Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Someone to Devour
Sounds gruesome, doesn’t it? Like something out of a zombie or horror movie. However, there is more of that sort of thing going on than we realize.
A friend of mine had her computer hacked the other day, and the culprit obtained access to her bank account. Thankfully, the bank stopped the bleeding before it was too late, and all of my friend’s funds were recovered.
When one of my credit cards was compromised, I had to cancel it, stop payment, and get a new card. The company worked with me when I discovered the bogus purchases and didn’t charge me for them. (This is why I match receipts with every purchase every month to prevent theft.)
Lately, I’ve received countless attempts via text messaging, phone calls, email, and social media to bait me into clicking on a link. If I’m not careful, a fake threat or prize-gimmick can lure me into certain trouble. If I’m not ever-vigilant, an imposter can worm their way into my online accounts, identification, and personal information.
So I must beware.
This is not new advice.
A couple thousand years ago, a fisherman named Peter said, “Beware, because your enemy, Satan, is out looking for a victim” (1Peter 5:8).
Various translations of the Bible state the warning in different ways:
Be alert and of sober mind.
Stay alert! Watch out.
Be sober-minded; watch.
Be vigilant,
Be on the alert.
Be clear-minded and alert.
Be self-controlled.
Discipline yourselves, keep alert.
“Alert” seems to be the word of choice. When it comes to daily communication, I am not always as alert as I should be while scrolling through text messages and email. That can make me a target.
The same applies to my spiritual life.
The Message says, “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.”
The first time I saw this scriptural warning, I wondered why Satan would go to such lengths to trip me up. I’ve learned that he wants to disable me. He comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
With the increase of online trolling, I’m beginning to see the urgency in Peter’s words for both my spiritual life and my technological life.
Temptation comes when we least expect it.
The test is always a pop quiz.
If we’re not watching, we’ll step in the hole.
No matter how you say it, it pays to pay attention.
So how do we know if something or someone is on the level or true?
- We familiarize ourselves with the Truth of God’s word. If we know what it says, we’ll recognize a lie when it pops up.
- If we know the rules of engagement regarding email and social media, we’ll be less likely to fall for a scam.
Today’s online hackers are a great metaphor for Satan’s tactics. They troll the internet, looking for someone to attack, someone who isn’t aware of their scams and trickery, someone who is susceptible to deceit.
So take the fisherman’s advice and Beware! Both online and in your heart.
Cast all your anxiety on Him
because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
~
Recommended reading: I Peter 5:5-11
Someone to devour. Click To Tweet
“And you are from—?”
“Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,” Mary offered.
“I see.” The bank president adjusted his spectacles. “We will need verification that you are who you say you are. Is there anyone in Cañon City who can substantiate your claim?”
“Excuse me?”
“I am sorry, ma’am, but we need proof of your identity. The property is under foreclosure and a tax lien and is to be auctioned off. When an heir appears contesting ownership, said heir has three years to redeem the property by paying overdue and current taxes. However, as I said, we would need proof of your identity. Preferably from a male next of kin.”
She took the will from his hand, thanked him with as few words as possible, and left. The distance to the buggy felt like miles rather than yards, and her jaw ached from clenching it. She didn’t know what to think or feel—angry, insulted, cheated. She’d been so upset she hadn’t verified what the mortgage debt was.
She must win the auction. ~Hope Is Built
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Davalynn..It’s been my habit, when corresponding with prisoners who will soon be paroled, to use those very words..”.satan will be looking for you, like a prowling lion…hoping to get you right back where you are currently. This is when you will need Jesus in your life more powerfully than ever!” There is more, but these words present a mind picture everyone can envision. I always pray they will remember these words when they are released…these people have already suffered for misdeeds which proved their weakness…release too often means a rough road ahead for them and he is ready to pounce!
Great wisdom, Barbara, to share such words with them. You might be the only person who does so.