Tag Archives: resistance

December 3
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“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”  (James 4:8, NIV)

How does the disciple of Jesus address internal conflict and external strife?

According to James: First, draw near to God, and submit to His rule in your life, and; second, resist the devil.

Yesterday, we focused on the latter.  Today, let’s look at the former.

The act of “drawing near” to God can be as simple as taking time to pray, but it is always intentional, and it always reflects our desire to enter the presence of our heavenly Father. It is in the presence of God that the child of God receives the wisdom necessary to address internal conflict and external strife.  – Luther

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December 2
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“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 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.  Wait, wait, wait for our heavenly Father’s better, greater gifts.  – Luther

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June 13
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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)

“Temptation” is any invitation to abandon God’s will. In this world, temptation is a common experience. However, escaping temptation is expected to be the Christian disciple’s common response.

The bible tells us that God will not allow a temptation greater than we can bear. In every temptation — whether we are facing it for the first time or for the 50th time — God has provided us an exit.

When you are tempted, look for the exit — then take it!  – Luther

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