Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

1 Peter 3:10-12, “For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Right now, as you sit in your chair, God sees and loves you. Do you have a dream, plan, or desire that you had wanted, and it wasn’t fulfilled that has caused you disappointment? We have the promise and assurance from 1 Peter 3:12 that God sees it all. He sees when we are not treated fairly. He sees when you are doing your best to maintain and seek peace (verse 11) and pursue it and when you have failed to go that route. Look at Peter. He learned those lessons himself and was a prime example of stumbling, making mistakes due to his emotions, and yet known to be the leader amongst the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. You are also a chosen one in Christ as a born-again Christian. Learn to be a leader by being aware of the risks of conflict before they happen and maintain your integrity by doing good as 1 Peter 3:11-12 NLV declares, “Turn away from what is sinful. Do what is good. Look for peace and go after it. The Lord watches over those who are right with Him. He hears their prayers. But the Lord is against those who sin.”

The word of God shows us the mind of Christ. Look into Jesus’s face. What words of Jesus come to your mind? One example is found in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

In 1 Peter 3:9, Peter warns, “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” The word “reviling” I don’t hear customarily used today. The Oxford dictionary definition of “reviling” said to criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner.” Jesus had that happen to him on the cross. He suffered greatly for you and for me and endured much shame, yet Jesus maintained His authoritative control over His destiny as He died, rose again, and sits at God’s right hand. So now He not only hears your prayers but sees you and wants to bless you. We have that promise, “But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Who can you be a blessing to today? The next time someone criticizes you in an abusive or angrily insulting manner, or you want to give someone a piece of your mind, pause and don’t say anything just yet. Then quickly put on the mind of Christ. Speak words of blessing and ask God to bless your thoughts and comments. The eyes of the Lord are on you. As the Message states it this way, “Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless – that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.” That is our full-time job that is always needed wherever we go with no exceptions – seek to be a blessing to others.

Listen to I Speak Jesus (Lyrics Video) Charity Gayle, Feat. Steven Musso.

1 Peter 2:1-2, “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”

I don’t know of any Christian who deliberately tries to harm another person, but what about having an emotional response of pleasure at someone you disagree with or had offended you, having misfortune? Can you imagine or remember a situation in which you entertained these feelings of someone who wrongly treated you or your family and justice may have been administered in some fashion in the end? Vindication can seem so sweet, doesn’t it? But stop and think about that in the light of God’s Word.

David stated in Psalm 41:5, “My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?” Then we read in Titus 3:3-5, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice, and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” So, God looks at acting with malice and envy as foolishness and being disobedient to Him. Jesus’s example to us all was when he was hanging on the cross, He had no words of hate or anger but simply said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34. The words in the NIV, “do not know what they are doing” have stood out to me.

Nothing will satisfy us in this world. It is not about how we feel or what we do or have accomplished that matters. It is not about whether we are having a good or bad day. Instead, it comes down to what is the power of the Word of God doing in our lives. I challenge you to look for opportunities to share Scripture with a friend, grandchild, co-worker, or check-out person at a store. Look for someone to share a verse of Scripture with that spoke to you recently. Speak life into another person’s heart. Pray you will be used to benefit someone in need from the verse that you share that met your need. You may just be the answer to another person’s prayer. This is a challenge to take on and watch for results as you plant and the Holy Spirit waters.

Put your name into 1 Peter 2:1-2 and read those words again. The frustrations and angst moments that will come today, you can say, “Hello! Now I am ready by God’s Word supplying my needs.”

Listen to Natalie Grant’s Lyric Video, My Weapon

1 Peter 1:14-15, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy as I am holy.”

God is holy. His name, Elohim Kedoshim, is “The Holy God” Read today’s verse with your name in there to make 1 Peter 1:14-15 personal. What does that look like to you, “being holy in all your conduct?” We see in Isaiah 6:3 God is called holy three times, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Notice the word “holy” was used three times. That was for emphasis. Peter experienced God’s mercy and justness, due to his weaknesses, which taught him to be humble and sensitive to God’s holiness, giving him boldness in his leadership as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Peter wrote 1 and 2 Peter out of the lessons he learned from the Lord about true character (Twelve Ordinary Men. How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness and What He Wants to Do with You. John MacArthur, p.59).

