Unveiled Living Digital Magazine - Winter Edition Vol. 8
We believe vulnerability and hilarity We believe vulnerability and hilarity We believe vulnerability and hilarity go hand in hand. go hand in hand. go hand in hand.
We believe we need each other and We believe we need each other and We believe we need each other and there's no there's no there's no shame in sharing our stories. shame in sharing our stories. shame in sharing our stories.
We believe together in tragedy or triumph, we We believe together in tragedy or triumph, we We believe together in tragedy or triumph, we can remove the veil we hide behind and live in can remove the veil we hide behind and live in can remove the veil we hide behind and live in the freedom that God has given us. the freedom that God has given us. the freedom that God has given us.
When we deeply connect with other women, When we deeply connect with other women, When we deeply connect with other women, we discover that we are not alone in our we discover that we are not alone in our we discover that we are not alone in our journey. Through our shared experiences, journey. Through our shared experiences, journey. Through our shared experiences, we become stronger when we stand we become stronger when we stand we become stronger when we stand together in Christ. Living in the authenticity together in Christ. Living in the authenticity together in Christ. Living in the authenticity God has called and God has called and God has called and
TraceeL.Padilla
Editor-in-Chief
TraceeandEdwinPadilla
CreativeDesign
TraceePadilla
ContentEditor
Spiritual Warfare Unleashed
Featured Writer: Christine Wyrzten
Learning How to Fight
Becky Whitaker
Standing Strong in Battle
Tracee Padilla
Battle for Your Thoughts
Megan Wilczek
How to Walk Through Difficult Seasons
Video
The Weapon of Gratitude
Theresa Miller
Guarding Your Mind
Kathleen Knapp
Overcoming Fear
Beth Nelson
Putting on the Full Armor
Simone Johnson
Support Unveiled Living
Tracee Padilla
Teaching Your Kids About Spiritual Warfare
Joy Wendling
Heart Talk Podcast
Embracing Spiritual Resilience
Tiffany Thompson-Snyder Rerouting
Carmen Chase
Bombs Wrapped In Red Ribbon
Tricia Clark
Kids Korner
Michelle ABalts
Tracee Padilla Tracee Padilla
From the Editor
Spiritual warfare is messy. It’s not for the faint hearted but when we come into a relationship with our Heavenly Father, if we don’t learn how to engage in the spiritual battle that comes with life, we might as well raise our white flag in surrender to an enemy that has already gone to the battle room to write up his plan of attack for us; steal, kill and destroy.
In the days we are living, it’s vital that we become more equipped to fight the battle of the unseen like never before. And more important than ever to ensure we do not grow weary. Scripture admonishes us to stay alert for the enemy is seeking for whom he may devour. So in this special edition, we are going to raise our spiritual sword and learn to fight like the God warriors He has called us to be. This day we stand and fight for our families, our church, our communities and our nation.
TraceePadilla
emag
Come on in!
Welcome to Unveiled Living’s digital magazine!
Whether you're diving in for the first time or revisiting, you’ll find this emag experience is interactive and uplifting. You can click on website links, watch engaging videos, and download PDFs. Easily explore articles using the 'Table of Contents' and if you want, you can download the entire magazine as a PDF for your convenience.
This edition comes with extra PDF downloads crafted to help your spiritual warfare journey. Immerse yourself in this edition’s inspiring content, and don’t forget to share with your friends and family!
I jumped at the chance to write an article on spiritual warfare. It’s one of my passions because in the small independent Baptist church where I grew up, not much teaching was offered about Satan. I remember being told that he was a roaring lion who sought to devour God’s children, but how he might go about doing that was never covered Life-saving instruction was omitted, and consequently, there were many spiritual casualties.
Often, it was me.
“We will not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” 2 Corinthians 2:11
God’s people must be spiritually savvy. While we’re encouraged to be innocent as doves, we are also warned to be wise as serpents, to be spiritually street smart. That means we must understand our enemy ~ how he thinks, what he wants, how he works, how he fights, and the weaponry God has provided for our protection against his advances. Paul said that we should not be ignorant. “We will not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs ” 2 Corinthians 2:11
Imagine if the United States were to go to war with North Korea and we were to engage in this war without knowing some critical foundational things. We weren’t familiar with the land's topography upon which we’d fight. We were unaware of their weaponry. We were ignorant of any previous wars they’d fought and the strategies and mindsets that comprised their war plans. To embark on any war without knowing your enemy is foolish. The result would be catastrophic. Yet, every day, we are in a spiritual war with an enemy we don’t take seriously enough to study.
If we are to ‘rule and subdue the earth,’ the mandate given to Adam and his descendants in the garden of Eden, we must engage in spiritual warfare. Between the time Adam lived and Jesus lived, the enemy had not changed. He needed to be subdued. Consider what Jesus said regarding the reason He came to earth “For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” I John 3:8
Isn’t this sobering and clarifying? Wait, didn’t he come to die for the sins of mankind? Yes. But God’s over-arching mission was more comprehensive than that. The works of the devil were destroyed through Jesus’ incarnation, through His survival as a toddler under Herod’s murderous rampage, through the crucifixion of the innocent Lamb, and finally, through His resurrection into glory.
While here, Jesus put parameters on the enemy and the demonic realm. He told them whether they could talk or not, even where they were to go once they came out of a person He even told them to be quiet on several occasions. He engaged the devil, too, when He delivered people from sickness and demonic possession.
But before Jesus faced him head-on in public ministry, He encountered him first in the desert, giving all of us a template for how to handle temptation In Luke 4, Jesus looked behind Satan’s smokescreens, identified the real intent, and quoted appropriate scripture. When I ask God for spiritual eyesight to see behind the smokescreen of each temptation Satan throws at me, Jesus, through His Spirit, will also lead me to scriptures I should recite. And, when I speak them out loud as He once did, the enemy’s works will be destroyed He may not act like a defeated foe, but he is. It may appear that he has all the power, but he doesn’t. With God’s Word, our mouth becomes a sharp sword.
Though this article is brief, I don’t want to leave anything in the abstract. I want you to be able to tell when the enemy has camped nearby. I want you to have the discernment to recognize his fingerprints. To do that, let’s look at a brief personality profile.
1
2
Satan is like a roaring lion.
Peter said, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8-9 Picture standing on the streets of Berlin, Germany in WWII and feeling the earth rumble. Before you ever see the tank rounding the corner, you feel the earth shake. Your body responds with feelings of terror. This is what it is to sense the roar of the lion. His greatest tactic is to provoke fear. He knows that feelings usually overtake you before you stop to take hold of the power of God’s Word. That’s why you must prepare ahead of time with fighting words. Write scriptures out so they’re handy. Post them. Memorize them. Hang scripture on your wall.
Satan is an intruder.
Sometimes, he roars, but more often, he is as sneaky as a secret agent. He says he’s on your side. His voice is both misleading and beguiling. But out of sight, he’s stabbing you in the back. He roams your personal fence line, looking for the slightest opening. Slithering like the serpent he is, he moves among the blades of grass without even moving them Through unresolved issues in your life, he gains access to your personal space and takes advantage of proximity to tempt and then oppress
3
Satan is a strategic planner.
He is a Type-A personality. While you may not know him well, he knows you inside and out. He takes advantage of your weaknesses and customizes temptations with the greatest chance of getting you to sin. His strategic plan for you will not resemble the one he conceives for your friend or sibling. You are unique. Your story is unique. He is skilled at knowing how to match individual strategies with individual people. Let me ask you this question. If he is strategic in his schemes against you, is it not prudent for you to be strategic in your dealings against him?
4
Satan
is a tempter.
Just as he customized temptations for Jesus in the desert, he will customize temptations for you Isn’t it interesting that Jesus encountered him at the time when he was the most vulnerable? Hungry Weak Fatigued So, it is with the enemy and you He usually doesn’t come at you on a good day when everything is going well It’s when you’ve been up all night and have gotten little sleep It’s after a betrayal where you can barely get up in the morning His temptations usually offer a way out of pain early He wants you to look to other people and develop imbalanced relationships He wants you to self-comfort with unhealthy addictions He doesn’t want you to wait on God Only dependence on the grace of God and His promises will carry you through these intense times
Satan is a deceiver.
His nature is to lie. John said so. “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 His default language is lie (our default language is what we speak instinctively). He will lie to you about the predicament you are in. He’ll tell you it’s hopeless, for instance. He’ll lie to you about God’s character. He’ll malign him as untrustworthy, unloving, and unfaithful, encouraging you to break fellowship with God through false assumptions and accusations. He’ll lie to you about who you are. He does not want you to know you are precious to your Father. When there is a breach of trust, he throws a party. He loves fractured faith.
This is a sobering list of traits, isn’t it? I pray it causes your holy anger to unearth. God is a kind Father and does not lead His children into battle to be annihilated. He gives us every weapon we need to be victorious. But victory is cooperative. God does His part, and we do our part.
Engaging in spiritual warfare is a way of life. Your enemy doesn’t take a vacation. He isn’t out to ruin your day; he’s out to destroy your life. He is intentional and relentless in his attacks against you. It’s time to take back what the enemy has stolen. It’s time to embrace the truth of who God says He is. It’s time to believe who God says you are! It’s time to confront unresolved issues, sealing up the openings in your fence line. Repenting and renouncing unlocks the power of heaven on your behalf.
Spiritual warfare touches every area of our lives---our families, our relationships, our church, our neighborhoods, our communities, our places of employment. There is no part of our existence where Satan does not assert his influence. Namely, angels do God’s bidding; demons do Satan’s bidding. They oppose God’s kingdom. Miracles, physical healing, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and exercising spiritual authority are essential to impact the physical and spiritual kingdoms.
It is imperative to be proactive instead of passive. Paul said, “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness; instead, expose them.” Ephesians 4:11
That means ~ advance instead of retreat. Expose instead of ignore. Confront rather than conform. Our enemy counts on our passivity, but we can know ‘the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness believe.’ Ephesians 1:19 We have been invited advance the kingdom to the glory of God.
Christine Wyrtzen
FEATURED WRITER
Christine is a musician and has recorded 19 albums She is also a Bible teacher and storyteller, the author of five books, and the host of a nationally syndicated radio program heard daily on nearly 700 stations. She has the ability to connect with people quickly by offering herself as a friend and wounded healer
Christine has been married to Ron Wyrtzen for 50 years and is the mother of two adult children, Jaime and Ryan Her two grandsons are also her treasures. She attends a Southern Baptist Church in Watkinsville, GA. Her endorsements are many, including Kay Arthur, Joni Eareckson Tada, and Steve Brown, host and founder of Key Life Ministries
LEARNING HOW TO
WRITTENBY BECKYWHITAKER
Have you ever had to deal with being afraid?
Maybe you have experienced that at some point in your life, and it’s quite possible you’ve never been through that If not, consider yourself fortunate I actually dealt with horrible anxiety attacks in my early adulthood. It was a time filled with panic that I could not control One day I remember being at a particular store with several items in my cart ready for purchase. Suddenly, panic washed over me, and I became so upset and filled with uncontrollable fear that I ran out of the store, leaving my cart behind. I hurried home, ran to my bed, scared out of my mind, and cried until tears wouldn’t come anymore
I had been a Christian my entire life, but somehow, I could not control this fear It was constant in my mind and heart for months, and trying to hold myself together was a daunting task. I was meek and timid, completely unsure of who I was in Christ and who He was in me. I went to the doctor several times, and she always prescribed antidepressants and other medications to
control the attacks, but I was not satisfied with that remedy. I stopped all the medications and was determined to overcome by the power of Jesus Christ, my savior
One day, as I was driving down the road in my car, the Lord asked me if I trusted Him Of course, I answered "Yes," but I started thinking in my mind... do I? It occurred to me that I either trust God or I don't! If I trust God to keep me for all of eternity, then why can't I trust Him with now? Trust that He is in control and that He will never leave me or forsake me, that He would take care of me
After I got home that day, I found John 14:27, and it became life to me.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
I literally quoted that scripture over and over in my mind day in and day out. I slept with my hand on my Bible opened to that verse every night It was not very long before I started walking in a calmness and a peace that I had not experienced before. It was life-giving, and it was then that I was able to recognize the enemy when he would come to me and try to instill panic. I would start quoting that scripture, and immediately the Lord would come with peace This was my ever so small start into spiritual warfare. In recognizing the enemy and that he wants to bring destruction, steal, kill, and destroy, I was able to win those victories by quoting the word
My history was meek, timid, and afraid to engage the enemy. Unfortunately, the enemy was just riding roughshod over me, and I let him I accepted and dealt with what the enemy threw my way, often living years in defeat. That is until one day when my husband was walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and the doctors said we needed to pray because they couldn't do anything for him.
This once meek, timid, and afraid woman had enough of the years of defeat, and I was not going to let the enemy kill my husband and destroy my family I decided right then and there, in the car on the way to the hospital, to go toe to toe with the enemy I moved past my fear and exercised the authority that I had been given in Christ, the power to rebuke and bind the devil, to bind the strongman and fight for my husband! Do you know that I did not feel any fear? I screamed and rebuked the enemy, and I have never felt more freedom than I felt then! Especially when I got to the hospital and realized that my prayers had worked... my engaging in spiritual warfare was the key to breakthrough in my husband's recovery.
My friend, that was thirty years ago, and I can tell you that there are times when you absolutely will not win the fight if you are afraid to engage the adversary. Many battles are only for those brave enough to go toe to toe with the enemy I learned this when my husband was in the hospital on life support two years ago.
“This once meek, timid, and afraid woman had enough of the years of defeat, and I was not going to let the enemy kill my husband and destroy my family.”
Since then, I have become more confident in my covenant with Jesus Christ and that He has given me all authority to tread on the enemy and put him under my feet I know that to live victoriously, I cannot stay on the surface of Christianity. There is a deeper level we must get to, asserting our God-given authority and waging war against the principalities and powers that seek to destroy us.
As we enter the last days, I am even more convinced that we must put our fear aside, rise up, and fight like never before.
~ Becky Whitaker
There is a war going on in the supernatural realm for our minds, our peace, our marriages, our children, our purity, and a host of other precious things in our lives
My friend, Jehovah Sabaoth, The Lord of armies, is your rear guard, and He has never lost a battle! Arise, put on your armor, and wage war for what is important to you and to God! Arise, warrior bride, Arise!
Becky resides in Kingsport, TN, married to Terry, the love of her life. She is blessed to be a mother of two amazing sons, Elijah and Sam. A devoted follower of Jesus since her early childhood, she recently completed the publication of her debut book, “Fear, Fire, and Faith.” Her calling is to minister hope and healing to those in need.
byBeckyWhitaker
ISAIAH 42:13 “THE LORD WILL GO FORTH LIKE A WARRIOR”
SPIRITUAL WARFARE WAKE-UP CALL
When I was praying about what direction to go in, theme wise, for this edition, the resounding direction became clear-- Spiritual Warfare While not a ‘hot topic’ many Christian circles focus on, yet to me, it’s a missing link of study and focus that I believe, we as Christians should be well versed in Why? Because Paul said it so clearly in Ephesians 6:12, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
That is our reality. What we run into every single day without even realizing it.
I love what our featured writer in this edition, Christine Wyrtzen wrote in a Facebook post recently, “There’s an argument that goes like this ‘To give the devil any thought at all is to give him glory that only belongs to God ’ When those in military warfare give study the enemy they are fighting, are they exalting them in the process? Or is this just part of the strategy to achieve victory? The Apostle Paul said, “We will not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant to his designs ” 2 Corinthians 2:11 To ignore is to remain ignorant. To be ignorant, according to Paul, is to be outwitted.”
