Tag: resist evil

Pure Heart – James 4:7-8

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

– James 4:7-8 (NLT)

James noticed that worldliness was pervading the Christian community in the early church. He urged them to resist the devil and repent from their sinful ways. Telling them to wash their hands, a symbol of repentance, and turn away from being double-minded, serving self and God. For them to turn away from sin and serve God.

We need to obey God, be humble, and come close to God. When we move toward God, He moves closer to us. We need to live according to Jesus’ teaching. Purifying our hearts, letting go of worldly ways, and loving the Lord your God with all our hearts.

Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

A pure heart characterized by an absence of impurity and contamination. A pure heart has openness and integrity, which are essential for a deep relationship with God.

It is time to quit playing in the worldly field, to repent from sin, purify our hearts, and love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field.

James 4: 7-8 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, help us to realize what is important in life. Guide our steps and teach us to rely on Your guidance. Thank You for Your love, grace, and forgiveness. Help us to turn away from worldliness and sin and have a pure heart. As Dianthus flowers are gathered close together, turning toward the sun, let us draw close to You and follow Your Son, Jesus. Amen

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God’s Armor – Ephesians 6:13

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 (NRSV)

Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, urging them to take up the full armor of God to stand firm against evil. Equip yourself with spiritual protection by standing strong in faith, studying the bible, praying, and resisting temptation.

14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[c] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. – Ephesians 6:14-18a (NRSV)

The full armor of God is composed of truth, faith, salvation, righteousness, peace, and God’s word. When we faithfully follow Him, His armor protects us from temptation and the devil’s schemes. We stand firm, grounded in faith.

So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (AMP)

When you actively put on His armor in prayer, study the scriptures, and live out God’s teachings, you are arming yourself against evil influences that are trying to pull you away from God’s path.

We don’t need to fight the battle; we need to stand firm Christ has the victory. The devil is a defeated foe but has the freedom to act. When we put on the armor of God and are faithful and persevering in Jesus, we can stand firm against Satan’s wiles.

10 God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. Ephesians 6:10 (MSG)

13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them.  – Ephesians 6:13 -18 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, teach us to put on Your armor daily and stand firm against evil. Guide us to follow your path and not be tempted by evil. Help us to stand firmly grounded in faith. As the individual flower of the yarrow plant blooms gathered together, let us bloom in love and gather together in righteousness. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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