Weekly Devotion February 26 2024

This Devotion was written by Sportsmen Devotional and posted with permission

Bible Study Verse: 1 Peter 5:8-11 

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. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV©) 

Thoughts: In 2015 and 2016 I drew back-to-back archery elk tags in Arizona. I spent a lot of time in one particular area that, during the hunting season, is walk in only. During those two years I put in over 100 miles on foot checking water tanks, patterning elk, and, generally, just getting to know the area. It was a lot of fun and very refreshing to be out in the forest enjoying the experience. A couple of years later I was in the same area and heard wolves howling. Wolves! There aren’t supposed to be any wolves in this area but, there they were, sounding off. It was a little unnerving knowing how much time I had spent in the area. And, if you know anything about “pack” animals, it makes you very keenly aware that humans are not at the top of the food chain in the wilderness! 

Action Point: There are Christians, along with non-believers, that think that the whole thing about Satan and his buddies is just make believe. I can tell you from personal experience, they are wrong. Yes, I have had both extreme and subtle satanic encounters. And, the simple fact is, so have you. Sometimes the encounter is an in-your face experience, sometimes hard to even identify. But, know this, Peter was spot on when he wrote todays scripture. Satan is out there trying to defeat believers every day. But Peter also gives us the answer to winning the battle, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith,”. Notice in particular what follows. Peter reminds us that after Satan has made us suffer for a time, the Father will restore us, make us strong and steadfast. Never forget, there is a war going on, and remember, we know who is the ultimate victor! Be aware! Stand strong! 

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day: When in country where dangerous critters live, take precautions both in and out of your camp to protect from attacks