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

John 10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

This morning, my focus is DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, where John Piper seeks for believers to prepare our hearts for Christmas.  Today's Solid Joys daily devotion marks day 15 of Advent, and today John Piper explores how the Christmas season finds many grieving over loss, and this season, our family is grieving over the loss the Marit, our dear niece who within days of turning 15 died of brain cancer.  During these seasons of loss, John Piper encourages us to not be bitter, or to mask our feelings of loss, as he correctly shares that it is when we allow ourselves to feel loss and submit to circumstances orchestrated by God, this is when we will experience God's love and see Him at work. Piper writes: "[w]hat is love for, if not to intensify our affections — both in life and death?"  This is life in abundance now.  We are also encouraged to look forward to Heaven where we are not only reunited with our loved ones who believed.  Rejoice in abundance now and forever!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a good, good father - who is with us during difficult seasons and good seasons...and You save a placed in Heaven for us.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide such abundant life.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Deuteronomy 31-32:47

“Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:46-47 

Day 65 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the transition of Israel's leadership from Moses to Joshua, and God reveals to both leaders that He knows that Israel will not obey the laws and regulations outlined by God through Moses.

A few things to note about this transition to Joshua.  The exact words God speaks to both Moses and Joshua (and to the Israelites) is repeated 11 times in the OT in both Deuteronomy and Joshua.  These words are often included with an encouragement that God is with us.

Believers know that Jesus is with us (or Immanuel as stated in Matthew 1:23), represented by the Holy Spirit, the Word, and through the church body.  We CAN be strong and courageous BECAUSE God is with and for us!

Also, while we may not have to focus on the ceremonial law, Jesus does promise trouble for believers.  Yet we can "take heart" because Jesus has "overcome":

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Finally, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus promises abundance for believers - this is not an earthly abundance but a supernatural abundance that believers should come to understand and appreciate with nearness to God and a closer relationship with Jesus.  See also this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who I know is always with me and provides an abundance that transcends anything we can appreciate from an earthly perspective.  Thank You Jesus for giving me life "to the full".  I am not deserving of such blessings and love.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. v12

John ends the first of his two letters likely from Ephesus to the church body at large. As he ends this letter, he reminds us who Jesus is and what faith in Jesus provides.  John tells us that Jesus' commands are not burdensome (v3) and from my own experience I believe this to be true and I posted on a similar theme (freedom) last Monday.  Because only Jesus provides true freedom, and because we know that He loves us and only wants what is best for us, we can be assured that we have a life provides an unsurpassed joy.

John Piper's team writes that "joy is not optional" for believers.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and You provide life - to thes full...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I sin...far too often...every day...I don't want to disappoint but I do.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.

John 10

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. v4-5

Jesus continues addressing the Pharisees (v1-21), accusing them of being "thieves and robbers" and wolves (v1,10,11-13) for leading the Jews astray.  Jesus then contrasts Himself as The Good Shepherd (vs thieves, robbers, wolves) who knows His sheep (and His sheep know Him - v3-5,16), and who saves and protects His sheep from harm (v9, 15).  

John Piper calls out critical aspects of this story as (1) He "[came]  that [we] may have life , and have it to the full, and (2) Jesus has "authority to take [life] up again" (v15).  

Yes - we are saved.  But Piper correctly explains how Jesus gives us SO much more....more than our earthly minds can imagine.  Piper says, "[w]e want more than mere life. We want abundant life. Overflowing life. Deep life. Weighty life. Joyful life. We don’t just want to survive. We want to thrive at every level of our human being. We were made for this".   We also have this for eternity!  This is the essence of Jesus - heavenly abundance!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me life - to the full, and for eternity!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such gifts...I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

Isaiah 33

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. v6

God is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).  He wants us to have life and to have it to the "full" (John 10:10).  If we turn towards Him and focus on a renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) we overcome the damning consequences of our free will. 

God directs us towards truth as He gives us wisdom and knowledge.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.  Psalm 119:105

More from John Piper on free will.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an amazing God who has helped me with truth and knowledge - thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such a gift.  I often place other gods and idols above You.  Please forgive me!  Help me see the surpassing worth of You and You alone!  Help me turn towards You and love with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?”

Genesis 15

But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?” v8

Abram demonstrates the type of "give and take" interaction that God wants with us.  God wants us to be in relationship with us.  He wants to communicate with us.  He wants us to ask questions. He wants to hear our concerns and He wants us to depend on Him for wisdom and knowledge.  He wants us to go to Him daily for our provision - physical needs, emotional needs, etc. - everything.  He is our all in all.

