Memory Verse: Week of April 16th

Week of April 16^th

1 Peter 5:6–8

[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, [7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. [8] Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.    (1 Peter 5:6–8 ESV)

[Context:  Peter has just written that God opposes the proud, but gives or extends grace to the humble.   What good news that we have such a Savior as Jesus – who in contrast to the devil – is a humble, caring King who loves us and wants our very best.  He would go all the way to a bloody cross to bring about our salvation.   In great contrast, the devil, though pretending to be our friend, is a liar and a murderer out to destroy us.  The battleground is our mind. Thus, the call to be sober-minded.  His temptations will gain us short-term gain and pleasure, but in the end, his bait just blinds us from the hook that will reel us in to death.  Know your enemy, and even more, know your true Friend and Lord and King, who truly is mighty and ultimately will exalt you beyond your imagination as a beloved child of God.   There will be no regret for those who put their trust in Jesus, the one who cares and truly has an end planned for us that is good.]