How To Win The Spiritual Battle

Jesus tells opponents in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark that bad thoughts come from the heart, i.e. the mind. Their issue was that the government was in charge of their thoughts “Because they didn't believe the gospel, they were dubbed “gods of this world”:

…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the light of the gospel of Christ's glory, who is the image of God.

…the prince of the air's power, the spirit at work in the sons of disobedience right now.

And, despite the fact that you were before estranged and hostile in attitude, committing wicked activities…

But there is still hope!! There is a cure for a mind that is antagonistic to God, whose thoughts are the same as everyone else's in the world “world” with the values and attitudes of society. We are reconciled to God through faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yet, by death, He has reconciled you to Himself in His fleshly form, in order to bring you before Him spotless, faultless, and without reproach—

You don't have to be enslaved by thoughts that drag you down in despair and leave you feeling hopeless in this life. The Holy Spirit dwells in you when you believe the gospel and are set apart to God. He gives you the strength to change.

By changing the way we think, we can change our minds. Our minds can be reformed to live in an intimate connection with God, according to Romans 12:2.

And don't be conformed to this world, but be changed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may demonstrate what God's will is, what is good, acceptable, and perfect.

But I've believed the Gospel? Why do I still think the way I do? I'm so frustrated!

The difficulty is that there is now a spiritual warfare battle for your mind. It's a war in which the adversary understands that if he can control your thoughts, he can control your actions. In this spiritual battle, Satan tries to divert your attention away from God's truth so that he can derail and destroy your life. Satan wants you to think thoughts that are not in accordance with God's Word.

What are the enemy's goals?

Satan's primary purpose is to prevent non-Christians from accepting Jesus Christ's truth. He seeks to render Christians ineffectual; he wants to cast doubt on God's love, Christ's deity, and the efficacy of Jesus' atonement for our sins. He's ruthless and always on the lookout for anyone he can annihilate.

According to First Peter 5:8, “Keep a level head and be on the lookout. The devil, your adversary, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat.” The noun “The word “prowls” is in the Greek present tense, which meaning “to be on the lookout.” The opponent is always on the lookout, hoping to beat us in combat. He wants to insult God's name, and he wants us to turn and dishonor God as well.

How does he attack us personally?

Christians are expected to demonstrate their love by the way they live out their faith. Jesus proclaims in John 13:35, “If you have love for one another, all men will know you are My disciples.” The enemy's goal is to make Christians look indistinguishable from the rest of the world by encouraging division, infighting, and alienation. The enemy is the first to blame us before God once that divide has taken hold.

Then, in heaven, I heard a loud voice say, “Now our God's redemption, power, and kingdom, as well as the authority of His Christ, have come, since the accuser of our brethren, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down.”

Even while we walk in the flesh, we do not fight in the flesh, because the weapons of our warfare are divinely powerful and designed to destroy fortresses. We're killing hypotheses and every lofty thing that stands in the way of God's knowledge, and we're enslaving every thinking to Christ's obedience.

How can I protect my mind?

God has provided us with spiritual armor to assist us protect our minds in spiritual warfare. The components of the armor God has given us to be strong in spiritual conflicts are described in Ephesians 6.

• Put on all of God's armor so that you can stand steadfast in the face of the devil's plans.
• Because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, powers, world forces of this darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the high realms.
• As a result, put on the entire armor of God so that you might resist in the evil day and, having done everything, stand firm.
• So, having girded your loins with truth and putting on the breastplate of righteousness, stand firm.
• Furthermore, you must take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all of the evil one's fire darts.
• Take the salvation helmet and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word.

The Full Armor of God

Notice Ephesians 6:10-11, which states to be strong in His strength rather than your own. The Greek verb “endunamoo” means “to be strong.” It's stated in the passive form, which means we get the action; literally, God empowers us and we get His strength. It is the Lord's action, not ours, that is taking place. The only thing we can do is put on God's spiritual armor.

What are battles for your mind?

Spiritual warfare and personal attacks are both used to fight for your mind. Paul describes how a spiritual struggle looks and how he responds to it in 2 Corinthians.

How do we take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ?

Philippians 4:8 explains how to bring every thinking under the control of Christ's obedience.

Finally, friends, reflect on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, beautiful, of good repute, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise.

Paul advises us to think on the following things in order to win our mental battles:

whatever is well-known (praiseworthy, rings true to the highest standards)

Compare your thoughts to Philippians 4:8's list of items to consider. Stop dwelling on or thinking about something troubling and “Philippians-4:8” it and “frisk” your thoughts if you find yourself doing so. Check to see if they're dangerous, or if they might jeopardize your relationship with God or others.

