Timely Advice

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)  Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 

While reading 1 Peter 5 I was reminded of an advice columnist. As a teen, when reading the newspaper, I would turn to Dear Abby first. Reading of someone else's troubles was comforting, helped me feel like I wasn't alone. I would read to see what life was like for other folks, to see if perhaps my problems would be addressed and then I could benefit from Dear Abby's wisdom without having to spill the beans myself.

Verses 8 and 9 of Chapter 5 contain some very good advice. Peter is reminding those around him back in his time and even us today that we have an enemy, Satan, and he is a force to reckon with. Be self-controlled and alert is good counsel in so many ways.  It is wise to pray for self-control and also for eyes to see any trouble lying in wait.

When the devil acts like a roaring lion, we can spot him easier than when is disguised as a 'friend'. The best way to be alert to danger that lurks around the next corner is to be armed and dangerous ourselves. Every day it is imperative we spend time putting on that armor, donning the protective gear God has provided.

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Putting on the Armor of God isn't just words, it requires action.  When attack is eminent, and injury probable, we have the duty to be prepared.  Read through Ephesians 6:10-18, better yet, listen here and then mentally dress for battle.  The garb for battle includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)


1 Peter 5

Galatians 5: 1, 13-25

Changed by God’s Grace

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” We have heard this verse a multitude of times, yet still do not abide by it. Why is it so difficult? Forgiveness seems to be an incredible challenge for many of us. Looking beyond the situation and attempting to understand the person seldom happens. We simply judge them in the moment.

We are far more willing to forgive and gently redirect children than other adults. Young people disobey us, and we talk with them. They repeat the offense, and we may limit their privileges, but do not disown them. We redirect their behavior time and time again with a loving heart, yet when it comes to adults making mistakes that cross or offend us in some way, we judge their actions and discontinue the relationship.

God sees us as His children, perhaps that is why He is able to forgive us again and again and still love us. He recognizes our imperfections and holds on to us just the same, even when we disregard His will, knowing full well what He commands. Does feeling angry, bitter or resentful do something for our humanness that offers us a sense of control? Is it possible that judging or holding a grudge gives us comfort of some kind? Galatians 5: 22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” 

Rather than focusing on the wrongs of others, and accusing them of not following God’s directives, perhaps we need to free ourselves, and instead recall God’s Grace toward us. Burdening our hearts with the actions of others is futile, but calling upon the Holy Spirit to help us change by God’s Grace, and asking God to enter into the life of others is most pleasing to our Father.

Read/Listen to Galatians 5:1

Read/Listen to Galatians 5: 13-25