Bootcamp: Wiles, Weakness & Weapons
10/26/25
The true spiritual battle takes place in our minds, where the enemy seeks to build strongholds and lead us away from obedience to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV):
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What is one recurring negative or anxious thought you struggle with? Today, ask God to help you recognize it and intentionally bring it before Him, surrendering it to Christ’s truth.
[43:22]
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, and God equips us with spiritual armor to stand firm against the devil’s organized attacks.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV):
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Which piece of God’s armor do you most often neglect (truth, righteousness, faith, etc.)? How can you intentionally “put it on” as you start your day?[48:55]
God calls us to actively renew our minds, tearing down the walls of pride, bitterness, and lies that the enemy builds, so we can experience freedom and hear God’s voice clearly.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV):
"To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What is one “block” (such as pride, bitterness, or fear) that has become a wall in your mind? What practical step can you take today to begin demolishing it with God’s help?[57:52]
Our spirit may be willing, but our flesh is weak; acknowledging this truth leads us to depend on God’s strength and seek His help in moments of temptation and discouragement.
Matthew 26:41 (ESV):
"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Reflection: When do you most often notice your flesh is weak—fatigue, stress, or routine? Pause today in one of those moments and pray, asking God for His strength to overcome.[59:45]
Pride is the enemy’s greatest weapon, but true humility before God puts us out of reach of the devil’s whispers and opens the way for spiritual growth and victory.
James 4:6-7 (ESV):
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense pride creeping in? How can you humble yourself before God today and invite His grace and victory into that area?[01:09:12]
Bootcamp: The Spirit vs The Flesh
10/12/25
When life feels overwhelming and your strength is gone, remember that God alone is your true source of strength and satisfaction. Earthly things may fail, and even your own heart may falter, but God remains steadfast, offering Himself as your portion and the strength of your heart for all eternity. In moments of weariness, you can turn to Him, knowing He will revive, refresh, and sustain you when you need Him most. [26:07]
Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV)
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Reflection: When you feel tired or spiritually empty, what would it look like for you to intentionally turn to God for strength instead of seeking comfort in something else today?
Every believer faces a daily battle between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The flesh pulls you toward old habits and distractions, but the Spirit calls you to a new way of living—one marked by freedom, growth, and transformation. Recognizing this struggle is the first step to resisting the flesh and choosing to walk in step with the Spirit, trusting that God empowers you to live differently than before. [35:09]
Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV)
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."
Reflection: What is one specific area where your flesh has been pulling you away from God this week, and how can you choose to walk by the Spirit in that area today?
The freedom Jesus gives is not permission to live however you want, nor is it a call to harsh legalism. True freedom in Christ means being set free from sin, the law, and the power of the flesh, so you can live a life that honors God. This freedom is not entitlement; it is a call to maturity, to walk in the light, and to use your liberty to serve others and grow in Christlikeness, not to indulge the flesh or judge others harshly. [40:06]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: In what ways might you be tempted to misuse your freedom in Christ, and how can you instead use your freedom to serve and love someone today?
A life led by the Spirit is marked by visible fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just as a tree cannot bear fruit contrary to its nature, so a Spirit-filled believer cannot help but bear good fruit when walking with Jesus. The evidence of your walk is not in rule-keeping or outward appearances, but in the transformation of your character and relationships as you stay in step with the Spirit. [01:02:01]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you most desire to see grow in your life right now, and what is one practical way you can nurture that fruit today?
Spiritual maturity is a process of daily, sometimes faltering, steps forward. Like a child learning to walk, you may stumble and fall, but the key is to get up and keep moving forward, trusting the Spirit to empower each step. Don’t let fear of failure or past mistakes keep you from growing; instead, commit to daily disciplines—prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and service—that help you keep in step with the Spirit and mature in Christ. [01:04:41]
Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one small, specific step you can take today to keep in step with the Spirit, even if you feel like you’ve stumbled recently?
Bootcamp: Spiritual Maturity
10/05/2025
Spirit-filled leadership is vital for the spiritual growth of the church, as pastors are called to shepherd, equip, and feed the flock with eagerness and integrity. The role of a pastor is not to do all the ministry alone, but to nurture and train others to serve, following the example of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. When leaders are filled with the Spirit and committed to their own growth, they can effectively guide the congregation toward maturity, modeling a life that seeks God’s wisdom and presence daily. The health and growth of the church depend on leaders who are attentive to their own spiritual lives and who eagerly pour into others, not for personal gain, but out of love for God and His people. [44:52]
1 Peter 5:2 (ESV):
"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life who looks to you for spiritual guidance or encouragement, and how can you intentionally pour into them this week with a spirit of eagerness and love?
