Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
August 1st 2023

Resist the Devil!

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

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

To resist simply means to fight against somebody or something; to refuse to give in to something or to say no to something tempting. Resisting becomes easier when we realize the magnitude of the consequence of NOT resisting. For example, it is easier to resist the temptation to fornicate if you knew that the person you are about having sex with has a sexually transmitted disease. If you don’t know the consequence, you might only think of the instant gratification. Similarly, believers ought to know that they have an enemy (the devil) whose solid aim and purpose is to kill, to steal and to destroy-nothing more! (John 10:10). Understanding his three-point agenda can help us say resist the devil no matter what. Also, this can open our eyes to the fact that whatever the devil offers comes along with a poison or even death. The Bible admonishes us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. Don’t negotiate with him, just resist! Don’t waste time discussing with him, just resist him and stand your ground as our Lord Jesus Christ did in Matthew 4. Many end up in his trap in their attempt to negotiate with him. To resist him, you must put on the full armour of God every day and everywhere. This armour consists of: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, The Word and Prayer. Carry them along and never hesitate to use them when the devil comes knocking.

Self-Reflection: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

Daily Confession: Dear Lord, help me put on your full armour each day.

Intercessory prayer: May righteousness rain in our nations.

Hymn: Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin,

Each victory will help you and others to win,

Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue,

Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through