Key Bible Verse: Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Bonus Reading: Luke 8:11-15

Ever noticed how easily your mind drifts as soon as you sit down to read the Bible? Doesn't it drive you crazy how your thoughts go off into the hinterlands when you begin dialog with God?

Just yesterday, I was driving to Denver and decided to fill the hour-long trip with worship. I popped my Passion music CD into the player and prepared to sing my guts out. But the CD I'd been listening to all week wouldn't play. So I decided to pray instead. Suddenly I felt as though I was on a blind date with God. Within a couple of minutes I ran out of things to say. I'm embarrassed to say that I zoned out and used that lull to turn on the local Christian radio station, bringing my conversation with God to an end.

How could that happen? I have a moment alone with the Creator of the universe, and I blow it with a few catchy lyrics. Could a battle for my heart have been underway without my even knowing it? Did the enemy see a potential power encounter with the King coming my way, and throw everything he could at me to distract me into what was more comfortable?

—John Bolin in Life Unlimited

My Response: Satan's preferred tactic for taking my eyes off God would likely be ____.

Thought to Apply: Our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in "muchness" and "manyness," he will rest satisfied.—RICHARD FOSTER (writer on renewal)

Adapted from Life Unlimited (Multnomah, 2003) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Give me the resolve, Lord, to block Satan's accusations by citing my justification through Christ, and his deceptions and enticements by focusing on You.

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