Believers are Soldiers in Christ’s Army and must therefore behave in an Appropriate Manner!

James 4:7.       Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

And the new work week frustrations begin again with another Monday on board. But like all those Mondays in the past that we’ve handled with such aplomb, we will handle this one with the same poise and assurance of God’s awesome grace and mercy flowing through us, giving us the victory! Believing anything less is only putting ourselves at a major disadvantage that will cause the enemy to gain unwanted footholds in our lives. And we all know the havoc that the father of lies and deceit can create once he gets access to our minds, bodies and hearts. 

And since he’s so difficult to dislodge once he begins his evil work, it’s best not to let him get any footholds at all in our spiritual lives. Consequently, James, Jesus’ brother, warns us: ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be (wants to be) a friend of the world is (makes himself) the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth (yearns jealously) to envy? 

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded…Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:4-8, 10) 

Yes friends, please note that we can resist the devil, but only if we first humble ourselves and draw near to God. For if the power of God’s Holy Spirit isn’t working powerfully in you, then you will not be able to resist the numerous onslaughts of the enemy. And if you did not believe James, then listen to Peter’s wonderful advice along the same lines, from his first epistle. 

‘Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in (experienced by) your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (confirm), strengthen, settle you. To him be the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.’ (1 Pet. 5:6-11) 

Yuh see again mih bredrin, that you have to humble yourselves, submit to God, before you can have any chance of turning away the devil. That’s because it’s not our strength, but the grace, the power of God that gives us the ability to do so. And believe me, resisting the enemy is no laughing, but a very serious matter, for once he gets his hooks in you, he’s going to tear you up as Peter says, like a roaring lion hungry for food. 

Remember this is no joke war we’re engaged in, but a spiritual fight to the death, and if we don’t use the spiritual weapons granted to us by Almighty God, (Eph. 6) then we won’t be able to hold on to the victory already won by Christ on our behalf. Yes, the victory is already ours, because Christ has defeated hell, death and the grave, through His own death and awesome resurrection, we only need to keep it won now. 

But the enemy will not give up. Neither should we. That’s why Bruh Paul told Timothy: ‘Thou therefore endure harness (hardship), as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Tim. 2:3) So should we all who call ourselves believers in Christ Jesus, stand up strong and steadfast in His name, and fight the good fight of faith. 

As the old anthem calls us to do: ‘Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before! Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle, see his banner go! At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!’ 

Oh my people, that is exactly how we have to behave this Monday morning, the first of February 2025; get out onto the battlefield behind the banner of Jesus and give the enemy what for! That’s the only way we will ever win the spiritual battle for our souls. And to help us bravely step up to the plate, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn seeking divine aid in these most crucial and critical times. 

Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

Now, let’s remember that divine aid calls for humility, sincere prayer, and turning from our evil ways. Much LOVE!

…a Christian soldier’s last words ought to be…I have fought a good fight…I have finished my course (race)…I have kept the faith… (2 Tim. 4:7)

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The Importance of Prophecies in the Bible that pertain to the Birth of Christ!

Luke 2:38.         And she (Anna) coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

And on this damp and cloudy Tuesday morning with only eight days left to the riotous climax of the Christmas season, we try to keep our spirits lifted high, as we spread the peace, LOVE and goodwill to all men that our Lord and Saviour came to spread when He came to us in human form. Yes my brethren, that’s what we ought to be about in these last days; making the fruit of the Spirit flourish in our world! That’s the LOVE, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control! 

And with strife and negativity becoming more rampant in our world every day, if we can only get a toehold in the enemy’s fortifications with those things, then we’d be away and laughing. But friends, it all depends on us; on us being selfless and sacrificial enough to put our desires on hold and pursue those of Christ. And there’s no better time than this Christmas season when the enemy has let down his guard to enjoy the merriment engendered by Christ’s birth. So please, let’s get out there and use this festival season to remind others of Christ’s importance in the annals of man, and invite them to come to Him for help and encouragement, despite their circumstances. 

