January 22, 2018 – I Peter 5:7-9

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. I Peter 5:7-9.

One of the most beautiful hymns I sang as a child was, and still is – God Will Take Care of You. O’er all the way,  Every day! God stands beside us, despite our enemy, the hungry devil prowls and growls all around us.  

When the Devil takes on attractive ways, and appeals to our sense of fun and, yes, ‘devil may care’ life style, we are tempted to follow.  Sometimes we cannot discern between the Truth and a living a life that beckons us.  It is interesting that when we follow a life built on lies, we often become more tired and exhausted than following a way of kindness and truth.

Suffering in our lives begins with a grumble here, and a complaint there. The lack of gratitude in our hearts cuts off the power of worshiping God.  We no longer can hear God calling us to share his eternal glory.  It is when we love one another, and forget ourselves, Jesus places us on a firm and sure foundation. He restores us, supports us, and strengthens us to obey and follow Him.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” Lamentations 3:22-24.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. I Peter 5:10.