Good morning, You hear about it all the time. Maybe it’s happened to you. Someone isn’t paying attention, clicks on an email and ends up downloading a computer virus. A potential windfall of millions lures an unsuspecting victim into sending their online banking credentials to a stranger who empties the account. A threat of utilities being shut off prompts someone to immediately send money to the caller. The variety of scams in the world is dizzying. The lesson to be learned sooner rather than later is that you always need to be on guard and watchful. Jesus commissioned the twelve disciples with a similar warning: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard” (Matt. 10:16). They would be up against the Jewish leaders and others who were experts at intimidation and deception. What’s more, the devil and all his unseen forces of evil in the heavenly realms would be furiously working not only to undermine the disciples’ message, but to destroy their souls. It’s foolishly naïve to imagine that we are not in spiritual danger every day of our lives. The devil is still that roaring lion seeking to devour followers of Christ. It can happen so quickly. One moment the disciple Peter is confidently stating that he would never forsake Jesus. A few hours later he swore he had nothing to do with the Lord. We know people who let their guard down and became Satan’s victims. Still, it’s not a hopeless situation. By ourselves we are no match for the enemy. But God gives us the spiritual body armor to survive any attack. Paul writes, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:10ff.). The unchanging truth of God overcomes all the lies of Satan. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Whether it’s a relaxing weekend, a stressful day at work, or a vacation getaway, may we be watchful and alert. Let’s be wise as serpents when it comes to spiritual scams and innocent as doves in our love for Jesus and our desire to live for Him. In Him, Pastor Services tomorrow are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school is at 9:15 a.m. and adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. The Bible class will continue the discussion of Lies About God. We thank the Lord that Norm Mackensen was well enough to return home recently. A meal train is being organized to help Norm and Gail as they settle into their new routine. If you would like to help, here is the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C48A9AF28AA8-mackensen Remember to “spring forward” tonight.
