Tag Archives: predators

Lurking in Darkness

The term lurking means to remain hidden, waiting for the perfect time to ambush someone or something.  Whether an animal is preying on a lesser member of the food chain or a bully picks on a weaker individual, each attack if often unexpected, catching the victim off guard.  As a result, predators remain active today, searching for those alone, separated from society, lurking in darkness waiting to pounce on an innocent soul, 1 Peter 5:8.

Unlike Hollywood, the devil doesn’t have horns, a pitch fork or has steam coming out of his ears.  Rather, this spiritual creature is as sly as a serpent, slithering up on someone without any hints or warnings.    Like a chameleon, Satan is able to duplicate angelic acts, 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, similar to the magicians during the days of Pharaoh, Exodus 7:11.  Thus, when you hear in the news of another saint giving into temptation, committing the unthinkable act, the great deceiver was likely the root cause, convincing minds that wrong is right or okay.

You and I aren’t immune as any misstep can lead to a decision that will ruin your reputation.  While David beat Goliath once, devilish Goliath’s are nearly undefeated, dragging their victims into sin, one compromise at a time.  Its no wonder the apostle Paul includes 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 as a precursor to prevent anyone from becoming overconfident.   As the mysteries of the future will be played out tomorrow, make sure that you are ready for enemies who continue to lurk in darkness, Ephesians 6:11.  Remember great is He who is in you than he who is in the world, Romans 8:38-39.

by Jay Mankus

Flight School

Since the extinction of the dinosaurs, likely a result of the atmospheric changes following the flood, Genesis 2:5, the eagle has become king of the air.  With only one known predator, the condor, eagles reign in the sky above.  This explains why condors attempt to bring eagles to the ground, digging in their talons, using their superior weight to eliminate an eagles flight advantage.  However, unless a condor can get an eagle to the ground, this predator will go hungry until another carcass is located.

In this culture, predators lurk on every corner, looking to pounce on a smaller or weaker opponent.  One of the few defense mechanisms an eaglet has is their God given ability to fly.  Yet, until their father pushes each eaglet out of the comfort of home, their nest, this talent remains hidden.  Thus, the daddy eagle introduces his children to flight school, allowing each adolescent to fall before swooping in to catch a youngster before they hit the ground.  This process continues several times until each student takes flight, gliding on eagles wings, Isaiah 40:31.

In the same manner, Christ followers must learn to spiritually fly by fanning into flame the unique gift or gifts God has blessed each with, 2 Timothy 1:6.  Satan is the condor in our lives, using the world as a vehicle for destruction.  If you are not careful, specific sins will take hold of you, dragging you downward, often resulting in crash landings.  In this flight school, there is no commencement or graduation.  Rather, this teaching never ends, a life long pursuit, Colossians 4:2-3.  Using the Bible as its manual, this school’s final destination will take you where few have been, but many will be, John 14:2.

by Jay Mankus