“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” –1 Peter 5:8 (NIV).
In the animal kingdom there are those animals whose antennas are always high on alert, just in case a predator is on the horizon. A mere lapse and then one of the bigger carnivorous animals or reptiles have their jaws deep into their necks. At times theses devourers sneak up in the bush or down the stream, leap and suddenly fall on to their unsuspecting prey.
Much like the animal world our lives as believers are also under constant threat from one ferocious enemy called Satan. He is a fallen angel who is ever going about sneaking upon someone to devour. In the story of Job we get an idea of how Satan uses his free time. And the Lord said to Satan. “From where have you come?” Satan answered, “From roaming throughout the earth going back and forth (Job 2:2). This is not a leisurely walk. “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life” (Job 2: 4), he pleaded for Job’s blood.
This is why the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). The reference to schemes is interesting. It means Satan is always designing plots against our lives from all angles, till he sneakily has his jaws sunk into our flesh. Once one’s antennas are down and there he is! As it is written, “The thief comes only to kill and destroy.” (John 10:10).
The Apostle Paul calls on us to be ever on guard. There is the Word of God to constantly guide us against Satan’s schemes, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14). Through prayer we also safeguard and throw him off. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18).
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the loving name of Jesus to be constantly on alert against the dark wiles of the devourer that through the might of the power of the Holy Spirit you may protect me and all my belongings ever so, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
Related upcoming events
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19/05/2024 - 20/05/2024 All day“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its part were many they form one body” (2 Cor 12:12)
In the body of Christ every believer has a gift that contributes to making the church whole. There are those who are gifted at intercessory prayers. Others have been called to a pulpit ministry. Then there are those gifted at leading worship and praises. Some others have the gift of care and empathy. The gifts in the church are indeed endless.
One way to know your gift is being able to reflect on what burdens you most. For example, if you have a great feeling for people who are going through tribulations and need comfort then most probably yours is a gift of empathy and care. There are those with a burden to share the truth and theirs is the gift of teaching the Word.
When God gives us gift he also enables us. For example, one who has been gifted with praising and worshipping by singing would naturally have a way with his tongue. That one gifted with preaching has the talent to move listeners with words. God gives us gifts to build the body of believers.Do you know your gift? If so, how are you using it for the building of the church of Christ?
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that you enable me use the gifts you have given me for the building of the church,
this I pray in Jesus’ name.
