Jesus said “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:5,8KJV
The prince of the power of the air wants us to believe we’re independent and don’t need to take time out for God and His guidance through prayer and listening to the Unction of the Holy Spirit within all of us who believe in Jesus as our Lord and Son of God. But we must be vigilant!
Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians 2: 1-9 “1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The father of lies (the devil; as written in John 8:44) tricks us through people, internet, ads, radio, and television of course. Time stealers are not new to us. New mothers for instance, have to learn new ways of eating their meals while still hot; because the baby will awaken as soon as she sits down to eat! And, in the office we have to learn nice ways of telling people that we’re busy and cannot talk because we’re at work! And at home, there are distractions that take us away from the task at hand, too. How many of you walk around the house from room to room, doing a little dab here and a little dab there?
Then there’s the thing about setting something down and not being able to find it! Time stealers wear many kinds of disguises, and it takes discretion to recognize them in time to avert them. It takes a continual renewal of our minds through reading God’s Word, and focusing our attention on Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
My aunt received a call from a man in Canada (we found out later), who tried (but was unsuccessful) to scheme money out of her by telling her my son was in jail and I nearly blew a socket! I had even read the email describing this scam, but it still caught me off guard!
And that’s how the devil works, and that’s how Jesus will come, too! Perhaps while we’re sleeping, perhaps while we’re driving, or perhaps while we’re arguing with someone. Who knows? We must be vigilant!
1 Peter 5:1-11 “5 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
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