Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT) There is something about God’s Word continually working in our lives and renewing our minds that makes us attractive to other people. Second Corinthians 2:15 (NLT) says, “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” Isn’t that a beautiful image? It reminds me of my wife, who will kiss me on the way out the door and then often say something like, “Wow, what are you wearing? You smell good!” There is something about a pleasing aroma that attracts those around us. When somebody begins to know God and grow closer in their relationship with Him, it’s as though a sweet scent begins to …

God’s word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Ephesians 6:18 (MSG) There is nothing more powerful than speaking God’s Word over situations you’re facing or against thoughts attacking your mind. Years ago, my dad survived a bad crash in a bush plane. Days later, as he and the other survivors boarded another small aircraft to fly out again, he said he could literally feel the fear on the plane. So he simply stood up and said, “Let’s pray.” Then he spoke a short, straight-to-the-point prayer declaring God’s Word …

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) Have you ever had a thought that just won’t leave you alone? One of the enemy’s tricks is to keep pestering you with a nagging thought to see if you will accept it and begin to tear yourself down. Let’s say every time you look in the mirror, the same little negative thought jabs you: “Look at you. Who would want to love you? You’re pathetic.” Even if that idea does not penetrate, it will get annoying after a while. Today’s scripture says, “Why are you letting that thought chip away at you? Take it captive! Destroy it!” It reminds …

Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken word of God. Ephesians 6:17 (TPT) Have you ever had a bad idea pop into your head? Wrong thoughts, ideas and suggestions never come to us from God—but they can come from the enemy. Now, I’m not saying every negative thought in your mind is from the devil, but if any thought comes against what God says is truth, don’t give it an inch. God directs us to take any rogue thoughts prisoner. By doing so, we remove their ability to continue harassing or tormenting us with worry or fear. How do we take evil thoughts captive, crush wrong attitudes …

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Ephesians 6:14 (NLT) Satan continually tries to lead people’s attention away from the truth. Why? He knows what we focus on affects our beliefs, which in turn determines our future. If he can get us to consider a wrong idea long enough, it can develop into a misbelief that will affect that area of our lives until we confront and correct it with the truth. For example, if he can get one worrisome suggestion to stick regarding your finances, your focus may turn toward fear of lack. From there, you might start accepting ideas that go against what God says about prosperity. Perhaps you’ll begin to feel uncomfortable with …