JULY THEME – “Armed for Battle: Winning the War You Can’t See”

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

Spiritual warfare isn’t something to fear—it’s something every believer must understand, because the real battle is in the mind, where thoughts either prepare you for victory or leave you vulnerable to defeat. You’re not fighting for victory, but from the victory Jesus already secured, and every piece of God’s armor is designed to protect you when intentionally worn each day. Strongholds form slowly—lie by lie—but they break when truth is consistently applied and every thought is taken captive in obedience to Christ. This battle isn’t about survival—it’s about transformation, and now is the time to rise, renew your mind, and reclaim what the enemy tried to steal.

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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

WHEN YOUR MIND BECOMES THE BATTLEFIELD

 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Rom 12:2

Spiritual warfare doesn’t always begin with external chaos—it begins with internal conversation. The mind is where the enemy often launches his first and fiercest attacks. He doesn’t always roar; sometimes he whispers—“You’re a failure… God’s not listening… Nothing will ever change.” And if those lies aren’t taken captive, they become strongholds. Strongholds don’t form overnight—they build slowly, thought by thought, until they start shaping your decisions, your emotions, and even your identity.

That’s why renewing your mind is not optional—it’s essential. You cannot walk in daily victory with a mind stuck in yesterday’s bondage. You don’t drift into truth; you renew your mind into it—on purpose. When you skip the Word, you’re not just missing a devotion—you’re walking into battle unarmed. The devil studies your patterns and waits until you’re spiritually fatigued to strike. But when your mind is filled with God’s truth, the enemy’s lies lose their grip. Transformation doesn’t happen when your situation changes—it happens when your thinking does. A mind aligned with Christ becomes a fortress of peace, discernment, and power that hell cannot shake.

Your thought life is the front line—don’t leave it undefended. Just because a thought enters your mind doesn’t mean it has the right to stay. You have the authority in Christ to evict every lie and replace it with truth. When your mind is saturated with Scripture, your spirit stands taller and your battles get smaller. Freedom doesn’t start when the storm ends—it starts when your thinking is renewed by the Word.

Prayer: Father, I give You full access to my thought life. Shine Your light on every lie I’ve unknowingly believed. Wash my mind with Your Word, and renew my thinking with truth. I will no longer agree with the voice of fear, shame, or defeat—I stand on what You say. Train me, transform me, and guard my mind with perfect peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Identify three negative or fearful thoughts that have been attacking your peace. Write down three Scriptures that directly confront those lies. Speak those Scriptures out loud every morning this week—before the enemy has a chance to speak. Post them somewhere visible. Let your mind be your testimony that the Word of God still rewires hearts and breaks chains.

WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Ann Stanley – Home

Danny Jarrard 

Darlene Wiggins

Doris Loyd

Doug Stephen’s Family  

Dr. and Mrs. Davis

Eric Magnusson’s Mother

Eric Ward

Friend of Linda Hodge

Gayle Sparks

George & Linda Alexander 

James Burnette

James Garner

Jason Parker – James & Sarah’s Son – stroke

Jessica Headrick – Beginning Treatments And Walking In Faith

John McClain’s Mother

John Parillo

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda

Lee Cronan

Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom

Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah 

Linda Mays – 3 Stents  

Lonzo Christian 

Lori Blount’s Mother

Mary Williams

Mary Williams – Rehab

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Mrs. Franklin 

Nora Allison

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Sadie Almand 

Scott Lanier 

Scotty Nix

Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts

Steve Michaels

Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter

Tom Witcher