And to help us do that, here’s an interesting prayer I found in a set of ‘Praying with Purpose’ inspirational cards recently put out by the In Touch Ministry. These prayer cards deal with topics ranging from boldness to the persecuted church, and will help us pursue greater intimacy with our great God. So here’s this prayer dealing with ‘Growth in Christ,’ based on this inspirational verse from Romans. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom. 12:2) 

Yes, my fellow believers, we desperately need to have our minds transformed and renewed so that we don’t follow the ungodliness being propagated and perpetrated by this sinful world. So please pray with me: ‘Father, I praise you for giving me new life in Christ. What a joy it is to become more like Your Son! Help me to stay focused on Your Word as I learn to follow him. When my heart begins to drift, lead me gently back. Show me how to let go of old ways, even as I rely on Your grace to transform me. Thank You for helping me grow every day.’ 

Oh friends, that’s a simple but right on the money prayer! And it’s oh so easy to be conformed to the ungodliness of this world, but we do have the power within us to resist it. We need to actively seek to be like Christ. But to do that, we first must do as James advises; ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you.’ (James 4:7-8a) 

Yes my fellow saints, it’s all about getting as close to God as possible, and then sticking to Him, sticking to Him like white on rice! That’s the only way we’ll ever resist the devil. Now, let’s wrap up the prophetic stories that were noised about at Jesus’ birth. Yesterday we saw where the devout man Simeon had been promised life until He saw the Messiah. And that promise was faithfully fulfilled when he met Jesus in the temple as His parents came to sacrifice on His behalf according to the law. 

Today we’ll look at another amazing occurrence that took place on that same day. The Bible tells it thus: ‘And there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she (Anna) coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.’ (Luke 2:36-38) 

Poor Joseph  and Mary! All that prophetic and redemption stuff must have driven them crazy. But again, they knew that they had a special child and with God’s unfailing grace, took it all in their stride. No doubt all of that was just more stuff for Mary to store up in her mind and ponder on as Jesus’ earthly life was fulfilled. Then the Bible states: ‘And when they, (Mary and Joseph) had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed (became) strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.’ (Luke 2:39-40) 

And that’s the last we hear of Jesus for at least a dozen years. Until His escapade at the feast of the Passover in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, when, unbeknown to His parents, He left the homebound caravan and could not be found for three days. Eventually they found Him back in Jerusalem, ‘in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors (teachers), both hearing them, and asking questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they (his parents) saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us (done this to us)? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing (anxiously). 

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not (didn’t you know) that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. and Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.’ (Luke 2:46-52) 

Jesus was blessed to have such understanding parents, because even now, when a twelve year old gives his parents that kind of lip, especially in public his teeth are in perilous danger of being knocked out. Thankfully though, after that, Jesus seems to have settled down, ‘was subject unto them.’ And that takes care of all the prophecy and intrigue that surrounded Christ at His birth. (smile) 

Now, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one sincere and grateful voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having said that, it now behooves us to go out and spread the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…if there wasn’t much fanfare around Christ’s birth…then all the Bible prophecies would have been for nought..

Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 March 2022 James 4:8a.

James 4:8a.     Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. 

Well, it’s a glorious Sunday morning in early March of 2022! And can you believe that the temperature is already about 10 degrees Celsius…at this time in the winter season, and is expected to go up to around 15! Wow! Mother Nature has certainly gone awry! But it’s a good thing we have Jesus to cling to, the One who never changes – the same yesterday, today and forever – to give us a strong foundation and keep us in perpetual balance, since Mother Nature appears to have lost hers. (smile) 

And today we are going to open with a song of praise that’s ever so appropriate for our walk with God in these unprecedented times of our lives, one we well know and LOVE. It’s aptly titled ‘Nearer My God to Thee.’ Oh friends, with all the atrocities, the disasters, the strife and hatred that’s taking place in our world in this current season of Lent, all of us need to get closer to God. There’s no doubt about that, because it’s only through His unconditional LOVE, His grace, mercy and forgiveness that we can ever hope to make it through these tempestuous times! 

