The Cliff Notes From Todays Reading: Chapter : The Mind Is The Battlefield
The Devil knows what we like and what we dont like. He knows our insecurities, our weaknesses and our fears. He is willing to invest any amount of time it takes to defeat us. One of the devils strong points is patience.
Through careful strategy and cunning deceit, Satan attempts to setup strongholds in our mind.
1: STRONGHOLDS are REAL! A stronghold is an area in which we are held in bondage due to a certain way of thinking. The devil argues with us he offers us theories and reasonings. All of this activity goes on in the mind.
The mind is the battlefield between you and the devil.
WATCH TODAYS VIDEO FROM JOYCE AS SHE ANSWERS BASIC QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT SHE BELIEVES IS A REAL SPIRITUAL BATTLE THAT IS GOING ON!
Battlefield Of The Mind Book Review
Oh, how I love me some Joyce Meyer! I cant get enough of her no-nonsense and spirit-filled teaching. I highly recommend you read Battlefield of the Mind if you are looking to change your life or more importantly, change old thought patterns and mind-sets. It is invaluable to those of us who tend to get hung up in our own heads and who tend to over analyze everything.
Before we go any further, let me just say that if you are not arent a Christian or you dont believe in spiritual warfare, this book is not for you as Joyces method of changing thought patterns and fighting spiritual warfare is based on s Biblical principles and scripture. Now, dont get me wrong, non-Christians can appreciate the positive thinking message, but honestly, that part is something you can get from numerous other self-help books. This book has the ability to change lives, but only if you are open to the possibilities. I dont believe this book was designed so much to help the clinically depressed but rather the average Christian wanting to do more than just survive this life.
What I learned from Joyce Meyer and Battlefield of the Mind:
I found myself studying all her scripture references and the stories behind them. The story of the Israelites really stuck with me . I also made a point to memorize the scriptures by writing them down and taping them to my bathroom mirror or desk at work.
Lessons from the Israelites:
Thank you Israelites!
Until next time, stay safe and God bless,Missy
The Dangers Of Complaining
Complaining, grumbling, murmuring and faultfinding have power but it is negative power. Each time we give our minds and mouths over to any of it, we are giving Satan a power over us that God has not authorized him to have. Set your mind today to get rid of these negative thoughts and tap into the power of God’s Word.
Video:
Impatience is a sign of pride, and the only answer to pride is humility.
Teaching:
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Battlefield Of The Mind Summary Part : Common Negative Mindsets
Weâve discussed Meyerâs ideas about how Satan attacks our minds with negative thoughts and have reviewed signs that he is succeeding. Part 3 will cover Meyerâs ideas about what a mind that succumbs to negative thoughts looks like.
Meyer describes a mind lost in negativity as lost in the âwilderness.â If we’re trapped in a negative mindset, our lives can feel chaotic and unnavigable, even if our circumstances arenât actually terrible. She uses the term âwilderness mentalityâ as a reference to the Israelites, who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years on what should have been an 11 day trip to the promised land .
Meyer argues that if the Devil can lure us into a negative mindset, he can keep us lost in a cycle of negativity indefinitely, impeding our ability to move forward in our relationship with God, relationships with other people, and our goals in life. She outlines 10 common negative mindsets that can trap people and some insights on how to escape them.
A Negative Thought, or Negative Thinking?
Thereâs a difference between having negative thoughts and becoming trapped in a cycle of negative…
The Mind Is A Battlefield
A war is raging and your mind is the battlefield. Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and feelings of condemnation … all of these are attacks on the mind. If you suffer from negative thoughts, take heart! For 20 years Joyce’s book Battlefield of the Mind has helped millions win these battles and over the next 20 days, we are going to encourage you to learn to choose your own thoughts rather than letting the enemy fill your mind full of things that will destroy you. We must be responsible for our own thoughts and words because they produce our actions.
Video:
From Joyce:
There is a war going on, and your mind is the battlefield. But the good news is, God is fighting on your side.
Teaching:
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Shortform Exercise: Explore How Your Thoughts Precede Your Actions
Meyer explains that negative thoughts precede negative words and actions. Other people use those words and actions to form their opinions about us.