Jacob wrestles with God - Genesis 32:22-32
Moses and the burning bush - Exodus 3

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who provides for all of my needs.  I am not in want for anything because of You.  Thank You Jesus.  Although I am blessed, I am undeserving.  I continue in my sin - I am harsh with my words. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy.

Psalm 132

For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying,  "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.  I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy. v13-16

God makes numerous promises to His children and He always keeps His promises (Luke 1:37) so it is encouraging when He tells us how we will bless us.  I love talking and listening to God...don't You?

Of course we should expect Jesus' return and be ready - see here (Parable of Virgins) and here (Matthew 24). 

My Prayer: Lord You are a great God, full of love and blessing for us...and You promise life to the full - and You always come through!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am weak and I get angry to quickly...I worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.

Psalm 31

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. v19

The world defines good things in terms of wealth, health, material things, fame, status, etc., yet we must remember that we are not citizens of this world but instead citizens of Heaven - see post here.  And we exist not to glorify ourselves but instead Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  As such when God promises abundance - as He does in John 10:10 (ESV) - we must have an appreciation of God's view of abundance, which may include suffering, punishment, pain, etc. all of which are designed to bring us closer to Him.  This is certainly counter-intuitive but Gods ways are not our ways...(Isaiah 55:8).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God that is perfect in all ways...there are no flaws in Your character, Your ways, or Your works.  You know everything about me yet You love me so much that You suffered and died for me...even though You led a sinless life and did not deserve to die...You willingly laid down Your life for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift.  I continue to worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects of chemo and radiation.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin....and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 23

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. v5

Indeed, I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Family, friends, provision, health, etc. Most importantly, I have a God that loves me more than anyone on earth ever can...and my God died for me so that I would not be slave to my sin but instead would have eternal life.  God has been so full of grace, compassion, patience, mercy, etc. for me...again...even though I am not deserving of such blessings.  The Lord provides. 

Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people. Deuteronomy 9:6

See also here.

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

 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, without a doubt You are God that blesses His children abundantly...even when we think we are not being blessed we are...the blessings overflow as David writes.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am not worth such blessings...I am too easily distracted by the world and I too often "conform to the patterns of this world".  Forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer and the side effects from chemo and radiation.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Freedom
Philippians 4

 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. v13

While the devotion explicitly focuses on physical needs and material desires.  Yet for me there is a broader implication.  Every person will experience up and downs in life, times of plenty and times of want - whether this be financial provision, health, relationships, etc.  Paul reminds us that God is what carries us through these peaks and valleys.

In the last days, God writes to the church in Smyrna and sums it up this way:

I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! Revelations 2:9

Even when we have success, it is not through our own hands.  See post here and the reference to Deuteronomy 8:

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me."  But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. v17-18

Earlier in Philippians Paul refers to his worldly gains as garbage in comparison to Christ:

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

Additional references on material focus here and via John 10:10.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, what an awesome God.  You provide everything that I need and in an abundance that is indescribable.  Thank You Jesus for providing abundantly and to the full.  I am not worth such blessing.  I am easily distracted and consumed by the world - please forgive me.  Help me overcome and turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo and radiation.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
  

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. v19

On the heels of expressing his thanks to the Philippians for providing him so generously, Paul encourages the Philippians with the above words.  I am mindful of other verses in this context.

God wants us to be a cheerful giver as posted here and that we are not to worry as posted here.

My Prayer: Lord, You are a God of infinite abundance and You promise believers a life of abundance...all that You ask is for belief and faith in Jesus Christ.  Yet sometimes I worry...Lord please forgive me for such worry and thank You that You have provided so generously.  I have never lacked nor will I ever lack as long as I trust and have faith in You.  Help me turn from my worry and lack of trust and towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

2 Corinthians 8

 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. v9

I know, in the moment, that I am rich...in all ways...with Christ I am rich.  I should be thankful for ALL that He provides...the list is long!

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

Also:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

My Prayer:  Lord, I KNOW I have it good...even with the trial of Lisa's cancer....there is richness and abundance everywhere...like a great mammogram report that cancer is not in the lymph nodes...that we have so many people praying for us, encouraging, helping us...etc.  God is great in all ways...all the time.  I am not deserving of such blessing!  I worry far too much.  Thank You Jesus that You love me anyway but please forgive me!  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.