Tag: Lies

Take Your Thoughts Captive

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Take Your Thoughts Captive – Do Not Be Deceived or Distracted

Introduction

Your thoughts are not background noise.
They shape your emotions, your choices, your habits, your spiritual clarity, and ultimately your destiny. Scripture commands you plainly:

“…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:5,

This blog post will help you understand what thoughts are, why you must master them, what correct thoughts look like, how to take thoughts captive, and how to test yourself for truth vs. lies so you can walk in freedom, clarity, and purpose.

What Are Thoughts and Where Do They Come From?

Thoughts are internal messages—interpretations, reactions, conclusions, assumptions, imaginations, and desires.

They arise from four primary sources:

A. Thoughts from God (Truth & Revelation)

These align with Scripture, produce peace, convict without condemning, and lead toward holiness.

They sound like clarity, invitation, alignment, protection, and wisdom.

B. Thoughts from Yourself (Desires, Fears, Habits)

Neutral thoughts shaped by your upbringing, beliefs, habits, wounds, personality, and experiences.

They often reveal what you value or fear most.

C. Thoughts from the Flesh (Old Patterns)

Self-centered impulses, cravings, pride, anger, lust, or control.

These thoughts push you toward sin or self-exaltation.

D. Thoughts from the Enemy (Lies, Accusations, Distortions)

Satan cannot read your mind—but he can whisper lies, distortions, doubts, and accusations, all designed to:

    • Undermine trust in God
    • Distort your identity
    • Interrupt your purpose
    • Inflate or collapse your emotions
    • Pressure you into sin or passivity

Jesus described him as:

“…a liar and the father of it.” — John 8:44

Your thought-life is not neutral—it is a battleground.

 Why Should I Care About My Thoughts?

Your thoughts become beliefs, your beliefs become actions, and your actions become your character and life outcomes.

Category

Right Thinking

 Wrong Thinking
God God is Good God is Harsh
  God is Near God is Distant
  God is Wise God is Unreliable
  God is For Me God is Against Me
  God Provides God Withholds
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Your thoughts shape emotions, decisions, habits, identity, and spiritual clarity.

Thoughts that go unchallenged become strongholds that limit your capabilities.

 

Category

Right Thinking

 Wrong Thinking
GOD God is Good God is Harsh
God is Near God is Distant
God is Wise God is Unreliable
God is For Me God is Against Me
God Provides God Withholds
YOURSELF (Identity) Deeply Loved Unlovable / Rejected
Fully Forgiven Condemned / Guilty
Chosen & Valued Worthless / Forgotten
Able in Christ Powerless & Weak
Growing Daily Stuck Forever
VIEW OF  OTHERS (Relationships) Forgive Freely Hold Grudges
Assume Good Assume Evil
Love Sacrificially Self-Protect Constantly
Seek Unity Stir Division
Offer Grace Demand Perfection
LIFE (Purpose & Trials) Purpose Driven Aimless Living
Kingdom Focus Earthly Obsession
Trials Refine Trials Punish
Hopeful Future Fearful Future
God Leads Me I Must Control Everything
SIN & SPIRITUAL WARFARE Resist the Devil Give In Easily
Take Thoughts Captive Let Thoughts Wander
I Have Authority I Am Powerless
Renew Mind Daily Stay Double-Minded
Walk in Freedom Stay in Bondage

Your life will move in the direction of your dominant thoughts. Choose make them good thoughts

What Are the Correct Thoughts to Hold? The Top 10 Critical Truths

These foundational truths stabilize your spiritual life.

Below is a table of the top 10 critical truths, the lies that attack them, and the consequences of believing those lies.

Review these truths.. Do You believe them whole-heartedly, Do you resonate with the lie? Do you see any of those consequences?

 

Area

 Truth to Believe

Common Lie

Consequence of Believing the Lie

God’s Character

God is good, loving, wise, faithful, trustworthy.

God is distant, harsh, unreliable, unknowable

Withdrawal, distrust, anxiety.

Your Identity

I am loved, forgiven, chosen, valuable.

I am unworthy, forgotten, defective.

Shame, insecurity, anxiety.

Salvation

Jesus has fully saved me; I stand in grace, forgiven, a resident of heaven, with Jesus.

I must earn God’s favor;

Exhaustion, fear, legalism.
Your Purpose

I was created with purpose and destiny.

My life has no purpose.

 Passivity, despair, escapism.
Your Authority

I have authority in Christ.

I am powerless; nothing will change.

