Do You Want to Change? Let’s Use God’s Path And Actually Change

Introduction

Every person reaches a point where they want real change — not temporary motivation, not emotional highs, not coping skills — but deep, lasting transformation. The kind that reshapes who you are at the level of motive, desire, thought, and behavior. The kind that brings peace, maturity, stability, and spiritual power.

There is only one path that reliably produces this kind of transformation: God’s path. It works because it deals with the entire internal chain that produces behavior. Most change strategies only address symptoms. God addresses the roots.

“But we all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory…”
—2 Corinthians 3:18

What Are We Trying to Accomplish?

The goal of transformation is not simply becoming a ‘better version’ of yourself. The goal is becoming the person God intended you to be — someone who reflects His character, walks in His love, operates in His truth, and lives in His power.

Transformation aims at:

• Reshaping motives
• Correcting beliefs
• Healing emotions
• Renewing thoughts
• Strengthening decisions
• Reforming habits
• Rebuilding identity
• Restoring purpose

This is more than behavior modification. It is internal re-creation.

Why Does This Matter?

Transformation matters because it affects both eternity and daily life.

• **Eternally** — God is preparing you for life with Him forever. Character matters. Loving God with all your heart matters most.

• **Here and now** — Your internal world determines your peace, relationships, confidence, and stability. You are an ambassador for Christ, Bring Him Glory.

When transformation is ignored, life becomes reactive, chaotic, and repetitive. When embraced, life becomes fruitful, meaningful, and aligned with God’s design.

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”
—Romans 8:29 (NKJV)

Understand the Chain: Why You Do the Things You Don’t Want to Do

Every behavior — desirable or undesirable — is produced by an internal sequence. If you only fight the behavior, you will always lose. But if you understand the chain, you can break it early.

Here is the full chain of behavior we are working with:

1. Root Love (Self vs. God)

The deepest motive driving everything. Love of self produces disorder; love of God produces life.

2. Lust Channel (Eyes, Flesh, Pride)

The craving system that activates desire and pulls the heart away from God.

3. Specific Ungodly Love / Temptation Object

A concrete desire becomes a substitute for God — comfort, control, recognition, escape.

4. Ungodly Belief

A lie forms to justify the desire and make it feel necessary.

5. Ungodly Emotion

Emotion fuels the belief and prepares the body to act: fear, anger, shame, envy, irritation.

6. Ungodly Thought / Inner Voice

Mental rehearsal: accusations, justifications, fantasies, arguments.

7. Ungodly Decision

The will chooses the self-serving path — often automatically.

8. Ungodly Behavior

The visible action: reacting, withdrawing, indulging, attacking, escaping.

9. Undesired Consequence

Shame, frustration, relationship damage, spiritual dullness, reinforced bondage.

We need to break the chain and clean out the roots wo we can get aligned with God’s intention for us

“Make the tree good and its fruit good.”
—Matthew 12:33

Why Other Change Strategies Don’t Work

Most secular or pop-spiritual approaches fail because they address only fragments of the chain — usually the behavior, emotion, or thought level — while ignoring the root. Only God can change what you love, and only God can uproot the lies that shape your identity and drive your desires.

Here are common strategies and where they fall short:

• **Self-help** — Tries to change habits but never addresses the heart’s motives or spiritual roots.
• **Positive thinking** — Focuses on thoughts but ignores beliefs, desires, and root love.
• **‘Love yourself’ ideology** — Attempts to heal emotions without addressing the reason they form: misplaced loves.
• **Secular therapy-only models** — Helpful for insight but limited in spiritual root healing.
• **Mindfulness/spirituality** — Tries to calm the mind but cannot transform desires or crucify the flesh.

These approaches may temporarily reduce symptoms, but they cannot heal the tree because they cannot change the heart. Only God can do that — when we give Him permission, align with His truth, and crucify the self-centered root.

Where True Transformation Begins

Transformation begins with intention — the desire to change. But desire alone accomplishes nothing unless it is expressed through obedience. Obedience is the first action that invites God into the root of the chain.

Once obedience is chosen, even before your emotions or thoughts agree, God begins reshaping your motives, healing your beliefs, retraining your emotions, and renewing your mind.

• Intention starts the journey.
• Obedience opens the door.
• The Spirit transforms the heart.
• A renewed heart produces sustained renewed behavior.

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
—Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)

God’s Path for Transformation (The Only One That Actually Works)

God’s transformation path addresses every stage of the chain — root, belief, emotion, thought, and action. Here is the full sequence:

1. **Reveal the Root** — Ask God to expose what you really loved in the moment.
2. **Confront the Lie** — Identify the belief shaping your emotion.
3. **Insert God’s Truth** — Replace the lie with Scripture spoken aloud.
4. **Repent and Realign** — Realign your will with God.
5. **Crucify the Flesh** — Deny the self-centered motive.
6. **Choose Obedience** — Act on God’s truth even if it feels unnatural.
7. **Walk by the Spirit** — Depend on God’s power, not willpower.
8. **Practice Righteous Behavior** — Rewire the brain with repeated godly action.

This is the only process that changes the entire person — root, heart, mind, will, and behavior.

Where to Learn More

 Focus on Gods word – The truth will make you free

• Romans 12 – Renewing the mind
• Galatians 5 – Walking by the Spirit
• John 15 – Abiding in Christ

Resources

• Mark Virkler – Hearing God’s voice and emotional healing
• Neil Anderson – Freedom in Christ
• Dallas Willard – Renovation of the Heart

 

 

Why Do I Do Bad The Things I Do? Understand the Chain And Break It

Introduction

.Every person struggles with behaviors they don’t like. Angry reactions, withdrawal, avoidance, lust, overthinking, people-pleasing, defensiveness, and addiction-like cycles feel automatic and confusing. But nothing is random. Every behavior follows a precise internal chain. When you understand this chain, you can interrupt it and break it.

The principles that explain this chain are spiritual truths about the heart and how it functions. Behavior science confirms these truths and explains the mechanisms—how motives form, how beliefs shape emotion, how emotions direct thought, and how repeated cycles create automatic patterns.

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
—Proverbs 23:7

Putting This Struggle in Perspective

When you repeatedly do things you do not want to do, it is not simply weakness. It is a sign of an internal system operating outside its original design. You were created to operate with pure Godly love, in truth perfectly aligned with God’s intentions, as a partner with Him in ongoing creation on this earth. When the heart is disordered—when self-centered love replaces God-centered love—the system becomes distracted and focused internally which diverts God’s love and builds layers and layers of unintended actions and reactions that work against Gods creation and harm ourselves and others.

Behavior science explains that most actions come from automatic patterns stored in the emotional brain. Scripture explains the same truth: patterns flow from the heart, and the heart directs the entire life.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
—Proverbs 4:23 

The Chain That Produces Undesired Behavior

Here is the sequence that leads to undesirable behavior. Each stage naturally produces the next, just as a seed produces a plant. The earlier you interrupt the chain, the easier it becomes to break the behavior.

1. Root Love (Self vs. God)

The deepest orientation of the heart. You will either act from love of God (serving God and His kingdom in obedience, trust, and holiness) or a love of self (serving your own interests through comfort, ego, control, safety) . Your heart is creative force, the root love determines the entire direction of the chain your heart drives.

2. Lust Channel (Eyes, Flesh, Pride)

If the heart is not rooted in Love of God and oriented to find satisfaction in serving Him, It will be oriented internally towards itself and will be looking for a source of satisfaction somewhere else.  There are three pathway through which self-centered love looks for love – Through thoughts in the mind focused on things the Eyes can see, Through feelings in the Heart focused on cravings of your physical earthly body. And through the Will which is trying to decide how you fit into this world.  These are powerful craving systems: bodily cravings, visual cravings, or prideful cravings. Scripture calls them lusts; neuroscience calls them reward pathways. This is the reality of our fallen heart “looking for love in all the wrong places” as the song goes.

3. Ungodly Love (Specific Temptation Target Object)

The heart will pursue the lust paths until if finds a target,  something to focus on, A concrete substitute for God.  This target object becomes the thing you desire: comfort, recognition, control, things, money, escape, praise, pleasure. This is the moment your heart says: “I need this to be okay.”

4. Ungodly Belief / Lie

A lie forms that justifies the desire: “I won’t be safe unless… I need this to feel better… I won’t be respected unless…” Beliefs generate emotions, and emotions generate action.

5. Ungodly Emotion (Energy)

The lie creates emotional force: fear, anger, shame, irritation, envy, anxiety, resentment. Emotions take control of your attention and push you toward action.

6. Ungodly Thoughts / Inner Voice

Your mind starts rehearsing narratives: accusations, justifications, fantasies, internal arguments, revenge scenarios. This is the brain preparing for behavior—mental rehearsal. If these thoughts are constrained by God’s truth, anything off track will be noticed and corrected,  If they are not constrained by a framework of Gods word and go out of bounds, they will trigger unhealthy emotions and build internal energy looking for a way to escape into action. 

7. Ungodly Decision

A choice is made—usually quickly and automatically—to serve the desire rather than obey truth. Decision is often subconscious unless interrupted.

8. Ungodly Action (Tangible Sin)

The visible behavior: words, reactions, habits, responses. The undesired action is simply the physical release of energy from the chain above it.

9. Ungodly Fruit (Undesired Consequences)

Ungodly behaviors have consequences that adversely impact your ability to serve God’s intended role for you. They either distract you, or impede your ability to function, or ruin relationships, or cut you off God, or cut you off from society: Inner turmoil, shame, relational conflict, spiritual dullness, or strengthened bondage. Consequences either reinforce the cycle or motivate change.

Where Does True Transformation Begin?

Transformation does not begin with behavior. It does not begin with willpower or trying harder. It begins with intention—a genuine desire to change. Intention expresses itself through obedience, even before your emotions or thoughts agree.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
—Romans 12:2

Behavior science confirms this: taking a small action in a new direction begins re-routing neural pathways. Spiritually, obedience aligns your heart with truth, and the Spirit uses your obedience to reshape your motives, beliefs, desires, and emotional patterns.

“Make the tree good and its fruit good…”
—Matthew 12:33

Therefore:

• Transformation begins with intention.
• Intention expresses itself through obedience.
• Obedience allows the Spirit to renew the heart.
• A renewed heart produces new behavior.

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
—John 13:17

Breaking the Chain at Each Stage

You don’t have to wait for the behavior to happen. You can interrupt the chain early:

Root Love – Recommit to honoring God above comfort, ego, or control.
Lust Channel – Notice which craving is activated (eyes, flesh, pride).
Temptation – Name the ungodly love trying to take over.
Ungodly Belief – Identify the specific lie you are believing.
Ungodly Emotion – Label the emotion; naming reduces its control.
Ungodly Thought – Notice ungodly thoughts, Replace destructive scripts with truth.
Decision – Pause long enough to choose obedience.
Action – Practice the desired righteous behavior.
Life Fruit / Consequence – Reflect, notice opportunities to do better,  and adjust for next time.

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
—Galatians 5:16

Breaking one link weakens the entire chain.

How Can I Apply This?

Journaling with Jesus is very effective:

Key Questions To Ask:

• Lord, What undesired behavior shall we fix today?
• What Ungodly love is driving it?
• What Ungodly belief is enabling it?
• What Godly truth will cut it off?

Then:

    • Repent for the undesired behavior, for pursuing ungodly loves, and for believing ungodly lies
    • Declare the Godly belief that guides us in the right direction,
    • Accept Jesus’ finished work on the cross,  by his stripes you are healed, by his blood you are cleaned/forgiven.
    • Crucify your flesh, deny self serving agendas and emotions and pick up your cross.
    • Put off the old man and his habits and behaviors
    • Put on the new man renewed in Christ.

There are specific strategies to defeat each of the three lusts –   

Lust of the Eyes

Lust of the eyes works in the mind, trying to build your identity based on things you can see – Give the mind something different to focus on

Stop studying and admiring (worshiping) things you do not really need at this point in your journey.

Focus on things above instead. – your identity and purpose, gods promises.

Declare your identity as a Born Again Child of God, Fleshly sin crucified with Christ, old ways buried in the grace, New man raised into new life.

Lust of the Flesh

Lust of the flesh works through the heat trying to pursue feleings, building up pleasures and avoiding pains..

