Spiritual battles are REAL! Self-discipline, distraction, procrastination, and fear (of failure, lack of approval or control and more) are big ones for me. And very strong this morning. I used to use my work schedule or being tired (but never age or growing older! 😂) as my “excuse.” But…I can’t use that now. I have no excuse. None of us do. So…

2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Then….

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

These are commands. And, take a deep breath….this is war!!! But do not shrink back from this most important task.

Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you. Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser! Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage. Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious. Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace. In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one! Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken word of God. Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers. Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭18‬ ‭TPT‬‬

These strongholds are spirits. As we recognize them, we must take authority over them. (Matt. 10:1, Mark 3:14-15, Mark 6:7, Luke 9:1, Luke 10:17, Mark 16:15-18, Matt. 28:18-20) We have the teaching of Christ. We can no longer blame it on our past or other people or situations …or even the devil!

I need to tattoo this at the front of my brain and attach it to an electrified fence for when I step over the line. But this is what the Holy Spirit does for us! (John 16:13) Reminding us and quickening our spirits. Let’s tune our spiritual ears and step into our VICTORY! BE ACCOUNTABILITY! ❤️❤️❤️

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Continue praying strength and courage and perseverance and so much more for one another daily (Col. 1:9-14; Eph. 1:15-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Phil. 1:3-6) as we each work out (Phil. 2:12-15) our salvation in our souls (mind, will, emotions) that we received immediately in our spirits when we accepted Christ. Growing in the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and throwing off (crucify! 😖) the flesh, including what we or others put on us and spoke over us…past, present and future! Breaking off those generational curses. DO NOT FALL INTO SELF-CONDEMNATION! That is from the devil. And it is a spirit also. Speak to it. Take authority over it. In Jesus’ name.

I have been PREACHING this to myself. And apparently, we all needed it too. ❤️❤️❤️