FREEDOM IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL WHO SEEK IT, AND ASK FOR IT!

BIBLE PASSAGE:
For we know that our old self was crucified with him
so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,
that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
(Romans 6:6)

MEDITATION:
The word “sober” has become a one-definition word these days
which means “to be free from alcohol”. But in Biblical times,
the word “sober” meant to be serious-minded about the things
of God.

The time for Jesus to return is getting nearer; Satan knows it
and we need to realize it too. We can’t expect Satan to roll over
and play dead the closer we get to Christ’s return.

Revelation 12:12 says that Satan is “filled with fury” because he
knows there is little time left for him and his efforts to ruin the
lives of people.
    Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!
    But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone
    down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that
    his time is short.” (Revelation 12:12)

We are going to see all of the artillery of hell released on believers
as Christ readies for His return. We need to realize time is passing,
the time for the return of Jesus is getting closer, and Satan is in a
raging panic as his time nears an end. Christians should “sober up”
because Jesus will return (sooner than later).

ACTION:
Read:
    So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us
    be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and
    those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong
    to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a
    breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
    (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8)

    Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your
    hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is
    revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform
    to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But
    just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for
    it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

    The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober
    mind so that you may pray. (1 Peter 4:7)

    Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around
    like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him,
    standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of
    believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of
    sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
    glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself
    restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be
    the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:8-11)

Maybe you have developed a lackadaisical attitude toward the Lord
and worship attendance, and His devotional for today is speaking
directly to your heart. If you are not attending worship on a regular
basis, your children will attend even less frequently.

Those regularly attending are getting older and will eventually pass
away. What happens then? Most churches will disappear because
there are no people to fill the void left when they are gone. While
church attendance is declining in America, the fastest growing
religion in China is Christianity.

Many professing Christians have substituted other things for church
worship and, as a result, many churches have peaked in attendance,
or are declining. Satan is having increasing success with his efforts to
distract and lure believers away from being “sober-minded” about the
Lord and His expectations.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, as I look around I can see the increase of
Satan’s fury which indicates he realizes his time is growing
short. Help me to be more sober-minded about You, and to
show my faith and trust in You through my words and actions.
Forgive me for the times I have allowed Satan to lure me away
from Your house of worship. Today, I am making a stronger
commitment to give You a higher priority in my life. Teach me
to be prepared for sharing with others what You mean to me
and how you can bless their lives as well. Help me to reject the
worldly influences designed by Satan so that I will become an
ambassador for You and Your kingdom.”

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