The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”19When he said these things, the people10:19 Greek Jewish people; also in 10:24, 31. were again divided in their opinions about him. 20Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

 “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,

Lord God my Father,

Keep my discernment on guard for those who wish to steal your peace in me. Give me your perspective in life’s discussions and help me to represent you well. Protect my faith and lead me into a stronger trust in it.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, 36as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. 37The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded.

“And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.

“The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.

“I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”

Lord God my Father,

Give me an attitude of preparation and expectation, I am eager for your return. Focus my thoughts to do you will without delay so I may be your trusted servant. Open my eyes to the sin I am overlooking so I may surrender it to your care.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

For when a strong man is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe—22until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.23“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Lord God my Father,

May I rely completely on you and your plan, protect me from the deceiver. Give me a heart that is obedient to your calling.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. 29And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.”

If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. 43Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me!

For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! 

“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

Lord God my Father,

Continue to reveal my weakness and deliver me to your will above all else. I wish to do your will above my own yet I struggle. protect me from distraction and temptation. Help me to have my priorities where they bring you honor and give me a heart that will not compromise.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.

Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. 18Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. 

 “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”11“No, Lord,” she said.And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Lord God my Father,

Give me your Truth and the courage it brings to my day. I want to do your will in all things, expose the areas I struggle with and direction in surrender. Thank you for the healing you have given me and the healing yet to come.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”24The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?”29Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.

But they didn’t know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn’t understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

Lord God my Father,

I am overcome by doubt, help me to have only one focus thru your ability in me. Give me strength to turn from my thoughts and allow your desire to be my guide. Open my heart to understand and help me to see your essence in every part of this day.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

“You are blessed, Simon son of John,16:17 Greek Simon bar-Jonah; see John 1:42; 21:15-17. because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 

Now I say to you that you are Peter  and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?8:36 Or your self? also in 8:37. 37Is anything worth more than your soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Lord God my Father,

Open my eyes today to see the path you desire for me, give me strength to resist distraction. Use me to touch others to seek you.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

“That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” 

Lord God my Father,

Purify my heart to have the boldness you desire, grant me the faith to trust you in all things.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

“I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. 

“This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. 

‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 

But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

Lord God my Father,

Grow my understanding so I can see more of you. Allow my belief to be simple, without my desire changing it to suit me. Deliver me from my will to the will you designed for me. Teach me how to come to you so all the words from my heart honor you.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

“Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”

Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9“There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”

 “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!6:50 Or The ‘I Am’ is here; Greek reads I am. See Exod 3:14.

They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

Lord God my Father,

Help me to seek your rest for me so I my be at my best for you. Help me to see your power above the limits I have and be obedient to what ever you ask. Give me a faith that believes.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen