How Affirmations (And Declarations) Are Ruining Your Prayer Life.

[@Valdal98]

I am attending a church and because I’ve had back problems for most of my life, several women have told me, “You are healed,” because they think that God’s will is that we all walk around whole this side of heaven. I simply replied that there are more important things to heal than my body. I’ve walked with the Lord for 42 years now and I don’t buy this crap. We ask God to work His will and purpose. We do not demand of Him, we do not think ourselves into wholeness. Thank you for so eloquently addressing this ridiculousness.

[@GodsChildEJ]

This! ❤

[@downsify]

Get out of that church, like yesterday! It's Word of Faith, which practices New Thought! Your assertion was correct!

[@Valdal98]

@@downsify I’m aware, don’t worry. I’m grounded very well.

[@tammyyoungquist3441]

YES!!!! Amen!

[@KJ-lb4tj]

​@@Valdal98well done. There will always be people in churches with different views since a church is a group of human beings. You can hold your own.

[@LeightonGrows]

I used to do all these affirmations, and then God found me. When I read in the Bible when Moses asked God his name and he replied “I am.” It sent a chill down my spine… those were the types of affirmations I was doing. “I am (fill in the blank).” And I very much understood the whole concept of us making ourselves gods.

[@PriscillaRR]

Wow.

[@Jaisha26]

This was...deep. wow.

[@jimchappell1948]

This message is needed in the church today. Thank you for your ministry.

[@netpunk5890]

Witchcraft is about saying words, and those spoken words create/change reality. That’s why it is called casting a “spell,” like spelling a word with letters. Affirmations are meant to be very similar; the words you utter change your reality. Prayer is saying “I don’t control reality, show me your will, Lord.” Both use language, but the “work” done through language is either yours (affirmation/witchcraft) or God’s (prayer). My prayer life isn’t great, but I am a baby Christian and I’m still shaking off some of this weird mumbo jumbo and I appreciate your videos, Melissa.

[@margocarmichael6765]

His Word is His will

[@isusjeputiistinaizivototkr6134]

That's what I was thinking while listening. It is like witchcraft, casting spell. I would say that psychology, carl jung and rest of the frauds (Freud ) fit in this category.They got their knowledge from roundtable seances.

[@Window4503]

Very well stated and differentiated. Keep going and growing!

[@jozefnixmusic]

@@margocarmichael6765so murder is is his will?

[@Cat5Caricatures]

You’re right, it’s witchcraft. Signed - an ex white witch

[@dubuyajay9964]

We are NOT enough. CHRIST is enough. He is MORE than enough.

[@vivianedepaula693]

Amen

[@deborahboggan6875]

Decreeing and declaring can so easily eliminate a prayer life. It almost did for me. Thanks for this video!

[@terrypaul7706]

Prayer is to intend! Not beg! Non of you know God! Gods name forever is I AM ( exodus 3.14)..

[@justin10292000]

​@@terrypaul7706Calm down. ALL true Christians know God.

[@bsusie1]

Agree! It took me some time to relearn the correct way to approach our Savior.

[@terrypaul7706]

@@bsusie1 so then what is your saviour and how do you approach it? Your saviour is I AM! You approach this by being still and knowing I AM!

[@ramona8807]

@@terrypaul7706YHWH (Yahweh) translated to english is I am. Yahweh / Jehova is his name!

[@vivianedepaula693]

God is not an spiritual app that you hit a button to get what you want. We were made to serve Him in spirit and truth. I can only affirm that I was lost and now I am saved through the grace.❤

[@terrypaul7706]

Who are you serving? What do you think God IS? .. it is I AM ..

[@kevinjohnson3521]

@@terrypaul7706you think job is like a genie 🧞, sad!

[@justin10292000]

​@terrypaul7706 I Am is NOT an "it" or a "what."

[@terrypaul7706]

@@justin10292000 no it is source! I AM is your reality! I AM that I AM! I AM (awareness ) that I AM ( awareness being aware of itself).. it is the WORD made flesh! It is your true name ( nature). It is the image and likeness of God! 😎

[@Angela-BlessedofGod]

@@terrypaul7706, Jesus is the Word made flesh.

[@youaregodspursuit-47]

My late wife used affirmations... she asked me one day what mine was. I replied, "I am a warm and fuzzy bear!" She failed to see the humor in that and I suffered several days of rejection. The point is that saying it ain't making it true! Often I will use that line when responding to the now meaningless query, "How ya doin' today?" I was and remain a crusty old man trying to live out my faith and I keep falling down. God is good to forgive me of course and... I am much better at being a loving human being. I have not grown fur and I seldom get all the sleep I need, but... "Jesus loves me this I know!" Thanks for the work you do. I like especially that you have made many people realize just how pervasive ancient lies (New Age) permeate today's churches. Few understand the arrogance of the phrase, "Whatever the mind of man can conceive, he can achieve." Babylonian self affirmations are found in all the success books written in the last 2,000 years. Perhaps you will one day address the heresy of Stoicism!

