SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-9

1 Peter 5:6-9 says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” Peter walked with Jesus. He was at the Sermon on the Mount and he was there when Jesus overturned the tables of the money-changers. Peter understood that when you are dealing with an enemy, you cannot enable evil. You must actively take a stand against evil and those who promote it. You have to call them down out of their position and sometimes you have to pray to remove them permanently. Peter taught that. Jesus lived it. There is no inconsistency here. The Christ we serve discerns the situation and guides us in acting appropriately. There are times when the Spirit says to not resist and to sow seeds for salvation. But the rest of the time, He calls for one layer of resistance or another regarding evil. Each situation has a tailor-made application of God’s love. If we are walking in the Spirit, our question must be which layer applies. We must ask, “Is this Love Layer One, Two, Three, Four or Five? Lord, how would You have me respond?” And we must wait until we hear an answer. But when we do, it is time for action! Right now, we have a church comfortable with only the first two layers. We only “turn-the-other-cheek,” pray for the enemy and often forbear sin but occasionally warn. Not resisting and not calling down fire is not New Testament. It is not Old Testament. It is not Revelation. It is not Jesus. It is tradition. Our traditions have made the Word of God of none effect. It is time to reverse that!