“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Father of light,
Here the lion is shown for his true colours and Peter uses his natural behaviour to explain how dangerous our enemy can be. I remember someone saying if the devil wasn’t bothering me I must not be doing anything for God! Now, I understand it is not as black and white as that. And we should not give the enemy more attention that he deserves. In balance it is just as often me and not the devil tempting or distracting me. I let myself down.
You say in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. The enemy does not always show his teeth sometimes he slides up with the temptation to stretch the truth or let something slip or just not be kind. He knows our weak spots help us silence him, Holy Spirit and give us your strength to be good.
Be alert and sober, we are told. Well, I am not a drinker but I don’t think You are talking about not being tipsy! We can’t drive without really keeping our eyes and mind and on the road, we need to be alert indeed. But we also need to remember that the enemy can’t be everywhere, all the time and know everything. He is limited. And if he does draw near, submitted to Your care, we know that You will send him packing (James 4:7). Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory. You are God. Keep us living in Your light.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father of light,
We pray:
For family, friends, neighbours, our church family. Those living in our neighbourhood.
For our town, our local council and the prosperity of the surrounding area.
For Putin and the end of war in Ukraine.
For Gaza. For an end to the hatred. For all those caught in the middle of the bombardment.
For help, relief and comfort for those hit by the earthquake in Afghanistan, and for the devastated areas in Libya and Morocco. For all the aid and medical agencies.
For our Government and our King. Sincerity, honesty and openness. Uncover all that is not right.
For those who are tricked by the enemy to take alcohol and drugs as a way to cope or be happy.
For our ourselves today. Shine the light of Your love on us and bless us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 14th October 2023
There is power in the name of Jesus
We believe in His name
We have called on the name of Jesus
We are saved, we are saved!
At His name, the demons flee
At His name, captives are freed
For there is no other name
That is higher than Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
Like a sword in our hands
We declare in the name of Jesus
We shall stand, we shall stand!
At His name, God’s enemies
Shall be crushed beneath our feet
For there is no other name
That is higher than Jesus
Lyrics: Noel Richards