[@fromnzwhoisalsohalfindien]

Love your words!

[@SaltyBibleCracker]

Oh what a great idea Re: stoicism. I was just cleaning out old books & came across Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations 😅🤮

[@kevinjohnson3521]

Well said…

[@Valdal98]

😂😂😂. Oh, how He loves you! Thanks for the chuckle!

[@b.m.jmooren3973]

Such a pity she couldn't appreciate your sharp sense of humor ❤😊

[@intrepidus3378]

The fundamental difference between these affirmations and correct biblical positive claims, is the source. If I say with enthusiasm, "I am saved!" that is biblical. I am ultimately relying on the word of God and the testimony of the Spirit as evidence to the truth of my claim. I am not taking credit. I did not declare that I saved myself. Everywhere I turn, I see that the key to correct theology is humility. There is a God, and I am not Him. I do not claim any right to manifest anything in my own life of my own will. But I do trust Him to do what he says.

[@key5270]

When I was a teenage Christian, the community I grew up with taught us this way of prayer or thinking and almost everything went well when I first lived my prayer life this way. Then years later down the line as I grew older and finally entered the real world as a young adult, it almost shattered me. I also kinda got jealous of fellow Christians who seem to "manifest" their prayers into reality while I wasn't able to. It felt like God was playing favorites and I wasn't one of His. I almost stopped praying all together when I realized that it was actually up to God whether a prayer will be answered or not and not the amount of faith or affirmation I did. But God has been good to me, and I learned how to pray with humility ever since then and it was a very painful albeit beautiful path. Sometimes it can be tricky and you can feel hopeless that God may not answer your prayer, but it is truly a test of faith in trusting God's character and might, that whatever He decides is the right thing for you. You'll feel like a loser in this life, especially when God's answers are almost always "no". But as the Bible teaches, the most important thing as a Christian is your spirit, no matter what happen, that it is well with your soul because you have Jesus.

[@edenelston7668]

Life and death are in the power of the tongue. I've always taken that to mean, we can use our words to glorify and praise God, to petition, intercede, and make supplication in accordance to his will, or we can place our faith in the words themselves. Knowing we will be judged and held accountable for every idle word spoken, I find it terrifying how freely we speak... Or type. Thank you for this, the Holy Spirit is convicting me of idle words.❤

[@angelirohival6270]

Idle words. Not confessing the Word.

[@bethanyw777]

Thank you for this video. I had always felt that Affirmations were too hokie/New Age-y and they never sat right with me. I have a good Christian friend who was trying to convince me to do them; she just doesn’t understand how many New Age (well, now I know they’re more New Thought) beliefs she has, but when I give pushback she makes me feel like I’M the one with bad theology! These deceptive teachings can be so divisive 😢

[@valeriemckenna1]

Always love your videos Melissa. I remember in my NAR days I engaged in this because it was what I was taught to do. But now I say "If it's your will God"

[@LienHtes]

Im thankful i didn't do this affirmation prayers but even if i did Im glad I dont pray like that anymore ❤ Praise God and God bless you all❤

[@claireusilton4066]

Some people caught up in this mindset can definitely be some of the most difficult individuals to relate to. Friendships have ended because of not being “positive “.

[@dlillianb1368]

Yup, I’m that negative one …just call me Jerry. But really, I’m not over correcting to always being negative, i just try my best to see things biblically and I don’t want to be decieved!

[@k.popper2620]

AMEN to this! Coming out of WOF/NAR I lost all of my "friends" and people who "loved" me. I am so blessed to have found a genuine, liturgical, orthodox, Sola Scriptura Church! Thank you Dear LORD for bringing me out!

[@newme1589]

To be fair, no one wants to be around someone who is always a downer 😅 its a bit difficult to stay happy with someone like this, and thats why psychologists need therapy too, because by getting exposed to many sad stories, they get depressed

[@deborahlucas1567]

I have had my friends think I’m like an unbeliever because I don’t agree with their speaking to things to make them so. Or thst the Lord wants everyone healthy wealthy and well which is just not true. He wants us holy and believing and taking Him at his Word. Yes he cann still heal or anything he wanted to when he wants to He is Sovereign God . Help me to continue to pray for my friends and to stand firm in my faith

[@deborahlucas1567]

@@k.popper2620I pray that I can find a good Bible believing church too.

