The Disciple Maker Series

T R U T H

THAT DEMOLISHES

STRONGHOLDS

(Revised & expanded)

T o n y  G o o d m a n

E   C   L   I   P   S   E

Equipping Christian Leaders

Internationally:

Pastorally, Spiritually & Educationally

A ministry accountable to

Bissau Central Church and

Salisbury City Church

NEWFRONTIERS

CP 992, Bissau Codex 1001, Guinea-Bissau, West Africa

24 Milford Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2AP (01722 333351)

www.salisburycitychurch.org

www.eclipseafrica.com

Cover: Daniel Goodman

Illustrations: Anna Goodman

Copyright © Tony Goodman June 2012.  The right of Tony Goodman to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. But this can easily be obtained.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society) and used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockwood Foundation and used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, copyright © 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (KJ) and (NKJ) are taken from the KING JAMES BIBLE and the NEW KING JAMES BIBLE respectively.

Scripture quotations marked (Amp) are taken from THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE, copyright © 1965 Zondervan Publishing House.

Scripture quotations marked (Phillips) are taken from THE NEW TESTAMENT IN MODERN ENGLISH, copyright © 1960 by J B Phillips.

Scripture quotations marked (REB) are taken from the REVISED ENGLISH BIBLE, copyright © Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press 1989.

Scripture quotations marked (The Message) are taken from THE MESSAGE (The Bible in Contemporary Language by Eugene Peterson) copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations [marked (ESV)] are taken from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, published by HarperCollins Publishers © 2001 Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

IN ENGLISH

WELLS OF WORSHIP

THE GIFT OF MARRIAGE

DISCOVERING YOUR ASSIGNED TASK

IN PORTUGUESE

O CAMINHO DE DEUS

FONTES DE ADORAÇÃO

A VERDADE QUE DESTRÓI FORTALEZAS

O DOM DO CASAMENTO

DESCOBRIR SUE TAREFA DESIGNADA

SERIES DEDICATION

With tremendous gratitude to God, I dedicate this series to my dear brothers and sisters in the Portuguese and English speaking countries of Africa, who are giving their lives to preaching the gospel, making disciples and planting churches in that magnificent continent where there is such desperate suffering and need. Through your love, sacrifice and commitment, God will do great and wonderful things in these days of exceptional growth.

I am thinking of my dear friends in Guinea-Bissau: Zé Paulo and Itla Semedo, Caetano and Joana Indami, Paulo and Felícia Mendes, Giro and Sábado Gomes, Joaquim and Segunda Correia, Quintino and Inácia Gomes, Zé Augusto and Eugénia Bedeslei, Arlindo and Sueli Baro, Zacchaeus and Kehinde Yisa, and many others. I am also thinking of John Kpikpi in Ghana, Edward Buria in Kenya, Sam Amara in Nigeria and Milton Ogwal in Uganda. You are an inspiration! It is such a privilege to know you and to serve Jesus with you in this way. My prayer is that these books will be of real help as you disciple others.

I also count it a joy to dedicate the series to my precious wife Sue and to my dearly loved children: Laura, Emma, Daniel and Hannah, all of whom are now, as ever, contending at my side in the cause of the gospel (Philippians 4:3). What a blessing!

Jesus said: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, (recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed), to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour (Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18). Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you (John 20:21).

DEDICATION FOR TRUTH THAT DEMOLISHES STRONGHOLDS

I dedicate this book to Gill Chapman who served with WEC International in Brazil for many years. It was through her that God opened my eyes to begin to identify and understand the many lies of Satan that I had subconsciously believed with all my heart. I praise God for your wisdom and for your gracious deliverance ministry. Thank you for starting me off on my own journey towards truly experiencing the freedom for which Christ has set me free. In a sense I have written this book out of my own need, as well as wanting to help others and to make God's Word more accessible to them.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book was inspired by the Freedom in Christ Discipleship Course by Dr Neil Anderson and Steve Goss, published by Monarch. Originally, it was compiled as a booklet to supplement Session 10 for a group of members from my own church completing this excellent course for the first time. Many needed help to find the specific Bible verses relevant to the strongholds being addressed. The first edition had 21 "Strongholds-Busters" guided by Steve Goss's example, which has been followed with his permission. I soon received requests from other churches. A second edition was produced covering 35 strongholds. The demand continues, hence this third edition dealing with 50.

On a personal level, I would like to thank Simon Redmill, lead-elder of Salisbury City Church, for his very helpful suggestions for changes to the draft copy of this book, almost all of which have been incorporated. Responsibility for the final text, however, is mine alone.

In all Scripture quotations (indicated by the use of italics), words that are in square brackets, and normal type, do not form part of the text but are included to give context, to clarify meaning and to aid understanding. Those that are in normal brackets, and italics, are direct quotations from the Bible but are either slightly out of sequence or have been taken from a different version. In both cases this has only been done to clarify meaning and to aid understanding. In no case has the intended meaning been compromised. The abbreviations OT and NT stand for the Old Testament and the New Testament respectively.

KEY SCRIPTURES

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners … to release the oppressed (Luke 4:18) … [to bring about] the glorious freedom of the children of God (Romans 8:21). You, my brothers, were called to be free (Galatians 5:13). Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is (Romans 12:2-3). He leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land (Psalm 68:6).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES

TOPICS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

TOPICS CURRENTLY IN PREPARATION

CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION

THE FOUNDATIONAL IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S TRUTH

FORGIVING FROM THE HEART

UNDER LAW OR CONTROLLED BY THE SPIRIT?

STRONGHOLDS & IDOLATRY

CHAPTER TWO : THE EMPATHY OF JESUS

CHAPTER THREE : OVERCOMING FEAR

1  FEAR OF SATAN & HIS DEMONS

2  FEAR OF DIVORCE OR ABANDONMENT

3  FEAR OF DEATH & HELL

4  FEAR OF NOT BEING LOVED OR CHOSEN BY GOD

5  FEAR OF NEVER BEING LOVED BY OTHERS

6  FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO LOVE OTHERS

7  FEAR OF MARRIAGE

8  FEAR OF PARENTHOOD

9  FEAR OF REJECTION & DISAPPROVAL BY OTHERS

10  FEAR OF NEVER GETTING MARRIED

11  FEAR OF NEVER HAVING CHILDREN

12  FEAR OF REJECTION BY GOD

13  FEAR OF EMBARRASSMENT

14  FEAR OF FAILURE

15  FEAR OF BEING OR BECOMING HOMOSEXUAL

16  FEAR OF FINANCIAL PROBLEMS

17  FEAR OF DEPRESSION & MENTAL ILLNESS

18  FEAR OF BEING A HOPELESS CASE; A REJECT

19  FEAR OF WORTHLESSNESS

20  FEAR OF THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE

21  FEAR OF THE FUTURE

22  FEAR OF CONFRONTATION

23  FEAR OF BEING A VICTIM OF CRIME

24  FEAR OF VIOLENT ATTACK

25  THE FEAR OF RAPE

26  FEAR OF HAVING COMMITTED THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

27  FEAR OF SPECIFIC PEOPLE, ANIMALS, INSECTS, OBJECTS

28  FEAR OF CROWDS & CONFINED SPACES

29  FEAR OF CANCER & OTHER LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES

30  FEAR OF COMMITTING SUICIDE

CHAPTER FOUR : DEMOLISHING STRONGHOLDS

DEFINING STRONGHOLDS

HOW TO WORK THROUGH A STRONGHOLD-BUSTER

COMMON SATANIC LIES

1.  STRONGHOLD OF NOT BEING A GENUINE BELIEVER

2.  STRONGHOLD OF CONFUSED IDENTITY

3.  STRONGHOLD OF A SLAVE MENTALITY

4.  STRONGHOLD OF REJECTION

5.  STRONGHOLD OF WORTHLESSNESS

6.  STRONGHOLD OF NOT BEING LOVED BY GOD

7.  STRONGHOLD OF BEING FATHERLESS

8.  STRONGHOLD OF FEAR

9.  STRONGHOLD OF GUILT

10.  STRONGHOLD OF RESTLESSNESS

11.  STRONGHOLD OF INSECURITY

12.  STRONGHOLD OF DOUBT

13.  STRONGHOLD OF DOUBTING GOD'S GOODNESS

14.  STRONGHOLD OF WEAKNESS

15.  STRONGHOLD OF LEGALISM

16.  STRONGHOLD OF RELIANCE ON WORKS

17.  STRONGHOLD OF NON-RELIANCE ON THE GOSPEL

18.  STRONGHOLD OF AN INCOMPLETE SALVATION

19.  STRONGHOLD OF INDEPENDENCE FROM GOD

20.  STRONGHOLD OF HOPELESSNESS

21.  STRONGHOLD OF PERFECTIONISM

22.  STRONGHOLD OF FEELING INCOMPETENT

23.  STRONGHOLD OF FEELING UNCLEAN

24.  STRONGHOLD OF HAVING NO PURPOSE

25.  STRONGHOLD OF THE FEAR OF FAILURE

26.  STRONGHOLD OF DEPRESSION

27.  STRONGHOLD OF THE FEAR OF SATAN

28.  STRONGHOLD OF BEING OVERCOME BY SATAN

29. STRONGHOLD OF BEING A PRISONER OF THE PAST

30.  STRONGHOLD OF IMMATURITY

31.  STRONGHOLD OF PRIDE

32.  STRONGHOLD OF SELFISHNESS

33.  STRONGHOLD OF INDULGING CHARACTER FLAWS

34. STRONGHOLD OF OVER-EATING

35.  STRONGHOLD OF LUST / PORNOGRAPHY

36.  STRONGHOLD OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

37.  STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION & CONTROL WITHIN FAMILIES

38.  STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION & CONTROL CONCERNING LEADERSHIP

39.  STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION& CONTROL CONCERNING GOD

41.  STRONGHOLD OF CONDEMNING CRITICISM

42.  STRONGHOLD OF POVERTY

43.  STRONGHOLD OF GREED

44.  STRONGHOLD OF REBELLION AGAINST AUTHORITY

45.  STRONGHOLD OF GOSSIP

46.  STRONGHOLD OF HEAVINESS OF SPIRIT

47.  STRONGHOLD OF SELF-PITY

48. STRONGHOLD OF SELF-REJECTION

49. STRONGHOLD OF THE FEAR OF MAN

50.  STRONGHOLD OF WORRY OVER THE SALVATION OF LOVED-ONES

APPENDIX 1 : SCRIPTURE SUGGESTIONS

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES

This series of books is being written in obedience to a personal word from God to "do what only you can do". (I guess the same applies to each one of us, for we are all uniquely made and uniquely equipped by a loving Father to serve him in a unique way.) In my case it is about being able to write in simple Portuguese with a specific group of church leaders and workers in mind, where such tailor-made leadership resources are in short supply, if available at all. This is an exciting time of expansion and rapid church growth and the need to move forward on pathways paved with solid biblical principles is greater than ever.

Having served God in Guinea-Bissau for fourteen years, through a time of transition from a "Foreign Mission" directed work to a "National Church Leadership" directed work, I have a great love and respect for African men and women called to lead God's people. He has given me a specific desire to help the pastors among them to successfully discharge all the duties of their ministry. Many have not had the opportunity to benefit from any form of structured training. My prayer is that this series will compensate, albeit in a very small way, for this lost privilege.

My objectives in writing this series are:

To apply the gospel to every area of life – personal, family, work, local church, outreach, missions, etc – so that issues of the heart are tackled and the grace of God brought to bear.

To help every leader working with small groups or large churches to know who they are in Christ, to find confidence in God and to discover their unique blend of gifting.

To encourage those in isolated and remote situations to find strength in God and to persevere in bringing others to maturity. (You have a special place in God's affections and your labours are never in vain.)

To provide resources for leading Bible studies, for equipping those in training and for preparing sermons.

To give outlines, examples and suggestions for conducting special ceremonies and services, such as the dedication of children, weddings, funerals, the appointment of elders, etc.

I will endeavour to do this:

By underlining the need for truly biblical and Holy Spirit appointed leadership in local churches and families of churches.

By stressing the need for apostolic teams to be the master builders in church planting and church growth.

By taking the teaching and experiences of the emerging church in the New Testament as the foundation, rather than any denominational emphasis.

By addressing issues that the Holy Spirit is highlighting throughout the world today.

By covering the essential areas of local church ministry in a thoroughly biblical, personal and practical way.

By establishing principles, summarizing arguments and succinctly stating, in simple language, the main points at issue appropriate to each subject.

By running ECLIPSE as a charitable, non-profit-making ministry, so that these books can be made available to church leaders in the developing world and delivered to their destination completely free of charge, or at cost.

TOPICS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Worship (English and Portuguese)

- Leader's workshop

Discipleship 1 (Portuguese only)

- Foundations

- Basic doctrines

Spiritual Gifts (English and Portuguese)

- Discovering one's assigned task

- Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Spiritual Warfare (English and Portuguese)

- Demolishing strongholds

Marriage (English and Portuguese)

- Marriage preparation

- Marriage enrichment

- Wedding service

TOPICS CURRENTLY IN PREPARATION

The Church Itself

- Servant leadership

- Church government (Service of ordination)

- Word and Spirit

- Values, vision and strategy

- Church life – membership, small groups, sacraments, discipline and bereavement (funeral service)

The Church's Mission

- Apostolic teams

- Evangelism

- The kingdom of God

- Church planting (Service of valediction)

- Families of churches

Discipleship 2

- Freedom in Christ

- Face-to-face-with-God weekends (Ministry guidelines)

The Grace of God

Parenting

- Dedication service

Money, Wealth and Possessions

- Giving and sharing

- Empowering the poor

I warmly invite any brother or sister, called to equip God's people for works of service, to write in, or to email me, with suggestions for revisions and new topics, or with questions. There are many I can call upon for help. We are here to serve you.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THIS SERIES

My Bible School principal used to say that a serious student of God's Word would try not to study a book that sought to expound its meaning without doing four things.

He or she would first pray and ask the Holy Spirit to be their teacher and guide.

They would then look up the majority of the verses referred to as they go, so as to check out their meaning in accordance with their biblical and historical context.

As well as their Bibles, they would try to have a pen to hand, together with a notebook. They could then underline, or mark, the most important sentences and paragraphs in the book being studied and in their Bibles.

They would also record in their notebooks their own insights, questions and anything God might be saying to them personally.

It is not easy, but whenever I discipline myself to do these four things, I learn far more than I would by just reading the book.

CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION

THE FOUNDATIONAL IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S TRUTH

Your decision to follow Christ, and to receive him into your heart by faith, was the defining moment of your life and led to a complete transformation in who you are. Your identity has changed for ever. You have passed from death to life. You were a sinner but now you are a saint. You were under condemnation but now you are forgiven. You were under the law but now you are under grace. You used to break God’s commandments when you sinned but now you break his heart. You were motivated by fear but now you are energized by God's grace and unconditional love.

What we believe determines how we feel. If I believe negative things about myself, I will feel bad about myself. This leads to depression and bondage. Jesus said: You will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32). To bring about an accurate mind-set, I need to find out exactly what is true about myself and God, according to the Bible. I must then choose to believe it and to put it into practice. Good feelings will follow as I prove God's faithfulness for myself. "If what I believe does not reflect truth, then what I feel will not reflect reality" (Dr Neil Anderson). Why not learn that last sentence off by heart? It will help you to persevere in replacing the devil's lies with God's truth.

In his book "Once Saved Always Saved" R T Kendall writes: "I know not a few Christians who have been converted for years … but still question their assurance of eternal salvation. It is not because they don't believe in once saved always saved, but because they aren't really sure they have been saved. They don't have any trouble with the doctrine itself. They are only afraid that it doesn't apply to them! Such people don't realise they are in the very grip of Satan. They try to live in a godly manner, yes. But it gets them nowhere insofar as joy is concerned. Look at their faces. They have long faces, grim faces, sad faces. They have spent years hoping to have assurance of eternal salvation. They still haven't got it. Neither do they have fellowship with the Father … People like that are often counter-productive – all because they don't take the simplicity of God's Word to heart." He has no doubt himself that such people are genuine believers. The tragedy is that they live in defeat because they believe the devil's lies and doubt God's truth as it applies to them. Some of us enjoy the assurance of salvation most of the time but slip into doubt when the going gets really tough. Either way the solution is the same. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Faith and trust grow in our hearts when we study God's Word, relying on the Holy Spirit to be our teacher. When Paul proclaimed to the Jews in Berea that Jesus was the promised Messiah, we read that they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed (Acts 17:11-12 NASB). God wants you to believe; to be thoroughly convinced in your heart that all he says about you in his Word is true.

Regarding justification by faith, John Stott writes (The Message of Romans: IVP): "There is nothing meritorious about faith … Its value is not found in itself, but entirely and exclusively in its object, namely Jesus Christ and him crucified … Faith is the eye that looks to him, the hand that receives his free gift, the mouth that drinks the living water." When it comes to all of God's promises, the same applies. If they are to be of benefit to us, we must put our trust in them. And we can do this with confidence because of the faithfulness of the One who made them.

He goes on to say: "Faith can be weak or strong (Romans 4:19-20). How then does it grow? Above all through the use of our minds … faith is a reasoning trust. There can be no believing without thinking." Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

It is God's truth that destroys the devil's lies: Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29). It is God's truth that brings about our healing: He sent forth his word and healed them (Psalm 107:20). It is God's truth (the whole message of Jesus) that sets us free from being a slave to sin. It does this when we make room for it in our hearts; when we allow it to empower us and change us (John 8:34-37). It is God's truth that encourages us when we are overwhelmed by doubts and fears: Were not our hearts burning within us while he [Jesus] talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? (Luke 24:32). It is God's truth that gives us hope: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4-5). It is God himself who gives us this endurance and encouragement. It is God's Word that gives us life. We cannot live without it. Moses said, of God's commandments: They are not just idle words for you – they are your life (Deuteronomy 32:47). Ezekiel said: The man who obeys them will live by them (20:11). And Jesus said: The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life (John 6:63). God also says of his Word: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

God's truth is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). In the Spirit's hand the Word of God has the power to destroy every stronghold. Jesus told the Sadducees that they were in error because they knew neither the Scriptures nor the power of God (Matthew 22:29). We must be people of the Word and the Spirit; of God's truth and God's supernatural power to implement it. In Jeremiah 1:12 God gives us this promise: I am alert and active, watching over my word to perform it [to see that it is fulfilled] (Amp).

