Bible Reading: Psalm 6; 1 Pet. 5:8-14
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” – 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
This year is coming to an end and a new one is getting ready to unfold. So is the devil walking to and fro looking for whom to enroll on his list before the end of the year. You shall not die this year; you will cross over to the year 2018 in Joy and Peace in Jesus name.
The last months of the year are often filled with all forms of challenges, troubles and temptations. There are no special demons in this period but because people are generally in a hurry to close the year with some expectations; such expectations drive a number of actions that tend to lead to compromises, rushed decisions and unintended consequences.
So it is very apt that we exercise due caution not only at this time but all through the year. This is why Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV): “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Clearly, the devil is waiting for someone’s error to capitalize on it.
Imagine the story of the Israelites after they had just defeated Jericho by breaking to pieces a wall that was seen as impenetrable and they were to face a far smaller town of Ai. Unknown to the leader, one of the Israelites, Achan, stole some items and kept it. The devil used this stealing by Achan to cause havoc among the children of Israel such that they were humiliated by a small town of Ai. Why? Because their God was no longer with them at that time.
This is what the devil waits for, looking for you to commit a sin that can then be used against you so that you will not have the protection of God Almighty. This is what he did against the Israelites and this is what he does every time against the children of God. So you need to continually run from the accursed thing; which is sin! This calls for being sober at all times so that you remain conscious of who you are in Christ, and that will help you to be vigilant to avoid the traps of the devil.
The fact is that you cannot fight the devil on your own. But the devil also knows that he cannot fight you when you have God with you. So, he keeps waiting for you to do something against God so that you could be left alone! God will not leave you alone in Jesus name.
Prayer Point: Father, strengthen me to live above sin continuously in Jesus mighty name.
Bro Biodun Oyapero