[@shiranduarte]

This is true. I've got through difficult times and almost lost my faith completely after a big fail. I never, for one second, thought that I didn't know how faith really works. Faith doesn't make me God. Faith makes me dependant of God.

[@kmbn1967]

Can I borrow this to quote? "Faith doesn't make me God. Faith makes me decent on God". Thank you

[@Valdal98]

@@shiranduarte well said!

[@LienHtes]

Exactly brother ❤

[@samburton2978]

I find these posts very accurate. I'm just surprised there are so many Christians caught up in it. I was a missionary/Pastor for 43 years. And of course I didn't teach it or have to deal with it. I'm a part of a very large congregation in my retirement and my pastor is a very clear Bible teacher. I know about Kenneth Copeland and the churches connected with Bethel. But I listen to you and I read the comments. And I say, my word, I'm glad there are people like you in ministry to help these confused souls. And I fear I may have retired too soon 😊! Thank you, Melissa!!

[@ArthurMagoola]

Thanks for this message friend. I started following Jesus last year after initially thinking I'd been a Christian for nearly 20 years😀. Mistake: I started listening to Kenneth Hagin, Andrew Wommack and other similar preachers. After a while, I noticed that I started getting arrogant and boastful and prideful while thinking that others were not in faith. I'm not proud of it. Imagine your kids going about saying what they want and then adding your name at the end. I can imagine that's what these prayers sound like to God. Thankfully, God graciously got me out of it and cleaned me up as I listened to the likes of David Pawson and Derek Prince and switched churches. What captured me was the humility the spoke with; quite different from the others. Over time, the Holy Spirit gave me an understanding of Biblical prayer. In Matthew 6, Jesus instructs us to pray, saying "...Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread..." This is us asking God to give us what we need in order to do on earth what He wants done, in the same way that what He wants in heaven gets done. It's about humble dependence on God. I stopped the declarations and started asking God how He wanted certain things handled in all situations. I now follow His instructions (some haven't made sense initially, but I see results that I can't attribute to anyone else. And it's not massive stuff: waking up earlier to help my kids, and over time seeing them come to me voluntarily to talk about God. The Greek word translated "prayer" in the Bible actually means an exchange of wishes. We lay down our lives and our wishes and God is then able to tell us what He wants us to do and how He wants it done. Then His name is glorified in us (1 Cor. 1:29).

[@ThundermansThunder]

Affirmations/declarations attempt to conform God's perfect will to our fallible self-will, but Biblical prayer is submission of our fallible self-will in deference to the perfect will of God. Thank you, Melissa, for taking so much time and effort to learn this information about new thought and to share it with us! It is truly a shame that this has not been taught by by prominent preachers and teachers, but it is not really surprising, considering the inherent prideful fallen nature of all humanity. I, sincerely, pray that the truth reaches the ears and hearts of everyone who hears, they we will be in complete submission to the sovereign, providential will of God, Who loves us, and Who knows what is best for us, and deserves all the glory, so that we can live within God's perfect peace and strength regardless of our circumstances or emotions!

[@veritatemdicam4585]

This is something I have gotten into debates with those word of faithers. We are not sovereign, only God is. We can ask in faith, but at the same time we need to be submitted to his holy will for our lives. He sees things and outcomes and results that we do not. We can trust Him to answer in the best way possible, even if we don't like it. These friends would just say I don't have enough faith.

[@ThundermansThunder]

@@veritatemdicam4585 Yes, I have heard those same accusations, too. They need to understand that we walk by faith in the sovereignty of God's perfect will, meaning, God knows what is best, and we do not, which is why we must follow the leading of His Holy Spirit, Who always leads according to the written Word of God, and obey His judgements and direction, as opposed to trying to manipulate God to answer according to our own fallible expectations.

[@Positivedresha]

I’m speaking Who God says I am And what the Bible say over me “ Not what I want and what I say .

[@estersi1746]

Amen!

[@Jack_Specific73]

Exactly and doesn't it say you are healed and made whole?

[@JG71980]

Melissa, thank you! I was in WOF for 17 years. We left 4 years ago and I’ve struggled with my prayer life. This helps me see a few more reasons why. I’ve read a several good books, but this also helped me. Thank you!

[@paulalane8638]

Yes, she has been a huge help understanding all of the WoF stuff that never worked in 16 years for me. Healthy dependence on God in prayer starts with humility, which I found little of in those circles.