Although this book was devised and compiled to complement the Freedom in Christ Discipleship Course it can be used independently. Its purpose is to help you to demolish the strongholds of satanic lies that have been constructed in your mind and to replace them with the truth of God's Word. Why not start right away to systematically demolish them and to become more thoroughly transformed by the renewing of your mind? Take hold of the freedom that Jesus secured for you through the cross!

Freedom opens the pathway to knowing, loving, worshipping and obeying God. It is the joyful experience of living by faith according to what God says is true and in the power of the Holy Spirit, and it means not carrying out the desires of the flesh.

For those of us who have completed the Freedom in Christ Discipleship Course, including the Steps to Freedom in Christ, it is essential that we begin immediately the process of demolishing the enemy strongholds that exist in our minds. We all have them, to a greater or lesser degree. If we allow them to remain we can easily lose the benefits gained by doing the course.

By way of preparation, we first need to address three important issues: unforgiveness, legalism and idolatry.

FORGIVING FROM THE HEART

Forgiveness is the refusal to keep a record of wrongs. When I hold on to unforgiveness, and constantly re-run in my mind the sins committed against me, I become increasingly bitter and resentful. The inevitable consequence is the creation of a root of bitterness, which, once established, will grow up, cause trouble and contaminate many (Hebrews 12:15). It will defile my own heart, my family, my friendships, my marriage and my church.

Forgiveness does not mean just putting something behind me, or believing if ignored it will go away. It means dealing decisively with what happened. It means clearly defining the wrong done and the negative emotions it engendered in me. It demands compassion towards the offender and their restoration in my affections. It is never easy and always comes at a cost to the one granting it.

On what basis should I forgive others? Not on the basis of the offender being truly sorry and asking for forgiveness. They may never reach that point. No, it must be based on an awareness of how much God has forgiven me, and what it cost him to be able to do so. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13). We are to forgive those we hold something against "so that" our Father in heaven may forgive us (Mark 11:25).

What enables me to forgive and to maintain a forgiving stance? It is the grace of God. I cannot do it in my own strength, but with God, all things are possible. We may say we could never forgive such-and-such, but the truth is we are choosing not to forgive. Some mistakenly think it would be wrong to forgive the most terrible of crimes, feeling they would be condoning evil actions by so doing. However, we need to distinguish between forgiveness and justice. It is our duty to forgive. It is God's responsibility to establish justice.

The Bible seems to indicate ten steps that need to be taken for the process of forgiveness to be brought to an effective conclusion. The devil will contest our progress. Unforgiveness gives him the victory over us. He tries to fools us into believing that unforgiveness gives us some form of power over others, whereas it makes us his captives. 2 Corinthians 2:11 teaches us that when we fail to forgive we have been outwitted by Satan and taken in by his evil scheming.

1   Renounce all forms of revenge

It is not for us to try to get even. God says: It is mine to avenge; I will repay (Hebrews 10:30). We can avenge ourselves in many ways. We can confront the person with harsh and offensive words. We can hope and pray that they get paid back through adverse circumstances and by the mistreatment of others. We can take steps to inflict pain and destruction. We can dishonour them by speaking openly about what they have done and thus sully their reputation. We can withhold heart-affection, even while appearing to be friendly. We can decide never to depend on them again; to reject their love and generosity; to refuse them any involvement in our lives (or the lives of our children in cases of divorce). But if we react in any of these ways we will be sowing seeds that please our sinful nature and will reap destruction (Galatians 6:8).

2   Release the prisoner

Jesus said: Forgive and you will be forgiven (Luke 6:37), which literally means: "release and you will be released". While I refuse to forgive, I foolishly think I have some hold over that person. If I say "I will never forgive them for what they did to me!" it is like saying "I will always keep them in the prison I have created for them and never let them out!" The tragedy is I am the one incarcerated. Holding on to unforgiveness is like being chained hand and foot and held in a dungeon. It is also like handcuffing myself, emotionally, to the offender. I have only forgiven someone, when I have released them from the prison of failure I have constructed for them; when I have completely let the matter go, refusing to revisit the pain and resentment ever again.

On the other hand, while I am withholding forgiveness I will be handed over by God to the jailers to be tortured until I learn to forgive from the heart (Matthew 18:21-35). Jesus must have been referring to demonic forces. The signs indicating that I am indeed in their hands might include the following: the peace of God does not dominate my heart; I lack intimacy with the Father; I am unable to fully enjoy assurance of salvation; the fear of death remains an issue; the person who wronged me still has the power to hurt me and to provoke an immature reaction within me which does not produce grace and unconditional love.

3   Cancel their debts

Jesus taught us to pray: Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors (Matthew 6:12). Sin is considered a debt. Every child of God has been forgiven for all their sin: past, present and future. In this sense, all their debts with God have been cancelled. The proclamation of the gospel is the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins (Acts 13:38). In the parable of the unforgiving servant referred to above, his master had taken pity on him, cancelled his debt and let him go, yet this same servant refused to cancel a tiny debt owed to him by another. Parents owe a debt of loving care to their children, but often fail in their duty. Spouses owe each other the fulfilling of their vows, yet often let each other down. Forgiveness involves the cancelling of these debts.

4   Lift the load from their shoulders

This picture of forgiveness sees the wrong done as being lifted from the drooping shoulders of the guilty party and carried away by the one offended to another place, out of sight and out of mind (Psalm 85:2; Isaiah 53:4). It is especially relevant to a situation in which the wrong-doer is genuinely heartbroken over their failure and fear they will not be forgiven. The gracious action of the offended party, in lifting their unbearable weight of guilt and shame, mirrors God's gracious action in removing our sin from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).

5   Renounce sitting in judgement on them

When someone has wronged me I am in danger of developing a "holier-than-thou" self-righteous attitude towards them. The humiliation and pain caused could so easily lead me to criticise them harshly, condemn them totally and refuse them any measure of mercy or compassion. This is not the way the Father has treated me! He poured out his judgement for my sin on his own Son so that I could be forgiven. Who am I to judge another no matter what they have done? I could even get to the point where my view of them is so jaundiced that everything they do is wrong. It is necessary to be clear about what actually took place, but not to endlessly re-visit the issues and judge every detail.

6   Extend grace to them

Without God's grace it is impossible to forgive. Without God's grace I simply cannot love, honour and genuinely desire the very best for someone who has seriously wronged me. But it is to this that I am called and I have the Holy Spirit to help and empower me. Forgiveness is a gracious gift that the guilty party does not deserve. What joy to extend grace to the undeserving just as it has been extended to me! By doing so I am becoming more like Jesus! And how important it is to be merciful to myself for my own sins! The consequences of not forgiving myself and refusing to extend grace to myself will be the same as those experienced by the unforgiving servant of Matthew 18:21-35.

7   Bring blessing into their lives

Biblical forgiveness encompasses not only my attitude towards the offender and my words and actions in their presence, but must penetrate the depths of my soul, leaving me with the single desire to bring God's richest blessing into their life. As a disciple of Jesus, I am called to love my enemies, to do good to those who hate me, to bless those who curse me, and to pray for those who ill-treat me (Luke 6:28).

8   Absorb the pain they caused

Forgiveness involves both a crisis and a process. I must not only get to the place where I forgive from the heart, I must also begin to absorb the pain of the wrong done to me. If not, I will become increasingly self-centred and either openly or secretly, directly or indirectly, actively or passively, consciously or sub-consciously, taken up with self-pity and the desire to inflict pain on the one who has hurt and damaged me.

Someone has to absorb the pain. It won't just go away of its own accord. Biblical forgiveness demands that the one who has been wronged suffers the agony of the hurt inflicted. Initially the pain will seem unbearable, but once I have truly forgiven from the heart it will begin to ease and the wound start to heal. I will have ceased to fuel my resentment and my victim mentality. Gradually, I will become aware of a greater sense of peace over the issue and of wholeness within my heart. It will take time; maybe a number of years. Forgiveness will be complete once the wound has healed. My heart-attitude towards the perpetrator will then be one of compassion, acceptance and unconditional love. I will have passed through a kind of death into a kind of resurrection and only desire all that is good for them.

On the cross, Jesus absorbed the debt of our sin with all the pain and suffering that was involved. Forgiveness could only be offered once the debt had been paid. Who are we to withhold forgiveness from others, and even from ourselves, when we have been forgiven so much at such a cost? Disciples of Jesus are called to take up their cross and to follow in his footsteps. Serious pain will always be involved.

9   Restore them to intimate affection

I have only really forgiven someone when I have restored them to that place in my heart of maximum intimacy, transparency and acceptance. That is, when I have demolished the wall of emotional separation that the offence caused me to construct. I am not responsible for the offending person's on-going attitude, words and actions concerning me, but I am responsible for my own towards them. I need to get to the point where I am fully reconciled to them, even though they may never fully reconcile themselves to me.

10   Protecting them from the distain of others

The reaction of our sinful nature to being wronged is to expose the offender to as much suffering as possible! Love, however, covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7). I know that I have forgiven from the heart when I want to protect the person in question and not talk about their failings; when I want to help them to find peace and to forgive themselves for what they have done to me; when I want to help them to see that God had caused it to work for my good and for the benefit others; and when I do not want those who think well of the offender to find out about their sins against me.

Joseph was able to do all this and to appreciate the sovereignty of God in his ill-treatment. We can do the same. Joseph said to them [his brothers], "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:19-21).

UNDER LAW OR CONTROLLED BY THE SPIRIT?

The heart of our freedom in Christ depends on whether we live as those under the law or those under grace; as slaves to the law of sin or as slaves to righteousness; as those seeking to obey the moral law in our own strength or as those empowered to do so by the Holy Spirit; as those whose lives are dominated by the flesh (the old sinful nature) or controlled by the Spirit (our new nature in Christ). The flesh and the mind of Christ oppose one another. It seems we might have two identities at war with one another, but genuine believers have only one identity: they are children of God through being united with Christ. They will always need to be putting to death the misdeeds of the body, denying self and taking up their cross daily, but this is to be done with help of the Holy Spirit and because of their new identity in Christ. We are not to pretend that evil does not exist in us, but, as Dr Martin Lloyd Jones puts it: "We have to pull it out, look at it, denounce it, hate it for what it is; only then we will have dealt with it."

Romans 7:7-25 appears to describe genuine children of God who, in John Stott's words, "show signs of new birth in their love for the church and the Bible, yet their religion is law, not gospel; flesh, not Spirit; the 'oldness' of slavery to rules and regulations, not the 'newness' of freedom through Jesus Christ. They are like Lazarus when he first emerged from the tomb, alive but still bound hand and foot. They need to add to their life liberty." "They make the mistake of looking to the law, instead of the Spirit, for their sanctification." "They live according to the law instead of the gospel; according to the flesh instead of the Spirit." "Only when the gospel has replaced the law, and the Holy Spirit the written code, can defeat be replaced by victory." In this passage the law is mentioned about 20 times.

In Romans 8, on the other hand, it is the Holy Spirit who is mentioned about 20 times. We will only see strongholds coming down if we have our minds controlled by the Spirit and set on what the Spirit desires. To quote John Stott again: "The Christian life is essentially life in the Spirit, that is to say, a life which is animated, sustained, directed and enriched by the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit true Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, indeed impossible." Jesus told his disciples to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit before seeking to obey the Great Commission. We too need the Spirit's fullness to walk in victory.

STRONGHOLDS & IDOLATRY

We are commanded to love the Lord our God with all our heart (Matthew 22:37) and to guard our heart with all diligence for it affects everything we do (Proverbs 4:23). God told Ezekiel concerning the elders of Israel: Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts … Should I let them inquire of me at all? They were to repent, turn from their idols and renounce all their detestable practices. Through his grace, longsuffering and mercy, God himself would bring this about in order to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols (Ezekiel 14:3-6). Idolatry is spiritual adultery; it is unfaithfulness towards a faithful Husband and Father; it is giving our love, devotion and worship to something other than God; it is to sacrifice ourselves, others and valuable things for that which competes with God for our affection and commitment.

Martin Luther wrote: "Under every behavioural sin is the sin of idolatry, and under every act of idolatry is a disbelief in the gospel." He taught that a failure to keep the first two of the Ten Commandments would inevitably lead to the breaking of the following eight. Idols are detestable things that grieve God's heart and provoke him to jealousy (Ezekiel 8:3; 9:4). They steal the love, worship and the devotion of our hearts that rightfully belong to him. Idolatry was the people of God's besetting sin: Leave Israel alone, because she is married to idolatry (Hosea 4:17 NLT). It eventually led to the Babylonian captivity: What did your ancestors find wrong with me that led them to stray so far from me? They worshiped worthless idols, only to become worthless themselves (Jeremiah 2:5 NLT). Jesus himself said: No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money (Matthew 6:24).

It is the wonder of the gospel that recaptures our hearts. In it and through it we see and experience the unconditional love of God – his amazing grace – and are overwhelmed with wonder and gratitude. However, for many of us it takes years to truly begin to fathom the depths of all that Jesus accomplished for us through his life, death, resurrection and exaltation. The gospel is so staggeringly awesome that we do indeed need to preach it to ourselves every day! Its truths need to thoroughly transform our thinking and totally captivate our hearts. The devil is very subtle in seeking to influence us by insinuating that it is too good to be true – especially as it relates to me! Strongholds are built through wrong ways of thinking and those that directly contradict the truths of the gospel are the ones that cause the greatest bondage.

Where there are strongholds there will also be idols. Just as identifying the devil's lies is essential in demolishing strongholds, so is our need to identify the idols that vainly promise us their own form of salvation so we can tear them from God's throne.

We read in Ezekiel 24:21: Say to the house of Israel, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary [the temple] the stronghold in which you take pride, the delight of your eyes, the object of your affection."  Verse 25 again refers to the temple as their stronghold, their joy and glory, the delight of their eyes, their heart’s desire. The temple was a good thing that had become an ultimate thing; an idol. The same had been true of the bronze snake. It had been a focal point for healing (Numbers 21:8-9) and a prophetic symbol of the cross (John 3:14), but it became an object of worship, even with its own name, and Hezekiah had to destroy it (2 Kings 18:4).

As P J Smyth writes: "The heart always worships the things it believes will satisfy it. So we can say: All behavioural sins are the result of idolatry. All idolatry is the result of disbelief in the gospel. Disbelief in the gospel is the result of thinking that something other than Christ will satisfy." He goes on to give a number of examples, seven of which are reproduced/adapted below. To each I have added the stronghold that might have been erected in the heart. Strongholds concern the lies I believe that bring me into bondage, and idols the lies I believe that direct me to seek satisfaction in something other than Jesus. It is the acceptance and application of God's truth that both unmasks the idols that are ineffectively functioning as our saviours, and, at the same time, demolishes the resulting strongholds. Following this model you could analyse other behavioural sins you may be struggling with.

The behavioural sin/struggle:              Adultery

The idolatry behind the sin:              Worship of sex

The stronghold:                                          Lust

The gospel disbelief:                            Sex satisfies more than Jesus

The gospel solution:                            Total satisfaction is found in Jesus

The behavioural sin/struggle:              Lying

The idolatry behind the sin:              Worship of the approval of others

The stronghold:                                          Worthlessness

The gospel disbelief:                            Jesus alone cannot satisfy me

The gospel solution:                            He loved me enough to die for me

The behavioural sin/struggle:              Over-indulgence

The idolatry behind the sin:              Worship of food

The stronghold:                                          Gluttony

The gospel disbelief:                            Food offers more comfort than Jesus

The gospel solution:                            Jesus wants to and can fully comfort me

The behavioural sin/struggle:              Being a workaholic

The idolatry behind the sin:              Worship of achievement

The stronghold:                                          Reliance on works

The gospel disbelief:                            Works are needed to supplement faith

The gospel solution:                            We serve from a place of rest

The behavioural sin/struggle:              Cowardice

The idolatry behind the sin:              Worship of myself

The stronghold:                                          Self-dependence

The gospel disbelief:                            Jesus will not look after me

The gospel solution:                            Jesus is sovereign over my safety

The behavioural sin/struggle:              Lack of evangelism

The idolatry behind the sin:              Worship of popularity

The stronghold:                                          Fear of ridicule

The gospel disbelief:                            Their response is my responsibility

The gospel solution:                            It is the power of God for salvation

The behavioural sin/struggle:              Revenge

The idolatry behind the sin:              Worship of control

The stronghold:                                          Unforgiveness

The gospel disbelief:                            Forgiveness condones sin

The gospel solution:                            Forgive because you have been forgiven

CHAPTER TWO : THE EMPATHY OF JESUS

In his highly acclaimed book "Healing for Damaged Emotions" David A Seamands writes, "Somewhere between our sins, on the one hand, and our sickness, on the other, lies an area the Scriptures call 'infirmities'." He then goes on to describe these as the result of our negative, painful, traumatic and soul-destroying experiences of the past which have weakened and crippled us emotionally. "They directly and deeply affect our concepts, our feelings and our relationships. They affect the way we look at life and God; at others and at ourselves." This is even true when we misunderstand and misinterpret what actually happened to us. Wrong perceptions, totally believed as the truth, are as powerful in controlling our feelings as real traumas. Our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Lions target the very young; so does the devil.

Paul wrote: And he said unto me: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of God may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJ). Infirmities are not sinful. We cannot always control what happens to us, or, in the short term, the emotions that are generated by our experiences. With God's help, however, we can control the attitudes and responses that flow from such experiences. We can overcome the temptations they engender. We can receive healing and be sustained by God's grace so that they do not control our lives. Remember, it is only God's truth that can heal us.

Jesus is fully God and fully man. It is as both God and man that he now mediates between us and the Father (1 Timothy 2:5) and intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25). There is already a man in heaven! He understands our infirmities, our weakness and damaged emotions because, while he was in this world, he suffered the full range of man's inhumanity to man and a lot more besides. He was tempted in every way just as we are and sympathises with us (Hebrews 4:15). Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18). He is touched by the negative feelings that bring us down and that would lead us to despair. His own experiences were infinitely more traumatic than anything we might have suffered, or could ever suffer. You may be surprised at some of his responses to the events listed below. None was sinful. He was honest concerning his emotions. We can be too.

David, and other psalmists, poured out their hearts to God, off-loading onto him some of their blackest thoughts and desires. Read through Psalms 88, 102 and 109. God wants us to be truly honest with him and we can trust him only to answer those prayers that honour him!

Read aloud the following statements of truth and their supporting Scriptures and allow the Spirit of God to encourage you and to minister healing to you. Don't just do this once; do it as many times as is necessary to fix their truth in your heart. I have included OT prophetic passages minutely fulfilled in the life and death of Jesus – the promised Messiah – as well as NT references.

Jesus understands and sympathises with me when I am overwhelmed by negative emotions; he feels what I feel without condemning me     We do not have a high priest who is unable to understand and sympathise and have a fellow feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but one who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning (Hebrew 4:15 Amp).

Jesus welcomes me into his presence no matter what I have done or how I am feeling     Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16 NASB).

Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, was conceived out of wedlock     Joseph, her [Mary's] fiancé, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly (Matthew 1:19). (Many neighbours would have despised, shunned and rejected Mary.)

Jesus, as a tiny child, was threatened with death     An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream … "Escape to Egypt … Herod is going to search for the child to kill him" (Matthew 2:13).

Jesus, as an adult, had a death-threat hanging over him     The Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus …  Then the chief priests and the elders … plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him (Matthew 12:14; 26:4).

Jesus was not honoured by those closest to him     Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honour" (Matthew 13:57). Even his own brothers did not believe in him (John 7:5). When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said: "He is out of his mind" (Mark 3:21).

Jesus probably wasn't especially handsome     He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him (Isaiah 53:2). Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

Jesus was despised     He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hid their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not (Isaiah 53:3).

Jesus suffered rejection     He came into the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him – did not know him. He came to that which belonged to him – to his own (domain, creation, things, world) – and they who were his own did not receive him and did not welcome him (John 1:10-11 Amp).

Jesus suffered injustice; all his human rights were ignored     For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust so that he might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus wept and pleaded with God to be spared the cross     During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard [though, for your sake and mine, God could not grant his request] (Hebrews 5:7).

Jesus became so dispirited he wanted to die     My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow (deeply grieved NASB) to the point of death (Matthew 26:38). My heart is like wax; it is melted within me (Psalm 22:14 NASB). Save me, O God, for the waters have threatened my life … a flood overflows me. I am weary with my crying … Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head (Psalm 69:1-4 NASB).

Jesus experienced greater fear than any other person could ever face. He looked into the cup of God's wrath and it frightened him to death     When they reached a place called Gethsemane … horror and anguish overwhelmed him, and he said to them, "My heart is ready to break with grief; stop here and stay awake." Then he went on a little farther, threw himself on the ground, and prayed … "Abba Father … all things are possible to you; take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but yours." (And being in agony he was praying very fervently; and his sweat became like drops of blood falling down upon the ground.) He came back and found them sleeping (Luke 22:44 NASB; Mark 14:32-37 REB). (Imagine how the Father's heart must have been at breaking point listening to this cry from his only Son!)

Jesus was let down by his closest friends     Then all the disciples deserted him and fled (Matthew 26:56).

Jesus suffered humiliating physical abuse     Then they spat in his face and beat him with their fists; and others slapped him (Matthew 26:67 NASB).

Jesus suffered ridicule     And the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him and beating him (Luke 22:63 NASB).

Jesus was hated and the subject of jealousy     [Pilate knew that] it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him (Mark 15:10).

Jesus' heart was broken and there was no one to comfort him     Reproach has broken my heart, and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, and for comforters but I found none (Psalm 69:20 NASB).

Jesus was tempted to doubt God's love for him     Those who passed by hurled insults at him … In the same way the … elders mocked him … "He trusts in God let him deliver him now, if he takes pleasure in him" (Matthew 27:39-43 NASB).

Jesus suffered the full measure of God's wrath concerning my sin     But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him (Isaiah 53:5).

Jesus longs to heal me (None need remain unhealed emotionally. Physical healing depends on his sovereign mercy.)     By his wounds we are healed [literally "there is healing for us in his wounds"] (Isaiah 53:5). Epaphroditus … was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him (Philippians 2:27).

Jesus was not crushed by the devil, but by his Father, so I must never doubt God's love for me     The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all …  It was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer (Isaiah 53:6, 10).

Jesus asked: "Why is this happening to me?"     My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day but you do not answer (Psalm 22:1-2). (Imagine how difficult it must have been for the Father to turn his back on his Son! It was our sin that brought this about! He was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21)!)

Jesus was abandoned by his Father so that I never will be     My God, my God, why have you abandoned me (Mark 15:34 NLT)? "Papa?" Jesus cried, frantically searching the sky. "Papa? Where are you? Don't leave me!" And for the first time – and the last – when he spoke, nothing happened. Just a horrible, endless silence. God didn't answer. He turned away from his Boy" (Sally Lloyd-Jones).  For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh [our fallen, ego-centric human nature], God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned [and judged my] sin in sinful man [in the man Christ Jesus who was made sin for me] (Romans 8:3).

Jesus, it seems, experienced the actual emotional, psychological and physical pain of our sins, infirmities, sorrows and diseases when he hung on the cross     When evening came, they brought to him many who were demon-possessed; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfil what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "He himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases [on the cross]" (Matthew 8:16-17 NASB). Surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted (Isaiah 53:4).

The last words of Jesus had been his daily prayer     Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last (Luke 23:46). (Jesus had lived in unbroken fellowship with his Father and death would not separate them. This is how it should be in my own life. The one who wants to die well needs to live well.)

Our suggestion is that you read out loud these truth statements, and the Scriptures that go with them, once a day for at least 10 days, ticking off the days as you go.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10

CHAPTER THREE : OVERCOMING FEAR

Do not be afraid, for I am with you (Isaiah 43:5). Throughout the Bible God is constantly reassuring his people and commanding them not to be afraid. Why is this? Because fear is the opposite of faith and without exercising faith we will always be at the mercy of fear. Fear keeps us from drawing near to God and getting to know him better. Satan knows this and takes every opportunity to question our identity as true children of God. The Father does not condemn his children when they are afraid. He understands our frailty. He affirms his unconditional love for us and promises never to leave us or forsake us. Fear itself is not a sin. We cannot control our emotions in the short term. As we have seen, even Jesus in his humanity knew fear.

There is no fear in love [there is no room for servile fear in love].  But perfect love [a love which is developed and mature: my love for God and his people because of his prior love for me] drives out fear [love flings fear out of the door] (1 John 4:18). (See John Stott's Tyndale Commentary for a more detailed exegesis.) Simply put, the more developed our spiritual maturity, our dependence on God, our love for him and our confidence and trust in him, the less we will be troubled by fear. The ex-slave-trader John Newton, who so wonderfully experienced God's amazing grace, wrote these words: "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear." It is a lack of faith – a lack of confidence in God's love for us and acceptance of us – that lies behind most of our fears.

Three times in Joshua 1:6-9, Moses says to him: Be strong and very courageous, and then adds: Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. As God's children, we can all claim this promise for ourselves. Later Joshua repeats these words to the Israelites: Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous (Joshua 10:25). They had just defeated a powerful enemy and Joshua promised them that the Lord would give them many more victories. David encouraged his own son Solomon with these words: Be strong and courageous … Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord, my God, is with you (1 Chronicles 28:20). It is absolutely crucial for all of us who are disciples of Jesus to be brave and strong and not to give way to fear; to die to self and to strengthen ourselves in God.

I have included this section to help those needing to complete "APPENDIX B – Steps to Overcoming Fear", as part of Step 2, when working through the book "Steps to Freedom in Christ". In general terms I have followed the order of the list on page 75 of that book. Such fears cannot be effectively dealt with at a "Freedom Appointment" without adequate preparation.

In what follows I have tried to define the lies behind each fear, but if you can detect others in your own experience, these too need to be renounced.

1  FEAR OF SATAN & HIS DEMONS

Lies: He remains a powerful, undefeated foe. I lack protection. He has more authority than I do.

The truth: He is a totally defeated foe. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy [undo, loosen and dissolve] the devil's work (1 John 3:8). And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will [in any way] harm [hurt or injure] you (Luke 10:18-19). Greater is He [God] that is in you than he [the devil] that is in the world (1 John 4:4 NASB). I am convinced that … neither angels nor demons … nor any powers … will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

2  FEAR OF DIVORCE OR ABANDONMENT

Lies: If I am divorced or abandoned it will prove I am a failure and a reject and that no one loves me or wants to be with me.

The truth: God will never abandon me. Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). I hate divorce, says the Lord (Malachi 2:16) … except for marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 5:32). Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us … I am convinced that neither death nor life … neither the present nor the future … nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).

3  FEAR OF DEATH & HELL

Lies: I can lose my salvation. Satan has the power to snatch me from the grip of Jesus.

The truth: No one and nothing in all creation can separate me from God's love. Since the children [God has given Jesus] have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). Whoever believes in him is not condemned (John 3:18). I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand (John 10:28).

4  FEAR OF NOT BEING LOVED OR CHOSEN BY GOD

Lies: I am unlovable; God couldn't and doesn't love me.

The truth: God loves me unconditionally with an everlasting love. I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness (Jeremiah 31:3). But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners [caring nothing for God], Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command (John 15:13-14). The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made (Psalm 145:9).

5  FEAR OF NEVER BEING LOVED BY OTHERS

Lies: I am unlovable; no one could truly love me; no one would want to spend time with me.

The truth: I have been made in God's image and I'm being transformed into Christ's likeness (Romans 8:29). I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I am God's workmanship [his poem; his masterpiece] (Ephesians 2:10). The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit live in me and will never leave me: Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (John 14:23). "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever – the Spirit of Truth" (John 14:16). I have a unique aspect of God's grace (1 Peter 4:10).

6  FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO LOVE OTHERS

Lies: Having been deprived of love I will never be able to love others – it's just not in me.

The truth: Christ is in me and I am empowered to love others. With every commandment comes the power to obey it. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34). I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins … We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:10, 19).

7  FEAR OF MARRIAGE

Lies: I will mess up like my parents did. I will not be able to live up to my responsibilities. I will not be able to handle the inevitable problems.

The truth: I have been set free to live my own life. With every commandment God gives me, comes the ability to obey. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness (will) reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17). I pray … that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened … that you may know … his incomparably great power for us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).

8  FEAR OF PARENTHOOD

Lies: I will mess up like my parents did. I am doomed to be unfaithful and a failure as a parent.

The truth: I have been set free to live my own life. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed (John 8:36). The son shall not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son (Ezekiel 18:20). Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land (Psalm 112:1-2).

9  FEAR OF REJECTION & DISAPPROVAL BY OTHERS

Lies: When others disapprove of me and reject me it proves I am of no significance and have no worthwhile contribution to make.

The truth: In Christ I have true significance. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me (Psalm 27:10). Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands (Isaiah 49:15-16). Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). I care very little if I am judged by you … it is the Lord who judges me (1 Corinthians 4:3-4).

10  FEAR OF NEVER GETTING MARRIED

Lies: I need to get married to be a real person. My life will be incomplete without a spouse.

The truth: I am complete in Christ. I say to myself: The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him (Lamentations 3:24). My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever (Psalm 73:26). For in him all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form, and in him you have been made complete (Colossians 2:9-10 NASB). "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid (Hebrews 13:5-6). You also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another [your husband, Jesus], to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God (Romans 7:4).

11  FEAR OF NEVER HAVING CHILDREN

Lies: I need to have children to be a real person. My life will have no significance without having my own biological family.

The truth: I am complete in Christ. Marriage is complete without children; they are an additional blessing from God. No mention is made of them in Genesis 2:20-25. Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3 NLT). God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever (Psalm 73:26). I can adopt children even as God adopted me: I will be a Father to you and your will be my sons and daughters (1 Corinthians 6:18). I can be a father or a mother to others: Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:15). Greet [the mother of Rufus] who has been a mother to me too (Romans 16:13).

12  FEAR OF REJECTION BY GOD

Lies: God will reject me, just as others have, because I am worthless. I will prove to be a fake.

The truth: I have the value of the precious blood of Christ who died for me.  He has made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6 KJ).  Therefore, since we have been justified [acquitted of all guilt] through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners [caring nothing for God], Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Whoever comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37).

13 FEAR OF EMBARRASSMENT

Lies: Shame and embarrassment are worse than death. I need the approval of others to have a sense of self-worth and self-respect.

The truth: My identity is in my status as a son or daughter of God. I have the Father's approval. God says to each of his children, regardless of performance: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased (Mark 1:11). In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4). Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:17). We preach Christ crucified … the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).

14  FEAR OF FAILURE

Lies: I will never succeed at anything. I do not have what it takes. To fail means to be identified as a failure.

The truth: In Christ I will never be a failure, though I may fail from time to time. Neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin (John 8:10-11). A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out (Isaiah 42:3). I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt (Jeremiah 31:3-4). I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow (1 Corinthians 3:6).

15  FEAR OF BEING OR BECOMING HOMOSEXUAL

Lies: Homosexuality is in the genes and if I am homosexual there will be no hope for me to change.

The truth: There is no such thing as a homosexual; only homosexual behaviour. God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27 NASB). For as he thinks within himself, so he is [wrong thinking produces wrong behaviour] (Proverbs 23:7 NASB). Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind (Romans 12:2). Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).

16  FEAR OF FINANCIAL PROBLEMS

Lies: I cannot trust God to provide for me and I will never be able to handle money; anyway, constantly living in debt is all right.

The truth: God will make me a faithful steward of his resources as I obey him and trust him to meet my needs. Let no debt remain outstanding (Romans 13:8). My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice (Psalm 112:5). Give everyone what you owe to him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue (Romans 13:6-7). If we have food and clothing we will be content with that (1 Timothy 6:8).

17  FEAR OF DEPRESSION & MENTAL ILLNESS

Lies: Because depression and mental illness is in the family I will surely be subject to it. I am of a melancholic disposition so I am bound to get depressed.

The truth: I am free to live my own life and never need to be a slave to my temperament. The Lord watches over you … The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore (Psalm 121:5-8).  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me (Psalm 138:8). The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want … He restores my soul (Psalm 23:1-3).

18  FEAR OF BEING A HOPELESS CASE; A REJECT

Lies: I am an evil person; too sinful to be helped. I am a total fake.

The truth: In Christ I am a new creation. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I [Paul] am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life (1 Timothy 1:15-16). The Lord’s portion is his people … He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye (Deuteronomy 32:9-10). "Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1:18).

19  FEAR OF WORTHLESSNESS

Lies: I have no value to God or others. I have no contribution to make. I am a mistake. I am a waste of space.

The truth: The Father values me so highly he sacrificed his Son to make me his child. The Lord [the Father] has laid on him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). You will be my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure (Deuteronomy 14:2 NLT). [You] will be my own special treasure (Malachi 3:18 NLT). I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20 NLT). I am the Lord, your God … your Saviour; I give Egypt for your ransom … since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you (Isaiah 43:3-4).

20  FEAR OF THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE

Lies: God wants to punish me; I could not survive without them; somehow it would be my fault.

The truth: God does not punish us in such ways; he disciplines us for our good. Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Will not the judge of all the earth do right (Genesis 18:25)? My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). I will be a Father to you and you will be my sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18). God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness (Hebrews 12:10). And if it should happen: The Lord has anointed me … to bind up the broken-hearted … to comfort all who mourn … to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:2-3).

21  FEAR OF THE FUTURE

Lies: I will not be able to cope with what might happen to me or my family through failing economies, terrorism, terminal diseases, etc.

The truth: God will give me the strength I need, one day at a time. Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life … your heavenly Father knows [what you need] … do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:25-34). Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

22  FEAR OF CONFRONTATION

Lies: If I confront someone they might reject what I am saying and that will mean they are rejecting me. My own failings disqualify me for challenging others.

The truth: God's Word commands me to admonish others (as long as I do so with grace and I am dealing with my own issues) regardless of their response. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom (Colossians 3:16). Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted (Galatians 6:1).

23  FEAR OF BEING A VICTIM OF CRIME

Lies: I would never get over it; I would always feel I had been defiled; I would live in fear of it happening again.

The truth: God would restore me. Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him (Psalm 91:14-15). Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22). My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28 NLT).

24  FEAR OF VIOLENT ATTACK

Lies: God wants to punish me; I cannot trust him to protect me or to sustain me through such an ordeal.

The truth: God does not punish us in such ways; he disciplines us for our good. The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for ever more (Psalm 121:7-8). The Lord is with me I will not be afraid. What can man do to me (Psalm 118:6)? And if anything should happen: My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us … But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up (Daniel 3:17-18 NLT).

25  THE FEAR OF RAPE

Lies: It would be because I deserve it; I would be ruined for life – never able to marry, have children, or be whole again.

The truth: I deserve the best because I am a child of God. The Lord watches over you (Psalm 121:5). Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28 NLT). And if it were to happen: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NASB). He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted (Isaiah 61:1).

26  FEAR OF HAVING COMMITTED THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

Lies: I have committed the unpardonable sin, and no matter how repentant and sorry I am, there is no forgiveness for me.

The truth: The unforgivable sin is resisting and rejecting the convicting power of the Holy Spirit regarding my sin and my need of Jesus (John 16:8-11). I can only receive forgiveness as I confess and repent of my sin (1 John 1:9). If he is convicting me, and I want to repent and be forgiven, I most certainly have not committed the unforgivable sin!

To blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to profane God's name; to express violent hostility towards God; to utter words that defy God's majesty and power. The Pharisees attributed to the agency of Satan the redemption brought by Jesus (Mark 3:22-30). They called light darkness. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit denotes the conscious and deliberate rejection of the saving power and grace of God released through the words and works of Jesus. This sin is committed when a person recognises the mission of Jesus by the Holy Spirit but defies, resists and curses it.

27  FEAR OF SPECIFIC PEOPLE, ANIMALS, INSECTS, OBJECTS

Lies: Facing such a fear would be worse than death and I would never be restored to normality.

