Vigilant

Often when I write a devotion it starts out as one word. As I mentioned to my daughter that I needed to seek the Lord about this one, she said she had a word for me...VIGILANT - Careful watch for possible danger or difficulties, wide awake and alert. Sleeplessly watchful, always being aware of possible danger. We have an adversary whose entire existence is based on making us ineffective for the kingdom of God, destroying His work in our lives, and ultimately our existence as Christians. As he plans our demise, he sets traps that are specifically designed for our particular weaknesses. He won't tempt me with drugs because that's not a temptation for me but there's attitudes, anger, fear or worry that may tempt me to behave in an undesirable manner. Your weakness may be pride or lust and that can easily take control in a persons life if kept unchecked. For Eve she had both a desire to taste the forbidden fruit and to have the knowledge of God. The serpent knew how to get to her, and the lure of the enemy became more intriguing than the command of God. It was also easy for her to believe his lies since she did not hear God's command firsthand... Just as it's easy for us to be deceived if we don't read, know, and study His Word for ourselves. The traps he sets for each of us are different, but the fact is we all know those areas that he will try and get in and we must be very vigilant to guard our hearts and be careful of what we allow to enter our minds. The closer you draw to Jesus and learn His Word, the more you will desire to please Him instead of your flesh and the less power and control the enemy will have in your life. BE VIGILANT! 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP) Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Proverbs 4:23 (NAS) Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Colossians 4:2 (NKJV) Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;