Alliance & Reliance! (1 of 3)

There may be many reasons behind the forming of alliances in this world, but perhaps two general reasons would be TO STRENGTHEN (gain manpower and support) or to unify (perhaps even with an enemy in order to have peace). On the one hand the focus is on STRENGTH to “withstand” an enemy and the other is to secure peace “with” an enemy.

James urged…
“(7) SUBMIT YOURSELVES therefore TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, and he will flee from you. (8) DRAW NEAR TO GOD, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ( James 4:7-8 ESV)

We need to be allied with God, relying upon HIS STRENGTH, in order to victoriously stand against the devil. When we become too self-confident and think we have enough strength in and of ourselves to stand against the cunning of the devil, we will find ourselves in trouble. (i.e. 1 Cor. 10:12) We cannot do it on our own and there is no other alliance we can form that will be adequate in resisting the influence of this enemy than the one with God.

We are to remain on guard ( 1 Peter 5:8), but to do so while still relying upon the STRENGTH OF GOD. It is important for us to be “STRONG IN THE LORD and in the STRENGTH OF HIS MIGHT” ( Ephesians 6:10) in order to stand against the devil’s schemes. ( Ephesians 6:11) May we continue to draw near in complete alliance with God so that we will have adequate STRENGTH to withstand this foe.

Have a great day A MEMBER OF GOD’S COALITION!
Carl

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