The song is such a wonderful testament to our faith, especially the practicality of it, and reminds us of those marvellous words from James. ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.’ (James 4:7-8) And unfortunately, we are all numbered amongst that lot. 

But there is hope, as one commentator fervently declares: ‘Even when we cannot see or feel Him, the Lord never leaves our side. As we walk through each day, let us remember to call upon His name and give thanks. The beautiful lyrics of ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ are the perfect call to the Lord. And when you hear the story behind this amazing hymn, you will be reminded exactly why we need him every hour and second.’ 

So, on this first Sunday morning in the Lenten Season of this confusing year of 2022, let’s do exactly what James, Jesus’ brother, advises nuh, let’s submit ourselves to God, draw closer to Him, as we sing this beautiful hymn in a soulful and heartfelt manner, truly conveying the hope we have in Jesus. And as we raise our voices in sacrificial praise to heaven, let’s remember why we need Him, each and every second of every hour of every day.  

So let’s sing: ‘Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! 

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n; All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! 

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Savior’s LOVE, perfectly blest; Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!’ 

Oh my people, there’s nothing in this world that compares with being near to our Creator! But it doesn’t just happen, we must make a conscious effort to bring it about, and the Lord will help us when we do that. And the story behind the hymn is a perfect example of that, of experiencing God in a greater way. It was written by Sarah Flower Adams (1805-1848) somewhere around 1841 to follow her pastor’s sermon on Genesis 28:11-19, known as the story of Jacob’s ladder, or Jacob’s dream, when Jacob was sent to Padan-aram to seek a wife from his mother’s family. 

The Good Book tells it. ‘And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went towards Haran. And he lighted upon (came to) a certain place, and tarried (stayed) there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place and put them (at his head) for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and beheld a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 

And behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed (descendants). And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land: for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.’ (Gen. 28:10-15) 

Wow mih bredrin! Can you imagine having that dream? And why did the Lord offer all of that to Jacob, a known ole crook and scamp eh, who had earlier stolen His brother Esau’s birthright? He certainly uses those whom we think are unfit to do His work, like He did later on with Bruh Paul. And can you imagine Jacob’s reaction? Here is how the Good Book tells it. ‘And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’ (Gen. 28:16-17) 

Oh friends, yuh see how easy it is for God to put the fear of God in us when we think we are big and bad and bold!  And the Good Book continues: ‘And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar (altar), and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel (House of God): but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.’ (Gen. 28:18-19) 

Yes mih people, Jacob had finally met his match, God! And when that happens, as so many of us can testify to, we suddenly come to our senses and our lives do a complete 360 degrees turn around, reminiscent of Bruh Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus many moons later. It was the same with Jacob. ‘And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment (clothes) to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God. And this stone, which I have set for a pillar (altar), shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth (a tithe) unto thee.’ (Gen. 28:20-22) 

Oh fellow believers, the Lord kept His word and Jacob also kept his vow. That’s how it ought to work. And please note that Jacob’s tithe was voluntary, like Abraham’s was to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20) because the Law of tithing was not given to Israel until the time of Moses. It just goes to show a sincere LOVE and appreciation for God’s generosity to them, a trait that should also be found in us modern day believers, and even stronger too, because we have been granted much more than the old-timers, we have Jesus and all the wonderful things He brings to the table. 

Now, my fellow saints, I do hope that what we‘ve said today will make a large imprint on our hearts and souls, and bring us ever closer to God, because we so badly need it, if we are to maintain our peace and LOVE for Christ and diligently do His work in these tempestuous times. Much LOVE!

…the only wise way to walk this life…is to walk it as closely as possible with Christ…   

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 January 2019 James 4:7.

