JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are James 4:7 and 8a.
Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Temptation might show up in unexpected and surprising ways. That is why it is important for us to be ready and to stay on guard with the armor of God. Those spiritual weapons include faith, righteousness, and the word of God, which help us take our stand against the devil.
The more we know about ourselves and Jesus, the greater our awareness that we need Him. We need His forgiveness for past failures, and we need His grace for future victory. First Corinthians 10:12 says, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.”
Humility keeps us from becoming overconfident, and motivates us to draw closer to God for the strength to say “No” to temptation.
These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to resist the devil and draw near to God in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on First Corinthians 10, verses 12 and 13.
“If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall. 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.”
When it comes to temptation, it is wise to be on guard. If we think we are above being tempted in a certain area, that may be when we are most vulnerable. Peter insisted he would not deny Jesus three times, but was willing to die for Him. His overconfidence kept him from recognizing his lack of courage for the Lord.
There is a strategy for overcoming temptation found in James 4:7. “Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Through Jesus, we are set free to say “Yes” to God’s will and “No” to Satan’s temptations.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye On Integrity is based on James 4, verses 7 and 8.
“Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
This statement was addressing believers who were torn by conflict. They were quarreling and fighting each other. They were struggling with pride and selfish motives. James is showing how this problem can be overcome. Submit to God. Resist the devil. Approach God with a humble heart. He will rearrange priorities and do a cleansing of the heart that will produce peace with God and unity in the body of Christ.
Walking in submission to God is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
