The vague, but disconcerting warning was coupled with the announced closure of American Embassies throughout Muslim nations and also Israel, originally slated for just Sunday, then extended through the end of this week.

The closures and the travel warning are enough to raise the hair on my neck as an American citizen, and knowing that there is some kind of very real threat of violence against this country and her people, can easily lead to fear.

And that's exactly what the enemy of our souls would love to accomplish.

After all, he prowls around as a "roaring lion seeking whom he may devour," right? (To quote 1 Peter 5:8)

But, this verse in God's Word also gives us instructions on how to deal with such threats.

"Be alert and of sober mind…" says the first part of the verse. Note, it does NOT say to be fearful.

Backing up even further to 1 Peter 5:7 is one of the keys to not being afraid in these times: "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully," it says in the Amplified Bible.

And 1 John 4 reminds us that God's perfect love in us through Jesus "casts out fear."

So, as we face this "serious and credible" threat from al-Qaida, may we trust in God—knowing His perfect love covers us through His Son, Jesus—and not fear.

But may we remain alert, aware, not distracted, and listening for the direction of the Holy Spirit in the days and weeks ahead, as we "pray without ceasing."

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