Mar 15
Today’s Truth
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 NIV).
Friend to Friend
We need to be fully engaged and alert because our enemy is fierce. You don’t have to wear camo but as a follower of Christ, you do need a battle plan. It begins with acknowledging that there is a spiritual battle raging all around us that requires we keep watch.
I was excited that evening because I actually had a dinner plan, which isn’t always the case. I busted out my griddle to whip up some yummy grilled-chicken quesadillas. I grabbed a knife, a chopping board, and the leftover chicken from the fridge. Minutes later, the chicken was ready for its cheese and tortilla companions.
While the griddle was heating up, I turned my attention to a few other family matters. Moments later, when I turned back to the business of quesadilla making, an empty cutting board glared at me. I raised an eyebrow and asked my husband if he had moved my chicken.
“No, honey. I haven’t touched your chicken,” he replied with a twinkle in his eye.
Hmm. A chicken mystery. How odd.
I began to interview each of my children, “Did you take the chicken off the cutting board?”
“No, Mom. I didn’t touch the chicken,” they said one after another.
I wondered, If I didn’t move the chicken and my family didn’t move the chicken, then where is my chicken? I looked around the room once more just to be sure I hadn’t simply placed the chicken somewhere else.
Then I saw it … a look of guilt.
A look that screamed and pleaded, Yes! I took your chicken, but please don’t be angry with me. It smelled so good, and… I’m a big dog. I need my nourishment. Was it wrong? Okay. I know it was wrong. Please forgive me. I did it. I ate your chicken. I’m sorry. I’d like to go to my crate now …
His hairy ears lowered as my eyes met his. My brows furrowed. “Rocky! YOU ate my chicken! Bad dog!” I lamented as I adjusted to a new, chicken-less dinner plan.
Rocky’s just a dog. He’s not out to get me, and he didn’t mean to mess up our dinner plans, but he did prey on our family meal that night. He came and took what wasn’t his because I had let down my guard. I wasn’t watching over my chicken.
As followers of Jesus, you and I need to guard our hearts and watch over our homes.
The Bible warns Christians to keep watch. Beyond things seen, there are spiritual battles taking place around us continually. Bottom line? Those of us who trust in Jesus have an enemy, and his name is Satan. Period. So, it’s essential we strap on our battle gear, girlfriends, because our enemy has a mission to destroy.
Beware!
The Bible tells us time and again to be alert to the schemes of Satan. To keep watch. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8–9).
Though we have an enemy who wants to mess with our emotions, health, marriages, families, jobs, and thoughts, we aren’t without help or hope. We have both. We have access to God’s power and protection through the Holy Spirit. “The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
I was caught off guard the night our dog Rocky took the chicken off the counter and there have been times I’ve been caught off guard in the midst of spiritual battles as well. Let’s remember today to pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to keep watch over our hearts, our minds, and our homes.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You are all-powerful and mighty to save. I praise you and delight in your plan for me to have abundant life through Jesus. Please cover me in Your Spirit today and equip me to fend off attacks from the enemy in your power and help.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Can you identify an area where you feel the enemy is attacking you? Grab your journal and write about it. Pause to pray for specific people and relationships that you feel need protection.
Let’s pray together today. Meet us in the comments section to share your heart and pray for one another.
More from the Girlfriends
Got some dreams that you’re ready to prioritize and make happen? Do you desire to be mentored professionally and challenged as you progress toward your goals? Gain focus, bolster your courage and sharpen your competencies through 1-on-1 personal, ministry or business coaching with Gwen Smith. Spots are limited. Learn more at GwenSmith.net/Coaching.
© 2023 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.
I am an realestate agent in new York that works closely with families holder city vouchers. Many of these families are in shelters, single moms with children, disabled person, displaced young people and the like.
There is so much discrimination going on in this area of realestate in New York. Many landlords do not want to accept these families even though it’s illegal to discriminate Against them and their voucher is a lawful source of income.
The case manager and workers at these agencies are rude, unresponsive, could care less about these families, so even if we do find a landlord who is kind to take the families, many of them turn away because the city takes 1-2 months just to respond and push the paper work.
I think the enemy is attacking me in this area. I have two deals going on right now with both single moms I found a unit for and the city has been giving me so much problems just to get their paper work completed. The one family who has a disability child, because the city took too long to process her paper work her voucher expired and they closed her case , kicking her out of the program and leaving her and her family in a shelter even though months prior we found her an apartment and put in the paper work needed.
