ETERNITY

[Ranb2khz]

Hawks and Lions

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-11

Key Verse:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." ~ 1 Peter 5:8

One morning, I watched a rabbit nibble grass in my backyard. He was on the small size, with brown flecked fur and a cotton -puff tail. Suddenly, a hawk sliced through the air as fast and precise as lightening! With talons outstretched, he snatched for his prey! But the rabbit recognized the approaching danger and sped to safety - just inches ahead of the hawk!

Like the rabbit that spotted its predator and scurried away, we as Christians need to be watchful so that we can evade our enemy. "The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Satan wants to devour us by winning us over to his ways; he does this by toying with the truth:

"He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." ~ John 8:44b

And trying to deceive us: Genesis 3

The devil's schemes reflect his dishonest nature, and his tricks are meant to catch us off guard. In response, Christians should be alert and clear-headed. Living in this state of active readiness helps us discern false teachings (1 John 4:1-3, 2 John 1:7-11) and overcome temptation (Matthew 26:41).

Today, watch out for your spiritual predator. What kind of lies is he whispering? How is he tempting you? Resist him, and he will flee James 4:7.

~ Jennifer Benson Schuldt

"The devil is cunning, deceptive, and sly; He's clever: he tricks us to swallow his lie. But his crafty methods we're sure to discern - if we make God's warnings our daily concern." ~ D. De Haan

The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy!