Guarding Your Mind

As you may already know, this blog points a lot of attention to Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  This verse tells us that our heart is the most sacred of all places we hold inside ourselves.

From this treasured spot flow our thoughts and desires, which then lead to our words and actions.  Our words and actions are what make up our character.  They have the ability to glorify God or commit sin (Mark 7:15, James 3:8-10.)

Matthew 12:34 says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."  and Romans 12:2 tells us to "be transformed by the renewing of our minds" so we can test and approve God's will, and 2 Corinthians 10:5 says we are to "take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ."  These are strong powerful truths that can help us break the bonds Satan has been wrapping around us with his web of lies.

We need to realize that not all of our thoughts come from us.  Many of them come from our sinful nature, a.k.a. Satan.  Paul talks about such spiritual warfare in Romans 7.  Though we are set free in Christ, we often times still struggle with the temptations of the flesh.  Because Satan is the father of lies, he begins tempting us with a lie  (John 8:44.)

These lies are first brought to us through a thought in our head that comes from Satan.  When you catch yourself thinking something that doesn't exactly glorify your maker, it is your choice what to do at that point.

• Option A) You can feed off of this lie and run with it.  Let your imagination carry you wherever it wishes.  Fantasize about that man, dwell on the anger that relative caused you, or build up your frustration so you can let it all out.  Though this is the option we naturally and most commonly take, it rarely ever ends well.
• Option B) You can stop this web of lies immediately by calling out Satan and reminding him that you are a child of God who has been set free from all these childish games (Romans 6:6, Galatians 3:26, 1 Corinthians 13:11.)

As I explained in Preparing for War pt. 2, God gives us all the tools we need to fight against Satan, in Ephesians 6.  Not only that, but Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that if we would only pray to God about anything and everything, our MINDS would be guarded by the peace of God.  Yes, our minds, this means that we can learn to control our actions and words by protecting our minds from believing lies Satan throws at us.  This idea is reinforced by 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 26:41, and Ephesians 6:18.

The next time you catch a negative thought entering your mind, try praying a prayer that goes something like this,

Father, I know without a doubt that this thought is not from you.  It is negative and sinful and know it is a lie.  Your word says if I pray to you, you will protect my mind from such things.  Please God, take this thought out of my head and help me focus on your Word instead.  Renew my mind so that I may test and approve your will.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

THEN, take out your verse of the week and recite it to yourself.  Quoting scripture is always a good way to reinforce the holy thoughts bouncing around in your brain.  Even Jesus used this tactic (Matthew 4.)

It's Not Flesh and Blood

To sum up everything God's been teaching me this week, I think the phrase from Ephesians 6:12 says it perfectly.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood..."

Again, I am praying that you understand the importance and reality of spiritual warfare.  John 8:44 says Satan is the father of lies.  Every battle starts as a small lie Satan whispers in your ear.  At that moment you have the choice to either confront that lie with prayer and scripture, or believe that lie and entertain the thought.  If you choose the first option, Satan will back off, at least momentarily.  Don't be fooled though, he will be back.

The second option, on the other hand, will lead to a snowball effect.  That small, simple lie will grow and grow and grow until it effects every area of your life, including your relationships with other people.  This is how Satan accomplishes his plan to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10.)

An older girl who discipled me once taught me the acronym HALT.  We become more vulnerable to Satan's attacks when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.  I was also taught by a speaker that Laziness leads to Lust.  So go ahead add laziness to that acronym and we will call it HALLT.  Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Lazy, Tired.  Now let's apply that to this week's phrase.

• When you're HUNGRY...the battle is not against flesh and blood.  I know we've all seen the Snicker's commerical where the guy is acting like a diva because he's hungry.  His friends get fed up with him so they hand him a snickers and he is instantly back to himself again.  This commercial is so funny to us because it's true.  We have all been that cranky, snappy person one time or another because we were hungry.  If you don't know what I'm talking about watch a little kid skip snack time.
  
  Anyhow, the point is, your friends aren't your enemies at this point.  Your mom telling you to straighten up is not the problem, and no not even your hunger is the problem.  The problem is satan told you a lie that it's okay for you to be selfish when you don't get what you want instantly, (which happens to be food at this point.)
  
• When you're LONELY...the battle's NOT against flesh and blood.  As I pointed out in my post  Preparing for War, the holiday's always bring about a new set of struggles for singles.  Often times satan uses the lie of singleness as our excuse to snap back at other people, usually a mom or sibling.  We think that it's our friends fault for rubbing it in our face, but in all reality, the struggle's not against flesh and blood.  Rebuke the first negative thought with thankful prayer (Phil 4:6,) and scripture to confront the lie (Eph 6:17.)
  

I could go on explaining the other words from the acronym, but I think you understand my point.  Almost every battle is spiritual, and it can always be traced back to a lie that Satan has placed in our heads.  The lie can come in the form of a thought, a comment from someone else, a song lyric, or something from a movie, just recognize that it comes from an outward source (a thought that is not yours is an outward source.)

Train yourself to catch these thoughts instantly and fight them.  Memorize scripture pertaining to the issues you struggle with, then quote them when tempted.  Pray in the spirit on all occaisions (1 Thess. 5:17.)  Thank God for what you do have when Satan points out what you don't. (1 Thess. 5:18.)  And stand strong warrior!  Our God has already won the big war, so be faithful to fight the small battles in the day to day for the victory of our King.  

Preparing for WAR!! Pt. 2

(Continued from Preparing for War!)

Yesterday I made the point that most single people struggle the most during the holidays.  This is the prime time for Satan to whisper tricky lies into your ears, making you feel awkward and alone.  Today I will point out how exactly we should fight against Satan in this war for our hearts.  As I said yesterday, this is not something to be taken lightly, it is in fact a war raging against us.  So put on your competitive helmet and get to work!

Ephesians 6:10-12

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God 

so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

I like to think of these verses as Paul's pep talk to the church of Ephesus.  Get up!  Prepare for battle!  This ain't no rodeo, this is war!  Can't you hear him charging out orders with power and authority?  This is exactly what we Christians need to hear going into a battle field like this.  In the next few verses he gives the real specifics of fighting off the devil's schemes.  I will relay the message to you then put it in practical terms.

Stand firm with the belt of TRUTH.
In John 14:6 Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life.  He is referred to as the truth in many places throughout the Bible.  Many times the truth is referring to the gospel as well, but the fact is that God is truth.  God's son, Jesus is truth, and God's word the Bible is truth.

So hold tightly to the things of God.  Even Jesus quoted scripture to the devil when he was tempted in Matthew chapter 4.  Memorize verses and quote them boldly to the devil in times of temptation.  The truth of God combats the lies of Satan every single time.  When whispered a lie, quote truth.

Let your feet be ready with THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.
When we are under attack, the last thing on our mind is sharing the gospel with those around us.  Satan couldn't love this more, hence the fact that he attacks us so often.  Verse 15 in the chapter tells us to prepare our feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace.

Your most important job as a Christian is to go and make disciples.  If you don't fight off Satan, it is very likely that you will deny someone else the opportunity to live eternally with Jesus.  Meditate on the gospel before going out in the mornings.  Make sure each day of your holiday break begins with a good, fulfilling and focused study of the Word.

Dodge flaming arrows with FAITH
I wish I could find a better picture for this, because in my mind I see a soldier with a shield moving to and fro all over a battle field, rebounding every flaming arrow that comes his way.  Shinkk, piinng, bleeup!  Each arrow ricochets off of his shield and is quickly extinguished.

Satan is going to be flinging arrows at you like crazy this season!  Luckily you have a shield.  This shield does not come easy, because it is the shield of faith.  There is nothing you can do to understand it except just believe God for what his word says.  It's a blind leap in the other direction, but you must believe with all your heart that it is the right direction.  Tip:  Practicing all other battle pieces will broaden your shield.  When Satan tries to tell you that you are alone because you're weird and awkward and nothing will ever change,  put your faith in God's Word where it says he loves you and created you for a purpose, and he will complete that purpose till the last day with you.  Faith

PRAY, PRAY, AND PRAY SOME MORE
This has been made extremely urgent in my personal life lately.  1Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 8:26, and Ephesians 6:18 warn us to pray in all situations.  Personally, I think this is the best weapon simply because you can use it 24/7.  Before the battle, during the battle, and after the battle, prayer should and can be used.

Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. 