I couldn’t have said that more brilliantly than she did. For that very reason, that is why we cannot keep this hidden under a bushel any longer. To remain ignorant about the spiritual battles we face daily means we WILL be outwitted by Satan himself.
So, then, what do we do now?
We start talking about it We start strategizing Planning Studying Fasting, Praying Revealing the enemies ways of destruction Realizing that his strategy never changes It’s the same every single time Just take a look back at some of the battles you ’ ve faced and you will begin recognize he doesn’t change
And my friend, he doesn't want you to catch on to that. He prefers we stay oblivious to the fact that he’s been haunting generation after generation, plantings seeds of shame, guilt, incompetence, feelings of not being good enough, unqualified, unusable, and inadequate. Dive into Gideon’s narrative in Judges 6, and you’ll see the turmoil he experienced when God labeled him a “Mighty Hero.” That wasn’t how Gideon saw himself. Why? Because he allowed the Midianite army, his adversary, to influence his thoughts with taunts and defeat, creating a battleground in his mind And unfortunately, they were winning
Sound familiar? Believe me, I’ve been there too many times myself But today, we ’ re putting the enemy on notice --the one who aims to kill, steal, and destroy doesn’t have the last word anymore Are you with me?
I’m geared up to tackle this fight for my life, my family, prodigal sons, the church, our communities, the nation, and the world. A line is drawn in the sand. Enough is enough.
While this battle isn’t a walk in the park, here’s the beautiful reminder from scripture --we ’ re not fighting on our own; it belongs to the Lord
David wrote this promise in Psalm 18:3040; “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises are true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.” v. 39-40 “You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet. You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me.”
Read that again This is THE method for combat, fueled by the power of God, giving us the capability to handle a bronze bow! If you ’ ve never tried drawing a bow, understand that it’s no simple task It demands physical strength, unwavering stability, focus, and a steady hand A slight misstep, and the bow recoils harshly But yet, when you bring God into the mix, EVERYTHING CHANGES!
STUDY BREAKDOWN
This study (see study workbook here) ) reveals that when it comes to fighting battles, God never uses typical weapons we might expect. He chooses unconventional and unexpected methods which consistently throw off the enemy
Satan is predictable. God is not.
For additional insights, consider reading Francis Frangipane’s “This Day We Fight” and Rick Renner’s “Dressed to Kill ” These books dig into the unique strategies of learning how to fight the spiritual warfare battle
For the full 4-part study on Standing Strong in Battle, head over to my Heart Talk Podcast starting February but to get us started on conquering our giants and learning to truly overcome let’s begin with what I believe are some of the most important things we need to learn:
1. Using Faith in Your Battle: In spiritual battles, faith is a potent weapon, unliked traditional warfare
See Yourself as God Sees You: Understanding God’s view of you; it’s crucial for the fight.
2. The Fight against a Passive Spirit: Staying active and resisting a passive spirit to remain spiritually strong
3 Being Mindful of Your Words: Your spoken words matter in spiritual warfare, so choose them wisely
4 ARE YOU READY TO DIVE IN? HERE WE GO!
Isaiah 42:13
go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a ar He will utter a shout, He will raise a war cry He will prevail against His enemies
THE CALL TO SPIRITUAL WARFARE
he threshold of a divine assignment; a call from our Heavenly he battlefield of spiritual warfare This mission demands that with a specific outfit and shoes, not for comfort, but for the ourney into the uncharted territories of the enemy ’ s domain.
ar: to wage war against the forces of darkness, armed with , all for the advancement of His glorious Kingdom away from the spotlight, in the hiddem realms of prayer, and steadfast faith. It is an undertaking that many may not ess, but it is one of paramount importance
ch boldly to the forefront of the spiritual battlefield, fighting ry but for the well-being of our families, the salvation of our rength of our church, the revival of our nation, and the redemption of our world.
embark on this sacred mission, I invite you to say ‘ yes ’ to this rely in spoken work, but as a solemn commitment between you and the Lord.
ve into the life-changing Word of God, gleaning wisdom and ay emerge as warrior women of God, equipped and anointed fight for the expansion of God’s Kingdom
he Lord guide us on this extraordinary journey of spiritual r hearts be steadfast in the knowledge that with God on our side, victory is guaranteed.
CLICK HERE FOR THE WORKBOOK
SAMPLE OF WORKBOOK
TO FIGHT
WE NEED TO LEARN TO SEE OURSELVES HOW GOD SEES US
In our pursuit of becoming spiritually mature and our journey of faith, there is a fundamental lesson that we need to grasp: seeing ourselves how God sees us
SCRIPTURE FOCUS:
Hebrews 11:32-34 - How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.
READ STORY OF GIDEON - JUDGES 6-7
Gideon’s Struggle - Judges 6:12-16:
Gideon felt INADEQUATE and UNQUALIFIED
Gideon felt like the WEAKEST LINK
Gideon’s sense of INSIGNIFICANCE deeply affected his perception of who he was.
Gideon did NOT see himself as a MIGHTY HERO
The turnaround:
ED his life into the hands of God.
GED God’s authority in his life cision to exercise FAITH and BELIEVE in what God was calling him to
Then the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon with power.”
ABOUT TRACEE & EDWIN
Tracee is the visionary and founder of Unveiled Living alongside her husband who handles all the video production through Brite Light Media And is Tracee’s greatest motivator and encourager in everything she does at UL.
Growing up on the mission field gave Tracee a special set of lenses to view Jesus in a whole new light Fueled with a contagious love of the Lord, she’s spent the last 25 years in ministry-leading worship, speaking, teaching and spreading the joy of living for Jesus wherever she goes
Despite navigating unexpected dark seasons in life, Tracee’s mission has been to inspire others to hold onto their faith no matter what battles we face in life knowing that through the power of God’s promises we can overcome.
Nestled in North Carolina with the love of her life, Edwin, and their cat, Kiko, who thinks he’s the boss, they also have 3 adult children (Edwin’s step-children) and a grandkid squad of three rambunctiously awesome grandkids with one on its way
BATTLEFOR FOR YOUR
BY MEGAN WILCZEK
AS I LAY IN BED, THE NARRATIVES IN MY HEAD REPEATED.
Why is this so hard for me and so easy for everyone else? What's wrong with me? No wonder people don't like me. I'm totally worthless. Nobody will want to be my friend if I can't get it together After hours of tears, tossing, and turning, daylight finally came. I woke to find a text from a friend, tears rolling down my face, longing for connection with them. I threw the phone down Nope, I'm not answering that They don't really want to hear about my problems
Why is the battle for our thoughts important? As you can see in the story above, our thoughts cause emotions, which change our behavior and affect our relationships. Our thoughts have the potential to change the trajectory of our entire lives. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take our thoughts captive. But what does that mean? How do we do it? The Bible sprinkles those answers throughout the New Testament Here are four tips for taking your thoughts captive.
F O C U S O N G O D
THINK ABOUT THINGS OF HEAVEN, NOT THINGS OF EARTH. COLOSSIANS 3:2 NLT
HOW DO WE DO THIS?
THE MORE YOU FILL YOUR MIND WITH THE THINGS OF GOD, THE LESS ROOM THERE IS FOR SPIRITUAL DARKNESS TO FILL THAT SPACE. GOD COMMUNICATES WITH US THROUGH OUR THOUGHTS UNFORTUNATELY, THE FORCES OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS CAN ALSO INFLUENCE OUR THOUGHTS..
OUR ENVIRONMENT
OUR ENVIRONMENT ALSO INFLUENCES OUR THOUGHT LIFE WHAT WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO ABSORB THROUGH OUR SENSES MATTERS WHAT WE WATCH, LISTEN TO, AND WHO WE SURROUND OURSELVES WITH MATTERS
QUESTION?
WHO DO YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO?
APPLICATION
READ A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES. LISTEN TO A SERMON ONLINE. TURN ON SOME WORSHIP MUSIC. BE HONEST WITH GOD ABOUT YOUR DIFFICULT THOUGHTS AND ASK FOR HIS HELP.
