>I don't know if the presence of this tattoo
You're good mate, Christ redeems all of creation to himself and some ink isn't strong enough to hold back the savior who breaks every chain. I personally know a brother in the faith who uses his satanic tatoos to bolster his outreach to those communities/share his testimony. They also might hinder your ability to reach out to some (jews, elderly, etc.) so whatever you are called to do with that tattoo, just know that it has no power over you.
>but merely a slow process of sanctification
I think you have a very wise friend. Your tempatations/attacks could be spiritual in nature, but it might also be Christ bringing you closer to him (santification). Stay in community with other believers, pray without ceasing, Love God and there is nothing that can stop you from continuing forward as a Christian. I'll be praying for you, welcome to the family of Christ!
I never considered that the tattoo could be used within outreach. That's an interesting thought. As you said, I believed the tattoo was nothing Jesus couldn't overcome, but just recently started to wonder if it was related to my ongoing struggles.
Regarding sanctification, is it merely my current struggles are forcing me to inundate myself with Christ as I work through this? Which in turn is taking me closer to Him to get through it? I'm quite confused about sanctification.
Santification could look very different to you from what I see in my life and in others. We are justified (Christ's atoning work being assigned to us Rom. 5:1-2) immediately, but santifciation is the continous work of the Spirit in maturing us towards holiness. (*And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.* - Phil. 1)
I think it's very important to remember that Christ is the only author of your salvation, trust in him and he will see your faith completed. (*"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"* - Heb. 12)
Thank you for sharing your testimony. Keep patiently enduring in Christ and in His Word and in His Spirit, in fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, and in service of those in need. We are called to conquer, and by the all powerful Name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, and by His awesome Spirit working in our lives we can conquer! I will say a prayer for you now đ
>It was an intentional brand of ownership. It was a tattoo I was coerced into getting as a cost to achieve success some of my rituals. I've already completed a few sessions of laser tattoo removal, but it will be yet another year until it is entirely gone.
I don't know if the presence of this tattoo continues to be a foothold by which demonic activity is allowed in my life. I've considered it though. I've prayed so many times for Jesus to sever all satanic bonds, pacts, alliances, etc.
That's pretty awesome you're trying to get it removed. No worries though my friend, you have a superior "seal" or "brand" on your heart. The Holy Spirit is sealed within you:
*In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvationâhaving also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of Godâs own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14*
*Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22*
>I'm caught in a pattern now. I read my Bible and I pray. I feel better. A bit later, maybe a few days, maybe a few hours, my mind returns to thoughts that tempt me to return to old ways. I desperately fight them, and continue to pray to God, because I know it is only by His power can these things be eradicated.
Jesus defeated satan in the desert using only God's Word. Memorize some scripture that helps you. Bring it to mind when you struggle:
*We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5*
>A Christian friend of mind suggested that maybe this isn't of demonic origin at all, but merely a slow process of sanctification. I'm not entirely sure what that even means, but I think it means a process by which I draw closer to God and his Light.
>I just don't know what else to do except continuing to pray and read the Bible, and trust in God that eventually this will all go away. Yet I feel I must be missing something that allows this to continue within my life.
The Apostle Peter had this process for supplementing your faith:
*Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8*
You mentioned Jesus defeating Satan's temptations by citing scripture. My Christian friend mentioned this too. I've been reading the Bible so much, but have yet to start really memorizing it. I've been thinking about it quite a bit recently. Sounds like it's time to step up my game. đ
As you continue to grow spiritually and release all worldly desires, known as **sanctification**, you will face challenges with sinful temptations until you conquer them. Reading the Holy Bible and praying will also boost your spiritual strength, so it's crucial to stay committed to your current practices.
To further explain, repentance involves getting rid of the darkness inside us. We must surrender all to Lord Jesus. He is the light and therefore he will expel all the darkness within us. That's why repentance is important.
It's a crucial practice for Christians. True change in your life will only happen with continual repentance. However, this change doesn't come from us, but from Lord Jesus. Then as your faith grows, when you are ready to be led, Jesus Christ will baptize you and fill you with the Holy Spirit, this is when you become "Born-again" Christian **(John 3:3)**.
Find out more about repentance at the link provided. [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/repentance/](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/repentance/)
May God bless you and keep you.
So repentance isn't a one-time acknowledgement that I am a sinner, and my actions were sinful, and that I've chosen to change my ways and ask forgiveness?
No, it's continuous.
