“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

My grandniece Elizabeth had severe asthma attacks as an infant, eventually she grew out of the frequency of the attacks. Her grandmother will confess that she is not as attuned to hearing her grasping for air at the onset of an attack; however, her mother recognizes it immediately and seeks the attention that she needs. Just like a sudden asthma attack, the enemy of our souls suddenly attacks us spiritually; how attuned are you in recognizing the landmines of sin that he sets in your path?

Every human being has the propensity to sin. We were born into sin and will live with it until we leave this world. However, the born-again believer is equipped for battle. We are indwelt with the power of the Holy Ghost that provides insight, guidance and correction from sin that can so easily trap us. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

We also possess a free will. God did not create us like robots, but unique, in His own image and having the free choice to obey and love Him. So, the question is how attuned are we at recognizing the onslaughts of the enemy’s sinful impulses? James 4:7 state “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

Have you ever thought or done something and immediately there was a sinking feeling in your heart that let you know it just was not right- and what was your response? The Holy Spirit will guide God’s beloved children by awaking within us a heighten sense of sin; the Greek word homologeo means speak the same, confess and agree. Once the Holy Spirit sheds light on our sins, we must recognize, confess, and deal with it. 1 John 1:9 state “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

The amazing grace of God, His love for us provides all that we need to walk victorious from the attacks of our formidable foe Satan. However, if we consistently suppress His warnings, the duller our senses become to hearing His correction and the greater chances of falling into Satan’s landmines to destroy us.

Staying attuned and quickly acting on the Holy Spirit’s leading keeps us in fellowship with the Lord and our fellowman. Daily prayer, meditation, confession to known sins and following the instructions of God will keep us in perfect peace. Let us learn to listen and obey… “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11.

God blessings of peace, joy and mercy be with us all.