The 1 Spiritual Habit You Can Begin Today That Will Change Your Life Forever by Kyle Winkler

By Kyle Winkler

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Losing weight, getting more education, and managing debt and stress top the U.S. government's list of most popular resolutions for a new year. Certainly, self-betterment in things such as health or finances is a noble goal. But issues in these areas are often mere symptoms of an underlying spiritual condition relating to whom or what we each believe we are - our identities. Consequently we use money, education, work and so many other things as means to define ourselves and steer our own destinies.
 
I'm convinced that Satan loves to trap us in an endless cycle of "strategies" for self-improvement. In doing so, he keeps us on a treadmill where we consistently exert much effort, but get virtually nowhere. At the end of the week, month or year, too often we're in the same condition in search of yet another regime in which we can find purpose and meaning.
 
Ultimately Satan's strategy is to fill our minds with other voices that detract from the voice of truth that identifies us with Christ: a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), righteous (2 Cor. 5:21), chosen (Eph. 1:5) and accepted (Eph. 1:6). Satan knows that identity gives way to purpose and mission. That is, when you know who you are, you know what to do. So if he can confuse us about the former, then we'll be on a never-ending search for the latter.
 
There is, however, a single, simple spiritual method that Jesus used when faced with similar issues. And you too can apply its power in the same way to begin to silence the enemy, build confidence in your identity in Christ, and thus, change your life. Let's explore.
 
Jesus' Temptation is Ours Too
 
At His baptism by John the Baptist, as Jesus arose from the water, the heavens were opened, the Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove and the Lord spoke:
 
"And a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased'" (Matt. 3:17).
 
Jesus' baptism account marks the first time recorded in Scripture that God publicly spoke an identity upon Jesus. Freshly baptized, God declared Him to be His Son. And even further He assured His Son of just how pleased He was with Him.
 
Immediately following, the Bible records that Jesus was sent out into the wilderness, where after 40 days of fasting, He was famished. Here, at His weakest moment, the devil came to tempt.
 
The story of Jesus's temptation is a popular one, which you've surely heard as the basis of more than one sermon. But what is less known, however, is what Satan was really after. Notice how he launches his attack against Jesus:
 
"If You are the Son of God, command that these stones be turned into bread" (Matt. 4:3).
 
God had just previously declared an identity upon Jesus. And now Satan approaches Jesus in His weakest moment to question what God had already assured, taunting, "If you are the Son of God...." Satan's temptation was aimed to cause Jesus to doubt who He was and what He had.
 
Isn't this the bulk of the issues we face and the beginning of so much of our own spiritual attacks? The Word of God contains a multitude of incredible assurances about who we are and what we have in Christ, and Satan comes to us with attacks, threats, lies and accusations that cause us to doubt it all.
 
Doing What Jesus Did
 
It's important to notice how Jesus didn't respond. He didn't yell and scream at Satan as if His volume would make any difference. He didn't run back to His disciples crying, "Please pray because the devil is lying to me." Nor did He begin the latest self-help fad. No, what Jesus did is so much simpler. Three times He put the power of the Word of God at work against Satan by countering him with it. He boldly declared, "It is written," effectively saying, "Shut up, devil!" This silenced Satan's attacks and caused him to retreat.
 
You can apply Jesus' model of spiritual warfare to whatever lies the enemy is launching at you today. Below I've listed a handful of Satan's common attacks countered by the truth found in some of my favorite Satan-silencing Scriptures. As you read them, be sure to speak these truths aloud.
  • Addiction
I will not let myself be overcome by evil, but I will overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21).
  • Anxiety
I don't worry about anything. Instead I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and I trust that all of my needs will be met (Matt. 6:31-33).
  • Fear
God has not given me a spirit of fear or shyness. Instead I have power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).
  • Guilt
I'm in Christ, and therefore I'm a new creation. My record of wrongs is erased, and I'm no longer defined by my past or mistakes, but I have a fresh new start (2 Cor. 5:17)!
  • Health
At the cross Jesus bore my sins on His body, so I'm free from sin and live in righteousness. Because of His wounds I have been healed (1 Pet. 2:24).
  • Stress
In my weariness I come to Jesus, and He gives me rest. I work with Him and learn from Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He refreshes my soul (Matt. 11:28-30).
  • Temptation
I submit myself to God. I resist the devil, and he must flee from me. I draw near to God, and He draws near to me (James 4:7-8).
 
(For a much more comprehensive list of Satan-silencing Scriptures to speak aloud, download my app, Shut Up, Devil!, free for iPhone and Android.)
 
The Bible contains truth to counter any of Satan's attacks. Locate a Scripture related to whatever you're facing, and then begin to speak it aloud throughout your day. Remember: The father of lies has no power when the truth of the Father is present!
 
Make It a Habit
 
Speaking Scripture activates a powerful, mind-renewing cycle because it allows truth to ingest in you, to get out of you, then back into you and so on. This transforms your life with confidence in what God has assured.
 
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).
 
Make speaking Scripture a daily habit and you'll soon realize that you're no longer under attack, but you're on the attack. As I've experienced, you'll gain confidence in who you are and what you have, so that over time the issues and lies you once dealt with will no longer influence you.
 
Let God's Word be the only voice in your life that defines your identity and determines your destiny. Begin speaking it right now to begin to silence Satan and live victoriously.
 
Kyle Winkler

Visitor Comments (1)

Shut up devil app
•

I have downloaded the app but no 'common issues' or cards appear on phone, am I meant to purchase something before scripture appears? Thanking you

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