we have access to the weapons to defeat the enemy and we have been given the authority to do so by the blood of Jesus Christ!

FIRST BLOG POST, EVER…

Apparently the Holy Spirit and I have a lot to say, so I hope you’ll read till’ the end. Did I ever think I’d be writing a blog? Not really, but I know this is just the start, an act of obedience. When God gives you dreams and visions of what your purpose and calling is, sometimes we think it’s supposed to happen right away. I’ve had to eat many slices of humble pie and realize He is still preparing me for what is yet to come. I know I’m supposed to share how I was saved by the grace of God, how I was able to recognize the spiritual authority God has given me, and how I have chosen to live set apart in a world where it is so not cool. I hope this blog inspires you, convicts you and equips you. 

May I also preface my posts to come. I am not here to condemn. I’ve done things most people would never want to admit. I speak on what I know, on what I’ve been set free from. My delivery may sometimes seem forward, but it is truth and “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

HOW TO BECOME BATTLE READY?

I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate starting with combat, literally. I could’ve started with the topic of God’s love. I’ll get to that eventually, because it’s crucial, but the Holy Spirit placed the importance of knowing who our enemy is and how we can be victorious through Christ Jesus. So here we go. Let’s learn how to be BATTLE READY! 

Whether we can see it or not, there is an enemy that is out there waiting for us to slip up so he can have access. As unpopular as it may be, you don’t want to give him (the devil) one inch. I’ve struggled most of my adult life with sin, trauma, and addiction. The devil tried taking me out, but I’m here to tell you that as Christians, we have access to the weapons to defeat the enemy and we have been given the authority to do so by the blood of Jesus Christ!

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

And the good news is Luke 10:19 says, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that we cannot see our weapons in the flesh, we are fighting in faith. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 

So let’s talk about the weapons we can’t see and how to use them!

THE ARMOR OF GOD

There are many ways we can prepare ourselves for battle, but it’s important to know the battle we are fighting even if we can’t see it. 

In Ephesians 6:12 it tells us, “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

There is a spiritual battle that is happening all around us. In verse 10 Paul starts off with the word “finally” as he begins to introduce the armor of God as if he’s saving the most important for last. 

In verse 11 it says “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Paul is giving us the tools we need to stand against our adversary. 

In verse 13 Paul repeats himself by telling us “Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].” 

Rick Renner, one of my favorite Bible teachers, wrote a book on the armor of God, Dressed to Kill. He breaks down the armor in great detail. I could spend quite some time here, but here’s a brief description of the armor: 

Belt of Truth: The written Word of God is truth and God is truth. The foundation of armor. 

Breastplate of Righteousness: Being confident that you are “the righteousness of God in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21) and will no longer walk in condemnation. 

Boots of Peace: Firm footing when you “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15). “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly…” (Romans 16:20).

Shield of Faith: “Faith is a result of the impartation of God’s Word into the human heart.” “The presence or absence of faith is determined by the presence or absence of God’s Word.” - Rick Renner 

Helmet of Salvation: Walking in the full knowledge of your salvation in order to protect your mind from the devil’s lies. 

Sword of the Spirit: A rhema word. The spoken Word of God that the Holy Spirit speaks to us in a time of need. 

Lance of Prayer & Supplication: Praying all kinds of prayers at any given opportunity.

The armor of God isn’t just something we put on by a prayer, it is a posture, a lifestyle. Every piece is essential and works together. 

We must know the Word of God inside and out and know that it is true. We must walk confident in our righteousness, free from condemnation. We must meditate on the Word that brings “peace that surpasses all understanding” and builds our faith. We must put on that helmet to protect our mind by taking every thought captive. We must listen to the Holy Spirit to hear Him speak the Word aloud and then declare it. And we must “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). 

THE WORD OF GOD

When I was born again, I didn’t know where to start. Growing up my mom would recite scripture and I would roll my eyes thinking she was so religious. But things changed when I was in my darkest place desperate for change and healing. I knew that we were supposed to declare the Word of God over our lives, but I didn’t know much scripture. I began writing scripture on post-its and putting them on my mirror until I was able to memorize them, which is where the name Declare This came from. This was a game changer. Once you get the Word in your spirit and start believing that it’s true, devil watch out!

The word of God is truth, because God is the word and God is truth. 

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  

John 17:17 says, “…your word is truth.” And in John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

In Hebrews 4:12 it says, “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Sounds like a weapon to me! If it wasn’t, would it be restricted and even illegal in some countries? Start declaring those words out loud! 

I sometimes sit back and ask myself “Where is the devil distracting me?” If the devil can’t get you to bluntly sin, he’ll distract you. Distractions can be delays in obedience. Delayed obedience is sin. There are always distractions when I sit down to read the Word. The devil does not want you to know the Bible because he knows how powerful it is. 

It is not good enough to listen to your pastor preach a sermon. The Word of God is our “daily bread.” If I don’t eat breakfast I get hangry. Eat the Word for breakfast, start your day off with a balanced meal that will satiate you. 

WORSHIP

Worship is another place the devil loves to attack through comparison and inadequacy. Worship is a weapon. The sounds from Heaven that the Lord so graciously gifts to us is a weapon. Worship is also a posture.  We should have a heart full of thanksgiving and gratitude. Studies have shown that gratitude and anxiety can’t exist at the same time. Weapon! 

Psalm 100: 4 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name!” 

