"Stay Awake!"

 Reflections4Life™ June 27, 2021

“Stay Awake”

“Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.”  1 Peter 5:8

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 17; Isaiah 50; Jeremiah 50; Mark 14; 1 Thessalonians 5; Revelation 16…

There is no doubt in my mind that we are living in precarious times. For far too long, we have taken for granted that we will have the opportunity to wake up tomorrow. That we will have another day to get things right. Another day to right our wrongs, repent and start living right. I charge you to stay awake. Look at the signs around you. Signs telling you not only of the evil around us but signs that warn us of the enemy’s attack. And signs reminding us of Christ’s soon returning.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Be sure to put on your armor, being prepared for whatever may come your way. Be alert and awake to the Father’s voice by staying intimate with Him. Your life is on the line.

As we look at the tragedies that have befallen the world of late, it should be no surprise that the enemy is moving rampant, seeking not only to kill, but to destroy families, people, and nations in the wake of the devastations taken place. He will not stop until he has claimed as many lives as he can. Preying upon those who remain asleep to his evil ways and attacks, and unyielding to the voice and warning of God.

Stay awake. Be alert to the signs of the times. Be aware of the plans of the enemy by staying connected to the heavenly Father. When you maintain a daily, intimate relationship with God, He will reveal to you, warn you of things on the horizon. The Holy Spirit will teach you the things you need to know. The signs to be alert for. How to recognize the spirit of the enemy at work in any given situation.

We must keep our spiritual armor on, prepared at all times for whatever the enemy may be up to. But more importantly, prepared to do whatever God tells us to do. And to move whenever He tells us to move.

Far too long, the Church has been slipping into sleep. Suffering a kind of sleep apnea, that has left the body of Christ lethargic, non-alert, tired, and a step behind the attacks of the enemy. We are unprepared and exposed to the attacks of the enemy. Not just impairing some, but taking the lives of many.

Paul admonishes us in the book of Ephesians how we should be behaving, living our lives as believers. Staying awake requires us to continue to walk and live in the path of righteousness:

Ephesians 5:11-18 “don't take part in doing those worthless things that are done in the dark. Instead, show how wrong they are. ¹² It is disgusting even to talk about what is done in the dark. ¹³ But the light will show what these things are really like. ¹⁴ Light shows up everything, just as the Scriptures say, ‘Wake up from your sleep
and rise from death. Then Christ will shine on you.’ ¹⁵ Act like people with good sense and not like fools. ¹⁶ These are evil times, so make every minute count. ¹⁷ Don’t be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do. ¹⁸ Don’t destroy yourself by getting drunk but let the Spirit fill your life.

He also admonishes keeping our spiritual armor on. That we are fighting not against flesh, but a spiritual war (Satan):

Ephesians 6:10-18 ¹⁰Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. ¹¹ Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. ¹² We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. ¹³ So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. ¹⁵ Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. ¹⁶ Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit. ¹⁸ Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.

Stay awake! Be alert! Do not forsake an intimate relationship with the Father. It is your lifeline. A relationship with our Creator is like caffeine for our souls. Keeping us ready and alert. Prepared for any given situation that the enemy tries to attack us with. And if the enemy should win a battle, we will know what to do, and not give up. Remembering that we may have lost a battle, but we have already won the war. But we can only walk in that victory, if we stay awake and in the presence of God, following His lead.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let God lead you where you cannot trace Him. Stay awake and keep your guard up; especially when you see all the signs around you. God never allows the enemy to take us unaware. If we are awake and fellowshipping with Him, we will see and hear the warnings that He gives us. Stay awake and intimate with God, and with your spiritual armor on, always. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.