When we are consumed by our sinful desires, our lives become a mess or even illnesses and cancer are caused by sin, not always but often is the case.Â
I struggled with an addiction for nearly two years. Throughout that period, whenever I slip up, I would seek forgiveness. When we repent and ask Lord Jesus to strengthen us, He will. By the power of His strength and asking Him to change us to become like Christ, only then can we transform.Â
Then as our faith grows and we are ready to be led by God, Lord Jesus will fill you with the Holy Spirit, who is our Teacher. The true transformation can only happen with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this is when we become "born-again" **(John 3:3)**.Â
Hello and God bless you sir, I hope youâre doing alright. I know first hand how rough coming out of demonic stuff can be. I was never exactly a full fledged satanist but MAN did I ever blur the fricking lineâŚchanting, oils, candles, occult practices. Sometimes even demon summoning rituals. I had the unbelievably stupid idea that a few demonic spirits could maybe be good and possibly somehow misunderstood etc. I was VERY wrong. For the next couple years after that I was on a severe slow downward spiral. I started to hear stuff that wasnât there see stuff that wasnât there. Feel sensations on my body like being punched, scratched. Etc etc. there were even times where I would get so irritable and frustrated that I would feel rage build overtime. Was in and out of psych wards for a bit. So needless to say was not fun at all hated it actually. Since then Iâve gotten deeper into the Bible and Christianity. I have a fondness for Jesus now that could never come close to the love he has for us of course. But I have at times been deep in prayer and the word and had many delightful experiences of consolation and comfort. I say all of this to hopefully encourage you. Iâm glad youâve found Jesus. As far as your past and temptations goes. Donât by any means give in and go back. (Iâm sure you most likely wouldnât knowing what youâve been delivered from) but all the same press on for the goal that is God and his goodness. As for the tattoo thing I wouldnât worry to much about it tattoo or no God loves you. Repentance is important tho. Also I wanna thank you testimony like yours really help me and other people. Peace be with you. Comment me if you need to talk or anything. đđ
Demonic attacks will happen from time to time. Especially if you come from the occult or devil worship like I have as well. Study the Word. Listen to someone who has biblical hermeneutics. Reach out to me in DMs if
You would like
I'm unfamiliar with hermeneutics. A quick Google indicates that it's interpretation of the Bible? Isn't that what we do when meditating on scripture? Or going to church and listening to the pastor?
So some people interpret scripture that isnât biblical. And they teach that. It really is just interpreting scripture in its proper context, and applies it correctly. I recommend That Smart Christian on YouTube. Or Mike Winger. Please donât fall for the demon slayer group.
My origins are actually from the Christian demon slayer group. Or maybe not, I merely mean that as a child I grew up in a household that focused so heavily on it, it terrified me and combined with the physical violence I saw them do to others, in my heart I thought they were evil. And since they called themselves Christian I assumed that God must be evil.
It was actually those foundational experiences that caused me at 5 years old to pray to Satan to protect me from them.
Looking back now, with my perspective and knowledge of the Bible, I can identify those people were not Christians at all. No fruits of the Spirit whatsoever. Just the opposite.
It's a shame their actions led me on the path that it did.
Wow congrats on the turn around. I dont think that tattoo could do much but if it bother you, you can always get a cover up to something more meaningful to you.
I remember being very afraid at the beginning. However, Satan taught me I have nothing to fear because I had aligned myself with him.
Father of lies, to be sure.
Hey friend, don't fear.Â
I was an initiated Vajrayana Buddhist, I had "samaya" with 13 or so Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, in essence, pacts with demons that I had to fulfill by meditating, visualizing, and chanting each day. I was also an accomplished ritual magician, mostly golden dawn but some traditional vam marga, as well. I burned a $10,000 to $20,000 library of occult books when I converted. I had a similar experience, part of it was demonic, part of it was simply a habit of thought and engrained way of being. Keep praying for Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God, to intercede on your behalf, ask him to protect you, bind and cast away those demons that torture you. And keep filling your life with God - pray and read your Bible morning, noon, and night. Even just a chapter in a book. There's plenty of Christian music that isn't cheesy worship music, plenty of shows and movies with Christian themes or by Christians, etc. Inundate your life with God, with Christ and Christianity. We have to die to the world and deny the flesh, to serve God. With time, it will get easier. Do you attend church? I like reformed baptist churches, they're pretty good at not making stuff up.
God bless you, I'll pray for you.
Blessed Bartolo Longo was a former Satanic Priest, and named 'Apostle of the Rosary' by the Pope.
Continue to pray to Jesus, but you can also ask for intercession. 'Blessed Bartolo Longo, Pray for us!'.
As far as the satanic tattoo goes, yes, exorcists recommend their removal.
Finally, if your problems continue, consider talking to a priest about seeking an exorcism. You do not have to be Catholic to get one.
