Devotionals for the Heart: How to successfully fight an unseen enemy

Help When Fighting an Unseen Enemy
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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.”

— 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

After my first concussion, vertigo made it difficult to live a normal life. The physical therapist explained that my brain and eyes weren't working together, throwing off my equilibrium and confidence in the world around me. It felt like I was living in the house of mirrors at the state fair, but my symptoms were lying to me.

This experience reminds me of how Satan whispers to us about situations to get us off balance. Like a lion hunting for its prey, he capitalizes on our insecurities and weaknesses and pierces our hearts with arguments that wound us where we’re most vulnerable. His whispers of sabotage may sound something like this:

"If you were more attractive, your spouse wouldn't have left."

"If God loves you, why are you still sick?"

"If you didn't have a weight problem, you would be married."

"If you were more talented, your boss wouldn't have passed you up for the promotion."

"If you were stronger, you wouldn't struggle with addiction."

On the surface, these lies often seem accurate, and that is why they're so powerful. Satan is a master deceiver. He cleverly constructs schemes and distorts our experiences to destroy us. He is the father of lies, and his goal is to get us to doubt what God says about us.

But the good news is that if you're a believer in Jesus Christ then Satan has no power over you unless you believe him. Jesus paid the penalty for your sins by dying on the cross, so now you are sitting next to Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). But as long as you live, the enemy has you in his crosshairs, so God gave you a spiritual wardrobe to protect you called “The Armor of God”. 

The Apostle Paul explains why in Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV) which reads, "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. 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."

Patterned after the armor of a Roman soldier in ancient Rome, this armor is powerful. Let’s study every part of it in Ephesians 6:12-18 to see how each piece of God’s Armor protects you:

The helmet of salvation protects your mind from lies about your salvation, worth, and relationship with God.

The sword of the Spirit, The Word of God, is your only offensive weapon. Use it to speak the truth about your identity, God's character, and Satan's defeat.

The breastplate of righteousness protects your heart from temptation (mind, ambition, conscience, emotions). 

The shield of faith builds your trust in God and extinguishes the enemy's fiery darts. When you walk by faith, not sight, you won't give in as quickly to emotions.

The belt of truth helps you take thoughts captive and keeps you grounded in what God says about you.

The shoes of the gospel of peace protect you when you resist worry and find security in Christ, not in people or circumstances.

Prayer calls on the power of God to assist you. You can't be victorious without it.

On a battlefield, neither side wins without effective weapons. So, when you put on the Armor of God and stand firm against the enemy, my friend, you'll be unstoppable.

Let's Pray: Dear God, thank you for equipping me with weapons that protect me against an unseen enemy. When arrows come my way, help me stand firm in the truth and remember that Christ defeated him on the cross. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards.

Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Making a Joyful Noise drives away negativity

Make a Joyful Noise
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” – Psalm 100:1-2 (ESV)

Have you ever been slammed with worries and negative thoughts?

I have.

Sometimes I get woken up in the middle of the night, thoughts of my ever growing to do list keeping me from rest. In the mornings before I dive into my quiet time, negative thoughts attack as I prepare to sit down with the Lord.

Sometimes I forget that I am in a battle. The enemy wants to destroy us and to do that, he’ll go after us in our minds. Those negative thoughts and emotions can be so strong that they cause us to forget that we are children of God, we are loved and we need not to worry about what comes.

I forget that the Lord has equipped us all with weapons to defeat the enemy. The ones He is always reminding me to use is worship and praise. When we sing to God, hell trembles. Darkness flees. The enemy shakes; he hates it. He can’t stand to be near it.

In the middle of another attack on my mind, the Lord whispered to me: “You’re being attacked. I want you to sing.”

Immediately I began to sing. The worries and stress that had such a hold on my mind began to lift. I felt lighter, freer. Soon my worries were gone as I was wrapped in praise and worship for my God.

Friend, praise and worship is such a powerful weapon. There are many instances in the Bible were praise and worship were used to change negative situations into more positive outcomes:

For freedom: Paul and Silas singing praises to God were rescued by an angel while imprisoned in Acts 16:25-34 (ESV)

As a weapon: Joshua and the Israelites defeat Jericho in Joshua 6 ... Jehoshaphat defeated Moab and Ammon without a fight in 2 Chronicles 20:18-23 (ESV)

When we praise God through song, we remind ourselves and the enemy who’s in charge. We remember all the things that the Lord has done for us. We remember how much we are loved by God. Instead of being filled with worry and anger, we become filled with gratitude and love for our God.

We cannot be wrapped up in ourselves or our problems if we are lifting our voices in praise to God. It doesn’t matter if you can carry or tune or not, our praise, our worship is beautiful to Him.

So the next time you find yourself being attacked by the enemy, lift your voice in song to the Lord. He will flee and you will have victory.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA.

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and launched her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Strongholds

Pulling down Strongholds
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

–2 Cor. 10:4-5 (KJV)

The above Scripture speaks of THOUGHTS!

These thoughts are STRONGHOLDS! 

They produce IMAGINATIONS!

Then come fear and torment, sickness and defeat!

The battlefield is the THOUGHT LIFE. 

The Christian is the enemy of Satan. The devil wants to defeat us by deception. He wants to keep us from the truth, for he knows that the Truth will set us free.

I can’t begin to tell you how many times the enemy has lied to me, and I bet he’s lied to you also. The biggies are, “You’re no good.” “You are not saved.” “You’re not going to make Heaven.” “Your children are going to hell.” “No one appreciates you.” “Your husband doesn’t love you anymore.” “You have cancer.”

