Recently, as I was packing to move, I found some mementos from the past that really helped me in times of insecurity, timidity and even temptation. I found a handful of note cards. Perhaps you wonder how note cards could be much if any help. But it’s not the card itself that helped deliver me from my mind games. No, it was what was written on these cards—personalized scriptures.
Some years ago, I learned a practice for how to put the Word to work to transform my life. I was taught to find Scriptures related to the battles I faced, then to personalize them on note cards, and keep them in my pocket and on the mirrors throughout my house to speak aloud throughout the day.
The Sword of the Spirit
As I detail in my upcoming book, Activating the Power of God’s Word, the idea of this is based upon Paul’s teaching of the full armor of God in which He instructs us to take up the “sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17). If you’ve followed me for very long, you’ve read my articles in which I discuss the significance of this sword. It was the only Roman weapon used defensively and offensively. That is, it would block an enemy’s direct attack, but it was also useful to wave in the air at enemies in the distance, alerting, “I’m armed and dangerous—stay back!”
Fascinatingly, Paul likened the sword to God’s Word, which is what’s written in the Bible. The Bible may be described as our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, and it also contains transforming truths about who we are and what we have in Christ.
On the Attack, Not Under Attack
Because my early years were characterized by an identity of rejection, I learned to personalize and apply God’s Word in order to identify with what He says about me. And the best way to put it to work in this way is to speak it.
And so, these note cards helped me to do this. Whether in my pocket or posted in my house, they reminded me to speak the Word. And like the sword’s offensive function, I found that doing it even when I felt OK was especially effective to keep me on the attack instead of under attack.
6 Foundational Truths
Eventually, I decided to ditch the note cards and go digital. That’s why I created the Shut Up, Devil! smartphone app. But I also created something for my mirrors—a static cling decal with six foundational truths. The idea is that when I look in the mirror I see myself through the truths of God’s Word, and I keep them running through my mind and my mouth. (You can get these mirror clings for yourself through my website.) Take a minute to review these truths and declare them over yourself right now.
“I am a child of God” (Gal. 3:26).
“I am a new person in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17).
“I am the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21).
“I am loved unconditionally” (Rom. 8:38).
“I am complete” (Col. 2:9-10).
“I am God’s masterpiece” (Eph. 2:10).
I trust as you’ve made these declarations, faith has arisen in you with a godly confidence based upon His Word. Now keep these truths running through your mind and your mouth, and they will begin to transform everything about you. {eoa}
Kyle Winkler equips people to live in victory. His mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, is the No. 1 spiritual warfare app; and his upcoming book, Activating the Power of God’s Word, uncovers 16 strategic declarations to transform your life. Kyle holds a Master of Divinity in biblical studies from Regent University. Get daily encouragement from Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.