R E M E M B E R T H E T R U T H
AND YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE. JOHN 8:32 NLT
HOW DO WE DO THIS?
WRITE DOWN EACH OF YOUR TOXIC THOUGHTS AND COUNTERACT THEM WITH SCRIPTURE. REMEMBER WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE. SPEND SOME TIME IN EPHESIANS HIGHLIGHTING THE VERSES THAT DESCRIBE WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT YOU.
QUESTION?
WHO DOES GOD SAY YOU ARE?
OUR ENVIRONMENT
REACH OUT TO A CHRISTIAN FRIEND WHO CAN BE TRUSTED TO POINT YOU BACK TO GOD’S TRUTH
APPLICATION
STUDY EPHESIANS 6:17 IT OFFERS A BEAUTIFUL WORD PICTURE WITH ‘THE HELMET OF SALVATION ’ THE TRUTH OF OUR SALVATION PROTECTS OUR MINDS BY BRINGING PEACE WITH THE REMINDER THAT SATAN CANNOT REMOVE OUR SALVATION HOWEVER, DON’T FORGET HE CAN REDUCE OUR EFFECTIVENESS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
R E D I R E C T Y O U R
T H O U G H T S
DON’T COPY THE BEHAVIOR AND CUSTOMS OF THIS WORLD, BUT LET GOD TRANSFORM YOU INTO A NEW PERSON BY CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK. THEN YOU WILL LEARN TO KNOW GOD’S WILL FOR YOU, WHICH IS GOOD AND PLEASING AND PERFECT ROMANS 12:2 NLT
HOW DO WE DO THIS?
I LIKE TO ADD A LITTLE HUMOR TO MY THOUGHT REDIRECTION. ONCE I RECOGNIZE THAT I’M HEADED TOWARD A THOUGHT SPIRAL, I SAY TO MYSELF SOMETHING LIKE, “GIRL, WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS TODAY! THERE’S WORK TO DO.”
QUESTION?
WHAT ARE WAYS YOU CAN TAKE ACTION IN YOUR DAILY LIFE TO GRAB HOLD OF YOUR THOUGHTS BY USING GOD’S WORD?
OUR ENVIRONMENT
THIS WORLD WANTS YOU IMITATE IT CONFORMITY TO OUR CULTURE IS EXACTLY WHERE THE ENEMY WANTS US TO BE THE ONLY WAY WE CAN FIGHT THAT IS TO DO THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE AND LIVE LIFE EXCHANGING OUR BATTLING THOUGHTS FOR WHAT GOD’S SAYS ABOUT OUR LIFE. THE ENEMY DOESN’T WIN WHEN WE FIGHT WITH GOD’S WORD.
APPLICATION
WITH INTENTION, THINK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE. SOMETIMES YOU MAY HAVE TO RETURN AND REDIRECT YOURSELF AGAIN WHILE PRAYING FOR GOD TO HELP YOU OUT. MEDIDATE ON SCRIPTURE TO HELP BREAK THE THOUGHT PROCESS YOU’RE STRUGGLING WITH
T H I N K A B O U T G O O D
T H I N G S
AND NOW, DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, ONE FINAL THING. FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT IS TRUE, AND HONORABLE, AND RIGHT, AND PURE, AND LOVELY, AND ADMIRABLE THINK ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT AND WORTHY OF PRAISE PHILIPPIANS 4:8 NLT
HOW DO WE DO THIS?
THE MORE YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU DON’T WANT TO DO, THE CLOSER YOU INCH TOWARD DOING IT. INSTEAD, QUICKLY MAKE A MENTAL LIST OF FIVE THINGS YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR.
QUESTION?
AS YOU READ GOD’S WORD, WHAT WOULD HE SAY TO YOU IN THIS MOMENT?
OUR ENVIRONMENT
HAVING A THANKFUL HEART CAN BE RADICALLY AFFECTED BY WHO YOU HANG OUT WITH CONSIDER THE INFLUENCES AROUND YOU AND WHAT THEY ARE SPEAKING INTO YOUR LIFE THAT MAY BE AFFECTING YOUR VIEWPOINT AND OUTLOOK ON LIFE
APPLICATION
TAKE A WALK AND FOCUS ON SOMETHING YOU FIND BEAUTIFUL IN GOD’S CREATION. FIND A QUIET PLACE AND CLOSE YOUR EYES. IMAGINE JESUS SITTING WITH YOU IN ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES.
REMEMBER, THE BATTLE FOR YOUR THOUGHTS IS THE BATTLE FOR YOUR SOUL.
Our body, mind, and soul are interconnected When one is unhealthy, the others will be negatively affected as a result. This connection is recognized both Biblically and scientifically There is a lot at stake here, friend, don’t give up the fight.
ABOUT MEGAN:
Megan, a native of rural Wisconsin, is a passionate advocate for mental health and trauma recovery. With a background in psychology and crisis counseling, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling She is the creator of the Jordan Crossings Blog, dedicated to empowering trauma survivors and educating Christians on ministry to the hurting. Megan is married to a firefighter and recently adopted their two foster children
https://www jordancrossings org
Ever felt like life's just throwing punch after punch, knocking you down every time? In this Heart Talk Vlog, we're digging into Elijah's story, checking out the seven specific things God gave him when he was facing life-or-death challenges from Jezebel. It's a journey that hits home, that feeling of being all alone and drowning in overwhelm – something we've all felt.
Let's unwrap these seven provisions together, write 'em down, and make them a part of our everyday thinking. It's a reminder that, no matter what
we're going through, the God who had Elijah's back is right here for us too.
In the midst of all the spiritual chaos, let's hold on to the fact that, just like Elijah, God's walking with us through yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Just so you know, you're not in this alone. God meets you right where you're at, guiding you through the battles. So, as we dive into Elijah's provisions, let's root ourselves in the truth that God is always there, even in the middle of life's toughest battles.
THE WEAPON OF
GRATITUDE
BY THERESA MILLER
“Why does my hair tangle so easily, mom?” She whines, “It’s not fair!”
I silently pick away at the mat in the back of her head.
never comes without burdens beauty
My seven-year-old daughter has had the burden of snarky hair since it grew beyond her shoulders. We’d often sit together on my bed while I’d pick away at the matted messes throughout her fine, long hair. It’s been a tedious process for one who has never wanted me to brush her hair or massage shampoo into her tender scalp. She has beautiful brown hair that most people would trade their own for, yet she only notices the burden. And I can see how this plays out in my own life. Beauty never comes without burdens.
“Mom, it’s like my snarls are my sin and my straight hair is God and we ’ re getting all of the sin out.”
I smirk. How clever of God to use a difficult moment to show her what sin can look like in our lives. Isn’t it true that God uses the hard and painful moments to show us our need for Him?
All those snarls near her scalp tugging from different directions remind her of weeds that strangle the desired plant when not tended to. She sees the mess that is mixed with beauty, needing to be restored.
Could this be a reason to be thankful?
Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 that this life does not come without burdens, however He has overcome the world. He is the way through our tangled mess:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
If we never see our need for Jesus, we’ll never find our way through our trials. They may come and go like the snarls forming in my daughter’s hair, but they will come because sin exists in this world. The promise of our Savior is not the absence of trials, but peace through them.
Jesus has overcome the world take heart
I worked on those snarls the best I could, then took my daughter to her Aunt, a hairdresser, the next day for a fresh cut. Sometimes sin needs more than a little separating out. It needs a clean cut from our lives. It’s like removing the weight of sin when we've done all we can do and finally take it to Jesus. We walk away feeling lighter, don’t we?
My brave child walks away flipping her hair, feeling light and like a brand new girl. (see picture)
our burdens
reminds us we need
Sister, we cannot possibly comb through life’s matted mess on our own. But the good news is, we don’t have to!
