Be On the Ready

In my newsletter today I would like to ask you if you have ever experienced a fox, bear or maybe a coyote when you have gotten up in the morning either on vacation or at home. Well I have recently, and it was a bit disconcerting. As I looked outside early one morning, there was an animal that is typically not visible during the day-it looked like a coyote. However, it was clear that he was on the hunt and was looking for his next prey. You can imagine how surprised I was when I looked out my back window and he was sitting on my patio. I curiously watched him, and noticed that he was crafty and clearly had an agenda. As he roamed around, the idea came to mind that this is exactly how the evil one works. He prowls around in the darkness and is looking for someone/something to devour. Now if I had not been in my house, in a protected environment, who knows how the animal would have responded. He could have charged and attacked or he could have ran and returned later when nobody was aware of his presence. Whatever the case, I was reminded that the devil is the same. Therefore, I must always be ready at all times. For this reason, I must equip myself for battle when he presents himself. So, what does this look like? First, I must put on my protective gear so I will have a better chance of winning the battle. I will need to carry my shield of faith and the sword of the spirit to keep me protected. By having these two pieces, I will be resistant against temptations, bad thoughts that eventually lead to bad actions. When we think about Satan and how he operates, it is much like the coyote. He is hungry to devour and is sneaky on how he approaches his prey. John Gill states it best: When looking at this scripture there are two commands “Be sober, be vigilant The apostle had exhorted to each of these before; see ( 1 Peter 1:13 ) ( 4:7 ) but thought fit to repeat them; sobriety and watchfulness being exceeding necessary and useful in the Christian life; and the one cannot well be without the other: unless a man is sober in body and mind, he will not be watchful, either over himself or others, or against the snares of sin, Satan, and the world; and if he is not on his watch and guard, he is liable to every sin and temptation.” So, knowing this- Do you have your protective gear on? Are you able to recognize the schemes of the evil one so you do not become his next prey?

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Chaplain Tracey Burns

Reflection Questions

1. What measures will you take to protect yourself from being attacked?

2. Are you equipped adequately to fight the evil one and win the battle?

3. When he attacks will you be sober minded and vigilant to withstand the snares and schemes that he presents?

Bonus: Great song (if you are interested listen to this and ask), when you think about shackles, can you say there is “No Hold on Me”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuW19ycSEMw&ab_channel=MattyMullinsVEVO