The truth: I can face anything and everything with God on my side.  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace … His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need (Philippians 4:13 NLT). When I said, my foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul (Psalm 94:18-19). He guards the lives of his faithful ones (Psalm 97:10).

28  FEAR OF CROWDS & CONFINED SPACES

Lies: I would not be able to survive the pressure of people or being trapped in cramped spaces – I would simply go mad!

The truth: With God at my side nothing need daunt me. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22). I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you (Isaiah 46:4). With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall (Psalm 18:29).

29  FEAR OF CANCER & OTHER LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES

Lies: I cannot be certain of going to heaven; I am too vulnerable; I would not be able to cope with the humiliation, sympathy and pain.

The truth: God gives us the grace we need when we need it. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). He gives us more grace (James 4:6). All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). When you pass through the waters I will be with you; when you walk through the fire you will not be burned (Isaiah 43:2). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me (Psalm 23:4).

30  FEAR OF COMMITTING SUICIDE

Lies: Because it has happened before in the family I am doomed to the same fate; I am so alone that there would be no safeguard for me.

The truth: In Christ the sins of my ancestors have no hold on me or influence over me. But my dove, my perfect one, is unique [You are special to God] (Song of Songs 6:9). In the day of trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me (Psalm 86:7). He who watches over Israel [and over me personally] will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4). When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul (Psalm 94:18-19).

CHAPTER FOUR : DEMOLISHING STRONGHOLDS

DEFINING STRONGHOLDS

What is a stronghold? Let's look at a few definitions. According to Ed Silvoso it is "a mind-set, impregnated with hopelessness, which causes me to accept, as unchangeable, situations that I know are contrary to the will of God". Dr Neil Anderson puts it like this: "it is a mental habit pattern of thought that is not consistent with God's Word". Dave Devenish, in his excellent book "Demolishing Strongholds" published by Word and highly recommended writes: "Strongholds are wrong thinking. They are wrong arguments and pretensions. They consist of thoughts that have not been taken captive to Christ, that have not been submitted to his lordship. Strongholds are wrong thinking patterns that challenge God and his sovereignty today." This applies in the heavenly realms on an enormous scale (Ephesians 6:12). There are strongholds that reign over whole countries, cultures, governments, religions and cults. There are even those that dominate some church denominations and some local churches. But they can also exist in your life and in mine and all too frequently do. Often they go unchallenged.

On a personal level we can confidently say that a stronghold is a fortress of lies that the devil has constructed in my mind over a period of time. He has done this brick by brick. He is the father of lies. There is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language (John 8:44). Therefore if I believe his lies I put myself under his power. He is always seeking to set himself up against God and to challenge God's Word. I must always be vigilant concerning the thoughts that come into my mind. I must take each of them captive and make them obedient to Christ. In other words, I must take every thought by the scruff of the neck, unsheathe the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (the Bible) and either slay it with the truth or affirm it as being of God. The thoughts we are concerned with here are those that control our inner motives and affect our actions. Our minds and wills determine our conduct. Our attitudes are governed by the way we think. Thoughts that need to be tested are those that re-enforce one another to shape the way we live.

How can we identify and get rid of enemy strongholds that have been firmly established in our hearts and minds, in many cases since we were small children? Most of us need the help of brothers and sisters in Christ who truly enjoy the freedom that he purchased for us through his blood. We all need to study God's Word and to listen to those who faithfully expound it to us. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and to see if there is any "offensive way" in us, any "hurtful way" causing us pain and causing God pain (Psalm 139:24). We need revelation and God will give it to us when we ask him to.

What follows are "Stronghold-Busters" for fifty of the more common strongholds, with spaces for you to fill in the details that are relevant to you. Only tackle those that the Holy Spirit confirms are present in your mind. You can use these as models for dealing with other strongholds that you may be able to identify. Many of the same Scriptures can be used, but do search out your own Bible verses too. The prayers are offered as examples. If you use them, do make sure you make them your own.

Demolishing a stronghold is a spiritual battle that will only be won by using all the weapons God has provided. As we work through the process of refusing to believe Satan's lies and replacing them with God's truth, we will also need to constantly resist evil spirits and, in Jesus' name, to destroy their influence over us. Strongholds are not empty structures. They provide a refuge for demonic powers and give them a secure foothold in our lives. Once the strongholds have been destroyed they have no right to stay. We are not talking about the possibility of Christians being "demon possessed" but of their being "demonised". Dave Devenish writes: "This is where an evil spirit is able to get a grip, to a greater or lesser extent, on people's personalities or physical bodies, producing bondages and patterns of temptation and weakness that are not changed by repentance."

HOW TO WORK THROUGH A STRONGHOLD-BUSTER

1 Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to identify the specific stronghold that needs demolishing (i.e. of rejection, of fear, of not being a genuine believer, etc). Ask a trusted Christian friend to pray with you and confirm your conclusions.

2 Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify your thinking and to identify the lies the devil has introduced into your mind and heart and that you have accepted as the truth. That is, ask him to pinpoint those things you began to believe, at a specific time in your life, about yourself, about others and about God, that are not true. Satan is an opportunist and will make the most of every negative and traumatic experience we go through to introduce lies into your thinking that bring us into bondage. (See below for some common satanic lies.)

3 Ask the Holy Spirit to put his finger on specific sins that these lies have led you to commit and sinful attitudes that now control your life as a direct consequence of your wrong thinking. Repent of your sin, renounce the resulting sinful attitudes and receive God's forgiveness. Examples of sinful attitudes that result from negative and traumatic experiences are: living independently from God; self-reliance; perfectionism; trying to earn God's love; taking on too much; misjudging God and others; bottling up emotions; manipulation and control; and using substitutes for God's love.

4 Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to unmask and identify the idol or idols that lie beneath the sin. These will be within your heart; the moral centre of your being, where things are treasured and from which your words and behaviour flow. Tim Keller writes that any good thing turned into an ultimate thing is an idol. Anything that becomes more important to me than God, and without which I cannot live, is an idol; anything that is so central to my life that, should I lose it, my live would hardly be worth living, has become an idol.

5 Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the gospel disbelief behind each idol. (See page 81.) Ask yourself what you are looking for in this idol. What lies are you believing concerning what you see as lacking in the gospel and that can only be found through this idolatry?

6 Forgive, from the heart, those who have hurt you and who have made the devil's lies seem true to you. It may seem mechanical, but we recommended the formula used in the Freedom in Christ Discipleship Course:

Lord, I choose to forgive __________________ (name) for __________

_____________________________________________ (specifically identify every remembered pain and hurt inflicted on you), which made me feel ________________________________________ (identify the emotions you felt at the time, and have felt ever since, because of the person's words/actions).

You may need to study again the material already presented on this topic, and the Scriptures used for the "Stronghold of Unforgiveness" to understand all that is involved in forgiving from the heart.

7 Identify the truth from God's Word that answers the devil's lies and formulate truth statements. In other words, identify those elements of the gospel that provide a solution to the problems behind both the stronghold and the idolatry. We are not just looking for "truth" but the truth that is in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 4:21), i.e. gospel truth, whether found in the OT or the NT.

Those with a limited knowledge of the Bible will have difficulty in doing this, hence the need for this book. However, it is essential to our growth towards maturity and in our victories over Satan that we become thoroughly acquainted with the Scriptures. Decide right away to study a chapter or two of the Bible every day. People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God (Matthew 4:4 NLT).

8 Read out loud these truth statements, the Scriptures that go with them and the prayer, once a day for 40 days, ticking off the days as you go. The "Stronghold-Buster" example in the Freedom in Christ Discipleship Course Leader's Guide uses six Scriptures. In general I have included about twelve. Having studied them all you may want to select six or more that are the most relevant to you and just use them. There is no need to read aloud the references.

Long standing strongholds will need the full 40 days, and maybe more, so resist the temptation to give up before they crumble and fall. Other weaker strongholds may come down after a few days, but we suggest, once the Holy Spirit has revealed one to you, that you give it at least 10 days. Either way you will certainly need to return to the relevant Scriptures from time to time to maintain your freedom. It is probably best to work on no more than two strongholds at a time.

Why 40 days? Simply because psychologists tell us it takes about 6 weeks to break an ingrained habit and strongholds are bad thinking habits. There is nothing magical about 40 days. It is only a suggestion and not a guarantee, but it does have some biblical basis!

9 Throughout the process, submit yourself to God in all areas of your life, resolutely resist the devil and he will flee from you. Actively choose to believe the truth from God's Word that you are reading aloud. Exercise faith in a deliberate way. Expect God to reveal himself to you. The Lord revealed himself to Samuel by the word of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:21 NASB).

10 The Psalmist wrote I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (119:11). By repeating these Scripture so often you will find that you have memorised many of them. The Holy Spirit can then bring them to mind in your hour of need.

Remember, all God's promises are ours in Christ. They are not dependent on our performance but upon his, and he lived a perfect life.  For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ … Now it is God himself who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20-21).  Those applying to God's people Israel can also be claimed, for Jew and Gentile have been made into one new man (Ephesians 2:15) and those who worship by the Spirit of God and who glory in Christ Jesus are the true circumcision (Philippians 3:3).

Remember, we either choose to believe God or we choose to believe the devil. We do have a choice. Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve [foreign gods or the Lord] (Joshua 24:15). When we believe the devil's lies we serve him. When we believe God's truth we serve Him.

Remember, revelation is progressive. God will reveal truth to you little by little as and when you are ready for it. His promise to you is: For whoever has [spiritual truth], to him [or her] more shall be given. Be sure to pay attention to what you hear. The more you do this the more you will understand … To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given (Mark 4:24-25 NLT). For some: Satan comes and takes away the word that has been sown in them (Mark 4:15). Make sure this doesn't happen to you.

Remember, we cannot truly receive new messages (we are loved, accepted, valued, etc.) until they become stronger than the old ones (we are unlovable, rejected, worthless, etc.). God will use our fellow believers to affirm us, encourage us and to prophesy truth over us. It is our responsibility to mix faith with what we hear and to receive their words as coming directly from God himself. At such times we need special vigilance to take the devil's lies captive.

Remember, this method of dealing with strongholds is not presented as a fail-safe formula. It is a very useful tool, but you will certainly need to persevere in all aspects of spiritual warfare to walk in freedom.

COMMON SATANIC LIES

For all who have been genuinely born again by the Spirit of God, the following statements are lies, even when they feel completely true. The list corresponds to the numbering of the strongholds dealt with below, but the lies may well apply to others. They are offered as possibilities. Ask the Lord to show you the lies which the enemy is using to control your own life and to keep you in bondage.

1 I am not a genuine believer. I am a fake. I am still in my sins. I am beyond forgiveness. Anyone who has the thoughts or dreams I have couldn't possibly be a Christian.

2 I have never truly changed. I am wicked and always will be. Deep down I am still a sinner. My heart is still in darkness. I am not a new creature. All things haven't become new concerning me.

3 I could never be accepted as a child of God; only as a slave. I am too bad to draw near to God. If God has favourites, I could never be one. Maybe if I perform better I could become his child.

4 God will ultimately reject me. I can never be unacceptable. I will always be on the outside looking in. I always ought to have done better. I am an inadequate person.

5 I have no value in and of myself. My opinions are of no account. I deserve to be ignored or badly treated. I should be at everyone's beck and call. It's selfish to seek God's blessing for myself.

6 God doesn't love me. If I perform better, maybe God will love me more. If I tell God how I really feel he will reject me. Not feeling the emotion of his love is proof that he doesn't love me.

7 God is not with me. He has abandoned me. He is not interested in me. He keeps his distance from me. I fear that his discipline of me will be too harsh. He will lose patience with me.

8 God will abandon me. God will not help me. He won't be there for me. He won't protect me or look after me. God expects me to be strong through my own efforts. He expects too much from me.

9 If I sin I become separated from God. I am still unclean because I feel that way. God keeps reminding me of my past sins. They are too awful to be forgiven. I need to pay God for what I have done.

10 I can earn peace through good performance. Peace is something to be attained through successful service. If I fail, my peace will be forfeited. Peace is dependent on me not on God.

11 God has his favourites and I'm not one. God's promises are true and apply to others but not to me. Satan could rob me of my salvation. If I sin God will abandon me.

12 Doubts never arise in the hearts of true believers. I cannot talk to God about my doubts. God stops loving me if I doubt. God is unfair and unjust. I am not special to him as others are.

13 God is fault-finding. God is rarely, if ever, pleased with me. God is hard and cold. God demands of me far more than I am capable of. God is good to others but not to me.

14 My weaknesses are something I can do nothing about. I can blame them for my sins; they give me an excuse for failing to take responsibility for my life; they allow me to give up at the first difficulty.

15 I am saved by grace but sanctified through self-effort. Preaching that is legalistic and condemning empowers worldly believers to turn from sin. It is right to judge all others whether believers or not.

16 God saves me by grace but will only relate to me on the basis of my performance. Salvation is dependent on good deeds as well as faith. I must make a contribution to my salvation.

17 My identity is in what I do. My value is in what I have achieved. My righteousness is the result of my own efforts. I must perform well in order to make myself acceptable to God.

18 I believe "once saved always saved" but it doesn't apply to me. I can never experience assurance of salvation. I am doomed to hope for the best. God cannot approve of me.

19 I am on my own, so I can only press on regardless. I don't really need to trust in God alone. Although I constantly fail, surely, if I try harder, I will eventually succeed by my own efforts.

20 I am a hopeless case. It is too late to change. I can never change what I'm like. God doesn't really care about me; if he did he would resolve my problems for me.

21 I can go it alone and do not need others. Only what is perfect is acceptable. Only faultless leaders should be followed. For me the devil's accusations have to be believed.

22 I am stupid. I am useless. I am inadequate. I am inferior. No matter how hard I try, I will never be successful at anything. I do not have an assigned task from God. I do not have a contribution to make.

23 I am dirty. Any unclean thought passing through my mind proves I remain unclean. Any unholy desire I battle with proves I am still in my sin. My sins are too awful to be washed away.

24 I have no significance. I have no right to be treated with respect. I am worthless. I do not have a destiny to fulfil. What I do has no real value. No one could be blessed through my life.

25 I will never amount to anything. I am destined to repeat the sins of my parents and to turn out like them. If I fail at anything it will prove that I am a failure. My identity is in my success.

26 It is a sign of weakness to need encouragement. When I get depressed there is nothing I can do about it. A true believer would never get depressed. Taking medication is a sin of unbelief.

27 Satan is virtually as powerful as God. He is not a created being. Satan's defeat at the cross was only partial. He knows everything about me. I have no authority to resist him and to overcome him.

28 Satan has the power to take away my salvation. He can use witch-doctors, mediums, etc, to destroy me. The armour of God does not give me sufficient protection. Satan can easily deceive me.

29 I can never be set free from my past. It will always dominate the present. God keeps reminding me of it. Some emotional damage can never be healed and enslaves for life.

30 To remain childish is a good thing. Personal prayer and Bible study are unnecessary. To apply one's mind to understanding God's Word is just for church leaders. Others are responsible for me.

31 It is good to be proud. Humility is weakness. The inferior and the weak should serve the superior and the strong. Pride doesn't really harden the heart; it gives strength. God doesn't actually oppose the proud.

32 If I don't look after my own interests, no one will. "Every man for himself" is always good advice. Selfishness is good because the Bible assumes I will love myself; it is compatible with Christianity.

33 I am the way I am, so I cannot change. It's OK for me to fly off the handle, etc, because that is the way God made me. What others call character flaws are just personality traits. I'm not responsible for them.

34 (The following lies assume there is no underlying medical condition.) It is impossible for me to keep close to my ideal weight. My family over-eat, so I am bound to follow suit. Even with God's help I am powerless to lose weight. I must have the comfort of food.

35 Pornography is harmless. It doesn't damage anyone. It legitimately meets a human need. Even if I believe it to be wrong, I am powerless to do anything about it; the temptation cannot be overcome.

36 Alcohol and drugs can meet my long-term needs. They can blot out the pain of the past. They can bring me all the comfort I need. They can enable me to forget. I am strong enough not to become addicted.

37 It is OK to control a family member. It is right to submit to the ungodly control of parents. Parents own their children and can count on their emotional support. Children owe them unquestioning obedience.

38 Church members owe unquestioning obedience to their leaders. It is OK for leaders to involve themselves in the everyday decisions of their members, whether invited to do so or not.

39 If I obey God's commandments, or make personal sacrifices for him, it puts God in my debt. God owes me a life free from relationship problems, sicknesses, pain and financial difficulties.

40 To forgive is to condone sin. Some sins are too awful to be forgiven. Christians forfeit the right to be forgiven as they should know better. Unforgiveness is just. It is OK to forgive conditionally.

41 It is always right for me to criticise another when they deserve it. Being a fault-finder is always a good thing. Speaking critically about another behind their back is the way to protect others.

42 God wants the poor to remain poor. There is righteousness in poverty itself. Only Christians in rich countries can trust God for their financial needs. It is impossible for me to overcome poverty.

43 Greed needs to be the driving force behind creating wealth. God wants me to live in luxury even in an age of worldwide hunger. The love of money is OK. I can devote my life to God and to the world's riches.

44 All church leaders who exercise authority are dictators. God only expects me to submit to those of whom I totally approve. Full-blown democracy is the biblical model. Mindless obedience is good.

45 Gossip is harmless. It makes people aware of what they need to know. It has no spiritual effect. Words alone can do no lasting damage. Words can always be taken back.

46 The joy of the Lord is not for all believers. Heaviness of spirit depends on temperament. I can never know fullness of joy. Happiness belongs in heaven alone. I cannot obey the commandment to rejoice.

47 No one loves me. Everyone hates me. No one understands me. I have the right to feel sorry for myself. Self-pity is the best form of comfort. It is the only way to get others to sympathise with me.

48 It is a sign of humility to put myself down. It is good to reject myself because I will always be a bad person. It is godly not to be merciful or compassionate towards myself.

49 I cannot survive without the approval of others. In it I find my identity. God's affirmation is not enough for me. The fear of man is not a heart issue. Pleasing others and pleasing God can always co-exist.