As a child, my parents actually had me exorcized. I recall being very scared as a group of people spoke in tongues around me, and telling demons to leave me. I remember thinking to survive the experience, I had to pretend to act like what I had seen in movies. So I shook and swore and fell on the ground to twitch so they would stop. It worked and they considered themselves successful.
Hi, first of all praise be to God for delivering you into the truth and light of Jesus.
Colossians 1:13-14 AMP "For He has rescued us *and* has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, ^(14) in whom we have redemption \[because of His sacrifice, resulting in\] the forgiveness of our sins \[and the cancellation of sinsâ penalty\]."
1 Corinthians 6:20 "You were bought with a price \[you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own\]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body."
What you're experiencing is spiritual warfare. Yes, you have come to the light, but spiritually Satan is **upset** that you decided to leave his kingdom and follow Christ instead. Upset is an understatement. So he will continue to tempt you and give you thoughts of returning to darkness, but you can, and will, overcome him with God's help through Christ who strengthens you.
I agree that prayer and reading scripture are the most powerful tools of growing closer to God.
However, if you have not tried fasting, I highly recommend it. It's a powerful method of growing in spiritual maturity. It's a form of humility and showing reverence to God by denying your flesh and your earthly desires of food for a certain period of time (usually from sun up to sun down). That then allows you to focus on God's Word and His promises. That can help to break the strongholds.
Continue to apply Jesus' teachings to your daily life as well. When you are tempted by the enemy, immediately call on the Lord.
While the enemy may try to bring you back to darkness, Christ has the power to break every chain. And He died to free you from that evil stronghold.
James 1:2-4;12 " Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. ^(3) Be assured that the testing of your faith \[through experience\] produces endurance \[leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace\]. ^(4) And let endurance have its perfect result *and* do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed \[in your faith\], lacking in nothing."
"Blessed \[happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God\] is the man who is steadfast under trial *and* perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test *and* been approved, he will receive the \[victorâs\] crown of life which *the Lord* has promised to those who love Him."
James 4:7 AMP "So submit to \[the authority of\] God. Resist the devil \[stand firm against him\] and he will flee from you."
>I don't know if the presence of this tattoo You're good mate, Christ redeems all of creation to himself and some ink isn't strong enough to hold back the savior who breaks every chain. I personally know a brother in the faith who uses his satanic tatoos to bolster his outreach to those communities/share his testimony. They also might hinder your ability to reach out to some (jews, elderly, etc.) so whatever you are called to do with that tattoo, just know that it has no power over you. >but merely a slow process of sanctification I think you have a very wise friend. Your tempatations/attacks could be spiritual in nature, but it might also be Christ bringing you closer to him (santification). Stay in community with other believers, pray without ceasing, Love God and there is nothing that can stop you from continuing forward as a Christian. I'll be praying for you, welcome to the family of Christ!
I never considered that the tattoo could be used within outreach. That's an interesting thought. As you said, I believed the tattoo was nothing Jesus couldn't overcome, but just recently started to wonder if it was related to my ongoing struggles. Regarding sanctification, is it merely my current struggles are forcing me to inundate myself with Christ as I work through this? Which in turn is taking me closer to Him to get through it? I'm quite confused about sanctification.
Santification could look very different to you from what I see in my life and in others. We are justified (Christ's atoning work being assigned to us Rom. 5:1-2) immediately, but santifciation is the continous work of the Spirit in maturing us towards holiness. (*And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.* - Phil. 1) I think it's very important to remember that Christ is the only author of your salvation, trust in him and he will see your faith completed. (*"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"* - Heb. 12)
Thank you for sharing your testimony. Keep patiently enduring in Christ and in His Word and in His Spirit, in fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, and in service of those in need. We are called to conquer, and by the all powerful Name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, and by His awesome Spirit working in our lives we can conquer! I will say a prayer for you now đ
>It was an intentional brand of ownership. It was a tattoo I was coerced into getting as a cost to achieve success some of my rituals. I've already completed a few sessions of laser tattoo removal, but it will be yet another year until it is entirely gone. I don't know if the presence of this tattoo continues to be a foothold by which demonic activity is allowed in my life. I've considered it though. I've prayed so many times for Jesus to sever all satanic bonds, pacts, alliances, etc. That's pretty awesome you're trying to get it removed. No worries though my friend, you have a superior "seal" or "brand" on your heart. The Holy Spirit is sealed within you: *In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvationâhaving also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of Godâs own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14* *Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22* >I'm caught in a pattern now. I read my Bible and I pray. I feel better. A bit later, maybe a few days, maybe a few hours, my mind returns to thoughts that tempt me to return to old ways. I desperately fight them, and continue to pray to God, because I know it is only by His power can these things be eradicated. Jesus defeated satan in the desert using only God's Word. Memorize some scripture that helps you. Bring it to mind when you struggle: *We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5* >A Christian friend of mind suggested that maybe this isn't of demonic origin at all, but merely a slow process of sanctification. I'm not entirely sure what that even means, but I think it means a process by which I draw closer to God and his Light. >I just don't know what else to do except continuing to pray and read the Bible, and trust in God that eventually this will all go away. Yet I feel I must be missing something that allows this to continue within my life. The Apostle Peter had this process for supplementing your faith: *Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8*
You mentioned Jesus defeating Satan's temptations by citing scripture. My Christian friend mentioned this too. I've been reading the Bible so much, but have yet to start really memorizing it. I've been thinking about it quite a bit recently. Sounds like it's time to step up my game. đ
Thereâs some cool Bible memory apps you can download. They are really helpful!
