Some of us still have the notion that true blessing exists only if there are no problems. As a matter of fact, many people come to Christ thinking that salvation exes out any future potential for trouble, only to be disappointed and disillusioned. Some depart from the faith when they perceive that God has chosen not to come through for them in a crisis, in the manner which they'd hoped. And still others live in a topsy-turvy, “one-day chicken, next-day feathers” kind of mindset. Today I say I'm blessed, tomorrow I say I'm not blessed, on and on. So what DOES our Lord really mean when He uses the phrase "abundant life?"

I believe the answer in part lies in the fact that He mentioned His provision and the attack of the enemy in the same passage. It's as if there's a huge "HOWEVER" that links the two. He isn't ... (Continued)