“And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?”
Luke 12:54-56

I live in Florida and there is a lot of anxiety right now about Hurricane Dennis hitting us here in Pensacola.  One of my friends told me tonight that people are already buying bottled water and making preparations.  Jesus is telling us to be alert to the tricks and temptations of satan.

There is violence and hatred all around us.  There are murders, abuse of spouses, the elderly, and children.  If we do not stay alert at all times, then satan can win a battle.  Jesus already defeated satan on the Cross and satan will never win the war.  However, we allow satan to defeat us in our relationships, our jobs, our finances, and in our hearts.

Jesus is urging us to be aware of the attacks of satan.  Jesus wants us to be on guard constantly.  When we see the effects of alcohol, drugs, and all other crippling diseases, then we need to be alert and realize that all of these diseases can affect our families and jobs.

Let’s keep our hearts and eyes on Jesus and be alert to the attacks of the enemy.  Keep praying for your family and friends as they may be in danger.

July 7, 2005