Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Zechariah 1:1-21, Revelation 12:1-17, Psalm 140:1-13, Proverbs 30:17

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Jesus Is The Light

“and the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children – all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.” – Revelation 12:17 (NLT)

There is a very real spiritual battle happening all around us. The enemy is always watching, waiting, and searching for weakness—looking for a moment of darkness where he can slip in and cause harm. Scripture warns us to stay alert and sober-minded because the enemy seeks to devour what he can.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

Behind my home lives a pack of coyotes. They hunt together, watching for anything weak, injured, or vulnerable. I often hear them howling in the distance. When they draw near, my faithful guard dog springs into action. Most nights her bark is steady and confident—a warning that says, “This place is protected.” But every now and then, her bark changes. There is desperation in her voice. She is outnumbered. The threat is real. The enemy is too close.

There is one sure way to make them flee.

I turn on the lights.

When the back porch lights come on, the darkness is exposed. The coyotes scatter immediately. They know they can be seen. They know a greater authority is now aware of their presence. And my dog settles down, at peace again, because she knows the danger has passed.

Last night, I woke up to a sound that wasn’t my dog’s bark. Moments later, I heard fighting right outside my door. I jumped out of bed and turned on the porch lights. Instantly, the fight stopped. A coyote had come onto my porch. My loyal dog had confronted it and fought to protect our home. When the light came on, the enemy fled.

All I did was turn on the light.

This is such a powerful picture of our spiritual reality. The enemy prowls in darkness. He thrives in secrecy, isolation, fear, and distraction. But when the light is turned on—when we call on Jesus, stay alert, and remain aware—the enemy cannot stay. Light exposes him. Authority is revealed. Peace returns.

If I hadn’t heard the noise and acted, the damage could have been great. And so it is with us. We must stay watchful. We must keep the lights on. When we sense danger, we don’t panic—we respond. We resist the enemy and cry out to our Master, and He responds with power.

“O Lord, rescue me from evil…I know the Lord will help…the godly will live in Your presence.” – Psalm 140:1-13 NLT

Our Master is always near. Always watching. Always ready to protect His people. He loves us far more than I love my dog. If I would jump out of bed in an instant to protect her, imagine how quickly He will respond when His children call.

Turn on the light.
Stay alert.
Rest in His protection. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take five minutes with God today and ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me personally to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let the Lord shine His light more brightly upon you today.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my light and my defender. Help me stay sober, watchful, and aware. When the enemy draws near, remind me to call on You without hesitation. I trust Your authority, Your power, and Your protection over my life. Keep me alert, keep me close, and teach me to rest in Your peace. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.