Thoughts on why we sometimes don't get victory over the strongholds in our lives and communities.

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

We sometimes forget the first part of that verse. And we jump right into rebuking the enemy. And he laughs at us because he knows we are not submitted to God.

Therefore he has a right to NOT flee from us! What does submit really mean? I think it is all encompassing. Are we totally submitted to God in ALL areas of our lives? Do demons tremble when we walk into a room?

Acts 19:13 Remember the vagabond Jews who tried to exorcise demons and the demons said to them..."Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are you?" And then the demons leapt on them and overcame them?

It is a real reminder that we MUST be fully submitted to God before we can resist the devil and then he will flee from us.

Here is the Strong's definition of submit;

5293 hupotasso (hoop-ot-as'-so);

from 5259 and 5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:

KJV-- be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.

Some things to think about...

1. Do you spend time in repentance every day?

2. Do you obey every word that God has set as our schoolmaster in His Word?

3. Do you forgive those who trespass against you?

4. How are you doing with the Ten Commandments?

5. What about discerning the Lord's Body so many won't be sick and sleep (unto death)?

6. Do you love the Lord with all your heart?

7. Are you resisting the devil so he will flee?

8. Are you forgiving and loving yourself when you stumble?

9. Are you loving and forgiving your enemies and praying for them?

It would behoove all of us to obey God as a part of submission as Christ did so we may have the same power He promised us over the enemy! God Bless! Karen Snyder