Have you accepted any of the above as being true about yourself? What other lies can you identify? Take a stand. Decide today that you will reject all of Satan's lies and believe God's Word. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things (Philippians 4:8). Note that this list begins with whatever is true. If you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord you are bound for heaven: "Whoever once truly believes that Jesus was raised from the dead, and confesses that Jesus is Lord, will go to heaven when they die, no matter what work, or lack of work, may accompany such faith" (R T Kendall).

50 Although I have great respect for those who believe otherwise, my own personal conviction is that the Bible teaches the following: that it is possible for any individual to be saved; that God does not predestine or prepare numbers of people in advance for eternal separation from himself; that Jesus died for the sins of all; that his sovereign choice of many individuals does not equate to the sovereign rejection of all others; that freewill, relative to these decisions, does truly exist.

The entry point of some satanic lies: No one does a perfect job regarding parenting. A child with an extremely sensitive conscience, or with a natural tendency towards pessimism, becomes an easy target for the devil. Whenever parents fall short, Satan implants lies. Whenever their words are, in the slightest way, ambiguous, he convinces them that something negative was meant. Such a child may grow up feeling worthless and unloved by his or her mother or father. It then becomes natural for them to presume that they are also worthless in God's eyes and unloved by him. Whether such feelings are based on facts or perceptions – on reality or the devil's lies – God's grace is sufficient for us. He longs to become the dad we never had, or, maybe, felt we never had. Either way he is committed to changing our perceptions and fathering us in faithfulness and with unconditional love.

My experience seems to have taught me that those who have been abused the most become the most susceptible to the devil's lies. I have heard stories that are so harrowing they are hard to believe. Yet I do believe them. Man's inhumanity to man would appear to know no bounds. This is especially traumatic when it involves the exploitation of children. I would like to make an appeal to those who were privileged to lead sheltered lives as they were growing up. Please be extremely kind and patient with those struggling to believe the truth and reject the enemy's lies. For such damaged but precious individuals, is it not easy, maybe not even possible, to believe God's promises without engaging in prolonged spiritual warfare. They desperately need our help, support and encouragement.

What follows are "Stronghold-Busters" for fifty of the more common strongholds, but you may be able to identify others in your own life, which are not specifically included. Some of the possibilities are low self-esteem; divisiveness; earning God's love; never saying "No"; taking on too much; being a workaholic; defensiveness; business; judging God; judging and condemning others; avoiding responsibility; resentment; blaming others; unrealistic expectations; bullying; passivity; using substitutes for God's love; bottling up emotions; self-sufficiency; irrational fears; obsessive behaviour; inadequacy; being a loner; living in a world of fantasy; being a victim; eating disorders; self-harm; violence; cruelty; rage; abuse; gambling; sexual addiction; sexual deviation.

If God puts his finger on any of the above, or reveals any other stronghold in your life, I would encourage you to put together your own "Stronghold-Buster". Search the Bible asking the Holy Spirit to guide you to verses that will set you free. A comprehensive concordance is of great help. Ask a more experienced brother or sister in Christ to help you and make yourself accountable to them. (See APPENDIX 1 for a number of suggestions which I hope you will find helpful and maybe will give you a start.)

1.  STRONGHOLD OF NOT BEING A GENUINE BELIEVER

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I AM IN CHRIST

I was chosen before the earth was formed     He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons (Ephesians 1:4-5).

I have been drawn to Christ by the Father     No-one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day … no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him (John 6:44, 65). I, when I am lifted up, [on the cross] … will draw all men to myself (John 12:32).

I am a gift of the Father to the Son     All that the Father gives me will come to me (John 6:37).

I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit     No one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3 NASB).

I have come to Christ, and he will never reject me     Whoever comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37).

I have been granted repentance and I'm justified    … in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25). The tax collector … beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." I tell you that this man, rather than the other [Pharisee], went home justified before God (Luke 18:13-14).

I desire and strive to obey his commandments, though I do so imperfectly     We know we have come to know him if we keep his commands … This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:3-6).

I know I live in the light because I love my brothers and sisters in Christ     Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:10). We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers (1 John 3:14).

I acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah    If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God (1 John 4:15). Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God (1 John 5:1).

I do not sin deliberately, knowingly and habitually     No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him (1 John 3:6).

I do not love the world     If anyone loves the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15-16). Earth has nothing I desire besides you (Psalm 73:25).

I am like a foreigner on earth and my real treasure is in heaven     People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own … a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16).

I have a new mind-set     Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires [new priorities, affections and purposes] (Romans 8:5).

I am persevering     We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first (Hebrews 3:14).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that I am not a genuine believer. I announce the truth that I am a true child of God and you are my loving Father. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to earn your love and win your approval. Whenever I feel a fake and therefore not worthy of your fathering, I will choose to believe your promises and run into your loving arms. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my relationship with you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

2.  STRONGHOLD OF CONFUSED IDENTITY

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I CANNOT BE WHAT I WAS BEFORE & WHAT I AM NOW AT THE SAME TIME –

I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR EVER

I am a new creation     Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)

I am light in the Lord     For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8).

I am part of God's family     Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy (1 Peter 2:10).

I have been made perfect     By one sacrifice he has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

I have been adopted by the Father     God sent his Son … that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us – be recognised as God's sons [and daughters] (Galatians 4:4-5 Amp).

I am in the kingdom of God     He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (Colossians 1:13).

I have been crucified with Christ     For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we might no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6). I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms     God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6).

I have a new divine nature     Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). Through … his very great and precious promises … (we) participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world (2 Peter 1:4).

I have crossed over from death to life              I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned (does not come into judgement NASB); he has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24).

I am reconciled to God     Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (Colossians 1:21-22).

I am justified not condemned      There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [because God has already condemned and judged all my sin in his Son on the cross] (Romans 8:1).  Since then it is by faith that we are justified [acquitted], let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1 Phillips).

The Spirit lives in me: convicting me, helping me, teaching me, guiding me     And this is how we know that he [Jesus] lives in us. We know it by the Spirit he gave us (1 John 3:24). We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit (1 John 4:13).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that I am doomed to live in the shadows between two personalities within me, one pleasing to you and one offensive to you. I announce the truth that I have been changed once and for all; that now my one true identity is in Christ as a child of God. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and whenever I feel tempted to doubt who I am, I will choose to believe I am your child and run into your loving arms. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my relationship with you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

3.  STRONGHOLD OF A SLAVE MENTALITY

The following table has largely been drawn from Mark Stibbe's teaching on adoption. The legalistic Christian stands for the believer who lives his or her life with a slave mentality. The Father of the prodigal son would not even allow him to express this desire. Our God does not accept slaves; only sons and daughters with full family rights. He not only covers us with a robe of righteousness, but he places a ring upon our finger, indicating our restored status as his beloved children, and luxury shoes upon our feet to remind us that we are to serve him out of a place of rest, acceptance and approval; not to win his affection.

NON-

CHRISTIAN

LEGALISTIC CHRISTIAN

GRACE-FILLED CHRISTIAN

ACCEPTANCE BY GOD

Unacceptable, outside of Jesus

I obey, therefore I am accepted

I am accepted, therefore I obey

APPROVAL BY GOD

Under God's condemnation

I perform in order to gain approval

I have his approval before I start

RELATIONSHIP

WITH GOD

Separated from God by sin

One of slave serving his/her Master

One of a son/ daughter serving their Father

SPIRITUAL MOTIVATION

No real love or fear of God

Servile fear of God; insecurity

Love for God; grateful joy

CONDITION

Ignorance

Bondage

Freedom

SPIRITUAL

INSIGHT

Walks in darkness yet is unaware

Sees things in the light of hell

Sees things in the light of heaven

PERSONAL SECURITY

Has false peace or is in satanic turmoil

Struggles to find settled peace

Knows he or she has peace with God

PERSONAL MORALITY

Sins willingly, yet is unaware

Sins unwillingly; weak to resist

Resists sin by living by the Spirit

STRUGGLE WITH EVIL

Neither fights nor conquers

Fights but cannot conquer

Strong in the Lord; fights & conquers

STATUS

Slave to sin

Slave to law

Son/daughter

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

Has no authority or protection

Feels authority when performing well

Has authority as a child of the King

PERSONAL IDENTITY

Based on birth & achievements

Based on how good a slave I am

Based on who I am in Christ

WITNESS & EVANGELISM

No personal relevance

Out of duty & fear of judgement

Out of relationship: joy of knowing him

WORSHIP & PRAYER

As a religious act: self-righteousness

Out of discipline: self-centred

From the heart: self bowing down

The Bible's teaching on sonship draws from adoption as practiced by the Romans. In the Western world, we see adoption primarily as the gift of a family to those without one; as an act of kindness shown to an orphan. For the Romans it was often used for the soul purpose of providing an heir. A wealthy Roman, without a son, would often choose to adopt the son of one of his slaves. A sum of money would be paid to the child's natural parents and he would be officially set free from his slavery. A magistrate would then declare the boy to be the legally adopted son of the wealthy Roman. At this point he would come out from under the authority of his natural father and be placed under the full protective authority of his new father by adoption. He had not chosen his new father. His new father had chosen him.

This son by adoption now belonged to a new family; he enjoyed the full rights of a first-born son and would inherit his new father's estate. If he had any debts, his new father would pay them off. He would be fully educated and prepared for all the responsibilities of his future role. But this would be no formal arrangement. From the day of his adoption, he would have a new identity and begin to call his new father "dad".

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: the father has no slaves, only sons

God has always wanted a Father/child relationship with his people     How gladly would I treat you like sons [and daughters] and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation. I thought you would call me "Father" and not turn away from following me (Jeremiah 3:19).

I really am God's child     Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown to us in allowing us to be called "children of God" – and that is not just what we are called, but what we are … Here and now we are God's children. We don't know what we might become in the future. We only know that, if reality were to break through, we should reflect his likeness, for we should see him as he really is (1 John 3:1-2 Phillips).

I was predestined to become God's child     For he chose us in him [his Son] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons [and daughters] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves (Ephesians 1:4-6).

The Spirit lives within me     Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and to people far in the future – all who have been called by the Lord our God" (Acts 2:38-39 NLT).

The Spirit does not affirm a slave mentality     You should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children [your true identity], adopted into his family – calling him Father, dear Father (Romans 8:15 NLT).

The Spirit affirms me as God's son/daughter     The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16).

Jesus has purchased my freedom from slavery     God sent him [his Son] to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:5-6 NLT).

I am the Father's heir     You are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir (Galatians 4:7).

I am a co-heir with Jesus     Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory (Romans 8:17).

And Jesus is the heir of all things!     In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe (Hebrews 1:2).

The Father gives me joy and fearless confidence     The Lord your God is with you [on the day of judgement and deliverance], he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

The Father delights in me     His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse [cavalry], nor his delight in the legs of a man [infantry]; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:10-11).

The Father's delight strengthens me     This day [of godly sorrow in response to the teaching of God's Word] is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve [any more, now that you have repented], for the joy of the Lord [his delight in you] is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

My place is permanent, therefore I must be a son/daughter     A slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it for ever (John 8:35).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that you want me to serve you as your slave, rather than as your son (daughter). I announce the truth that you delight in me as your adopted child and have changed my status from orphan to heir. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit, free from a slave mentality. Whenever I feel tempted to doubt who I am, I will choose to believe that my identity is in Christ and run into your loving arms. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in assurance and confidence. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

4.  STRONGHOLD OF REJECTION

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: IN CHRIST I AM ACCEPTED

I will never be rejected     Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me (Psalm 27:10).

I have been brought near to God     Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).

I am forgiven     He forgave us all our sins [past, present and future] having cancelled the written code … that was against us and … opposed … us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14).

I am accepted    Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7). He has made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6 KJ). You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).

I am God's child     To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

I am Christ's friend     I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:15).

I have God's promise of acceptance     I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul will not reject you. I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people … I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect (Leviticus 26:11-13).

I have been justified     Therefore, since we have been justified [acquitted of all guilt] through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

I am a saint     To the saints in Ephesus, the believers who are in Christ Jesus … (Ephesians 1:1). To all [believers] in Rome, who are loved by God and called to be saints … (Romans 1:7).

I have been redeemed     For he has rescued us from the domain of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).

I am complete in Christ     And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10).

I have Christ's righteousness     You are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).

I am a true member of God's family     For it is we who are the true circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Jesus Christ, and who put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). I have been added to God's family (Acts 2:41).

I will never be rejected     For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own (1 Samuel 12:22).

I cannot be separated from the love of God     I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that I am rejected by you. I announce the truth that I am totally and unconditionally accepted in Jesus. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to earn your acceptance or win your approval. Whenever I feel on the outside looking in I will choose to believe your promises and run into your loving arms. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my relationship with you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

5.  STRONGHOLD OF WORTHLESSNESS

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: IN CHRIST I AM SIGNIFICANT

God gave his Son for me     For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

God punished his own Son in my place     Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:4-6).

I belong to God     But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O … [____________], he who formed you … "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God … your Saviour … you are precious and honoured in my sight, and … I love you" (Isaiah 43:1-4). (Fill in your own name.)

Jesus loves me and died for me personally     I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

I am God's treasured possession     The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession (Deuteronomy 7:6).

I am the salt and light of the earth     You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14).

I am a branch of the true vine; a channel of his life     I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener … you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit (John 15:1-5).

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit     You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last  (John 15:16).

I am God's temple     Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)

I am a minister of reconciliation      All this is from God who … gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).

I am God's fellow worker     For we are God's fellow workers (1 Corinthians 3:9) … each with his assigned task (Mark 13:34).

I am God's masterpiece     For we are God's workmanship [his poem, his masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

I have been chosen to be with him     He [Jesus] went up on the mountain and summoned those whom he himself wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, so that they would be with him (Mark 3:13-14 NASB).

God has special plans for me     For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that I am worthless, useless and insignificant. I announce the truth that I am precious in your sight and that you have great and wonderful plans for me. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to earn your love or win your approval. Whenever I feel inferior, unimportant and of no value I will choose to believe the truth of your Word that my value to you is worth the blood of your Son. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in confidence and in my relationship with you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

6.  STRONGHOLD OF NOT BEING LOVED BY GOD

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD has always Loved ME

Father, we began our loving, personal relationship of care and affection, before I was even born     God knew his people in advance [foreknew them; foreloved them], and he chose them to become like his Son (Romans 8:29 NLT).

The Lord's love is always with me     From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children's children (Psalm 103:17).

I am loved beyond understanding     I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power … to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that passes knowledge (Ephesians 3:17-19). (Tim Keller: I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me.)

I am forever loved     I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness (Jeremiah 31:3-4).

I am loved so much that Jesus died in my place     Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command (John 15:13-14).

God's love for me is not dependent on what I do     The proof of God's amazing love is this: that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us … now that we are … justified by the shedding of his blood, what reason have we to fear the wrath of God? … Now that we are reconciled we may be perfectly certain of our salvation (Romans 5:7-11 Phillips).

I am cared for     Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19).

I am never forgotten     Though she [a mother] may forget, I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palm of my hands (Isaiah 49:15-16).

I am cherished by God     Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye (Zechariah 2:8). [I belong to] your people … those you cherish (Psalm 83:3). Preserve my life according to your love (Psalm 119:88).

I am a dearly loved child     Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us (Ephesians 5:1-2).

The Father's love for me is all I need     Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself (Psalm 63:3 NLT).

God never withholds  his affection from me     God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me (Psalm 66:20).

Almighty God comes to rescue me personally     In my distress I called to the Lord … He parted the heavens and came down … He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies … He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters … He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me … he rescued me because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:4-19).

Daily Prayer:    Father, I renounce the lie that I am not genuinely loved by you or others. I announce the truth that I am loved immensely by the true and living God who is my loving Father. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to look for substitutes for your love. Whenever I feel unloved and uncared-for I will choose to believe your promises and trust in your perfect character. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my love for you and in my appreciation of your love for me. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

7.  STRONGHOLD OF BEING FATHERLESS

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I HAVE A WONDERFUL FATHER

Father, I can count on you     I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

Father, you have chosen me for adoption     He predestined us to be adopted as his sons [and daughters] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will (Ephesians 1:5).

Father, you delight in me     The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you in his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Father, you have always fathered me     When [_______________] was a child I loved him/her … It was I who taught [_______________] to walk, taking him/her by the arms; but he/she did not realise it was I who healed him/her. I led him/her with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from his/her neck and bent down to feed him/her (Hosea 11:1-4). (Fill in your own name and delete the unnecessary words.)

Father, you have never been party to my humiliation     Again Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground … until only Jesus was left with the woman … Jesus straightened up and asked her: Woman where are they?  Has no one condemned you? … then neither do I condemn you (John 8:3-11). (Jesus wouldn't look her in the eye until her accusers were gone. He refused to take part in her humiliation.)

Father, you yearn for me     Is not [______________] my dear son/daughter, the child in whom I delight? … my heart yearns for him/her; I have great compassion for him/her (Jeremiah 31:20). (Fill in your own name and delete the unnecessary words.)

Father, you carry me close to your  heart     He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those who have young (Isaiah 40:11).

Father, I rest secure in you     Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders (Deuteronomy 33:12).

Father, you have compassion on me and know my limitations     As a father has compassion on his children so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14). While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him (Luke 15:20).

Father, you have no favourites     Your Master in heaven … there is no favouritism in him (Ephesians 6:9).

Father, you are my Father     A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families (Psalm 68:5-6). [Jesus said:] I am returning to my Father and to your Father (John 20:17).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that you are like a flawed earthly father, and that you have not, and do not want, to father me. I announce the truth that you chose me to be your child before the world was made; that you took no part in the painful and humiliating experiences of my childhood, but that you suffered with me and wept with me and over me. I commit myself to look to you for the perfect fathering I need. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to be restricted in any way by the failings of my earthly father. I choose to believe your promises and the truth of your Word and make you my refuge and strong tower. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I grow in intimacy with you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

8.  STRONGHOLD OF FEAR

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: IN CHRIST I NEVER NEED TO BE

CONTROLLED BY FEAR

I have been adopted by God     For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15).

I am never alone     Do not be afraid, for I am with you (Isaiah 43:5). Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

I am helped by God     The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:6)

I am known by God and belong to him     Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine (Isaiah 43:1).

Love for God dispels all fear     There is no [servile] fear in love. But perfect love [love that is developed and mature] drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment [to fear is to begin to suffer punishment already]. The one who fears is not made perfect in love [his love for God is immature] (1 John 4:18).