[@fromnzwhoisalsohalfindien]

Repentance always leads us back to God. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just .... 1John 1:9

[@Valdal98]

@@paulalane8638 Yes. That kind of “faith” is pride disguised as belief.

[@jills163]

I left WOF 2 years ago and had an absolute crisis of faith to the point where I thought I was losing my mind. I entered Christian counseling that dealt specifically with spiritual abuse and God used this in my life. To this day, I still struggle with prayer but an reconnecting to my first love (Jesus). The repetition part Melissa talks about is real.

[@dahj5954]

God says I’m saved so I say I’m saved. God says I’m healed and so I’m healed. God says I’m blessed and I’m the head and not the tail. Nothing wrong with saying this out loud.

[@samueluchenna3449]

So should we try these as well so we don't pick and choose? God says I'm hated by the world (John 15:19), therefore I'm hated. God says persecution will come (2Tim 3;12), therefore I'm persecuted

[@jills163]

Unfortunately, scripture does not say that when you're pulling verses out of context. It's important to always read the verse IN CONTEXT.

[@Howhardisittofindausernamebruh]

Interesting video. And I half agree. I agree that positive affirmations will not change your material reality, that is the realm of our sovereign Lord alone. I also agree that scripture is often taken out of context to justify new age beliefs, and the it can be looked at as a spiritual button that activates change. However, I disagree that the idea that the outcome of positive affirmation is replacing the sovereign Lord with sovereign self. At their core, affirmations are not about changing your material reality but your perception of self and/or circumstances, which in turn leads to a change of attitude, resulting in a change of behaviour, which in turn leads to positive changes in your circumstances. There have been numerous scientific studies that demonstrate the positive neurological effects of affirmations. I think it is possible to use affirmations in a practical sense while still relying and trusting in a sovereign Lord.

[@hshaffer828]

Thank you again Melissa! I cannot wait to get your book “Happy Lies”. In 2021 my sister started saying some really odd things- we were both raised in a Christian home but now I was worried that she was embracing some dangerous “theology”. She was more positive now more than ever but her beliefs had taken a big turn- it was confusing because it sounded Christian- but, I know Gods word well & I know when it’s being distorted. I warned my sister of these dangerous things she was embracing-I didn’t know what to call it. Thanks to your ministry- I know now that it is New Thought. I pray for my sister regularly - I’m actually starting a small group at my church with my husband and our church’s assistant pastor & his wife. The group is for people who have questions in the Christian faith- doubts and maybe even dealing with deconstruction. I feel that God has been leading me to dig into Christian apologetics since 2021- when I confronted my sisters new “ beliefs”. I want to thank you for being a BIG part in my learning & I pray to help others avoid these deceptions about God & his word. Love you!!

[@evasmedberg3180]

AMEN!!! Great explained! Thank you! I have never understood any of that but now I do...on the other hand I have only known about God`s sovereignty for about five years. I am so THANKFUL for all HE has done for us, while we were still sinners.

[@louonUT]

Finally someone speaking on this -thank you

[@cindyclark3318]

My husband had an accident as a teenager that left him blind in one eye. After he becams a Christian, he had Christians tell him to just affirm God wanted his eye healed and keep affirming until it happened. I am healed i have a new eye etc. After awhile, he became really discouraged and almost lost his faith that God was a good God. I told him God is not a genue in a bottle. We cant just think and speak something into existence. God does not do our will, we do His will.

[@KJ-lb4tj]

Yes...and. God is also the God of healing. He doesn't heal everyone, but he also heals.

[@SeekingTheLogos]

There is definitely a lot of truth in this video. But my personal belief is that you are dangerously close to falling into the other proverbial ditch that you mentioned. We have to remember that new thought/new age have simply stolen and appropriated from Christianity. There are seeds of truth in what they say. And if we flat out reject everything they say, we are rejecting seeds of truth. Declaring and affirming God’s will and God’s truth can be some of the most powerful ways of standing firm against the enemy. The key is to declare HIS will. Not our own. This is how you stay free from the NT/NA distortions

[@TboneWTF]

"We have to remember that new thought/new age have simply stolen and appropriated from Christianity." And christianity has stolen many of it's biblical fables from earlier religions.

[@bont7948]

The Christian church has, but not true Christ following Christianity.

[@Bammazz]

Yes!

[@flutterbylesley3731]

YES

[@DaveGme]

I’ll be sharing this far and wide.

[@ylecaraparr2102]

Ditto! 👍🏻

[@linak7155]

We humans have a tendency to lean too far to the right or to the left. It is within His perfect will that miracles take place. He is God, and we aren't. I hope for a certain outcome but have to be willing to accept my Maker's will. His determination opens my eyes to the reality that I am not in control. Jesus asked to be spared the cup of the crucifixion, but in the end, He accepted His Father's will. The hubris involved in our thinking is no small matter. To think we can call things into being must cause our Father great concern.

[@reneesalvatori1996]

Wow. Boom. That hit home for me. Thank you.

[@heatherreddish9286]

That’s scary! I think I have done that not even knowing what I was doing!!! Ahhhh!!! I’m so glad you made this.

[@AlexanderosD]

Been speaking affirmations and declarations at my bank account, but it ain't working, the insurance payment still went out yesterday. 😂 I'll do some more declarations at Jesus on it next week. Thanks Melissa! Praying for your New Thought book to reach everyone you can!

[@rosemarynew2173]

In the end of the day, one way is self-focused, the other way is God-focused. Thank me way is about what I want and God coming in line with me. The other is about what God wants and me coming in line with him. I know where I want my attention to be and I know whose will I seek.

[@Window4503]

I am tired and hungry. Thank God he gives both food and weekends and doesn’t withhold them just because I express my needs in words!

[@Screwed_Up_World]

@@Window4503 Saying "I am going to eat steak tonight" doesn't magically put it in your stomach.

[@susangraham1203]

It also doesn't mean you won't get it.

[@elisawilliams9319]

I'm so glad you posted this video. We are dealing with this in our church right now. It's like people are asleep. These things should be obvious that it is not of God. We depend on God for everything or we should be.

[@LForbesDeWild]

Where's the ❤ button??? I have lived with New Thought stuck in my head for decades! Thank you so much for 'splaining things - and BTW, I am so over the "declare & decree" isms! Another BTW, if I ever feel tempted to say any affirmations again, I'll just quote scripture out loud. (One I've said many times is, "have mercy on me, a sinner...") May God bless you, Melissa! I'm so grateful I discovered you! ❤

[@terrypaul7706]

You are as blind as her now 😔

[@vintagegirl68]

It has always made me feel irritated when I have encountered this notion of affirmations, now I know why. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it always felt misdirected and made God small. Thanks for the clarity!

[@Nomad7461]

I AM is His name not a magic spell or key to self-affirmation. I must decrease so He might increase.

[@skjhjj193]

Amen

[@junk3996]

no it isn't His name at all. God said I AM who I AM. its just a declaration statement. His name is YHWH or YHVH funny thing is, if you ask me "are you saying I AM isn't Gods name?" i would respond with....."I AM!" that doesn't mean im claiming to be God or anything. we need to understand what words mean again and especially how they're defined in scripture. these simple confusions are ruining Christians faith and perverting Gods word

[@SallyGreen-yt7kj]

​@@junk3996Exactly, if I AM, alone were Gods name, then every time we'd be committing blasphemy by introducing ourselves as' I'm so and so'.

[@jasminecousins386]

Thank you! I needed this clarity. Have a blessed day.

[@bont7948]

I didn’t realize how much new thought affirmation stuff I was believing when I first surrendered my life to the Lord. I thought it was truth because I’d come out of a church system that was also so different and misguided, so I assumed it was what real Christianity looked like. My mind was just blown. But something always felt manipulative about it, but I didn’t know any better and accepted it. So thankful the Lord has opened my eyes.

[@JaniceSanders-tn7xx]

Melissa, thanks so much for this message, it is very timely. I have a close relative who fell into the deception. He attends a Biblically solid church but was introduced to affirmations by well meaning but misguided friends about 5 years ago and then began to further explore affirmations by reading certain books and following these teachings online. He became convicted that this was the answer to everything and foolishly quit a very secure and well paying job (but admittedly a little boring) that he had for nearly 20 years to join a new company because he was convinced through the laws of attraction and affirmations that he had not yet met his potential. That was a huge mistake, the new job was very high pressured and his bosses could be verbally abusive. My relative became overwhelmed with stress and due to a health crisis had to quit. He has tossed out all of the new thought books and is back to attending church regularly joining Bible study as he dilligently tries to find a new job. Please pray for him. Laws of affirmations and declarations can be very deceptive, Melissa please continue exposing this.

[@terrypaul7706]

You all deceive your selves! Everyone’s name is I AM! No one can say it for YOU 😉

[@inhisimmage]

What we need to speak is life’s which is found in the Word of God.

[@tomfonseca]

Amen for your excellent work. My constant focus is drifting slowly away from the truth and towards lies. I worked at a company that stated it was a God-first company. I immediately noticed practices and slogans that struck me as "off." I stayed working there for several years. Finally, I chose to leave. I wanted nothing more to do with affirmations, goal setting, and "if it's to be, it's up to me" thinking.

