becoming the door, offering protection against threats and preventing the sheep from straying. In this way, Jesus represents the exclusive path to safety and provision. He is the one through whom we gain access to God’s care and security. Just as a gatekeeper recognizes the authentic shepherd, Jesus welcomes those who come to him.

The Good Shepherd is unlike those who might neglect or mistreat their flock. The scriptures contrast Jesus with leaders likened to “thieves and robbers” [John 10:1, 7]. Unlike these selfish individuals focused on their own gain, the Good Shepherd personally calls his own sheep by name and guides them out [John 10:3]. His sheep recognize his unique voice and follow him. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people were frequently compared to sheep in need of a shepherd. The Good Shepherd fulfills this very need, offering consistent guidance and tender care.

What truly distinguishes the Good Shepherd is his profound willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of his sheep. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” [John 10:11]. This is a powerful assertion. While someone merely hired to watch sheep might abandon them when danger approaches, the true shepherd, who owns and deeply loves his flock, will stand firm in the face of threat. Picture a shepherd bravely fighting off a wolf to protect his sheep, even at the risk of his own life. This illustrates the immeasurable love that Jesus possesses, a love that ultimately led him to die. This sacrifice was not accidental; it was his deliberate intention to overcome the enemies of his people. The scriptures explain, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” [1 Peter 2:24-25].

The Good Shepherd’s care extends beyond a single group. “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd” [John 10:16]. This reveals that all who follow Jesus, regardless of their background, become part of his unified flock.

Jesus’ sacrifice was not the final chapter. “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” [John 10:17-18]. Jesus possessed the inherent power to lay down his life and to take it up again, demonstrating his authority over death through his resurrection.

Just as sheep recognize the distinct call of their shepherd, those who belong to Jesus recognize his voice. Knowing and heeding the Good Shepherd’s voice is essential. Today, we primarily encounter his voice through his word, the scriptures. His voice offers guidance, comfort, and even necessary warnings.

The Good Shepherd leads his sheep not just to safety, but to “abundant life” [John 10:10]. This doesn’t merely refer to material wealth, but to a life that is spiritually rich, deeply satisfying, and overflowing with love, joy, peace, and forgiveness. Even amidst difficulties, this abundant life, found in a close relationship with Jesus, provides genuine fulfillment.

Because the Good Shepherd has unequivocally demonstrated his care through his selfless sacrifice and his triumph over death, we can place our complete trust in him. He is our protector, our provider, our leader, and our savior. Just as the familiar words declare, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” if Jesus is your shepherd, you possess everything you truly need.

Are you listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd? Have you entered his flock? He calls you to come and experience the abundant life and unwavering care that only he can offer.

Sound Street’s Uplifting New Release ‘I’m So Blessed’

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AMY TURNER

Sound Street continues to make an impact in 2025 with their latest release, “I’m So Blessed.” The trio, made up of Jarrod Vanderslice, his daughter Jaylie Vanderslice, and family friend Ryan Bilby, has already seen success with their debut album, Good Seed, under Sonlite Records. Their music has maintained a presence on Southern Gospel airplay charts, and their momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Sound Street recently released their version of “I’m So Blessed,” a song originally recorded by the Christian group Cain. Producer Roger Talley helped shape this new rendition, adapting the song to fit within the Southern Gospel style. The track begins with an energetic guitar introduction that leads into Jaylie Vanderslice’s lead vocals and a chorus that carries a clear and uplifting message:

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative I’m So Blessed · Sound Street I’m So Blessed ℗ 2025 Sonlite Records Released on: 2025-03-28 Main Artist: Sound Street Producer: Roger Talley Composer: Logan Bryant Cain Lyricist: Logan Bryant Cain Composer: Madison Caitlyn Cain Lyricist: Madison Caitlyn Cain Composer: Matz Taylor Cain Lyricist: Matz Taylor Cain Composer: Jonathan L Smith Lyricist: Jonathan L Smith Composer: Matthew J West Lyricist: Matthew J West Music Publisher: All Essential Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Be Essential Songs (BMI) Music Publisher: Cashagamblejet Music (BMI) Music Publisher: Combustion Five Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Logan Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Madison Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Taylor Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Third Story House Music (ASCAP)

On my best day, I’m a child of God
On my worst day, I’m a child of God
Oh, every day is a good day
And You’re the reason why
I’m so blessed, I’m so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn’t matter about the rest
If I’ve got You, Lord, I’m so blessed

The arrangement features strong harmonies and a spirited instrumental backing. A unique aspect of this version comes midway through the song when Jarrod and Jaylie’s 9-year-old daughter, Johanna, adds a special vocal moment. This unexpected feature brings a fresh element to the song and reinforces its message of faith and gratitude.