“Impossible!” you may be thinking at this point. No one can be in complete control of their thoughts. There are some things you just can't stop thinking about.” To some extent, this is correct. However, there are two factors to keep in mind:

• First and foremost, this is God's battle, fought in God's might and with God's armor. As a result, we remain steady and trust in the Lord.
• Second, we can only concentrate on one item at a time. What you're thinking about right now should be changed. Fill your mind with Scripture and use Philippians 4:8 to assess negative thoughts.

How do I clear my mind of these thoughts?

Scripture memory can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Here are some pointers to help you get started.

• Write scriptures on 35 index cards and read them over and over until the words are ingrained in your mind.
• Frequently read the Bible. Some people enjoy reading the same verse three times. Others read it three times a day till it is ingrained in their minds.
• Others choose to read it through each word in the stanza one at a time, emphasizing one word at a time. Using Romans 6:2, it would look like this.

Recite the verse(s) you're memorizing whenever you find yourself in a battle with a thought you know is bad, for as long as it takes to regain control of your mental life. As soon as you feel fear, anxiety, or worry come into your mind, pray to the Lord. Then go to His Word and take captive every idea, replacing it with Scripture. You'll be astounded by the freedom you gain—which is your birthright as a King's child. You'll be astounded when you witness the Lord fight on your behalf.

Are You Prepared for Battle?

This article only scratches the surface of spiritual warfare. When battling spiritual difficulties, one of our Level 1 studies may be a wonderful resource to look to. Kay Arthur and BJ Lawson's Spiritual Warfare: Overcoming the Enemy is a six-week study that will help you obtain a complete understanding of the enemy's tactics and schemes. You will learn the truth about Satan, including the limits of his strength, in each course, which is designed to take less than 40 minutes per day. You'll also be able to defend yourself against his attacks and devise a plan for living a life of winning on a daily basis. Also, Is This Warfare, Lord? Kay Arthur's Teach Me to Stand is an amazing Level 2 resource.

Fighting The Invaders

To keep Invaders from hurting the land and the Dahan, destroy them before they ravage.

Once Invaders have explored a terrain, you can expect them to II Build there the next turn and Ravage there the turn after that. This predictability comes in handy while figuring out how to use Slow Powers.

Where Should I Put My Presence/sacred Sites?

Bring your Presence close enough to the Invaders to employ all of your abilities on them.

Add Blight to territories that Invaders are ready to Ravage. Your Presence will be obliterated.

To work with other players, spread your Presence around the island. A city can be destroyed by three “1 Damage Powers!”

Sacred Sites are required for many Damaging Powers and good Fear effects, therefore place them near the Invaders.

Where Should I Move The Dahan?

Into areas where there are a few Invaders Many Fear effects will frighten Invaders away from Dahan territory, or motivate the Dahan to attack. If Invaders are on their way to ravage the area, Dahan will fight back.

Out of a land teeming with Invaders. If the Dahan are about to be wiped out by the Invaders, get them out of harm's path now!

Miscellaneous

Blight spreads swiftly once it begins to cascade; try to clear lands before another Blight is introduced.

If you're having problems locating excellent targets for your Powers, one of two things could be the case:

• That you have the upper hand! If you have the Invaders cornered, concentrate on winning!
• That your Presence/Sacred Sites aren't in close proximity to the areas of the board that you want to influence. Concentrate on obtaining Presence and Sacred Sites in areas where your Powers can reach the Invaders.

If you're always running out of energy, consider using more Presence from your Energy Track, not using all of your Power Card plays, picking less expensive Power Cards, or taking an Energy-giving Growth option for a turn or two.

Major Powers cost a lot of Energy to use and need you to forget one of your existing Power Cards in order to use them. For your first or second pick, you should normally go with Minor Powers.

How do you fight battles in prayer?

Thank you, Lord God, for sending us your Word. Your word, according to Proverbs 4:20, gives our body, mind, and spirit life and brilliant health. We are seeking the fullness of your promises today, oh God. We're fighting cancer and sickness, poverty and scarcity, insecurity and instability, fear and doubt, resentment and blame, and the list goes on. “I want Jesus to walk with me, all along my pilgrim path, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me,” we sing in grief. Lord, please walk with us as we face such a terrifying future. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but give us your blessed confidence that everything will be well. Help us to trust you, faithful God, in these times of uncertainty. Let us take refuge in your words of solace. Help us to sense your presence when we are weak and overcome with dread and doubt. Remind us of your words, that we need not be afraid; that we may rest secure that you will fight our battles today. Lord, protect our thoughts from depression, solitude, and anxiety in the battle for our mental health. Fight to safeguard our loved ones who are fighting this cancer on the front lines. Share your healing nature with the medical expert, Great Physician, healer of all ills. We thank you, Lord God, our provider, for providing for all of our needs in Christ Jesus, according to your riches. Thank you Holy Spirit with groans too deep for words in our weakness, when we are at a loss for words and don't know what to pray for. And, Lord, be merciful when this burden becomes too much to bear, and anguish and fury arise. Accept our screams for help and give us your calm.

