Most Understanding Lord, today’s environment is like a river flowing fast and furious, pulling down everything in its path. It would be easy to float along with the current … going with the flow. But You have called me to swim against the current … like a salmon traveling upstream to get where its destiny lies. I know that what You ask of me will not be easy, maybe even lonely, but it will be the right thing to do. Despite the pressure to conform, surrender to the ways of the world and succumb to the enticements of the Devil, I must strive to shine Your light into a world full of darkness. What You are seeking are courageous people who will proclaim the truths contained in Your Word. My goal should be to restore respect for You and resist the trappings of the world. By faith and prayer, with courage in the face of evil, I must reveal Your love, mercy, and tenderness toward those who are lost and floundering.
Throughout Your Word You tell Your people to avoid idols and devote themselves to You alone. An idol is any idea, ability, possession, or person I regard more highly than You. These idols may appear in the form of power, money, beauty, influence, etc. I must keep my focus on You and resist the lure of these enticing idols. Evil exists because people cooperate or actively involve themselves in idol worship. I cannot shirk from my responsibility to obey You and I must refrain from blaming others for my disobedience. I am obligated to know Your word and live in accordance with it. You have promised that, if I remain faithful and obey You, I will live a prosperous life and overcome evil with good. On the other hand, if I choose to disobey You, I will be judged and reap the fruits of what I have sown. You are a patient and persevering God, but I must admit that even You can be pushed only so far.
You provide ample signs and warnings about things that will harm me, and You expect me to act and not be complacent. I must realize that the consequences of rejecting such warnings will have severe consequences on my life. You do not ignore my acts of unbelief and rebellion. If I do not believe in You and accept Your sacrificial death on my behalf, I will surely be judged and reap the consequences of that choice. There is no return from captivity if I shut You out of my life. To walk in freedom, I must believe and live in harmony with You and Your truths. This is not a time to become stiff-necked and ignore Your advice and decrees. Help me overcome the evil that comes to entice me to serve idols and ignore You. Wash me clean with Your blood and flood my whole being with Your goodness as I partake of You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
I Peter 5:7-9 Cast all Your cares on Him who cares for You. 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 faith.