Spiritual Warfare Archives - My Journey to Refresh

Are You Ready to be a Disciple?

If you could describe yourself as a disciple, which one would you be? Would you be one who’s all about the money, like Matthew the tax collector, or one who needs to see and touch things to declare they are real like doubting Thomas? Personally, I would describe myself as disciple Peter. One day he’s rolling with Jesus the next day he’s not. One minute he’s slicing ears off of warriors for Jesus, the next day he has amnesia. Similar to Peter I have had my tug of war days with Jesus. Yet, whenever I fall I ALWAYS get up just as Peter did many times before. From a fisherman to a disciple, Jesus shows us how He was able to turn a man of unbelief into a man who was dedicated, devoted, and determined to get it right- no matter the cost. Every time I read a story about Peter my heart leaps with joy. I am quickly filled with hope because I am able to see the life of a man who walked with Jesus, denounced Jesus, went to sleep on Jesus, took an exclusive trip to Heaven with Jesus, and revealed the Holy Spirit to hundreds of people on Earth after Jesus ascended to Heaven. And you know what? He WAS NOT perfect! Disciple Peter made mistakes, bruised a LOT, but he NEVER gave up. He always tried again. Talk about astonishing! Moment of Truth: My Meltdown During my extended hiatus, I received much information from Abba to share, but when the time came to speak up I became bashful, timid, and afraid. My first thought was what would people think since I’ve been away for so long? Keyword: People. Shortly after, toxic thoughts followed: “You’ve waited this long, so hold off until next year.” “Your message doesn’t matter, so don’t share it.” “Girl you have other things to do, writing shouldn’t be your purpose.” I was at wits end ready to fall into a hole of depression, but it was there, at my lowest point I met with Jesus. He shared with me what was holding me back wasn’t people at all, but it was myself. I chose to take in the lies the enemy flaunted in my face. I chose to question the power God had given me. I chose to mope around with lousy looks to God and base it on my past. It wasn’t until the beginning of this month I physically felt a shift in my spirit. The shift was telling me to move from my old ways of thinking and operate according to the will of God– not my own. After the shift I found myself reading notes in my old composition books that emphasized God’s call on my life. No longer was my focus on myself but it was on the Master and there I released myself back to Him. Lesson Learned This past season provided me with much insight, however, my main takeaway was: God has so much He wants to reveal, but I MUST be willing to share His Gospel EVEN when I fall. I need to practice what I preach. Since we are human it is inevitable we WILL mess up. However, as we progress and go we WILL get better. Final Thoughts The story of Jesus and Peter resonates with me strongly. In John 21, Peter meets Jesus for breakfast at the sea and it is there Jesus, askes Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Although Peter’s response was “Yes, I love you”, Jesus tells Peter each time to feed His lamb and sheep. Meditating on this passage,I believe Jesus was testing Peter to truly see where his heart was and to inform him of the personal cross he would have to bear if he truly chose to follow Him. Once again Peter was hesitant, nevertheless, he did as Jesus told him to do and followed Him. You see, many times we speak with our mouths, “Use me Lord” or “I love you, Lord, have your way” however, we do not always do what we say. And, trust me, I am guilty. However, I am learning the importance of not just saying things to God, but actually doing them. I challenge you to do the same. Keep the faith and remain in peace, for in due time your appointed time will arise and our Father will receive the glory! Hi friend! Did you enjoy this message? Comment below your main takeaway and how you plan to implement it in this season. I’d love to hear from you!

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How to Demolish Your Weaknesses

Do you ever find yourself sinking into depression, worry, or anxiety? Don’t let it override you. Find out how to demolish your weakness today! Thinking. It’s something we do daily. However, do you ever find yourself overthinking? Confession: I’ll be straight forward and say I do. It’s nothing I’m proud of, but I just can’t help but wonder how I’ll complete a task, get better at something if I’m continuously struggling, or change if I continue to have mishaps and mess-ups? By the end of the day, I find myself sinking into depression, worry, and anxiety. Trust me, it’s not a beautiful feeling at ALL, but it’s during those mind-shifts a still, small voice overpower my questions. Whether it be through pictures, a friend’s phone call or a scripture, God always meets me when I’m in despair. He continuously reminds me: Before I would simply repeat the steps above. I’d question my life, fall into a feeling of funk and have God fish me out. However, it has recently come to my attention that there is an easier way to conquer my thoughts. In fact, Apostle Paul explains how to do so in 2 Corinthians 10:5: 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. In this verse, Paul informs readers How to Demolish Your Weaknesses Take all thoughts that cross our mind (positive or negative) to God. It is during this step He will reveal to you what is of Him and what is not. After receiving revelation, it is important to denounce the lies that have crossed your mind, Followed by explaining why they are lies and then speaking the truth and God’s great promises. over your life Although these steps can be easier said than done, it is far from impossible. This week, my challenge for you is to confess your weakness. It could be overthinking as mine is, pride, etc. Followed by your confession find a way to combat this problem area in your life using the steps above and watch how our Father moves! Next week, I will share with you the power of your tongue and how you can use it anytime to stop the enemy in his tracks. As always feel free to comment or share your thoughts below. God Bless!

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18 Lessons I Learned in 2018 Part 2

Good evening beautiful people. I’m back with the second installment of 18 Lessons I Learned in 2018. If you are just tuning in to these lessons check out the first installment here! In this session, the topics of authority, spiritual warfare and growth are discussed. In the audio segment, my best friend Maya shares her thoughts as well of these various topics. Enjoy! 6.) Spiritual warfare is real. I cannot express myself enough when I tell you SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS REAL! When I tell you the devil is NOT your friend trust and believe I tell you no lie. For he prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 and that someone is you and me! You see, the enemy is simply all talk, but NO action. The only way he receives power is if it is willingly give it to him and believe it or not sometimes we do. I know I have, specifically with my mind. Distracted by his convincing tactics and seductive words, for a season in my life in 2018, I placed my trust in man. Exactly what our Father tells us we should not do in Isaiah 2:22. Instead of looking into the Word of God for myself, I found myself looking for man’s approval and only receiving the Word by man. Talk about scary, because crazy thing is I didn’t notice what I had been doing until God snatched me out of it. In all honesty even in this new year, some days I find myself slipping into my thoughts. However, unlike before, I now know how to fight back with the Word of God when the enemy attempts to sneak in. I first start of with Romans 12:2 by renewing my mind, followed by 2 Corinthians 10:5. It is during this time I am reminded in verses four and five that the weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. For God has given US authority to cast down every naysayer and presumption that is against our knowledge of Him and check this we can take charge of EVERY THING to make it obedient to Christ. Which brings me onto my fifth lesson, the power of authority. 5.) You have authority. Last summer, I attended the 2018 GraceLife Conference in Atlanta, hosted by Pastor Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International.During the five day conference, God revealed to me new revelation that was out of this world MIND BLOWING! Scriptures which I knew of, showcased itself in a whole new light. No longer did I see the Bible as simple words from the past, but “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12 )“ By stepping out of my comfort zone, my walk with Christ shifted. With a deeper understanding of the crucifixion of Jesus placed inside of my heart, and knowingly aware that His Spirit lived inside of me, it was then more of my faith was tapped into. My beliefs in God enhanced and my knowledge in authority did as well. Simply put, my voice spoke power when reading the Word and with such boldness and firm belief, God’s Word began to manifest and take action. But again it did not happen until I changed my previous ways of reading His word. Keep in mind, NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). 7.) You grow from problems. My my growing pains are the worst but, my God am I grateful for them. Simply without them I wouldn’t be able to showcase to you my growing testimony. We all go through trials and tribulations, but as I continue to mature in Christ instead of looking at my problem as a problem I now switch my perspective and place my focus on God’s promises. For I now know : Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Well that is all for this segment. Be sure to check out the third installment next Monday on 18 Lessons I Learned in 2018! God Bless!

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