 How do I need to be holy in my conduct today? Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines conduct as “The manner in which a person behaves, especially on a particular occasion or context.” I am to be holy in how I need to behave in my responses reflecting God’s holiness. Peter learned the importance of being motivated to do that due to God’s grace throughout his life.

In showing the authenticity of being a Christian in our workday, what must we portray and do as situations arise? 2 Corinthians 7:1 declares, “Since we have these promises beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” Paul referred to inward thoughts and desires being purified besides all aspects of the church in Corinth’s body and life due to the holiness of God.

God has redeemed us through His Son and doesn’t treat us as we deserve. So, what does conducting our actions with holiness, as God is holy, look like to you? I think of Him not being spiteful and full of mercy. Of His gracious patience with me. God never says, “You already told me that.” Take a moment to thank God for all of the things He has done for you. Sit before Him and don’t say anything. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. God is your refuge. He is your strength. God is holy. Be holy as He is holy. Trust God for who He is and that He will demonstrate His love for you.

Listen to Natalie Grant – You Will Be Found feat. Cory Asbury (Official Music Video).

1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The NIV states, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”

The verses you read in God’s Word prepare your mind for how to respond rightly to the circumstances in your life. How has your attitude been within those circumstances? How can you act more holy? The Phillips version states, “Don’t let your character be molded by the desires of your ignorant days, but be holy in every department of your lives, for the one who has called you is himself holy. The scripture says, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” So, the question for myself is how can I act more holy during the times of things that set me off or that I strongly disagree with? Those statements from others that trigger my emotions to respond incorrectly and lack love for others, how could I better respond? Do you have this mastered?

It takes self-discipline not to allow specific thoughts that lack self-control. Instead, pause and interject Philippians 4:8 in asking oneself to consider the following:

1. Is this true, honorable, holy thinking, and commendable?
2. Are my thoughts worthy of the approval of God?
3. Is bitterness going to creep in?
4. Does this matter to God?
5. What do I need to praise God for instead of harboring thoughts of anger and resentment?

That is how to prepare your mind for Christ-like action. “Unjust or unforeseen suffering is one of the great problems that grips the hearts of people today. We struggle with frustration, anger, and uncertainty when trials strange and unexpected land on our doorsteps. Too often in those most difficult moments of our lives, confusion reigns while contentment wanes; questions arise while prayer subsides.” Chuck Swindoll. Isn’t that so true? God is working on the conclusion to your situation, so press on! Peter is encouraging us to have perseverance in faith. This is temporary. Walk in holiness despite unmet expectations. Set your mind to be alert and prepared for action. You have the grace of God that has been freely given to you; therefore, live as Jesus modeled to Peter for those three years together, living in holiness in a hostile world, under the power of Jesus Christ. Work at mastering your mind to Christ-like action because the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Ephe. 1:18-20). Experience God’s grace today as you depend on Him and Christ’s return. That gives one hope for those difficult days.

Listen to We Are Messengers – Father Will You Hold My Hand (Official Music Video). 2 months ago.

1 Peter 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

That word “kept” in these verses stands out to me. Webster’s dictionary definition of the word keep (kept being past tense of keep) says “to retain in one’s possession or power. To have in control; to be faithful to – keep a promise; preserve, maintain, such as to watch over and defend; reserve.” The synonym word for “kept” from thefreedictionary.com is “unbroken, especially of promises or contracts.”

When you are born again in Jesus Christ’s blood shed for you, you have the unbroken promise that, due to your faith, you (I) are kept by the power of God, abiding in a relationship of faith with God. We have a future inheritance in heaven reserved for us. We will receive our Heavenly inheritance. That promise will never be broken and is the hope for our future with God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing can break that promise.

The believers that Peter was writing to were under persecution and were wondering if they were going to make it. “I want you to know something,” Peter said. “You have an inheritance waiting for you that can’t be taken from you. You are kept by the power of God, and He is committed to seeing you through. All that remains for you to do is to believe.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary. I need a sign on my desk that reads, “Linda, God is committed to seeing you through this. All that remains for you to do is to believe in Him and His power. He will never break His promise to you.”

Think about the promises that people have made to you that they broke. Your expectations were not met. It made you feel like they couldn’t be counted on or trusted, right? What a contrast we have as sons and daughters of our Lord and Savior, of our future in heaven. We don’t know when that day will be. But we have the hope and assurance that day is coming and promised to us due to our faith in Christ’s resurrected power. Meeting Him face to face is our living, eternal, and future hope. God’s promise will never be broken and is reserved and being prepared just for you (me). 2 Timothy 4:8 is our promise from God which states, “There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.” HCSB. That is a promise from God that will not be broken or taken away. He is the great I AM. Jesus knows what you are going through is heavy. Peter knew that about the believers he was writing to. But he had spent time with Jesus for three years. He went from being a middle-class fisherman to that of a scholar, an apostle. Throughout 1 Peter, Peter is saying to set your thoughts and eyes on your final landing, the big picture, on heaven. So, remember the words, kept, keeping, and reserved inheritance as Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. That my friend, is God’s unbroken promise that is being kept for you which results in righteousness, joy, peace, and God’s presence.

Listen to Danny Gokey – Stay Strong (Lyrics Video) August 20, 2021.

1 Peter1:1-2, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood. May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”

What comes to your mind when you think of Peter in the Bible? Peter was a middle-class fisherman. The professional fishermen of their day did not sit around idly. They sorted their catch, prepared for a catch, and mended their equipment. They were not quitters. Courage, faith, patience, determination, and working as a team were what fishermen were required to do. This was the make-up of Peter, an apostle, and leader, who had a profound impact, magnetic personality, outspoken, and was an influential man in the early church who did more than walk on the water with Jesus (Matt. 14:24-33).

Peter wrote 1 Peter to encourage Christian’s suffering persecution, injustice, and being misunderstood for their faith. Here are a few more bullet points about Peter (David Guzik Commentary):

• Jesus rebuked Peter more than any other disciple.
• Peter confessed Jesus more boldly and accurately than any other disciple.
• Peter denied Jesus more forcefully and publicly than any other disciple.
• Jesus praised Peter more than any other disciple.
• Jesus addressed Peter as Satan alone among the disciples.
• Peter put his nets out at the direction of Jesus to bring in a massive catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11).
• Peter saw Jesus transfigured in glory, together with Moses and Elijah.
• Peter was the one who received a personal visit from the resurrected Jesus on the day of the resurrection (Luke 24:34).
• Peter received a public restoration of Jesus in front of the other disciples after the resurrection of Jesus (John 21).

We can learn so much from Peter, who was impulsive. Jesus knew Peter’s strengths and weaknesses, rebuked him, and yet praised him more than any other disciple. So, when you get down on yourself when you have blown it, confess it to the Lord, and praise Him for giving you the authority of your restored relationship and position in Christ. This is your temporary address because your citizenship is in heaven. Live in that awareness throughout your day. Peter wrote to the elect, to which you are, as a born-again Christian in Christ. So be strengthened and encouraged because you are a chosen person of Christ who has intimate knowledge of you. You were not a random choice. You are a possessor of God’s grace and mercy. “Grace is not freedom to sin, but fuel for obedience.” Pastor Todd Smith (Rom. 6:15-23).

Take in a deep and long breath as you inhale. Then exhale that breath slowly to relieve the stress in your muscles and skeletal frame. Notice how your shoulders go down and become relaxed. Now rest in the peace of God, being multiplied to you as you give your requests to God, who will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Yes, Peter was highly emotional. He had failures and successes just like you have had. Yet God used Peter mightily, and He will do the same for you. Seek Him, follow Him, obey Him. Tell Him your concerns. “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Listen to Casting Crowns – Desert Road (Official Music Video)

James 5:13;16b, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

The theme of handling trials with patience and endurance, showing mercy over judgment, being a doer of God’s Word, not just a hearer, and taming the tongue has been taught throughout the book of James. Endurance and perseverance with self-control are involved and results in having patience. Ultimately, the best way to address these issues in life is prayer and praise to the Lord, as James teaches in James 5:13-18. I don’t think I fully realize the power of prayer. Do you?

James says, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Thought, do I always ask for God’s wisdom and thoughts to be mine in a given situation before I respond or act? No, too often, the ego is triggered by being offended, and a peaceful response does not overflow. Psalm 139:2 states, “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” Therefore, “God, how do you discern my thoughts and what do you see right now? I am struggling with a situation. It is hard when I feel my values are being ignored. I want my thoughts to be your thoughts. Help me.” That has been my prayer and struggle this week as I have conversed with God. I feel like I am in an in-between place in life. Certain things are out of my control.