Defeating the flesh requires discipline – Reading the word of God daily, Fasting

Pride of life

Pride of life work through the Will to build up our identity relative to others or put others down to minimize them

– above God and above others. 

Declare Submittal and trusting God

 

Focus on God’s Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
—Psalm 119:105

  • Romans 12 – Renewing the mind
  • Proverbs 4:20-23 – Pay Attention To Gods Words
  • Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
  • Galatians 5 – Walking by the Spirit
  • John 15 – Abiding in Christ

Where to Learn More

Many excellent resources are available, here are a few

• Dan Mohler – Put Off The Old – Put On the New
• Mark Virkler – Hearing God’s voice and inner healing

 

Generational Curses Are Real. What Should You Do About Them?

Introduction

Many believers wrestle with patterns in their lives that seem older than they are. Cycles of fear, anger, addiction, poverty, relational breakdown, or spiritual oppression can feel inherited rather than chosen. Scripture speaks openly about generational iniquity, blessings, and consequences. This post explains what generational curses are, how they operate, how they differ from the sinful nature inherited from Adam, and what you can do to break their influence through the power of Jesus Christ.

What Are Generational Curses?

A generational curse is a pattern of spiritual, emotional, or behavioral influence passed down from one generation to the next. These can include iniquity, trauma, destructive habits, belief systems, spiritual open doors, or demonic influence that travels through family lines. Biblically, these are not arbitrary punishments but reflections of cause-and-effect spiritual laws.

Why Should I Care?

Generational patterns operate whether you acknowledge them or not. They can shape identity, trigger broken behavior, distort thinking, and open spiritual vulnerabilities. Understanding the source empowers you to break cycles rather than repeat them.

How Do Generational Curses Work?

Generational influence operates through:

• Modeled behavior
• Emotional and trauma imprinting
• Spiritual legal access

In other words: what is not healed in our own lives is often handed down.

How Are Generational Curses Different From the Sinful Nature Inherited from Adam?

All people inherit a sinful nature from Adam (Romans 5), that is a built-in tendency to be focused on ourselves instead of resist God, and to be driven by self-centered agendas and self-conscious emotions. Generational curses are specific patterns passed through family lines. Sin nature is universal; generational curses are particular, breakable, and often tied to unhealed wounds or unrepented actions.

Who Can Be Affected?

Anyone—believers and unbelievers. Salvation breaks the curse of sin, but emotional wounds, learned behaviors, and spiritual access points can remain until intentionally confronted and resolved.

How Do I Detect a Generational Curse?

Look for repeating patterns across generations:
• Divorce or relational failure
• Addiction or bondage
• Chronic fear or shame
• Financial collapse
• Anger, violence, or control
• Occult involvement
• Spiritual resistance that feels inherited

The direct method is to use Journaling.

Lord Jesus, Am I am impacted by a generational curse? If so which one,
If so, did it come from father or mother?
Where did they get it….keep following back until you find the root

How Do I Break a Generational Curse?

Freedom comes through applying the finished work of Jesus:

  1. Confess the pattern
  2. Repent on behalf of the lineage
  3. Renounce the enemy’s claim
  4. Forgive family members who flowed it to you
  5. Break ungodly agreements
  6. Apply Jesus finished work to the initial source, the intersection of sperm and egg, and your soul.
  7.  Invite the Holy Spirit to fill the space held by the curse
  8. Walk in renewed patterns

Where Can I Learn More?

Recommended resources:
• Key scriptures: Exodus 20:5–6, Exodus 34:7, Numbers 14:18, Galatians 3:13
• Mark Virkler – Hearing God’s voice and breaking spiritual influences
• Derek Prince – Blessings and curses
• Neil Anderson – Freedom in Christ
• Henry Wright – Spiritual roots of disease

 

 

 

Ungodly Beliefs Limit You — The Truth Sets You Free. Use It.

Introduction

Beliefs are the things we treat as *real enough to act on*. Your life moves in the direction of your beliefs. They shape every part of life—how we see reality, how we relate to God, how we see ourselves, and how we treat others.

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

Godly beliefs, rooted in Scripture and revealed in the life and teachings of Jesus, align us with reality as God defines it and open the door to freedom

Ungodly beliefs—lies planted by the enemy—distort perception, limit identity, fuel sin, and block spiritual transformation. When you agree with lies—about God, yourself, others, or your future—your world becomes smaller, darker, and harder. Ungodly beliefs quietly influence your emotions, decisions, relationships, and the way you see God.

Jesus made the battle lines clear:

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”— John 8:32

Freedom comes when The Truth replaces lies. Not someday, not theoretically, not someone else—You here and now today.

WHAT Are Ungodly Beliefs?

Ungodly beliefs are any conclusions, assumptions, or internal narratives that contradict Scripture. 

They based on lies and deceptions introduced by the devil and are empowered by fear, shame, pride, and emotional wounds.

An ungodly belief can sound reasonable, familiar, or even virtuous, yet completely undermine your walk with God.

Ungodly beliefs form slowly—through upbringing, trauma, culture, and exposure to repeated lies from the adversary. Once embedded, they shape your emotional responses, your expectations, and your self‑perception.

These beliefs distort:

  • Your view of God
  • Your identity
  • Your sense of purpose
  • Your emotions
  • Your expectations
  • Your relationships

Ungodly beliefs shape how you interpret situations and how you respond to challenges. Most dangerously, they shape what you expect from God.

WHY Ungodly Beliefs Are So Dangerous (The Consequences)

Every decision you make flows from what you believe is **possible** and **appropriate**. This is the essence of *Possibility Thinking*, a principle that profoundly aligns with Scripture.

“If you do not believe something is possible, you will not attempt it. And even if you believe it is possible, you will only act if you believe it is appropriate.”
Ungodly beliefs damage every level of life:

• **Spiritually** — they block intimacy with God and dull spiritual discernment.
• **Emotionally** — they reinforce shame, fear, anxiety, and hopelessness.
• **Relationally** — they create cycles of mistrust, unforgiveness, and self‑protection.
• **Behaviorally** — they manifest as repeated undesired behaviors that feel ‘automatic.’

In short: lies enslave. Truth frees. And freedom requires identifying the lie at the root.

“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)

Ungodly beliefs always produce ungodly consequences. Consider the effects:

  1. Psychological consequences — fear, anxiety, shame, identity confusion, hopelessness.

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7

  1. Behavioral consequences — self-sabotage, addiction, anger, drifting into sin.

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit…” — Matthew 7:18

  1. Relationship Consequences — isolation, offense, division, manipulation.

“Pursue peace with all people…” — Hebrews 12:14

  1. Purpose & destiny consequences — lost calling, diminished potential, confusion.

“For we are His workmanship… created for good works…” — Ephesians 2:10

  1. Spiritual consequences — agreement with the enemy, hardened heart, blocked intimacy with God.

“Give no place to the devil.” — Ephesians 4:27

Ungodly beliefs do not sit still. They grow, multiply, and shape the course of a person’s entire life.

WHO: Who Struggles With Ungodly Beliefs?

Everyone.

Believers carry ungodly beliefs when emotions override truth or when faith is weakened. Unbelievers build their worldview entirely on them.

Different backgrounds produce different types of lies:

– Religious guilt and performance-based acceptance

– Fear-based views of God

– Identity confusion reinforced by culture

– Lies inherited through family patterns

This is a universal battle. No one is exempt—and no one is without hope.

The Four Tiers of Truth

Your beliefs form a layered structure. To transform fully, each tier must be aligned with The Truth—the unchanging reality God reveals through Scripture and the life of Jesus.
• Tier 1 — Worldview: Your Eternal Reality
• Tier 2 — God’s Nature and His Promises to You
• Tier 3 — Your Identity and Relationship With God
• Tier 4 — Your Relationships With Others and the World

Lies Lead to Undesired Behaviors

Ungodly beliefs always manifest as undesired behaviors. Often the connection is invisible until the Holy Spirit reveals it. Below is a concise but meaningful overview of how ungodly beliefs manifest at each tier of life.

Tier 1 — The Devil’s Top 10 Lies (Worldview)

• There is no God → Nihilism, moral collapse, self‑exaltation.
• Truth is relative → Confusion, instability, erosion of justice.
• Life has no inherent purpose → Apathy, self-destruction.
• People are basically good → Naïveté, denial of sin, poor boundaries.
• The spiritual realm is not real → Blindness in spiritual warfare.
• Satan and demons are myths → Unopposed spiritual influence.
• Morality is subjective → Rationalization of sin.
• Humans can fix themselves without God → Pride, burnout, legalism.
• There is no eternity → Short-sighted choices, worldliness.
• Scripture is not authoritative → Drift, deception, confusion.

Tier 2 — Lies About God’s Nature

• God is not truly good → Mistrust, resentment.
• God is distant or uninvolved → Prayerlessness, self‑reliance.
• God will not protect me → Anxiety, control.
• God will not provide for me → Hoarding, greed, compromise.
• God’s promises are for others, not me → Passivity, fear.
• Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t enough → Shame, self‑punishment.

Tier 3 — Lies About Your Identity

• I am worthless → Shame, hiding, withdrawal.
• I cannot change → Hopelessness, stagnation.
• My past defines me → Bondage, guilt, self‑limitation.
• I am alone and powerless → Fear, surrender to sin.
• I have nothing to offer → Passivity, avoidance.
• I have no spiritual authority → Vulnerability, fear.

Tier 4 — Lies About Relationships and the World

• People cannot be trusted → Isolation, offense.
• Forgiveness is impossible → Bitterness, division.
• Serving others is weakness → Pride, selfishness.
• Boundaries are unloving → Burnout, resentment.
• My choices don’t affect others → Irresponsibility.
• My faith is private → Silence, missed assignments.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God…” — 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)

HOW: How to Replace Ungodly Beliefs With The Truth

Here is a simple, repeatable process that invites the Holy Spirit to uncover the root of every undesired behavior. Use this prayer‑journaling sequence regularly:

  1. “Lord, what undesired behavior should we address right now?”
  2.  “What self-centered love drives this behavior?”
  3. “What ungodly belief is enabling this behavior?”
  4. “What truth corrects this belief?”
  5. Execute correction by declaration:
    • Confess the behavior.
    •  Repent for holding the ungodly belief and the self-centered love.
    •  Reject the lie.
    •  Embrace the truth.
    •  Ask the Holy Spirit to empower new behavior by grace.

Here is an example declaration:

“Heavenly Father, I confess and repent of undesired behavior (xxx),
      I repent for holding self-serving love (xxx) that drove it, and ungodly belief (xxx) that enabled it to continue,
      I forgive person (xxx) who gave it to me, they were blinded and lost in this fallen world.
      I accept Jesus’ work on the cross to rescue me. His broken body paid the price, and His blood now covers me.
      I rebuke the unclean spirit that has been operating in me, I demand you leave and never return.
      I claim healing and deliverance in Jesus’ name, by his stripes I am healed.
      Holy spirit, fill me and help me remember every word of God to stand firm in this battle and bring you glory.
       As it is written, so let it be done for me! In Jesus’ name. AMEN”

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

 

Some Other Considerations

Here are proven best practices drawn from Scripture, deliverance ministers, and discipleship leaders.

  1. Stay filled with the Word — read, listen, meditate.

“Faith comes by hearing…” — Romans 10:17

– Read Scripture daily.

– Listen to sermons and worship.

– Meditate on passages that speak to your identity and purpose.

  1. Journal to identify ungodly beliefs.

Lord, What issue should I address next to become the person you intended me to become?

 – What undesired behaviors shall we stop?

 – What ungodly belief allowed them to happen?

– What godly belief will stop them?

Confess you undesired behavior, Repent for holding ungodly beliefs, Ask Holy Spirit to help you instill the Godly belief and walk in alignment with it.

  1. Anchor your beliefs in the seven truth categories:
    • – God’s Character
    • – God’s Promises
    • – Your Identity
    • – Your Purpose
    • – Your View of Others
    • – Truth & Reality
    • – Your Responsibility

These categories help you replace lies with the correct kind of truth. (Ref list of truths)

  1. Use 3×5 verse cards to memorize specific truths.
    • – Choose a verse each morning.
    • – Carry the card everywhere.
    • – Speak it aloud several times a day.

This rewires your thinking and strengthens your faith.

  1. Speak declarations out loud.
    • – “God is…” declarations strengthen your view of Him.
    • – “I am…” declarations reinforce identity.
    • – “Because God promised…” declarations build confidence.