The gates and courts are in the heavenly realm. He is telling us how to access Him. Thanksgiving is the frequency of Heaven. Begin thanking the Lord out loud and watch how the atmosphere shifts. 

In John 4:23-24 it says, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

FASTING

Fasting is a weapon. How do we know this? Mark 9 says, “And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

There is something about fasting that brings healing, breakthrough and intimacy with the Father. It is dying to your flesh, a sacrifice. 

Fasting shouldn’t be something done once a year to kick off the new year. Fasting is a lifestyle. When I know I need breakthrough or want a clear answer from the Lord, I fast. Is it something I’m learning to do more frequently? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. 

My pastor once said “Fasting without praying is just a diet.” Facts. Seek Him during this time and I guarantee He will show up. I needed breakthrough in my finances and I was on the verge of a breakdown. The Lord told me to give up coffee, the one thing I always find an excuse not to fast. Let’s be real, coffee is the church’s acceptable addiction. 

The first day of my fast was what I imagine hell to be like. The rest of the week was peace. Peace when I didn’t know how I was going to make ends meet. Peace because I was trusting in God. Peace because I knew I was being obedient. The last day of my fast, an unexpected lump of cash fell in my lap. Am I saying to fast to get cash? Eww, no. After the fast I had a fresh desire to dive into the Word and I could hear Him so much clearer. It will draw you near to Him in your weakness. It’s always sooo worth it!

PRAYER

Prayer is a weapon! The Lord put on my heart to start a prayer journal to help me remember what and who He has told me to pray for. Sometimes I get distracted (“squirrel!”),  so I’m training myself to be disciplined and stay focused. Prayer doesn’t have to be this beautiful, wordy prayer, it’s a conversation with you and God. 

I think sometimes we feel selfish when we ask Him for things, but scripture tells us to ask. In Matthew 7:7 it says, “Ask and it will be given to you…”

James 5:13-18 tells us how and when to pray. “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”

Since we’re on the topic of prayer. Let’s touch on the spicy topic of praying in the spirit (a.k.a. speaking in tongues). I believe it is a heavenly language that can be used for warfare. I am proud to say I am bilingual (enter knee slap here). My heart grieves for those who have shut this gift down due to the spirit of religion. Beware of that spirit, it will keep Christians asleep and they will never be able to access all that God has for us. The devil has a counterfeit for everything that is holy and has infiltrated the church in order to cause confusion. Which is why it is so important to know what the Bible says and continue to ask for the gift of discernment. Jude 1:20 tells us, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit…” By praying in the Spirit, you are building yourself up which is a preparation for warfare, you’re filling your lamp with oil in a supernatural way, building your spirit man up. 

1 Thessalonians tells us to “pray without ceasing,” so do just that. When you’re washing dishes, pray. When you’re changing your baby’s diaper, pray. When you’re on your lunch break, pray. When you’re trying to fall asleep, pray. 

SET APART

The devil hates humanity because we are created in the image of God. But he really hates Christians. Especially the Christians who know their authority in Jesus Christ. But you know who he loves? Lukewarm Christians. Christians that know the truth but are still giving in to worldly desires.

I know it may not be the most popular route, but the Bible is very clear about not falling into what the world has to offer. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

Some like to argue that living a life of holiness, sin free, is impossible because of the verse “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” in Romans 3. A sermon about hyper-grace usually follows this verse. This verse has been completely taken out of context. I encourage you to read chapter 3 for more context. 

This passage addresses the Pharisees and tells us now that we aren’t justified through the law or works alone, but now through faith as well. My favorite verse is verse 33, “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” It’s the perfect mic drop. 

He tells how to live a pure life in Psalm 119: 9: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your Word.”

He doesn’t just tell us how, He instructs us to be holy because He is holy, and we are made in the image of God. Leviticus 20:26 says, “You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.”

He then repeats himself in 1 Peter 1:13-16. “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” When things are repeated in the Bible, it isn’t because they are trying to fill space on a page. There is an emphasis on those words, they’re important instruction. 

It took me a long time to deny my flesh, but the more I began to seek the Lord, my desire was to want to please Him. Did I fail along the way? Absolutely! I may have stopped the obvious outward sins, but I struggled with falling into gossip, judging others and guarding my eyes when it came to the content I was watching.

I would judge other Christians for living in sin, but I had to remember how patient the Lord was with me. I felt convicted so early on with what I listened to and watched, but I fell back into watching my old shows that didn’t seem “so bad.” My dreams are a constant giveaway of what I’m letting in. I began dreaming about old flings and drinking. I would wake up feeling icky. Consider those dreams a warning.

In Matthew 6:22-23 it says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness…”

I truly believe that what we watch can affect our spiritual eyes and sensitivity to the Spirit. You might not notice it right away, but the more worldly things we consume, the cloudier our judgment becomes. You have to decide how in tune to the Spirit you want to be. 

Sometimes pride can seep in where we think we’re good, we’ve arrived, and we can't fall into temptation, but 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 warns us by saying, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

I know those dreams aren’t from God. I’m thankful that He is gracious enough to give us those warnings. Did I have to repent? Yep! Did He give me a way out? Yes, but I chose to disobey. You always have a choice, but what choice will you make? 

It’s been a journey for sure, but it’s staying in a place of repentance and asking the Lord to “search my heart” and remove anything that is not from Him. 

Well, I hope you made it this far. I semi contained myself, but apparently I really do have a lot to say. I pray these words stir up a desire to be battle ready, to stand firm and use the supernatural weapons that God has given you.