LOUD NO

loud (adj): marked by intensity or volume of sound 

no (noun): an act of refusing or denying; unwillingness 

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper.” James 4:7 

Who is in charge here?

Who gets to lead my life?

I want it to be Jesus. So much. I want to hear him, obey him, and grow closer to him every day.

I know you do too.  

We have thousands of opportunities every day to choose. We respond to people, to situations, to emotions, to temptations. We can bring all of these to Jesus, claim his truth, and ask him to help us. Sometimes it is so clear that he is guiding our words, our actions.

It feels good. And right.

But sometimes the enemy sneaks in and takes over. His goal is to keep us away from Jesus, to get us to make choices and comments that hurt and destroy. He manipulates with evil tricks and lies so that we don’t always realize what is happening.

It doesn’t feel good. Or right…

So what can we do? How can we avail ourselves more to the spirit of Christ? How do we keep this hateful, deceitful enemy from having control?

Yell a loud NO to the Devil and watch him scamper!

Watch him scamper. That makes me laugh. I picture the tiny mouse that tries to live in our garage. I assume he’s pretty comfortable until one of us opens the door and turns on the light. Terrified, he scurries to the dark corners to hide. He can’t get away from us fast enough.

Let’s yell a LOUD NO. Let’s drive the Devil away from our thoughts, our choices, our comments, our responses. Let’s turn on the light– God’s word, his truth, shines to remind us.

The next few verses in James 4 read:

“Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life… Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”

Invite Him in: Jesus will help you. Get down on your knees and let him take over, let him have control. He will lead your life, he will teach you, he will get you on your feet. He will protect you from the enemy and help you to yell your loud no. Every time. Just keep saying your quiet yes to him.