Introduction

Some weeks feel like someone sneaked into the pantry of our souls and walked off with the peace we thought we had stored for days like these. Distractions multiply. Weariness whispers. Worry shouts. And our hearts wonder: Where did my joy go? Why does hope seem thin? Why do I feel like I’m fighting air? If that’s you today, you’re in good company—and you’re not alone.

I think of a father who sits in the car in his driveway an extra two minutes, breathing, asking God for strength before stepping into the swirl of homework and dishes and bills. I think of a teenager scrolling late into the night, waiting for a “like” to tell her she matters. I think of a widow setting one plate at the table and feeling the ache of silence. Each story is different, and each heart carries its own set of weights. But Scripture gives us a window into what’s going on behind the scenes: there’s a thief who is shameless, stealthy, and tireless. Yet, there is also a Friend—nearer than our breath—who gives life that outlasts the storm and outshines the shadows.

John Wesley once said, “The best of all is, God is with us!” That sentence is oxygen for tired lungs. It is balm for bruised people. It is a lighthouse line for those in fog. God is not far. He hasn’t misplaced your address. He hasn’t forgotten your name. He is with us. When the thief slinks through the corridors of our minds, Jesus stands in the doorway like a faithful Shepherd, speaking life over what fear tries to strangle. When anxiety sends its invoices, Jesus cancels the debt with His presence. When sin snarls, His grace unknots the cords. When guilt points the finger, His kindness lifts our chin.

So, today, with open hands and expectant hearts, we will name the thief’s tactics, welcome the Friend’s abundance, and learn to walk alert in the strength of Jesus. This is not about willpower; it’s about His power. This is not about pretending; it’s about living awake to the reality that Christ is enough for every hour you face—this hour included.

Hear the Word of God:

John 10:10 (KJV): The thief cometh 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.

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV): Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

These are not scare lines; they are shepherd lines. They tell us the truth about the battlefield and the banquet. There is a real adversary. There is a real Savior. There are real stakes. And there is a real abundance available in Jesus Christ that no thief can empty and no lion can swallow. If you’ve felt nibbled by nagging fears, gnawed by guilt, or needled by nagging thoughts—listen in. Your Shepherd speaks life, and when He speaks, things change.

Imagine a table set in a world that often feels like a wilderness. The wind howls, but the table is steady. The night presses in, but the candles burn. The menu reads “mercy, strength, courage, comfort, wisdom, joy.” And the Host welcomes you by name. He doesn’t roll His eyes at your weakness. He doesn’t sigh at your slowness. He smiles. He serves. He stays. This is the heart of Jesus: to give life, and to give it in overflowing measure. Abundance isn’t about ease; it’s about presence—His presence—giving ballast to your soul in every season.

So, friend, take a breath. Lift your eyes. The headlines do not have the last word. Your history does not handcuff your future. Jesus does not cross His arms at the sight of your scars; He shows you His and says, “Peace be with you.” We will learn to watch for the thief without fear, to welcome the Friend with faith, and to walk with a steady step, even when the path is rugged. And as we begin, let’s ask for what only God can give: clarity, courage, and comfort.

Opening Prayer: Father, we thank You that You are here and that Your love does not waver with our feelings or our failures. Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, speak to us. Where the enemy has stolen peace, restore. Where he has tried to kill hope, resurrect. Where he has sought to destroy trust, rebuild. Holy Spirit, open our ears to hear truth, our eyes to see Jesus, and our hearts to receive the life He gives. Make us sober and vigilant, not anxious or afraid, but steady in Your strength. Guard our minds, settle our spirits, and anchor our steps. Let Your Word be a lamp to our feet and a shield for our hearts. We ask this in the strong and saving name of Jesus. Amen.

Recognize the Thief Who Seeks to Destroy

Trouble in the soul is not random. Jesus spoke of a thief. He used the picture of someone who does not come through the gate. He climbs the wall. He slips in where no one expects. That image helps us name what happens in the heart. Lies sneak in. Small choices open doors. Old wounds invite noise. The thief does not announce himself. He hides in hurry. He hides in pride. He hides in secret habits. He hides in shame. He wants access to your mind, your time, your loves.

John 10 also gives another picture. Sheep know a voice. They move when they hear it. They rest when they trust it. This is how faith works in the middle of a loud world. Many voices call to you. Some sound kind. Some use church words. Some flatter you. Some scare you. The thief uses any tone that works. He only cares about control. Learn the texture of his words. They feel rushed. They isolate you. They stir fear. They confuse what God has made clear. They push you toward the shadows. When you feel that pull, pause. Ask, Who is speaking to me right now? Does this voice push me away from love, away from truth, away from light?