[@patrickbarry6273]

I appreciate the honesty and truth-seeking. So necessary.

[@ralphwilliams8083]

Hey Melissa! Thanks so much for this video teaching! Really powerful! Love your heart for God and God's word for the Body. You're a champion for biblical truth! Your words have fallen on good ground. Keep on keppin on, Sister!! 👍🏾

[@carrikartes1403]

Thank you. Very nice video. I did quite a bit of therapy in the past and affirmations were a common practice. I could not do them. I would try but at most do them a couple times. I found saying Bible verses out loud most helpful. My favorite " There is no condemnation in the Lord for them that love Him and are called according to His purpose" Whenever I feel judged, judge myself, or feel inadequate I will say this verse out loud. God is good.

[@ResaO]

Another insightful and educational video! I wish every believer in The Messiah would be able and interested in learning this! Such important content! I was taught this new thought stuff for several years and I am ashamed to say, I tried to walk in it. Of course it didn’t work but I kept trying to bolster my faith. It was a stressful anxiety producing way to live. What finally helped me get out of this was many of the things I was saying was a flat out lie. Period. Saying anything other than what I wanted was not allowed. So that necessitated that I not discuss my current challenges with anyone. So it was an isolating way to live. No one to share my burdens with because I was not to even acknowledge that I had burdens. Very dysfunctional practice and harmful. Thank you for exposing this.

[@chloeking4208]

Melissa I’ve been following for a long time now, and your last few videos have been SO well done. You’ve grown a lot as a creator, but stayed true to the message. I appreciate your channel so much 🫶🏻

[@QueQue-pt6qe]

You really dug into my flaw and I thank you for it. "Thinking overly positive about self can be a flaw as Christians. Because it can deceive us to think we don't have to try harder on our walk."

[@godsbabeborn-again5945]

Thank you so much for these very much needed vids, Mel. We highly appreciate this clarity because silliness easily seeps into Christianity and dilutes it. It's very important that know what is and what is not true Christianity. We love our Savior and don't want to be misled in any way. And God is using you sift crap from our Christian faith and Christian living. May God continue to bless you and use you to reach even more people. Lots of love from South Africa.

[@anitamoss9408]

Thank you Melissa!! As always speaking God'sTruth and not wavering on ANYTHING!

[@vigneshiyer4334]

People like you are needed for this generation sister Meli.Dou

[@tzofiadambrosie867]

Thanks Melissa, agreed. I’d love to share this with some other people who subscribe to that rubbish, but they won’t hear it. I’m so thankful God has got me out of that mindset years ago. Love your videos. Several years ago I wrote a book called ´GOD I AM’ … The names titles and attributes of God. It’s all about Him, not about us. Appreciate you so much Sis. God bless ❤

[@barbarawiggins4403]

Thank you again. This is so needed. I need to hear this. How easily we can be pulled and swayed. Keep speaking His Truth and the whole counsel of Scriptures so that we can live for His glory.

[@conniekline9881]

Thank you Melissa for educating us further on New Thought and affirmations, especially when these ideas are woven through many areas of life (business, education, churches, etc.). I appreciate your research and presentation.

[@Priscilla_Bettis]

I admit to having fallen into the rabbit hole that is speaking affirmations (at the encouragement of a well-meaning therapist). I have repented since then. When I think of it, it's a palm-to-forehead thing. I should have known better, and it only made me more agitated. God's Word is what ultimately healed me. Thank You, God!

[@stephfmidwest9331]

I definitely understand that "I should have known better" feeling....

[@anthonia3816]

Thank you so much Miss Melissa. This blessed my life and have freed me from "positive thinking" against trusting God

[@SungananiManjolo]

I have juat come away from affirmations and re-learning prayer. Its really great. Thank you

[@kathleenwharton2139]

I lived my life feeling unworthy attracting people who agreed with me. Jesus Taught me that I am Worthy. Jesus Taught that the Father Knows what we need before we even ask and He Will Give them to us. Trust HIM. 😊❤

[@FoxRunImages]

I blogged on a couple of those verses several years back. They will be resurfacing on my Substack on “Memory Mondays” soon. Thanks for this pointed, yet respectful and nuanced, video

[@CiciC2410]

Thank you for this. I've been a Christ follower since I was young and I still managed to get deceived by some of word of faith teaching and having it blend into exactly what you're saying. It was confusing hearing some in church. I knew when I was listening to manifesting coaches when they said " you are God of your reality" ... It hurt my spirit and heart.... I didn't hear that for some time so I was almost fooled. People do use verses to say this is a gift from God. The thing is how long does it stay just " positive" .... This is why we need dependence on God. When we affirm repeatedly we are focusing on us and our wants. It might not be healthy or what God wants for us. Thanks again for this. This is so important as it is coming out more and more.

