“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
I love these verses because I can clearly picture it. I see a thief, in the darkness of the night, going through the back gate hoping to steal the Good Shepherd’s sheep. He did not raise that flock from when they were tiny. He did not name each one and know what mother birthed and nursed them. He has no interest or clue as to the personalities of each individual member of that flock. He has a knife and he is on a mission–to take what is not his at any cost. If he gets caught, he has no problem slitting the throat of the very treasure he is going through all this trouble for. That is how satan works. He works hard to trap and steal what the Lord created for His pleasure. He has no interest in taking care of his stolen goods, his goal is just to steal, kill and destroy at any cost. Not because he needs anything. He just enjoys the trill of the hunt and kill. It is pure pleasure for him to gloat in his power to destroy. Take a moment and ask yourself where you stand in this. Are you a “dumb sheep” who quickly has forgotten the source of all your comfort and provision? Are you running into the arms of a dark stranger because he flashes some shiny distraction to get your eyes off of the safety God has created for you? Is your interest in the unknown and your desire for excitement the very trap that will cause you to fall off (an exciting) cliff? What are you doing? Why are you doing it? What are you running from? Who are you running into? These are the questions you must ask yourself before the night falls. That way you can guard yourself against the wiles of the enemy. He is seeking to destroy you. Are you making it easy for him?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I never thought that my hapless behavior could cause my life so much trouble. I merely wanted to experience it all. I did not want to “close my mind” and therefore, close off any opportunity to indulge in all that the world has to offer. But, I see now, just because the world offers it, does not make it a wise choice. I do not have to taste poison (and die from it) to see that it is bad for me. The wisdom in your word will prevent me from stepping into spiritual landmines. Help me not to look at the world as just a place for my every indulgent desire. Help me to see it for what it is–a place where good things and bad things can happen to my family and me. I need the wisdom of the one who loves me and created me in my mother’s womb to help guide my life. I know you have taken the time to create me not to give me a life of heartache, but to watch me grow in abundance and flourish. I know that whatever you feed me, may not taste the greatest (in that moment), but it will be healthiest for me in the end. Because you always have my best interest in mind. Help me to always stay close by your side, as you are the accurate, loving guide. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional. Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!