Think about the last time you were disappointed with your choice of words and actions while interacting with another person. What did you say or do that you wish you hadnât?
Shortform Exercise: Recognize Negative Thought Patterns
Meyer highlights six signs that our mind is under attack and not as positive as it should be. These signs are the manifestation of negative patterns of thinking. The more habitual these negative patterns become, the more they will negatively affect our words, actions, and ultimately our lives.
Describe a negative pattern of thinking that has been appearing in your thought process recently.
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The Books Critical Reception
Battlefield of the Mind, like Joyce Meyer herself, is wildly popular. However, both she and the book have also received criticism. This criticism largely falls into three categories:
- Theological validity: Meyer has been accused of suborning scripture for personal gain. As we will discuss further in our commentary, her interpretation of scripture has been characterized as self-serving and often departs from the Christian tradition.
- Academic validity: Battlefield of the Mind is in large part a self-help book. Throughout the book, Meyer provides advice on issues such as overcoming depression, addressing difficulties with mental focus, overcoming obstacles in a marriage, and so on. However, she does not cite research nor address expert advice in her coverage of these topics. Rather, she relies on personal experience and opinion.
- Personal criticism: Meyer has received criticism for her personal wealth and lavish lifestyle over the years. While she has addressed the issue and argues that there is no conflict between her financial success and her preaching of Christian values, many see an ethical conflict between preaching Christianity and profiting so much.
Our Weapons Against Negativity
Meyer explains that the word of God is our primary weapon against Satanâs negativity. We use it in three main forms: the written word , praise, and prayer.
Scripture
Meyer argues that the written word of God provides us with an arsenal of positive messages that we can use when our mind is under attack from the Devil. She explains that consequently, the more time we spend thinking about and studying the written word, the easier it will be for us to fight off Satanâwhen we know scripture well, we can easily recall helpful passages from the Bible to apply to any situation where Satan tries to corrupt our thoughts.
In addition to helping us recall Godâs messages when we need them, Meyer proposes** that when we can apply the meaning of scripture to our lives, our protection from negativity…
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Battlefield Of The Mind Summary Part : A Positive Life Requires A Positive Mind
The central tenet of Meyerâs book is that the state of our lives mirrors the state of our minds. A negative mindset produces a negative life, while a positive mindset produces a positive life. According to Meyer, a âpositive mindsetâ is one that is focused on God. She argues that when we put God at the center of our minds and spirits, we’re happier, more successful, more fulfilled, and we positively impact those around us.
Meyer seesSatan as the source of our difficulties, arguing that he creates our negative mindsets by keeping us apart from God, which he does by controlling our minds. In Part 1, weâll explore Meyerâs ideas about how our mindset shapes our reality, her view of Satan as the source of our negative thoughts, and her imagery of our minds as a battlefield between Godâs positivity and Satanâs negativity.
Lift Up Your Eyes And Look
Sometimes our circumstances can seem overwhelming, like we are drowning in our own mess. But when we keep our minds focused on the promises of God’s Word, we will remember that our current circumstances won’t even compare to the glory that is coming. Look up from your present situation and meditate on the promises of God.
Video:
From Joyce:
I encourage you to take a positive look at the possibilities of the future and think and speak about your future in a positive way.
Teaching:
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My Brutally Broken Heart Needed This Book
- 5 out of 5 stars 571
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In her new audiobook, New York Times best-selling author Joyce Meyer explores a life lived in complete and total dependence on God. Drawing on her own experiences and inspiration from the word of God, Joyce makes the case that in every area of your life – spiritually, relationally, emotionally, financially – you can trust that God has your very best in store. This audiobook will both equip and encourage, as you learn how to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.
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Becoming Us is a wake-up call for couples who feel stagnant, revealing what happens when two people in a committed relationship risk seeing each other from a fresh perspective. Beth and Jeff McCord provide a glimpse into how the Enneagram, used from a biblical perspective, brings astonishing clarity to couples so they can break free from self-condemnation, fear and shame, by knowing and experiencing the unconditional love, forgiveness, and freedom they have in Christ.