[@einkaliber9939]

Thank you for that thorough explanation. I have used affirmations without even knowing until I thought about some of my daily prays with what you described.

[@ericaislostinthemusic2937]

I’ve been a Christian since the early 80s and have ALWAYS felt a way about “name it and claim it”, “blab it and grab it”. It’s always felt, I don’t know, mystical or new age-y to me, but to mention low key manipulative, if that makes sense (as if we could actually manipulate God). It never sat right in my spirit and this just affirms all that for me. Thank you.

[@josephschiavone402]

Right on Melissa. I left a "non denominational" church that said all of these things. They mix it so well with scripture, they blend it in sneakily. It took me over 2 years of twitching every time I heard thigns that didnt sound right befor I realized that it was because they werent right ! By the way, to this church non denominational means; Evangelical, prosperity, WoF, Charismatic, and now that I know, New Thought and New Age. They teach it all. So Thanks Sister for this word.

[@lisaburke7506]

Love this video. It gives me the words to use to explain (gently but firmly) why declarations are anti-Christ. They hinder a proper prayer life, deny the Most High's sovereignty, and invert the order that the Lord's will and desire becomes our own.

[@amethyst4444]

Wow!!! Thank you so much for this video. Praise God for showing me this video and providing the clarity that I needed.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾♥️♥️♥️

[@jjleb85]

Melissa! This is so good! I definitely need to save this and watch this a few times to be able to discuss this with my friends. Thank you!

[@ThenSingsMySoul.]

I just want to say Melissa i appreciate so much tbe blessing your videos have been in my life. I was bery deceived for a number of years by the NAR/WOF/PG/New thought teachings- although it was through your videos i learned about New thought, i didnt know what that wad before then. I feel like I've spent years unweaving the lies and decptions i fell for, and God in His grace brought me to your videos and they have helped me SO much! So thank you sooo much for what you are doing and tbe obedience you are walking in with God in doing this ministry.

[@terraloft]

Thank you, Melissa, you are direct in the nanner of one who wants to protect and provide the truth that secures our souls. Isaiah 51:15,16 I am the Lord your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves Roar. the Lord God Almighty is His Name. I have put My words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My hand. I who set the heavens in place and who laid the foundations over and who say to Zion you are My people .

[@joemichener2337]

I probably will make a sermon on this. If I do, I will be quoting some of the things that you have said. Thank You.

[@kelliew.4285]

This is a much needed video. Now I have to meditate how much of my prayers and thoughts have really been serving the idol of self.

[@BroDaveMartinSRBC]

Why do I feel like I am being unburdened from that which has been so that I can go forward and realize true faith?

[@lauramikow2381]

Excellent explanation, Melissa. Thank you for the clarification, once again redirecting our hearts to submission to God and not to our own thoughts. God bless you!

[@EdithB]

Umm I’m 5 and 3/4……. And I approve this message. Thanks for the hard work and great videos 😄❤️

[@samsmom400]

😂😂😂😂

[@themadennis]

So many in my ministry community are just like this. Declaring over and over, even including the elements of wind, rain, etc. I used to be new age and new thought. He pulled me out of that pit and put a new song in my mouth. Thanks Melissa for describing this in a way that’s easy to understand and duplicate when gently speaking out to others. ❤🙏

[@bondservant4jesus]

Makes me think of the guy Stuart on Saturday Night Live. "I'm good enough, smart enough and ...people like me."

[@SimoneYseult]

Thank you. I understand about praying for our sickness or a better situation, but I felt my prayers being answered when I was honest with God, after repenting and asking for help and external conformation to know that my hands are on it, but His hands.

[@06ShadowRider]

Hi Melissa, Thank you for addressing this topic. I've heard pastors, preachers, and Christian influencers talk about affirmations and declarations. I even had a pastor who I've known for quite a while try to heal me with declarations, and it caused me to view him in a different light. He also had some people convinced that gold dust manifested at our church on several occasions. There were times when I questioned whether my faith was weak because I didn't buy into these things; however, I just didn't feel convicted in regard to them. I even tried praying as though something was so that obviously wasn't, and I didn't feel right doing it. It honestly had me conflicted. Thanks again for clarifying the issues with this practice. I will meditate on this so I will be prepared to set others straight, including the pastor.

