Strength to Resist- Get Closer to God


" Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. "

- James 4:7

Welcome to my newsletter!

Hello Reader,

Thank you for being here today. The goal here is simple: get closer to God daily by applying scripture to your life.

Temptation has been part of human existence since the Garden of Eden. As human beings, we wrestle with it every day.

How do we combat it? With the Word of God.

If we submit ourselves to Him and follow His Word, we are equipped with everything needed to overcome the devil's schemes.

By applying these principles to our lives, we can overcome the temptations that seek to control us.

A Little History...

James (the half-brother of Jesus), an early church leader in Jerusalem, authored this verse. Scholars have traced the Book of James to about AD 44-49, making it one of the earliest books in the New Testament.

When James wrote this, he was speaking to Jewish Christians who were scattered all over due to persecution. He called on believers to embrace humility before God, to steadfastly resist sin and temptation, and to deepen their relationship with the Father.

Even today, this verse provides support when we need it most. It teaches that true strength comes from surrendering to God’s will and standing firm against evil.

How to Apply It To Your Life...

Start Your Day with Surrender

  • Before anything else, pray to God, asking for His guidance and strength.
  • Let go of control and trust that His plans are better than yours Proverbs 3:5-6.

🔹 Application: Begin each morning by praying, “Lord, I submit to You today. Lead me in Your will.”

Actively Resist Temptation

  • Identify the areas where you struggle, such as fear, pride, distractions, and bad habits, and make intentional choices to overcome them.
  • Use Scripture as a weapon, just as Jesus did when tempted Matthew 4:1-11.

🔹 Application: When faced with temptation, say, “No, I choose God’s way.”

Surround Yourself with Godly Influence

  • Spend time with people who encourage your faith and help you resist the enemy’s attacks.
  • Engage in regular Bible study, worship, and fellowship to stay spiritually strong.

🔹 Application: Join a small group, listen to faith-based podcasts or music, and set reminders to read Scripture daily; yes, there is an "app" for that!

Let's Pray Together...

Dear Lord,

Today, I choose to submit to You—lead me in Your ways.

Temptation is everywhere, but I know that with You, I have the strength to resist.

Be my refuge and my guide, reminding me to stand firm in Your Word and follow the path You’ve set for me.

You are my steady foundation, my unshakable constant.

Guard my heart and mind so that the enemy has no foothold in my life. Keep me close to You always.

Amen.

Let's Sum It All Up...

It's inevitable. We will get tempted here on Earth; it's the effect sin has had on our world.

The most important question here is: How will I combat temptation when it overcomes my life?

The answer is God and his everlasting Word that will help us when we are faced with the enemy's schemes.

Consider the applications in this letter when times get tough and you feel overwhelmed by temptations.

Once you invite God into your life, you will notice positive changes. You are no longer alone, and the struggles you face will start to diminish.

Many people are facing adversity in their lives, and chances are you know some of them. Please share this message with them to spread God's word.

I'm praying for you out there. Have a blessed week ahead!

Quentin

Quentin Schappa

Discipleship Bible Coach

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getclosertoGod

I'm Quentin and I guide individuals in deepening their relationship with God. By growing in spiritual maturity, and incorporating disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and scripture study into their daily lives, they can not only find their true purpose, but face the challenges of everyday life. Subscribe now to get the Closer to God Newsletter.

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