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Been thinking a lot about spiritual warfare lately.  Now, I have been known to live a good portion of my life completely oblivious to the fact that I have an enemy and that i am in a war, but I know that is not true.  I do have an enemy and hates me.  Scripture teaches that he comes to steal to kill and to destroy, but God comes to give incredibly life. 

So, as I have been pondering these things, I have been prayerfully searching for the keys to victory.  Keys that translate into my life’s desire to walk closely with Christ, defeat temptation, and fulfill the plans that God lays out for me. My quest has led me to a powerful scripture that is often overlooked but holds the key to all-the-time victory.  

James 4:7 tells us that if we submit to God and resist the devil, then he will flee.

The message translation tells us to “let God work His will is you.  Yell a loud “no” to the devil and watch him scamper.

Right there, imbedded in this scripture is a key…no, THE KEY to victory over addiction, depression, insecurity, and bondage of any kind.  If we are going to win, we must learn to submit to God, resist the devil.  If/when we do this we win.

Submission is something that we do in times of peace.  That is where we choose our allegiance.  That is where we align our lives with His plans and purposes.  

Resistance is what we do on the front lines.  It is there that we reject fleshly lusts because we know of the dangerous consequences that are attached. That is where we refuse selfishness and our desire for instant gratification.  

I have already submitted and I will continue to work on resisting…and because of that i know that the enemy of my soul who wants to prevent me from living the life God wants to bless me with will turn and run.

My God is great and His plans for my life are amazing.  The same goes for you.  He loves you and has great things in store for you.  May you sense His presence and the pleasure that you bring Him.

This morning as I was driving to work I found myself following a work van (plumbing or electrical) and on the back there were 5 or 6 posters of missing children.  That really caught my attention.  I was so touched that the man who owned that business wanted everyone to be aware of those kids that were missing.

When I got to the office, I began to think about God’s truck (forgive the stretch).  I think he would have posters up of the people that were missing.  Those who had not yet surrendered to His Lordship.  Those that were living isolated from His grace.  I think he would be trying to alert us to the fact that there are people all around who have spiritual needs.  And, as our eyes are open, God wants us to be a part of taking the truth of His love and the provision He offers to those people who haven’t tapped into it yet.  

Today, my prayer has been that I would see people as He sees them.  ”God, let me see with eyes of compassion those that are separated from you.  Those that know no peace.  Those that need hope.  Those that are in pain.  And, when I see them may I not pity them, but may I be moved to authentic expression of kindness and may I extend to them your hand of mercy.”   Amen.

You Can: 90 Coaching moments to the faith you have always wanted is now available for purchase.  This 90 day devotional book was written for students and young adults who are interested in stabilizing their faith and strengthening their relationship with the Creator.  The bite-sized stories lead it off, and point towards some additional study/activities that will allow you to go deeper.  

If you are interested in purchasing a copy you can find it on the front page at www.groundwire.net.  We do offer discounts for purchases of 10 or more.  In order to place a bulk order, call Marie at the office (303.660.3582). 

Have a great weekend.