By Mark Bubeck

Father in Heaven, In front of You, I bow in worship and praise. During this moment of prayer, I cover myself in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ for protection. In every area of my life, I entirely and unconditionally give myself to You. I take a stance against all Satan's schemes that would obstruct my prayer, and I exclusively pray to the true and living God, refusing to allow Satan to interfere with my prayer.

I adore You and worship You, Heavenly Father. I acknowledge that You are deserving of all glory, honor, and praise. I pledge my loyalty to You once more, and I ask that the Holy Spirit would guide me in this time of prayer. I am grateful to You, almighty Father, for loving me from the beginning and sending the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to die as my substitution so that I might be redeemed. I am grateful that the Lord Jesus Christ came to represent me, and that You have forgiven me entirely; You have given me eternal life; You have given me the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I am now justified. I am grateful that You have made me full in Him, and that You have volunteered to be my daily support and strength through Him.

Come and open my eyes, Heavenly Father, so that I may see how wonderful You are and how full Your provision is for this new day. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I take my place in the heavenlies alongside Christ, with all principalities and powers (dark spirits and evil spirits) under my feet. I am grateful for the victory that the Lord Jesus Christ won for me on the cross and in His resurrection, and that I am seated with the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavenlies; therefore, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I declare that all principalities and powers, as well as all wicked spirits, are subject to me.

I'm grateful for the armor You've given me, and I've donned the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, and the helmet of salvation. I raise my faith shield against all the enemy's fiery darts, and I take the sword of the spirit, the Word of God, in my hand, and wield Your Word against all the forces of evil in my life; and I put on this armor and live and pray in complete dependence on You, dear Holy Spirit.

I thank you, almighty Father, that the Lord Jesus Christ ruined all principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them in Himself. Today, I claim all of that victory for my life. All of Satan's insinuations, accusations, and temptations are rejected from my life. I declare that God's Word is true, and I choose to live today in accordance with it. I choose to live in obedience to You and friendship with You, heavenly Father. Open my eyes and show me the areas of my life where You would be dissatisfied. Work in my life so that Satan doesn't have a stronghold against me. Show me any flaws you have. Show me any aspect of my life where I need to improve in order to please You. Today, I stand for You and the Holy Spirit's work in my life in every way.

I throw off the old man and stand in all the victory of the crucifixion, where the Lord Jesus Christ offered cleansing from the old nature, by faith and in dependence on You. I put on the new man and take up all of the victory of the resurrection, as well as the provision He has created for me to live a life free of sin. As a result, I am putting off the old nature with its selfishness today and putting on the new nature with its love. I removed the old nature's fear and replaced it with the new nature's courage. I removed the old nature's flaws and replaced them with the new nature's strength. Today, I threw off my old nature with all of its deceptive lusts and put on my new nature with all of its righteousness and purity.

In every way, I claim my place in Christ, victorious with Him over all the enemies of my soul, in the victory of the ascension and glorification of the Son of God, where all principalities and powers were brought subordinate to Him. I ask that You, Holy Spirit, would fill me. Come into my life and demolish every idol and expel every opponent.

I am grateful, heavenly Father, for the way You have revealed Your will for my everyday life in Your Word. As a result, I claim all of God's will for today. I am grateful for all spiritual blessings in heavenly realms that You have bestowed upon me through Christ Jesus.

I am grateful that by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, You have given me a live hope. I am grateful that You have provided a way for me to live today full with the Spirit of God, filled with love, joy, and self-control. And I understand that this is Your will for me, and I reject and resist Satan's and his demons' attempts to deprive me of God's will.

I refuse to believe my feelings today, and I raise the shield of faith against all the accusations and insinuations that Satan would want to instill in my mind. For today, I claim the entirety of God's will.

I entirely give myself to You, heavenly Father, as a living sacrifice, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I've made the decision not to adhere to this world's expectations. I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, and I hope that You will reveal Your will to me today and empower me to walk in all of God's will.

