Welcome to Our Shepherd's Notes
Step into a spiritual enrichment, where we offer detailed sermon notes and insightful reflections. Our blog is designed to provide you with meaningful guidance, thought-provoking insights, and practical applications of the Word. Whether you're seeking a deeper understanding of sermons or looking for spiritual encouragement, Shepherd's Notes is here to support your journey.
With a compassionate heart and a shepherding spirit, we explore timeless truths, share personal experiences, and address the challenges of modern-day discipleship. Join us as we delve into the wisdom of the scriptures and navigate the path of faith together.
Paul Gay
Senior Pastor
Crane Eater Community Church
The Call to Repentance: A Lifelong Journey of Transformation
by: Paul Gay
09/29/2025
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In a world that often shies away from difficult conversations, there's a powerful message that needs to be heard: the call to repentance. This isn't just a one-time event, but a lifelong journey that shapes our relationship with God and transforms our very being.
The concept of repentance is deeply rooted in Scripture. From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matthew 4:17). These words set the tone for His
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Watch Your Mouth: The Power of Our Words
by: Paul Gay
09/22/2025
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In a world where communication is constant and instant, it's easy to forget the immense power our words hold. From casual conversations to social media posts, what comes out of our mouths (or through our fingertips) can build up or tear down, heal or wound, bless or curse. But have we ever stopped to consider the source of our speech?
Jesus, in His wisdom, pointed out a profound truth: "The things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them"
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Finding Hope and Redemption in a World of Hate
by: Paul Gay
09/15/2025
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In a week marked by tragedy and violence, we're reminded once again of the deep-seated hatred that can consume hearts and shatter lives. The recent killing of an innocent person solely for their religious beliefs has left many questioning how such darkness can persist in our modern world. But even in the face of such senseless acts, there is hope to be found - hope rooted in the transformative power of God's love and grace.
The story of the Apostle Paul serves as a powerful
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Finding Peace in a Chaotic World: A Journey of Faith
by: Paul Gay
09/08/2025
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In a world filled with turmoil, uncertainty, and constant challenges, the concept of peace can seem like an elusive dream. Yet, true peace - a deep, abiding tranquility that transcends circumstances - is not only possible but promised to those who place their trust in God.
The word "peace" appears 92 times in the New Testament alone, underscoring its significance in the Christian faith. However, this peace isn't merely the absence of trouble or conflict. It's a profound inn
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The Good News in a World of Bad News
by: Paul Gay
09/01/2025
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In a world inundated with negativity, where media outlets seem to thrive on sensationalism and tragedy, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. But amidst this sea of bad news, there's a beacon of hope that shines brighter than any headline - the good news of God's love for humanity.
This love isn't just a fleeting emotion or a vague concept. It's a tangible, life-changing force that has the power to transform our lives and our eternal destiny. As John 3:16 so beaut
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Trusting the Guide Within: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Leadership
by: Jody Cagle
08/26/2025
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Evangelist Jody Cagle's sermon on Sunday presented a strong case for us to trust in the "Guide Within" that God has placed in each one of us. Consider some of these take aways from his message
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In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, unsure of which path to take. We may rely on our intellect, emotions, or the advice of others to guide us. But what if there was a more reliable, ever-present guide available to us? What if we could tap into divine
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Building a Life of Faith: From Foundation to Filling
by: Hayden Cagle
08/18/2025
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Minister Hayden Cagle preached a powerful sermon on the three steps in building our spiritual house: Foundation, Structures, and Filling the House. These are some highlights from his message.
Have you ever considered your spiritual life as a house? One that needs to be built, repaired, and filled? This powerful analogy can help us understand how to cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God.
Let's start with the foundation. Just as a house needs a strong foun
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The Power of the Holy Spirit: A Transformative Force in Our Lives
by: Paul Gay
08/11/2025
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Have you ever wondered about the true power of the Holy Spirit and its role in your spiritual journey? The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a profound and transformative experience that has been a cornerstone of Christian faith since the early days of the church. Today, let's explore this incredible gift and its significance in our lives.
The story begins on the day of Pentecost, as recounted in Acts 2:2-4. Picture this scene: the disciples are gathered together when suddenly,
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The Journey of Faith: Growing in Spiritual Maturity
by: Paul Gay
08/04/2025
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In our walk with God, we often find ourselves at crossroads, facing challenges that test our faith and push us beyond our comfort zones. But it's precisely in these moments of stretching and growth that we discover the true depths of our relationship with the Divine.
The essence of our spiritual journey isn't about perfection, but rather about progression. It's about moving from a place of self-reliance to complete dependence on God. As we deplete our own resources and exha
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The Power of the Holy Spirit: Transforming Lives and Empowering Believers
by: Paul Gay
07/28/2025
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In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, there's a profound truth that can anchor our souls and ignite our spirits: the power of the Holy Spirit. This divine force, promised by Jesus Christ himself, has the ability to radically transform lives and empower believers in ways that defy human understanding.
The story begins in Jerusalem, nearly two thousand years ago. A group of devoted followers of Jesus, both men and women, gathered in an upper room. They were waiti
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Holiness: God's Standard for His People
by: Paul Gay
07/21/2025
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In a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong, the concept of holiness stands out as a beacon of clarity for those seeking to live a life pleasing to God. But what exactly is holiness, and why is it so crucial for believers?
At its core, holiness means being set apart for God and reflecting His character. It's not just about avoiding sin, but actively pursuing righteousness and striving to become more like Christ every day. This transformative journey is bot
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The Power and Promise of the Holy Spirit
by: Paul Gay
07/16/2025
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In our Christian walk, we often hear about the importance of the Holy Spirit. But do we truly understand the depth and significance of this divine presence in our lives? Today, let's explore the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and why it's crucial for every believer to seek baptism in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit: More Than Just a Concept
Many of us have placed ourselves in a metaphorical grave, bound by the chains of sin and allowing Satan to keep us captive. But the
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The Journey of Spiritual Growth: Becoming More Like Christ
by: Paul Gay
07/10/2025
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As we navigate our walk with God, one question persistently echoes in our hearts: Are we growing spiritually? It's a question that challenges us to look inward, to examine our faith, and to consider how we're progressing in our relationship with Christ.
The path of spiritual growth isn't always easy to measure. Unlike physical growth or financial goals, spiritual maturity can be elusive to quantify. Yet, it's crucial for every believer to pursue this growth actively. As we
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The Power of Pentecost: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Transformative Presence
by: Paul Gay
06/09/2025
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In the bustling tapestry of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of the extraordinary power available to believers through the Holy Spirit. Yet, the story of Pentecost serves as a vibrant reminder of the transformative presence that can revolutionize our lives and communities when we open ourselves to God's promise.
Imagine a group of devoted followers, gathered in an upper room, hearts united in prayer and anticipation. Suddenly, a sound like a mighty rushing wind fills th
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What to Wear: Clothing Ourselves in Christ
by: Paul Gay
06/03/2025
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In our daily lives, we often find ourselves asking the question "What to wear?" as we prepare for work, social events, or even church. But have we considered what we're wearing spiritually? Just as we carefully choose our physical attire, we must be intentional about clothing ourselves in Christ and His righteousness.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, provides us with a powerful metaphor for our spiritual wardrobe. He reminds us that if we have been raised
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