James 4:7.   ​Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
 

Beautiful…white and beautiful…but oh so dangerous…slippery like and eel…and treacherous and deceptive like the serpent who personifies our enemy Satan! That’s the snow covering our neighbourhood this Friday morning! (smile) And sadly, we in the northern climes are bracing ourselves for even more of the white stuff because we’ve been promised a major snowstorm this weekend. 

Let’s hope the duchess and I just have to stay inside and look at it and admire its beauty, but don’t have to venture forth in it, cause remember we’re not as mobile and steady as we once were, we’re not spring chickens any longer…but contrary to popular opinion we’re NOT old, just advanced in years! (smile) So for all of you in the wintry climes, remember, as the man says, if you don’t HAVE to go out, then DON’T go out! 

Now let’s hear what the workingman has to say for himself this winter’s morn. And I like how he’s ever so enthusiastic, regardless of the circumstances: ‘TGIF! Thank God for Friday yes! The weekend, the weekend is here, which means is time to party! And though they calling for plenty snow, yuh think a li’l thing like snow going to stop me from enjoying mih li’l two days off from the slave master work? 

No way Jose! My time is my time, my time to enjoy whatever catches mih fancy! And if ah want to play in the snow, I’ll play in the snow. But if I just want to cuddle up in front of a roaring fire and sip something strong and warm, then that’s what I’ll do! It’s freedom time, come the weekend! Thank God for Fridays and the weekends yes in this ungodly capitalist society!’ 

Now there’s a wonderful idea for this snowy weekend; cuddle up in front of a roaring fire with a hot toddy and just commune with whoever you’re with and with God! Let the world go by however it wants to, since there’s nothing you can do about it. Just luxuriate in the warmth of your home and the comforting LOVE of your wonderful God! 

And all of God’s children declared (right ho) a loud and proud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord! Praise Him and give Him much thanks for His undeserving goodness and mercy to us!’ Yeh friends, we must NEVER forget the goodness of God in our lives, for it’s the ONLY thing that keeps us from an even more miserable existence. 

Now let’s respond to the workingman’s exuberance with our more controlled Friday Chant. Chanting in unison: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen!’ 

Yes mih people, it’s not as exuberant and fun LOVING as the workingman’s song, but it suits our purposes very well, reminding us of our purpose down here on earth, to work for Jesus, and helping us to stay out of the clutches of the ever-hovering enemy. And as true believers, we like it! Glory be! Anything that keeps us out of Satan’s evil grasp is certainly welcome! 

That’s why friends, we have to pay particular attention to James’ warning: ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.’  Yes my brethren, there are two things we need to do to stay out of the enemy’s clutches. The first is submit ourselves to God; then actively resist Satan’s advances! And we know that in this world he’s always lurking around offering lust and pride and other immoral and ungodly ways of life. 

But as James continues: ‘Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. Be afflicted (lament), and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness (gloom). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:8-10) 

And the scholars offer this explanation re the above verses: ‘4:7-10. Therefore: The exhortations that follow logically result from the conditions in verses 1-6 (worldliness and pride). Resist the devil: Do not submit to, fear, or flee from Satan, but stand against him (1 Pet.5:8-10). Satan cannot lead into sin against one’s will. Draw nigh: God will not be unmoved; His welcoming response is always near (cf. Deut. 4:7; Lam.3: 57; Luke 15:20). Hands and hearts: The cleansing of one’s life must involve both outward deeds and inner thoughts (cf. Ps.24:3-4).’ 

Oh friends, please check out those scriptures, for they all show God’s welcoming hand to all who turn to Him. And we’ll close with these inspiring, reassuring and warning words from Peter on the subject. (smile) ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in (experienced by) your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (confirm), strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen!’ (1 Pet.5: 6-11) 

Oh my people, we could not ask for more fervent and reassuring scripture this cold, snowy Friday January morning! So please let’s take it to heart and follow it nuh! That’s wisdom of enormous proportions! Much LOVE!

…Christianity 101…submitting to God…resisting Satan…