Replace lies with truth immediately when spotted

Where to Learn More

These teachers offer deep insight into renewing the mind and replacing lies:

– Dan Mohler

– Derek Prince

– Neil Anderson (Bondage Breaker)

– John Bevere

– Joyce Meyer (Battlefield of the Mind)

– Jordan Peterson (psychology of belief)

– Dallas Willard (spiritual disciplines)

Conclusion

Ungodly beliefs limit you. They shrink your world, restrict your potential, and distort how you see God. The Truth sets you free—*but only if you use it*.

Start today:

– Identify lies.

– Replace them with Scripture.

– Declare truth.

– Walk in freedom.

This is the life Jesus paid for—step into it.

 

Demonic Spirits Work In Chains, Trigger → Aggravate → Destroy

Introduction: Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is the ongoing conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. We have a real enemy—Satan—who uses spiritual forces of wickedness to deceive, tempt, pressure, and ultimately destroy. Demonic spirits are fallen angels aligned with Satan, operating with intentional strategy to steal, kill, and destroy. They cannot possess a believer’s spirit, but they can influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors when given access. They use deception, temptation, emotional pressure, and destructive influence to derail God’s purposes in our lives.

The enemy works through predictable patterns and strategies, not randomness. Understanding their schemes is the first step toward resisting them effectively. 

One of the most common demonic mechanisms is the three‑stage spiritual influence chain:

Trigger → Aggravate → Destroy.

Understanding this chain equips believers to identify attacks early, resist effectively, and walk in lasting freedom.

This post introduces one of the most common demonic patterns—how spirits work together to move a person from a moment of vulnerability into patterns of destruction. This pattern is called the Trigger → Aggravate → Destroy chain.

1. TRIGGER — The Opening Move

A trigger is the moment a demonic spirit attempts to activate an internal weakness, wound, or ungodly belief. It is not sin, but it is the point where spiritual pressure begins.

“Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” —James 1:14 (NKJV)

Triggers can take the form of rejection, shame, loneliness, disrespect, boredom, fear of failure, correction, or anything that presses on an unhealed part of the heart. The trigger activates an ungodly love (self-protection, pride, comfort, approval) or an ungodly belief (“I’m not enough,” “I’m alone,” “I’ll never change”).

2. AGGRAVATE — The Intensifier

Once triggered, aggravating spirits rush in to increase emotional pressure. Their job is to take a small spark and turn it into a fire—fear into anxiety, irritation into anger, sadness into despair.

“When the enemy comes in like a flood…” —Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)

Aggravator spirits usually work through persistent mental suggestions: “You’re failing,” “No one cares,” “You can’t handle this,” “They don’t respect you,” “It will never get better.” The goal is to destabilize the heart until the person feels overwhelmed.

3. DESTROY — The Outcome

If the aggravation is not resisted, destroyer spirits step in. These spirits push for outward, visible, and damaging actions. Their intention is always the same—cause harm to the person, their relationships, their reputation, and their spiritual life.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” —John 10:10 (NKJV)

Destroyer spirits manifest through rage, addiction, sexual sin, violence, self-harm, isolation, sabotage, or compulsive behaviors. Their influence leads to broken trust, damaged families, ruined opportunities, and spiritual bondage.

Breaking the Chain: Three Strategies

The chain can be broken at ANY stage, but the deepest freedom comes when all three layers are addressed.

Scripture gives three clear strategies:

    • Renew the Mind — breaks TRIGGERS

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” —Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

    • Resist the Enemy — silences AGGRAVATORS

“Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” —James 4:7 (NKJV)

    • Walk in the Spirit — blocks DESTROYERS

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” —Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)

1. Breaking Triggers — Addressing Self‑Centered Loves

Triggers work because they press on self‑centered loves such as comfort, control, reputation, approval, or self‑protection. These loves represent areas of the flesh not fully submitted to Christ.

To break triggers, identify the self‑centered love being pressed, expose the ungodly belief attached to it, and replace it with a God‑centered truth. This is the essence of renewing the mind.

This will be expanded in the upcoming Trigger Reference Table.

2. Breaking Aggravators — Dismantling Lies and Ungodly Beliefs

Aggravators thrive on ungodly beliefs such as ‘I’m unsafe,’ ‘I’m alone,’ ‘I must defend myself,’ or ‘Nothing will ever change.’ These lies amplify emotions and cloud judgment.

Breaking aggravators requires identifying the lie, confronting it with Scripture, and speaking truth out loud. This disarms the emotional momentum the enemy depends on.

The Aggravator Reference Table will outline key lies, truths, and scriptures for practical use.

3. Breaking Destroyers — Stopping Sin and Behavioral Cycles

Destroyer spirits push for outward actions that cause real harm. They rely on emotional chaos, ungodly beliefs, and past sin patterns to pressure the believer into destructive behavior.

Breaking destroyers requires: interrupting the moment, declaring Scripture, praying in the Spirit, and implementing practical boundaries. Long‑term freedom comes from consistent obedience and walking in the Spirit.

The Destroyer Reference Table will map common destroyers, their motives, lies, truths, and verses.

Where to Learn More

Kirkgasser Home Group Bible Study – Use God’s Words To Resist The Devil (Video( Presentation)

Catalog of Demonic Spirit Families, Ungodly Truths, Biblical Truths

Sin Chains Reference Table

Devil Strategies Reference Tables

 

For deeper study in spiritual warfare, demonic influence, and Christian freedom, explore:

  • Ephesians 6 — The Armor of God
  • 2 Corinthians 10 — Taking thoughts captive
  • Mark 4 — How Satan steals the Word
  • 1 Peter 5 — Be sober and vigilant
  • Derek Prince — Teaching on Deliverance
  • Neil Anderson — The Bondage Breaker
  • Dan Mohler — Identity & Transformation

These resources reinforce the principles in this post and prepare the foundation for the upcoming Trigger, Aggravator, and Destroyer Reference Tables.

 

Jesus Expects You to Be an Exorcist Like Him

Introduction

Jesus was not only a teacher, healer, and miracle-worker—He was an exorcist. Deliverance was a core expression of His mission to destroy the works of the devil, liberate people, and advance the Kingdom of God.

1. WHAT — Jesus Was an Exorcist (And What Demons Are)

Scripture consistently shows Jesus directly confronting, exposing, and removing demons as part of His normal ministry.

What Demons Are

Demons are unembodied spirits—disembodied personalities aligned with the kingdom of darkness. They agitate, deceive, and pressure people toward destructive actions.

What Demons Do

Their strategy typically follows:

  1. Plant a lie
  2. Agitate emotions
  3. Influence decisions
  4. Produce destructive actions

Jesus’ Exorcism Ministry

“He cast out the spirits with a word.” (Matthew 8:16 NKJV)

“He was casting out a demon, and it was mute…” (Luke 11:14 NKJV)

“With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” (Luke 4:36 NKJV)

“The demons are cast out.” (Matthew 11:5 NKJV)

2. WHY — To Root Out the Devil’s Works and Restore Creation

Deliverance reverses the corruption introduced by the fall and restores people to God’s original design. It is creation-restoration work, not merely personal freedom.

3. WHO — The Chain of Authority: 12 → 70 → Believers

The Twelve

“He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out…” (Matthew 10:1 NKJV)

The Seventy

“Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” (Luke 10:17 NKJV)

All Believers

“He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also.” (John 14:12 NKJV)

“In My name they will cast out demons.” (Mark 16:17 NKJV)

4. HOW — Jesus Equipped Believers

Jesus equipped believers with His Name, His Spirit, His Authority, and His Commission.

His Name

“In My name they will cast out demons.” (Mark 16:17 NKJV)

His Spirit

“If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God…” (Matthew 12:28 NKJV)

His Authority

“I give you authority… over all the power of the enemy.” (Luke 10:19 NKJV)

His Commission

“Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)

5. WHEN — When Believers Step Into Deliverance

Believers should engage in deliverance when

  1. When encountering oppression
  2. When someone seeks freedom
  3. During discipleship
  4. During evangelism
  5. When the Spirit prompts
  6. Self-deliverance

Where to Learn More

Scriptures

Mark 1–5

Luke 9–10

Ephesians 6

Acts 8, 16, 19

Books

  • Derek Prince – They Shall Expel Demons
  • Frank Hammond – Pigs in the Parlor
  • Neil Anderson – The Bondage Breaker

Teachers

Derek Prince Ministries

Isaiah Saldivar

Dan Mohler

Frank Turek

 

How Can I Understand My Created Value?

Introduction:

Every person, at some point, wrestles with three fundamental questions about life:

1. How did I get here?
2. Why am I here?
3. Where am I going when I leave?

This post focuses on the second question: Why am I here?
It’s a question about purpose, meaning, and value — not just what we do, but why we exist.

How The World Measures Value

It’s easy to measure our worth by what we can see or what we can measure.
We might look at:

  • How strong and capable our body is
  • How many compliments we get about our looks
  • How capable our mind is
  • How many Degrees we have earned
  • How much money we have in the bank
  • What our Job title is
  • How big our house is,
  • How fancy our car is,
  • Or what people say about us.

We can make a list of past accomplishments – Education, Work, Athletics, Performance, Building Things, Accomplishing Milestones 

We can estimate our future earnings potential

We can also perceive a reduction in our worth

  • Major setbacks, Health issues, Physical or Emotional injury, Failed relationships
  • Guilt, Shame, Condemnation for things we have done,
  • Damaged self-image from things others have done to us: Rejection, Abandonment, Bullying, Abuse, Manipulation, Control    

We are conditioned to think that our worth is built on those things, But that kind of value is temporary — and it changes as circumstances change. You are only as good as your last conversation.

A Bigger Picture of Value

To understand true worth, we have to look beyond the temporary visible world and take on an eternal perspective — to see ourselves as God sees us.

You are not a random occurrence, not “just another person” who happened to be born on this planet. You are specifically designed by God for a purpose.

You are a vital part of His Kingdom — uniquely gifted, intentionally placed, and continually shaped by His hand.

  • Jesus formed you in your mothers’ womb (Psalm 139:13–14).
  • He has more thoughts about you than there are grains of sand (Psalm 139:17–18).
  • He has plans to prosper you and give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
  • He gave you gifts and talents so you can be useful (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Peter 4:10).
  • He has prepared works for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).
  • He provides for all your needs (Matthew 6:31–33).
  • He is molding you like a potter molds clay (Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:3–6).
  • And most importantly to understand, He gave His life for you. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

That means you are not something random, or a mistake, or an accident. You are an intentional creation — a vital instrument in the hands of a loving Creator.

Embracing the Purpose God Designed

If you belong to Christ, you’re part of His divine plan — a cog in the great machine of the Kingdom of God.
He calls you to shine like a beacon (Matthew 5:14–16) and to serve as His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20).
To do that fully, we must embrace what Jesus did for us on the cross.

The problem of sin / sinful nature / self consciousness

We were created in God’s image and connected with Him in the Garden. Adam and Eve chose to rebel and as a result they became self-conscious (naked, afraid, hiding from God, deflecting blame) and corrupted the image. We inherit that corrupted image and have a tendency to focus on ourselves rather than God, and our worldly situation and our past rather than focusing on our eternal destiny and how best to prepare.

Sin makes us self-conscious and self-centered  — it turns our focus inward instead of upward. When we are focused away from God we become separated from the source of love and begin to feel a vacuum of love, a need for love. We start to seek that love from all the wrong places.  We try to fill that “God shaped” hole in our soul  with things like building ours ego up, seeking recognition, fancy cars, big houses, creating an identity based on work, or party animal, or being promiscuous. This approach make us vulnerable to our circumstances.  Every setback rocks our world, every word spoken to us can destroy our self image. All of this works against God’s intentions for us and defeats the actual purpose and plans God had set out for us.   That is why He chose to com here in person, in the flesh, to restore what was lost through Adam. 

The Solution: God comes in person for restore us – Love came and suffered for us, The Truth sets us free

God chose to come to earth in person, in the flesh, in the form of a son – Jesus  (John 1:1, 1:14). He is Immanuel, God wth us (Matthew 1:23) , Most folks get the idea that God sent his son so that we could have eternal life with Him in heaven (John 3:16). But they miss the point that He also came to restore “That” which was lost through Adam, the original image of God which is the foundation for our actual purpose here in this life. 

“for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

What exactly did He do for us on the cross? 

