October 24th Monday Motivator
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
I want to focus on resisting. I don’t know about you, but when I read this verse, I read it like this. “Flee from the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Yes, I know, the “fleeing” is not “resisting!” My brain skipped right over the most important word!
To resist is a military word that means “take a firm stand against.” or “To strongly resist an opponent.”
If the devil pushes you, push back.
If the devil tries to steal your ground, stand firm.
If the devil tries to move you, refuse to be moved.
Don’t let him steal your territory!
The question is, are you prepared?
The military is constantly preparing, training, and watching their ground. They are ready for war, so they are not caught off guard when it comes. They are continually learning and creating strategies to win.
In the bible, you see the word “Watchman” a lot in the Old Testament.
A watchman was someone who stood outside the campgrounds constantly on the lookout for enemies. They were to warn the people to get ready if they saw anything.
Are you keeping watch?
Are you prepared?
Are you ready for the fight?
Ephesians 6: 11 says, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” You must wear the whole armor of God to be prepared at all times!
Put on ALL the armor of God. If you are missing a piece, you put yourself at risk and lack protection from your opponent. It’s like running outside fully clothed but barefoot. You are risking the chance of stepping on something and hurting your foot!
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you can resist the enemy in times of evil.
Ephesians 6:14-17 says, “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
This verse makes it clear to fight back with the Word of God. How do you do that? By confessing what the Word says, the truth over that situation.
“In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” -Ephesians 6:18
Don’t neglact prayer. Prayer is nesscary for fighting this war. Your prayer causes things to change.
It’s time to fight back.
It’s time to quit allowing things to push you over.
It’s time to stand our ground!
