July 6: Taking Every Thought Captive

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:3–5

Also Read: Ephesians 6:10–17

Reflection:

We are in a spiritual battle—and the battlefield is our mind. Paul reminds us that our weapons aren’t physical, but spiritual and powerful enough to demolish strongholds. This includes identifying lies we’ve believed and intentionally replacing them with God’s truth.

Prayer:

Father, help me see the thoughts that keep me from trusting You. Give me strength to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Amen.

July 7: The Power of a Thought

Read: Proverbs 23:7

Also Read: Philippians 4:8

Reflection:

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” What you think about shapes who you become. God invites us to dwell on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy. Today, take inventory: What thoughts are on repeat in your mind?

Prayer:

Lord, show me where my thoughts do not align with Your truth. Help me replace anxiety and fear with trust and peace. Amen.

July 8: Renewed Minds, Transformed Lives

Read: Romans 12:2

Also Read: Colossians 3:1–10

Reflection:

Transformation happens not by trying harder but by thinking differently. God’s Word renews our minds and reshapes our patterns. If you’re stuck in the same behaviors, ask: What lies might be driving them?

Prayer:

Jesus, renew my mind. Break patterns of thinking that have led me away from You, and help me walk in newness of life. Amen.

July 9: Identifying Strongholds

Read: John 8:31–36

Also Read: Psalm 139:23–24

Reflection:

Strongholds are fortified lies we’ve accepted as truth. Jesus tells us that knowing the truth sets us free. Begin today by asking Him to expose any falsehoods you’re clinging to.

Prayer:

God of truth, uncover the lies I’ve believed. Set me free from anything that holds me captive and lead me into Your freedom. Amen.

July 10: Exposing the Enemy’s Lies

Read: Genesis 3:1–7

Also Read: Matthew 4:1–11

Reflection:

From the garden to the wilderness, Satan’s tactic has always been deception. He twists God’s words, distorts truth, and tempts us to doubt. Jesus shows us the way to resist: knowing and speaking the Word.

Prayer:

Father, help me recognize the lies of the enemy and respond with Your truth. Root Your Word deep in my heart. Amen.

July 11: God’s Truth as a Weapon

Read: Hebrews 4:12

Also Read: Psalm 1:1–3

Reflection:

God’s Word is not just comfort—it’s a weapon. It cuts through confusion, convicts our hearts, and corrects our thinking. The more rooted we are in Scripture, the more clearly we can hear God’s voice.

Prayer:

Speak, Lord. Let Your Word be the foundation I build my life on. Shape me into someone who delights in Your truth. Amen.

July 12: Living in Freedom

Read: Galatians 5:1

Also Read: 2 Timothy 1:7

Reflection:

We are not called to live in fear or bondage, but in freedom through Christ. Winning the war in your mind isn’t about never struggling again—it’s about knowing where to turn when you do.

Prayer:

Thank You, Jesus, for the freedom You won for me. Help me walk daily in that freedom, trusting Your Spirit to renew and guide my mind. Amen.

July 13 – Take Back Your Mind

Read: Romans 12:2

Also Read: Ephesians 4:22–24

Reflection:

Our minds don’t drift toward truth—they must be renewed daily by it. “Taking back your mind” begins with surrender to God and choosing not to conform to this world but to be transformed. A renewed mind leads to a renewed life.

Prayer:

Lord, transform me by renewing my mind. Give me the courage to reject the lies I’ve believed and embrace Your truth. Amen.

July 14 – Think on These Things

Read: Philippians 4:8

Also Read: Isaiah 26:3

Reflection:

Paul gives us a filter for our thoughts: Is it true? Noble? Pure? Lovely? If it doesn’t meet that standard, we don’t dwell on it. What you feed your mind with determines your focus and peace.

Prayer:

God, fix my mind on what is good and true. Guard my thoughts from negativity, fear, and lies. Help me dwell in Your peace. Amen.

July 15 – Meditating on Truth

Read: Psalm 119:15

Also Read: Joshua 1:8

Reflection:

Meditation isn’t about emptying your mind—it’s about filling it with God’s Word. Regular reflection on Scripture helps truth take root. It becomes the lens through which we view the world.

Prayer:

Father, let Your Word fill my thoughts today. Teach me to pause and ponder Your truth throughout my day. Amen.

July 16 – Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Read: Psalm 143:5

Also Read: Lamentations 3:21–23

Reflection:

In times of discouragement or confusion, memory becomes a weapon. When we recall what God has done, it helps reframe our present with hope. Remembering His faithfulness can rescue our minds from fear.

Prayer:

God, remind me of all You’ve done. Let gratitude and memory become anchors for my mind. You have always been faithful. Amen.

July 17 – Truth That Sets You Free

Read: John 8:31–32

Also Read: James 1:22–25

Reflection:

Truth doesn’t change us until we live by it. Jesus says knowing the truth brings freedom—but that knowing is active. It means living in it, holding fast to it, and applying it.

Prayer:

Jesus, help me not just to hear the truth but to hold onto it and live it out. Let Your truth set me free from the lies I’ve lived by. Amen.

July 18 – Declaring God’s Truth

Read: Psalm 19:14

Also Read: 2 Corinthians 4:13

Reflection:

What we speak reveals what we believe. Declaring God’s truth out loud reinforces it in our hearts and minds. When the enemy speaks lies, respond with the truth of God’s Word—boldly and clearly.

Prayer:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O God. Let my speech agree with Your truth. Amen.

July 19 – Anchored in the Word

Read: Psalm 1:1–3

Also Read: Colossians 3:16

Reflection:

A mind grounded in God’s Word is like a tree planted by water—stable, nourished, and fruitful. When we daily let Scripture dwell in us, it shapes how we think, feel, and act.

Prayer:

Plant me deep in Your Word, God. Let my mind be shaped not by the world but by Your voice, leading me to fruitfulness and joy. Amen.

July 20 – Winning the Battle Within

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:3–5

Also Read: Romans 8:5–6

Reflection:

You may not be able to control your circumstances, but you can choose how to respond to them. Spiritual battles are fought in the mind. Tearing down negative thoughts begins with recognizing them and replacing them with God’s truth.

Prayer:

God, help me recognize when my thoughts are pulling me away from You. Give me the strength to take them captive and fill my mind with truth. Amen.

July 21 – A New Perspective on Problems

Read: Philippians 1:12–14

Also Read: Genesis 50:20

Reflection:

Paul, even in prison, saw God’s purpose in his suffering. He refused to let his situation steal his confidence or joy. The way you frame your hardship can either lead to despair or worship. What story are you telling yourself?

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to see my trials through Your eyes. Help me trust that even in difficulty, You are working for good. Amen.

July 22 – Redirecting Your Thoughts

Read: Colossians 3:1–3

Also Read: Matthew 6:25–34

Reflection:

Negative thoughts thrive when we focus on what’s lacking or uncertain. God invites us to fix our minds on things above. When your perspective shifts to Christ, your peace and confidence begin to grow.

Prayer:

Jesus, lift my eyes above my circumstances. Set my heart on what matters most—Your presence, Your promises, and Your kingdom. Amen.

July 23 – Choosing Gratitude

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Also Read: Psalm 103:1–5

Reflection:

Gratitude is a powerful weapon against negativity. When we give thanks, we train our minds to notice God’s goodness instead of our grievances. Joy isn’t the result of perfect circumstances—it’s the result of a thankful heart.

Prayer:

Father, remind me of all I have to be thankful for today. Help me cultivate a grateful heart that overflows with joy. Amen.

July 24 – Worship in the Waiting

Read: Acts 16:25–26

Also Read: Habakkuk 3:17–19

Reflection:

Paul and Silas worshiped in prison—not after they were freed, but while they were still chained. Worship is not just a response to blessing; it’s a declaration of trust. Worship shifts our focus and invites breakthrough.

Prayer:

God, teach me to worship You even when life feels uncertain. Let my praise rise in the midst of pressure. You are always worthy. Amen.

July 25 – Guarding Your Mind

Read: Proverbs 4:23

Also Read: 1 Peter 1:13

Reflection:

Your mind is the gateway to your life. What you allow in will shape how you think, feel, and live. Defeating negative thoughts requires discipline and daily surrender. Guard your thoughts as you would guard your heart.

Prayer:

Lord, help me be alert and intentional about what I dwell on. Let my mind be a place where Your truth lives freely. Amen.

July 26 – The Peace of Christ

Read: Philippians 4:6–7

Also Read: Isaiah 26:3

Reflection:

Worry steals peace. But prayer and gratitude restore it. When we bring our concerns to God with thanksgiving, He promises a peace that transcends understanding. This peace protects our minds from negativity and fear.

Prayer:

God, I bring my worries to You today. Replace my anxiety with peace. Thank You for being near and for guarding my heart and mind in Christ. Amen.

