1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

This scripture has been on my heart the past few days. As believers in Christ, we must be aware of the spiritual warfare that takes place around us. The spirit world is more real than our present reality. For there is a kingdom of darkness that wages war against God’s Kingdom and His children. Paul says it this way, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). With this thought in mind let me encourage you to guard vital aspects of your life and spirit man within you. Let us cut the enemy off from reeking any havoc. Let us be sober and vigilant! Notice that the devil is “as a roaring lion”…. He is an imposter and fake. Our Jesus is the Real Lion of the Tribe of Judah!

Here are a few Power Points to think upon:

1. We have an Adversary
   Peter shares with us to be sober, be vigilant, for we have an adversary who is the devil. He walks around seeking who he can devour. The reality that there is a real devil must sink in. Just as there is a real God (and there is) there is a real devil named Satan. He desires to devour our lives. Jesus said in John 10:10, “the thief has come to steal, kill, and destroy.” Although I don’t believe that God intends for believers to be fearful of the enemy in anyway, we must be aware of him. I don’t wake up everyday desiring to go on a “devil hunt” but realize that as I walk with Christ I will draw adversity. The Bible says, “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial that comes to try you as some strange thing has happened to you.” Bottom line; the devil is real and hates you because of the potential inside of you. Be aware, be sober minded, be vigilant! Put the devil back in his place when he comes to fight you which is under your feet!
2. Guard Your Heart
   Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Your heart is really the essence of your being (it’s your soul). Your heart in the natural pumps blood and life throughout your body. In the spirit, it is the essence of your passion and walk with Christ. The writer says to “keep” your heart. This means to guard it. Beware of things of this world that will try to penetrate the heart to wound, distract, and battle the heart! Guard it as the most precious possession you have.
3. Guard Your Mind
   Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Our minds are precious! Often times the greatest battle a man fights is in between his ears. If not careful, our minds can wonder, think negativley, and stir confusion. The devil often attacks the mind with thoughts, lies, and doubt to see how you react and respond. For example, he may throw the thought “God doesn’t love you.” He will then see how you resond to that thought to see if he has an effect upon your mind. Paul says to “put on the helmet of salvation” which means to guard the mind. Paul also says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whateve r is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
4. Guard Your Tongue
   Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Our words have the power to bring life or death! One preacher said, “you are either a window of heaven or a gate of hell.” Are we releasing heaven or hell with our words? Our words create our world. God spoke the world and everything into existence. He knows the power of words. Speak life over yourself! Speak health, love, purpose, strength, etc, over your family daily. Speak scripture over your kids and over trying situations. Overcome the tongue of doubt, discouragement, and disease. Speak the Word, speak Life!
5. Guard Your Eyes 2 Corinthians 5:17, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” If we aren’t careful, what we see can be discouraging to our faith. Often times the world and circumstance will look very dark and discouraging in times of pressing forward. We must walk by faith which is trusting in what God said. Not allowing what we see dictate our joy, hope, and purpose. Guard your eyes and see through the Word!