John 10:10a, "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy."

Think

Yesterday, we saw that Jesus has a plan and purpose for us. And as the Ultimate Party Planner, he wants to give us a full, abundant life. But, today's verse reminds us that we have an enemy lurking around trying to get us to settle for far less than God's best. It's the devil, whose malign intent is to keep us from fulfilling our God-given purpose. His desire is to be a killjoy - the ultimate party crasher. Everything positive that Jesus creates in our lives has a counterfeit created by Satan. When God gives us thrills, Satan counters with chills. Jesus came to turn lives right-side up and the devil wants to turn them upside down. It's an ongoing tug-of-war, a battle for our souls. Jesus is our Savior, he died to give us life. Satan is a thief trying to rob us of our joy. Determine in your heart today to infuriate God's opponent! Instead, celebrate each day to the fullest and refuse to lose your joy. Make Satan run away by staying up-to-date on your daily devotions, serving others and committing to invest and involve regularly in the local church.

Act

Make a pact with God right now to stay true to these daily disciplines. Ask God to give you the strength and determination to follow through in these commitments which have a divine byproduct of bringing ultimate joy into your everyday living.

Pray

God, you are the only one who brings ultimate joy into my life. Help me to remember that you are greater than the evil one and that, with you, I am more than a conqueror as you continue to fill my life with your goodness and grace! Amen.