NCIS, The First 48, and City Confidential are TV shows based on real life stories that depict heinous crimes of evil and murder. Each episode is filled with examples of how jealousy, greed, love, and pride are motives capable of igniting passion that cross the line of temptation rushing over into ruthless behavior that kills and destroys lives.

John 10:10 declares, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Don't allow the thief to win.

Unlike the people featured in the TV episodes, the thief and murderer mentioned in this verse may not affect us physically, but spiritually—that’s the worst. Deceptive tactics attempt to rob us of God’s word with lies and distractions.

The deceiver's plan is to denounce God’s purpose and diminish our potential. While mastering our weaknesses he charms us by means of our own lustful desires. His goal is to divert and distract us from a committed relationship with God.

We must stay focused. The Bible describes Jesus as The Good Shepherd and The Door; The Way, The Truth and the Life.

Today's verse acknowledges Him as the giver of abundantly life. Only through Jesus Christ can man have access to eternal life in heaven with God. Jesus came to vindicate truth, to bind up that which was broken, revive a contrite spirit, and to save a sin-sick world from eternal damnation.

It's a matter of life or death

Truth is, we all have a choice. You’re either in or you’re out—life or death. Jesus stands at the door of our heart and knocks, but never forces His way in. We must choose. But remember, no choice is a move towards the opponent—and the thief wins. Don't allow the thief to win.

Jesus died that we might have abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven. Remember the death and burial of Jesus Christ. Prepare yourself to die to sin and to live for God.

Click LIFE for more information about God's Plan for Your Salvation.