Sound Street has been active since 2020, gaining recognition in the Southern Gospel community. The group was chosen from the Regional Artist Showcase to perform on the Main Stage at the National Quartet Convention in 2021. They were also nominated for the Top 10 Favorite New Artist category in the 2022 Singing News Fan Awards. Their previous singles have received radio success, with “I’ll Take The Old Highway” reaching #34 on SGNScoops Magazine’s Top 100 and “The Old Story” debuting at #67 on Singing News’ chart in March 2022.

Performing more than 80 concerts each year, Sound Street continues to share their message of faith through music.

Before Abraham Was, I Am

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JEFF TURNER

In the Bible, Jesus often had serious discussions with the religious leaders of his time. One of the most intense moments happened in John 8:58. Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This statement made the Jewish leaders extremely angry, and they wanted to stone him. But why?

The reason is that Jesus was saying he is equal to God. The phrase “I am” is a special name of God. In the Old Testament, God used this name for himself. We see this in Exodus 3:14, when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and said, “I AM WHO I AM.” This name shows that God is eternal—he has no beginning or end. He exists forever.

Jesus used this name many times. He said:

By saying “I am,” Jesus was making it clear that he is the same God who spoke to Moses, the God of the Old Testament. The Jewish leaders thought this was blasphemy—an offense against God—because they did not believe Jesus was telling the truth. To them, it was worse than cursing or denying God. This is why they wanted to kill him.

But Jesus was not lying. He truly is God. He is the eternal one, greater than Abraham, greater than Moses, and the same God who created the world. His words in John 8:58 are a powerful declaration of his divine nature.

Jesus was not just a good teacher or a prophet. He is the great “I AM”, the Lord of all, the Savior of the world.

Artist Feature: Kristen Bearfield of HighRoad

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AMY TURNER

Kristen Bearfield is a multifaceted artist whose life is deeply intertwined with music and communication. Raised in the Appalachian Mountains, Kristen grew up surrounded by the rich sounds of gospel, bluegrass, and country music. Her musical journey began at a young age, singing her first solo in church at just three years old. Encouraged by her family to follow her passion, Kristen pursued formal education in music, studying at Liberty University and graduating from East Tennessee State University.

Her musical roots run deep, with influential figures like her great uncle Clarence “Tater” Tate—who played bass and fiddle for bluegrass legend Bill Monroe—shaping her path. Over the years, Kristen has collaborated with renowned artists such as Jimmy Fortune, The Zac Brown Band, Rosemary Siemens, Emily Ann Roberts, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Her talent has taken her to prestigious stages including The Grand Ole Opry at The Ryman, The Country Music Hall of Fame, MerleFest, and the IBMA World of Bluegrass.

Songwriters: Kenna Turner West / Sonya Isaacs Yeary / Becky Isaacs Bowman Album: Straight From The Heart

Kristen tours full-time as a member of HighRoad, an all-female band known for acoustic harmonies. HighRoad has been together for eight years and earned a GRAMMY nomination in 2019. In 2023, they were named AGM Female Group of the Year. Their latest song, There’s A River, continues to showcase their unique sound.

In addition to her musical career, Kristen plays a vital role in the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) as part of its communications team. Reflecting on this dual role during an interview, Kristen shared: “Managing our public relations and communications … came at a time when we weren’t touring as much during COVID. I’ve always loved the organization … it really just felt like the right move at the time.” She added that while touring full-time again with HighRoad keeps her busy, she remains grateful for her work with IBMA and the network it provides.

Kristen’s dedication to music and communication exemplifies her ability to balance multiple roles while staying true to her roots. Whether performing on stage or working behind the scenes at IBMA, Kristen continues to make significant contributions to the world of bluegrass and gospel music.

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

Can Salvation Be Taken Away? A Biblical Answer

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JEFF TURNER

A well-known passage on salvation, Ephesians 2:8-9, says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” This makes it clear that we cannot do anything to earn our salvation. Since salvation is a gift from God, some people might wonder if it can also be taken away.

To answer this, we need to see if the Bible says there are things that would cause God to take away salvation. The answer is no. There is nowhere in the Holy Scripture that says God would remove our salvation under any circumstances. In fact, the opposite is true. Romans 8 asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” It continues by stating the firm belief that nothing “neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

Nothing can separate us from God’s love once we have received salvation as a gift through faith. Perhaps a better question is have you asked God for the faith that leads to salvation? Consider Matthew 7:21-23 says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.’