Fear, oppression, defeat.
God’s Provision God supplies my needs. I must control everything or I will lack. Anxiety, greed, hoarding.
Transformation

God is changing me.

 I cannot change; this is who I am. Hopelessness, addiction.

Relationships

 I am called to love, forgive, and walk in unity. People are threats; I must protect myself.

Isolation, bitterness.
Trials

Trials refine me.

 Trials prove God doesn’t care. Resentment, quitting.
Destiny My life is part of God’s eternal story. This life is all there is, live for now Materialism, fear of death.

How Do I Take My Thoughts Captive?

STEP 1 — IDENTIFY

Ask: What am I thinking?

What emotion does it create?

What is the likely source?

        • God? – Wisdom, Truth, Calm, Quiet, Encouraging
        • My Mind?  Memories, Beliefs, Habits, Replaying painful wounds from the past
        • My Flesh? –  Urges,  Impulses, Desires, Cravings, Pride, Anger, Lust, Control.
        • The Devil? – Lies, Accusation, Blame  – Loud, Pressing/Urgent, 

STEP 2 — EXPOSE

Compare the thought to Scripture,

God’s character,

and the 10 critical truths.

STEP 3 — REJECT

Break agreement with the lie.

Say aloud: “I reject that thought in Jesus’ name.”

STEP 4 — REPLACE

Find a Scripture truth that defeats the lie and declare it repeatedly.

Self-Test Tool

Use this the Top 10 Critical Beliefs table above as a tool to evaluate your thought-life:

A. Do I believe each of the 10 critical truths? (Rate each 1–5)
B. Do I believe any lie categories? (God, self, purpose, past, future, trials, relationships)
C. Do I see consequences? (Anxiety, shame, sin cycles, isolation, confusion)
D. What do I do next? Identify → Reject → Replace → Reinforce.

Where Can I Learn More?

Scripture:

  • 2 Corinthians 10,
  • Romans 12,
  • Philippians 4,
  • James 1,
  • Matthew 4

Books:

  • The Screwtape Letters,
  • Victory Over Darkness,
  • The Bondage Breaker,
  • Battlefield of the Mind

Best Practices:

Journaling ungodly beliefs,

Speaking truth aloud as seclarations,

Memorizing Scripture,

Worship,

Fasting to break attachments to the flesh.

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

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

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

 

Ungodly Beliefs Limit You — The Truth Sets You Free

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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.

 

Trials Squeeze The Real You Out

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Trials Squeeze The Real You Out. What Do You Look Like?

Introduction

We often pray for strength, wisdom, and spiritual maturity—but rarely do we welcome the very process that produces these traits: TRIALS.

Life in this world is but a fleeting moment—a temporary stage on which our eternal character is forged. We are “strangers and pilgrims” here (1 Peter 2:11), and every challenge we face is designed not simply to test our resolve, but to deepen our likeness to Christ. In this brief sojourn, God’s ultimate aim is to develop within us an unshakable faith and a purity of motive that will bring Him glory in this life and serve us both well in the eternal life to come.

Our human nature is inherently two-faced. On the surface we present smiles, good works, and holy professions, all carefully polished for public view. Yet beneath that veneer can lurk pride, resentment, or self-serving ambitions. James 1:8 warns us that the double-minded person is “unstable in all his ways.” Trials act like a vice, tightening around us until those hidden motives and emotions are squeezed out into the open. What once lay concealed in our hearts now stands exposed for inspection before God and before ourselves.

What comes out when you are squeezed? Has Jesus formed in you? Do you bring Him Glory when you are under pressure? Can others see Jesus in your words and actions when you are under pressure? If not, you have an opportunity.

Consider how a diamond must endure intense pressure to reveal its brilliance. In the same way, trials pressure us to the point of honesty. When the waters rise—whether through financial hardship, relational betrayal, or health crises—our true colors emerge. Do we trust God’s provision, or do we panic and grasp for control? Do we forgive when wronged, or do we count the wrongs and harbor bitterness? These moments strip away pretense, allowing us to see the real condition of our inner souls.

There is purpose in this exposure: Repentance and Renewal. Once the true inner you is laid bare, you have a choice—to harden your heart, double down and continue on as you were or to bow before the Lord, confessing your hidden faults and inviting His sanctifying work. As Job declared, “when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Trials, then, are not simply hardships to endure—they are God’s refining fire, revealing the real you so that, through repentance and grace, you might emerge purer, stronger, and more able to flow serve His purpose in this life and the next.

What Are Trials?

