by Pastor Doug Cox

Hi friends. The Lord has laid three things on my heart to share with you that will help you win in your battle against the flesh and against the enemy of your soul, the devil. Being consistent in these things will definitely give you a spiritual edge and advantage against our unseen enemy.

First, make sure you keep yourself humble. The apostle Peter tells us that “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” He goes on to say, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” (1 Peter 5:5-6)

I remember as a young boy crossing a high river with my dad. The current was too strong for me to cross alone so we crossed together. He walked upstream from me, using his legs to block the direct hit of the current on my scrawny little legs. He also held my jacket behind my neck to help me balance. Taking short steps together we made it across safely then went on to have a great time fishing.

My part was to listen to his instructions and do what he said. His part was to see me across safely. It worked and that’s kind of what happens when we humble ourselves before God.

Another important thing we need to do is keep our faith active. James 2:17 says “…faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Being relational with God requires prayer. That means you believe that God hears you when you talk to Him. When burdens try to weigh you down it is an act of faith to cast those cares on the Lord. Another strategy of active faith is giving your tithe, it is a way to say Lord I have faith that you will bless the finances I have left.

Living by faith is to be the modus operandi of every Christian. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

The third thing the Lord put on my heart is the importance of regular church attendance. I believe being faithful to attend church is part of keeping our selves humble. Again the Apostle Peter says “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Christians need each other more than we realize. The devil knows that better than we do, otherwise why would the church be classified as nonessential in the recent past? Pot shops, strip clubs and bars could be open but churches couldn’t. Beloved we cannot be ignorant of the devil’s devices.

The writer of Hebrews said “and let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works”. Let’s be honest. It’s hard to encourage others about the love of God and doing good work when we are not around them. He goes on to say “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV) Please notice two of the benefits of church attendance. One, you can encourage others and be encouraged yourself as you walk along this spiritual journey. The other, it helps us be mindful of and ready for the Lord’s coming.