1 Peter 5:8-9, "The devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up."

Think

As we have already mentioned this week, in the movie "Sandlot," a group of fun-loving young boys was deathly afraid of a ferocious dog they aptly named "The Beast." This dog actually kept them from enjoying baseball, the game they loved. In life, if we don't keep our guard up, the Beast will also keep us from enjoying what we love. The Beast, the Evil One, will hurl his best pitches to try and strike us out. Be on guard as you stand in the batter's box knowing that you will face the Fastball of Fear, the Curve of Criticism, the Knuckleball of Negativity, the Slider of Stress and his varied arsenal of devastating pitches. A sign on the fence housing this ferocious dog said "Beware of Dog," but as Christians, we should replace that sign with a better one. Our sign should read "Be Aware of God!" When we are aware of God and all he gives us to combat the Evil One, we can rejoice knowing that God is the ultimate hitting coach who promises to keep us from striking out!

Act

Are you guarding your heart against the evil schemes and strategies that your opponent wants to tempt you with? Write down three different things you can do to make sure you are standing guard over your heart, then implement these safeguards in your life for your protection.

Pray

God, guard my heart against anything that would pull me away from you. Reveal to me any area where I'm letting my guard down. Help me especially with any blind spots I have so I can bring your glory in everything I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.