“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“If you want your modeling portfolio back, you will have to pick it up yourself.” Tapping the ash of his cigar directly into the plastic wastebasket, Joey peered up from his pile of money; his eyes were empty and sallow.
I was in the office to collect my earnings for the night. It was four thirty a.m. and all that I could think about was the hour and a half drive home back to my college dorm.
It was a slow night at the strip club, so the cash-out line was moving at a nice steady speed.
“Where is it?” It had been a month since I had shot those photos. I was beginning to see the light that I would never get to see the results of my hard work unless I did things Joey’s way.
“They are safe in my home. I live just a few blocks away from here. If you need a ride—you can hop in my car.”
Joey’s darkly rimmed eyes seemed to perk up a bit as he spoke. The ash of his cigar clung to the end of it, waiting for me to answer.
“I have my own car. I’ll follow you.” My usually inquisitive nature was quelled by my desire to just get my pictures and get home.
Fifteen minutes later, I am driving down the back alleys of Albany Park following Joey’s rusted-out Chevrolet. It grinds down to a halt in front of a modest one-story brick home.
Eyeing my surroundings, the sleepy neighborhood does not look as scary as my nerves are telling me.
I open my car door and hear the crickets bellowing a melody that almost seems to whisper that everything is going to be alright. Going against my natural instinct, I put the car in park and turn my flashers on.
“It will just be a minute.” I say the words out loud, attempting to console myself while I grab my jacket.
Joey is standing on the sidewalk. Taking one last puff of his cigar he tosses the nub and crushes it with his patent leather shoe. The silhouette of his arm lifts casually in the air, it is his silent call for me to join him.
I unwittingly follow, not too keen on the fact that I am being summoned like a dog.
The early morning air is brisk. The sound of the crickets is almost deafening. It now sounds as if like they are warning me to turn back.
Joey’s head ducks down into a cement-carved well. He opens the door to a musty laundry cellar. Tugging on a cord hanging from the ceiling, a single light bulb flickers on.
“Your modeling portfolio is right here.” Joey waits for me at the bottom of the stairs; I watch the light glisten off his cheap shoes.
At that moment, those photographs were the last thing on my mind.
“You can keep the photos.” I speak in a steady tone while I quickly back up, trying not to trip on the dewy grass.
The look of anger, fear and rage flashed across Joey’s dark and hallow eyes.
Sprinting to my car, I turn the ignition on, pressing the gas as hard as I could.
1 Peter 5:8 warns us to stay alert because there are many looking to destroy those who can be devoured.
The important thing to note is that the Bible clearly states that some people can be devoured. This would draw us to the simple conclusion that some people will not be able to be devoured. Who are the fortunate ones that will have the power to outwit an enemy like satan?
In 1 Peter 5:7, it says the sober ones will defeat the devil. The dictionary defines sober as: “To be habitually temperate, sedate, serious and subdued. Not intoxicated with any substance.”
I was so drunk on the idea of glamour, fame and fortune that it almost became the very death of me. If you feel like the world is eating you alive, it might be time for you to sober up.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that I have an enemy that is looking for an opportunity to destroy me.
This enemy is smart, as he will use my own weaknesses and vulnerabilities against me.
Although this does not seem fair, I am so happy that you have given us a serious warning in 1 Peter 5:8. Today, I am going to take that verse to heart and start living with more vigilance and determination.
I refuse to be destroyed by satan and my own weaknesses.
Lord, help me to see where I have gotten loose and lazy. Guide me to not only be on the offensive but to help me become a defensive force against satan in this very area.
I give my life to you, Lord. Bless me as I learn to live for you everyday. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 1 Peter 5:8
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan