"Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
TODAY'S WORD , it's a subject most of us would like to avoid, and for good reason. Yet at the same time, I think it is important for us to know the truth about this mysterious creature known as Satan, Lucifer, or the devil.
On one hand, many seem to have an exalted view of him and ascribe far more power to him than he really has. That is a mistake.
On the other hand, there are those who discount him altogether, even laughing at the idea of a real devil. They imagine some character with horns that runs around in a red suit with pitchfork in hand.
That, of course, is not what the Bible teaches. The devil is a fallen but powerful spirit being with a well-organized network of demon forces.
When we become Christians, we recognize that there is right and wrong, good and evil. There are standards to live by. So the devil begins to tempt us and tries to bring us down.
However, we shouldn't focus on him. We should always be looking to God instead.
The Bible tells us, "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you . . . " (James 4:7-8).
If we are in a state of humble obedience to God, submitted to Him, we can resist the devil's temptations. God has put a protective hedge around every Christian and He will not let us be tempted above our ability to resist (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Let's not make the mistake of underestimating the adversary. He is real, and he is dangerous. We would all be wise to flee temptation and not leave a forwarding address.
Let's draw near to God and resist the devil.
A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY Lord and Master of my life, this day, give me not the spirit of laziness, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of sobriety, humility, patience and love. O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother. In Jesus Name, Amen. |
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