To Be... On the Alert
Wayne and his rather large snake. We met both of these guys at the county park.
September 7
Talking with our pastor's wife recently, I heartedly agreed with her comment, "Spiritual warfare is REAL! But we know who wins!"
The next Sunday there was a small snake in one of the Sunday school rooms! A class member rang its neck and tossed it away. That day is coming for the devil. He will be crushed and thrown into the lake of fire.
In the meantime....
"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God, who has great plans for us in Christ-eternal and glorious plans, will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does." 1 Peter 5:3
We can allow our guard to drop due to over commitment, fatigue and worldly input. Staying alert is a daily discipline and it requires relying on the Lord and being equipped with the armor God reminds us to wear.
Talking with our pastor's wife recently, I heartedly agreed with her comment, "Spiritual warfare is REAL! But we know who wins!"
The next Sunday there was a small snake in one of the Sunday school rooms! A class member rang its neck and tossed it away. That day is coming for the devil. He will be crushed and thrown into the lake of fire.
In the meantime....
"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God, who has great plans for us in Christ-eternal and glorious plans, will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does." 1 Peter 5:3
We can allow our guard to drop due to over commitment, fatigue and worldly input. Staying alert is a daily discipline and it requires relying on the Lord and being equipped with the armor God reminds us to wear.
Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit.
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18
