Key Text: Ecclesiastes 10:8 KJV - He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

When God saved Israel from Egyptian bondage and captivity, He hedged them in, providing a cover of protection. But every time they rejected God and worshipped strange gods, the hedge was broken, and their enemies pursued and overpowered them. However, each time they repented and returned unto the Lord, He delivered them. That was a dangerous pattern which the believers should not imitate. You should never take the grace of God for granted.

The believer has a hedge of protection around him and all that belongs to him. This fact is known to the devil who is unable to touch the hedged-in believer. It is interesting to note that the devil could not break the hedge of protection around Job, until the Lord gave him the permission to afflict Job. The Lord was only showing off Job to Satan and to prove that he was His faithful servant. No matter what the Devil throws at you, you should never deny the Lord.

Satan cannot take away your salvation, except you let him. Through temptation, he deceives you to trade it in for his gilded toys, thereby breaking the hedge. Keep your salvation intact, refuse to backslide and the serpents cannot bite you. Remember that you are not alone: The Lord is always there, even when he appears to be absent and silent. He will strengthen you and see you through if you will faithfully submit to Him while resisting the Devil.

Prayer: O Lord, help me to cherish my salvation by abiding in Christ always, in Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him - Hosea 8:3.