1 Peter 5:8, 9

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings ~ 1 Peter 5:8, 9


We seem these days to be living in a world where the actions of the devil are more plainly visible. The actions of people are becoming more violent it seems, or perhaps I am just more aware of them, though I do hear many comments that affirm my first thought. Not only does mankind seem more violent at the behest of the devil, but our climate too is more reactive and violent, seeming to imitate the actions of the devil in the world. We are warned by Peter to be aware, to be alert, to be on guard! Our enemy, the devil is opposed to us as Christ followers. And he is opposed to mankind as well. He knew God created men and women as His companions, and he, the devil, who once was that companion had been thrown out of the heavenly realm. He who had been close to God was now His enemy on all fronts, and to destroy mankind was his highest vengeance. Peter compares him to a roaring lion, waiting for that moment when he can pounce on his prey and devour them. A lion that roars is not the crouching lion, he is the raging king of the plain. When a lion roars, he is roused with hunger! Many times I hear of people who accomplish something good for the Lord only to find in the days after, a despondency of soul. They are under attack by Satan. Persecution is his key, and where we are weak is where he will attack. How can we be on guard, to be aware that the devil is waiting to pounce? First, we stay in the word of God. We remain in contact with the Lord through prayer. Ultimately, he may still be at our door, so last we need to recognize that the devil is alive and ever willing to attack those that work and live for God. When we are free of his attack, pray for those who are undergoing his persecution, for our time will be around the corner. Last, remember that Jesus Christ conquered the devil. He is already Christ’s captive, and we in Christ are victorious!

Pastor Julia

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