A Persevering Faith Meets A Roaring Lion
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. – 1 Peter 5:8-9
We have read of the persecution endured by early believers. From the first persecution in Jerusalem, which followed the martyrdom of Stephen, to killing of the apostles and beyond, the church endured much persecution. From beatings to being thrown to the lions Christians knew persecution.
The persecution did not stop with the early Christians, it continues today. The following is an excerpt from the web site “opendoorsusa.org”:
100 million Christians around the globe are currently suffering persecution for their faith. Most often persecution takes the form of imprisonment, abuse, and hostilities. In some cases, however, Christians are asked to face more than scorn, prison, or the loss of health—they are asked to face death.
Peter is not only warning people to be aware of the one who snares us, he is also warning us to be mindful of other believers who are being persecuted and even giving their life for the gospel. Many believe that God is calling people to awaken from their stupor of mediocrity and treasure the prize we possess.
The roaring lion has gotten wise. Rather than a frightening roar he uses a seductive appeal. He appeals to our base nature which cries for self-fulfillment and the comfort afforded by prosperity. This evil one has won the hearts of many believers who do not see the cause for standing firm in the faith.
The gospel some preach glosses over the mandate of Jesus, “If a person is to be my disciple he must deny himself.” Tradition tells us that Peter, who wrote today’s verse, was crucified for the faith. Should our commitment be any less?
Ask yourself this question: “Do I stand as strong for the gospel as those who are dying for the gospel around the world?”
Prayer: Lord, Health, wealth and prosperity is just as attractive to me as it is to others. Help me to pursue you rather than those things. In Jesus name, amen.
A Persevering Faith Meets A Roaring Lion
Message: The roaring lion has gotten wise. Rather than a frightening roar he uses a seductive appeal. He appeals to our base nature which cries for self-fulfillment and the comfort afforded by prosperity.
Affirmation: I can resist the seductive appeal of the enemy because I am aware of his seduction. I deny myself daily and take up the cross of faith daily.
Reflection: The roar of the lion today is more of an appeal to our base nature than a chilling threat. Give some thought to how this enemy of our soul appeals to your base nature.
If you like this devotion you can get a full month of devotions just by filling in the form below with your name and email address then click "Yes-Send It" button and you will have immediate access to this devotional and several others as well.
We have read of the persecution endured by early believers. From the first persecution in Jerusalem, which followed the martyrdom of Stephen, to killing of the apostles and beyond, the church endured much persecution. From beatings to being thrown to the lions Christians knew persecution.
The persecution did not stop with the early Christians, it continues today. The following is an excerpt from the web site “opendoorsusa.org”:
100 million Christians around the globe are currently suffering persecution for their faith. Most often persecution takes the form of imprisonment, abuse, and hostilities. In some cases, however, Christians are asked to face more than scorn, prison, or the loss of health—they are asked to face death.
Peter is not only warning people to be aware of the one who snares us, he is also warning us to be mindful of other believers who are being persecuted and even giving their life for the gospel. Many believe that God is calling people to awaken from their stupor of mediocrity and treasure the prize we possess.
The roaring lion has gotten wise. Rather than a frightening roar he uses a seductive appeal. He appeals to our base nature which cries for self-fulfillment and the comfort afforded by prosperity. This evil one has won the hearts of many believers who do not see the cause for standing firm in the faith.
The gospel some preach glosses over the mandate of Jesus, “If a person is to be my disciple he must deny himself.” Tradition tells us that Peter, who wrote today’s verse, was crucified for the faith. Should our commitment be any less?
Ask yourself this question: “Do I stand as strong for the gospel as those who are dying for the gospel around the world?”
Prayer: Lord, Health, wealth and prosperity is just as attractive to me as it is to others. Help me to pursue you rather than those things. In Jesus name, amen.
A Persevering Faith Meets A Roaring Lion
Message: The roaring lion has gotten wise. Rather than a frightening roar he uses a seductive appeal. He appeals to our base nature which cries for self-fulfillment and the comfort afforded by prosperity.
Affirmation: I can resist the seductive appeal of the enemy because I am aware of his seduction. I deny myself daily and take up the cross of faith daily.
Reflection: The roar of the lion today is more of an appeal to our base nature than a chilling threat. Give some thought to how this enemy of our soul appeals to your base nature.
If you like this devotion you can get a full month of devotions just by filling in the form below with your name and email address then click "Yes-Send It" button and you will have immediate access to this devotional and several others as well.
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