READ John 10
Using the parable of the Good Shepherd, Jesus teaches of salvation and His deity.

INSIGHT
Whoever comes in contact with Jesus is either blinded or enlightened. They either accept Him or begin manufacturing reasons not to believe in Him. Jesus illustrates this reality with the imagery of sheep and a shepherd. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (10:27). Make your heart tender and sensitive to hear and obey Jesus. Walk in His light and you will not stumble.

PRAYER
Join your heart with the saints of the ages over the last 2,000 years in offering praise to the God of our salvation:
My lips will glorify you
because your faithful love is better than life.  
So I will bless you as long as I live;
at your name, I will lift up my hands.  
When I think of you as I lie on my bed,
I meditate on you during the night watches  
because you are my helper;  
I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings
(Psalm 63:3-4, 6-7).

Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Be gracious to me, God,
according to your faithful love;
according to your abundant compassion,
blot out my rebellion.  
Completely wash away my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.  
For I am conscious of my rebellion,
and my sin is always before me
(Psalm 51:1-3).

As you contemplate the mercy of God, confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater personal discipline
• Christians worldwide who are persecuted for their faith
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us  and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).