“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, NIV)
Today’s scripture selection is a “summary verse” of James’ explanation of the source of our internal conflicts and of our external strife.
The solution to this serious problem is two-fold: (1) Draw near to God, and submit to His rule in your life, and; (2) resist the devil.
Today’s focus is on #2. Tomorrow, I will address #1.
The devil is intelligent, experienced, practiced, cunning, and persuasive. He is not, however, irresistible.
In fact, our simple resistance foils his tactic of playing to our desire for the immediate gratification of our physical, emotional, and spiritual desires. Our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are real — and they are important. Therefore, resist the devil’s “good” offers. Instead, wait for our heavenly Father. His gifts are always far superior to anything the devil can offer; and each comes without sorrow, pain, or remorse. – Luther
Daily Encouragement 