1 Peter 5:8-9
Be alert and of sober mind. 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 the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
When I was a boy our family spent a wonderful vacation at Yellowstone National Park. The beauty was breathtaking and we were within walking distance of a lake that was teeming with trout. (At least my imagination told me it was teeming with trout.)
I grabbed my fishing rod and was heading toward the lake. Between myself and the lake was a stand of willow bushes. I was making my way through the thick bushes when I suddenly saw a cow moose and her baby. She was heading my direction with her hackles up and making warning snorts. I froze as she roared past me about 20 feet away.
I was so unnerved that I forgot about my great fishing expedition and headed back to the cabin. Since then I have discovered that a mother moose with a calf is a dangerous animal. Many people have been badly injured or even killed by this gigantic beast. A park ranger cautioned us to stay in clear areas or where paths have been cleared.
In our spiritual journey, we may be tempted to wander into areas that are dangerous. Our enemy is always watching for those who stray from the straight and narrow path of God’s Word. We must always remember that danger is lurking when we compromise what God has given us as the way, the truth and the life.
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil