John 10_9-11
October 24
Happy Wednesday Everyone,
The scripture for today is John 10:9-11
John 10:9-11 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 comes 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 gives his life for the sheep.
In the great controversy between Christ and Satan, we are the prize. Christ, the Good Shepherd, loved and valued us so much that He gave His life as atonement to redeem us from the penalty of sin, which is death, and release us from the clutches of the evil one. Everlasting life is now offered to all through Jesus Christ. Satan, on the other hand, has never given anyone anything of eternal value. He has nothing of eternal value to give. He is a thief and the destroyer of life. All who reject the gift of God through His Son will fall prey to his deceptions and forfeit the most wonderful gift of all; abundant life eternally with the Father and Son. Choosing life would seem to be an easy decision for any rational person to make. But the enemy is the master of deception. He works through the flesh to make it appear that sensual pleasure is the best experience of life.
In reality, fleshly pleasure should never be confused with the life that God offers. Jesus said: "It is the Spirit that makes alive, the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and are life." John 6:63 The problem for most is that the life which Christ offers is received by faith and the pleasures of the flesh are received by feelings. And for too many, feelings triumph over faith when it should be the exact opposite. Our faith should always triumph over our feelings. We must be people who are motivated by faith, not people of the flesh.
Therefore let us daily adhere to, trust in, and rely on the great sacrifice which Christ, the Good Shepherd, made for us by unconditionally surrendering our hearts to Him. His Word becomes our place of pasture, the place where we feed daily.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim