We’re under attack by our spiritual enemy, the devil. He’s stealing joy, killing peace, destroying hope, and damaging futures and lives. God calls us to protect our mind. As followers of Jesus Christ, we’re citizens of heaven—resident aliens living in a world that isn’t our home. Because of that, we’re called to live differently, think differently, and see life through the lens of truth rather than deception.

Life’s battles are often won or lost in the mind. When you accepted Christ, a transformation began, and so did the war between your earthly nature and your spiritual nature. The enemy wants to pollute your thinking with lies, to make toxic what God has made new. Jesus warned that Satan is “the father of lies,” and his greatest weapon is deception. Many struggle without peace or joy because they’ve believed lies instead of God’s truth. But Proverbs 4:23 says, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Guard your mind—identify, reject, and replace every lie with the truth of God’s Word.

When your spiritual enemy advances like endless waves in Space Invaders, trying to invade the space of your mind, remember: our weapons are not of this world; they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Strongholds are deceptions that keep people captive, locked in false thinking. God’s Word has the power to blow those lies apart. Like Jesus in the wilderness, we defeat lies by knowing and speaking Scripture. Every temptation He faced, He countered with “It is written.” He is our example.

When faced with decisions, there are three questions we should ask: Is it written? Is it love? Is it on the agenda? These three questions guard the mind and guide the heart. Is it written?—Does this line up with God’s Word? Is it love?—Does it fulfill the law of love toward God and others? Is it on the agenda?—Does it align with God’s purpose for my life? Jesus stayed on mission even when Satan tempted Him to settle for less. We must do the same. You were created for a purpose. You can attain your God-given purpose if you guard your thoughts, protect your life, and live with divine clarity. The truth will set you free, and with God’s help, you can demolish every lie, overcome every stronghold, and live the abundant life Jesus promised.

Scriptures – 1 Peter 2:11(Voice); Romans 7:15(NLT); John 8:44(NIV), 8:31-32(NLT); Proverbs 4:23 (GNT); 2 Corinthians 10:4-5(NIV); Matthew 4:4,7,10(NRSVUE), 22:37-39(NIV); Mark 10:17,21(NIV); Luke 19:10(NRSVUE)

Verses – Beloved, remember you don’t belong in this world. You are resident aliens living in exile…. (1 Pe 2:11) I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. (Ro 7:15) Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:31-32) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Co 10:4-5)

Discussion – What “spiritual invasions” or lies can subtly influence our thoughts, attitudes, or decisions? How does understanding that we are “citizens of heaven” change the way we think, live, and respond to challenges in this world? Why do you think the mind is the primary battleground in spiritual warfare, and what practical steps can help us guard it daily? How can the three questions—Is it written? Is it love? Is it on the agenda?—serve as a guide when making tough decisions? What strongholds or false beliefs might keep people from fully living the abundant life Jesus promised, and how can God’s truth demolish them?

Prayer – Lord, protect my mind from the lies of the enemy. Fill me with Your truth and help me to think, speak, and live according to Your Word. Teach me to love like You, to stay on Your agenda, and to guard my thoughts by weighing them against your truth. In Jesus’ Name, amen.