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 â€" 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.

1. John 10:10 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.