Message summary: Among many things that are inevitable, one we can be sure of, is that there are hazards ahead in life. Considering the constant assault directed at those of us who follow Christ, let us cry out to God for renewed strength to "be self-controlled and alert"

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"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8,9).

Life is full of hazards. There are road hazards, relationship hazards, sports hazards and many others. We sing of this in Amazing Grace, "Through many dangers, toils and snares."

Our daily Scripture portion is a tremendous source of strength and provides godly counsel as we deal with the hazards in our spiritual life.

This may seem like strange logic, but the continued work of the tempter and his many minions actually increases my faith in God. The Scriptures are so clear regarding good and evil and the cosmic battle we are in the midst of, whether we acknowledge it or not. We are not spectators but active participants in this ongoing battle.

Among many things that are inevitable, one we can be sure of, is that there are hazards ahead in life. Considering the constant assault directed at those of us who follow Christ, let us cry out to God for renewed strength to "be self-controlled and alert". A study Bible makes this observation in regard to this phrase: "Perhaps Peter remembered his own difficulty in staying awake during our Lord's agony in Gethsemane"!

There are scores of ways our "ancient foe" works his deadly woe. He's certainly adept at using the latest technology and now scores are battling the wiles of the devil in ways never imagined by previous generations.

"Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour".  Matthew Henry comments on this verse: "The whole design of Satan is to devour and destroy souls. He always is contriving whom he may ensnare to eternal ruin. Our duty plainly is, to be sober; to govern both the outward and the inward man by the rules of temperance".

Today may we all realize, regardless of the nature of Satan's attack in our area of weakness, that our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Four keys to victory in dealing with this hazard are found in this short portion of Scripture:

    * Be self-controlled
    * Be alert
    * Resist him
    * Stand firm in the faith

These four action steps provide the key to Spirit-empowered victory as we deal with the common hazards that inevitably lay ahead for us in the course of life.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

"How Firm A Foundation " Listen on YouTube  A men's conference

Earlier this week we were up in Lebanon County and the drive through the country is especially beautiful this time of year.