Trials are the challenging situations that test our faith, character, and endurance. They can come in many forms:

    • Financial struggles that stretch our trust in God’s provision.
    • Health issues that test our hope and patience.
    • Betrayal or rejection that press us to forgive and heal.
    • Loss, grief, or loneliness that cause us to cry out for God’s presence.

Are trials optional? No, trials are inevitable. It is not a matter of “If” you will experience trials and tribulations it is “When”.  

“…count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” James 1:2

“…In the world you will have tribulation…” John 16:33

Do you deserve trials? What brought this on? God’s greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and your neighbor as your self. To love God with ALL your heart is a lot; do you truly love God with all your heart? Are you fully submitted to Him? Do you trust Him with everything? Have you crucified your fleshly desires and separated from all the ways of the world? Are you fully dependent on Him for every aspect of your life? Do you live every second of your life to bring him Glory?  If not, the devil has every right to administer consequences. Don’t think that God is doing this to you, Think that you opened the door by your thoughts, words and actions and the devil is taking advantage of the situation. Also know that God will work all things for Good if you are pursuing Him, and whateve rlemons you are experiencing may just turn into lemonade. 

Trials aren’t really punishments, they are a more a learning process of truth or consequences;They are divine tools to help us recognize our weaknesses or shortcomings and grow.  We are encouraged to embrace the trials we face as opportunities.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2-3

Why Are Trials Important?

  1. They Reveal Your True Nature

    Trials don’t create your character; they reveal it. Like fire refines gold, hardship strips away the surface and shows what’s within. Pride, fear, doubt, or hidden strengths often emerge when pressure is applied.

  2. They Position You for Growth If You Are Ready And Willing

Just like building physical muscle through resistance training, You can’t build spiritual muscles without resistance. Trials stretch your faith and deepen your walk with God.

“We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” — Job 23:10

How Do Trials Work?

Just as the refiner’s fire exposes every flaw in a piece of metal, the fires of trial bring every hidden impurity in our hearts to the surface. In ancient metallurgy, raw ore was crushed, mixed with flux, and then heated in a crucible until it melted. At first, the molten metal is cloudy and dark, shot through with slag and dross from the mine and the furnace. But as the temperature climbs higher and higher, those impurities—fractions of stone, iron, and other unneeded elements—float up in the liquid metal, forming a scum on the surface. The refiner then skims away that scum, watching carefully until every trace of discoloration is gone. What remains is pure, gleaming gold or silver—worthy of minting, of jewelry, of honor.

Trials work in exactly the same way on our souls. Under the stress or “heat” of financial suffering, relational loss, or physical pain, the impurities of envy, fear, self-reliance, and hidden pride are liquefied by God’s intense love and His testing purposes. These once-buried vices—“the lusts of the flesh” that we thought hidden from all eyes—rise to the surface and are exposed in our thoughts and actions (Galatians 5:19–21). In that moment of exposure, we see just how much we depend on our own strength or seek approval from the world verses loving God, submitting our lives to Him, and seeking to glorify Him in all we do.

But the beauty of the refiner’s process is not simply in exposing the flaws; it is in removing them. As we recognize each flaw in our inner nature –  each sin—each speck of dross—we have the opportunity to repent, to say Lord I recognize this flaw and no longer want it to be part of me, and ask the Lord to “skim” it away through confession and surrender (1 John 1:9). With each layer of impurity removed, our faith grows more steadfast, our motives become clearer, and our character is conformed more perfectly to Christ’s image. Just as the refiner watches the crucible and never allows the fire to cool until the metal is wholly refined, so God watches over us, never ceasing His loving discipline until we shine with the purity and brightness for which He intended us from eternity pa

How Do You Use Trials to Grow?

  1. Recognize When Your Flawed Inner Nature Becomes Exposed

Look for works of the flesh as you work through your challenges:

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

 

Flaw / Sin

Examples

Verse

Reference
Pride Bragging about achievements; Refusing help “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
Selfish Ambition Elevating Self, Stepping on coworkers; Hoarding resources “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3
Idolatry Worshiping something other than God: Work, Money, Things, Education, Title “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27
Unbelief / Doubt Questioning God’s promises; Lack of prayer “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’” Mark 9:24
Fear Sleepless nights; Paralysis in decision-making “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Anxiety Chronic worry; Panic attacks “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7
Contentions / Rivalry  Disagreements and strife when self centered emotions drive response to situations “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.””He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” Proverbs 15:18Proverbs 28:25
Anger Yelling at loved ones; holding grudges “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26
Impatience Hasty decisions; Quick anger over delays; Your Will above God’s Will. “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:4
Bitterness Unforgiving attitude; Cynicism toward people “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by this many become defiled.” Hebrews 12:15
Murder with Words Speaking Poorly of Someone But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment….whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 5:21-22
Unforgiveness Refusing to speak to someone; Holding grudges “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14–15
Envy Resentment of others’ success; Gossip “For where envying and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” James 3:16
Lust Objectifying others; Pornography use “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18

  1. Lean into God’s Word

    Let Scripture be your anchor. Seek to understand God and the ways He works. Meditate and Work Through the following chain of scripture.

