John 10:1 is not a soft opening. Jesus starts with discernment. He names a pattern that shows up in real life, especially when you are under pressure. Some voices want access to you. Some influences want to lead you. Some patterns want to shape your inner life. But they do not come through the door.

In this episode of Formation to Transformation: A Worship Devotional, we sit with Jesus’ first line in John 10 and ask a simple question. How does something enter your heart and mind? Does it come with the character of Jesus, or does it climb in sideways through urgency, fear, shame, control, or approval?

This is not about becoming suspicious of everything. It’s about becoming awake. Formation is not only learning what to love. It’s learning what to distrust. Thieves rarely announce themselves. They take a little at a time. Peace. Joy. Patience. Freedom. Until you realize your inner life has been shrinking.

John 10 begins with Jesus protecting His people by naming what is not safe. And that is grace. Clarity is part of care.

Question for today: What has been climbing into my soul lately, and how can I bring that to Jesus honestly instead of quietly letting it lead me?

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