“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:8-10

Be Alert                                                      

We live in the country, and multiple times during the day we have the pleasure of seeing beautiful, graceful, and pesky deer. Oops—sorry about saying deer are “pesky,” but they devour our lovely flowers and delicious vegetables!

At a snail’s pace, I tiptoed through the bushes, approaching closer to the deer for a picture. The entire herd was extremely alert with head and ears at attention. I knew they would dash away at any moment. It reminded me of how mindful and alert we must be for the devil who prowls and seeps into our lives. We are continually being distracted from the goal Jesus appointed us.

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:16).

Dear Lord, help us to stay alert against worldly forces, which tempt us and seek to mislead us. Give us wisdom to walk in Your truth. Your Word says, “No weapon formed against us shall prosper.” May our trust remain in You alone for You are our strength, refuge, and shield. Amen.