For the past several years, Orlando Community News has established a word or thought for each New Year to focus on throughout the year. For 2024, the word that keeps coming up is actually two words: SUBMIT and RESIST.

A thought-provoking Advent message that our Joy in Christ “is living for Christ, a RESISTANCE to injustice and hardships” led me a part of the focus for the new year. “The birth of Jesus was an act of resistance because although prophets foretold his coming, the circumstances surrounding his birth were meant to prevent his forthcoming, or advent. Yet in the humblest of places and the threat of violence looming, joy filled the birthplace of Jesus.” – Pastor Reginald Johnson, 2023 Advent Devotional: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. (Published by 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Christian Education Department)

This reminded me how we as believers have to really fight hard, to PUSH through adversity, to live for Christ; be effective witnesses for him to see the blessings and promises of God. (Think about his blessings that money can’t buy like true Peace and Joy.)

The reminder took me to the scripture, James 4: 7-8, 10: “Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Verse 10: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Basically, we won’t be able to RESIST the tactics of the devil in such a way that he will leave us alone without the SUPERNATURAL POWER than comes with having a personal relationship with God and SUBMITTING ourselves – and I mean our whole selves (mind, body and soul) – to God. (Woo, got me singing, “I give myself away! I give myself away so you can use me!” – Gospel Recording Artist and Orlando area Pastor William McDowell)

We must first SUBMIT to the authority of God. Humble ourselves to the Most High God. (Just like Jesus did.)

So it’s not just about fighting hard against the devil’s tricks – saying and doing the opposite of what he presents to us.

We also have to pray all day, everyday – and not just for ourselves: For our family. For people standing in need of prayer. For the saints and God’s church worldwide. For leaders, Etc.

SUBMIT and RESIST.

This goes right along with a recent message I heard in church, about being a true disciple of God. We must deny ourselves daily and follow Christ. We have to make a decision to walk with Jesus. Our journey as modern-day disciples is going to be hard. “You’ve got to be strong enough to endure,” said Rev. Alvin Mitchell, Macedonia M.B. Church, Eatonville (Morning Worship message, Feb. 18)

Denying ourselves, often to things that pleases our flesh, is RESISTING the devil. The devil will have us thinking it’s OK to lift ourselves to a place of authority, thinking that we can do whatever we want to do. No Sir, No Ma’am! The devil is a liar! We must first SUBMIT to the authority of Christ Jesus.

I don’t know about you, but I can see that we are living in some perilous times – even after surviving a pandemic! Lord, have mercy! The Bible tells us this will happen in the last days. (Wars and rumors of wars for example)

Without running down current events in our world, I will just ask you to pay attention to what is happening. One thing I will mention: This is a Presidential Election year and we’ve definitely got to SUBMIT ourselves to God and RESIST the devil.

God is in control of everything and everybody. Amen! He is God Almighty. Don’t let the devil or anyone else fool you! Stay humble and stay on God’s side. RESIST everything the devil sends your way! And the Bible says He, the Lord, SHALL LIFT YOU UP. Amen! Hallelujah!

May God bless and keep you and your family in 2024!