The Power in God's Word

Yesterday I read this really great devotional by Rick Warren about the power behind Scripture. Then I had this awesome conversation with Lynn (I love that woman so much!) and what do you think she started talking about?

Okay, God. I get the message. And I’m hoping you will, too. I’m sharing Warren’s devo as a preparation for what Lynn has in store for us Friday.

Ready to have your world rocked?

Praying and believing,
Dineen

November 02, 2009
When Tempted, Resist the Devil
by Rick Warren

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

After we've humbled ourselves and submitted to God, the Bible teaches us to defy the Devil. We don't passively resign ourselves to his attacks. We're to fight back.

The New Testament often describes the Christian life as a spiritual battle against evil forces, using war terms such as fight, conquer, strive, and overcome. Christians are often compared to soldiers serving in enemy territory.

How can we resist the Devil? Paul tells us, "Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17 NLT).

The first step is to accept God's salvation. You won't be able to say no to the Devil unless you've said yes to Christ. Without Christ we're defenseless against the Devil, but with "the helmet of salvation" our minds are protected by God. Remember this: If you are a believer, Satan cannot force you to do anything. He can only suggest.

Second, you must use the Word of God as your weapon against Satan. Jesus modeled this when he was tempted in the wilderness. Every time Satan suggested a temptation, Jesus countered by quoting Scripture.

He didn't argue with Satan. He didn't say, "I'm not hungry," when tempted to use his power to meet a personal need. He simply quoted Scripture from memory. We must do the same. There is power in God's Word, and Satan fears it.

Don't ever try to argue with the Devil. He's better at arguing than you are, having had thousands of years to practice. You can't bluff Satan with logic or your opinion, but you can use the weapon that makes him tremble--the truth of God.

This is why memorizing Scripture is absolutely essential to defeating temptation. You have quick access to it whenever you're tempted. Like Jesus, you have the truth stored in your heart, ready to be remembered.

If you don't have any Bible verses memorized, you've got no bullets in your gun! I challenge you to memorize one verse a week for the rest of your life. Imagine how much stronger you'll be.

Comments

[Denise]

Amen, bless you.

[Lynn]

Girl, I am so blown away that God is leading us AT THE SAME time on this new journey. Wow, time must be short because we are on a crash course, learning about Christ on the throne and power prayer.

How awesome is it that we are all important participants in this Epic journey. We are up to the task and look out satan because you are being rules ineffective in the lives of those who love Jesus.

Awesome. Let me at 'em.... Praise Jesus. Healed and whole. Amen.

[Caroline]

I also think being able to just say His Name, Jesus, frightens the daylights out of the devil. Some of us are not so good in memorizing so the first sentence in the last paragraph scared me a little.

[Rosheeda]

This is so on time! so so on time! God has been showing me things in His word that I never knew were there. I love it. Lynn, Dineen, maybe we can do a Monday Memory Verse on 1P3 each week? Use it also as that week's discussion topic?

I love you ladies to pieces!
Ro

[Dineen Miller]

Caroline, don't let that scare you but do let it motivate you. I have a feeling you have more bullets in your arsenal than you think!

Ro, awesome idea! I love it!

[Rosheeda]

Which could also work w/the Mind of Christ theme. One huge part of transformation is internalizing God's word. Wonderful!

[Jennifer Louis]

I just read what you said about not arguing or giving my opinion with satan because he has had thousands of years experience! Instead, quote scripture! I am only 27yrs. old and a bit of a "hot-head" and "opinionated". I am being surveillenced in every way you can think of and I actually thought my way was effective... You've shown me IT IS NOT. Firstly, we (I) am not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities... You have made me realize that only God can whoop satan! Our words can sting but it is not lasting like God's word! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING A REAL WOMAN AND ADULT OF GOD! WE LACK THAT SO MUCH IN OUR SOCIETY AND TO SEE YOU DOING AND SAYING WHAT YOU ARE IS PROFOUNDLY INFLUENTIAL TO ME!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't know the impact to see older adults leading and acting like an adult should. Thank you and mostly... THANK GOD ALMIGHTY!