The Way to GodSample

Speaking Scripture

As a kid, Kyle Winkler struggled with intense shyness, rejection from his peers, and, as a result, shame. But God radically changed Kyle as a teen. And the main tool he used? The Bible. Now, Kyle openly shares about his experiences with the Lord and is helping to change others’ lives through a true understanding of God’s character. By Jesus’ grace, Kyle has been featured on media outlets around the world, launched a popular mobile app called Shut Up, Devil!, and recently came out with a new book by the same name.

Today, we’re digging deeper into the practices that have changed Kyle’s life the most.

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I’m a big believer in confessions. They played a huge part in my journey out of shame. They continue to play a huge part in me shutting down negative emotions and thoughts whenever they arise. That’s why every one of my books so far devotes at least a chapter or two to the principle of speaking Scripture. As I teach in Shut Up, Devil, God designed the mind and mouth to work together in ways that no other two parts of us do. Speaking a truth out loud helps to cement it into us.

When I do this with Bible verses, I typically don’t just speak the verse aloud verbatim. I like to personalize it to me and my situation. For example, Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV) is one I frequently use to squash fear. Instead of only quoting the text of the verse (“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed”), I declare what it means to me. I usually say, “God is here, even in the places that I fear.”

—Kyle Winkler, Bible Teacher, as told to Rapt Interviews