Passage:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/jhn.10.10.esv

Paraphrase:

There is a thief and when the thief comes his only desire is to take everything from you: he wants to steal, kill and destroy everything I am trying to give you. I am the Good Shepherd and The Savior Who came to give you life now and life after now for all eternity.

Premise:

The Evil One will make promises that are empty. Jesus always delivers on His Word. Jesus isn’t trying to take away my life but to give me real life and a life that is full. The God-Life is the full and abundant life. However, the Evil One wants me to mistrust God and Jesus and believe that anything I don’t have is because they are holding out on me. Anything that God does is good and for my good. But I must believe God and Jesus love me beyond what I feel at times. If all I do is love according to my feelings, I won’t experience the abundant life God has for me. Sometimes to have the abundant life, it means I have to say “no” to lesser things.

Principle:

The abundant life is not always measured in monetary or materialistic ways.

Anything that takes away your peace and joy or hinders your relationship with God is not from God.

Be thankful for the abundant life found in Christ.

Promise:

There is life and an abundant life in Jesus for all who follow Him.

Practice:

Watch out for the thieves that will steal, kill or destroy all the good in your life.

Beware of false and empty promises.

Don’t listen to everything the world promises but what God promises.

Prayer:

Dear Lord thank you for the abundant life in Christ. Thank you for coming to give me real life. Forgive me for how I’ve traded and even invited thieves into my life. Protect me from the Evil One and give me discernment that all my choices will lead to a much better life.