Today, I want to start off with a biblical paraphrase from The Message Bible:

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” – 1Peter 5:8-11

You may also recognize the intent of this passage from the King James Version which reads:

[8]“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9]Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. [11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Therefore, we have a glimpse into what that tricky enemy of ours will try to do and how we are to respond. Notice that fainting is not an option.

First, we are to be on the lookout for the enemy’s approach. This is something that we must do. It is not option. If we treat it as optional, then the enemy will have us for lunch – or dinner – or a snack – you see where I’m going. We have to stay alert.

We cannot be alert if we are always spending time with the television or our caller on the cell phone. We cannot be alert if we do not STUDY the Bible. Sure you can read it for pleasure, but to be alert, you need to STUDY your Bible and hide the truths of it in your heart so that you can reference them in the time of need.

Have you ever seen a lion searching for prey? Every lion I’ve ever see (you know this is limited to the Discovery channel right?) So, anyway, every lion I have ever seen approaches his prey calm, cool and collected. That lion seems to really size up that prey and then it gets into position to pounce. And, once that pounce has taken place – well, that poor little prey better had prayed that day because the intervention of the Almighty is the only thing that will save it!

My point – your enemy sizes you up and knows just when to pounce. He knows when you have not prayed or when you have not studied. He knows when you are not concerned about Kingdom business and he makes his plan to attack you when you are the weakest. Weak in prayer – weak in study – weak in praise – weak in worship.

Notice the King James Version says seeking whom he MAY devour. Our lack of discipline in prayer, study, praise and worship is likened to telling the enemy, come on and get me! Get your snack on!

In the next post, we will discuss the remainder of this passage of Scripture. In the meantime,
PRAY
STUDY
PRAISE
WORSHIP!