Jesus promises us in Matthew 21:22, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Jesus is perfecting your (my) faith (Hebrews 12:2), so keep your eyes on Him when going through a trial. Think about that for a minute. What are you asking God for that only He can do? Your prayer has great power as you stand before Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

The NIV version states James 13 this way, “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” Then verse 16b declares, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary states, “What if we really believed this? What if we said, “I’m not going to speak so much or so quickly. I’m not going to hold a grudge against people even if I feel they’re afflicting me. Instead, I’m going to pray”? What a simple, workable, radical idea James presents to us. . . our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12).”

Pray and sing praise regarding your high position in God. Take pride in that (James 1:9). You have dignity before God because He knows your name (Isa. 43:1). What we have in Jesus Christ far outweighs any worldly position and that is where our identity resides. There is power working that you can’t even see due to your prayers, and they are effective, and are working, due to your righteousness in Christ. “A new personal vision statement to remind yourself each day: I am dispatched by the Holy Spirit, on kingdom assignments, to be light in a darkened world, so others can see Jesus.” Louie Giglio, p.189, Don’t Give the Enemy A Seat At Your Table. It’s Time To Win The Battle Of Your Mind. There you go. Keep your focus, keep your eyes on Jesus.

Listen to Unspoken-God Help Me Now-Lyric Video (1 month ago).

James 5:7-8, “Be patient, therefore brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until he receives the early and late rains. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

Do you have a lot of patience generally? I hate it when I place an order on Amazon and the circle goes round and round waiting to go through to be confirmed. It used to go through immediately. When I go to the check out at the grocery store, or any store, I look for the shortest line so I can make my purchase and get out and get on to the next task of the day. Farmers must wait patiently and with high anticipation for harvesting their crops that have been planted. They depend upon the rain falling at just the right time. That requires patience with endurance. Farmers in the Palestinian climate had to wait for the early spring and autumn rains to plant and harvest their crops, that James was referring to in James 5.

The early spring and autumn rains were the most crucial to these farmers, that needed the rain just at the right time to water the crops after planting and harvesting the crops. “A farmer does not give up when his crop does not come to harvest immediately. He keeps on working even when the crop cannot be seen at all. Even so Christians must work hard and exercise patient endurance even when the harvest day seems far away.” David Guzik Commentary. When we think about waiting and having patience with endurance in the Christian life, it is much like what farmers must do. We both have to live by faith. They are still working, yet have not received the harvest reward, but are encouraged by the value the harvest will bring, despite changing circumstances with the weather. There is no other option than to wait while still working to advance the kingdom of Heaven.

Is there something you are required to have patient endurance about right now? As James instructs us, keep on keeping on. Rely on the Lord to bring about His abundant blessing with His power and help in your efforts. You are not in this alone. It does not depend totally on you. Sometimes all we can do is wait for the Lord to provide and act. Here are verses to say out loud when in that situation:

• Psalm 62:1, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him come my salvation.”
• Psalm 130:5, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.”
• 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
• James 1:4, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Keep working on strengthening your relationship with the Lord. Be steadfast in your hope, faith, and trust in the Lord’s presence, provision, and protection. Have patient endurance and persevere. Your faith must express itself through each situation you encounter. It does no good to give up. Wait with endurance for the outcome to be provided and say out loud Ephesians 1:18-20 – “the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me.”

Seasons change, and God is in control of making those seasons change. You are developing patient endurance just like a farmer does year after year. Your reward will come. Christ will balance the scales. Focus on Jesus. You are not alone in your struggles. Set your eyes on Him. Determine to know Him better. Your face will become radiant reflecting His presence with you. Remember, Christ could come back today! So be patient, strengthen your heart with His Word, and instill endurance as you persevere. Christ will deliver you from all of this world’s circumstances upon His return. It won’t matter then.

Listen to I Speak Jesus by the Newsboys (Lyric Video)

James 4:13-15, “Come now you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit” – yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Have you ever had a sudden change in your circumstances that turned events into a much better situation for you? A Romans 8:28 in your face experience? That is when God shows us, He is in control, and you matter to Him. A good business plan or reviewing one’s goals in life are always important, but God needs to be included and consulted in it all.

