DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
MAY 1, 2026
READ: 1 Peter 5 (Focus vs. 8-11)
MEMORY VERSE
“Be alert and of sober mind.” 1 Peter 5:8
BACKGROUND
On the basketball court, our grandson’s seventh-grade team did their best to score. Offense was their passion. But after each basket, their coach urged them to hurry back downcourt and play defense, which they were sometimes reluctant to do.
Everyone wanted to score, but no one seemed eager to put in the hard work of defending.
The key to the game, the coach taught them, was to anticipate the movements of the opposing players. Stepping in front of a pass or shot would thwart the other team’s scoring and help the team win the game.
A defensive strategy that anticipates the moves of our enemy can also help in our spiritual lives. And who is that enemy? Peter’s letter to believers in Jesus reminds us: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
So “be alert and of sober mind,” Peter wrote. Indeed, we’re called to “resist” our spiritual enemy, “standing firm in the faith” (v. 9).
Living out an active defense leads us as believers in Jesus to be more effective in our lives and in the productive work we seek to do for His kingdom. Then, if we have spiritual setbacks, the God of all grace “will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (v. 10).
He is the one who establishes us, and who builds our strong defense—in Him.
Patricia Raybon
INSIGHT
Believers in Jesus are urged to “resist [the devil]” and stand “firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9). Jesus told His followers, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13).
The apostle Paul urged believers to “be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). And he acknowledged that God is the one who enables us to stand firm in Christ through faith (2 Corinthians 1:21, 24).
We can be strong in our battle against the devil by putting on “the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13). And we have the Spirit inside us to encourage and guide us (Romans 8:26).
The best defensive strategy against any temptation our enemy hurls our way is to read the Scriptures, pray, and ask God to help us.
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
Where have you “dropped the ball” defensively in your spiritual life? How can you be more alert and sober-minded?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“A defensive strategy that anticipates the moves of our enemy can also help in our spiritual lives… Living out an active defense leads us as believers in Jesus to be more effective in our lives and in the productive work we seek to do for His kingdom.”
PR’s TAKE*
“The best offense is always a good offense” Anonymous
Good offense wins games. Good defense wins championships. *Adapted – *Pr*
The devil wins when he is able to isolate his victims. Stay connected to effectively resist him. Pr
PRAYER
“When I let down my guard in life, please remind me, O God, of Your protection of me.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“SATAN’S DEFEATED” Kris Vasquez
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
We have the victory
(Everybody say in the name)
In the name of Jesus
In the name of Jesus
Satan you have to flee
Oh oh oh
Tell me who can stand before us
Oh when we call on that great name
His name is Jesus
Oh Jesus
Precious Jesus
In Him we have victory
Satan′s defeated
Satan’s defeated oh hallelujah
Satan′s defeated oh hallelujah
Every knee will bow
And Every tongue confess
That He is Lord that He is Lord
Every knee will bow
Every tongue confess
That He is Lord oh He is Lord
Satan’s defeated
Victory is mine
Victory is mine
Victory today is mine
I’m so glad i′m so glad
That victory today is mine
That victory today is mine
Jesus went to calvary
To save a wretch like you and me
That′s love oh oh that’s love
But that′s not how the story ends
Cause three days later he rose again
That’s love oh oh that′s love
And that’s why
Satan′s Defeated