Love for God is proof that he knows me     If anyone loves God, he is known by him (1 Corinthians 8:3 NASB).

Love for God is proof that I belong to him     We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28 NLT).

I am protected     O Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle (Psalm 140:7). The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you (Exodus 12:13).

God hides me     You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7).

I can trust in God and his word     When I am afraid I will trust in you.  In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid (Psalm 56:3-4).

God's love for those who fear him is immeasurable     For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him (Psalm 103:11).

God is my provider     No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless (Psalm 84:11). (And I am blameless in Christ!)

God looks after me 24/7     He gives to his beloved even in his sleep [even while they are sleeping he provides for them] (Psalm 127:2 NASB).

Fear is conquered when I am totally dependent and focussed on God      You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down … and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel … for the battle is the Lord's (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that I need to fear others, the devil and even you, in a cringing way. I announce the truth that now there is godly fear and awesome respect for you in my heart there is nothing else that I need be frightened by. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to be afraid of anything or anyone. Whenever I feel fear coming on I will choose to believe your promises and the truth of your Word and make you my refuge and strong tower. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in confidence and boldness. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

9.  STRONGHOLD OF GUILT

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I HAVE BEEN ACQUITTED

I have been washed clean     Jesus said: "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me" [no share in companionship with me] (John 13:8). You were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11 NLT).

My sin is covered     Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man [or woman] whose sin the Lord will never count against him (Romans 4:7-8).

My sin is forgotten     For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more (Hebrews 8:12).

My righteousness is God's gift to me     But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Romans 3:21-22).

I have been declared righteous     All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and [all who believe] are justified [declared righteous] freely by his grace through the redemption that came through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24).

My sin is forgiven     If we confess our sins; he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

My sin has been taken away     If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared (Psalm 130:3-4). As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12).

Jesus exchanged my sin for his righteousness     God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

I am free from accusation     But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (Colossians 1:21-22).

I am free from the law of sin and death     Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life [the Gospel] set me free from the law of sin and death [the Law] (Romans 8:1-2).

I am free from guilt     With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:7).

I am free from a guilty conscience     Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled [with the blood of Jesus] to cleanse us from a guilty conscience (Hebrews 10:22).

I have been made perfect     By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

My groaning over my failings proves that God will transform me     The creation itself will be … brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning … Not only so, but we ourselves … groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:21-23).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I stand guilty before a holy God because, at times, I still sin. I announce the truth that I have been made perfect for ever and declared not guilty by the Judge of all the earth. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to live under a burden of guilt.  Whenever I feel condemned I will choose to believe your promise that I now have the righteousness of Christ.  Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in grace, thankfulness and worship.  In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

10.  STRONGHOLD OF RESTLESSNESS

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I AM AT PEACE WITH GOD

Jesus gives me rest     Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message).

Jesus is my peace     For he himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14).

Jesus has given me his peace     [He said] Peace I leave with you [as a bequest; a gift, as part of my will]; my peace I give you [it is yours permanently]. I do not give to you as the world gives [it is not a peace dependent on circumstances or simply a hoping for the best] (John 14:27).

I can be at peace in every situation     Now may the Lord of peace himself grant you his peace [the peace of his kingdom] at all times and in all ways – under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes (2 Thessalonians 3:16 Amp).

Having peace is something I must grasp     Since then it is by faith that we have been justified, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1 Phillips).

I will never be shaken     My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken (Psalm 62:1-2).

Peace need not be lost through failure     I have told you these things [about you deserting me] that in me you may have peace [not in the success of your performance]. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

The Holy Spirit imparts peace to me     The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6).

God's peace is wholeness, completeness, soundness and harmony     The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace [shalom] (Numbers 6:24-26).

God's Word brings me peace     Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble (Psalm 119:165).

Trusting God brings peace     You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you (Isaiah 26:3).

Peace brings victory over Satan     The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20).

Peace brings health     A heart at peace gives life to the body (Proverbs 14:30). I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

In a real sense I was both loved and glorified before I was even born     For those God foreknew [fore-loved] he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified [so sure of being accomplished in the future, it is written in the past tense] (Romans 8:29-30).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that peace with God is dependent upon my feelings. I announce the truth that being justified by faith I am at peace with you. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to struggle and strive to rid myself of restlessness but to allow you to control my mind. Whenever I feel tossed around like a wave of the sea I will choose to believe your Word and rest in you. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I learn to trust you more completely. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

11.  STRONGHOLD OF INSECURITY

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: IN CHRIST I AM SECURE

I will never be put to shame     The one who trusts in him [Jesus] will never be put to shame (Romans 9:33).

I have a firm place to stand     He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand (Psalm 40:2).

The full wrath concerning my sin was poured out on Jesus     The Lord has laid on him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).

I am eternally free from condemnation     Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [God has already condemned and judged all my sin in his Son on the cross], because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).

Jesus is praying for me    Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34).

I will be kept strong by God     He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).

I cannot be snatched from God's hand     My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand (John 10:27-30).

I cannot be lost     This is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day (John 6:39).

My soul is anchored in God     We have this [trust in God's promises, God's character and God's Son] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain [God's very presence; the securest anchorage of all], where Jesus has gone as a forerunner [an elite soldier staking out an advanced encampment] on our behalf [guaranteeing that we will follow] (Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV).

I have God's seal of ownership     Now it is God who makes … us … stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

I will be saved completely     Therefore he [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25). You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).

God will complete what he has begun    Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

I am born of God and Satan cannot touch me     We know that … the one who was born of God [Jesus] keeps him (anyone born of God) safe, and the evil one cannot harm him (1 John 5:18).

God is trustworthy     I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day (2 Timothy 1:12).

Daily Prayer:    Father, I renounce the lie that I am insecure and in danger of losing my salvation. I announce the truth that I have passed once for all from death to life and from Satan's family to God's. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and never again need to be afraid of hell or your wrath. Whenever I feel insecure and afraid I will choose to believe your promises, resist the devil and stand firm in my faith. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my relationship with you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

12.  STRONGHOLD OF DOUBT

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: ALL GOD'S PROMISES APPLY TO ME

I can share my doubts with God     Come now let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

I am not excluded     For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus does not have exclusive favourites     There is no favouritism in him (your Master in heaven) (Ephesians 6:9). God does not show favouritism (Romans 2:11).

God's hand is on me     The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him (Ezra 8:22).

The fear of God is in my heart     I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me (Jeremiah 32:40).

God delights in me     The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:11).

I live in God and he lives in me     If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God (1 John 4:15).

God longs for me to find him     You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord (Jeremiah 29:13-14).

God will not condemn me     The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him (Psalm 34:22).

I really do love God, so I will inherit his promises     No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

I need to stop facing in two directions at the same time!     He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he should receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does (James 1:6-8).

I am shown compassion     The Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love … he has compassion on all he has made (Psalm 145:8-9).

God is good to all who seek him     The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him (Lamentations 3:20-25).

God is close to me     The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18).

God can deal with all my doubts     Sovereign Lord … Nothing is too hard for you (Jeremiah 32:17). Have faith in God … whatever you ask for in prayer, believer that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:22-24).

The Father's promises can be trusted     God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil? (Numbers 23:19)

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that your love for this world does not include me. I announce the truth that all your promises apply to me and I figure prominently in your plans and purposes. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to fear the condemnation the devil would heap upon me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by doubts, I will choose to believe your promises and trust in the goodness of your character – that no one is excluded from your love.  Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in confidence and faith. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

13.  STRONGHOLD OF DOUBTING GOD'S GOODNESS

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD IS GOOD TO ALL

God will not answer all my questions, but I can always trust him     The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may follow all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).

God watches over me     The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and for evermore (Psalm 121:7-8).

God preserves me in suffering     My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life (Psalm 119:50).

God will rescue me     Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him (Psalm 91:14-15).

God isn't looking for faults     He has not looked at the wrongs found in Israel (Numbers 23:21).

God is faithful     The Lord … remains faithful for ever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down … The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow (Psalm 146:5-9).

God is right by my side     He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him (Psalm 109:31).

God's love will sustain me     When I said, my foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul (Psalm 94:18-19).

God is good all the time     You are good and what you do is good … May your unfailing love be my comfort (Psalm 119:68, 76).

I am protected     As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people (Psalm 125:2). O, Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle … (Psalm 140:7).

God is patient towards all he has made     The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

God wants all to be saved     I urge then … that prayers, intercession … be made for everyone … This is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

God wants all to repent     Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked declares the Sovereign Lord? Rather am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? (Ezekiel 18:23)

God is totally trustworthy     I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he (Deuteronomy 32:3-4).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that there are flaws in your character and that you are unjust and impossible to please. I announce the truth that you are good to all, including me. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to fear the future. Whenever I feel that you have forgotten me, or are being harsh with me, I will choose to believe your promises and accept that at times you will need to discipline me in love. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in trusting you whatever the circumstances. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

14.  STRONGHOLD OF WEAKNESS

There are weaknesses that make us more dependent on the grace of God, and his power can be made perfect through our human frailties. However, what we are dealing with here is weakness that hinders our progress as disciples and holds us back from serving God effectively.

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: with god I can do all things

The Father strengthens me     The Lord is the everlasting God … He will not grow tired or weary … He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).

The Father's joy in me is my strength     Do not grieve [constantly, now that you have repented], for the joy of the Lord [his delight in you as his child] is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Only in God can I be strong     Finally [from now on], be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect (safe NLT) (2 Samuel 22:33). Look to the Lord and his strength (Psalm 105:4). Happy are those who are strong in the Lord (Psalm 84:5 NLT).

Only in grace can I be strong     You then, my son [my daughter], be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1).

All God's mighty power is available to me     I pray … that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know … his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead … (Ephesians 1:18-20).

God longs to turn my weakness into strength     (Through faith) Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets … conquered kingdoms, administered justice … gained what was promised … escaped the edge of the sword … [their] weakness was turned to strength … [they] became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies (Hebrews 11:32-34).

The Father is always with me     Moses … spoke these words to all Israel … "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them [the powers of darkness], for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" … Moses [said to] Joshua  … "Be strong and courageous … the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:1-8).

In God the weak are strong     Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14). Let the weakling say, "I am strong!" (Joel 3:10) Train even your weaklings to be warriors (NLT).

Weaknesses promote God-dependence     He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

My commitment to God brings strength     The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Only the Holy Spirit can make me strong     "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that my weaknesses disqualify me from serving you. I announce the truth that you are my strength and I can truly become strong in you and in your grace. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can count on you to empower me. Whenever I feel discouraged I will choose to believe your Word and address the situation facing me. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I grow in confidence. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

15.  STRONGHOLD OF LEGALISM

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: LEGALISM cannot change the heart

Legalism concerns externals     These people come near to me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men (Isaiah 29:13).

Legalism is judgemental     Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand (Romans 14:4).

Legalism produces hypocrisy     Do not judge, or you too will be judged … Why do you look at the speck … in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own? … Hypocrite! (Matthew 7:1-5)

Legalism offers no help     They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them (Matthew 23:4).

It is grace, not legalism, that conquers sin     For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). [The principles of legalism] lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence (Colossians 2:23). The grace of God … teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11-12).

It was grace, not legalism, that reigned in the NT church     [When Barnabas arrived in Antioch he] saw the evidence of the grace of God (Acts 11:23). Paul and Barnabas … urged them [new converts] to continue in the grace of God (Acts 13:43). The Lord … confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 14:3). They had been committed to the grace of God for the work (Acts 14:26). I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may … complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me … testifying to the gospel of God’s grace (Acts 20:24). All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing … since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth (Colossians 1:6).

Legalism is an impossible burden     Why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? (Acts 15:10)

It is the Spirit, not legalism, that empowers me to live a holy life     I do not understand what I do [when living under legalism]. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do … For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing (Romans 7:15, 19).

Legalism refuses to submit to God     Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness (Romans 10:3). The law made nothing perfect (Hebrews 7:18-19).

Legalism insists that one way is right     One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind (Romans 14:5).

Legalism despises relationship     The elder brother answered his father, "Look [you]! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends (Luke 15:29).

Legalism is obsolete     Through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God (Galatians 2:19).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I can obtain a righteous standing by human effort. I announce the truth that in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed that is by faith from first to last. I affirm that having received your abundant provision of grace and your gift of righteousness, I can, indeed, reign in life. Whenever I feel tempted to return to legalism I will choose to believe your promises and rest in your grace. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I resist the devil's accusations. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

16.  STRONGHOLD OF RELIANCE ON WORKS

When we seek to commend ourselves to God by our good deeds, rather than by putting our total trust in his gift of righteousness, we place ourselves under a curse and put ourselves into the very grip of Satan. The inevitable consequences are legalism, bondage and fear. If I base my assurance on my performance, I will never be sure of God's love for me. (As well as the passages below, see Deuteronomy 28:15-68.)

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: reliance on works leaves me in spiritual torment

It is an unbearable yoke     Why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the [Gentile] disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are (Acts 15:10-11).

It can never save me     No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law (Romans 3:20).

It means abandoning my Saviour     You also died to the law [your old husband, who will never die!] through the body of Christ that you might belong to another [your new husband, who too will never die!] to him who was raised from the dead (Romans 7:4).

It keeps me bound      By dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we may serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code (Romans 7:6).

It means I have no sure footing     Therefore since we have been justified through faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand (Romans 5:1-2).

It opposes righteousness by faith     Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes (Romans 10:4).

It prevents me from reigning in life     For if, by the trespass of the one man [Adam], death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).

It means abandoning the Spirit     Are you so foolish?  After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort (Galatians 3:3)?

It puts me back under a curse     All who rely on observing the law are under as curse … Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, by becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:10; 13).

It robs me of joy     How is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? What has happened to all your joy? (Galatians 4:9, 15)

It nullifies the cross     If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2:21).

It alienates me from Christ     You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Galatians 5:4).

It is something I must resist powerfully    It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that my acceptance by you depends on my own performance. I announce the truth that it depends wholly on Christ's performance. He has given me a permanent place to stand – your wonderful grace! I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and accept that it is wrong to try to earn your love or acceptance. Whenever I feel myself returning to a works-based approach to you, I will choose to believe your promises and rest in your grace. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in the wonder of my salvation. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

17.  STRONGHOLD OF NON-RELIANCE ON THE GOSPEL

When we put our confidence in our own righteousness, rather than in the righteousness of Jesus freely imputed to us, we are trying to become our own saviour. This is, of course, impossible. Even though, deep down, we know we cannot make any contribution towards our salvation, we may still try! Attempting to win, or to deserve, God's love and acceptance, leads to bondage and to a life dominated by insecurity and fear. Living in total dependence on God's grace, and the righteousness of Jesus, leads to freedom, peace and joy. The more we understand and appropriate all the awesome aspects of the gospel, the more we will bear lasting fruit for God's glory. We become Christians through the work of the Spirit, and are saved by grace alone through faith alone. We can only persevere as God's children in the same way.

The devil's lies I have believed:

____________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry:

______________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: the gospel meets my every need

My identity is in Jesus (not in what I do)     I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2.20).

My value is in who I am (not in what I produce)     Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown to us in allowing us to be called "children of God" – and that is not just what we are called, but what we are … Here and now we are God's children! (1 John 3:1-2 Phillips)

I can never conquer sin through self-denial     These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence (Colossians 2:23 NASB).

My righteousness is God's gift to me (not what I attain through self-effort)     In the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed … the gift of righteousness (Romans 1:17; 5:17). Jesus … has become for us … our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30).

My acceptance is in Jesus (not according to my performance)     He has made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6 KJ).

My peace is the peace of Jesus freely given to me (not in trying to do my best)     Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you (John 14:27). Peace be with you (John 20:19, 21, 26).

My joy is the joy of Jesus freely given to me (not worldly happiness and pleasure)     As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you … I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (John 15:9-11).

The Father delights in me all the time (not just when I'm good)     [On the day of judgement, though you have done wrong] He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

It is Jesus who fully satisfies me (not food, sex, possessions, relationships, etc)     I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never grow hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty (John 6:35).

It is Jesus who provides me with abundant life (not the things of this world)     The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).

It is the Holy Spirit who provides all the comfort I need (not food, sex, possessions, relationships, etc)     I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counsellor [Comforter, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener] to be with you for ever … I will not leave you as orphans (John 14:16, 18).

I serve with God's approval (not to gain God's approval; I am free to rest whenever I need to and free to fail)     You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased (Luke 3:22). (The Father said this to Jesus before he began his ministry and he says the same to me.)

My strongest desire is to please God (not to win the approval of people) and God will fulfil his purposes for me      We make it our goal to please him … For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).

My reward will be in his "Well done!" (not the praises of people or the riches of this world)     [I live to hear him say:] Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness (Matthew 25:23).

My times and experiences are in his hands (not in my own or those of others; he causes all things to work together for my good)     It was not you who sent me here, but God. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good (Genesis 45:8; 50:20).

I can always be generous (not just when I have an abundance)     Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Luke 6:38).

I am first and foremost a part of God's new ethnic group (not a member of my own "tribe")     But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God [his own new ethnic group], that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

I can accept myself as I am, forgive myself, extend grace to myself, etc (because I am a child of my Father)     Accept one another [including yourself] … just as Christ accepted you [that is, just as you are] (Romans 15:7).

I am proud of all God has done through gospel (not ashamed of it)     I am not ashamed of the gospel [that the Son of God was crucified in weakness for me], because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).

God is not looking for perfection, but for faith and trust (therefore I can accept myself, warts and all)     If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness (1 John 1:8-9 NLT).

Humility frees me from taking offence (as I have nothing to prove)

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

The work God requires is simple faith (not human effort or religious rituals)     They replied, "We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?" Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent" (John 6:28-29 NLT).

All wrongs will be put right by God (freeing me to extend total forgiveness to others)    Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge;

I will pay them back" says the Lord (Romans 12:19 NLT).

My perseverance in the faith depends on God (not on my success or failure)     He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).

God chose to set his affection on me simply because he loves me just as I am     The Lord … set his affection on you and choose you because … the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers … Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands (Deuteronomy 7:6-9).

I was already burning when God saved me     You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire. Seek me and live (Amos 4:11; 5:4).