I am grateful, dear Father, that the weapons of our struggle are not carnal, but mighty through God in tearing down strongholds, throwing down imaginations, and bringing every thought into obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, in my own life today, I am tearing down Satan's strongholds and smashing Satan's plots that have been constructed against me. I break down Satan's mental fortifications and surrender my thoughts to You, precious Holy Spirit. I declare, almighty Father, that You have not given us the spirit of fear, but rather the spirit of power, love, and wisdom. Today, I destroy and smash Satan's strongholds built against my emotions, and I surrender my emotions to You. Today, I demolish the strongholds that Satan has built against my will, and I surrender my will to You, choosing to make the correct decisions of faith. Today, I crush the strongholds that Satan has built against my body, and I surrender my body to You, acknowledging that I am Your temple; and I delight in Your kindness and goodness.

Heavenly Father, I pray that You would quicken me today and show me how Satan is obstructing, enticing, lying, counterfeiting, and distorting the truth in my life. Allow me to be the type of person that pleases You. Allow me to be assertive in my prayer. Allow me to be mentally combative, to think Your thoughts and to give You Your rightful place in my life.

I now cover myself in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and pray that You, precious Holy Spirit, would bring all the work of the crucifixion, resurrection, glory, and Pentecost into my life today. I give myself over to You. I'm not going to give up. You are the all-hopeful God. You have demonstrated Your strength by raising Jesus Christ from the dead, and I claim Your triumph in every way over all evil powers working in my life, which I reject, and I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ with gratitude.

What is the meaning of winning spirit?

It's all about overcoming your own obstacles. Overcoming your physical limitations as well as your fears. Winning entails going above and beyond your expectations and making your aspirations a reality.”

What God says about fighting your battles?

This battle will not require you to fight. O Judah and Jerusalem, stand firm, keep your ground, and see the LORD's salvation on your side. ‘Do not be terrified or discouraged. Go against them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.”

For the LORD your God is the one who fights for you against your foes and brings you victory.'

But those who wait for the LORD will be renewed in strength; they will mount up with eagle's wings; they will run and not tire; they will walk and not faint.

No weapon fashioned against you will prosper, and you will refute every tongue that rises in judgment against you. This is the LORD's servants' inheritance and vindication from me, declares the LORD.”

When the righteous cries out for aid, the LORD hears them and rescues them from their problems.

The LORD your God, who goes ahead of you, will battle for you, just as he did for you before your eyes in Egypt.

So, what shall we say in response to these events? Who can be against us if God is on our side?

As a result, submit yourself to God. The devil will fly from you if you resist him.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not discouraged, for I am your God; I will strengthen, assist, and uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The thief's sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they would have life, and abundant life.

I have given you authority to walk on serpents and scorpions, as well as all of the enemy's might, and nothing will harm you.

No one will be able to stand in front of you for the rest of your life. I'll be with you just as I was with Moses. I will not abandon you or abandon you.

Because it is the LORD your God who battles for you, as he promised, one of you puts a thousand to flight.

Because our weapons of war are divinely empowered to shatter strongholds, they are not made of flesh.

Because you gave me the power I needed for the struggle, and you caused those who opposed me collapse beneath me.

They did not win the land with their own sword, nor did they save themselves with their own arm, but with your right hand and arm, and the light of your face, because you rejoiced in them.

David's. Blessed be the LORD, my stronghold, who prepares my hands for fight and my fingers for combat;

For the LORD declares: “Even the mighty's prisoners will be taken, and the tyrant's victims will be saved, because I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.

Take up the entire armor of God, so that you will be able to withstand in the evil day, and after you have done all, to stand firm.

Since God deems it just to punish those who torment you with affliction,

Your dwelling place is the eternal God, and under you are the everlasting arms. And he threw the enemy in front of you and said, “Destroy.”

Know today that the LORD your God is the one who goes before you as a consuming fire. He will annihilate and subjugate them in front of you. As a result, as the LORD has promised, you will drive them away and cause them to perish rapidly.

“Be courageous and strong. Do not be terrified or alarmed in the presence of Assyria's king and his troop, for there are more of us than there are of them.

And he added, “‘Do not be scared or dismayed at this large horde, for the war is not yours but God's,' says the LORD to all Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, as well as King Jehoshaphat.

Your right hand, O LORD, majestic in power, smashes the enemy.

Their chariot wheels were clogged, causing them to drive slowly. The Egyptians responded by saying, “Let us get out of the way of Israel, because the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians.”

And Moses addressed the people, saying, “Do not be afraid; stand steadfast and behold the LORD's salvation, which he will work for you today. The Egyptians you see now are the last Egyptians you will ever see.