    1. Trials Serve a Purpose

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2–4

“…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3–5

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith…may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6–7

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

    1. God Promises to Help You

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

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5–6

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

    1. Trust in the Lord

“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

“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5

    1. Yield Your Will to the Lord

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Do not look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others Philippians 2:3-4

“…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:1–2

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

    1. Cast Your Burden on the Lord

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

    1. Serve His Purpose & Shine Despite Struggles

“…that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” Philippians 2:15

“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8–9

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God…” Romans 8:28

    1. Be Thankful at All Times

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Ephesians 5:20

    1. Pray Always

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7

  1. Spend Time In Communion With God

When God becomes real to you, your life will change. Be alone with Him. Talk to Him. Thank Him for what He has already done. Listen to Him.

        1. Be Honest with God.  Pour out your heart. Jesus cried out in Gethsemane—so can you. Transparency with God invites healing.
        2. Worship Through the difficulty. Be Thankful for everything you have. Worship silences the lies of the enemy and reminds your soul who’s in charge. Worship breaks chains—even in the midnight hour (Acts 16:25).
        3. Seek Wisdom. Ask What and How, Not Why. Instead of asking “Why me?”, ask
          • “What are You wanting me to learn, Lord?”
          • “What ungodly thoughts and beliefs am I holding that brought this on or are making things worse?
          • “How can I imitate Christ and bring you glory through this?”
          • How would you like me to approach this trial?

  1. Stay in Community

Surround yourself with believers who will pray with you, speak truth over you, and hold you up when you’re weary.

Where Can You Learn More?

These powerful voices teach deeply about trials, growth, and spiritual maturity:

Dan Mohler (Neck Ministries)– Known for clarity in God’s purpose through us, and transformation in our lives through communion with Him.

        • Trials Reveal What You Believe < Video>
        • How to respond to trials:  <Video>
        • How to resist the devil:  <Video>
        • Stand Firm On The Rock, Don’t Be Shaken By Life  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDqTyFcq2A0

Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries) – Teaches on trusting God through adversity.

        • Wisdom for Life’s Trials – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb7bY50_t_A

Joyce Meyer – Often speaks on emotional healing and growing through difficult seasons.

        • Embrace your Trials to Produce Wisdom:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9xQczCTatk
        • Let Life’s Trials Make You Stronger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRReUQy1oJI

Charles Spurgeon – “The Purpose of Trials” (sermon compilation)

Final Thought

God doesn’t waste pain. Every trial is an invitation to transformation. It’s in the fire that impurities burn off and true identity is revealed. So the next time you’re in a trial, remember: This isn’t to break you—it’s to build you. Let God use it to expose the real you, and grow you into the person He’s always known you could be.

 

Satans Lies

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Satan’s Lies and The Truths To Debunk Them

Satan is the father of lies. He deceives and distracts. It is helpful to recognize his lies and know the truth to refute them.
Here is a list of the common lies and some powerful truth that can help you push back on those lies.
Click in the lie and go to the details, or scroll through the collection.

List Of Lies – Click To See The Truth

“God doesn’t exist.” “God doesn’t really love you.”
“God is far away and doesn’t really care about what happens to you.” “This earthly life is all there is, there is no life after death.”
“Your life has no purpose.” “The Bible is just a myth, it is all fiction.”
“Heaven isn’t real.” “Hell isn’t real.”
“The devil isn’t real.” “God is punishing you.”
“God won’t provide for you.” “You can’t trust God’s promises.”
“You should be afraid.” “You are alone in your struggles.”
“You don’t need God.” “You don’t need to read the Bible;”
“Your prayers don’t matter.” “You’re defined by your past.”
“You are too sinful for God to forgive you.” “You can never change.”
“There is no hope for your future.” “You’re better off giving up.”
“Live however you want, Sin has no consequences.” “There is no right or wrong; do what feels good.”
“You should follow your heart above all else.” “You’re in control of your own destiny.”
“You can earn your way to heaven, just do more good than evil.”  