Trust in Christ alone keeps me from stumbling     Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it [laid hold of it almost with violence] … by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works [aiming at an impossible goal]. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone" [Jesus Christ and him crucified] … The one who trusts in him will never be put to shame (Romans 9:30-33).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that the gospel is insufficient in itself to meet all my needs throughout my life. I announce the truth that your grace is sufficient for me and that your power is made perfect in my weakness. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can truly rest in your great salvation. Whenever I feel tempted to look elsewhere for my needs to be met, I will choose to believe your promises, to put my trust in your unfailing love and to approach your throne of grace. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in confidence as your redeemed child. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

18.  STRONGHOLD OF AN INCOMPLETE SALVATION

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I HAVE BEEN ETERNALLY RECONCILED TO GOD THROUGH THE CROSS

My salvation is totally the work of God     For if when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him by the death of his Son, how much more having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life (Romans 5:10).

Jesus absorbed the full wrath of God for the sin of the whole world, including mine     Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree (Galatians 3:13). The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).

Jesus cancelled the legal demands of the law against me     When you were dead in your sins … God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code with its regulations that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14).

I have been rescued from final judgement     So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28).  Jesus … rescues us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Jesus completed his assigned task     I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do (John 17:4). [On the cross Jesus said:] "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30).

Jesus took away my condemnation     Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34).

I am free from any accusation    But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (Colossians 1:22).

My conscience is clear     How much more then will the blood of Christ … cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we might serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:14)

I am set free from the fear of death     He too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15).

It was the Father who nailed his Son to the cross for me     Surely he took our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted …  It was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer (Isaiah 53:4, 10).

Jesus secured eternal salvation for all who obey him, albeit imperfectly     Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:8-9).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that there is something lacking from the salvation that you brought about through your Son's death on the cross, that I need to make up. I announce the truth that you brought about a perfect and complete salvation for all who put their trust in you. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to fear death or judgement. If I am ever tempted to feel afraid of facing you when I die, I will choose to believe your promises and put my whole trust in the blood of Jesus, shed for me, and in your unfailing love. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in confidence as your redeemed child. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

19.  STRONGHOLD OF INDEPENDENCE FROM GOD

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I WAS CREATED TO LIVE A GOD-DEPENDENT LIFE

I must become totally God-dependent     My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62:7).

My own understanding is not to be trusted     Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Without God I am unfruitful     No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me (John 15:4).

Independent from Jesus, I am powerless     Apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

I was created to depend on God     For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From my birth I have relied on you (Psalm 71:5-6).

I need to be taught to depend on God     In our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we would not rely on ourselves but on God (2 Corinthians 1:9).

I can be sure of God's love     We know and rely on the love God has for us (1 John 4:16).

It is Jesus who sustains me     The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven [having completed the work the Father sent him to do] (Hebrews 1:3).

God upholds me when all is dark     Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God (Isaiah 50:10).

God supports me     The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that he may strongly support those whose heart is completely his (2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB).

God sustains me     Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me (Psalm 54:4).

My own efforts will fail     We put no confidence in human effort.  Instead we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us (Philippians 3:3 NLT).

Without the Spirit I am a slave to sin     I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my fallen, ego-centric human nature]. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out (Romans 7:18). Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life [the Gospel] set me free from the law of sin and death [the Law] (Romans 8:2).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I need to be self-sufficient to be able to survive, because you will not always be there for me. I announce the truth that I was made for a relationship with you and to live in dependence upon you. I affirm that I am now led by the Spirit and have nothing to hide, nothing to fear and nothing to prove. Whenever I feel isolated, left out and striving to be self-sufficient, I will choose to believe your promises, to trust your character and run into your loving arms. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in living a truly God-dependent life. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

20.  STRONGHOLD OF HOPELESSNESS

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: WITH GOD THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE

I need to give my soul a good talking-to     Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God (Psalm 42:5).

Only God can give me lasting hope     Find rest O my soul in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall not be shaken (Psalm 62:5-6).

My God is the God of hope     May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

I never suffer alone     Since my people are crushed, I am crushed (Jeremiah 8:21).

God will not abandon me     … in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place (Deuteronomy 1:30-31).

I can always have hope     My soul is downcast within me, yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself: The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him (Lamentations 3:20-25).

God will always encourage me     God encourages those who are discouraged (2 Corinthians 7:6 NLT). I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten (Joel 2:25 KJ).

God restores me     And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).

God shares my distress     In all their distress [God's people] he too was distressed (Isaiah 63:9).

God heals my broken heart     He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

God will complete what he began     Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion [the receiving of your heavenly body] (Philippians 1:6).

I am always with God     I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will take me into glory. Who have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever (Psalm 73:23-26).

My hope is certain     Now we are children of God, and … we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this [certain] hope in him [with God's help] purifies himself (1 John 3:2-3).

Sincere prayers of repentance always move the heart of God, no matter how awful our behaviour might have been     In his distress he sought the favour of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly … When he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea … Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God (2 Chronicles 33:13, 19).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that things can never change and that I am doomed to hopelessness. I announce the truth that you not only brought about a perfect and complete salvation for all who put their trust in you, but that you enable me to reign in this life. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to fear the future. Whenever I feel afraid of living a worthless life, I will choose to believe your promises and put my whole trust in your unfailing love. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in confidence. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

21.  STRONGHOLD OF PERFECTIONISM

Grace is the face God always wears when he sees my imperfection, sin, weakness and failure. God's grace is his unconditional loving kindness, favour, compassion and tender mercy towards me. It is freely given, undeserved and unmerited. It cannot be earned or repaid. God truly loves me unconditionally. I have not only been saved by grace but brought into a relationship of grace. I cannot have fellowship with him on any other basis. The demolishing of the stronghold of perfectionism can only take place in a day-by-day grace relationship with my loving, caring heavenly Father. An on-going experience of his grace cannot be maintained without my receiving his healing for my damaged emotions and having my mind renewed by the truth of his Word. Perfectionism is just another name for legalism and belief in the lie that my relationship with God must be based on good works.

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: EVERY DAY GOD'S GRACE

COVERS ALL MY IMPERFECTIONS

I have been set free from perfectionism     It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).

Perfectionism will always leave me defeated     These matters [religious legalism and deliberate low self-esteem] which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, are of no value against fleshly indulgence [against ungodliness and a self-absorbed victim mentality] (Colossians 2:20-23 NASB).

I must judge every thought for its consistency with grace     We take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ [to his example and teaching concerning grace and truth] (2 Corinthians 10:5).

God's love is strong and resilient    Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love covers over all wrong (Proverbs 10:12).

God is not looking for faults; he is looking for faith     God … gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:14). "Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:27).

Perfectionism is a constant burden, whereas humility and grace are light     Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart [to the core], and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30 NASB).

I have already been forgiven for every sin I have committed and will ever commit     For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins [which is permanently ours] (Colossians 1:14).

God actually justifies the wicked who trust in Jesus     To the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness (Romans 4:5).

Satan promotes perfectionism     You [Satan] were the model of perfection … until wickedness was found in you (Ezekiel 28:12-15).

Jesus has already made me perfect for ever     By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that only what is perfect is acceptable to you and that my sins, weaknesses and failures cause you to withdraw from me. I announce the truth that you are pleased with me and proud of me as your adopted son/daughter. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to earn your approval or the approval of others. Whenever I am tempted to feel that I live under your frown, I will take the devil's lies captive and choose to believe your promises. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Help me to reign in life through your abundant provision of grace. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

22.  STRONGHOLD OF FEELING INCOMPETENT

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD HAS EQUIPPED ME

FOR MY ASSIGNED TASK

I am indwelt by the Spirit     But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you … Repent and by baptised … and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you (Acts 1:8; 2:38-39).

I have the mind of Jesus     But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

I do not lack any spiritual blessing     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

I am competent to minister to others     Our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).

I have been qualified     The Father … has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12).

I am essential to church life and ministry     Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good … God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be … The eye cannot say to the hand: I don't need you (1 Corinthians 12:7, 18, 21).

I have a unique contribution to make     Do no think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think if yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you … We [all] have different gifts according to the grace given us (Romans 12:3-8).

I have a unique task to fulfil     [Concerning the Second Coming …] It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task (Mark 13:34).

I am complete in Christ     For in him all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form, and in him you have been made complete (Colossians 2:9-10 NASB).

I have been set free to serve     We have been rescued from our enemies, so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness forever (Luke 1:74-75 NLT).

Through me God's grace is expressed in a unique way     Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).

I have supernatural strength     I pray also that … you might know … his incomparably great power for us who believe … [it is] like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead (Ephesians 1:18-20).

I am competent to face any situation     I can do everything through him who gives me strength [I can be content in any and every situation] (Philippians 4:13).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I am incompetent and have nothing to give or to contribute to the extension of your kingdom and the building of your church. I announce the truth that you have placed within me specific gifts and a unique aspect of your grace. You have also given me the necessary measure of faith to exercise my gifts. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to keep to the fringes. Whenever I feel inadequate I will choose to believe your promises and obey your promptings. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and help me to fulfil my role. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

23.  STRONGHOLD OF FEELING UNCLEAN

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: IN CHRIST I AM PURE

I have been made clean      But you were washed, you were sanctified [made holy], you were justified [acquitted] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:11).

I am clean     You are clean (John 13:10). You are already clean because of the word I [Jesus] have spoken to you (John 15:3).

I am forgiven     I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more (Isaiah 43:25).

I am holy     We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:10).

Jesus is not ashamed of me     Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers [and sisters] (Hebrews 2:11).

Jesus sympathises with me     For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Jesus does not condemn me     Where are they? Has no one condemned you? Then neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin (John 8:10-11).

I can confidently draw near to God     Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean (Hebrews 10:2 NLT).

I am acceptable     I urge you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Romans 12:1 NASB).

I am the Son's spotless bride     Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy … to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-27).

I am as white as snow     Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool (Isaiah 1:18).

By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

I have been clothed in righteousness     Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him … Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes … The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you" (Zechariah 3:1-5).

I must be careful not to contradict God     Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean (Acts 10:15).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that I am dirty, unclean and disgusting. I announce the truth that I have been eternally purified by the blood of Jesus. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to reject myself and abuse myself. Whenever I feel impossibly contaminated I will choose to believe your promises that I am your pure and spotless bride, greatly loved and cherished by my Saviour, Jesus. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my understanding of my true state and identity. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

24.  STRONGHOLD OF HAVING NO PURPOSE

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD HAS A PLAN & PURPOSE

FOR MY LIFE

I was predestined to be God's child     In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will (Ephesians 1:5).

I will become like Jesus     For those God foreknew [foreloved before the world was made] he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn amongst many brothers (Romans 8:29).

I belong to God     He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:22).

I was created with unique potential     You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made … My frame [my potential] was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place … All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16).

I was created for unique purposes     The Lord will fulfil his purposes for me (Psalm 138:8). David … served God’s purpose in his own generation [and so can I] (Acts 13:36).

God is working out his purpose for me in suffering     Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word … It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees … in faithfulness you have afflicted me (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75-76).

God saved me for his purpose     God saved us … not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9).

God has an assigned task for me     You will be told all that has been appointed for you to do (Acts 22:10 NASB). As one of Christ's servants I have been given an assigned task (Mark 13:34).

God is at work within me     It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

I have been given gifts and faith to use them     Think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you … We have different gifts, according to the grace given us (Romans 12:3-6). Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).

There is purpose in everything I do for Jesus     My dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

There is eternal value in everything I do for Jesus     Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24).

God has specific plans for me     For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that there is nothing I can do for you. I announce the truth that my life has purpose and you have prepared unique works of service for me. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to aimlessly meander my way through life. Whenever I feel overlooked, I will choose to believe your Word that you have given me spiritual gifts and faith and grace to use them. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and help me to grow in the use of my gifts and talents to serve your cause. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

25.  STRONGHOLD OF THE FEAR OF FAILURE

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD WILL GIVE ME SUCCESS

God will help me not to fail     In all these things [troubles, persecution and satanic opposition] we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

God has made me competent     Our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).

Jesus will make me into an evangelist     Come follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

God will give me victory over the devil     With God we shall gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies (Psalm 60:12).

All things are possible for me     With your help I can advance against a troop (and run through a barricade); with my God I can scale a wall. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me (Psalm 18:29, 34-35).

God's purposes for me will be fulfilled     I cry out to God Most High … who fulfils his purpose for me [as I submit to him] (Psalm 57:2).

God's plans for me will succeed     May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious (Psalm 20:4-5).

God has plans for me that will not fail     For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind     For God did has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT).

God is for me     If [since] God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up  for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies (Romans 8:31-33).

Success comes through obeying God's Word     Don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation [God's Law] be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed (Joshua 1:8 The Message).

Always share your heart with the Father     Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).

God is with me and will strengthen me     "Be strong, O Zerubbabel," declares the Lord. "Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work [to rebuild the temple]. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty (Haggai 2:4).

Daily Prayer:    Father, I renounce the lie that I can never succeed, that I am a loser and that I will never amount to anything. I announce the truth that you have wonderful plans and purposes for me, that you have equipped me with the needed gifts and that your Spirit empowers and enables me to serve you and others. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to withdraw from others, refrain from sharing my opinion or fear failure. Whenever I feel inadequate I will choose to strengthen my heart with your promises. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and keep me close to yourself. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

26.  STRONGHOLD OF DEPRESSION

David A Seamands writes: "A concrete specific feeling of guilt which can be related to a particular act or attitude is generally a true and reliable feeling of guilt. And the emotions that follow can be real guilt and real depression for a real transgression. However, a vague all-inclusive umbrella of systematic self-accusation, general overall feelings of anxiety and condemnation which cannot be pinpointed – these are generally signs of pseudo-guilt or just plain depression that has come from emotional sources." We are dealing with the latter here. Sin may lead to depression, but not all depression comes from sin. A stronghold of depression is most likely to be derived from emotional sources. There are obviously different levels of depression. What follows is offered as just one of a number of measures that will need to be taken to find freedom. If you suffer from depression, know this: Jesus does not condemn you. He did not come to judge you but to save you. He knows what has led to this problem. He came to heal you and to set you free. God's truth will renew your mind. God's love, grace and power will bring healing and enable you to overcome.

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: JESUS IS WITH ME IN MY DEPRESSION & IS SEEKING TO LEAD ME OUT OF IT. WITH HIS HELP …

I will accept my personality and acknowledge my temperament

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

When I feel depressed (as Abraham did) I will receive the truth God reveals to me directly or through others     Do not be afraid [_______________]. I am your shield, your very great reward (Genesis 15:1). Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).  (Fill in your own name so as to personalise the truth.)

When I feel depressed (as David did) I will speak truth to my own heart     Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance [his gracious, non-judgemental smile of loving understanding and acceptance] (Psalm 42:5 KJ).

When I feel depressed (as Jeremiah did) I will remember just how good God is     I remember my affliction … and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself: "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him" (Lamentations 3:19-24).

When I feel depressed (as Elijah did) I will believe God continues to care for me     Elijah was afraid and ran for his life … "I have had enough Lord. Take my life." All at once an angel …  touched him and said: "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you" (1 Kings 19:1-8).

When I feel depressed (as Jonah did) I will believe God continues to teach me and to discipline me in love     Jonah … became angry. He prayed: "O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." But the Lord replied: "Have you any right to be angry?" (Jonah 4:1-11)

When I feel depressed (as Jesus did when he considered the cross) I will confidently submit to God     Jesus said: "Now my heart is troubled" (John 12:27). Jesus was troubled in spirit (John 13:21). "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death … Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:38-39).

Whenever I feel depressed (as Paul did) I will seek to obey God's command to be brave and very courageous     I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. We were harassed at every turn – conflicts on the outside, fears within (1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 7:5).

I will resist the temptation to isolate myself     Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25). Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed (James 5:16).

I will resist the temptation to give way to excessive weeping and feeling sorry for myself     I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears (Psalm 102:9). My tears have been my food day and night (Psalm 42:3).

I will seek help from others     Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ [to love one another] (Galatians 6:2).

I will praise God, sing to him and give thanks to him despite my feelings     Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations … for great is the Lord and most worthy of praise (Psalm 96:1-4).

I will rest confidently in the Holy Spirit              The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children (Romans 8:16). The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6). Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons [and daughters] of God (Romans 8:14).

I will lean heavily on God's power     We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:7).

I will rest in the Father's embrace     Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62:5-7).

I will remember that the Father shepherds me     I myself will search for my sheep and look after them … I will rescue them ... I myself will tend my sheep and make them lie down … I will search for the lost and bring back the strays.  I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak (Ezekiel 34:11-16).

I will remember that the Father never gives up on me     I am now going to allure her [my backslidden bride]; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the valley of trouble a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt … Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety. I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord (Hosea 2:14-20).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I should feel ashamed of my depression and that you despise me for it. I announce the truth that whilst my personality and my responses to my experiences might have made matters worse, you understand me, weep for me and do not condemn me. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to remain sorrowful and down. Whenever I feel dejected and inadequate I will choose to believe your promises and open my heart to receive your grace. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in confidence and dependence on you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

27.  STRONGHOLD OF THE FEAR OF SATAN

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: SATAN IS A CREATED BEING

Satan is a defeated foe     The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work (1 John 3:8). [Jesus shared our humanity] so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is the devil (Hebrews 2:14). Having disarmed the [satanic] powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2: 15).

Satan cannot harm me   We know that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] continue to sin; the One who was born of God [Jesus] keeps him safe [watches over him], and the evil one cannot harm him [does not touch him] (1 John 5:18).

Satan cannot separate me from the love of God     Neither angels nor demons [heavenly rulers] … nor any power … nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

Satan cannot snatch me from Christ     My sheep … follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand … no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand (John 10:27-30).

Satan cannot take Christ out of me     For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Satan cannot overcome me if I am in submission to God     Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7). The Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Satan cannot perfectly read my mind     The sorcerers of king Nebuchadnezzar were not able to read his mind as to the dream he needed interpreting (Daniel 2:10). God, however, revealed the dream to his servant Daniel.

Satan cannot predict my future   The prophet Isaiah mocked and challenged foreign gods with the words: Declare to us the things to come, tell us what the future holds, so that we may know you are gods. But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless (Isaiah 41:21-24, 26). (Deuteronomy 32:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:20 show that sacrifices made to idols/foreign gods are made to demons.)