  • We were born into a fallen world and inherited a sinful nature, we all have sinned, the wages of sin are death, we all have earned an eternity in hell.
  • He allowed His earthly body to be beaten and broken to the point of death to pay the price for our sins. He suffered death so we do not have to. He paid our fine.
  • He lived a sinless life so that He could be the Perfect Lamb sacrificed to forgive the sins of the world.
  • When we acknowledge we have earned eternity in hell, and embrace His sacrifice for our sins, we are born again and given a new heart and new spirit
  • When we acknowledge His loving sacrifice, and give our lives to Him as Lord, His blood covers us, forgives and forgets our sins.

Jesus is the truth:  The truth that God loves us, the truth that true love voluntarily suffers for a higher purpose, and the truth that the only way back to God the Father is through Jesus.  When you understand, embrace, and apply that truth, it will set you free.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

 “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”1 John 3:1

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 

Our Response To Jesus’ Love: Deny our “self”, Pick up our own cross,  and Follow Jesus 

In order to undo the mess that Adam and Eve did in the garden and fix the image in us, and leverage what Jesus did for us on the cross,  we must cut off the old and get rid of the baggage it brings into our lives. 

We ae called to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23), crucify our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:24), bury our old self in the grave with Christ (Romans 6:6; 6:4), and then be raised into new life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In that new life, Jesus empowers us with supernatural grace to do things we could never do in our own strength (Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 4:13).

What Eternal Value Can I Create Here/Now?

Are you a force for Good in the world – positive, encouraging, helpful, providing a useful service, treating others with respect?

Do you acknowledge God’s roles in your life: Do you acknowledge Gods hand in your life, Do you give Him credit, Do you do it publicly?

Do you help others connect with God ?

Do you sow God’s love through your actions? Give Him credit publicly? Share your testimony? 

Nurturing peoples journey is a multiple step process and takes many forms, but it is valuable  (1 Corinthians 3:6–9).

Your life, love, and testimony impacts every person you come in contact along your journey, and that impact is eternal.

Your words shape minds. Your presence alters atmospheres. Your comfort heals wounds. Your wisdom redirects destinies. Your sacrifices change stories. Your example inspires faith. This is the real measure of your created value.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”
—Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

What Is My Created Value?

You create value for God with the *impact your life has on others* — the spiritual, emotional, relational, and eternal ripple that spreads from you to every life you touch.

Your created value is the God-designed effect your life is meant to have on others, this is the fruit your life produces — the ripple effect that brings life, healing, strength, clarity, and faith to the world around you.

Created value is not measured by titles, careers, status, or image. It is measured by the eternal imprint you leave on human souls. It is the multiplication of goodness, truth, and love that flows outward from your life.
Your life is intended to bear fruit that remains — fruit that changes people, families, and generations.

“…I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
—John 15:16 (NKJV)

Channels Through Which Your Created Value Flows

Value Flows as actions or effects flow through a channel or path of connections and impacts someone in a meaningful way

Presence

    • The atmosphere you carry — peace, love, stability, or tension and anxiety.

Words

    • The encouragement, wisdom, correction, or damage your words create.

Relationships

    • The lives you shape through family, friendship, mentorship, and community.

Works / Service

    • The good you do by serving, giving, supporting, helping, or ministering.

Example / Model

    • The life-pattern others imitate: integrity, humility, faith, perseverance.

Legacy / Generational Influence

    • The ripple your actions create in children, grandchildren, disciples, and beyond.

Spiritual Authority & Prayer

    • The unseen impact of your intercession, declarations, blessings, and warfare.

Teaching / Guidance

    • Your influence through spiritual wisdom, counsel, mentorship, or leadership.

How Far Does Your Impact Reach?

Your created value is far more expansive than you realize. Studies on influence, social reach, and relational networks suggest that the average person directly impacts **500–2,500 people** in their lifetime.
Indirect and generational impact multiplies exponentially:
• The people you influence then influence others.
• Those people influence more.
• And the ripple continues long after you’re gone.
This means the total impact of your life may reach **tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions** over generations. Scripture affirms this principle:

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
—Galatians 5:9 (NKJV)

Even one encouraging word, one transformed child, one restored relationship, one person you help find God — these effects continue far beyond what you see.

What You Can Do Now That You Understand Your Created Value

Your created value becomes powerful when you intentionally cultivate it with God.

Here is the path:

 

  1. Ask God to help you see the impact you are having – Lord, What fruit am I bearing in this life?
  2. Ask God to reveal your strongest channels – Lord, Where is my value flowing most effectively?
  3. Evaluate each channel from the list above honestly – Lord is this channel producing life and fruit… or is it blocked?
  4. Ask Jesus to help you prioritize — Lord, Which channel do you want to heal or strengthen first?
  5. Identify your internal blockers — Lord, What ungodly loves, lies, wounds, fears, or habits are restricting my flow?
  6. Identify the truth to correct the lies – Lord, What Truths will correct these lies?
  7. Apply the Transformation Path — Lord, I repent of ungodly loves, ungodly beliefs. and harmful behaviors.  I declare godly love, godly beliefs and life giving behaviors.
  8. Strengthen your roots — Deepen your identity in Christ, your surrender, humility, trust, and dependence on Him.
  9. Practice fruit-bearing behaviors — Speak life, love consistently, forgive quickly, encourage generously, and serve with joy.

As the inner tree becomes healthier, your created value flows more freely into every part of your world.

If heaven rejoices over every lost soul that’s found (Luke 15:7), imagine how valuable you are when you help bring even one person closer to God.

These are eternal investments — works that ripple forever.

Jesus died so that He could come and form in you and enable you to do be an ambassador for Him in this world .

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

That is one measure of eternal value.

God promises there are many mansions in heaven prepared for followers of Christ (John 14:2–3).
If God has a mansion waiting for you, then you must be worth something unspeakably precious to Him.

How Can I Assess My Value — and Help Others Do the Same?

1. Reflect on what God has already done for you. His continued care is proof of His investment in your life. Make a list of the ways God’s hand has shaped your life.
2. Ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes. His perspective reveals value and worth where the world sees only weakness.
3. Look for fruit, not fame. Your influence on hearts and souls carries eternal value.
4. Encourage others to see their worth. When people discover they were created with purpose, they begin to live it out boldly.

A Closing Thought

Your value isn’t earned — it’s inherent.
You were created with purpose, redeemed by love, and empowered by grace.
God’s hands shaped you.
His Son redeemed you.
His Spirit empowers you.
Live like someone designed by God — because you are.
Shine brightly, love deeply, and let your life reflect His glory.
You are priceless, because the One who made you paid the ultimate price for you.

Reference – Key Verses

God has invested in you

Psalm 139:13–14 — “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

Psalm 139:17–18 — “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.”

Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Isaiah 64:8 — “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.”

Jeremiah 18:3–6 — “Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?’ says the Lord. ‘Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!’”

Romans 12:6–8 — “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

1 Peter 4:10 — “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Matthew 6:31–33 — “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

God Came In Person – A son Jesus – To Rescue You

John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God Has High Expectations For You

Matthew 5:14–16 — “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 — “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

John 14:2–3 — “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Crucify Your Sinful Nature, Purge The Past, and Be Transformed For The Future

Luke 9:23 — “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

Galatians 5:24 — “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Romans 6:4, 6 — “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life… knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Live Your New Life By The Spirit – And Bring God Glory

Ephesians 3:20 — “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”

Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Luke 15:7 — “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”

1 Corinthians 3:6–9 — “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.”

You Are Very Valuable to God – Jesus Died to Restore You

Introduction

Everyone faces the same three questions:  How did I get here? Why am I here?  What happens when i die?.  How we answer these three questions shapes our perception of our worth.   Once we understand God’s grand plan, you can see that all three of these questions tie together and reveal that you are very valuable to God. Lets explore.   

In the Beginning: You Were Designed for Glory

In the beginning, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit—the eternal Trinity—created the heavens and the earth in perfect unity and love. Then, as the pinnacle of creation, They made mankind in Their image and likeness (Genesis 1:26–27). Humanity was not an afterthought; we were crafted with purpose—to reflect God’s nature and partner with Him in creation.

God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28), inviting them into a sacred partnership to steward creation through love and wisdom. Adam naming the animals (Genesis 2:19–20) wasn’t a small task—it was a demonstration of divine collaboration, a picture of heaven and earth working in harmony.

God placed them in a perfect garden, overflowing with His presence and provision. They were free to enjoy everything, guided only by one boundary: “Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17). This wasn’t control—it was covenant love, a test of trust. God gave them the freedom to choose love over rebellion, relationship over pride.

The Fall: The Image Corrupted

But Adam and Eve chose to rebel. Tempted by the serpent, they stepped out from under God’s truth and believed a lie—that they could define good and evil apart from Him. In that single act, sin entered the world, and humanity’s nature became self-centered and self-reliant instead of God-centered and love-driven.

They became immediately self-conscious—naked, ashamed, and afraid—and self-defensive, shifting blame even onto God (Genesis 3:7–13). The perfect image of God in them was marred; their hearts, once vessels of divine love, became corrupted by pride and fear.

This fallen nature was passed on to all humanity. From then on, every human being has been born with the same inner conflict—a heart bent toward self instead of surrender. We were designed to flow with God’s life and love, but sin severed that connection.

The Problem of Sin: Separation from Love and Life

God’s will is perfect. His laws are not restrictions—they are instructions for life. When we live outside of His will, we step out of alignment with the order of creation, and the result is always death. As Scripture says:

“The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)

Sin is not just breaking rules—it’s breaking relationship with the Source of love and life. Cut off from that source, we begin to decay spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

God is a just Judge, and justice demands that sin’s penalty be paid. Yet He is also perfect love, unwilling that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). The solution required both justice and mercy—and both met perfectly in Jesus Christ, who is Truth and Love embodied.

The Solution: Love Paid the Price, Truth Sets Us Free

Jesus came to earth as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), the full expression of God’s truth and love.
He declared, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). In Him, truth and love are not separate—they are one. Truth without love condemns; love without truth deceives. But in Jesus, truth is loving and love is truthful.

His love is seen in His willingness to lay down His life for us:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

And His truth reveals the depth of our worth—that we are so valuable to God that He was willing to send His Son to suffer and die to restore what was lost through Adam. The cross is the ultimate declaration of our value in God’s eyes.

Isaiah 53:5 tells us:

“He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of sin, satisfying justice and demonstrating unimaginable love. His death destroyed the barrier between God and man. The truth of who we are—God’s beloved image-bearers—was restored through His sacrifice.

Restoration: Removing the Damage of the Fall

To be restored to our original created value, we must allow God to remove the damage sin caused.
Jesus doesn’t just forgive sin—He transforms the sinner. To live the life God intended, we must cut off the fallen nature inherited from Adam, shed the baggage of guilt, pride, and fear, and be reborn into the image of Christ.

Jesus called us to this radical transformation:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Paul explains it clearly:

“Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires… be made new in the attitude of your minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24)

This is not about striving—it’s about surrendering and becoming. When we yield our will to Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to heal what sin has broken. Our hearts are softened, our minds renewed, and our lives redirected. We are reunited with the Father, walking once again in the love and authority He designed us to carry.

Your Value: Measured by the Price Paid For You

We measure value by the price something costs. God measured your worth by the price He paid—the blood of His Son.

1 Peter 1:18–19 says:

“You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.”

You are not defined by your past mistakes or the lies of this fallen world. You are defined by the cross—the place where Love bled and Truth spoke, declaring your eternal worth.

You are valuable because the Creator Himself said so. You are the treasure He was willing to die to reclaim.

The Transformation: Christ Formed in You

Salvation is not the end of your story; it’s the beginning of your restoration. When you accept Jesus’ finished work, His Spirit moves into your heart, begins renewing your mind, and restores the image of God within you.

You are born again (John 3:3), raised from death to life, and invited into daily transformation. Christ begins to form within you (Galatians 4:19), teaching you to walk in truth and love—just as He did. You become a reflection of heaven on earth, a living testimony of grace.

This is what it means to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)—a restored image-bearer through whom God’s presence shines.

You Are God’s Manifestation on Earth

You were not created to merely survive—you were created to reveal God to everyone around you.
Every time you choose humility over pride, compassion over bitterness, truth over lies, you manifest His nature. You become His living image again.

That opportunity is so precious to God that Jesus came and died to make it possible.
When shame says you’re broken, remember: His love made you whole.
When doubt whispers you’re worthless, remember: Truth Himself hung on a cross to prove your worth.
When fear says you’re alone, remember: The Spirit of Love and Truth lives inside you.

You are valuable—because God has chosen to dwell in you.

Where to Learn More

Books:

  • Mere Christianity — C.S. Lewis
  • The Normal Christian Life — Watchman Nee
  • Destined to Reign — Joseph Prince
  • The Purpose Driven Life — Rick Warren

Teachers & Messages:

  • Dan Mohler — Identity and Transformation in Christ (YouTube)
  • Frank Turek — CrossExamined (YouTube)
  • Dr. Tony Evans — The Urban Alternative (YouTube)
  • Robert Morris — Gateway Church (YouTube)
  • Andrew Wommack — Grace and Faith Teachings (YouTube)
  • Bill Johnson — Bethel Church (YouTube)

Example Declarations:

  • “I am created in God’s image and restored by His grace.”
  • “Jesus, the Truth, reveals my worth; His love redeems my life.”
  • “The old nature is gone; I am a new creation in Christ.”
  • “I walk in truth and love, reflecting the heart of my Father.”
  • “Christ in me is the hope of glory—I am His reflection on earth.”

 

Your Words Could Be Killing You – Be Sure To Speak Life

Introduction:

From the very beginning, God revealed the incredible power of words. He spoke—and the universe came into existence. Light, life, land, and living beings—all formed by His spoken Word. When God created mankind in His image, He gave us dominion (Genesis 1:26). That dominion includes the creative and destructive potential of our words.

The Power of the Tongue

What you say today shapes the world you live in tomorrow. Your words are spiritual seeds—each one will eventually bear fruit, whether for blessing or for destruction.

 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”- Proverbs 18:21

When you speak in alignment with fear, anger, or unbelief, you empower the enemy’s agenda. But when you speak faith, hope, and truth rooted in God’s Word, you activate His power and presence in your life.

Words Reveal the Heart

Your words are windows to your soul—they reveal what’s inside your heart. A heart filled with bitterness or doubt will speak defeat. A heart filled with faith and love will speak life and victory.

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

If you want to change what you’re saying, you must first let God transform your heart. Renew your mind with His Word and let His Spirit fill your heart with truth.

Words Are Covenants—Spoken Contracts

Every word you speak carries spiritual weight. In the unseen realm, your words act like contracts—binding agreements that either partner with heaven or with darkness.
When you declared Jesus as Lord, you spoke yourself into salvation (Romans 10:9-10). Likewise, careless or negative words can open doors to fear, failure, and bondage.

Word Curses—What They Are and How They Work

A word curse is any statement that declares limitation, failure, sickness, or hopelessness over someone’s life. These can come from our own lips or from others.

1. Word Curses We Speak Over Ourselves

“I’ll never be good enough.”

“I always mess things up.”

“I’m just unlucky.”

“No one could ever love me.”

These words subtly bind your future, forming self-fulfilling prophecies.

2. Word Curses Spoken Over Others

“You’ll never amount to anything.”

“You’re just like your father.”

“You’ll always struggle.”

When we speak such words, we partner with the enemy’s voice to sow destruction instead of hope.

3. Word Curses Spoken Against Us

Sometimes people, knowingly or unknowingly, speak words that curse our identity or destiny.

These can create spiritual resistance, confusion, or stagnation until they are broken by God’s truth.

How to Break Word Curses

Repent – Ask forgiveness for any careless or destructive words you’ve spoken (Matthew 12:36).

Renounce – Verbally reject any words that contradict God’s truth about you.

“In Jesus’ name, I break agreement with every word curse spoken over me. I declare those words null and void.”

Replace – Speak God’s promises in place of the lie.

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Reaffirm Your Identity – Declare who God says you are until your heart believes it and your mouth agrees with it.

Speak God’s Promises Over Your Life

“I am a child of God.” (John 1:12)

“No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)

“God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” (Psalm 138:8)

When your words align with God’s plans, His grace is released to accomplish them. Angels respond to His Word (Psalm 103:20). The Holy Spirit confirms truth with power. Your faith-filled declarations invite heaven to manifest on earth.

Choose Life Today

Deuteronomy 30:19 reminds us: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.”
You choose life by choosing your words wisely. Stop rehearsing defeat. Stop agreeing with the enemy. Speak life, speak hope, speak faith—because your words are shaping your destiny.

Practical Steps to Build a Life of Right Speaking

Start your day declaring God’s Word before social media, news, or other voices shape your thoughts. – See Example declarations below

Renew Your mind – Keys Scriptures to Meditate On

Proverbs 18:20–21 – Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

Matthew 12:36–37 – By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

James 3:2–10 – The tongue is a small member but sets the whole course of life on fire.

Romans 10:9–10 – Confession leads to salvation.

Mark 11:23–24 – You will have what you say.

Isaiah 55:11 – God’s Word will not return void but will accomplish what He pleases.

Pause before speaking—ask, “Does this agree with God’s Word?”

Confess repentance quickly when you speak negativity or doubt.

Journal your declarations and record answered prayers to build faith.

Surround yourself with believers who speak life and encourage your spiritual growth.

 Where to Learn More

The power of your words is one of the most important—and most overlooked—spiritual laws in Scripture.

To go deeper in understanding, renewing your mind, and learning how to use your tongue for life, not death, explore the following books, online resources, and practical declarations:

Books to Read and Study

These authors offer solid, biblically grounded teaching on the power of words, faith, and spiritual authority:

“The Tongue: A Creative Force” – Charles Capps
A foundational classic on how words shape your world. Explains how your spoken confession activates either faith or fear.

“Hung by the Tongue” – Francis P. Martin
A concise but powerful study on how life and death truly reside in the tongue.

“Commanding Your Morning” – Cindy Trimm
Teaches how to use biblical declarations and spiritual warfare prayers to set your day under God’s authority.

“Words That Move Mountains” – E.W. Kenyon & Don Gossett
Shows how faith-filled words, when spoken in alignment with God’s promises, can move spiritual obstacles.

“Decrees That Unlock Heaven’s Power” – Tommy and Miriam Evans
Practical decrees to speak daily to align your home, family, and destiny with heaven’s plans.

“Speak the Word: Confessions for Victorious Living” – Joyce Meyer
A topical collection of scripture-based confessions for daily life situations.

“Battlefield of the Mind” – Joyce Meyer
Essential reading on renewing your thoughts so your words reflect faith instead of fear.

Online Teachers and Media Resources

Here are ministries and teachers with strong, scriptural teaching on speaking life, faith declarations, and spiritual authority:

Derek Prince – “The Power of Proclamation” series

Andrew Wommack – “The Power of Words” and “The Power of Faith-Filled Words”
awmi.net

Joseph Prince – “Right Believing Produces Right Speaking”

Creflo Dollar Ministries – “The Power of Words” series
creflodollarministries.org

Kenneth Copeland Ministries – “The Power of the Tongue”
kcm.org

Cindy Trimm Ministries – “Commanding Your Morning” Prayer Broadcasts
cindytrimmministries.org

Listen regularly to these teachers to train your spirit to think, believe, and speak God’s truth consistently.

Example Daily Declarations

Begin your day by speaking truth over your life. Remember: your mouth steers your destiny.

Declarations of Identity and Purpose

“I am a child of God, born of His Spirit, redeemed by the blood of Jesus.”

“I am made in God’s image; therefore, my words carry creative power.”

“I am not a victim of my past—I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.”

“The favor of God surrounds me like a shield; His plans for me cannot fail.”

“I am filled with wisdom, strength, and divine purpose for today.”

Declarations of Health and Wholeness

“By His stripes I am healed; every cell in my body responds to the life of Jesus Christ.”

“My mind is sound, my heart is at peace, and my body is aligned with God’s design.”

“No weapon formed against my health shall prosper.”

Declarations of Protection and Provision

“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack no good thing.”

“God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory.”

“Angels are assigned to protect and guide me in all my ways.”

Declarations of Victory and Freedom

“Every word curse spoken over me is broken in Jesus’ name.”

“I speak blessing, peace, and restoration over my family and relationships.”

“I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.”

“Today, I speak life, not death—faith, not fear—blessing, not cursing.”

Remember:

Your tongue is not a toy—it’s a tool of dominion.

Your words can destroy your future—or release God’s glory into it.

Choose to speak life.

Faith is not silent.

Your future is waiting to hear what you’ll say next.

Speak God’s truth. Declare His promises. And watch His Word create life around you.

Evil Spirits Have Names – Recognize Them and Remove Them

Introduction

The Bible makes it clear that evil spirits are real, personal beings with identity, purpose, and hierarchy.

Jesus and His disciples encountered them frequently. When Jesus cast out demons, He often demanded to know their name, because the name revealed both their nature and their function.

“Then He asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he answered, saying, ‘My name is Legion; for we are many.’”
— Mark 5:9

Names matter in the spirit realm. Every name points to a nature — and every nature reveals an assignment.

Evil spirits seek to inhabit or influence human beings to manifest their nature on earth. They can only operate where they are given permission or granted access — through sin, disobedience, fear, ignorance, or generational curses.

Understanding their names and tactics is essential for closing the door and walking in the victory Christ provided.

“Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
— 2 Corinthians 2:11

Common Evil Spirits, Their Nature, Effects, and Points of Entry

Name / Type of Spirit What It Does to a Person (Manifestation) By What Right It Typically Enter (Open Door)

Spirit of Fear

(2 Timothy 1:7)

Torments with anxiety, panic, intimidation, irrational worries; paralyzes faith and courage. Enters through trauma, intimidation, horror entertainment, lack of trust in God.

Spirit of Lying / Deception

(1 Kings 22:22)

Distorts truth, promotes falsehood, deception, self-delusion, flattery, false doctrine. Habitual lying, manipulation, deception, rebellion, involvement with false teaching.

Spirit of Pride

(Proverbs 16:18)

Exalts self, resists correction, refuses humility, breeds judgmental or self-righteous attitudes. Enters through arrogance, success without gratitude, rebellion, rejection of God’s authority.

Spirit of Heaviness

(Isaiah 61:3)

Causes depression, hopelessness, exhaustion, discouragement, and self-pity. Enters through grief not surrendered to God, long-term sorrow, loss, or isolation.

Spirit of Infirmity

(Luke 13:11)

Produces chronic sickness, weakness, fatigue not medically explained. Enters through unforgiveness, bitterness, or inherited curses.

Spirit of Divination

(Acts 16:16)

Promotes fortune-telling, psychic visions, astrology, counterfeit revelation. Enters through occult practices, horoscopes, tarot, energy work, channeling, etc.

Spirit of Whoredom / Lust

(Hosea 4:12)

Drives sexual sin, addiction to pornography, adultery, perversion, ungodly soul ties. Enters through sexual sin, pornography, molestation, abuse, unclean media.

Spirit of Bondage

(Romans 8:15)

Enslaves through addiction, fear, mental captivity, or compulsive behaviors. Enters through substance abuse, trauma, idolatry, self-hatred.

Spirit of Jealousy

(Numbers 5:14)

Produces suspicion, envy, competition, hatred toward others’ blessings. Enters through insecurity, comparison, rejection, or betrayal.

Spirit of Rebellion

(1 Samuel 15:23)

Opposes authority, resists instruction, promotes self-will and chaos. Enters through disobedience, resentment of parents or leaders.

Spirit of Death

(Job 18:13, Revelation 6:8)

Invites suicidal thoughts, fascination with death, or premature dying. Enters through trauma, despair, curses, involvement with witchcraft or violence.

Spirit of Divisiveness / Strife

(Proverbs 6:19)

Sows discord in families, churches, and relationships; causes arguments and gossip. Enters through anger, offense, bitterness, slander.

Spirit of Control / Jezebel

(1 Kings 21:25, Revelation 2:20)

Manipulates, dominates, and intimidates; seeks to control others and silence prophets. Enters through witchcraft, manipulation, rebellion, wounded leadership.

Spirit of Python

(Acts 16:16)

Strangles spiritual life, prayer, and worship; causes weariness and distraction. Enters through occult exposure, idolatry, or neglect of prayer.

Spirit of Antichrist

(1 John 4:3)

Denies Jesus as Lord, promotes false religion, self-salvation, and rebellion against truth. Enters through false doctrine, new age beliefs, or prideful independence from God.

