Lies

I don't know about you, but sometimes it is a daily, even momentary fight for truth in my mind. There are lies that silently whisper into my ear, sneak in through my peripheral vision, and easily roll off the tongue of my inner voice. There are thoughts that are my default in certain situations, but are nonetheless simply false. Do you know what I mean? And we must fight for truth from the inside. Or like Ben Stuart of Breakaway ministries has said, "What you think about is what you care about, and what you care about, you will chase." (subscribe to their audio podcast here - do it!!)

How often do I allow myself to be caught up in those untrue thoughts? I criticize myself, over-think things, dwell on mistakes, and compare myself to others.  I doubt God and his love and goodness. I don't stop to give thanks. Far too often.  And how often am I thinking about "what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable... things that are excellent and worthy of praise"? (Phillipians 4:8 NLT) Not enough. But I'm praying that God will continue to teach me how to hide his word in my heart and mind. I beg that he will show me ways I am being deceived by these lies, and that he will speak his truth and love into my life. I pray these things for you as well. 

For it is written: "We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world." Ephesians 6:12. And I especially like verse 10: "Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong." I don't have to do this myself. I know I don't have the strength, and I keep trying to make myself strong and failing because I am not drawing from His strength. I am truly in awe of how he helps us:

  "So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you WILL be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit." Ephesians 6:13-17 CEV. And according to John 10:10, "A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I [Christ] came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest." 

What are the flaming arrows in your life? How have your shield of faith and your sword of the Word extinguished them?  How is Christ giving you life to the fullest, despite the enemy's attempts to steal and destroy? What do you do to focus your thoughts on Christ throughout the day, particularly when you have a tendency to hear and believe a lie? 

May you be protected with God's armor and made strong by HIS mighty strength.