"Be self-controlled & alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
I Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Did you know that the oldest lion, usually the one without any teeth, roars the loudest? When the lion pride is on a hunt, the oldest lion will lay on one side of the clearing while the young lions gather on the other side. When the prey enters the clearing, the old lion roars his loudest roar & the prey immediately runs the other way - right into the clutches of the young lions.
Now, Think of the enemy as old & toothless even though his is powerful. He prowls like a lion. He roars loudly, hoping to paralyze God's children with fear, so that we might run right into the very traps we're trying to resist.
What type of things are you fearing today? Are you afraid that you will never lose the weight that you want to or that you will never get organized? Those are two biggies for me right now. But maybe you're afraid that your marriage is doomed or that your rebellious child will never come back to God. Whatever the issue is, think about who really has the power in your situation. Jesus is able to accomplish anything on your behalf.
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
When you are wearing the full armor of God, you will find how much easier life is. And when you allow God to be in control, He keeps you alert to the enemy's schemes & stands guard over you. The enemy who tempts us & tries to divert us & litters our paths with obstacles. But by practicing self control through the power of the Holy Spirit, self control becomes God-controlled. And be being God-controlled, each time we decline a temptation that we face, we grow stronger & more able to resist the next one.
In our daily routines it's sometimes easy to forget that we are all targets & that we have a vicious lion on our heels. Often times I realize that i have been bitten with procrastination or distractions. Our Father has told us to be alert & ready - always! Maybe this acrostic for PRESERVE, may help us to do just that.
Pray without ceasing (morning, noon, night & in between).
Enlist others in the fight. The lion doesn't like it when two or more gather.
Rejoice in the Lord. Praise & worship of God disturbs the lion! (And it's not just on Sundays.)
Submit to God's control each day, allowing Him to lead.
Encourage others on this journey to be wary & prepared.
Victory - remember Christ has already secured victory through the cross! Remind the lion that he is defeated.
Enlarge your arsenal of weapons. Keep God's armor on as protection against teeth & claws!
Repent - don't let unconfessed sin leave an opening for the enemy to sin his teeth in.
Eat according to God's bountiful plan. Feast on His word & allow Him to make you spiritually strong & resilient.
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