These thoughts bring fear. Thousands of lies are offered to your mind. When you accept them as your own, you begin to say with your mouth what the enemy has said to your mind. We have to bring every thought into the captivity of Christ. We must remember that life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)

When you repeat out loud, the lies Satan gives you in thoughts, you become fearful and live in torment. You are defeated before you even begin. Self-confidence is eroded, and an apathetic persona robs you of your energy. You feel trapped and unable to escape. A lie seeded in your mind.

Accept God’s thoughts and promises and repeat them out loud in faith. It brings peace to your heart. My dear mother used to take index cards and write scripture on each one and posted them on her refrigerator. Every morning she read them out loud. She placed God’s word in her mind, not what our enemy would like for us to confess. Hold up your Bible and look at it. Contained therein are the thoughts of God! Live in the pages. Replace every thought the enemy gives you with one of God’s thoughts. For every lie, the enemy whispers you must stand tall and counter it with the Word of God. When you do, he will have to flee.

“Submit yourselves therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

–James 4:7 (KJV)

There is supernatural power in God’s Word. I was put to the test several years ago when I stayed with my brother after his surgery. I knew in my spirit my brother was waging a war, and if I didn’t stand in the gap right then he would die. I prayed all night, walked the floor and quoted every scripture I knew over and over. I felt such power from God’s Word. I knew in the spiritual realm my voice was heard. I was living John 7:38 (KJV), “He that believeth in me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” I could feel living water rise within as I interceded for my brother.

Remember the battleground is in the mind, and the devil desires to infuse your thought life with his lies. Lies to beat you down, give you fear and doubt. He has perfected his subtle ways through eons of time. You see, his primary approach is to attack our minds. He wants us to accept and act upon it.

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and defile the man.” –Matthew 15:18 (KJV)

God was very specific when he stated in scripture for us to guard our hearts, being careful about what we see and hear and speak. We can’t allow our senses to become garbage receptacles and dump just anything in there.

You can alter your condition and atmosphere by changing your thought life. Concentrate on God’s great unchanging promises. You cannot sow seed thoughts of sickness and live in an atmosphere of health. You have to see yourself as a conqueror before you have the victory. Take baby steps. Find the scriptures that surround your area of need. Meditate on them and trust God. 

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)

Calvary made a way. The Blood of Jesus is the key to every issue we have in life. See yourself as an overcomer. If you do, you’ll have victory over every circumstance. Life doesn’t always turn out the way we want but allowing our Savior access and seeking him first will guarantee peaceful resolve. 

Be alert to your enemy and don’t let your guard down. 

Stay prayed up, suited up and ready for a battle. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci writes Inspy Amish romance. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two fur kids, Romeo and Juliet, rescue cats. She is working on her debut novel, Plain Justice.

She retired earlier than planned from nursing to care for her mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mom passed last year at the age of ninety-nine and Nanci has delved more into her writing.

She is active in an intercessory prayer ministry in her church, belongs to The Woman’s Club, a service-oriented volunteer organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the community and volunteers two days a week at the Mary Washington Museum.

Currently, she's enrolled in Rhema Bible College’s correspondence Bible studies. She belongs to ACFW and RWA. When she’s not working, reading or writing she’s hiking with her husband at Shenandoah National Park.

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be battle ready wearing the armor of God

The Armor of God
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

Summer is coming to a close, and I can’t say I’m disappointed. Fall is my favorite time of year! I love the cooler weather, the colors of fall leaves, the sounds of the leaves touching gently to the earth, and, most of all, our family’s outdoor time. We plan camping trips, day trips to Cades Cove, and hikes and picnics as much as we can to soak in the beautiful East Tennessee autumn.

But that’s not the only reason I’m relieved to see summer ending. This summer has not been an easy one here. Where I usually look forward to the school break and sleeping in late, it has been some of the most stressful months I can remember. I think I thought that once I went on the mission trip God called me to in May, the devil would back off and leave us alone for a while. Oh, how wrong I was! He has ramped up his efforts, attacking every aspect of our life. My children’s behavior, my marriage, my time, my rest, my body, my sanity. Everything. I have been in one of the most intense battles of my life for months now. And I am exhausted.

Years ago, a dear friend of mine told me each morning before she gets out of bed she prays to put on the full armor of God. It was such good advice, and I don’t know why it has taken me so long to follow it. I had lots of excuses: I can’t remember the scripture or all the parts of the armor. I keep forgetting to type it up, and where would I put it that my kids wouldn’t tear down? I’m doing okay, I am managing so it’s not a necessity . . . and so on.

A couple of days ago, I finally put aside those excuses and typed out Ephesians 6:10-20 and hung it on my wall. When I wake up in the morning, I read the verses and pray each item of armor onto my spiritual body, especially focusing on the helmet of salvation to keep the enemy out of my mind and from affecting my thoughts (that’s where he gets to me most easily). It is making such a huge difference in my daily walk. Yes, life is still loud and crazy. No, I still can’t say that we have a precise schedule we follow. Yes, I’m still so tired I fall into bed at night and pass out. But I can feel a hedge of protection around my mind and heart and around our home. I’m tired of being on the offense. I’m ready to fight back. And the armor of God, with the Word as my sword, is my weapon.

If you'd like to receive the print-out that I created and talked about in today’s post, contact me and I can send you the direct file by email.

Meanwhile, enjoy reading Ephesians 6:10-20 (KJV) here:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

Note from Sara: I encourage you to pray the armor of God onto your spiritual bodies each morning too and watch as God works in your life. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers.

Her debut novel Callum's Compass won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.