The Roar Is Just a Distraction

Opening Scripture

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)

The Roar Is Just a Distraction

The enemy wants to isolate you, just like a lion separates prey from its group. Satan roars loudly in our lives, trying to shake us with fear and doubt. But remember: his roar can only scare—you belong to God, and no roar can destroy you unless you let it.

1. The Devil’s Roar: A Deceptive Threat

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
—1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

A lion’s roar is meant to scare prey into running—this is where the real danger begins. In panic, prey moves away from safety, separating from their group and exposing themselves to an ambush.

Similarly, the devil uses fear to isolate us. When we’re overwhelmed, ashamed, or discouraged, we might stop reaching out to others. We might avoid church, skip prayer, or withdraw from those who could help. But that’s when we become the most vulnerable!

Ask Yourself: Is It a Blessing or Bait?

Not every opportunity, voice, or feeling is from God. What seems good could be a trap. Fear and urgency are often signs of bait, not blessing. Be still and ask: Is this pushing me closer to God or pulling me away?

2. Don’t Fear the Storm—Calm the Source

“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling… Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!'”
—Mark 4:37-39 (NKJV)

In Mark 4, the disciples panicked because their boat was filling with water. But Jesus didn’t focus on the waves; He rebuked the wind that caused the storm.

Often, we fixate on the visible problem, but God wants to deal with the root. Fear and doubt are the “roars” in your storm. Trust God to calm the source, not just the symptoms.

3. Stay Connected—We’re Stronger Together

When life gets hard, the worst thing you can do is isolate yourself. God designed us to lean on one another. Be intentional about staying connected to other believers who will pray for you, encourage you, and help you back up when you fall.

“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

4. Men: Lead Your Families Through the Roar

As spiritual leaders, men have a responsibility to guide their families in faith. The enemy roars the loudest at households led by godly men. Your job is not to panic over the waves but to stand firm, pointing your family toward Christ.

Hold On: God’s Voice Is Greater Than the Roar

When you open your heart in prayer, God’s Word pierces through every fear. His truth doesn’t bounce off—it lands with power. The roar is loud, but it’s empty compared to God’s authority.

“And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”
—Colossians 3:10 (NKJV)

No matter how loud the roar, stand still. Remember, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Don’t let fear push you into the ambush—listen for God’s voice and walk in His strength.

Final Thought: The lion’s roar may startle, but it cannot defeat you. Stay close to God, surround yourself with faithful companions, and trust the One who calms every storm.

The Secret Place

Opening Scripture

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
(Psalms 91:1, NKJV)

Dwelling in the Secret Place

The “secret place” mentioned in Psalm 91 is not merely a physical location, but a spiritual posture of intimacy with God. It is where we seek Him in prayer, experience His presence, and find rest for our souls. Jesus exemplified this in His earthly ministry, often withdrawing to quiet places to commune with the Father.

As we dwell in this sacred space, God becomes our refuge and fortress. In His presence, we find strength to face life’s battles and clarity for our path forward. This deep connection empowers us to live victoriously and to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

The Power of Fellowship

God created us to live in community, and fellowship with other believers is essential to our spiritual health. Scripture assures us, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20, NKJV).

Through fellowship, we encourage one another, pray together, and share life’s burdens. These moments of unity not only strengthen our faith but also allow us to experience God’s presence in a unique and powerful way. The support and accountability we gain in community are vital for staying aligned with God’s will.

 

Faithfulness in Spiritual Warfare

The Christian life is marked by spiritual battles, as we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Standing firm in faith requires intentionality—prayer, Scripture study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

The enemy seeks to distract and discourage, but by abiding in God’s Word and walking in His truth, we are equipped to resist his schemes. Our confidence in spiritual warfare comes from knowing we are protected by the shadow of the Almighty and empowered by His strength.

 

Gratitude as a Weapon

Gratitude shifts our perspective and strengthens our faith. When we thank God, even in difficult circumstances, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trustworthiness. This act of worship confounds the enemy, reminding him that our hope is in the Lord.

The story of the one leper who returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:11-19) illustrates the transformative power of gratitude. His thankfulness brought not only healing but wholeness, showing us that a heart of gratitude leads to deeper blessings.

 

Trusting God Through Trials

Life’s challenges often reveal the depth of our faith. Trusting God during trials is not always easy, but it is in these moments that He molds us into His image. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “all things work together for good to those who love God.”

Whether facing financial difficulties, health struggles, or broken relationships, we can be assured that God is faithful. His love sustains us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.

 

Rooted in God’s Word

The Word of God is our spiritual sustenance, equipping us to navigate life with wisdom and courage. By making Scripture a daily priority, we build a foundation that can withstand any storm. Teaching our children to value God’s Word ensures that future generations are anchored in truth.

 

Living the Challenge

Are you spending time in the secret place with God? Commit to prioritizing prayer and fellowship. Allow His Word to shape your heart and His presence to renew your strength. As you do, you’ll be equipped to rebuild your life, family, and community on the unshakable foundation of faith

 

Prayer
Lord, help us to abide in Your secret place daily. Teach us to rely on Your strength in every battle and to trust You in every trial. May we walk in gratitude, faithfulness, and unity, bringing glory to Your name and advancing Your kingdom. Amen.

Faithful Stewards

Opening Scripture

 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2, NKJV)

Servants of Christ

As believers, we are called to consider ourselves as servants of Christ, entrusted with the mysteries of God. This means that we are not our own, but have been bought with a price. Our lives are to be lived in service to the King of kings, faithfully carrying out the tasks and responsibilities He has given us.

Stewards of God’s Gifts

Not only are we servants, but we are also stewards – managers of the blessings and resources that God has entrusted to our care. Whether it’s our finances, our relationships, our talents, our social stewardship or our very lives, we are accountable to God for how we handle these precious gifts. Faithfulness in stewardship is of utmost importance.

The Requirement of Faithfulness

The Scripture makes it clear that as stewards, we are required to be found faithful. This is not an option, but a mandate. God expects us to be trustworthy, diligent, and obedient in the roles He has assigned to us. When we are faithful, we bring glory to His name and further His kingdom on earth.

Disciplining with Love

As parents, we have the responsibility to discipline our children with love and wisdom. Though it may not always be easy, the Bible instructs us to correct our children, for it is an act of true love. By setting boundaries and guiding them in the right path, we are preparing them for a life of success and righteousness.

Yielding Peaceful Fruit

While discipline may seem grievous in the moment, it ultimately yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Though our children may not understand or appreciate it at the time, the correction we provide will bear lasting fruit in their lives. As we faithfully steward the precious lives entrusted to us, we can trust that God will use our efforts to shape them into the people He has called them to be.

Modeling Godly Leadership

As fathers, we are called to be leaders in our homes, modeling what it means to walk in obedience and submission to God. By taking responsibility for the discipline and training of our children, we are not only shaping their character but also demonstrating the kind of leadership they are to emulate. Our children will learn from our example, so let us strive to be faithful, patient, and steadfast in our role as spiritual leaders. Let us embrace our identity as servants of Christ, stewards of God’s gifts, and godly parents. May we be found faithful in all that we do, trusting that the Lord will use our obedience to accomplish His perfect will. As we walk in faithfulness, may we experience the joy and peace that comes from pleasing our Heavenly Father and raising up the next generation to follow in His ways.