Week Two, Day Four
Taming the Thieves
John 10:7-10

In the insecure world we call home, alarm systems can be found on houses everywhere.  Most prudent residents wouldn¹t think of going to bed without a double-locked door.  We go to great lengths to protect the ones we love! 

Would you even think of allowing thieves free reign over your home and family on a daily basis?  While it seems unthinkable, most of us miss the ³petty thieves² that make their way right through the front door.

In the Near East a shepherd often slept in the entrance of the fold to guard his sheep.  Thus Jesus watches over His own ­ the ultimate GateKeeper!  Yet as GateKeepers of our own flocks, we are warned that the thieves¹ motives are always worse than they might appear ­ to steal, to kill, and to destroy ­ and we must stay alert to their presence. 

Take a mental walk through your home.  Do you have anything that could rob you of your joy?  Of a closer walk with God?  Is there anything that could steal the hearts of your children? 

Certain common thieves to watch out for:

• Television programs
• Magazines and books
• Music
• Worldly Attitudes
• Compromises in your own integrity
• As GateKeepers, we must stay ³on alert² for the covert operations of the enemy!  There isn¹t room for even one wolf in the flock of an effective shepherd.  We cannot afford to make excuses.