We just learned in Day One of our free series, “Learning Who You Are in Christ,”that we pray as sons and daughters NOT slaves. So let’s practice what we learned. Finish this prayer below in your own words (no overthinking, no begging) Father, today I come to You knowing that I belong, and I declare… Drop your prayer in the comments. Then take a moment to pray over someone else’s prayer too. 🤍 We grow by doing... not just reading.Let’s pray with confidence.

Y’all… pause for a second. NINETY-THREE new families joined our community. That’s not by accident.. that’s God building something in real time. If you’re new here, let me clear up exactly what happens inside this space so there’s no confusion. ✨ WHAT THIS COMMUNITY IS ✨This is a faith-centered space for parents, teens, and kids to grow spiritually, emotionally, and practically.. together.We talk real life. We pray. We learn. We heal. We don’t pretend. Here’s how it works 👇🏽 🤎 FREE COMMUNITY (Everyone Starts Here)• Open discussion + connection• Prayer Wall (post requests & pray for others)• Free intro classes for Parents & Kids• Community series + teachings• Encouragement, accountability, and support 🧡 PREMIUM• Full access to all courses for Parents, Teens & Kids• Deep Bible teaching + parenting tools• Downloadable PDFs, devotionals & guides• Monthly live teachings & Q&A 🏆 VIP (For parents who want hands-on support)• Everything in Premium• Weekly Zoom conversations• 1-on-1 parenting coaching with me• Custom tools + charts for your family• Priority support & real implementation help. This is not a scroll-and-ghost type of community.This is a show up, grow, and be supported kind of space. If you’re new.. jump in.Introduce yourself on the pinned intro post. Post a prayer request.Explore the classroom.Message me if you’re unsure where to start. We’re building this together and I’m so glad you’re here. 🧡✨ https://www.skool.com/kingdom-university-1883/plans

Using the Word When the Battle Is Active Scripture: “And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” — Ephesians 6:17 “For the word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword…” — Hebrews 4:12 “Jesus answered, ‘It is written…’” — Matthew 4:4 Notice something important: this is the only offensive weapon in the armor. Everything else protects you. The sword allows you to push back. Many believers are armored up but still losing ground because they don’t know how to use the Word. Owning a Bible is not the same as wielding it. The sword of the Spirit isn’t for decoration it’s for confrontation. What the Sword Does The Word of God: - Cuts through lies - Exposes truth - Stops the enemy mid-attack - Brings clarity when emotions are loud - Shifts atmospheres in your home Jesus Himself modeled this. When the enemy tempted Him, He didn’t argue. He didn’t explain. He didn’t defend Himself emotionally. He simply said: “It is written.” How You Know You’re NOT Using the Sword - You feel spiritually attacked but don’t know what to say - You respond with emotions instead of truth - You say “I’m overwhelmed” more than “God said…” - You panic instead of declaring - You know the Word exists, but you don’t know where to go in it Silence in battle is not humility it’s vulnerability. How to Use the Sword Practically 1. Learn Scripture by situation, not perfectionYou don’t need to know the whole Bible. Start with what applies to your current battle. 2. Speak the Word OUT LOUDThe enemy doesn’t read thoughts. Jesus spoke Scripture. 3. Use Scripture as a response, not a referenceDon’t just read it. Answer fear with it. Answer anger with it. Answer discouragement with it. Examples for Everyday Life - When fear rises → “God has not given me a spirit of fear…” (2 Timothy 1:7) - When parenting feels overwhelming → “I can do all things through Christ…” (Philippians 4:13) - When shame shows up → “There is now no condemnation…” (Romans 8:1) - When peace feels far → “The peace of God guards my heart and mind…” (Philippians 4:7)

Protecting Your Mind in Everyday Life Scripture: “Take the helmet of salvation…” — Ephesians 6:17“…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 Let’s be clear: the helmet is about your mind.If the enemy can’t stop your faith, he’ll aim for your thoughts. This is why salvation isn’t just a moment you experienced it’s a truth you must wear daily. The helmet guards how you think, interpret life, parent, and respond under pressure. What it protects: - Your identity (who you believe you are) - Your assurance (confidence that God has you) - Your perspective (how you see trials, your kids, yourself) How you know it’s NOT on: - Constant guilt and condemnation (“I’m failing,” “God is disappointed”) - Spiraling thoughts, fear of the future, replaying the past - Parenting from panic instead of peace - Doubting your salvation or worth when you mess up How to put it on (practically): 1. Start your day with truth, not feelings. Salvation is a fact, not a mood. 2. Reject lies immediately. Don’t entertain thoughts that contradict God’s Word. 3. Speak salvation over your mind. Out loud. Your mind needs to hear truth. Declare this daily: - I am saved, secure, and sealed by God. - My mind is protected by the truth of who Christ is and who I am in Him. - I do not parent, decide, or react from fear I operate with a sound mind. - - You cannot lead your children where your mind hasn’t gone. A protected mind produces patience, wisdom, and clarity. An unprotected mind produces reactivity, burnout, and shame. The helmet keeps you steady when emotions try to take over. Prayer:“Father, I take the helmet of salvation today. Guard my mind from lies, fear, and condemnation. Renew my thinking and anchor me in truth. When my thoughts drift, pull me back to who You say I am. Give me a sound mind so I can lead my home with peace and confidence. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Blocking What’s Meant to Break You Scripture: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” — Ephesians 6:16 Notice it says above all. Not because faith is more important than truth or peace—but because once you’re standing firm and walking steady, the enemy starts aiming directly at you. Faith is not about feeling strong. Faith is about deflecting lies you didn’t invite. WHAT THE SHIELD OF FAITH ACTUALLY PROTECTS The shield protects your mind and identity. Fiery darts are not random thoughts. They are strategic lies meant to: - Make you doubt God - Make you question yourself - Make you second-guess your parenting - Make you feel like giving up - Make you believe “this will never change” Darts sound like: - “You’re failing your kids.” - “Other parents have it together—why don’t you?” - “God isn’t really helping.” - “This is just how it’s always going to be.” Those thoughts don’t mean you’re weak. They mean you’re under attack. WHY IT’S CALLED A SHIELD (NOT A SWORD) A shield is defensive, not offensive. Faith doesn’t mean you’re attacking the enemy all day. Faith means you’re not letting his lies land. Roman shields were large—often covering the entire body. And they were meant to be held constantly, not just in battle. Faith is not a moment. Faith is a position. 📖 “We live by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 HOW YOU KNOW YOUR SHIELD IS DOWN This one shows up in your thoughts. Your shield is down when: - You spiral mentally - You replay conversations over and over - You assume the worst - You feel defeated before anything even happens - You start agreeing with negative thoughts The enemy doesn’t need to destroy you he just needs you to believe the lie. HOW TO RAISE THE SHIELD OF FAITH (PRACTICAL) Faith is not pretending everything is fine. Faith is choosing truth over fear in real time. Raising your shield looks like: - Catching the lie immediately - Speaking truth out loud - Refusing to partner with negative assumptions - Reminding yourself what God already said