"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, New International Version

The verse above has been the foundation of my life and ministry from the day Jesus found me. Coming from a broken home, filled with anxiety, and turning to drugs and alcohol, Jesus took the strategy of the devil and replaced it with a life, a purpose, and a message. I praise Him every day that the second part of this verse won out over the first part.

I am sure it is the same for you. If you look back at your life, you are quite aware that Satan had a plan for you. The enemy may have started working on destroying your life by infiltrating your grandparents, parents, or beyond. His overarching plan to steal, kill, and destroy isn't confined to one generation. The warfare is for you and your children, and grandchildren.

The strategy of Satan is always the same, "steal, kill, destroy." He wants to do as much harm to us as he possibly can. We know he targets relationships, our spirituality, and our resolve against our sinful nature. Once he has an opportunity, he will take it as far as he can. Our lives and our world are filled with stories of his victories.

Jesus has another plan for us and it is the opposite of Satan's with a twist. Where Satan destroys, Jesus recreates. Where Satan kills, Jesus brings life. Where Satan steals, Jesus restores. But this is not a one-to-one proposition. When Jesus does His saving, He overcompensates for our losses. The word, He uses is "beyond measure." Jesus longs to give us life that is beyond measure.

No matter what Satan has been able to accomplish in your life, Jesus promises to restore that beyond measure. He is our Good Shepherd. Let's follow Him into the abundant life He offers us.

Have a wonderful day.

Love, Pastor Stuart