Submitting Yourself To God ( James 4:7 )

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

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I would have to say this is one of my favorite pieces of scriptures. In it you see the power God gives us through Him over the devil. If we submit ourselves to Him than the devil our adversary has no power over us,but instead must flee. You know so many times people allow the devil to seduce them through temptation which is not a sharp cliff,but instead a slippery slope. Now granted none us will ever be perfect,but to avoid sin we must avoid temptation. The Word clearly states in the Lord's prayer, we are to pray to not be led into temptation( Matthew 6:13 ). Therefore by praying to avoid we should be actively living lives that don't compromise our lives as Christians. We need to examine ourselves by the Word and yes it may hurt, but believe me it is for our good. Remember God chastises those who are His and those He loves. It is done for our good and to strengthen us for what is ahead.

What I find another thing awesome is how no temptation will ever come upon us that is too strong for us and that God will always provide a way out( 1 Corinthians 10:13 ). The only way man ever gets caught by temptation is by his own lust and not because God didn't help him( James 1:14 ). Friends be encouraged to know that the devil has no power of you unless you give it to him. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price on calvary and through Him you can do all things( Philippians 4:13 ), even resist that old serpent.

For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and admit your a sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts, and fears at His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 11 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1 John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Will you choose Him ? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the single greatest choice you will make. It is a matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ). Don't wait, make the choice tonight( Matthew 24:36 ) !


God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><