Today, I wanted to share something that's been on my heart and something God has been alerting me to share/call attention to.

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A Quick Testimony

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Firstly, Jesus has been incredibly good to me. I feel immensely grateful for all the ways He has moved in my life. He kept me alive on an operating table after sitting for hours all night with acute appendicitis. He freed me from toxic relationships that were leading to death and destruction. He restored my family from the inside out. He brought healing and canceled addictions in my bloodline. I went from long hours on the grind, operating heavy machinery, to making a comfortable living on the computer. Travel, personal growth, and having my own place to call home are just some of the blessings He's given me. I serve an amazing God who continues to send incredible people into my life, pouring into me and holding me accountable. Now, it's my turn to pour back into you.

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My Declaration

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At the start of 2025, I boldly declared that I would overcome my thoughts and let the Holy Spirit guide me. I promised myself I wouldn't let my flesh or negative thoughts control me. And ever since making that declaration, it has been anything but easy! I've faced my share of temptations, felt worn out, and shed more than a few tears. I have fallen short, but from the daily trials and tribulations, Jesus revealed something to me...

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The Message For You

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What struck me was Psalm 64:6 (NLT), which says, "As they plot their crimes, they say, 'We have devised the perfect plan!' Yes, the human heart and mind are cunning."

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This verse explains how the enemy devises attacks against us through our hearts and minds—our emotions and thoughts.

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In today's society, we all recognize these mental battles—even if we don't always talk about them. Hence, the trending songs with titles like "Anxiety." We may exchange cheerful smiles with the barista, coworkers, or the bus driver, but many of us are fighting silent battles inside our minds.

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So, what's the real issue here?

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It's not that we're unaware of the struggle. The problem is that we lack the wisdom to combat it—and to win.

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But here's the good news: Psalms 64:7-8 tells us that God will strike down these lurking enemies. But how?

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Well, the scripture specifies that they will be ruined by "their own tongues." What does that mean?

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The Lord revealed that it's saying here that the enemy will tell on himself. Basically, the enemy is a nincompoop who reuses the same jargon, words, phrases, and misbeliefs to torment your mind.

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So, if you intentionally examine the specific thoughts the enemy keeps sending you, you will gain a clear view of his playbook. You can then begin to defend and fight back.

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Now, we kill it.

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Now, we slice through the negative thoughts using the sword of the Spirit (i.e., God's word).

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Find scripture that counteracts the lie the enemy is trying to tell you.

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Let me share an example with you.

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It's 8:00 am, an hour before I leave for work. I put on one outfit I planned to wear, but now it just doesn't look right. I take that outfit off and try another. And another. And now I'm poking and prodding at my hair because maybe that's why I don't look good. And perhaps that's why I don't fit in at work because I don't look like everyone else, and maybe I'm unworthy and-

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Now, I've started to spiral. Down I go, into the rabbit hole of negative thinking. But the moment I realize these thoughts are happening, I can pause.

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"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14 ESV

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"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV

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"The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

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I have the opportunity to pause and start reading verses aloud that remind me I am worthy.

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And with each verse...slice.

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Slice.

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Slice.

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And as the sword of the Spirit cuts through the negative thoughts, God rapidfires his arrows at him, too.

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The enemy is destroyed.

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Call to Action

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Implement this practice into your day. Little by little.

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You don't have to remember the scriptures from the top of your head. We're blessed to live in such a time as this, where we have Google, YouTube, and Bible apps. There are so many resources to look up scriptures relevant to what you're feeling.

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As you develop this habit and practice it regularly, you'll eventually see how your mindset and thoughts have shifted. And just as the scripture says, you will be in awe.

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You will be filled with so much joy that you can't help but draw near to Jesus and praise Him.

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And I am a living testimony that it is a wonderful place to be.

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For all the love God has bestowed upon me, I pour it back into you now. I pray that this blesses you and that my declaration for 2025 of finally overcoming my thoughts and emotions will not only become a reality for me but also for you.

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The late Earl Nightingale, a radio speaker and author well known for his philosophies on self-development and motivation, said very simply, "We become what we think about."

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So align your thoughts with God's truth, and watch your life transform.

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I love you all. In Jesus' mighty name, amen 🤍

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With Gratitude,