Common Lies  &  Truths To Debunk Them

Lie: “God doesn’t exist.”

Truth:

Psalm 14:1 “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works; there is none who does good.”

Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

Isaiah 45:5 “I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me.”

Dig deeper on this topic:

My Blog Post: Why Should An Inteligent Person Believe In God?

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Lie: “God doesn’t really love you.”

Truth:

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.”

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

Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.'”

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Lie: “God is far away and doesn’t really care about what happens to you.”

Truth:

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Matthew 10:29-31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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

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Lie: “This earthly life is all there is, there is no life after death.”

Truth:

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.”

John 11:25-26  “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'”

Ecclesiastes 12:7 “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.”

1 Corinthians 15:19-20 “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

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Dig Further On This Topic:

My Web Page for resources on Life After Death / Near Death Experiences

My Video Playlist – What Can We Learn From Near Death Experiences

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Lie: “Your life has no purpose.”

Truth:

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.”

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.”

Psalm 139:14  “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

Colossians 1:16 “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”

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Lie: “The Bible is just a myth, it is all fiction.”

Truth:

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

 2 Peter 1:20-21 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 1:1-3 “Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”

Dig Further On This Topic:

My Video Playlist: Is the Bible Fact of Fiction? What evidence do we have that the bible is not fiction?

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Lie: “Heaven isn’t real.”

Truth:

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.”

1 Peter 1:4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”

Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Dig Further On This Topic:

My Web Page Dedicated to resources on Life After Death / Near Death Experiences

The Book – Heaven Is Real – First Hand Experience of Colin Burpo

My Video Playlist – What Can We learn From Near Death Experiences

My Video Playlist – What Can We Learn from Emanual Swedenborg 

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Lie: “Hell isn’t real.”

Truth:

Revelation 20:15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Matthew 25:46  “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Luke 16:23-24   “And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’”

Dig deeper on this topic:

Howard Storm’s testimony of visiting Hell during His near death experience – story takes a while to develop but it is powerful

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Lie: “The devil isn’t real.”

Truth:

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

Ephesians 6:11-12 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles 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.”

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Lie: “God is punishing you.”

Truth:

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Hebrews 12:6 “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”

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.”

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Lie: “God won’t provide for you.”

Truth:

Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

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.”

 Psalm 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”

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Lie: “You can’t trust God’s promises.”

Truth:

Numbers 23:19  “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

Hebrews 10:23  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

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Lie: “You should be afraid.”

Truth:

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

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Isaiah 41:13        “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.'”

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Lie: “You are alone in your struggles.”

Truth:

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Matthew 28:20  “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

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Lie: “You don’t need God.”

Truth:

John 15:5 “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.”

Proverbs 3:5-6   “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.”

Psalm 62:5-8 “My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”

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

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Lie: “You don’t need to read the Bible or learn God’s Word.”

Truth:

Matthew 4:4  – “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”‘”

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart…”

Joshua 1:8  – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night…”

Psalm 1:1–3  – “…His delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.”

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

James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…”

Proverbs 13:13  – “He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.”

Jeremiah 8:9 – “They have rejected the word of the Lord; So what wisdom do they have?”

Isaiah 5:13 – “Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge…”

Matthew 22:29 –  “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

2 Timothy 4:3–4  – “…they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

 

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Lie: “Your prayers don’t matter.”

Truth:

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

Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

1 John 5:14-15   “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

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Lie: “You’re defined by your past.”

Truth:

 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.”

Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Isaiah 43:18-19  “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

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Lie: “You are too sinful for God to forgive you.”

Truth:

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Isaiah 55:7 “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

Isaiah 1:18 “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'”

Micah 7:18-19    “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us and will subdue our iniquities.”

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Lie: “You can never change.”

Truth:

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.”

Philippians 1:6   “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

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Lie: “There is no hope for your future.”

Truth:

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.'”

Romans 15:13    “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Psalm 37:23-24  “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”

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Lie: “You’re better off giving up.”

Truth:

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

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Lie: “Live however you want, Sin has no consequences.”

Truth:

Galatians 6:7-8 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

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

James 1:15 “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”

Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

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Lie: “There is no right or wrong; do what feels good.”

Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

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

Galatians 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

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Lie: “You should follow your heart above all else.”

Truth:

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 “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.”

Matthew 16:24-25 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'”

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Lie: “You’re in control of your own destiny.”

Truth:

Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Jeremiah 10:23 “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”

James 4:13-15 “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'”

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Lie: “You can earn your way to heaven, just do more good than evil.”

Truth:

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

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

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