We have a Savior who is in the business of restoring us to our intended beauty. Each one of us will come to realize this sooner or later; either sooner because we've known scarcity and Jesus is all we've ever had, or later because we've had much, yet have come to realize Jesus is all we really need. And if not these, we will know in the last days when at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10:11, Romans 14:11)
We are not exempt from burdens in this life, but when we focus on the beauty rather than the burdens, we become more grateful for the burdens that lead us to peace and fullness of life in Christ. Beauty does not come without burdens, yet our burdens can be the gift that reminds us of our need for Jesus.
I can’t think of a better reason to be grateful today and everyday, can you?
Father, we thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to restore our tangled, matted mess to your original plan. Until that day when your victory is complete; when every tongue acknowledges your name; when every tear is wiped dry, we rest in the peace you offer through your son, Jesus. Help us to continually seek you and trust that you are the way through each trial. In Jesus’ name, amen.
About Theresa Miller:
Theresa is a transport from the wooded East to the wide open spaces of Wyoming in the West, where she now calls home. Nestled near the Big Horn Mountains, she first enjoys being a wife to Rob and a mom to her four teenagers. Weaving words has been the creative outlet she has explored since childhood, bringing clarity to life’s complexities. Theresa currently serves in women ’ s ministries in her church and community as a Bible teacher, MOPS Mentor, and speaker. In addition, she is a COMPEL member, Bible Study Writing Focus Group Leader, and Challenge winner. You can find Theresa encouraging women to dig deeper to reach higher in their faith and calling on Instagram, Facebook, Substack, and through her professional and sister websites. See Facebook page here.
Sometimesourbrainsbecomeoverwhelmed withtheday'sthoughts,thestressofour schedules,andtheworryaboutfinancesor familyWebecomefocusedinwardinstead of offering these worries to God and releasingourmindsandbodiesfromstress.
IbreatheasighofreliefasIshakethebird's nestfrommymind,clearingthecobwebsof fearanddoubt,todirectmymindand thoughtstothebattleathand Iam confidentIamnotfightingalone.
God is with me, and the battle belongs to the Lord
Overcoming Fear
exchanging fear for god’s love
bybethnelson
It can be different for each of us, but it is human nature to experience fear It could be fear of the future, loneliness, financial hardships, losing a loved one, and the list goes on. I’ll admit there have been times I’ve fueled my own fear by rehearsing conversations in my head or foreshadowing events that are unpleasant, hurtful, or damaging Fear can be persistent and impactourwell-beingandhinderourowngrowth andabilitytoloveandcareforthosearoundus.
Research and psychological studies conducted consistently reveal that the majority of our worries, often exceeding 90 percent, never materialize into actual events Our minds have a tendency to magnify potential threats and uncertainties, leading us to invest mental energy in concerns that are statistically unlikely to come tofruition
Our lives unfold with both blessings and their share of challenges. In my journey, the unimaginable struck, as my greatest fear materialized - I lost my daughter In the face of such heart-wrenching realities, I found myself pondering: Were the prior moments of fear a dark twist of fate? Did my fear actually perpetuate the outcome? Life's twists and turns make me wonder: Does fear really matter when things get tough?
While I don't claim expertise in fear, my personal experience involves confronting and overcoming my most significant fear. In doing so, I offer a unique perspective that may provide an alternative angle for you to contemplate an approach, if you will, in understanding and dealing with fear First,let’sunpackfear.
Fear is a potent and unpleasant emotion tied to anticipating a future threat or pain Our minds, created by God, hold the power where thoughts shape our feelings Biblical guidance, like 2 Corinthians 10:5b, instructs us to take every thought captive and align it with Christ. God recognizes the devil's role in manipulating our fears and provides instructions and tools to resist, emphasizing the importanceofsurrenderingourthoughtstoHim
Certainly, dispelling fear isn't as simple as flipping through the Bible and reading a verse. Instead, it involves a method thatencompassesafewcomponents;somewhatlikea medical approach. Initially, one must delve into the roots of fear, identifying its source. Subsequently, the process continues with the use of an antidote, aimed at neutralizing the fear's impact Equally crucial and used simultaneously is possessing both a cure and a therapeutic approach, creating a treatment plan for ongoing healing.
RootsofFear.
Every individual carries a unique set of fears, deeply rooted in personal experiences, perceptions, and vulnerabilities Identifyingthesourceofourfearsisacomplexjourneythat takes time and self-reflection. This requires us to unravel the origins of our fears and understand the emotions surrounding them. The first step is definitely the hardest andmostpainful
TheAntidote.
Trusting in God serves as the antidote (medication) that can neutralize the distressing sensation and symptoms of fear When we utilize the antidote, we build within ourselves the resilience, peace, and strength to work through fear. Trust can establish an assurance that we are not alone in our journey. But how do we acquire and build this trust? We mustpursuethecureandtherapeuticpractice
CureandTherapy.
God's love serves as the cure (remedy) for fear, and prayer with biblical meditation stands as the continual therapeutic practice essential for building trust in God This practice will provide sustaining confidence and security in conquering not only fear but also the multitude of challengesweencounterinlife
WhyOvercomeFear.
We must do the work We must work through what we walk through The alternative is allowing the devil to linger and hold power in our lives with fear Addressing and working through fear, on the other hand, provides an opportunity for understanding, growth, and eventually overcoming its influence. We can live more freely in the confidence that we are heirs of God and are privileged to have the Holy Spirit penetrating our life-thoughts andemotions
John, and the author of Romans, provide a starting point in our therapeutic practicestoovercomingourfears:
My dear friends, I certainly hope that your greatest fears never come to pass It is my prayer that you can be strong in conquering the devil’s ploys to manipulate you with fear and overcome it through your trust in God’s perfectlove.
Practicallyspeaking,sheunderstands we 'veallbeenamessfromtimetotime She’llsharehowfamilytrauma,spiritual warfareandstressfulrelationshipscanbe managedwithspirituallyinspired leadership!
PUTTING ON THE OF GOD
BY SIMONE JOHNSON
As we begin the new year, we are encouraged by the writings of Paul, which remind us to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV
As Paul continues encouraging believers, he reminds us of our position in Christ. As representatives of Christ in this world, he not only encourages us to be strong in the Lord but also be strong in His mighty power. 2 Corinthians 5:20 states that we are ambassadors of Christ, called by God to represent Him to a lost and dying world God has entrusted believers in Christ with the “Gospel of Christ, which is the power to everyone who believes ” Romans 1:16
Ambassador = An authorized messenger or representative.
As ambassadors of Christ, we are given plenipotentiary power Plenipotentiary power is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “full power to take independent action, power given to an ambassador, full power of independent action on behalf of their government, typically in a foreign country.”
Just like modern-day ambassadors, who receive full power to act in the country where they live, giving them a complete representation of the country of their originality, believers in Christ receive plenipotentiary power on the day of salvation. As believers in Christ, our plenipotentiary power comes from the power invested in us by Jesus Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Not only are we granted full power, but we are also instructed on how to stand in power
Paul goes on to say that for us to stand against the strategies of the enemy, the devil, we are to put on the full armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18
ay ambassadors must hemselves on the affairs of try of origin. Ambassadors are strong leaders and d the highest-ranking ative of the president of the origin Once having received tment, ambassadors educate s on the ways of the country ssignment. In his riches and od has equipped us and ievers in Christ on how to be mbassadors for Him in this derstanding that while our strong on this earth, we are nger with our plenipotentiary wever, Paul
instructs us on the importance of putting on the armor of God as we continue to journey in this foreign land, earth
Let's briefly look at what this armor consists of and how it applies to our lives today as we live in a life of plenipotentiary power. Paul begins in Ephesians by instructing believers to "stand your ground by putting on the belt of truth " John 8:44 clearly shows that our enemy, the devil, is a liar John 14: 6 states, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Our country of origin is led by a God who stands firmly on truth, while our enemy reigns on a foundation of lies and deceit. Therefore, it is important to always focus on the truth and to shut down the voices of lies in our lives. Always focus on the truth God's word is truth
In His righteousness, we are made perfect in Christ. Our faith in Christ transforms his righteousness in our lives. 1 John 5:17 states that all unrighteousness is sin. Therefore, we must flee from sinful lusts. We must pray that God makes us sensitive to sin so we do not sin. However, in standing our ground when we sin, we must claim the truth in John 1:9: " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
us from the Good esus Christ is our turmoil and chaos, source of peace. ave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." Again, when confronted with fear or when we become overwhelmed by the chaos of this world, focus on the truth found in the Word of God. Jesus Christ is our Peace.
Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. " It is by faith that we hold on to the truth. God has given us power against the forces of this world. Faith will put out the fiery darts from the enemy. Faith is confidence in the promises of God Focusing daily on the promises of God and claiming them gives us the power to live in the fullness of Christ.
The power of salvation in Christ in our lives is the strongest power we have. Salvation transforms lives, breaks down strongholds, and sets a sinner free from captivity. Romans 1:16 It is interesting to note that Paul chose to set salvation as a helmet A helmet was used to protect the head of a soldier. It is interesting to note that the enemy tries to attack our minds by placing thoughts that are contrary to His word. Salvation is our security in Christ Way too often, the enemy wants us to believe that we are not enough in Christ. Everything that we need to be secure in Christ is established on the day of our salvation.
The word of God is our weapon of choice In using plenipotentiary power, the word of God is our weapon. Therefore, I challenge every believer in Christ to memorize, study, and apply God's word in our everyday lives Deuteronomy 6:8
“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
Pray without ceasing. Prayer unlocks our plenipotentiary power. There is power in prayer! Prayer becomes even more powerful when we use the word of God as part of our prayer. As we speak God’s truth over our requests and in worship of our Savior, the Spiritual realm is activated. Romans 8:26-27 “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” Is anyone among you sick? Pray James 5:14-16. Are you anxious? Pray. Phil 4:6-7. Are you in trouble? Distressed? Pray. Psalm 107:28-30 “I will do whatever you ask in my name… (John 14:13-14) “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22)
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
(Mark 11:24)
Let me encourage you to be strong in the Lord and walk in the plenipotentiary power given to you by the Holy Spirit. Stand your ground, put on the whole armor of God. Live victoriously in Christ. Hold fast to your position in Christ Fill your hearts, minds, and souls with the word of God Memorize scripture! Declare God’s promises! Pray without ceasing! Be alert! Use the power given to you at the day of Salvation! Don’t ever forget that we are made perfect through Christ Jesus; in our weakness, He is our strength.
Pray over y your grou your hous cranny. Fa Bible verse all over y reminders prayers P home with Cleanse y Lord to re are. He w your mind word. Plan bind the s with Scrip our God!
Do not walk in fear Walk in power!
About Simone Johnson:
Simone Johnson, a seasoned critical care nurse, is a devoted homeschool mother of seven. Originally from Brazil, Simone’s life journey has taken her to Germany, and she currently resides in South Florida. She has a deep affinity for the writings of Charles Spurgeon. Simone also finds solace in knitting, gardening, and listening to music during her leisure time. However, her primary passion lies in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and uplifting fellow believers to stay steadfast on their spiritual journey.
Tracee (Unveiled Living) and Simone went to boarding school (High School) in Kandern, Germany together and have been best friends every since.
Renewed. Revitalized. Empowered.
We are overflowing with gratitude for each one of you!
Exciting news! Unveiled Living has reached a new chapter where we're ready to take things to the next level. To keep the ministry of our digital magazine and throughout Unveiled Living, we could use a bit of extra sparkle – and that's where you come in.
If you feel are blessed with our mininstry here at Unveiled Living and would like to be part of our journey as we shine a light for Jesus to our amazing 1000+ readers, here's a golden opportunity! Consider making a donation by clicking here. Your generosity not only supports Unveiled Living but also helps speed up the process of our 501(c)(3) Non-Profit application.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts for being the incredible community that you are! Your support means the world to us. With love and gratitude ~Tracee
BY JOY WENDLING
SSPIRITUAL PIRITUAL
As a mother,
I want to do whatever I can to protect my kids I used to think the best way to do this was to keep them away from anything even remotely scary. But, I have learned, in part from reading The Whole-Brained Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, that it is better to help my child through scary things than to avoid them.
This really came to life last year when, on the first Friday of my twins’ first week of kindergarten, they experienced a lock-down because there was a bank robbery down the road from their school. What made it even scarier was that the man was never caught That night, however, as we all had a sleepover on the living room
floor, one of my 5-year-old twins said, “Mama, Jesus can come out of my heart to protect us ”
Now, her theology might not be 100% accurate, but her little concrete thinking mind, heart, and faith were trying to process what it means to be scared, have Jesus in her heart, and allow Him to protect her and her family. Wow! How precious! Little children are capable of understanding much more than we often give them credit for, aren’t they? This includes spiritual scary things, too, like spiritual warfare. Now, we need to be prayerful and intentional in how much, when, and how to teach these truths to our kids, but we don’t need to shy away from this part of our faith and reality.
Tips & Ideas
Here are some tips and ideas for ways to talk about and teach your kids about spiritual warfare without scaring them keep it simple.
Cover your conversations with prayer. Before, during, and after. Ask God to give you wisdom, creativity, curiosity, and discernment. Pray.
Kids don’t need all the details or all the information all at once. Have a simple definition that you use over and over For example, “The invisible fight between God and evil.” Then you can create simple questions and answers that you use whenever the conversation comes up, like catechisms.
Question: Who is fighting for us?
Answer: God with all His Kingdom and angels
Question: Who wins the fight?
Answer: God does
Question: why do we believe the Bible?
Answer: Because it is God’s Word & it is true
Question: Who are they fighting against?
Answer: Satan and his helpers
Question: how do we know god wins?
Answer: The Bible tells us.
Question: Do we need to be scared?
Answer: No! God’s got this
I learned this from the ministry Connected Families. When a child hears something unkind from a sibling, friend, or the enemy, ask your child, “Is that trash (something untrue), truth (something true, but maybe still a little painful or they don’t like it), or treasure (something to treasure in their heart)?” Trash gets thrown away, truth goes to our heads, and treasure is stored in our hearts. You can also follow up by speaking God’s truth and delight into them.
build up your child ’ s weapons
Prayer – help your child learn to pray without you This can be tough on a mother’s heart because we want to be a part of these important conversations with God. It is vital that our children can confidently approach God and listen to Him without us, though One way to teach this is to ask your child questions to lead them through prayer and then have your child answer them by whispering into a pillow Most children can’t pray in their heads until about age 6 or 7 teach them the game trash, truth, and treasure
Truth - help your kids to know the truth. God already has the big win, but we are still on the way to getting there Perhaps there is a favorite book or movie where your child knows how it will turn out, but they still have all the feelings and reactions to the story along the way. You could use this to point out the truth of God’s big win.
Scripture – learn short bits of the Bible together Use songs and games to do this, but don’t just stop when your child can recite a memorized verse. Help your child engage with the vocabulary and meaning of the verse
The reality of spiritual warfare is scary, but we and our children do not have to be afraid. God already has the big win!
ABOUT JOY WENDLING
Joy is a friend of Jesus, wife to Kyle, and mama to 5 girls. Her understanding of the important role of parents in a child's life and faith led her to earn her Master's in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary, complete a certificate in Parenting for Faith from Cliff College, and become a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. With 20+ years of children's, youth, and family ministry experience, Joy loves to walk with Christian mamas as they pursue Christ and seek to disciple their children for him.
Joy is a regular contributor for our Laughing Mom Section adding her wisdom and expertise to help us mom's shine Jesus to our kids, mixed in with creative play and laughter!