Discipleship is the process by which believers are equipped and built up in faith, moving from spiritual infancy to maturity through intentional teaching, fellowship, and service. God’s design for the church is that every believer would have opportunities to grow—through Sunday school, small groups, Bible studies, and daily devotions—so that no one remains stagnant or isolated in their walk with Christ. True discipleship involves both receiving and giving: learning from others, but also investing in the growth of fellow believers, so that the whole body is strengthened and unified in Christ. The church thrives when everyone takes advantage of these opportunities, stepping into community and accountability for the sake of spiritual growth. [56:41]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV):
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: What is one new step you can take this week to engage more deeply in discipleship—whether joining a group, starting a devotion, or reaching out to someone for spiritual encouragement?
The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is maturity in Christ, where believers no longer act as spiritual children but as adults rooted in faith, able to withstand challenges and serve others. Maturity is not measured by years in the church, but by a life that continually seeks to know Jesus more, feasts on His Word, and pours out His love to others. Even in old age or difficult circumstances, God continues to use and grow His people, as seen in the example of faithful saints who lead others to Christ until their final days. Spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey, requiring consistent nourishment and a willingness to let God use every season for His glory. [58:54]
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV):
"So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you still feel like a spiritual child, and what practical step can you take this week to grow toward maturity in that area?
Growth in Christ happens as believers speak and live out the truth in love, fostering authenticity, unity, and transformation within the church. Truth without love leads to hypocrisy, while love without truth lacks substance; together, they create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work powerfully. This means being honest about struggles, bearing with one another in patience, and striving for unity, so that the church becomes a real and compelling witness to the world. As each person commits to “truthing in love,” God weaves together a community that is both humble and strong, able to face challenges and extend grace to one another. [01:04:03]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV):
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: Is there a conversation you need to have this week where you can speak the truth in love—either to encourage, correct, or support someone in your church family?
Sin and other obstacles can hinder spiritual growth, but God calls believers to honestly examine their hearts, confess what holds them back, and receive His forgiveness and strength to move forward. Growth is not automatic; it requires intentionality and a willingness to let God reveal and remove anything that blocks His work in your life. Whether it’s a hidden sin, a pattern of neglect, or an attitude that needs to change, God is faithful to cleanse and restore those who come to Him. The invitation is open to all—to surrender, to be forgiven, and to step into the fullness of life and purpose that God has for His people. [01:07:03]
1 John 1:9 (ESV):
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: What is one specific obstacle or sin that you sense is hindering your spiritual growth, and will you bring it honestly before God today, trusting Him to forgive and help you overcome it?
SUDDENLY: Faith is the Victory, pt 2
09/28/2025
No matter how insurmountable the obstacles before us may seem, God is always bigger, stronger, and more able than anything we face. When we lay our burdens, fears, and impossible situations at His feet, He is able to do what we cannot, turning our greatest needs into opportunities for His glory and our faith to grow. Trusting Him means believing that He sees what we cannot, and that He is fighting battles on our behalf, even when we do not understand His ways. [26:39]
Luke 9:12-13 (ESV)
"Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, 'Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.' But he said to them, 'You give them something to eat.' They said, 'We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.'"
Reflection: What is one “impossible” situation you are facing right now that you need to lay at Jesus’ feet and trust Him to handle in His way and timing?
God often calls us to wait, and though waiting can be difficult, it is never wasted time in His hands. Just as Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, God uses seasons of waiting to test, strengthen, and perfect our faith, teaching us to trust His timing and His process. In the waiting, He is working, and our obedience—even when it seems slow or pointless—prepares us for the victory He has promised. [41:23]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)
"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: Where in your life are you struggling to wait on God? How can you choose to worship and trust Him in the waiting instead of rushing ahead?
There is power in boldly proclaiming what God has already said, even before we see the victory. Like Joshua and Israel, we are called to confess God’s promises with our mouths, believing in our hearts that He will do what He has said. Speaking God’s Word over our lives and situations is not about “naming and claiming” for selfish gain, but about aligning our hearts with His truth and letting faith rise as we declare His faithfulness. [52:36]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word that you need to start proclaiming out loud over your life or situation today?
True victory comes not from our own strength or strategy, but from following God’s lead and giving Him the glory. When we obey Him and trust His battle plan, He brings down walls and leads us in triumph, spreading the fragrance of His knowledge everywhere. Our role is to follow, shout His praise, and celebrate His victory, knowing that when He wins, we all share in the blessing. [56:14]
2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stop striving for your own victory and instead let God lead you to His victory?
God’s victories are experienced when we surrender our own plans and obey His instructions, even when they seem unusual or difficult. When we let go of control and let God lead, He does what only He can do, and we are freed to worship, serve, and praise Him without the weight of our burdens. The first step in every battle is to turn to Him, trust His word, and let Him fight for us. [59:25]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area where you need to surrender your own understanding and obey God’s leading, even if it doesn’t make sense to you right now?