Thursday; August 19
I am not sure how many of you noticed this, but Homeland Security issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin about a heightened threat environment across the United States. The warning which is in effect from August 13 to November 11 warns Americans to be on alert for foreign and domestic treats to our safety. The agency cited the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 and news about COVID-19 health issues and constraints as possible rationales for terroristic activity. I won’t detail the warning, but a summary of the bulletin says “Be Prepared and Stay Informed”. As I read the bulletin, I was reminded of another warning that was issued centuries ago – not to Americans, but to Christians. When the Apostle Peter addressed the early disciples, he warned, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8). Satan’s power and presence in our world makes him a perennial threat to our spiri