Welcome to the PoG blog! The scripture for today is 1 Peter 5: 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 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.10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
"Devour" is a powerful word! It is like we discussed on Sunday in the message at PoG, "The evil one is relentless and conscienceless!" The idea that there is an enemy out there that is prowling around seeking to devour me and those important to me - well that is a little shocking. It seems Peter wants to get our attention with this comment!
My mind goes to yesterday's scripture when Jesus said, "...the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy..."!
Devour...destroy... this enemy is real and relentless! I think Peter and Jesus want me to first of all take this enemy seriously.
Secondly, Peter and Jesus want me to take the resources I have at my disposal and use them in the battle! The good news is that I can "resist him, standing firm in the faith, knowing I am not alone but fellow believers around the world are fighting as well and that God will restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast."
If I take the battle seriously then I have to take God's solution seriously! It is only God's weapons and resources that will work.
As I write this I am feeling a little attacked. I sense the enemy trying to steal joy, devour hope, kill love and destroy relationships today! Right now I am rising up to believe - to stand firm in the faith - to trust that Jesus has conquered him and that in His Name I can resist the devil. "In the name of Jesus I come against Satan and all forces of evil that are trying to mess around with me and my family today. I come under the reign of Jesus in this moment and declare the kingdom of God, the rule and reign of Jesus over my life - my body, soul and spirit, my heart mind and will! I stand firm in my faith in Jesus in this moment! Amen"
I want to get better and better at resisting the devil and standing firm in the faith in every aspect of my life! I look forward to growing as a soldier in the battle! In Jesus I can become stronger and more firm and steadfast!
What about you? How is the battle going?
Please share!
delton