July 27 – A Pattern for Peace

Read: Philippians 4:6–9

Also Read: Isaiah 26:3

Reflection:

Peace isn’t a one-time gift—it’s a daily rhythm. Paul gives us a pattern: don’t be anxious, pray with thanksgiving, think on what is good, and practice what is true. When we follow this rhythm, peace guards both heart and mind.

Prayer:

God, calm my anxious thoughts today. Help me turn my worries into prayer and fix my focus on Your promises. Let Your peace guide me. Amen.

July 28 – Set Your Mind on the Spirit

Read: Romans 8:5–6

Also Read: Galatians 5:22–25

Reflection:

The mindset you choose shapes the life you live. A mind set on the flesh leads to anxiety, but a mind set on the Spirit produces peace. We must choose this perspective daily, trusting God’s Spirit to renew us.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, direct my thinking. Let my mind dwell on what You desire. Fill me with life and peace that come from walking with You. Amen.

July 29 – Practice the Presence of God

Read: Psalm 16:8–11

Also Read: John 14:27

Reflection:

God’s peace comes not just from believing in Him, but from being aware of His presence. When we set Him before us—moment by moment—we find joy, confidence, and calm even in chaos.

Prayer:

Lord, help me practice Your presence today. Let me not forget that You are with me in every moment. My peace is found in You. Amen.

July 30 – Train Your Thoughts

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:5

Also Read: Romans 12:2

Reflection:

Victory over anxiety begins by training your thoughts to obey Christ. That means identifying lies and replacing them with truth—over and over again. Renewing your mind is a daily practice, not a one-time fix.

Prayer:

Jesus, help me take every thought captive today. Renew my mind and shape my thoughts with Your truth. Lead me into freedom. Amen.

July 31 – Pray Through Every Situation

Read: 1 Peter 5:6–7

Also Read: Matthew 6:25–34

Reflection:

Anxiety grows when we carry what we were never meant to. God invites us to cast our cares on Him—not just in big crises, but in every moment. Prayer is the path that releases control and receives peace.

Prayer:

God, I give You my worries today. Help me trust that You care and that You are near. Teach me to pray instead of panic. Amen.

August 1 – Affirm What Is True

Read: Psalm 94:18–19

Also Read: Lamentations 3:21–23

Reflection:

When your mind feels overwhelmed, speak truth to your soul. Declaring God’s love, presence, and faithfulness out loud can reset your heart. Truth is not just something we believe—it’s something we proclaim.

Prayer:

Lord, when my mind is troubled, remind me of Your promises. Let truth speak louder than fear. I trust in Your steadfast love. Amen.

August 2 – A New Pattern, A New Peace

Read: Colossians 3:15–17

Also Read: Hebrews 12:1–2

Reflection:

Victory doesn’t come by trying harder, but by practicing a new pattern—one shaped by Christ. Gratitude, worship, Scripture, and truth are daily habits that build a calm, strong mind. Peace grows when practiced.

Prayer:

Jesus, shape my life by Your truth and peace. Help me walk in this pattern every day. May Your Word dwell richly in me. Amen.

Start Talking

Use this to break the ice and get everyone engaged.

Question:

What’s a song that constantly gets stuck in your head?

Why do you think some things stick with us more than others?

Start Thinking

Lead your group into reflection about how their thought life affects their everyday life.

Questions:

Think about a time you struggled with anxiety or toxic thoughts. What did you learn through that experience?

Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts.

Where do you think your life is currently headed, based on your current thought patterns?

Is there anything you’d like to change about your current direction?

Start Sharing

Create space for vulnerability and encouragement.

Choose one or both questions to discuss:

What stronghold is holding you back? (e.g., “I’m not enough,” “God won’t forgive me,” “I’ll always be stuck.”)

→ What negative statement do you say about yourself, and how does it affect your life?

What truth from Scripture demolishes that stronghold?

→ How can you replace that lie with God’s truth and speak it daily?

Start Praying

Invite God to do a renewing work in your group members’ minds.

Pray this aloud together or in smaller pairs:

Father, reveal to me any lies that I am believing about myself, others, or You. Help me replace those lies with Your transformative, healing truth. Renew my mind. Transform my thoughts. And make me more like You today and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start Doing

Encourage next steps that apply the truth in real life.

Challenge your group to take one or more of these steps this week:

Create a truth statement to combat a lie you’ve been believing.

→ Share it with the group and declare it over yourself daily for the next 30 days.

