DevoToday.com

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10

This verse comes among Jesus comparing himself to a shepherd. The shepherd’s job was to protect the sheep from harm, which involved restricting their movement to some degree. If the shepherd let the sheep roam free, they could not be fully protected.

Our life as Christians is similar. At times we may perceive “limits” that our faith places on us. We may hear from others that we are missing out in something amazing. We may get jealous and tempted.

A roaming sheep probably enjoyed its freedom, too. Until the wolf came.

The path of following Jesus does suggest there are things we should not do. Rather than perceive them as limits, we should see them as ways of keeping us safe. Jesus doesn’t prevent us from enjoying life — there is plenty to enjoy. Instead, we are guided to avoid what can cause us harm.

Be God’s — every day.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:27-28

Listen for Jesus…

Maybe not literally, but listen with your heart.

There are certainly times when God speaks to us. Maybe in a quiet moment, or in a time of difficulty. Or maybe it’s through the words of someone else. As his sheep, you will recognize his voice.

I’ve heard God speak to me before. I’ve heard him say a few things:

“I love you, and you have gifts I need you to share.”

“Just wait. We will always be together — not based on what you do, but because I won’t let you go.”

“Set out on this journey. It may feel uncomfortable, but there are things I need you to do.”

Perhaps those weren’t literal quotes… But when I could feel God speaking to me, those were what I felt and the message I took away.

What do you hear?

Be God’s — every day.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Revelation 1:3

I struggle with the book of Revelations. I find it’s imagery challenging, and in many cases the nature of its descriptions seems distant from our God as described elsewhere in the Bible. I also find that the various Christians who apply Revelation to current events suggesting “the end is near” tend to create more harm for spreading the word than help. Further, knowing that its inclusion into the Biblical canon was highly debated has given some sense I’m not the only one who struggles with it.

If we step back, though, from the colorful imagery and potential misuse of Revelation, it’s central message is still worth understanding. Christians will face hardship, and God will win. Those who hear and “take to heart” this message are blessed. God will protect and provide victory to those who understand his power and embrace the salvation he provides.

“The time is near” may be relative — no one knows the time of Christ’s coming. Yet be assured that God wins. No matter what the hardships — apocalyptic or personal crisis — God blesses and protects those who hear and abide by his message.

Be God’s — every day.