“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour,” 1 Peter 5:8 ESV. This wise counsel from the apostle Peter does not advise us to be fearful and worrisome; it is a call to spiritual maturity. In essence, he is saying: “grow up.” A child must learn about dangers, and unfortunately, that often creates fearfulness. But the mature mind learns that dangers must be managed and overcome. A lion’s roar has no power to harm, but it is definitely a warning to pay attention. Peter warns us that Satan is real and out there, and James assures us that we have authority over the devil in James 4:7 ESV: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." LORD, I thank You that even in the worst of life’s circumstances, we are “more than conquerors” because of Your great power and love!
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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