An Odyssey of Pursuit: Hunt, Hunted & Haunted

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

1 Tim.6:11

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world,

1 Peter 5:8-9

Halloween is around the corner.  Haunted Houses will spring up around the country to terrify adults and children.  Fear will parade itself in costume, haunting and trivializing death and the demonic.  

This above verse, Paul to Timothy, penetrated my heart.  We are commanded to “flee” the love of money and all the evil that can accompany this pursuit.  Paul also commands Timothy to “flee youthful lusts” and pursue God with pure-hearted Christians (2 Tim.2:22).  Money and passion are not inherently evil…however, ”the love of money” and “unbridled lust”, which is the love of pleasure at all costs or hedonism, can cause all kinds of trouble. 

“But godliness with contentment is great gain“…the sweet spot of quality living.  In particular the word “pursue”…it means” aggressively hunt”…Jesus taught they “hunted” Me, surely they will “hunt” or persecute you. Sooooo, the issue is ‘hunger‘ for the things of God.  

We can’t control the devil or God, we can control what we pursue with our time, talent and treasure.  Please understand, you and I, are being “hunted” by the devil. Our adversary, Satan, is not all-knowing, all-powerful or all-present.  However, he does know some things about our emotional, physical and intellectual algorithms.  He with his limited army of darkness, schemes and slithers and slinks with supernatural craftiness.  We must not fear the devil but certainly respect is important.  He is defeated and destined to a Lake of Fire by God’s eternal decree. 

The Loving Pursuit of God is our greatest weapon. Hunting season for  God is always open…HAPPY HUNTING!

Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.  

Hebrews 4:16

Author: swimmingmonk1980

Follower of Jesus for 40 years; Married 35 years; Father of 5; a continual recipient of God's saving grace; a contemplative; enjoy nature; eventually I overcome reluctance and take risks; the greatest joy is strengthening others by helping them become fully aware of the presence, power, purpose and purity of Jesus on their behalf View all posts by swimmingmonk1980