You are from God, and you have triumphed over them, because he who is in you is bigger than he who is in the world.

And I tell you, Peter, that I will establish my church on this rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

As a result, people will be afraid of the LORD's name from the west, and his splendor from the rising sun; for he will come like a rushing flood, driven by the LORD's wind.

“He will defend the steps of his devoted, but the wicked will be cut off in darkness, for a man will not triumph through might.

Give your opponent bread to eat if he is hungry, and water to drink if he is thirsty.

David's. Whom shall I fear if not the LORD, who is my light and my salvation? Whom shall I fear because the LORD is the stronghold of my life?

Do not delight when your adversary falls, and do not rejoice when he stumbles.

When all the kings of the lands heard that the LORD had fought against Israel's foes, they were filled with dread of God.

Rally to us at the place where you hear the horn. “Our God will defend us.”

“They have tormented me since I was a child, but they have never been able to defeat me.

‘Your eyes have witnessed all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings,' I told Joshua at the time. To all the kingdoms into which you are crossing, the LORD will do the same.

And whoever searches hearts knows what the Spirit's mind is, because the Spirit intercedes for the believers in accordance with God's desire.

Have I not given you orders? Be fearless and strong. Do not be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I've fought the good battle, finished the course, and maintained my faith. The crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, has now been laid up for me, as well as for all who have cherished his presence.

And you have seen what the LORD your God has done for you against all these countries, since it is the LORD your God who has fought for you.

He is true and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness if we confess our sins.

I have said these things to you in order for you to find peace in me. There will be trouble throughout the world. But don't despair; I have triumphed over the world.”

Therefore, humble yourselves under God's mighty hand so that he may raise you at the perfect time.

You have been saved by grace through faith. And it's not your fault; it's a gift from God.

There had never been a day like it before or after, when the LORD fought for Israel and listened the voice of a man.

And Moses addressed the people, saying, “Do not be afraid; stand steadfast and behold the LORD's salvation, which he will work for you today. The Egyptians you see now are the last Egyptians you will ever see. “All you have to do is be silent, and the LORD will fight for you.”

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to assist us in our time of need.

You haven't been overcome by any temptation that isn't common to man. God is reliable, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength, but he will offer a way out of the temptation so that you can withstand it.

These things happened to them as an example, but they were recorded for our teaching, for whom the end of the ages has arrived.

Because the LORD has compared you to a wife who has been abandoned and grieved in soul, like a young wife who has been cast off, declares your God.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whomever trusts in him may have eternal life. God did not bring his Son into the world to condemn it; rather, he sent him into the world to save it through him.

Beloved, never seek vengeance for yourself, but rather leave it to God's wrath, because it is written, “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay,” the Lord declares.

“You shall not be afraid when you go to war against your adversaries and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, for the LORD your God, who brought you out out of Egypt, is with you.

Blessed is the man who perseveres in the face of adversity, for he will be rewarded with the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

And when he got him, he imprisoned him, handing him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, with the intention of releasing him to the people after the Passover.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whomever trusts in him may have eternal life.

How do you grow spiritually?

1. Begin by humbling yourself and praying.

It's all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget how fortunate we are. You may maintain these positives in your mind by taking time in the morning (and again before you go to sleep at night).

Request that God continue to bless and protect you and your loved ones. This is also a good moment to ask Him for assistance in keeping your mind on His plan for your life. When we ask Him a question, we may find that we immediately see opportunities in front of us.

2. Study and Read the Bible

Consider your Bible to be a manual. The pages contain more information about how to live your life than you may realize. Proverbs and the letters to the churches (such as Ephesians and Philippians) instruct you on how to live a Christian life. Life lessons abound in the Bible.

The teachings of Jesus can be found throughout Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and then the teachings of the disciples may be found throughout the rest of the New Testament. The Old Testament tells you about Jesus' ancestors as well as stories of people who had strong faith. The more you grow in God's Word, the less external influences will cause you to stumble.

If you have the opportunity, try to delve thoroughly into a particular book, either in a group Bible study session or online, in order to gather some truth nuggets. This will also help you understand how this fact affects your life.

3. Find a group of believers who share your beliefs.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to find Christian groups that meet for a variety of reasons. Christian book clubs, Christian counseling groups, and faith-based exercise courses are examples of this.

There's a cliché that says you become like the five people you spend the most time with. Choose persons who have a deep relationship with God and can assist you in your spiritual development as a Christian.

4. Help Others

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them,” Jesus stated in Matthew 7:12, “because this is the Law and the Prophets” (New King James Version).

