Simple, Stubborn, Sober

 Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. — I Peter 5:8 NRSV

Natural organic compounds and other marine plant matter are always at work to cause stubborn brown stains on a boat's hull. Removing the stains requires much elbow grease.

Then, a kind neighbor told us about a special bottled solution. We sprayed it, and voila! The stains melted away! We had been given a simple answer to a stubborn, plaguing problem.

Sometimes God provides a simple, effective solution to the stubborn stains in our lives. Other times, we have to be the stubborn party — persistently working away at a problem area like the example below of removing barnacles from the boat's hull. The spray mentioned above doesn't work on barnacles.

Someone I know and respect has been in recovery for years now. Staying clean requires vigilance and regular attendance at weekly meetings. It's not a "voila" situation — instead, it's a "keep at it" effort with effective results!

Prayer

God of all time, help me to be ever vigilant in warding off the activity of the enemy. Show me simple solutions when they exist. Otherwise, give me persistence and faith in the daily pursuit of a holy life.

Quote

Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself.  

— St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 9

Thought

In all problem areas, we are to apply prayer and look for the solution God provides whether it be simple, or one that requires constant effort.

Question

What simple solution have you seen God provide? What area in your life requires extra persistence and prayer?

 Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. — I Peter 5:8 NRSV

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PRISM™ Visio Divina: Play the meditative music and go through the P.R.I.S.M. steps as outlined below. Be blessed.

Simple, Stubborn, Sober Instrumental

4:51

PRAY to quiet your heart

READ through the devotion

IMMERSE yourself in the picture

SELECT a phrase to repeat

MARK down your divine insight   

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~ Encouragement for the caregiver:  Minding Mom: A Caregiver's Devotional Story 

~ In Guideposts' Inspiration from the Garden devotional you'll find devotions by yours' truly about the hardy pansy, a godly organic farmer, and perennial friendships.