My brother and I sang a duet at my parent’s fiftieth wedding anniversary event: “I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day,” were the words in the song’s first two lines. The chorus was, “Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand; But I know who holds tomorrow; And I know who holds my hand.” The words of that hymn mean more to me today than it did then. It was written in 1950 by Ira F. Stanphil, an American gospel music composer and evangelist of the mid-twentieth century. Ira F. Stanphil had been a pastor in Orange, California. Then in the early 1940s, he was associate pastor of a church in Bakersfield, California. Ira became an evangelist and traveled throughout the United States and 40 other countries beginning in 1964. “Occasionally, as part of his crusades, he would ask members of the congregation to suggest titles for songs. Selecting one title from the suggestions, he would write words and music for a song during the service.” Wikipedia. This song, “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow” has stood out to me over the years and is so true.

The cross-reference verse of James 4:13 is Proverbs 27:1, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Then in Psalms 118:24, the author declares, “This is the day the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Are you needing more of God’s joy today? Seek His face. Give Him praise for answers to prayers you have not received or seen yet. Never lose the wonder of what He is able to accomplish today and tomorrow.

“This was the custom of those ancient times; they traded from city to city, carrying their goods on the backs of camels. The Jews traded thus to Tyre, Sidon, Caesarea, Crete, Ephesus, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Rome, etc. And it is to this kind of itinerant mercantile life that St. James alludes.” (Clark). James criticized them for not putting into their business plan for the week, let alone a year, doing it all for God’s glory and for the kingdom’s extension. He didn’t see them praying about their business decisions and seeking God’s will in them. “Oh no, there was not a word about God in it, from beginning to end!” (Spurgeon). James’s intention was not to discourage adequate goals and planning, just not to neglect one’s reliance and dependence upon God – not allowing an independent attitude to occur. There are crucial decisions to be made every day that God’s wisdom and guidance needs to be asked for first. That wisdom is found in knowing and obeying God’s Word (Joshua 1:8).

Don’t worry about the future. The future is in God’s hands. We can plan ahead, but always put God at the center of those plans. Commit your day to God. Live for today. You are one day closer to Heaven than you were yesterday. What about tomorrow? Ask God to fill in that blank.

Listen to Matt Maher’s The Lord’s Prayer Lyric Video

James 4:7-8a, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

Do you have something that is causing you anxiety? You know those thoughts of thinking you will never make it or wondering how can any good come out of this situation? Or maybe your boss has overlooked your accomplishments in an email that was sent to the group. That is when the devil wants to defeat you. He will use trial and error until he finds what will succeed in giving you doubts, fears, frustrations, and feelings of failure. Don’t give him a seat at your table. John 14:26 is truth to remember that you have the Holy Spirit advocating for you so as you draw near to God with your concerns which says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” I picture God saying to me, “Come here. Sit over here beside me. Come closer. I have words of comfort, reassurance, and strength to tell you, Linda. Tell me everything. I have already gone before you (Deuteronomy 31:8), and no weapon formed against you shall succeed (Isaiah 54:17). Dear child (Romans 8:16), your story is not over yet. Linda, I have words of truth. Live on those words, say them out loud, and those words will make the enemy flee away just as it did when I quoted from the Bible to him. You can read about it in Matthew 4:1-11.”

A cross-reference to James 4:7 is 1 Peter 5:7-8, “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Both passages in the preceding verse in each section state being first, humble before God. There is that teaching again on the importance of humility. Then again in James 4:10 it declares, “Humbles yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

The best way to fight against feelings of nervousness, fearfulness, and angst is to memorize Scripture. That is the weapon to have handy and available to put one in a position of being entirely dependent and humbly submitting oneself to God’s Word and will for your life with God’s promises. For example, Isaiah 43:1 says God knows your name. God knows you.

• ESV says “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
• NIV says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

So how do we withstand and oppose fearful thoughts and lies in our minds? By saying “NO” and standing firm against the lies of temptations in our mind. Put in place James 4:7-8a, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Say out loud words of truth from God’s Word. That is your weapon of choice in fighting actively to cause the enemy to flee from you in the trial-and-error tactics of getting you to fall into sin. The answer is “NO! Not today! Jesus died for me and rose again, and I will follow Him as it says in Matthew 4:10b, “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”

Listen to Casting Crowns The Power of the Cross (Official Lyric Video)