Real life talk about everyday struggles infused with joy and a whole lot of Jesus.
with Tracee Podcast
ON SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCAST | UNVEILED LIVING WEBSITE
RThis year has been a journey of discovering spiritual resilience. It's not something that comes easily at birth but develops as we grow, endure challenges, and sincerely seek the Lord in each season of our lives. Reflecting on Paul's teaching in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," I have laughed at that very thing this year This verse came to mind when we received our article topics, and I chuckled. Typically, I can write immediately upon receiving subjects. However, this time, I hesitated, uncertain about the direction the Lord wanted me to take to convey what the Holy Spirit was working in my heart.
Then, I was asked about my divorce story, and it aligned with the theme of BATTLES in this edition of spiritual warfare. Now, I am tasked with writing about battles, not just for myself but to help other moms navigate their own struggles, incorporating the spiritual aspect. Isn't God awesome? In the last two weeks, I witnessed God moving on my behalf for this article. Resilience is built by pressing on, picking up our armor daily - Ephesians 6 - and marching to the beat of the drum the Lord has given us It's about having a rhythm to our journey rather than being a new drummer just beating the drum for the sake of it.
RESILIENCEISBUILT BYPRESSINGON.
Over the past year, I've shared various aspects of my life. I wanted to revisit how God works, especially during a year filled with medical challenges and work disruptions. Reflecting on my graduation in 2000, I realized I had a 3rdgrade reading comprehension level. Was it because I disliked reading or was it because that was one thing the Lord was going to use for HIS good and the enemy wanted me to feel defeated to where I would not push on and do what God called me to do? This season defined much of my life. Early on, I was in Chapter 1 in my Reading and Special Ed classes, seeking assistance with various subjects. Little did I know that being a terrible test-taker would shape my resilience, a trait I needed to persevere in adulthood. In 2012, becoming a single mom, I gradually entered the insurance industry. By 2015, with a supportive boss, I overcame my challenges. Countless hours of studying molded resilience, making me believe I could do it. Through prayers and tears, I pursued things I never thought possible – talking on the phone daily, leading an online prayer group, and supporting moms in challenging seasons. It's miraculous, but it requires going through challenges to emerge with resilience for the next seasons in life.
I don't know where you are in your journey –whether at the beginning, middle, or feeling weak or strong. We've all been there! Keep going, keep striving. Don't let a diagnosis, label, or failure prevent you from being resilient and moving into the next season or chapter of your life. The next best thing may be waiting for you. Doors open with simple obedience, which requires discipline. Discipline, in turn, requires resilience, and resilience comes from relying on the Holy Spirit. Our Heavenly Father wants you to rely on Him. He loves you right where you are, but He doesn't want you to stay stuck. Push on!
Workbook
by Tiffany Thompson-Snyder and Tracee Padilla
Becoming spiritually resilient is the capacity to maintain and strengthen one’s faith, inner strength, and connection with God in the face of life’s challenges and adversities. It involves steadfast reliance on prayer, digging into scripture, and navigating difficulties with a sense of purpose and trust in who God has created you to be. When we learn to become spiritually resilient, we become unshakeable in our walk with God that helps us to endure hardships, overcome obstacles, and grow deeper in our walk with God. It’s a key weapon resource we need to attain in the battle of spiritual warfare to fight the enemies arrows of defeat he continually cast our way.
ABOUT TIFFA
Tiffany is a warrior that stands beside you in your darkest seasons. Having walked through some dark trials in her life, surviving a past abusive marriage, struggled through the loss of a child, finding herself at a Teen Challenge over 15 years ago, God turned her life around She learned how to deal with abuse, loss, depression, anxiety and trust issues and saw God do miracle after miracle in her life to get her to where she is now.
She is a single mom and has a son, Salem, who lights up her world. She lives in the greater Nashville, TN area.
Tiffany is a regular contributor and works behind the scenes in assisting Unveiled Living on many different levels.
BY CARMEN CHASE
E R O U T I N G .
“Would you like to save 32 minutes on your trip?”
I tapped the acceptance button on my GPS app, thankful I had given myself an extra hour cushion for my 5 hour road trip. Yay for smart apps that know multiple routes! I might still arrive on time.
Turning my attention back to YouTube, I honed in on what the Bible teacher was saying about “applying the blood of Jesus” to satisfy “legal rights” the enemy may be holding against me or my family. Alone in the car, I took full advantage of the solitude to begin repenting aloud, reclaiming promises of God that may have been withheld or delayed because of unseen covenants, contracts or agreements made by myself or family members.
Focused on my spiritual task, I was generally oblivious of my surroundings until a passing landmark arrested my attention. The anxiety was instant. My new route was taking me directly into the heart of the community where my husband and I had sacrificed so much. Where precious family memories were made. Where relationships that were supposed to last a lifetime were brutally severed.
That was over a decade ago. I wasn’t ever going back.
My astonished eyes drank in the subtle and major changes that years of humanity had effected. Just a few blocks that way was where we held church services. Just a mile that way was our first family home.
Suddenly, the full weight of what I had been absorbing the previous hours about legal proceedings in heavenly places was apparent.
Yes, I had obeyed in forgiveness. Yes, I repeatedly took painful memories and hurts to God for healing. But today he was exposing something more sinister and hidden: pride.
“It wasn’t my fault.”
“One day, they’re going to realize what they’ve done.”
I could see it now. The affidavit of my confessions gripped tightly in the hands of the enemy legal proof that he had a right to his stony fortress in the rubble of my heart. What unknown price was I paying for him to “squat” there all these years?
I didn’t have time to stop at all the familiar spots I passed, but each memory they conjured up I laid down on the altar of grace. I repented of everything I had thought, said, or felt, and repented on behalf of others involved (like Job did for his kids).
Then, I forgave myself and everyone involved and asked for the blood of Jesus to satisfy any evidence against any parties, so that all may be in right standing before God, the righteous judge.
A saline waterfall drenched my face as I boldly alerted all agents of darkness that they no longer had jurisdiction. I felt a surge of faith as I asked the Father to send his angelic officers to execute His righteous judgement and evict all spiritual offenders.
A small smile snuck over my features as peace settled over me. God had this hijack planned all along. I was satisfied holding on to justification for my hurt. He wanted my healing & deliverance.
“Do you want to save 32 years of continued hurt and spiritual havoc on your trip?”
I accept.
A B O U T C A R M E N C H A S E :
Carmen and her husband are staff pastors in a small North Carolina Beach town Her Christmas tree is finally put away after being up the past year and her mandolin slicer (more useful than the tree) is finally being unpacked after having been in a storage unit for quite some time They believe ‘fun’ is one of God’s Kingdom weapons, and enjoy using it often.
BOMBS WRAPPED
by Tricia Clark
with red ribbon
He was love-bombing me,
and I was foolishly unaware He poured compliments over me as I desperately savored each one. His voice delivered them like melted butter. His undivided attention was irresistible, charming, and magnetic. I couldn't get enough, and I didn't want his fascination with me to end. He became like a drug, injecting me with a high I couldn't get enough of. After only dating for a few short months, we were married, and my destruction began taking shape.
I had only been a Christian for a few years when we met He grew up in the church, beginning nine months before he was born. His dad was a worship leader, so I felt confident I was stepping into a Godly family foundation.
But as my story slowly unfolded, I realized there was no evidence of anything Godly in him As it turned out, I was fighting against the enemy of darkness working through my husband.
Evil hearts are clever as they seek vulnerable, compassionate, and empathetic women to devour Charmers maliciously gather information to gain power over you. So, how can we recognize the signs before we run into the arms of darkness? By seeking God.
He sees the heart's intent when our hearts blind us He wants to reveal wickedness because He knows the dangers lingering to deplete us until we no longer recognize ourselves.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 ESV
I have learned through my devastating experience that God gives us intuition. In other words, our gut. Believe it or not, your gut does more than filter out that Taco Tuesday lunch you devoured last week. My gut tried to inform me something was terribly off with this person
I chose, however, to ignore those God-given instincts, which led me straight into the arms of a 26-year spiritual battle I never saw coming!