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Want To Do What Is Right
Doing the right thing starts by thinking the right thing. When we just walk through life allowing any old thought to enter our mind, we will undoubtedly find that our actions are not what we want them to be. However, when we intentionally begin to “take every thought captive” and think good thoughts on purpose, it won’t take long for our behavior to get in line too.
Today’s Scripture:
Do not be conformed to this world , , but be transformed by the renewal of your mind , so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect .
From Joyce:
Think about the things you have to be thankful for every day. Thank the Lord for them in prayer, and as you do you will find your heart filling up with life and light.
Teaching:
Powerful Affirmations For Black Women
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Imagine after a hectic day at your place of work, upon getting home, that feeling of imposter syndrome creeps in. You begin to feel your life is taking the wrong direction, or you arent doing enough to give your life meaning. We have all experienced this at a point in our life. I have experienced my fair share of this feeling. I have had that feeling of inadequacy of never doing enough. However, this situation taught me positive affirmations and allowed me to realize that they are a powerful weapon which can shape every negative thought, and give your life a sense of fulfillment.
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The Books Synopsis & Main Points
Battlefield of the mind is not a metaphor. In her bestselling book of 130 publications, author, Bible teacher, and speaker Joyce Meyer explains that whether we know it or not, we are engaged in a constant and literal battle for the well-being of our minds. On one side of the battle is Satan, who tries to corrupt our minds and lives with his negativity. On the other side are Christians hoping to live the meaningful and fulfilling life God intends for them.
Meyers goal is to convince readers that the quality of our life hinges on recognizing Satan as the source of our negative thoughts and engaging him in battle. She uses a combination of scripture, anecdotes, and personal witness to explain what Satans attacks on our minds look like, their effect on our well-being, and how we can address them. She assures us that we can defeat Satan by cultivating our spirituality and relationship with God.
Here are the books main points:
- A positive life requires a positive mind.
- A positive mind is focused on God.
- Satan tries to keep our minds negative.
Through This Bible Study You Will Receive:
Emails
We will send you an email every day for 25 days that will include tips from Joyce, videos and Bible verses to help you on your journey.
Video
You will see encouragement and teaching from Joyce as well as stories of others who are renewing their mind through Gods Word.
Scriptures
Gods Word has the power to change our lives. Each day we will include a verse to encourage you in your study.
Articles
We have put together a selection of articles that will give you some insight into what the Bible has to say about renewing your mind.
Tips
Through more than 40 years of study and experience, Joyce has become an expert on this topic. We will include some timely tips from Joyce to help you along.
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Want To Learn The Rest Of Battlefield Of The Mind In 21 Minutes
Unlock the full book summary of Battlefield of the Mind by signing up for Shortform .
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being 100% comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
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- Interactive exercises: apply the book’s ideas to your own life with our educators’ guidance.
Here’s a preview of the rest of Shortform’s Battlefield of the Mind summary:
Do You Have The Mind Of Christ
The process of renewing our minds can take time, and we will certainly make mistakes along the way. But the Bible tells us that we are a “new creation” and that we have the “mind of Christ.” So be confident that God will help you as we continue to learn how to think what He wants us to think.
Video:
Whatever happens trust in the Lord and be positive!
Teaching:
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Something I Can Recommend
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Joyce Meyer has a knack for coining phrases – her fans call them “Joyceisms” – and one of her best loved is “Where the mind goes, the man follows.”This was the basis for Battlefield of the Mind, and in her latest book, Meyer provides “power thoughts,” bringing the reader to a new level of ability to use the mind as a tool to achievement. In Power Thoughts, she outlines a flexible program to turn thoughts into habits, and habits into success. Nobody has more of a “can-do” attitude than Joyce Meyer. Now you can, too.
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Set Your Mind And Keep It Set
Just like anything, we may be able to think the right way for a time, but fall back into old patterns of thinking. If we want to see lasting change in our mind and our lives, we have to be determined to stick to it. Don’t worry, you aren’t doing it alone. God promises to stand by us through it all!
Video:
From Joyce:
We can have right or wrong mindsets. The right ones benefit us, and the wrong ones hurt us and hinder our progress. We need our minds set in the right direction.
Teaching:
