Friday, August 1, 2008

When He Comes

There are two verses of scripture that I am confident my children have in their hearts. I am not sure why I chose those particular ones other than I think it was simply the Lord's great idea. 

Whenever the numbers 10:10 would pop up anywhere; the total amount of a purchase, the digital numbers on a clock, or perhaps a tied score on a scoreboard, etc. Whenever those numbers would appear I would say, "John 10:10, what does that say?" One, or two, or all of my kids would say, "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly."

One day my husband said to me, " I don't like that verse, because of the the thief part."

My reply was that I wanted the kids to know that there is a thief, but they have a Lord who promises them life. Not just any life, but a more abundant life! 

The thief loves to get his grimy paws on our abundant inheritance.........life. He desires to steal, kill, and destroy everything that the Lord has given to us. We must be aware of his schemes and know that he is out there. 

There is a very small community near us who has had some vandalizing to some small businesses recently. This week they did damage to the post office even setting fire to it. Whew! They are in big trouble now. The law enforcement in that community is small and not very powerful.

Now there is a bigger issue. Now they are calling out the big dogs. The federal government will be involved because the post office is a government office. Most likely, they will find the ones causing the crimes and they will receive their just due.

The enemy often tries to steal, kill, and destroy that life that is in us because we believe in the Lord. The problem is when we let him.  What if the ones who run the post office just let the criminals in and said, "have at it!" ? 

Or those owning the small businesses just open the doors to the enemy and say, "Here, take what ever you like. Destroy everything if you want!"

I am afraid that I have done that to the enemy at times in my life. I have allowed the enemy to come into my life and cause destruction. I let him steal and kill my joy. Peace. Life!

There is such an abundance in the life the Lord has promised us. He wants us to walk in that abundance. 

We often think of abundance in a financial way. I think He loves to bless finances. But I believe there is a richness to life that is way beyond the financial realm. It is all the things that money can't buy! That is abundant living. 

I am just wondering if you have cracked the door for the enemy. I have learned the hard way that if you give him enough space to get his big toe in the door you had better look out. He will never be satisfied with that small of an entrance.

My husband started to say, "10:10" when he would spot it somewhere (and still does). Each one of my children would love to be the first ones to spot it and point it out to the rest of the family.

Have you seen 10:10 posted anywhere lately?  Remember the thief with his desires to do destruction to your life and WHEN HE COMES don't let him in!  And always remember the Lord who IS your Life!

I hope to share the second verse tomorrow.

Blessings!
Love, 
Cheri
ps. Melissa Taylor from Proverbs 31 Ministries wrote about this verse yesterday. It is very good. Please check it out on the Proverbs 31 site or on  Melissa Taylor's Blog.


4 comments:

Joyful said...

Cheri, I still remember the day, the place and the friend who shared this verse with me years ago. Her translation said, "I came that you might have life, and have it to the full". (NIV) The Message says, "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." The Amplified and King James talk about it being abundant and overflowing!

Sadly I have lived too much of my life without that fullness. The reality is that we have everything we need in Christ...and more.

As I read your post this morning I couldn't help but think of my Mom. She is really struggling right now, overwhelmed by worries and concerns - my Dad's health issues, water damage to their basement, financial stress, her own health challenges, fears within and without. I wish there was some way I could help her live in 'today', trust God in the moment, without projecting all of tomorrow's troubles today. I know I'm guilty of it often too, but it's just so sad seeing her so stressed. The thief is stealing her peace and joy. Would so appreciate prayer for my Mom.

Today is my last day at work and then my family has two weeks of holiday. Trust your summer is continuing to go well.

Love ya,
Joy

Cheri Bunch said...

Good morning and sweet blessings to you, Joy! It is a powerful verse. Thank you for sharing the other versions. I love that!
I will pray for your mom. The enemy often comes in like a flood! I believe the Lord wants to raise up a standard in your mom's life. I will pray the peace of God that passes all understanding for her.
I hope you have an amazing holiday!
I am in charge of a Beth Moore simulcast production tonight at our church. My request for prayer would be for clarity of service for tonight and tomorrow. I want to follow Him completely so that as many as can will be blessed!
Love you,
Cheri

Paula V said...

That is such a wonderful way to write scripture on your children's hearts. Just a beautiful idea!

I think satan is trying to steal my peace, joy, and especially contentment.

Thanks, Cheri.

Cheri Bunch said...

Dear Paula~
I am sorry that this is such a rough season for you. I have been through those times.....not exact circumstances but comparable ones. The sorrow and pain that you are feeling will pass.
Recently when I was going through an extreme amount of pain, a friend gave me a devotional called Streams in the Desert. It sure did help..........lots. You might already be aware of it. I highly recommend it.
I will continue to pray for you.
Blessings,
Cheri