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

How can you practically apply these truths to your life this week?  How can you implement them into your holiday break?  Are you starting to recognize the devil's schemes yet?

Preparing for WAR!

God has laid this post on my heart for a long time.  This is such a huge warning sign to those who will listen, to those who will catch my drift.  Please, don't take this post lightly, take it into account when the plot line begins to unfold later today, or later this week.

The Holidays are coming.  For most of us, this is the most joyous time of the year.  Christmas cookies, Egg Nog, all things pumpkin, presents, Santa Claus, turkey and dressing, friends, and lots of family!  Everyone loves the holidays.  It's the best part of the year.  We get to go home and see our loved ones while we curl up in a ball by the fire with a bowl of chili.  I myself am counting down the weeks till Christmas Break so I can watch movies all day with friends and family.  I'm also counting down for Black Friday shopping with my friends!

The Holidays are such a wonderful time of the year, and I feel like that's exactly why Satan is on top of his game at this time.  Please understand that I'm not trying to kill the joy or be sinister just for the sake of evil, but I am trying to help you live a careful and content life devoted to God. (Matthew 26:41.)
1 Peter 5:8 keeps reminding me to write this post:

"Be self-controlled and alert.  

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion 

looking for someone to devour."

Amidst the fun and excitement this year, Satan will undoubtedly steal your focus for a good long 30 seconds. (This is how he starts the fall.)  While you're having fun with your family, out of the corner of your eye you'll catch a couple holding hands and being oober lovey-dovey.  (I just used 3 fake words in a sentence...#winning.)

Anyhow, Satan will grab your chin and turn your gaze to lock in on this couple for a solid 30 seconds.  During that 30 seconds he will ingrain the image into your mind, trickling it down to your heart and desires as he whispers tantalizing lies in your ear.  "You're never going to have that." or "Why aren't you that girl" or my favorite, "With a few phone calls this could be you."  

Maybe this isn't exactly how the enemy causes you to stumble, but for many of us it's the word for word truth.  The greatest part about the devil is that he is work is actually pretty predictable once you become aware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11.)  In the next post, I will explain how to stand guard against these silly but devastating games, but the first step is spotting his tricks.  

How does Satan cause you to stumble?  What are the regular traps you fall for around the Holidays?  Romantic movies, scenes around the house, hanging out in the kitchen...where does Satan begin to feed you lies?  How can you be more alert to recognizing these lies?  What can you do to fight them?

Preparing for War!! Pt. 2

Attack at the Altar!

Has it been made obvious to you yet that Satan loves to attack our relationships, and specifically our marriages?  This would explain the sky-high divorce rate and increasing marital problems heard about from day to day.  This would also explain why more than half of all children come from broken families.

So why does Satan so often chose this venue?  Probably because it is the most threatening to his status!  I've heard many wise men say that the family is the center of society, and when you think about it, it is true.

For example, our law officials say, "Our education system sucks, so lets hire more teachers."  The teachers teach and explain and show all day long, and then they give their children 4 pages to read at home.  But what happens next?  If half of those children go home and have no one to read to, no one to help them, encourage them, or support them, then what happens to that education?

I have also researched lately that people who experience physical or sexual abuse as a child are very much more likely to experience mental health issues as an adult than someone who was not abused.  What's even sadder is that half of those sexually and physically abused children were abused inside their very own home.  This is why a strong marriage and God-centered family is so important.

Satan knows the word of God, and because of that he realizes how huge of a threat a strong marriage is to him.  For example:

• Proverbs 5:18 "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
• Proverbs 12:4 "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown..."
• Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."
• Proverbs 19:4 "...a prudent wife is from the Lord."

Singles:  Are you studying God's word now, learning about spiritual warfare, loving others outside yourself, and glorifying God?  There are billions of things the Bible will teach that will help prepare you for a God-glorifying marriage now.  Why struggle through heartache and torture if you don't have to?  Start chasing after God now.

Couples: Do you realize how much power your marriage holds for the kingdom of God??

God wants to do huge amazing things through your relationship, things like salvation to the lost, hope for the weary, and godly examples for young people like me.  