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We've all heard the command, but how many of us actually do it? And what does it mean to serve others in order to get closer to God?

While on Earth, Jesus demonstrated how God wants us to live by caring for and serving others. Will people betray and injure us? Yes. They also harmed and betrayed Jesus. He continued to reach out to people and point them to God. We are feeding Jesus' chosen by feeding and clothing the destitute. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus stated to Peter after three times asking if he loved Him.

Please feed my sheep. It is our duty to look after others and to serve as the Lord's hands and feet. The key to a closer connection with God is obedience. “If you love me, observe my commands,” Jesus stated. (New International Version, John 14:15).

This does not, however, imply that if you are a victim of abuse, you must keep your arms in the fire. You can forgive others while maintaining a healthy distance from harmful connections. If you need assistance, talk to a Christian Counselor who can guide you toward a Christian lifestyle with healthy relationships.

5. Find out what spiritual gifts you have.

Each Christian has been given spiritual gifts, according to the Bible. Did you know that this can imply more than bodily healing and the ability to speak in tongues? Those are two of the most important biblical gifts.

You've also been given discernment, wisdom, faith, knowledge, and the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Some of the gifts are related to your mission. You can improve these abilities by engaging in particular activities. You can focus on aligning your spiritual gifts with your purpose and serving others as a means of deepening your relationship with God if you are aware of the spiritual gifts that God has given you.

These are your innate abilities and characteristics. Do you enjoy assisting others, whether it's through home visits or meal preparation? Do you have a natural aptitude for teaching? Do you regularly share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others?

Other spiritual gifts that you may discover in yourself or others include:

• Are you the person that everyone looks to in a crisis? Are you more of a take-charge leader than a follower?
• Administration – Do you enjoy leading a church function when no one else is available? Are you prone to delegating duties and organizing groups and events?
• Does it concern you when someone reads Scripture out of context when you're teaching? Do you ever have the feeling that you could teach others about a particular subject?
• Evangelism – Do you often share the good news of Jesus Christ with others? Do you coach others on how to do the same?
• Shepherding – Can you educate or lead while caring for and serving others? Do you feel a sense of responsibility for the persons God has entrusted to your care?
• Prophecy – Do you believe the Holy Spirit gives you special insight into a person or a group of people? Are you confident in your ability to express Biblical truths?
• Do you prioritize serving the needs of others in your church and community when you serve? Do you enjoy working on projects that require you to be hands-on?
• Mercy– Do you sympathize with those who are in pain and looking for solace? Is it possible for you to provide a safe haven for a friend who is grieving or in pain?
• Exhortation — Do you offer practical, Bible-based advice to people? Can you see the bigger picture and propose answers to a problem?
• Giving – Do you go beyond tithes and offerings to find methods to financially help ministries? Do you spend your time and money anonymously in order to build God's kingdom rather than to “show off”?

Consider visiting with a Spiritual Development Counselor who can assist you in developing a strategy to further each of your gifts. You may focus on serving others while also achieving your purpose if you discover the top three gifts God has given you for ministry.

Everything will begin to seem aligned when you are experiencing a spiritual awakening of these gifts. Your relationship with God will improve as you continue to work on these. Find folks who share your passions and can serve as mentors. A person with the spiritual gift of teaching who also enjoys writing, for example, could collaborate with a Bible study author to create content for their church ministry.

Make a daily commitment to incorporate each of these into your spiritual development plan. Nothing matters more than your spiritual awakening and your relationship with God. We hope that as you grow in your spiritual life, you will be able to carry that confidence out into the world.

How do you fight evil with prayer?

Evil is unavoidable in this imperfect world, but God defends us from the enemy every second of every day. Here are 25 strong prayers to keep you safe from harm.

Prayers for Evils Outside the Home or in the Workplace

Greetings, Father! I ask for Your protection against the evil one's wickedness. You are the Almighty God, and his might is nothing compared to the might You provide. I come to Your refuge with gladness because You protect me from the devil's attacks. Protect me from the enemy's cunning, and deliver me from his evil schemes, O Lord. When I am weak, cover me with Your presence so that he will run from my presence. Amen.

Father, you are a trustworthy man. There are those out there who are willing to cause bodily harm to others and have no regard for human life. You are our protector against those who would harm us. You are our defender against the wicked's vengeance. As we go about our daily activities today, keep us away from places where bad people lurk. Keep us secure from their evil intentions by cradling us in the protection of Your loving arms. Amen.

Dear Heavenly Father, May Your Spirit lead me in all of my decisions today. Allow Your wisdom to guide me and allow me to see things as they truly are so that I do not fall prey to others' lies. Keep me secure from evil persons that want to defraud me. Please protect me against con artists who are unconcerned about who they deceive or how much damage they wreak. Give me the discernment to see through their machinations and ill intents and avoid them. Amen.

Greetings, God! You consider our bodies to be Your sanctuary. You also instructed us to look after our health. Assist me in maintaining my health. Remind me that misusing or abusing my body is against Your will when I do so carelessly. Keep me protected from catching or developing diseases or ailments while I go about my day. Assist me in taking extra precautions so that I am not exposed to serious illnesses or bodily harm. Amen.

You have looked after us as a shepherd looks after his flock, loving God. When we are in danger, You protect us, and when we are in distress, You raise us up and guide us to safety. Please protect me from accidents that could cause me great injury while I go today. Keep an eye on me. May I have the mental foresight to avoid or avert accidents. Give me God's discretion so that I might be safe at all times. Allow me to have the mental clarity to warn or assist others when the need comes. Amen.

Greetings, Lord! We turn to You, our God, for protection. Protect us from persons who, whether purposefully or accidentally, ignore the well-being of those around them. Those who ignite damaging fires, cause serious vehicular accidents, and a slew of others who act irresponsibly with little regard for the consequences of their actions. I pray that you protect us from the harm that these people create, and that you prevent them from carrying out their terrible intentions. Amen.

You, Lord of all, direct the actions of those who obey You. You provide those who follow You opportunity. Today, I'm looking for your advice. Lord, grant me mental clarity so that I can properly evaluate the opportunity that has been provided to me. Allowing the promise of money gain to distort my judgment and arouse greed in me is not a good idea. Bless me with Your knowledge, so that I can discern between what is suspect and what is trustworthy. Amen.

Greetings, Lord God! We understand that everything we do has an impact on You. Keep us away from argumentative persons who might provoke us to react in an ungodly manner, while we do our best to live in peace with everyone. Lead us away from angry people who might elicit a shameful response from our fleshly side. Help us to deal with inevitable events with gracious and compassionate words of comfort, so that we may honor You and provide witness to our faith. Amen.

Father Almighty, We request Your protection from crooks. Please keep us secure from those who could come after us or break into our home with the intent of stealing from us or threatening us with physical violence. Protect us from these evil people, Lord, and muck up their plans so they can't steal from or damage others. Allow Your guiding hand to comfort us, and allow us to trust in Your ever-present assistance. Amen.

Prayers for Evils Directed at You and Family Members

Merciful Lord, You are our Loving Father, who shields us and directs our actions. I've come before You to seek for your help in keeping my family secure. I pray that You would always protect our bodily, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Allowing the enemy to take a foothold in any element of our lives is not a good idea. Help us to continue to trust You, appreciating Your victory over the devil and the power you give us to resist him. Amen.

Our Father, You have shown us what truly sacrificial love is like, and You want us to share that love with others. As we compassionately care for others, I pray that our selfless acts will not be exploited and that we will not be singled out for our generosity. Please don't let anyone take advantage of our affection and effort in an unjust way. Instead, direct us to those who are compassionate and true in their intentions and behaviors. Amen.

God the Father, Protect my children against bullying by not putting them in situations where they might be inclined to retaliate or get disheartened, unhappy, or desperate. Allow them to surround themselves with the correct support network of excellent friends at church, school, and in their community. Allow them to grow into decent influencers who will be a blessing to people around them and who will honor You with their life rather than becoming bullies themselves. Amen.

You warned us, Father, that we would suffer like You did. That we will be humiliated, persecuted, and unjustly accused of numerous vile actions because of our religion and principles. Keep us from dishonoring Your name by retaliating against such abuses, O Lord. Keep reminding us of how You were subjected to considerably more persecution than we have. Surround us with Your love and strength so that we can respond appropriately. Give us the courage to bless those who persecute us, knowing that You have already benefited us. Amen.

Father, you are merciful. I humbly request your assistance with my children. Encourage them to be on the lookout for subtle influences that could skew their thinking, weaken their convictions, put doubt on their faith, or divert their attention away from You. Keep children away from wicked, untrustworthy friends who try to get them to do bad things. Lead them to Your Word, O Lord, so that their minds will be renewed and their hearts will be changed by a desire to please You and to live according to Your will. Amen.

Lord, you are all-powerful. The devil has been defeated by you. With Your mere word, you have put his might to shame. He can't hurt us because of You. He has no influence over us because of You. May we keep that in mind at all times. Please protect us from his tyrannical tactics that discourage or depress us. Liberate and protect us from bad thoughts that inspire and provoke us to think and act evilly. Clothe us in Your holy armor, O Lord, so that we may be able to withstand his plots and attacks. Amen.

Father, You despise those who mislead others. You despise individuals who lead others astray with false teachings – those who reject the basic realities of Your word in favor of doctrines that suit their corrupt ideologies. Their primary objective is to persuade others to believe their lies rather than the truth. Give us the wisdom to recognize false doctrines so that we can avoid them, I beg. Instill in us the knowledge that we will be able to confront them and warn others about them. Amen.

Greetings, Lord! You told us not to talk about anything unwholesome. You want us to speak in a way that lifts others up for the benefit of everyone listening. Teach us to be conscious of our words at all times and to keep a firm grip on our tongues. When people gossip about us or slander us, direct our words so that we might continue to bless others with our words. Give us the courage to respond with kindness so that our reaction will honor You. Amen.

Prayers for Evils Regarding Temptations and Personal Weaknesses

God Almighty, My heart and mind are surrendered to You for cleaning. I'm sure You want us to adore You completely and willingly. Keep nasty thoughts out of my head. Keep it away from the tyranny of evil imaginations. Help me to submit every thought I have to Your will, so that I may find joy in You. Protect my thoughts with a mental hedge. Assist me in focusing my thoughts on what is good, true, and positive. Amen.

You are the God of Mercy and the God of Justice. You've sworn that revenge is yours. Teach us to control our urge to retaliate, knowing that only You have the authority to exact proper retribution on our wrongdoers. Prevent us from seeking vengeance, for You have commanded us not to return evil for evil. Help us to trust You and put our trust in You. May we find the fortitude to instead demonstrate compassion, so that we might be a witness to Your goodness. Amen.

God, the Lover, You established marriage as a lifelong commitment. You established it as a friendship and camaraderie that would last a lifetime. I pray that You will assist my spouse and me in keeping the promise we made to You for the rest of our lives. Prevent us from falling prey to extramarital affairs. Assist us in keeping our lines of communication open and honest at all times. Help us both to grow our relationship into one that is kind, caring, joyous, and mutually respectful, all in the name of You. Amen.

Even though we are unfaithful, God, my healer, You stay faithful. Even when we repeatedly neglect You, You gently reach out to us. Your unwavering love has inspired me to seek treatment for my addiction, and Your loving presence has given me the confidence to break free from this shackle. I pray that you will strengthen me so that I can continue to reject my bad urges. Fill me with Your Spirit, O Lord, and heal me entirely from the clutches of these bad cravings, so that I may find peace within that will guard my heart. Amen.

You, Lord of my life, want us to be humble. That is why you consistently choose the humble while opposing the proud. Teach us, I hope, to always be rational in our self-evaluation and not to think of ourselves as greater or more important than others. Protect our hearts from pride, because such evil only brings shame and ruin. O Lord, may Your Spirit instill in us a modest spirit that treats people with respect at all times and in all circumstances. Amen.

Father, you are a generous man. You have told us not to place our hope in wealth, because greed is the foundation of all evil. You give us every opportunity to be satisfied in You since You promise to meet our needs. Teach us, I beg, to curb our materialistic appetites. Give us the courage to let go of all greed and covetousness in our hearts. Bless us with the patience and contentment to trust Your promises and rejoice in Your provisions, O Lord. Amen.

Lord, You have warned us that self-centeredness is the source of much confusion and all evil, and that many people will embrace self-love. Make us completely aware of the dangers of self-centeredness and lead us in the direction of avoiding this nasty attitude. Allow us to learn from Your wonderful sacrifice on the cross by teaching us true selflessness. Allow us to recognize the importance of others and how we should protect their interests as well. Assist us in putting the needs of others ahead of our own. Amen.

How do you pray against your enemies?

I command the storm of destruction to gather upon every satanic power that is against my health IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS! I decree and declare great casualty upon witches and wizards operating in my neighborhood, the judgment of God shall torment the powers of darkness working against me both at night and in the morning, the night shall carry terror and anger against all satanic powers that are standing against me, the night shall carry terror and anger against all satanic powers that

RIGHT NOW, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, my prayers have become earthquakes and storms in the devil's camp that is against my life; the Lord shall gather his armor against powers that are against my intellectual growth; all sickness in my life, known or unknown, receives heavenly storm; all conspiracy against any part of my body receives destruction now!

I order the deep wells inside me to be freed and broken forth in the name of JESUS!