Friday :: October 12 :: 1 Peter 5

I'm praying for my friend Jeff who has an important court hearing today. Lord, may your will be done.

vv1-4 are great for us pastors: "be shepherds of the GOD's flock (not mine), serve because you are willing, not lording over them - but be examples before them." Great job description for me!

vv6-11 are great for everyone and worthy of memorization: "be humble, give God your anxious thoughts, be self-controlled, stand firm - resist the noise of the devil, God will restore you and make you strong."

I love the imagery of the devil being a lion. Do you know how lions hunt? The male flanks their prey by going out and roaring ... this obviously scares the prey and causes them to flee from the area. But what they don't know is the female lions are crouched nearby so the prey will run right into them. The male lion literally scares the prey right into the hands of the female lion. She does the killing (and food prep).

In light of this, consider Peter's words about the devil. He is the male lion roaring - hoping that us (his prey) will run from him right into the unsuspecting traps that await for us. We are called by Peter (and by God) to stand firm in the face of the roar! Resist the temptations - stand firm in your faith - He will make you strong!