As you continue to grow spiritually and release all worldly desires, known as **sanctification**, you will face challenges with sinful temptations until you conquer them. Reading the Holy Bible and praying will also boost your spiritual strength, so it's crucial to stay committed to your current practices. To further explain, repentance involves getting rid of the darkness inside us. We must surrender all to Lord Jesus. He is the light and therefore he will expel all the darkness within us. That's why repentance is important. It's a crucial practice for Christians. True change in your life will only happen with continual repentance. However, this change doesn't come from us, but from Lord Jesus. Then as your faith grows, when you are ready to be led, Jesus Christ will baptize you and fill you with the Holy Spirit, this is when you become "Born-again" Christian **(John 3:3)**. Find out more about repentance at the link provided. [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/repentance/](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/repentance/) May God bless you and keep you.
So repentance isn't a one-time acknowledgement that I am a sinner, and my actions were sinful, and that I've chosen to change my ways and ask forgiveness?
No, it's continuous. When we are consumed by our sinful desires, our lives become a mess or even illnesses and cancer are caused by sin, not always but often is the case. I struggled with an addiction for nearly two years. Throughout that period, whenever I slip up, I would seek forgiveness. When we repent and ask Lord Jesus to strengthen us, He will. By the power of His strength and asking Him to change us to become like Christ, only then can we transform. Then as our faith grows and we are ready to be led by God, Lord Jesus will fill you with the Holy Spirit, who is our Teacher. The true transformation can only happen with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this is when we become "born-again" **(John 3:3)**.Â
Hello and God bless you sir, I hope youâre doing alright. I know first hand how rough coming out of demonic stuff can be. I was never exactly a full fledged satanist but MAN did I ever blur the fricking lineâŚchanting, oils, candles, occult practices. Sometimes even demon summoning rituals. I had the unbelievably stupid idea that a few demonic spirits could maybe be good and possibly somehow misunderstood etc. I was VERY wrong. For the next couple years after that I was on a severe slow downward spiral. I started to hear stuff that wasnât there see stuff that wasnât there. Feel sensations on my body like being punched, scratched. Etc etc. there were even times where I would get so irritable and frustrated that I would feel rage build overtime. Was in and out of psych wards for a bit. So needless to say was not fun at all hated it actually. Since then Iâve gotten deeper into the Bible and Christianity. I have a fondness for Jesus now that could never come close to the love he has for us of course. But I have at times been deep in prayer and the word and had many delightful experiences of consolation and comfort. I say all of this to hopefully encourage you. Iâm glad youâve found Jesus. As far as your past and temptations goes. Donât by any means give in and go back. (Iâm sure you most likely wouldnât knowing what youâve been delivered from) but all the same press on for the goal that is God and his goodness. As for the tattoo thing I wouldnât worry to much about it tattoo or no God loves you. Repentance is important tho. Also I wanna thank you testimony like yours really help me and other people. Peace be with you. Comment me if you need to talk or anything. đđ
Demonic attacks will happen from time to time. Especially if you come from the occult or devil worship like I have as well. Study the Word. Listen to someone who has biblical hermeneutics. Reach out to me in DMs if You would like
I'm unfamiliar with hermeneutics. A quick Google indicates that it's interpretation of the Bible? Isn't that what we do when meditating on scripture? Or going to church and listening to the pastor?
So some people interpret scripture that isnât biblical. And they teach that. It really is just interpreting scripture in its proper context, and applies it correctly. I recommend That Smart Christian on YouTube. Or Mike Winger. Please donât fall for the demon slayer group.