This area of realestate is an up hill battle and at times it’s hard to keep going. I can see the attacks of the enemy on me in this area and how he wants me to forfeit the help God has put inside of me to help these families. I pray for favor, for break through, for wisdom and strength to keep on and thrive
Devotions on this site are wonderful and amazing. I have been reading you ladies for years. This mornings brought back memories of a dinner my husband and I had planned with my mom. Bill was grilling and he put the burgers on and came in the house for something, only to return to an empty grill. Our beautiful St Bernard took them all right off the grill. We tried to be mad at her but it didn’t last. That was 1974 and we have never forgotten. Enjoy your day
God always gives us just what we need. Sometimes He asks us to wait, but this morning, God placed “Keep Watch” right in my hands! He knew that I needed to read this devotion at this very minute!
I have an enemy. I recognize him. He comes in disguise as my tongue. I don’t always check my tongue for the right words or the right tone of voice when I speak to my husband. Sometimes, I allow the enemy free-reign! When I have something that I feel we need to discuss, it sometimes leaves my mouth as a complaint. Almost immediately, God will whisper, “Wrong approach, my Daughter.” I should listen. I should know better. I was a teacher for many years. There are words that bristle and words that soothe. I know the words. I need to use them.
Please pray with me for the patience to wait for just the right words at just the right time in just the right tone. Most importantly, please pray to help me remember that I am a daughter of the Only One True Living King! Amen.
Ever since our daughter married a nonbeliever she has struggled with maintaining a relationship with her father. They used to be very close, but her dad did not approve of the marriage because they were so young, and she dropped out of college to marry this man. Fast forward 5 years and they have 2 young daughters who they are not bringing up knowing Christ, they have said, the girls can decide when they are older if they want to believe or not, we struggle with that statement. Last week they came home for a visit as they live in a different state. We had one rule, her husband was asked not to Vape in our house… he did, my husband confronted both of them, and our daughter blew up at her dad, totally disrespecting him. My husband asked them to leave our house. Now we have a divide – I feel like Satan has won. I pray continually that she will find her way back to God, faith the size of a mustard seed right? I pray for mending relationships, I pray for a miracle that both my daughter and her husband find Christ and introduce the girls to God. Satan took this opportunity to attack. I pray continually all this will be saved by God.
God bless you, Odaisha, for your fervent desire to help families in need. It’s a crime that we turn a blind eye to people who need help; worse, we turn a hard heart. I pray that God will strengthen you in your endeavor and bless you richly. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Please keep doing what you are doing. You will have Gods favor. These people need you. God will multiply your blessings. Maybe a good Christian real estate lawyer can help you with your battles.
Odaisha
May your strength and passion be renewed each morning. As God sees the desires of your heart as being a vessel of His compassion on earth. I pray that He allows His peace to sustain you.
Whereas it is truly painful to work with insensitive uncaring employees and navigate ineffective policies, there is a reward in knowing that you tried. True failure is not trying! God sees you and the individuals you help feel your sincerity which is comforting to them.
Maybe these individuals can organize and form a proactive group that can advocate for policy change. The battle is never yours alone. So, I will hold you in my prayers. Don’t forget to treat yourself to an “I Tried My Best” moment, hour, day or outing! Our God delights in people like you who extend His mercy to others.
Today’s Reading is a Concern that has hit My Family Emotionally!!
After finishing a Beautiful Traditional Weekend with Family. So many things came into play. My Baby Sister Beverly played a huge part of disrespect to my child. Not only has she turned out to be someone she isn’t. She’s Not Her!!
As My Belief, growing up with my Elders teachings this was One Concern that was said would happen. “Your Own Family Will Hurt You.” And it Did!!
It Broke My Heart 💔 to Hear My Daughter and Son in law tested positive for COVID.
I was Angry, Hurt, and I Asked Why??
These two would Do Anything For You. Even giving you their last dollar.
As, my baby (22yrs old) and I delivered items they needed to their Home. All I could do was Cry and tell my daughter I Was Angry!!
Why would the individual not know he had symptoms of covid? How could this happen? So many things we’re going through My Mind. As I spoke to my daughter to Tell Her I’m Sorry this has happened. She responded “Mom were going to be okay, Your a Strong Woman of Prayer.” “Keep Praying for Us, Will Get Through This.”
Today’s Reading I went back to read over and over again.
The devil does work in mysterious ways! Even though ppl.
I won’t let my guard down. My Faith and Love in God will Help get Me through this.
I’m asking for Prayers for My two Family Members to get through this with out any difficulties, health wise.