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[Keith Weaver]

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (1 Peter 5:8)

[nChrist]

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (1 Peter 5:8)

Hello Brother Keifer,

I remember reading and studying this verse as a child. I knew what a lion was, but I had to ask what the word "devour" meant. This was a pretty scary Scripture for a small child, but my teacher turned this into a wonderful object lesson with surrounding Scriptures in context.

1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  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.


Brother, the biggest priority was putting yourself in the hands of Jesus and not trusting in your own strength. As an adult living in these evil times, this portion of Scripture is more applicable than ever. As that small child, I remember thinking about that lion hunting me and wanting to eat me. As an adult, this portion of Scripture obviously has a broader meaning that includes persecution and other bad things that the world wants to hurl at Christians. The remedy remains the same - put ourselves in the loving hands of Jesus and give Him all of the glory.

Love in Christ,
Tom

Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

[Keith Weaver]

Brother, the biggest priority was putting yourself in the hands of Jesus and not trusting in your own strength.

Amen Tom. This is one of the hardest things for a blood-bought Christian to do. It's man's nature to rely on his own strength and ingenuity. Thank God for the Holy Spirit's guidance which ever leads us to a greater reliance upon our Savior. Blessings brother, and here's today's offering...

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.  (Matthew 10:16)

[Keith Weaver]

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.  (Luke 21:15)

[Keith Weaver]

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.  (Romans 16:19)

[Keith Weaver]

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.  (1 Corinthians 14:20)

[Keith Weaver]

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  (2 Corinthians 11:3)

[Keith Weaver]

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  (Ephesians 5:15-16)

[Keith Weaver]

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  (Colossians 1:9)

[Keith Weaver]

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;  (Philippians 2:15)

[Keith Weaver]

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:  (1 Thessalonians 2:10)

[Keith Weaver]

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  (2 Corinthians 4:2)

[Keith Weaver]

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  (Romans 1:16)

[Keith Weaver]

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  (Ephesians 4:14)

[Keith Weaver]

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.  (1 Thessalonians 2:4)