Rather than tapping into our warning signals, we minimize or make excuses for what we feel deep inside. And God will always leave us the option to listen to or ignore the warnings. But if we can learn to trust what God reveals, we will recognize a love-bomber at work and confidently walk the other way.
Call to action
Practice being aware of your gut feelings the next time you are in a new situation. Pay attention to what you are feeling at the moment. Are you feeling excited? Anxious? Are you relaxed or uncomfortable? Learn to be aware
Key verses: "Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given an understanding of the mind?" Job 36:36 (ESV)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5 (ESV)
About Tricia:
Tricia Clark has been pursuing the hearts of women to empower, equip, restore, and validate them She does this by helping them recognize their value, worth, and identity in Christ - giving them the strength to overcome their shame, fear, and defeat Helping to expose God's truth over the enemy's lies that have kept them in bondage
Tricia and her husband reside in Lakeland, Florida
love bombing: unmasking the spiritual warfare within
by Tracee Padilla
In the realm of spiritual warfare, the enemy often employs covert tactics to ensnare unsuspecting individuals. One such deceptive strategy is manifested in the human experience known as love bombing. While seemingly harmless, love bombing, as experienced in relationships, mirrors the subtle yet powerful maneuvers of the adversary. Let's explore how the love-bombing phenomenon reflects the spiritual battle that rages beyond the visible surface.
Deceptive Charms and Manipulation
Love Bombing Reflection: Love bombing involves excessive praise and attention to manipulate emotions, creating a false sense of intimacy and connection.
Spiritual Warfare Connection: In spiritual warfare, the enemy often employs deceitful tactics, using charm and manipulation to lure individuals away from the truth. The devil may present enticing offers to distract believers from the path of righteousness
The Illusion of Godliness
Love Bombing Reflection: Love bombers initially appear charming and godly, creating an illusion of virtue and goodness.
Spiritual Warfare Connection: Spiritual adversaries masquerade as beings of light, deceiving individuals with a false sense of godliness. The Bible warns about false prophets and deceptive spirits that can lead believers astray.
Identifying the Enemy Within
Love Bombing Reflection: Discerning the intentions of the heart is crucial in recognizing the deceptive nature of love bombing
Spiritual Warfare Connection: Hebrews 4:12 highlights the discerning power of the Word of God, piercing through intentions and thoughts. Similarly, spiritual discernment is essential to identify the influence of dark forces and distinguish them from God's guidance.
Trusting Your Holy Spirit Intuition
Love Bombing Reflection: Relying on God-given intuition, represented by gut feelings, is vital in recognizing something is off in the relationship.
Spiritual Warfare Connection: Trusting divine intuition aligns with spiritual discernment guided by the Holy Spirit. Believers need to discern between the promptings of God and the subtle deceptions of the enemy.
The Battle Against Manipulation
Love Bombing Reflection: Resisting manipulation becomes a crucial aspect of the battle against love bombing for emotional and mental well-being.
Spiritual Warfare Connection: Spiritual battles often involve resisting the manipulative tactics of the enemy Believers are called to stand firm against deceit and manipulation, relying on God's strength and truth.
In unveiling the love-bombing phenomenon, we uncover a parallel narrative within the realm of spiritual warfare It serves as a stark reminder to stay vigilant, relying on God's wisdom and discernment to navigate the complexities of relationships and spiritual battles alike. By recognizing the tactics of the enemy, we empower ourselves to confidently walk away from the subtle traps set by the forces of darkness
FOR KIDS 6-12
K I D S K O R N E R
byMichelleA.Balts
I’m pretty sure you have probably heard of the story about the three pigs and the wolf.
Let's revisit it again and see what we can discover in this classic tale. It goes something like this...
There once was a mother pig who had run out of food for her three pigs. So she sent them out to find their own way in the world, each one deciding how they would live The first pig decided to use straw, thinking that this would be the easiest way to build a house. The second pig thought that using sticks would be quicker, so he set out to build his house. The third pig wanted a sturdy house to live in, so he decided to use bricks and include a fireplace and chimney.
The wolf, not one to give up so easily, continued on down the lane to find the second pig's house made of sticks. This time he knocked on the door and gruffly said, "Little pigs! Little pigs! Let me in! Let me in!" The two pigs chimed in together, saying, "Not by the hair on our chinny chin chin!" The wolf retorted, "Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!" So the wolf huffed and puffed and blew down the house, and just as he thought he was biting on both pigs, they got away as fast as they could to their other brother's house made of bricks.
The very next day, a wolf happened to meander by the house made of straw, smelling the delicious odor of the first pig. He tapped on the door and said, "Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!" The pig replied, "Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin!" With that, the wolf snapped back, "Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!" So the wolf huffed and puffed and blew down the house, pig and all. But the pig just barely escaped and ran to his brother's house made of sticks.
KIDS KORNER
At this point in the story, the wolf hadn't eaten a thing all day, and his appetite was increasing more and more. When he approached the brick house, he envisioned the scrumptious dinner he would have with not just one, not just two, but three pigs! So he pounded on the door and yelled, "Little pigs! Little pigs! Let me in! Let me in!" And in unison, the pigs replied, "Not by the hair on our chinny chin chin!" So the wolf huffed and puffed. He puffed and he huffed, but even with all the huffing and puffing, he couldn't blow down the house
. The wolf became so angry. He was still determined to get those pigs. Since huffing and puffing didn't do it, he began to climb up the side of the house, thinking that he could come down the chimney, not knowing that a boiling pot of water was waiting for him. Just as he was descending, he found himself plopped into the pot, splashing in scalding, hot water as one of the pigs covered him with the lid. So instead of eating, he was eaten that day.
While sharing the story with you, I noticed that there was a lot of bantering going on between the wolf and the three pigs. What does that mean? The wolf was talking to the pigs, and they were talking back to the wolf. We have an enemy who is talking to us, too, and would like nothing more than to gobble us up like the wolf tried to do with the pigs.
So what did the pigs do to keep from being eaten alive? They talked back directly to the wolf. What did they say? "Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin!" When we choose to believe that the true Bible is God speaking to us, we'll say what He says. The pigs had to say something to the wolf. You and I have to say something to our foe, the devil (and there is a real devil even if some don't believe he exists). We can see an example when Creator God created the universe. He believed that He could make everything we see in the world, so He began by saying, "Light be." And light was. His Son, Jesus, also left us His example of how to handle the enemy when he's tempting us by saying back to him, "It is written or God said in the Bible that..." Another place in God's Word (the actual Bible) it says to submit or agree with God, resist the devil (don't give in to his lies), and he will flee. Oh, and by the way, when it says he will flee, it means that he'll run in sheer terror.
“We have an enemy who is talking to us, too, and would like nothing more than to gobble us up like the wolf tried to do with the pigs.”
Did you also notice how the pigs kept running from the wolf for safety? The first two pigs who had chosen the easiest or quickest way to build their houses ran for their lives to their brother's house, the brother that had taken the time necessary to build a solid house of bricks with a fireplace and chimney (both of which would come in handy later). The third brother was already in a safe place. We, too, can live in a place of shelter when we dwell in the secret place of the Most High God, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty God. Then we can say from our heart, "He is my refuge. He is my fortress. He is my God. And I trust in Him." And it's then that Creator God promises to give His angels special watch over us and to keep us in all our ways.
We can trust His love for us and decide to believe that Creator God really loves us. Get to know Love Himself from what He said in the true Bible and spend time listening to what He says to your heart. You will find yourself on the path where each day gets brighter and brighter.
~ABOUT MICHELLE BALTS
Michelle is the sister of Tracee, friend, school teacher with over 30+ years of teaching in the Christian School Sector and having spent the past 13 years homeschooling her daughter. She has been married 22 years. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, quilting, hand-stitching, drawing, painting, and walking on the beach.
She is a deep lover of the Word of God and has been on a continual pursuit of spiritual growth in her life that beautifully seeps into everything she does.
She is very creative storyteller and a regular contributor for our Kids Corner - writing stories specifically for our kids to help them grow in their faith and walk with God.
