Philippians 4:13

Phi 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

The monotonous words "I can't do this" seemed to run through my mind continually, until finally I heard my own voice speak them with resounding resignation. The lies the enemy had planted in my head had been accepted for so long in my heart that they had become accepted by me as fact. The more I believed Satan's lies the more I felt I had come to a point of complete burn out and failure. The joy of the life I was living, a life of excitement in seeing people meet with the Lord face to face and begin to follow Him, disappeared and instead I began to feel great discouragement and dissapointment in myself as a church planter. This is the bondage in walking in the lies of the enemy. I truly believe that too many Christians today are falling into the trap of accepting these lies and fighting to minister while believing them. At first we try to ignore them, and by our own strength attempt to drown them out. But I have learned in the last months that the great deceiver will only be quieted when truth becomes our weapon of defense. Ephesians 6:14 tells us to "stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth" and to take the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Truth will set you free from any chains of doubt and discouragement.

It was only when I began to speak the simple truth found in Philippians 4:13 against the lie of my inability was I able to find freedom from the heavy yoke it placed on my life and ministry. I believe that too many Christians are walking in slavery because they have allowed shackles to be placed around their hands and feet as they open their ears and hearts to the lies of the enemy. We need to learn to slam all doors shut to tactics of deceit and walk with the authority the Lord has given us. In the desert Jesus stood firm against the temptations of the devil by fighting with the truth of the Living God. Let us also write God's word on our hearts and dress ourselves in the armor we have been given to go into battle. If we are not free ourselves, how are we to bring freedom to others who are walking in captivity. I challenge you my brothers to;

Gal 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

I want to walk in truth. As I walk in truth I have found that the people I disciple are beginning to find freedom from truth as well. God has not set us on His path to watch us fail, but to use us to let His kingdom come and exalt His name from every nation. I am here because I have a big Daddy who cherishes me, delights in me, and strengthens me to do His work. I have all I need to make disciples of all nations because I have His Holy Spirit. Amen.