Today's reading

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. –1 Peter 5:8 NLT

day 

351

Resist the Bait of the Enemy

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. –1 Peter 5:8 NLT

If you enjoy fishing, you know that sometimes fish are caught with live bait, while other times with lures. If the fish falls for the bait, it is more or less a goner. The fish is snatched from a healthy environment, placed in a bucket, and held captive for whatever comes next. If the fish didn’t fall for the alluring bait, it remains free to live in the water.Likewise, if you don’t use caution when temptations come your way, you will fall prey to the enemy. Stay alert at all times so no form of enticement can entrap you. It’s vital that you watch for the ever-so-subtle temptations. Choose to stay away from the alluring enemy’s hook, so you don’t end up in a bucket of dire consequences. God’s Word says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you…” (James 4:7-8 NLT).Decide to stay close to God, resist temptation, and choose the best life for you and your loved ones. Remember, momentary pleasures never outweigh future blessings God offers to those who overcome temptation and follow His ways of living.

prayer focuses

God, help me truly to see what certain bait the enemy dangles in front of me.

Holy Spirit, give me the strength to resist. God, reveal to me in what ways I’ve been forfeiting Your best for my life in exchange for momentary pleasures.

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about the

Author

Barbara Alpert

Barbara was a wife, mother, and grandma who sought to love the LORD with all her heart, soul & strength. She has authored several books for adults and children. She has enjoyed mentoring other writers and seeing them turn their manuscripts into published masterpieces for God's glory. She believed that every person has a God-story within them to be told and shared. Barbara passed away peacefully in November 2023, but Bayside continues to remember and honor her legacy by sharing devotionals written by her in order to inspire and encourage others.