Spirit of Poverty

(Deuteronomy 28:48)

Produces continual lack, financial bondage, inability to prosper, or fear of giving. Enters through greed, withholding from God, generational lack, or fear of scarcity.

Spirit of Addiction

(Romans 6:16)

Enslaves mind and body to substances or habits; robs self-control. Enters through drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, or comfort-seeking idols.

Spirit of Unforgiveness / Bitterness

(Ephesians 4:31)

Corrodes relationships, produces anger, sickness, and torment. Enters through resentment, betrayal, or refusal to forgive.

Spirit of Occultism / Witchcraft

(Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

Brings spiritual confusion, curses, strange phenomena, fear, and darkness. Enters through sorcery, magic, astrology, or communication with spirits.

Spirit of Slumber

(Romans 11:8)

Keeps believers spiritually asleep, unresponsive to God’s Word, distracted. Enters through complacency, unbelief, or neglect of prayer and Word.

Spirit of Rejection

(Psalm 27:10)

Creates fear of abandonment, people-pleasing, depression, and loneliness. Enters through childhood wounds, parental neglect, betrayal, or abuse.

 

How Do We Overcome Them?

Jesus gave every believer authority over these powers:

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.”
— Luke 10:19

Deliverance begins by identifying the spirit, confessing the sin or open door, renouncing the spirit’s claim, and commanding it to leave in Jesus’ Name.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
— James 4:7

Then, fill the empty space with the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and a lifestyle of worship, obedience, and community.

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man… he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself… the last state of that man is worse than the first.”
— Matthew 12:43-45

Where to Learn More

Derek Prince – They Shall Expel Demons, Expelling Demons and Breaking Curses –  derekprince.com

Isaiah Saldivar – YouTube teachings on naming and identifying spirits – youtube.com/@IsaiahSaldivar

Alexander Pagani – The Secrets to Deliverance

Vlad Savchuk – Fight Back and teachings on “How to Close Open Doors”

John Eckhardt – Prayers That Rout Demons (excellent for targeted warfare prayers)

Closing Thought

Every evil spirit has a name.
Every name has a nature.
But there is One Name above every name that brings them all to their knees.

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”
— Philippians 2:10

Know their names.
Close their doors.
Cast them out.
And walk in freedom — in the Name of Jesus.

 

Demons: You Likely Have Them, Close the Door and Get Them Out

Introduction:

Like it or not, We are each involved in a battle. It is not a battle against an enemy you can see, it is not a battle against flesh and blood, but it is a spiritual battle. A battle between the forces for Good and Evil, a battle between God and Satan. We have a choice: We either align with God, actively work for Him and enjoy His protection, or we  are working against Him as pawns of the devil.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12

The forces of evil do not work fair; They deceive and will take advantage of any weakness in our character to steal and destroy all we cherish.  We are encouraged to understand the ways of the devil and be prepared to take a stand against him.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

“So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Corinthians 2:11

Lets understand what is going on and why, and then learn how we can optimize our path through the journey ahead and avoid any unnecessary detours. 

The Big Picture: God’s Purpose, Satan’s Fall, and Our Choice

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and purposed to fill them with His glory through a people who would love, worship, and follow His Son, Jesus Christ.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:3)

But before the creation of man, there was rebellion in heaven. Lucifer, the anointed cherub, exalted himself in pride and sought to take the throne of God.

“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:13-14)

As a result, Satan and one-third of the angels were cast down to earth, becoming the adversary and his demonic host.

“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9)

Satan’s next act of rebellion was to deceive Adam and Eve in the garden, corrupting the perfect creation of God and leading humanity into sin and separation.

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.” (Genesis 3:1)

Since that moment, Satan has sought to corrupt, enslave, and destroy God’s creation. Humanity’s rebellion against God gave him legal ground to influence and control lives.

God, in His mercy, has always reached out to deliver His people from bondage. He brought Israel out of Egypt, gave His Word to guide them through the wilderness, and ultimately sent His Son to save and redeem them.

“He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20)

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Jesus came not only to forgive sins, but to deliver us from the power of darkness.

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)

We are now faced with the same choice Adam and Eve faced:
Will we put God first and live under His protection, or continue rebelling and suffering the consequences now and for eternity?

When God is not front and center in our lives, we open doors and invite problems. One such problem that makes a mess of many lives—often unseen and unaddressed—is the influence of demons.

Let’s look at what Scripture says about them and how to get free.

What Are Demons?

The Bible calls demons “unclean spirits”, “evil spirits”, and “devils.” They are disembodied spirits of rebellion, working under Satan’s command to oppose God and torment His creation.

“And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.” (Mark 5:2)

“Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.” (Matthew 12:22)

“…there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.” Luke 13:10-11

Demons crave embodiment. They seek to dwell in people, animals, or objects to express their nature. They are intelligent, emotional, and willful—persons without bodies, as Derek Prince describes them.

They operate through deception, temptation, and oppression, always working to destroy what God has made good.

They feed off of the host, getting them to expend energy on unproductive activities, lamenting problems from the past, distracting them, sending them down rabbit holes, keeping them from focusing on important current tasks, and driving them to worry and be overwhelmed by the future. 

Who Can Have Them?

The Bible describes people who were fully possessed (completely controlled by demons), but it also describes many whose lives were simply being influenced or afflicted by demonic spirits. While being “possessed” makes dramatic content for movies, what we are focused on here is being “demonized”—being influenced or oppressed by demons that have taken up residence and are affecting your mind, body, or soul.

Some were unbelievers, but many were believers—people who frequented the synagogues and knew to seek Jesus or His disciples for deliverance.

“And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.” (Mark 1:39)

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.” (Luke 9:1)

We are all influenced by both angelic and demonic forces. The constructive, righteous thoughts we have come from above—the Holy Spirit and ministering angels. The destructive, prideful, fearful, and condemning thoughts come from below—the enemy and his minions.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh… bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

If you—or someone in your family line—has rebelled against God, worshiped false gods, engaged in the occult, or lived in unrepentant sin, there may be evil spirits with influence over parts of your life. These influences can persist until confronted, renounced, and cast out in the name of Jesus.

How Do They Get In?

Common “doors” include:

Occult involvement – Witchcraft, Horoscopes, Crystals, Fortune Telling, Taro cards, Ouija board, Yoga, Free Masonry, Energy healing, and any contact with spirits.

Generational sin or curses – inherited iniquities not yet renounced.

Trauma or abuse – wounds that leave the soul unguarded, even horror movies.

Ungodly soul ties – Unhealthy relationships 

False religion or false doctrine – Inviting counterfeit “light” that is actually darkness.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.” (1 John 4:1)

Willful sin – rebellion, unforgiveness, sexual immorality, drugs and drunkenness, adultery, idolatry.

“Nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27)

Ungodly Entertainment – Violent Video Games, Normalizing Immoral behaviors, Demonic Music, Horror Movies 

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” – Matthew 6:22-24

How Can They Impact You?

Dominating and Intrusive thoughts:

Spontaneous thoughts commanding us to do disgusting, or despicable, or destructive actions.

Voices in your head:

 We should go do…   

No one loves you….

You deserve….

God is not real,, not helping me, i’m done with him….

Your life is not worth living, take it…

You need to do it …. RIGHT NOW!

Physical and emotional torment:

“Night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.” (Mark 5:5)

Mental confusion and bondage, or 

“A man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit… cried out, saying, ‘Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?’” (Mark 1:23-24)

Spiritual blindness and oppression:

“The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Cycles of relapse and defeat:

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man… he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself.” (Matthew 12:43-45)

Demons seek to destroy every aspect of life—health, relationships, finances, emotions, and faith.

How Can You Recognize A Demonic Spirit?

You can often recognize the onset of influence from a demon because you have a sense that “this is not me.”  – thoughts, anger, undesired behaviors 

Signs of demonic influence may include:

Compulsions or addictions that resist all effort to stop

Sudden rage, fear, confusion, anxiety or depression without direct cause

Night terrors or an oppressive atmosphere around you

Inability to pray, worship, or read Scripture

Persistent patterns of failure, isolation, or confusion

Not every struggle is demonic—but many are spiritually rooted. Always seek discernment from mature believers.

How Do You Get Demons Out?

Deliverance is not complicated, but it must be done in the authority of Jesus Christ:

Some steps to follow

Choose to want to be a follower of Jesus and receive deliverance – “Yes, I want to follow Jesus, and I want to be free of demons so i can live the life He intended” 

Forgive all who have harmed you, Release all bitterness and unforgiveness. Process through each incident that comes to mind.

Repent and Renounce – Repent – Confess and turn from any sin or open door – witchcraft, porn, anger, occult, etc. 

       Renounce – Verbally break agreement with any spirit, curse, or bondage.

Confront – Call demons them out, apply pressure until they manifest – in Jesus name

Catalog which ones are there, so you can check them off as they go.

Command every unclean spirit to leave in Jesus name, Bind them, evict them, send them to the abis – in Jesus name

“In My name they will cast out demons.” (Mark 16:17)

      • If not leaving – Ask what right do you have? Go back and resolve the sin and unforgiveness involved back at the root of the issue.

Go back and check – confirm they are all gone. take notes of who has manifested and who was cast out.

Pray the holy spirit fills them and protects them.

Replace – Fill your heart and home with God’s Word, worship, and His Spirit.

Remain – Walk daily in obedience and faith, keeping every door closed.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

What can get in the way of deliverance / eviction of spirits

    1.  Lack Of Repentance – You must acknowledge your sinful nature, your history of sins, and seriously commit to changing your ways
    2.  Lack Of Desperation – You Have to Truly Want to be Delivered – Willing to Take Initiative
    3.  Wrong Motive – James 4:3 – Asking for deliverance your own self-serving benefit rather than to enable you to better serve God
    4.  Self-Centeredness – Desire for Attention, will no longer get attention if delivered
    5. Failure to break with the occult and occult objects – you become cursed by any cursed items
    6. Failure to sever evil soul ties
    7. Under a curse – curses must be broken
    8. Failure to confess a specific sin – Abortion = Murder,
    9.  Not separated by water baptism – crucify flesh, bury the past, be washed, raised into new life
    10.  Part of a larger battle – Requiring corporate action 

Where to Learn More

Derek Prince – They Shall Expel Demons, Deliverance from Evil Spirits:  derekprince.com

Isaiah Saldivar – Teachings on deliverance and spiritual warfare:  youtube.com/@IsaiahSaldivar

Other Helpful Teachers:

Alexander Pagani (The Secrets to Deliverance)

Vlad Savchuk (Fight Back)

John Eckhardt (Prayers That Rout Demons).

Closing Encouragement

Demons are real.
They are ancient, intelligent, and destructive.
But Jesus Christ is Lord of all—and He has already conquered them.

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

When you submit to God, close the doors, repent, and command the enemy to leave, you will walk in the freedom Jesus purchased for you at the cross.

It’s time to close the door and get them out—once and for all.

 

Is Jesus Really God In The Flesh: Every Chapter of Mark Says Yes

Introduction:

From the first verse to the last, the Gospel of Mark proclaims that Jesus Christ is not just a good teacher, miracle worker, or prophet—He is God Himself, Yahweh, revealed in human form.

The Bible presents an unbroken story: God revealing Himself to humanity—from walking with Adam, appearing to Abraham, wrestling with Jacob, and standing in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—until He finally comes fully in the flesh through Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary.

He is fully God and fully man—the eternal Word (John 1:1–3), who was with God and was God, and who “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14 NKJV).

This truth matters profoundly.
If Jesus were only human, His teachings could be dismissed or updated like any other prophet’s. But if Jesus is divine—if He is God in the flesh—then His words carry ultimate authority, His actions reveal God’s heart, and His death and resurrection offer eternal salvation.

The Gospel of Mark was written with urgency—to show Jesus as the Son of God (Mark 1:1) who demonstrated divine power, divine authority, divine forgiveness, and divine identity.

Let’s look at how every chapter in Mark points to Jesus as Yahweh God incarnate.

