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Day 19: Chris Lauti

JAMES 4:1-10 (THE MESSAGE) “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.”

You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

So let God work his will in you (SUBMIT). Yell a loud NO to the Devil (RESIST) and watch him make himself scarce (FLEE). 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. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.

Are you awake? If you weren’t, then I bet you are now. The language in this verse is so jarring and intense. It is supposed to be that way! My hope is that we would engage in prayer this week in a radical way! What would it look like to yell a loud NO to the devil? What in your life is God asking you to resist? Could it be saying NO to control? Maybe it is saying NO to the addiction. It’s saying NO to the gossip circles and slandering in your workspace. Is it taking thoughts of depression and suicide captive and saying NO to death and yes to the life that God offers? I pray that you would begin to say NO to the things that are wreaking havoc in your life and that you would watch the enemy FLEE!

Here are 2 Prayers as we RESIST the enemy this week:

  1. A POSTURE OF SUBMISSION

– James 4:7a “So let God work his will in you.”

– PRAYER: Father, I release control to you as master of my life. Let your will be done in me. Remove anything that is not of you. I humble myself before you and ask that you would help me see your truth in light of my situation. IN JESUS NAME!

 

  1. AN ACT OF WAR! (RESIST)

– James 4:7b “Yell a loud NO to the devil.”

– PRAYER: NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! (try it, it’s really fun) Father, I resist the devil in Jesus Mighty Name. I say NO! I am making a stand against the devil in Jesus Name. Right now I am declaring war against the enemy and my sin! (list all the things that you are saying no to! Out loud is better). I pray for your will Lord over my life and all the things that I have stated in this prayer. IN JESUS NAME!