Start the Daily Decision Reading Plan which will help you

Live it out by loving others:

→ Serve on the weekend at church

→ Partner with a Local Mission

Start Talking

Kick off your time together with a fun, lighthearted question.

Question:

What’s your favorite karate movie?

(Or if karate isn’t your thing—what’s your favorite sports movie, and why?)

Start Thinking

Help your group identify the connection between beliefs and behavior.

Questions:

Do you ever find yourself acting irrationally based on a lie you believe about yourself?

→ How does that lie show up in your choices, emotions, or relationships?

Many of the lies we believe are rooted in early life experiences.

→ Have you seen this in your own story? How has it shaped the way you think about yourself?

Have you ever meditated on God’s truth before?

→ What was that experience like for you—challenging, freeing, encouraging?

Start Sharing

Invite honesty and provide a safe space for people to share their struggles and discoveries.

Choose one or both of the following:

What is the dominant stronghold in your life right now?

(A thought pattern, lie, or belief that consistently limits or harms you.)

What are some specific truths from God’s Word that you can write, meditate on, and confess daily to combat that stronghold?

Start Praying

Lift each other up and ask God to bring transformation and clarity.

Pray this together or take turns in smaller groups:

Father, show me any weaknesses I have in my life as a result of believing a lie. Help me identify what truth from Your Word I can use to fight that lie. Give me wisdom as I create daily declarations, and guide me as I begin the process of renewing my mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start Doing

Move from insight to action with practical next steps.

Challenge your group to choose one or more of the following this week:

Create daily declarations together based on Scripture.

→ Write out truth statements to replace the lies you’ve been believing.

→ Share your declarations with the group and commit to speaking or meditating on them daily.

Start the Daily Decision Reading Plan (available in FBC Weekly) which will help you

Live it out by loving others:

→ Serve on the weekend at church

→ Partner with a Local Mission

Start Talking

Begin your time with something fun and relatable.

Question:

Do you use filters on your social media photos?

→ If so, which one is your favorite?

→ If not, why do you prefer your photos unfiltered?

Start Thinking

Dig deeper into how our thoughts shape our reality and how we can reframe them through faith.

Questions:

Which part of this week’s message stood out to you the most? Why did it connect with you?

Would you say your mindset tends to be more positive or negative?

→ What might be influencing that pattern?

→ How could you begin training your mind to look for God in every situation?

Read Philippians 1:12–14 together.

→ Paul reframed his prison time as a platform for sharing Christ.

→ How could you begin reframing one of your own difficult circumstances?

Start Sharing

Foster vulnerability and support in the group.

Choose one or both of the following prompts:

Share a time when Jesus brought meaning and purpose out of a painful or difficult season in your life.

Everyone is facing something. What’s your current personal struggle?

→ How can you begin to look for God in the middle of it?

Start Praying

Invite God to shift perspectives and fill your group with hope and truth.

Use this prayer to guide your group:

Father, give me eyes to see Your faithfulness, goodness, and grace at work—even when I face difficult situations. Draw me close to You. Thank You for always being with me. Help me reframe my perspective and look for You in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start Doing

Put truth into practice this week with action steps.

Encourage your group to take one or more of the following steps:

Pray over the struggles each person is facing.

→ Ask not only for comfort but for eyes to see God’s goodness in the midst of pain.

Start the Daily Decision Reading Plan (available in FBC Weekly) which will help you

Live it out by loving others:

→ Serve on the weekend at church

→ Partner with a Local Mission

Start Talking

Warm up your group with a personal and lighthearted story.

Question:

Did you have any worries as a kid that seem silly now?

→ What were they, and how did they affect you then?

Start Thinking

Guide your group toward deeper understanding and personal reflection.

Questions:

Which part of this week’s message was most impactful for you and why?

How often would you say you experience worry?

→ What do you typically do when you’re feeling overwhelmed by it?

Did anything about the way you think about prayer change after listening to this message?

→ If so, how?

Start Sharing

Encourage transparency and support in your group by creating space for real-life sharing.

Choose one or both of the following:

Share a time when you decided to trust God instead of worrying.

→ What prompted that decision, and what impact did it have on your heart, mind, or situation?

What’s something you’re currently worried about that you’re finding hard to trust God with?

→ Why do you think it’s so difficult to hand this over to Him?

Start Praying

Lead your group in surrendering worry and embracing God’s peace.