The Gospel of Mark Reveals Jesus as Yahweh in the Flesh

Claim About Jesus in Mark

Old Testament Reference

Connection, Explanation, and Implications
Mark 1:1–3 – “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God… ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’”

Isaiah 40:3 – “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord (yahweh); make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’”

Isaiah spoke of preparing the way for Yahweh Himself. Mark applies this to Jesus, declaring that the one whose path is being prepared is God in person. Jesus is Yahweh coming to His people.
Mark 2:5–12 – “Son, your sins are forgiven… The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins.” Isaiah 43:25 – “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake.” Yahweh alone forgives sin. When Jesus does so, the scribes accuse Him of blasphemy—unless His claim is true. The miracle proves His authority as God in human form, restoring both body and soul.

Mark 2:28 – “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Exodus 20:10–11 – “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth.” The Sabbath was ordained by Yahweh as Creator. Jesus’ declaration that He is Lord over it reveals His identity as the Creator Himself—the one who instituted rest. True rest is found in Him.

Mark 4:39–41 – “He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased.”

Psalm 107:29 – “He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.” The psalm attributes power over nature to Yahweh alone. Jesus commands the elements with the same authority, revealing the Creator’s voice in human form. Our storms obey His word.
Mark 5:8–13 – “He said, ‘Come out of the man, unclean spirit!’… and the unclean spirits went out.” Zechariah 3:2 – “The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” In the Old Testament, only Yahweh commands and rebukes evil spirits. Jesus’ authority over demonic forces proves His divine sovereignty and establishes Him as Lord of the spiritual realm.
Mark 6:48–51 – “He came to them, walking on the sea… and said, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’” Exodus 3:14 – “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’” (Also Psalm 77:19 – “Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters.”) Jesus walks on the waters—something only Yahweh does—and declares “Ego eimi” (“I AM”). This identifies Him as the eternal I AM, the covenant God who rules creation and calms our fears.
Mark 7:18–19 – “Whatever enters a man… cannot defile him… Thus He declared all foods clean.” Leviticus 11:47 – “To distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” Only Yahweh could define what is clean or unclean. Jesus redefines purity, revealing His authority as the Lawgiver who fulfills and transcends ritual law. He cleanses hearts, not just habits.

Mark 8:29 – “Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ.’”

Daniel 7:13–14 – “One like the Son of Man… to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom.” The “Son of Man” in Daniel is a divine figure receiving worship. Peter’s confession affirms Jesus as that divine ruler—not a mere prophet but God’s eternal King who reigns forever.
Mark 9:2–7 – “His clothes became shining, exceedingly white… and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!’” Exodus 33:18–23 – “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” The divine glory once hidden from Moses now radiates from Jesus. He is the visible glory of Yahweh, revealing the Father’s heart. We are commanded to listen to Him—the final Word of God.
Mark 10:45 – “The Son of Man… to give His life a ransom for many.” Isaiah 43:1 – “Thus says the Lord… I have redeemed you.” (Also Psalm 49:15 – “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave.”) Yahweh alone redeems. Jesus’ declaration shows God Himself paying the ransom for humanity’s sin. Only a divine life could purchase eternal redemption.
Mark 11:17 – “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:7 – “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” By calling the Temple “My house,” Jesus assumes Yahweh’s ownership. He is Lord of the Temple—God’s presence no longer confined to a building but embodied in Christ Himself.

Mark 12:10–11 – “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

Psalm 118:22–23 – “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing.” Psalm 118 celebrates Yahweh’s vindication. Jesus applies it to Himself, showing that His rejection and exaltation are the work of Yahweh—because He is Yahweh. God’s plan triumphs through Him.
Mark 13:26 – “They will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” Daniel 7:13–14 – “One like the Son of Man… coming with the clouds of heaven… His dominion is an everlasting dominion.” The “Son of Man” receives divine worship and eternal authority. Jesus identifies Himself as that figure—the divine Judge who returns in glory. His second coming is Yahweh’s appearing.
Mark 14:61–62 – “‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power.’” Psalm 110:1 – “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” Jesus claims the place of divine rule beside Yahweh. His “I AM” statement echoes Exodus 3:14, confirming His equality with the Father. The high priest recognizes this as a claim to deity.
Mark 15:37–39 – “Jesus cried out… and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn… So the centurion said, ‘Truly this Man was the Son of God!’” Exodus 26:33 – “The veil shall divide for you between the Holy Place and the Most Holy.” The torn veil signifies direct access to God. Jesus’ death fulfills Yahweh’s redemptive plan, revealing that God Himself has opened the way through His own sacrifice.

Mark 16:6, 19 – “‘He is risen! He is not here.’… He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”

Psalm 68:18 – “You have ascended on high… You have received gifts among men.” (Also Hosea 13:14 – “I will ransom them from the power of the grave.”)

Resurrection and ascension are acts of divine power. Jesus rises and reigns as Yahweh victorious over death. He is alive forevermore, ruling as God and King.

Why This Matters

Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
We are not guessing at God’s nature—He revealed Himself perfectly in Christ.

His words carry divine authority.
What He says is truth—unchangeable, eternal, and binding.

His sacrifice has divine sufficiency.
Only God could pay the price for humanity’s sin.

His resurrection confirms His identity.
He conquered death—the final enemy only God could defeat.

His Spirit dwells within believers.
The same divine presence that walked on water now empowers us to walk by faith.

Additional Reference Materials

John 1:1–14 – The Word was with God and was God, and became flesh.

Philippians 2:5–11 – Christ emptied Himself but remained divine, exalted above every name.

Colossians 1:15–20 – Jesus is the image of the invisible God, creator of all.

Hebrews 1:1–3 – The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and exact representation of His being.

Daniel 7:13–14 – The divine “Son of Man” receives everlasting dominion.

Revelation 1:8,17–18 – Jesus declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega… I was dead, and now am alive forevermore.”

Conclusion

The Gospel of Mark isn’t just a biography—it’s a revelation.
Every miracle, every parable, every declaration points to one truth:

Jesus is Yahweh in the flesh—Creator, Redeemer, Judge, and Savior.

To know Jesus is to know God Himself.
To follow Him is to walk with the great “I AM.”

He forgives like God, commands like God, judges like God, and loves like God—because He is God.
The Gospel of Mark invites us not only to believe in Jesus but to worship Him as the Lord our God who came to save us.

 

Key Lesson: There Is One God And I Am Not Him

Introduction

Life is hard,  Trials and Tribulations are not optional—they are inevitable. Every one of us will face moments where life presses us beyond our strength, wisdom, or resources. But those seasons, as painful as they are, are classrooms for spiritual growth.

This post is part of a series called Key Lessons From Trials; Truths that, if learned, can transform how we experience suffering, help us avoid any unnecessary suffering going forward, and shape us into the people God created us to be for eternity with Him.

Some lessons must be learned through the fire ourselves, others can be learned by wisdom before we get burned.  This lesson is worth learning as early in life as possible to minimize any unnecessary distress:

“There is one God—and I am not Him”

God is very specific and clear in His guidance

His Word is very clear over and over — there is only one God, He is it, and we are to worship and serve Him alone.

“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3

We are not gods, and we are not meant to worship ourselves. From Genesis to Revelation, God draws a sharp line between the Creator and His creation. When we blur that line, pride takes root, and destruction soon follows.

“You shall worship the Lord your God” – Luke 4:8

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.” – Romans 1:24-25

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

We are called to value Him for what He has done for us, fear Him for the righteous judgment that awaits all who have sinned, and yield to Him because His love is unconditional, His wisdom is infinite, His plans are perfect, and His power knows no limits.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever ”  Psalm 106:1, 1071

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” — Mark 12:30

When we submit to Him and make Him our God, He promises to protect, provide, and bless us. His covering brings peace, purpose, and safety even in the midst of trials.
But when we rebel—when we place ourselves first, chase our own desires, and trust in our own knowledge and strength — we push Him away and open the door to confusion, anxiety, and the destructive forces of evil.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”  — James 4:8

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will [a]set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

This is not merely a theological distinction—it’s a matter of spiritual survival. Every trial, every hardship, and every moment of surrender calls us back to this foundational truth:

He alone is God, and our lives can only truly prosper and bear fruit when we align with Him on the throne.

Trials Teach Us Who’s Really in Control

Our success and comfortable life allows us to put God in the background, we loose focus on the reality that God is the source of all we have and we are here for His pleasure not our own. We don’t realize how self-focused and self-reliant we are until something happens that we can’t fix ourselves —a diagnosis, a betrayal, a financial collapse, a loss, or a door slammed shut that we can’t pry open.

It’s in those moments that we discover the limits of our own power and the depth of our need for the One who truly holds all power.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”— 2 Corinthians 12:9

When we reach the end of ourselves, we stand at the beginning of God’s miraculous work.
This is how the lesson takes root: We stop trying to be our own god, and we start depending on the one true God who alone can redeem, restore, and renew.

What It Looks Like When We Make Ourselves God

Pride often deceives us into thinking:

“This is my life, I am going to live it my way…”
“I know what’s best for me….”
“I’m going to follow my heart …” 
“I can handle this, I will figure it out….”
“I deserve…..”

We lean on our understanding, logic, hustle, and experience — until the mountain in front of us refuses to move, or keeps getting even higher.
Then we see the truth: We’ve been sitting on a throne that doesn’t belong to us, pretending this life is all about ME.

“Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man.”— Romans 1:22–23 

When we make ourselves god, it can take several forms:

Control: Forcing outcomes instead of yielding and trusting God’s approach or timing.

Anxiety: Facing the uncertain future assuming everything depends on our own strength and resourcefulness.

Self-worship: Seeking validation, success, pleasure, or praise more than God’s presence.

Disobedience: Doing what feels right to us hear and now instead of what God calls us to do.

At some point we need to discover we are in no position to even try to be god of our own life.

We were born into a fallen world, our hearts/emotions are seriously flawed and will lead us in the wrong direction.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” -Jeremiah 17:9 

“For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” – Mark 7:21-23

Our minds are conditioned by the fallen world around us, we do not properly understand the spiritual world we are a part of.

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Our thoughts are influenced by evil and must be taken captive.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, “- 2 Corinthians 10:5

Our mind will reach incorrect conclusions without understanding and renewal based on God’s word. 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

We were never intended to be our own god. Pursuing our own self-centered agendas with our limited earthly minds may work for the short term, but it will not serve us well in the long term. Even if we succeed in this life, we all face judgement before God in due time. If we choose to live our own life here separate from Him, we will get to live separated from Him for eternity. 

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” — Proverbs 14:12

What It Looks Like When We Make God Our God

When the trial breaks our pride and we finally surrender, we open the door to peace and power that were never available under self-rule.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 

When God is truly God in our lives, it looks like:

Surrender: Yield your life and your future to God; His Unconditional Love, Divine Wisdom, Perfect Plans and Supreme Power:

 “…Not my will, but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42

Faith: Choosing to trust Him when we can’t yet see the outcome or even the path forward.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Obedience: Allowing His Word to shape our decisions.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.Matthew 7:24 

 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” – Joshua 1:8

Peace: Resting in His control instead of our effort.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15 

Gratitude: Converting anxiety into fervent prayer and gratitude. Thanking Him in every circumstance, not just after deliverance.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” – James 5:16

How to Apply This Lesson

Whether you’re in a storm right now or wanting to prepare for the inevitable one in the future, here are ways to learn and apply this truth without waiting for life to break you:

Acknowledge Him, His Role and Your Limits

Admit that you are not in control—and that’s a good thing. Surrender is the beginning of wisdom.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10

“…With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26 

He Is the Vine you are a Branch, without Him you can do nothing, but with Him anything is possible.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.- John 15:7

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Seek God Early and Often

Don’t wait until crisis hits to call on Him. Build a deep personal relationship no and get in the habit of depending on Him now.

 “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 4:29

Let Scripture Shape Your Perspective

God’s Word renews our minds and reminds us who He is. Read it not for just for information but to get to know God and to let Hm transform you.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. – Proverbs 3:7-8

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” – Proverbs 4:20-22

Apply A Specific Declaration Of Faith For This Lesson

A declaration of faith for “There is One God and I Am Not Him” is included at the end of this post – speak it outload until you fully embrace and feel convicted by the message.

Pray Honest Prayers

Tell God when you feel helpless. He already knows. That honesty opens the door for His power to move.

“Pray without ceasing,” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Remember the Lesson When the Trial Ends

When life gets easier, don’t slip back into self-reliance. Let every past trial remind you: you are not God, and that’s why life is safe in His hands.

The Fruit of Learning This Lesson

When this truth takes hold, your outlook changes:

You stop trying to control outcomes and start trusting God’s plan.