[@hannahhood3640]

Thank you for taking time to post this!!

[@dlillianb1368]

This was so informative, thank you. Now, I’ve know that one of our ‘church’ leaders is totally in this vein of thought. Word of faith, new thought, affirmative prayer, speaking things as if they already are done. Drives me nuts… and I’m that ‘negative person’ that wants to address it and have been shushed. 😑but I’m not shushing

[@SyntheToonz]

I was at a Christian music concert last night. Four or so bands there. It has been a while since i listened to this kind of music. I noticed a lot of positive affirmation type of lyrics praising God with the expectation that God will be the cosmic sugar daddy guaranteeing everything in life now will be fixed for us. A song even used the word "breakthrough" and I thought I should scare up a Fighting For The Faith Prophecy Bingo card.

[@Everydayisagood11]

I understand but what do you think the lyrics should contain instead?

[@abidingewe2065]

God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven❣️

[@JillCee]

I learned about this for the first time working at the office of a conservative denomination. But they referred to it as positive thinking. Have to say, it caused me a lot more stress and pressure than anything else. When I heard the declare stuff, I was able to blow that off easily due to my previous experience.

[@bigjoe8922]

Jesus told us in this world we will have troubles of all kinds and might even be killed for our faith. But be of good cheer he has overcome the world 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@veronicanavarra]

Hi from Italy, thanks for your videos and thanks for your time Melissa!

[@meadowgeorge6657]

Thank you for exposing this! Now, if only I could get my family members who are into it, to listen to this!

[@paulalane8638]

Great video, Melissa! Thank you! Another thing i was taught in WoF is adding visualization to your affirmations and declarations. Have a vision board and do it everyday!

[@kathygross6911]

Yes…all this (waves hands dramatically in the air). This is what is kicking me in the gut every time someone tells me to ‘declare it’.

[@LillyFaith1]

Great video. These videos truly help people from all sides. Someone dear to me is apart of bethel church in Redding and this is how she lives her life. Speaking everything into existence. Affirmations that all things she wants will happen. It grieves me. Question- would you ever make a video on how we could talk about this with people who are doing and living it? It’s my biggest struggle. How or when to speak truth when this is happening. What are ways we can do it in a way that’s respectful and loving but not taking away the importance of truth? Thanks for all that you do! I truly appreciate it and get so much from this kind of content. ❤

[@royhughesjr5168]

God bless you and protect you. In Jesus Christ name.

[@lindahanley2734]

Thank you for this video. Very insightful and so helpful in comparing affirmation/declaration to the true meaning in scripture. The Copelands of this world will probably have a rude awakening on judgement day.

[@ajax2463]

I'll admit, I had a hardened heart at the beginning of this video so much so that I skipped along through waiting to hear something to disagree with. But I was thoroughly grateful for your breakdown of common verses used to back up this 'new thought' deception to play God. I appreciate the distinctions you've made and the explanations of how dangerous it is to try to sit in the seat of God and make Him bend to my desires and beliefs vs complete submission and surrender to His authority, sovereignty and will for all things. It's the switch from self-centered me-ology to God and theology.

[@benjaminheskett1381]

I’ve been a Christian for a handful of years now & I’m new to apologetics. It’s so interesting to learn the many forms by which folks (myself included) can become deceived! I’ve heard of New Age, but not New Thought. Thanks for bringing this up.

[@louisesmith3292]

Thank you for this video! I recently started falling for this without realizing it, thinking this is what God actually wants us to do and oh man, what a nightmare. My brain went haywire about every thought that wasnt positive and I started blaming myself for not having enough "faith" and thinking all the responsibility was on me because "God put it my control" and it created literal terror in my mind.

[@nonisydney6519]

Spot on Mellisa, talk about rightly dividing the Word, always suspected there is something wrong with this.

[@TrishWragg]

The enemy is so subtle……..I have had moments of actually almost accepting some new thought. As soon as we focus on me and take our eyes off the Lord

[@smayfield2280]

Yes! Bring back "pish posh"! Great teaching. Thank you!

[@lauraschmuck5565]

Melissa, you explain so clearly the difference between affirmations and true Christian belief from the Bible. I am learning so much from you. Thank you so much!! I did preorder your book.

[@lorelynleisure4048]

This is such a good message. Thank you! I hope and pray that many people who have been deceived by such things hear it. God bless you!

[@chrisschey7818]

Another clear analysis that wakes us up. Love it.

[@76insider]

This was good. Thank you. My mum is a big WOF beliver and the comment about "not wanting to be around people who talk sense" hit home

[@kandycane12]

Excellent Melissa, waiting for your book!