Group Prayer:

Father, thank You for who You are. Thank You that no matter what struggles we’re facing, we can trust You to be with us, support us, and work all things together for our good. Help us set aside our worries and fears and turn to You instead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start Doing

Challenge your group to practice what they’ve learned through intentional action.

Choose one or more of the following next steps:

Commit to 12 minutes of focused prayer each day this week.

→ At the end of the week, reflect: How has this changed your thought life or level of peace?

Start the Daily Decision Reading Plan which will help you

Live it out by loving others:

→ Serve on the weekend at church

→ Partner with a Local Mission

Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel

Every Thought Captive by Kyle Idleman

A Meal with Jesus – Tim Chester

The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World – Rosaria Butterfield

The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life – Dustin Willis

The Meaning of Marriage – Timothy & Kathy Keller

Love & Respect – Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

You and Me Forever – Francis & Lisa Chan

The 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapman

Boundaries in Marriage – Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

The Love Dare – Alex & Stephen Kendrick

Intended for Pleasure – Ed Wheat

Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage – Lee Strobel

Sheet Music – Kevin Lehman

Care & Counseling

Stephen Ministries at Family Bible Church

DesertStreams

Christian Counseling Center of Battle Creek

Response Care Center (Gracespring Church)

DivorceCare

Articles

7 Steps to Prayer and Fasting by Bill Bright

Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer by Bill Bright

Fasting

Fasting – Scot McKnight

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough – Elmer L Towns

God’s Chosen Fast – Arthur Wallis

Prayer

Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home – Richard Foster

How to Pray – Pete Grieg

How to Pray A Guide for Young Explorers – Pete Grieg & Gemma Hunt

A Praying Life – Paul A Miller

Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools – Tyler Staton

Fasting is fasting from food. The following are options of ways to fast from food.

Complete Fast

This fast involves consuming only liquids, typically water, with the option to include light juices.

Meal Removal Fast

This fast entails skipping one or two meals a day and refraining from snacking during the fasting period.

Partial Fast

Also referred to as the “Jewish Fast,” this practice involves abstaining from all food during the morning and afternoon. It can be observed during specific hours, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunrise to sunset.

Selective Fast

In this fast, specific foods are excluded from your diet. For example, the “Daniel Fast” involves eliminating meat, sweets, and bread, while consuming water, juice, fruits, and vegetables.

*In addition to fasting food or if you have a medical issue that prevents you from fasting, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television (or remove something else) for the duration of the fast and then if you choose to bring it back, do so carefully in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.

Prayer is communicating with God. Listening and speaking.

Below are ideas of ways to pray. We encourage you not to over-complicate it. Be honest. Be real. Be you.

Adore God - Focus upon praise of God for who He is—His character, attributes, and majesty—without asking for anything. Sing a song and/or express love and reverence in personal words.

Confession - Acknowledge sin and ask for God’s forgiveness and cleansing. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Thanksgiving - Express gratitude to God for His blessings, provisions, and faithfulness. Keep a gratitude journal or pray through a list of blessings.

Supplication (Petition) - Brings personal needs, desires, or concerns before God, seeking His guidance or intervention. Pray for healing, provision, or wisdom.

Intercession - Pray on behalf of others, ask God to work in the lives of others. Praying for family, friends, leaders, or global concerns.

Meditative Prayer - Focus on quiet reflection, a Scripture passage, listen to God and deepen understanding of who God is. Try Lectio Divina, a practice of reading and meditating on a Bible passage.

Corporate Prayer - Pray with others in a group setting, such as church, small groups, or prayer meetings. Taking turns praying aloud.

Lament - Express grief, sorrow, or frustration to God while seeking His comfort and hope. Read and pray through the Psalms of lament, such as Psalm 13.

Blessing or Benediction - Pray for God’s favor, guidance, or protection over oneself or others. “The Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Spiritual Warfare Prayer - Pray against spiritual opposition, declaring God’s power and protection. Use the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Breath Prayer - A short, repeated prayer focused on a phrase or Scripture while aligning with breathing. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Sundays

Before Services (sanctuary) The sanctuary is set aside for prayer 8:15-8:25 am and 10:10-10:20 am. Pray individually or with another in this quiet space.

After Services (front sides of altar) There are prayer ministers available and ready to pray with and for you.

Wednesdays (6:30-7:30pm, Room 101) - This weekly prayer group of men and women meet to read the Word and pray together for each other, the church, the community, and the world.

Thursdays (3rd Thursdays, 9:30-11am, Shirley Works Home) - This ladies prayer group meets to encourage and pray together.