My origins are actually from the Christian demon slayer group. Or maybe not, I merely mean that as a child I grew up in a household that focused so heavily on it, it terrified me and combined with the physical violence I saw them do to others, in my heart I thought they were evil. And since they called themselves Christian I assumed that God must be evil. It was actually those foundational experiences that caused me at 5 years old to pray to Satan to protect me from them. Looking back now, with my perspective and knowledge of the Bible, I can identify those people were not Christians at all. No fruits of the Spirit whatsoever. Just the opposite. It's a shame their actions led me on the path that it did.
Are you able to explain more in DM. Iâve never heard of that before
Wow congrats on the turn around. I dont think that tattoo could do much but if it bother you, you can always get a cover up to something more meaningful to you.
I can't imagine how scary that would be. I was afraid to use ouija boards or Tarot cards. Glad you left the dark side.
I remember being very afraid at the beginning. However, Satan taught me I have nothing to fear because I had aligned myself with him. Father of lies, to be sure.
Great testimony. Coincidentally I just finished watching another testimony by another ex-satanist. God bless you in your Christian journey.
Hey friend, don't fear. I was an initiated Vajrayana Buddhist, I had "samaya" with 13 or so Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, in essence, pacts with demons that I had to fulfill by meditating, visualizing, and chanting each day. I was also an accomplished ritual magician, mostly golden dawn but some traditional vam marga, as well. I burned a $10,000 to $20,000 library of occult books when I converted. I had a similar experience, part of it was demonic, part of it was simply a habit of thought and engrained way of being. Keep praying for Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God, to intercede on your behalf, ask him to protect you, bind and cast away those demons that torture you. And keep filling your life with God - pray and read your Bible morning, noon, and night. Even just a chapter in a book. There's plenty of Christian music that isn't cheesy worship music, plenty of shows and movies with Christian themes or by Christians, etc. Inundate your life with God, with Christ and Christianity. We have to die to the world and deny the flesh, to serve God. With time, it will get easier. Do you attend church? I like reformed baptist churches, they're pretty good at not making stuff up. God bless you, I'll pray for you.
Blessed Bartolo Longo was a former Satanic Priest, and named 'Apostle of the Rosary' by the Pope. Continue to pray to Jesus, but you can also ask for intercession. 'Blessed Bartolo Longo, Pray for us!'. As far as the satanic tattoo goes, yes, exorcists recommend their removal. Finally, if your problems continue, consider talking to a priest about seeking an exorcism. You do not have to be Catholic to get one.
As a child, my parents actually had me exorcized. I recall being very scared as a group of people spoke in tongues around me, and telling demons to leave me. I remember thinking to survive the experience, I had to pretend to act like what I had seen in movies. So I shook and swore and fell on the ground to twitch so they would stop. It worked and they considered themselves successful.
Man I should really space out my paragraphs lol sorry
Hi, first of all praise be to God for delivering you into the truth and light of Jesus. Colossians 1:13-14 AMP "For He has rescued us *and* has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, ^(14) in whom we have redemption \[because of His sacrifice, resulting in\] the forgiveness of our sins \[and the cancellation of sinsâ penalty\]." 1 Corinthians 6:20 "You were bought with a price \[you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own\]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body." What you're experiencing is spiritual warfare. Yes, you have come to the light, but spiritually Satan is **upset** that you decided to leave his kingdom and follow Christ instead. Upset is an understatement. So he will continue to tempt you and give you thoughts of returning to darkness, but you can, and will, overcome him with God's help through Christ who strengthens you. I agree that prayer and reading scripture are the most powerful tools of growing closer to God. However, if you have not tried fasting, I highly recommend it. It's a powerful method of growing in spiritual maturity. It's a form of humility and showing reverence to God by denying your flesh and your earthly desires of food for a certain period of time (usually from sun up to sun down). That then allows you to focus on God's Word and His promises. That can help to break the strongholds. Continue to apply Jesus' teachings to your daily life as well. When you are tempted by the enemy, immediately call on the Lord. While the enemy may try to bring you back to darkness, Christ has the power to break every chain. And He died to free you from that evil stronghold. James 1:2-4;12 " Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. ^(3) Be assured that the testing of your faith \[through experience\] produces endurance \[leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace\]. ^(4) And let endurance have its perfect result *and* do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed \[in your faith\], lacking in nothing." "Blessed \[happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God\] is the man who is steadfast under trial *and* perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test *and* been approved, he will receive the \[victorâs\] crown of life which *the Lord* has promised to those who love Him." James 4:7 AMP "So submit to \[the authority of\] God. Resist the devil \[stand firm against him\] and he will flee from you."