UNDIVIDED HEARTS PART II
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor John’s sermon from February 22, 2026
Let’s Break it Down
While we live in physical bodies and face real challenges, our warfare is against spiritual forces, not flesh and blood.
Key Takeaways
We live in flesh but don't fight according to the flesh - our weapons are spiritual and mighty in God
Jesus learned obedience through suffering, and we too learn and grow through difficult experiences rather than avoiding them
Strongholds are pulled down over time, thought by thought, while vain imaginations can be cast down immediately
The armor of God provides specific spiritual weapons including truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and God's Word
Speaking in tongues and praying in the Spirit are part of our spiritual weaponry that builds us up and keeps us in God's love
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5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Walking in Flesh, Fighting in Spirit
Devotional
Life can feel overwhelming when we face challenges with our own limited strength. We all experience weakness, disappointment, and moments when our humanity shows through. This is completely normal - we're flesh and bone, after all. But here's the encouraging truth: while we walk in flesh, we don't have to fight our battles that way. God has equipped us with something far more powerful than human effort or willpower. Our spiritual weapons are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds that seem impossible to overcome. When you're facing that recurring struggle, that persistent fear, or that overwhelming situation, remember that you have access to divine power. The key is recognizing the difference between acknowledging our humanity and being defeated by it. Yes, we're human, but we're humans with supernatural resources. Your battles may be real, but your weapons are even more real.
Bible Verse
'For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.' - 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Reflection Question
What battles in your life have you been fighting with human strength instead of spiritual weapons?
Quote
Yeah, we're all flesh, but that's not how we fight. That's not how we fight.
Prayer
Lord, help me recognize when I'm fighting in my own strength. Teach me to rely on Your mighty weapons instead of my limited human resources.
Day 2: Learning Through the Journey
Devotional
Growth rarely happens in comfort zones. Even Jesus, perfect in every way, learned obedience through the things He suffered. This doesn't mean God enjoys our pain, but rather that our character is refined through life's challenges. When you find yourself circling the same mountain, facing similar struggles repeatedly, it's not because God has forgotten you. It's because there's something valuable He wants to teach you through the process. Every difficulty is an opportunity to develop spiritual muscle you didn't know you needed. The wilderness seasons aren't punishment - they're preparation. Each challenge you overcome builds resilience for the next level of your calling. Instead of asking "Why is this happening to me?" try asking "What is God developing in me through this?" Your current struggle is shaping you into the person God needs you to become.
Bible Verse
'Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.' - Hebrews 5:8
Reflection Question
What lesson might God be trying to teach you through your current challenges?
Quote
How many times you got to circle that mountain? How many days you got to be in that wilderness?
Prayer
Father, help me see my struggles as opportunities for growth. Give me patience to learn what You're teaching me through this season.
Day 3: Identifying the Real Enemy
Devotional
It's easy to focus on the person who hurt you, the boss who's unfair, or the family member who drives you crazy. But here's a liberating truth: people aren't your real enemy. Behind every relational conflict, every injustice, and every attack on your peace, there are spiritual forces at work. This doesn't excuse bad behavior or mean we ignore real issues. But it shifts our perspective from fighting people to fighting the spiritual influences affecting them. When you realize that your difficult coworker isn't the source of your problem, you can respond with wisdom instead of reacting in anger. This understanding brings freedom. You don't have to carry bitterness or spend energy trying to change people. Instead, you can pray for them while focusing your spiritual warfare on the real enemy - the principalities and powers working behind the scenes.
Bible Verse
'For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.' - Ephesians 6:12
Reflection Question
How might your relationships change if you viewed difficult people as influenced by spiritual forces rather than as your enemies?
Quote
That person is not your issue. No matter how awful what they did to you was, no matter how much it continues, they are not your issue.
Prayer
God, help me see beyond the people who frustrate me to the spiritual battles behind their actions. Give me wisdom to respond with love while fighting the real enemy.
Day 4: Tearing Down Thought Fortresses
Devotional
Your mind is a battlefield where victory or defeat is determined. Strongholds aren't just bad habits - they're fortified systems of thinking built up over time through believing lies. Maybe you've believed you're not good enough, that God doesn't really love you, or that you'll never overcome your past. These mental fortresses weren't built overnight, and they won't come down instantly either. But here's the hope: they can be demolished, one thought at a time. Every time you choose to believe God's truth over the enemy's lies, you're swinging a spiritual sledgehammer at those walls. The process requires patience and persistence. When that familiar lie whispers in your ear, counter it immediately with Scripture. When shame tries to define you, remind yourself of your identity in Christ. Victory comes through consistently replacing lies with truth until the stronghold crumbles completely.
Bible Verse
'Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.' - 2 Corinthians 10:5
Reflection Question
What lies have you been believing about yourself or your situation that need to be replaced with God's truth?
Quote
Strongholds get pulled down because they have a stronghold on your life. Same way that they were formed. A thought at a time.
Prayer
Lord, reveal the strongholds in my thinking and give me Your truth to tear them down. Help me take every thought captive to Your obedience.
Day 5: Drawing Your Spiritual Sword
Devotional
A sword left in its sheath is useless in battle. God has given you the sword of the Spirit - His Word - but it only becomes effective when you draw it out and use it. Many believers know Scripture but never apply it to their specific battles. When temptation strikes, quote relevant verses out loud. When fear attacks, declare God's promises over your situation. When the enemy whispers lies, counter with biblical truth. Your prayer language is also part of your weaponry - it builds you up in faith and connects you directly to God's power. Don't let your spiritual weapons gather dust. The righteous are as bold as a lion because they know their weapons work. You're not meant to live as a victim of circumstances but as a victor through Christ. Draw your sword, use your prayer language, and fight with confidence knowing God's weapons never fail.
Bible Verse
'And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.' - Ephesians 6:17-18
Reflection Question
Which of your spiritual weapons have you been leaving unused in their 'sheath'?
Quote
It's like leaving a sword in a sheath and never pulling it out. It will never cut if you never pull it out of its sheath.
Prayer
Father, help me actively use the spiritual weapons You've given me. Give me boldness to draw my sword and fight with Your power.