He wants to steal. He reaches for what God has given. Joy. Focus. Tenderness. Gratitude. He does not need a loud sin to do it. A slow trickle will do. A little sloth. A little envy. A little constant noise. Soon the heart feels thin. Prayer becomes rare. Words get sharp. Sleep does not refresh. Hope feels far.

He aims to kill. He goes after desire. Desire for God. Desire for Scripture. Desire for people. He wants faith to go cold. He wants courage to stop breathing. He wants your calling to sound boring. He does this with despair. He does this with weariness that never rests. He does this with shame that never seeks help. He does this with anger that never forgives. Pay attention to what is fading. Ask, What used to be alive in me that now feels numb? Bring that into the light right away.

He moves to destroy. He wants to break trust. In homes. In friendships. In churches. He sows suspicion. He twists motives. He keeps old offenses fresh. He makes small issues feel final. His goal is not a single bad day. His goal is rubble. Look for cracks before walls fall. Look for sarcasm that hides hurt. Look for scrolling that blocks real talk. Look for secrets that grow larger. Speak early. Pray early. Repair early.

Peter gives another picture. A lion on the move. He is loud to scare and patient to hunt. Lions do not chase herds that stay tight. They watch the one that wanders. They wait for weak moments. They look for night. This is how the adversary works. He watches for stress. He watches for pride. He watches for isolation. He looks for doors that no one is guarding.

Scripture calls us to a clear mind. Not fogged by rage. Not soaked in drama. Not glued to every feed. Think of a mind that can tell time. This is morning. This is night. This is a time to work. This is a time to rest. This is a time to talk. This is a time to be quiet. A clear mind can say no. A clear mind can wait. A clear mind can pray a short prayer and mean it. You can ask God for this. You can practice it with small choices. Put the phone down for ten minutes. Take a slow breath. Name what you feel. Tell God the truth.

Scripture also calls us to watch. Watch your gates. Eyes. Ears. Tongue. Calendar. Wallet. Friends. Phone. Food. These are not random parts of life. They are gates. What enters shapes your heart. What exits shapes your world. Set simple guards. Read Scripture before the news. Speak blessing before you leave home. Ask a friend to text you on hard days. Put worship music on while you cook. Delete what lures you at night. Put the Bible where you can reach it. Little guards matter. They keep the door from swinging wide.

Watching includes the body. A tired body makes a tired soul. Sleep is not a luxury. It is warfare. Water helps. A walk helps. A good laugh helps. Honest tears help. These humble things shame the enemy because they show trust. You are not a machine. You are a person God loves. Care for what He made.

Life from Jesus pushes back the thief. Abundance is not extra stuff. It is steady supply. Daily bread. Daily mercy. Daily wisdom. It fills the cracks so loss cannot drain you. It calms the storm inside so the storm outside cannot rule you. Ask for it in plain words. Lord, give me the life You promised today. Then pick up means of grace. Read a psalm out loud. Whisper the name of Jesus when fear rises. Sing a simple chorus while you wash dishes. Thank God for three small gifts before bed. Share one burden with a trusted friend. These small acts open space for life to flow.

His words make strong walls. Keep a verse near. Write it on a card. Tape it to a mirror. Put it on your lock screen. When a lie speaks, answer with truth. When a thought says, You are on your own, answer with, He will never leave me or forsake me. When shame says, Hide, answer with, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us. Speak it out loud. The enemy hates clear truth in a clear voice.

Community is part of this life. A lion hates a circle that holds. Stay close to humble people. Sit under Scripture with them. Pray short prayers together. Eat real food together. Ask hard questions kindly. Celebrate small wins. Help each other close doors that have stayed open too long. Bring dark things into light with grace and courage. The thief loses power where light and love stay.

Obedience is also protection. Not grand gestures. Simple steps. Tell the truth. Keep a promise. Pay what you owe. Return the call. Turn away from the second look. Apologize without excuses. Give when no one sees. These quiet acts train your heart to hear the right voice. They leave fewer gaps in the fence.

When accusation comes, run to the cross right away. Do not wrestle shame in your head for hours. Come to Jesus with clear words. I sinned. I need mercy. Receive it. Stand up. Walk again. The thief loves delay. He loves fog. Quick confession clears the air. Grace steadies your feet.

Embrace the Friend Who Gives Abundant Life

Jesus speaks with a promise that meets us where we live: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10) ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO