Title: The Battle Begins with a Lie. Scripture Reading: John 8:42-44 Pay close attention to what Jesus says about the devil. Jesus does not describe the enemy as someone who sometimes lies. He reveals that lying is his nature. That means every thought, suggestion, or internal narrative that contradicts what the Father has spoken through Jesus has one source. And the reality of it is this: IT IS NOT YOU, IT IS THE ENEMY. This is where many believers miss it. They do not discern the voice correctly. Because the enemy does not speak to you. He speaks as if he were you. Always keep in mind that he always speaks to you in the first person. He says things as if it is just coming from your own mind or thoughts. Things like; I am not enough. I will always struggle. I am too far gone. That is not your voice. That is deception wearing your identity. And if you misidentify the voice, you will mismanage the battle. You will try to fix yourself instead of confronting the lie. The enemy follows a consistent pattern: 1. Suggestion He introduces a thought that contradicts the truth. Not loudly. Subtly. 2. Repetition He repeats it until it feels familiar. 3. Agreement Once you believe it, it becomes a stronghold. 4. Identity Shift You stop saying, “That is a lie,” and start saying, “This is just who I am.” That is how he gets away with murder. Not by force, but by agreement. SO HOW DO WE FIGHT SPIRITUALLY? 1. Discern the voice Not every thought is yours. You need to stop entertaining ideals that you know are not yours. Ask yourself: Does this align with what the Father says about me through Jesus? If not, reject it immediately. It's time for you to evict every thought you know is not from God. 2. Refuse Agreement The enemy has NO authority without your agreement. Agreement is what gives the enemy access. Every thought you agree with, you EMPOWER. This is the stance you must take moving forward. "I break agreement with everything that is not God's Truth!" 3. Replace the Lie with Truth