You stop blaming yourself for what only God can fix.

You gain peace that surpasses understanding even in the storm.

You find strength not in your power, but in His.

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” — Romans 11:36 (NKJV)

Additional Resources

Book: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren – Understanding why you exist for God’s glory.

Book: The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer – Returning to a God-centered life.

Video Sermon: “God Is God and I Am Not” by Louie Giglio, Passion City Church.

Scripture Reading: Read Job 38–42 for God’s reminder of His sovereignty.

Reflection Practice: Journal how a past trial revealed your limits and strengthened your trust in God.

Closing Thought

The quicker we learn that there is one God and we are not Him, the lighter our burdens become.
Trials may expose our weakness—but they also reveal His strength.

“Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” – Psalm 100:3

So whether you’re in a storm or watching one pass, remember this key lesson:
You don’t have to be god over your life.
You just have to trust the God who is.

“The LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.” — Deuteronomy 4:35 (NKJV)

—————————————————————————————-
Declaration:  “There is One God and I Am Not Him”

“I acknowledge and declare that there is one true and living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and I am not Him. He alone is worthy of all worship, honor, and praise.
I renounce pride, self-serving agendas, self-reliance, and every form of self-worship that leads to idolatry of the heart.
I choose instead to humble myself before God, to seek His will above my own, and to live in obedience to His Word.
His wisdom is perfect, His plans are higher, and His power is made strong in my weakness.
I belong to Him, and I live to glorify His holy name in all I do
I will worship the Lord my God and serve Him only, for His ways are righteous, His plans are perfect, and His purposes for me are far greater than anything I could devise. In Jesus’ Name.”

Key Supporting Scriptures:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” — Matthew 4:10“
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” — Isaiah 55:8
“Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” – Psalm 100:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” — Philippians 2:3
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6

 

Progressive Christianity Is Not Really Progress

Introduction

In recent years, a movement calling itself Progressive Christianity has been gaining traction. It’s presented with a glossy sales pitch — a softer, more inclusive, more “enlightened” faith that claims to move beyond traditional doctrines. It says, “We’ve evolved. We’ve outgrown the old way.”

But peel back the shiny label and you’ll see: this is not progress, it is deception. It is the latest incarnation of the oldest deception in history — “You will be like God.” (Genesis 3:5)

Progressive Christianity is not a higher form of truth; It is a very compassionate sales pitch based on half truths. The actual truth is ignored and watered down until it loses its power to actually help us overcome our separation from God in this fallen world and will prevent us from spending eternity with God when we leave this world. It replaces repentance with self-affirmation, conviction with comfort, and holiness with human opinion. It promises freedom but produces confusion, leaves its followers self-centered, trapped as slaves in their sinful ways, has them following a man-made kinder and gentler God instead of knowing the real God and aligning their hearts and minds with Him so they can know HI and He can know them and work in them to transform their lives.

Why does this matter?

Jesus makes it very clear that many will be surprised when they are rejected at heavens gate. They will have been doing all sorts of religious things in Jesus name, But because they do not actually know Him, and He does not actually know them, they will be rejected.  He only gets to know you when you have decided to actually repent and turn from sin, and choose to follow Him, His will for you, and His commandments.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-23

What is behind it?

We should not be surprised that there are folks trying to water down the Gospel.  Jesus makes it clear that the actual gospel message is repulsive to those who love themselves and their sinful ways.  It smells like death leading to death to them because it will put constraints on their earthly indulgences, but once you understand the reality of our sinful nature and our eternal destiny in hell, and what Jesus did to redeem us, it smells of Jesus sacrificed life leading to our eternal life.

Let’s look at a few of the popular claims — and the biblical truths that refutes.

1. “God is love — He wouldn’t judge anyone.”

This sounds compassionate, but it distorts who God really is.
Yes, God is love — but He is also truth and justice. His love is not sentimental; it is holy. A loving God cannot ignore evil any more than a good judge can ignore crime.

Because God is just, every wrong must be accounted for. Someone must pay the price for sin — and that “someone” is either us or Jesus.
We can bear the penalty ourselves for eternity, or we can accept the sacrifice Jesus already made on our behalf. That is love and truth working perfectly together.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 

“Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” — Psalm 85:10 

Progressive Christianity removes judgment in an effort to make God seem more loving — but in doing so, it erases the very reason the cross was needed. Without justice, the crucifixion makes no sense. Without truth, love loses its power.

2. “The Bible is inspiring, but not infallible.”

Progressive Christianity often teaches that Scripture contains truth but isn’t entirely true — that it’s a human book reflecting ancient culture and bias. But if we start deciding which verses to believe and which to discard, we make ourselves the final authority, not God.

When the foundation shifts, everything built on it crumbles.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 

The Bible isn’t just ancient wisdom; it’s the living Word of God — timeless, unchanging, and sharper than any two-edged sword.

3. “Jesus is one way, not the only way.”

This message sounds tolerant, but it’s logically and spiritually impossible. Each of the world’s major religions makes competing claims about truth, salvation, and the nature of God. They cannot all be right at the same time.

If one says God is personal and another says He is impersonal, both cannot be true. If one says salvation is by grace through faith and another says it’s earned by works, they contradict. To claim “all paths lead to God” is to ignore that each path points in a completely different direction.

Only Christianity has a living Savior. Every other founder of a faith is still in the grave. Jesus alone conquered death. He alone offers forgiveness of sin through His own shed blood.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12 

The claim that all faiths are equal is not humility — it’s deception. Truth by its very nature is exclusive.

4. “Everyone’s truth is valid.”

This is the heart of moral relativism — the belief that truth changes from person to person. But truth does not bend to fit feelings. It is eternal and absolute because it flows from the unchanging character of God.

When we start redefining sin, morality, or identity to match culture, we no longer worship God — we worship self.
That is not progress. It’s rebellion dressed up as tolerance.

5. “God made me this way — He gave me these thoughts, feelings, and orientation.”

This statement appeals to emotion, but it confuses creation with corruption. God created humanity in His image — good, whole, and pure. But when sin entered the world, that image was marred. The world now shapes, confirms, and reinforces patterns of thinking and feeling that were never part of God’s original design.

God did not make anyone broken, confused, or bound by sinful desires — the fallen world and our fallen nature did that. What the world calls “identity,” Scripture calls “the flesh.”

Jesus didn’t come to affirm our fallen condition; He came to redeem us from it.
That’s why He said, “You must be born again.” (John 3:7)
To be born again is to receive a new heart and a renewed mind — to be restored to the image and purpose God intended from the beginning.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” — Romans 12:2

So no, God didn’t “make you that way.” The sinful conditions in this fallen world did. But God can remake you — fully, freely, and forever — through the new birth in Christ.

The Hidden Cost

Progressive Christianity promises freedom from guilt and dogma, but it delivers emptiness. It takes away the cross, the power of repentance, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

It creates a “faith” that never confronts sin, never changes hearts, and never saves souls. A faith that pleases people instead of pleasing God.

True Progress Is Returning to the Truth

Real progress isn’t found in reinventing Christianity — it’s found in returning to Christ.

The Gospel doesn’t need to evolve; it needs to be understood and believed.
The world doesn’t need a faith that conforms to culture; it needs to embrace a Savior who conquers sin and death.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8 

Progressive Christianity is not progress. It’s a detour — a comfortable, crowd-pleasing road that leads away from the cross.

Stand firm. Love deeply. Speak truth boldly.
Because real love never denies the truth that saves.

 

Evil Masquerades in Plain Sight — Do Not Be Deceived

We live in an age where evil no longer hides in the shadows — it parades itself in the open, cleverly disguised as goodness, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. The enemy has always used deception as his greatest weapon, and his favorite mask is false light.

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”— 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV)

Today, that false light shines everywhere — through media, entertainment, “spiritual” movements, and philosophies that sound positive but are hollow at their core. It promises empowerment and healing but delivers emptiness, confusion, and bondage.

The Subtle Mask of Modern Darkness

The occult rarely presents itself as evil. Instead, it uses beautiful words and appealing symbols to lure hearts away from the truth. It’s the same old deception the serpent used in Eden: “You will be like God.” (Genesis 3:5)

Here are some of the many disguises through which darkness masquerades as light in today’s world:

  • “Energy healing,” “chakra alignment,” and “Reiki” — teaching that energy, not God, is the source of life and balance.

  • “Manifestation” and “law of attraction” — promoting self-will and desire as divine power instead of surrendering to God’s will.

  • “Astrology,” “horoscopes,” and “zodiac spirituality” — turning creation into a god and destiny into a formula instead of trusting the Creator.

  • “Crystals and stones” — claiming that objects hold power for protection, peace, or prosperity instead of seeking the Holy Spirit’s presence.

  • “Spirit guides,” “angel readings,” and “mediums” — inviting demonic spirits who impersonate light and comfort to gain entry into one’s life.

  • “White magic” or “good witchcraft” — deceiving people into thinking that any power apart from God can be pure.

  • “New Age enlightenment” and “higher consciousness” — leading people to worship their own mind and deny the need for Jesus.

  • “Yoga as spiritual awakening” — shifting focus from worshiping God to worshiping self through “oneness with the universe.”

  • “Visualization” and “mind power” teachings — subtly replacing prayer with self-focus and surrender with self-control.

These all share one goal: to replace dependence on Jesus with reliance on something else.

The Hollow Core of False Light

At first, these practices may seem peaceful, healing, or empowering. But they are spiritually hollow — a mirage with no true life inside. The deeper one goes, the darker it becomes.

Behind the surface of light and calm is an insatiable hunger — an invitation to pursue more power, more control, more knowledge, always just out of reach. The seeker becomes enslaved to the chase.

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”— 2 Timothy 3:5

Instead of filling you, this false light drains you. It feeds off fear, anxiety, and unrest — the very things it claims to heal. It leaves the heart weary, the mind clouded, and the spirit disconnected from God.

Every counterfeit light eventually demands more of you — more time, more energy, more dependence — and gives nothing lasting in return.

The Enemy’s True Intention: Distraction

The devil’s greatest strategy is not to make you bow to him, but to make you look anywhere except Jesus.
If he can keep you busy chasing signs, power, or “spiritual experiences,” he’s already won half the battle.

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”— Ephesians 5:6 

Satan doesn’t need to look like a monster to lead people astray. He only needs to appear helpful — a guide, a healer, a teacher of secret truths. But every path that does not lead to Jesus leads to destruction.

The Only True Light

There is only one true Light — Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’”— John 8:12

Jesus doesn’t ask you to search for hidden energy or special powers. He offers Himself — a relationship, not a ritual. His presence heals the heart, renews the mind, and fills the soul with genuine peace.

He doesn’t drain you; He restores you. He doesn’t demand your energy; He gives you His strength.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”— Matthew 11:28 

When you focus on Christ, deception loses its grip. His Word is the lamp that exposes false light.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”— Psalm 119:105 

How to Guard Yourself Against Deception

  1. Stay rooted in Scripture. God’s Word reveals truth and exposes counterfeits.

  2. Test every spirit. Not every “light” or “feeling” comes from God. (1 John 4:1)

  3. Avoid anything that seeks power apart from prayer and faith in Christ.

  4. Surround yourself with believers and sound teaching. Isolation makes deception easier.

  5. Pray for discernment daily. The Holy Spirit will alert your heart when something is off.

  6. Fill your life with worship, thanksgiving, and praise. Darkness cannot dwell where God is glorified.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”— Ephesians 5:8

In Summary

Evil no longer hides behind obvious darkness. It masquerades in plain sight, clothed in kindness, beauty, and “spirituality.” But the light it offers is false — a glow that blinds, not illuminates.

Only Jesus Christ is the true Light that leads to life. Everything else, no matter how enlightened it appears, is a distraction meant to draw us away from Him.

So, do not be deceived. Stay awake. Stay in His Word. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

“See that no one deceives you.”— Matthew 24:4 

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”— John 8:32

Resources to Learn More

  • The Devil Is Very Real – Be Aware and Resist

    • https://mygodinmotion.org/about-him-god-jesus/how-to/the-devil-is-very-real/
  • Bible Gateway — New King James Version:

  • “The Beautiful Side of Evil” by Johanna Michaelsen

  • “The Bondage Breaker” by Neil T. Anderson

  • “Deceived No More” by Doreen Virtue

  • “Know the Enemy” — Free Bible Study on Ephesians 6