But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].” So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.
James 4:6-7 AMP
There are two types of people in this world. Those who obey God and those who don’t. Jesus said that if you love Him you will obey Him.
Jesus already gave us the victory over sin and death. We are living from a place of knowing we have already won the war. The battle may be raging, but we already have won the war.
Take your eyes off of Jesus and it’s easy to be quick to forget that. Abide in Him, abide in His Presence and exercise dominion over the forces of darkness.
We’re supposed to submit to God, resist the devil and the enemy will flee from us. Too often we do the opposite. We submit to the devil, resist God and flee from God’s Presence. How do you think that’s gonna work out?
God’s calling us to live obedient lives of faith. That is how we honor God and show that we love Him. It’s really simple but it’s also countercultural to everything in this world. That’s okay. A friend of the world is an enemy of God. Who do you think is going to win in that fight?
If you believe in Jesus as Messiah you already have the victory. You can quit striving. You can quit playing religious games. You can live a simple and peaceful life of obedience to the will and voice of God by His grace each and everyday.
Christianity is a way of life not a religion.
Let God be God and let us humble ourselves in His Presence. He is ever-present so let us always be humble and obedient to our Lord and His leading.
When Heaven is revealed, we will see that the obedient won. We will see the Obedient One face to face. Who will be able to stand in His Presence? Only the obedient ones. Only those who did not love their own lives unto death. Now is the time to die. Die to yourself and live forever in God’s Kingdom.
Lord, we humble ourselves under Your mighty hand. We choose to die to ourselves, our agendas, our flesh, our desires. We choose to pick up our crosses and die daily to the will of our flesh. We exalt You as God. You alone can say what is good and what is right. We choose to obey You. You are King and You are Lord. We surrender to Your will. Come have Your way with us, let us be Your Church. In Your Name we pray, amen.
Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].
James 4:8-10 AMP