“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I
came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”1
Imagine
that you have just purchased a home and have excitedly moved in, when the
neighbor comes over to warn you of a thief that has been terrorizing the
neighborhood. You would most likely take immediate action setting up alarms and
surveillance and you would take the necessary measures to protect your family
and belongings. I do not think that this is the type of news that you would take
lightly. Imagine, though, that the neighbor also tells you that they have the
best law enforcement keeping watch and that they are around to make sure that
you can live out your fullest life in your new home. You might rest easier at
night knowing that, yet you would still take precautions.
Jesus
warned us of a thief that comes to steal, kill, and destroy; spiritually
speaking this thief could steal our joy, kill our faith, and destroy our
families! What measures have we taken to protect those? Many have taken this
scripture lightly and become victims of the thief that is Satan himself.
Scripture warns us to be vigilant because he roams like a lion, seeking whom to
devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Jesus has given us a promise, however, that He came to
ensure that we would have an abundant life; warning us of the storms that might
come our way, while allowing us to find shelter in Him.
God
desires that we live our lives to the fullest measure " abundantly, but he also
wants us to be wary of those things that will try to take us away from Him. By
staying in the Word of God and seeking Him in prayer we can build a spiritual wall
around ourselves and our families so that when the devil tries to steal our
most precious treasures, we will be well protected. Rest easy knowing that the
great Protector is only a prayer away!
Suggested
Prayer: Dear
Mighty Father, there are things in this world that would try and steal my faith
in you, kill my relationship with Jesus, and destroy my family by drawing them
away from you. I come to you today asking you to guard our minds and hearts and
fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we might live out the abundant life you
came to give us. Thank you for your protection. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
John 10:10 (ESV).
Today’s
Encounter was written by: Veronica B.