Stand Your Ground

Wow.  It still amazes me how much power Satan thinks he has.
As children of God we are no longer slaves to sin or Satan.  The creator of the universe has bought us with the price of his son!  So we can't just lay around all day letting Satan drag us away from our divine calling.  He wants us to mess up.  He's trying to trap us.  All day everyday is a battle against the prince of darkness.  It's a struggle, a fight, a war.  

Galatians 6:12-13 says,

 "For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Do you see what this is saying Christian!?  That fight you had with your best friend was not about who should wear what.  The fight between the music minister and the pastor is not purely about Sunday school lessons, and the fight you had with your wife isn't because you don't love each other.

It's spiritual warfare.  It's forces going against us in the spiritual realm.  Sometimes these forces are even used against ourselves like Paul talks about in Romans 7.  "I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."  The battle isn't to be fought horizontally, but vertically. 

What's your relationship with God been like lately?  How have your personal daily quiet times with him been going?  Do you seek his will in every decision you make?  Are you applying the Word to your life?

Perhaps your friendships and relationships are struggling because you haven't fully grasped what God means when he says, "Love others as you love yourself."  Sure you know from memory and you've heard it your whole life, but do you truly understand what that looks like?  Have you seen that in your own service towards others?  Get in the Word and you'll find out.  Pray! Ask God to show you obviously what loving others looks like.

Struggling with personal desires and temptations?  Not sure how to stop doing what you don't need to be doing?  Look to God and the Bible and you'll see that you're not alone, you're not fighting yourself, and that God is with you and he wants to help you if you will ask.

Pray about it.  Get in the Word.  Seek God's face.

Ready or not..Here he Comes!

Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Colossians 1:16

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulesr or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whew! What a day. Guys if I could some up today in one sentence I would say this:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Guys all day long I had phone calls about spiritual issues.

Text messages asking for prayer, conversations about healing and destruction. God is working hardcore within us, which also means satan is trying even harder to win us back. John 10:10 says the theif comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. God wants us to have a full and meaningful life making disciples just as bad as Satan wants us to suffer and be miserable for eternity. Revelations tells us that God has won the war, but each day its up to us to help fight the battle. Ephesians chapter 6 says,

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist with the breast plate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of fiath, whih which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil oen. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of god. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

What do we need to fight against the devil who tries to steal our joy?

• · Truth. Truth is found only in God and in his word. Nothing else on earth is completely 100% true and unchanging. John 14:6- Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one gets to the father except through me.”
• · Righteousness. As hard as it is to believe, we will never have righteousness on our own. It’s impossible. But with God’s help we can do all things (Philippians 4:13) See also: Matthew 6:33, Psalm 3:8
• · Readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Pslam 34:14 “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Philippians 4:6-7
• · Faith. Hebrews 11:1, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 2:8-9
• · Salvation. John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8,
• · Prayer. Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 “Pray Continuously”

I don’t know what you believe or where you are in your walk with Christ, or if you even have a walk with Christ. But one thing I do know is this. Jesus is coming back and he’s coming back soon. We are running out of time to run around acting like the lost when we’re saved. There is no more time to act like you don’t know better. There are people all around us who are going to hell when the rapture comes and we are doing nothing about it. It’s time to step up. Quit turning to sex instead of God. Quit turning to alcohol instead of confronting your troubles. The devil is trying his hardest to keep you miserable and keep you “enjoying” the life that you were not made to live. Stand up and fight sister! Ephesians 2:10 says we are ALL God’s masterpiece’s and he has specific good works he called each and every one of us to be doing. What are you doing with your life in the end of times? Will you look back and regret not reaching out to that girl at lunch? Will you look back and regret spending more time studying history than studying the bible?

Just something to think about…

Matthew 4:17

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Flesh vs. Spirit!!

Good vs. Evil

I'm into videos this week for some reason lol but here is a GREAT song my friend showed me. You will really like it if you like country music! But get passed the beat and you will see that the lyrics are talking about spiritual warfare. Doing what you want to do vs. doing what God wants you to do.

Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Gal 5:24 "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."

And Paul puts it the BEST in Romans 8:15-20

"For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.

But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.

So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.

But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

Can you identify with the spiritual struggle? It's all around us. We know what is right but are tempted by the devil and fall into sin. We have to learn to stand up against this and pray it off! Quote scripture, run, pray, whatever you have to do to defeat the devil.