14 day plan

Words of Wisdom for Believers

Day 9 of 14

CEV

1 Peter 5:8

8Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.

Reflection: Be alert!

I have to confess that I rarely ever think about the devil. The warning here is clear – be alert and clear headed! There is an evil one who is active in our world and he is seeking to destroy people of faith. The image he uses is a terrifying one – a roaring lion waiting to swallow you up! It’s always helpful to be reminded that we are in the midst of a spiritual battle and that our struggle is not just earthly temptations and tests, but with a spiritual force who is seeking to upend us. So be alert, lest you allow the devil the opportunity to pounce. It is not a question of if he will attack but when!

Prayer:  Almighty God, help me to be awake and not asleep. I thank you that the devil is your defeated enemy. Help me to claim your love and power when I come under evil pressure. Amen.

Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

Days

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

1 Peter 5:1-14

Helping Christian Leaders

1Church leaders, I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ's suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us.

2 Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. 3Don't be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. 4Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.

5 All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say,

“God opposes proud people,

but he helps everyone

who is humble.”

6 Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

8Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are. 10But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That's why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. 11God will be in control forever! Amen.

Final Greetings

12 Silvanus helped me write this short letter, and I consider him a faithful follower of the Lord. I wanted to encourage you and tell you how kind God really is, so you will keep on having faith in him.

13 Greetings from the Lord's followers in Babylon. They are God's chosen ones.

Mark, who is like a son to me, sends his greetings too.

14Give each other a warm greeting. I pray that God will give peace to everyone who belongs to Christ.

Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.