The Lion and The Apple

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8.

Lord, the tension in high in our world.  We grow weary and look for an opportunity for a reprieve from the battle.  Weariness serves to make us more likely to make foolish decisions and fall prey to schemes of the enemy that target our death and destruction.  The enemy isn’t our old pal who spars with us and will similarly take a break when we do.  No, he looks for even subtle signs that we are weakening, so he can move in for the kill.

Father, I lift my friend.  In the intensity of the battle, I ask that You would help them to keep their eyes precisely where they should be.  “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” - Psalm 119:37.  Commercials work so well, because the same images appear before our eyes, causing desire.  Father, teach them to keep their eyes firmly fixed on You, so You become their heart’s desire.  Keep them from looking to the left or the right.  Secure the Iocks on their hearts and minds against ungodly intrusion and theft.  Keep them from indulging in unhealthy fantasy, corrupt thought or vain imaginations that steal their contentment, lead them toward heartache and downfall.  Shine light on the devious plans of the enemy disguised as human wisdom.  Keep them on Your sure path of righteousness.  Strengthen their resolve and secure their steps.  As they submit to You and resist the enemy, may the enemy, in turn, grow weary and exhausted and flee (James 4:7).  Bring discouragement upon the powers of darkness!

In the good times and the challenging times, may praise continually be on their lips and Your Word written and being recited in their hearts and minds.  Keep them as the apple of Your eye (Deut 32:10), and bless them with clear focus, divine wisdom and pervasive hope, as they keep You as the apple of their eye as well.  In Jesus Name ❤️

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