John 10:6-10; Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

Access to life with God only comes through Jesus. If you think you’ve found another way in, you’re mistaken because Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  The wolf’s job is to steal sheep and he’ll try to get to them anyway he can, but Jesus protects his sheep. His plan is to have relationship with us so that we know his voice intimately and will know how he speaks and when he speaks. We should be able to differentiate between those voices, but the only way to do that is to know the Word of God. Then we can confidently say, “It is written!” just as Jesus did when he faced satan in the wilderness.

You see, knowing the truth of the Word sets you at an advantage. John 8:32 says that you will know the truth and it will make you free. With confident assurance, Jesus quoted the context of Gods Word back to the devil when he tried to tempt him. How did he know the Word, he studied and meditated on the Word. He had fellowship with the Father. He set an example for us to follow so that we would know how to also overcome the enemy.

The devil is sly and crafty, but we have an advantage because we know Jesus. He came so that we could have abundant, over-the-top, extravagant, supernatural life. Life lived in the fullness of God, the fullness of his peace and provision, his grace and his love. How wonderful is that?! He said he would care for us. I remember another verse where he said to cast all your cares on him so he could care for you. Your children don’t worry! They know you will feed and clothe them and put a roof over their heads. They don’t worry and neither should we.

Father, thank you for caring for the small things and the large things, the long haul and the short haul. What a wonderful Father you are. There is just no one or nothing that can compare with your faithfulness to us. Every morning I rise up and thank you for another day to serve you, to love you, to speak to you. I look forward to the surprises you’ve set up for me today. Amazing! Astounding! I magnify your matchless name! Every care, every worry, every unknown, every heavy burden, I lay it at your feet this morning knowing that I can trust you to take care of it for me. It’s in Jesus’ Name I thank you. Amen