“Somehow, we all become curious about what lies beyond the boundaries of the sheep gate, so to speak. We wonder if we’re missing something. Amen. What is out there beyond the walls? What if we could go and see? What if we could taste a little and try it out? Amen. What if we could come and go as we please? Many, including myself, have felt this way at some point. Somehow, we become blinded by life, or more accurately, by the enemy. We forget what truly lies beyond the walls of the sheep gate—the very walls that keep us protected and secure from the enemy and his evil schemes to destroy us, separating us from the protection and love of our Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18). Amen.

You see, the enemy’s plan is to kill, steal, and destroy us. That’s what the Bible says in John 10:10-12. The enemy desires nothing more than for us to become curious and wander away from the sheepfold, away from the protection of the Lord. Amen. He makes us think great things await us, that life outside is okay, and that it won’t hurt us. ‘Go ahead,’ he says, ‘you can do whatever you want. The Lord loves you.’ Amen. ‘You’re a good person.’ Amen. And so on, the enemy of our souls feeds us lies. Often, he tells half the truth, making his words sound convincing. Amen. He tells the appealing half, while hiding the other half—the consequences, the problems, the heartache that follow when we adopt a ‘do whatever you want’ mentality. Amen.

When we wander away and begin to think we can do whatever, however, and whenever we want, a lot starts to happen. We slip away from the truth. We begin to compromise, and compromise a lot. We justify our actions based on what we feel or think is right. All the while, we disregard the still small voice of our Father. Amen. At first, we might feel a bit uneasy, but soon we get used to it. We overlook what we’re doing. But have you ever noticed the enemy always wants to take us back to who we used to be—before we started serving Jesus, before we gave our hearts and lives to Him? Amen. The enemy never gives us a new beginning. Nothing good comes from him—only what used to be. Amen.

Here’s the thing: the Lord has made us wiser than the enemy (Psalm 119:98). Amen! The Lord never takes us back to who we were. Amen. The Lord will never change His mind about what He has spoken to you. Amen. If He told you to let go of certain things in your life, He’s not going to turn around and tell you to pick them back up. That’s the enemy speaking, with words like, ‘You’re mature now. You can handle it. Look at how far you’ve come. Don’t worry so much. Enjoy your life.’ But isn’t that how the enemy works? Amen. Even Jesus was tempted, but He knew He was about His Father’s business. He didn’t waste time with foolishness, and praise the Lord He didn’t! Where would we be if He had? So recognize the enemy. Amen. He’s sly, but you are smart. You are wise. Don’t let him deceive you into picking up things you’ve already let go of, things you’ve given to the Lord. Amen.

The Lord came to give us a great life, but we have free will to choose our path. The Lord doesn’t force us; He speaks to us. He brings people into our lives to speak to us and reminds us of His truth, but He leaves the choice up to us. My prayer this morning is that we are wise, that we stay focused on the Lord’s business, and that we remain within the sheep gate with our Good Shepherd. Let’s not get distracted by the enemy and believe his lies. Let’s hold fast to the Lord and His ways, knowing that every decision we make affects our lives. So, choose wisely. Amen. Choose to move forward in life, not backward. Don’t be deceived, and don’t miss what the Lord has for you. Amen. He has prepared a great life for you and for me. Stay on the narrow road—don’t get caught on the broad one, for nothing on that broad path is worth it. Not ever (Matthew 7:13-14). Amen. We’ve been there before, so when the enemy tries to deceive you, remind him of that. Remind him that you’ve already been to that place, and you’re not going back. Amen.

For it is in His name, Jesus’ name, that I do ask and pray. Amen and Amen. Be blessed today my dear sweet friends, and remember, wherever you go and whatever you do, Be a light for our Father, Much love to you all, Mandi!”