Satan is a created being     On the day you were created (the myriad precious stones that adorned you) were prepared. You were the anointed cherub that covers with overshadowing wings, for so I ordained you (Ezekiel 28:12-19).

Jesus has prayed (and continues to pray) for my protection     My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one (John 17:15). Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf (Hebrews 7:25 NLT).

God lives in me     Greater is He that is in you [the Father] than he that is in the world [the devil] (1 John 4:4 NASB).

God will give me the victory     No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you (Isaiah 54:17).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that Satan is almost as powerful as you. I announce the truth that he is a created being and was totally defeated and rendered powerless by the cross. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to fear the devil or fight him in my own strength. Whenever I feel intimidated by Satan I will take all his thoughts captive, choose to believe your promises and take my stand against him, clothed with the full armour of God. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in spiritual warfare. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

28.  STRONGHOLD OF BEING OVERCOME BY SATAN

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I CAN OVERCOME THE ACCUSER

By trusting in God's protection     There is no sorcery against Jacob, no divination against Israel (Numbers 23:23).

By living as a true disciple of Jesus     The accuser of our brothers [the devil], who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death (Revelation 12:10-11).

By standing firm in my freedom     When a strong man [Satan], fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger [Jesus] attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armour in which the man trusted [Satan's legitimate accusations against us] and divides up the spoils (Luke 11:21-22).

By making sure I am wearing the full armour of God    Finally [from now on] be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes … Stand firm then, with the belt of truth [God's truth] buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness [God's righteousness] in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace [God's grace]. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:10-18).

By refusing to give way to fear     We know that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] continue to sin; the One who was born of God [Jesus] keeps him safe [watches over him], and the evil one cannot harm him [does not touch him] (1 John 5:18).

By submitting to God and resisting the devil   Submit yourselves then to God [by confession, repentance and renouncing the devil's work]. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

By giving God my anxiety and by standing firm in the faith     Humble yourselves … under God's mighty hand … Cast all your anxiety on him … Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:6-9).

By not fighting the darkness, but rather turning on the light   The entrance and unfolding of your words gives light (Psalm 119:130). Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

By taking every thought captive     We take captive [with the spear] every thought [every purpose and scheme of Satan] and make it obedient to Christ [judging it by his truth] (2 Corinthians 10:5).

By testing everything according to the word of God     For the word of God is living and active [light and quick]. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

By exercising my authority as a child of God     I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you (Luke 10:19).

Daily Prayer:    Father, I renounce the lie that I cannot effectively resist Satan. I announce the truth that in Christ I can overcome him because he was totally defeated and rendered powerless by the cross. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to live in defeat. Whenever I feel intimidated by Satan I will take his thoughts captive, choose to believe your promises and stand against him, clothed with the full armour of God. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and help me to engage the enemy courageously. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

29. STRONGHOLD OF BEING A PRISONER OF THE PAST

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: my past does not belong to me

My past is not mine; God has dealt with it     All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world or life or death or the present or the future [not the past] – all are yours, and you are of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:21-22).

God does not remind us of our sin     She said to Elijah, "What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin?" (1 Kings 17:18)

Forgetting is an on-going process     [There is] one thing I [make sure I] do: Forgetting [choosing constantly not to remember] what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize [my reward] for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

My past has been dealt with     Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? … And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

My past isn't even mentioned as a possibility     I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

I am to grab hold of God's purposes for me     I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me (Philippians 3:12).

I am to sever soul ties     Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father’s house (Psalm 45:10). A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife (Genesis 2:24).

I am to look forward, not back     Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:18-19).

I am to prevent the past from making me a cripple     Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees … so that the [spiritually] lame may not be disabled, but rather healed (Hebrews 12:12-13).

I am part of God's bigger plan     But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives … It was God who sent me here, not you! (Genesis 45:5-8 NLT) Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people (Genesis 50:19-20 NLT).

I can trust the Father     We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them [including past traumatic experiences] (Romans 8:28 NLT).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that for me the past will always spoil and control the present. I announce the truth that I am not a prisoner of the past. I have been set free to serve you. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and need to forgive and forget and receive your healing. Whenever I feel sorry for myself and discouraged, I will choose to believe your promise that you are with me and that your hand is upon me for a purpose. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I grow in confidence and spiritual authority. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

30.  STRONGHOLD OF IMMATURITY

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: I have been predestined

to become like Jesus

The mature leave childish ways behind so they can truly love God and others     Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres … When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 11).

The mature are not controlled by the things of this world     The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature (Luke 8:14).

The mature express God's wisdom, not the world's     We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing (1 Corinthians 2:6).

The mature do not allow the past to control them     Brothers … one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things (Philippians 3:13-15).

The mature welcome instruction and correction     We tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, mature in their relationship to Christ (Colossians 1:28 NLT).

The mature know who they are in Christ     Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured (Colossians 4:12).

The mature preach the gospel to themselves daily     Anyone who [happily] lives on milk, being still an infant [in their understanding of the gospel and its application], is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness [justification]. But solid food is for the mature [those desperate to become like Jesus], who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:13-14). God willing [if he knows we are committed to change], we will move forward to further understanding (Hebrews 6:3 NLT).

The mature embrace trials     Consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete (James 1:2-4).

The mature can always be at peace     I have learnt the secret of being content in any and every situation (Philippians 4:11).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I can fulfil your plans and purposes for my life without giving up childish ways and without letting go of the past. I renounce the lie that I do not need to wrestle with the enemy to gain transforming understanding and to live in the good of the gospel. I announce the truth that you are daily committed to making me more like Jesus. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and that I'm free to grow up. I choose to have done with immaturity. Whenever I am tempted to settle, help me to press on into you and into all that you have for me. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and empower me to change. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

31.  STRONGHOLD OF PRIDE

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD HATES ARROGANCE

Pride brought about Satan's fall from heaven     I hate pride and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13). You [Satan] said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit (Isaiah 14:13-15).

God esteems the humble    This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word (Isaiah 66:2).

Jesus was humble to the core     Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29).

Jesus came to serve not to be served     I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example [of humble service] that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:14-15).

Only the humble can be justified (pronounced righteous)      But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, "O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner." I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 18:13-14 NLT).

Pride prevents us from seeking God     In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God (Psalm 10:4).

God opposes the proud     God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up (James 4:10).

God never despises the humble     The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise (Psalm 51:17).

Pride hardens my heart     His heart became arrogant and hardened with pride (Daniel 5:20).

God sets himself against the proud and disobedient     I will break down your stubborn pride (Leviticus 26:19).

Pride is a form of idolatry     Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).

Pride prevents us from receiving God's grace as a gift     Have patience with me and I will repay you everything [give me more time, Lord, and I will manage to live up to your standards] (Matthew 18:26 NASB).

Pride deceives us     Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Pride only breeds quarrels. Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 11:2; 13:10; 16:18). If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12)

God is with the humble     This is what the high and lofty One says … "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite" (Isaiah 57:15).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I am superior to others and can establish my own righteousness by living up to my own standards. I renounce the lie that I don't need your help or the help of others. I announce the truth that without you I can do nothing. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and have nothing to prove. Whenever I feel I need to earn your love and acceptance, I will choose to believe your promises and rest in all you have achieved for me. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in humility. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

32.  STRONGHOLD OF SELFISHNESS

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: joy comes through entrusting myself to the father

Selfishness is incompatible with discipleship     And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Christ's sacrifice motivates self-sacrifice     I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

Jesus never sought to please himself     I seek not to please myself but him who sent me (John 5:30). We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbour for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself (Romans 15:1-3). But I [the Messiah] am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people (Psalm 22:6).

Jesus entrusted himself to God     He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly (1 Peter 2:23 NLT).

Paul never sought to please himself     Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble … I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).

It is the devil who promotes selfishness     "You will not surely die … for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:4-5).

There is no selfishness in Jesus     Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39).

Discipleship is a calling to die to self     Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23 NLT).

Unfriendliness and selfishness are companions     Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense (Proverbs 18:1 NLT).

Selfishness leads to judgement     But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger (Romans 2:8).

Pride and selfishness are companions     Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3). Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10).

There is no selfishness in love     Love … is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that if I don't look after my own interests no one will. I announce the truth that "Joy comes through putting Jesus first, others second and yourself last". I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can trust you to look after me in any and every situation. Whenever I am tempted to put self-interest first I will consider Jesus and follow his example. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and help me to die to self every day, in every situation. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

33.  STRONGHOLD OF INDULGING CHARACTER FLAWS

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: I SHOULD & CAN BE CONTROLLED BY THE SPIRIT NOT BY THE FLESH

I can control my tongue     Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful … do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live (Ephesians 4:29-30 NLT).

I can control the way I act     Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of malicious behaviour (Ephesians 4:31 NLT).

Disobedience and rebellion are like practicing witchcraft     To obey is better than sacrifice … for rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

The Holy Spirit empowers me to change     For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

I lack nothing I need to be victorious over sin (the world, the flesh and the devil)     His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3).

Anger can be dealt with the same day     In your anger do not sin.  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26).

The Holy Spirit enables me to exercise self-control     But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:23).

I am no longer a slave to sinful thoughts and actions     It was while we were dead in our transgressions and sins that we were gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Diligence should replace laziness     We do not want you to become lazy [regarding serving the people of God] (Hebrews 6:12). Titus is told, regarding lazy gluttons, to rebuke them sharply (Titus 1:12).

I am commanded to love God and others     Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

I am called to maturity     When I was a child, I thought like a child, I talked like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways behind me (1 Corinthians 13:11).

To indulge character flaws is to oppose God's purpose for me     For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (Romans 8:29).

Flaws are to be transformed into blessings     He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something with his hands, that he may have something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28). Let no debt remain outstanding (Romans 13:8).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that _____________________ _____________________________________ can be indulged without dishonouring you. I announce the truth that you expect my full cooperation as the Holy Spirit works in me to make me more like Jesus. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Whenever I feel self-pity, help me to choose to die to self, to believe your promises, to obey your Word and to put childish ways behind me. In Jesus' precious name Amen.

(Other possible character flaws not mentioned above: hypocrisy, negativity, unreliability, discontentment, blaming others, deceit, impatience, procrastination, taking offence, giving up, meanness, cowardliness, harshness, panic, indulgence and immoral thinking.)

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

34. STRONGHOLD OF OVER-EATING

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: over-eating can never bring lasting comfort

The Father does not judge or condemn me when I eat too much     As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14).

The Father should be the one from whom I seek comfort     Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts … I, even I, am he who comforts you (Isaiah 51:7, 12).

The Father longs to be my comforter     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). May your unfailing love be my comfort (Psalm 119:76).

God's mother-love comforts me     As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you (Isaiah 66:13).

Only the Father can truly comfort me     You satisfy me more than the richest feast. (My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.) I will praise you with songs of joy (Psalm 63:5 NLT & NIV).

The Father, not food, is my refuge   He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress." … "Because he loves me", says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name … I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him" (Psalm 91:1, 14-16).

I am free to make godly choices     "Everything is permissible for me" – but I will not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). Like a city whose walls are broken down, is a man who lacks self-control (Proverbs 25:28).

The Spirit helps me in my weakness     Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh … the fruit of the Spirit … is self-control (Galatians 5:16, 22-23 NASB).

Godly choices require discipline     Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict [agonizing] training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever … I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

Eating too much uses more than my fair share    If you have food, share it with those who are hungry (Luke 3:11 NLT). I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality (2 Corinthians 8:13-14 NLT).

Eating too much damages God's handiwork     Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). You are not your own; you were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Eating too much can become idolatry     Be on your guard against all kinds of greed (Luke 12:15). Put to death … greed, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that over-eating brings lasting comfort. I announce the truth that you are the God of all comfort and that your unfailing love is my only legitimate and real comfort. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not have to gratify the desires of the flesh. Whenever I feel in need of comfort, instead of turning to food, I will choose to praise you and be satisfied with your love as with the richest of foods. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in self-control. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

35.  STRONGHOLD OF LUST / PORNOGRAPHY

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD EMPOWERS ME TO RESIST SEXUAL SIN & TO THINK WHOLESOME THOUGHTS

I can bear the fruit of the Spirit     But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:22-24).

I am free to live by the Spirit     But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Galatians 5:16 NASB).

I have been given a spirit of self-control     Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man [or a woman] who lacks self-control (Proverbs 25:28). For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

I am dead to sin and alive in Christ     Count yourselves dead to sin [which you are], but alive to God in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11).

I am free to choose how I use the members of my body     Do not offer the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:12-13).

I can always resist temptation with God's help     No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

I can control what I choose to look at     David said: "I will set before my eyes no vile thing"(Psalm 101:3).  Job said: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman" (Job 31:1 NLT). (Pornography is idolatry.)

I can replace unclean thoughts with wholesome ones     Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely … think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

God longs to give me the comfort I need     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles … (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). May your unfailing love be my comfort (Psalm 119:76).

Sex within marriage is not shameful     The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame (Genesis 2:25).

Lovingly and unselfishly meeting a spouse's marital needs is an essential part of marriage     The husband should fulfil his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband (1 Corinthians 7:3).

Wholesome sex never violates the conscience of either spouse     The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5). Everything that does not come from faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

I am called to purity     It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honourable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God … For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that pornography, masturbation, sexual fantasies, illicit affairs, etc, are not serious and can bring lasting comfort. I announce the truth that I can only really find all my needs met in you and through your provisions for me. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to be a slave to sexual sin. Whenever I feel tempted or in need of comfort I will choose to come to you, be dependent on you, and look for your solution. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in unselfish, practical holiness and purity. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

36.  STRONGHOLD OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The statements of truth, and the Scriptures relating to drunkenness, apply equally to the effects of drug-taking and smoking. If you are an alcoholic or addicted to drugs or unable to stop smoking, know this: Jesus does not condemn you. He did not come to judge you but to save you. He knows what has led to this problem. He came to heal you and to set you free (Isaiah 61:1-3). God's truth will renew your mind. God's love, grace and power will bring healing and enable you to overcome. But if you are to know true freedom you must choose to fully cooperate with him, no matter what it takes.

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: THROUGH CHRIST I CAN BE SET FREE

I cannot bring about my own freedom without the Spirit's help     What I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do … What I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep doing (Romans 7:14-20).

I belong to God     You were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:20).

I can find grace and mercy in time of need     Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

I already have all I need to live a victorious life      His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3).

Drunkenness can lead to death     Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, "They hit me," you will say, "but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” (Proverbs 23:31-35)

Everything that contaminates my body can be avoided     Since we have these promises dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Drunkenness is sinful     The deeds of the flesh are evident … drunkenness … I have forewarned you … those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

Drunkenness leads to sexual immorality     Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead let the Holy Spirit fill and control you (Ephesians 5:18 NLT).

Every addiction needs to be broken     Everything is permissible for me … but I will not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Drunkenness makes me an animal     Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise (Proverbs 20:1).

Drunkenness can lead to financial ruin     Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor (Proverbs 23:20-21).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lies that (______________) answers my real needs, that I can never be truly free, or that I can free myself by my own efforts. I announce the truth that it is your will for me to be free, that you alone can meet my deepest needs for love, and a true sense of significance, security and acceptance, and that I am powerless to free myself. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to escape from reality. Whenever I feel tempted to find solace in (______________) I will choose to believe your promises, submit myself to you, resist the devil and ask for your help and the help of my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.  (Fill in the relevant substance.)

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

37.  STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION & CONTROL WITHIN FAMILIES

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: MANIPULATION & CONTROL

ARE SATANIC

Jesus was not intimidated by his parents     [They] didn’t know what to think. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere." "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn’t you realize that I must be in my Father’s house?" (Luke 2:48-49 NLT)

Jesus' family tried to control him     When his family heard (that he and his disciples were not even able to eat), they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind" (Mark 3:20-21).

Jesus resisted being controlled by his family     Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent someone in to call him … "Who are my mother and my brothers?" Jesus asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!" (Mark 3:31-35)

Jesus rebuked his mother for her interference     "Dear woman [not "Dear mother"], why do you involve me [why are you trying to direct me]?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come [to act]" (John 2:4).

Sometimes God's people are be given preference over relatives     When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby [John], he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home [even though Mary had a number of children of her own] (John 19:26-27).

I will need to break free     For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife [who must then take first place in his affections] (Genesis 2:24). Listen, O daughter [about to be married] … Forget your people and your father's house [your husband must now take first place in your affections]. Your sons will take the place of your fathers [your new family must now takes precedence over your old] (Psalm 45:10, 16).

Parents do not own their children     For every living soul [person, life] belongs to me (Ezekiel 18:4). I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:18).

Manipulation and domination are consequences of the fall     To the woman he said, "Your desire will [now] be for your husband [to manipulate and control him], and he will [now try to] rule over you [dominate you by brute force]" (Genesis 3:16).

Good parenting avoids all forms of manipulation and control     Fathers [parents] do not provoke [embitter, exasperate], irritate, worry, be hard on or harass your children; lest they become discouraged [and lose heart], sullen and morose, and feel inferior and frustrated; do not break their spirit (Colossians 3:21 Amp).

A parent's companionship, friendship and emotional needs (if living alone) must be met by God and their peers – their equals – not by their children     A new commandment I give you [as my disciples]: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34). Encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13). Teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:16).

Daily Prayer:    Father, I renounce the lie that I should allow my life to be shaped by the manipulating and controlling authority of family members. I announce the truth that all godly authority releases me to take hold of your plans and purposes for my life. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and have the power to walk free from satanic control operating through others. Whenever I feel manipulated please help me to resist it and never to inflict it on others. I choose to believe the teaching of your Word. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and empower me to submit wholeheartedly to his every prompting. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

38.  STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION & CONTROL CONCERNING LEADERSHIP

We are dealing here with leaders similar to those referred to in Ezekiel 34:1-16, who behaved more like wolves than shepherds. Such leaders manipulate and control the members, and other leaders within their churches, in order to dominate them and advance their own personal convictions and agendas at any cost. They are either driven by their insecurities or by their egos. They cause many problems, particularly to sensitive believers, and leave people confused and vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one. Every local church belongs to Jesus and all leaders are there to serve and care for his flock. Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT).

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: MANIPULATION & CONTROL

ARE SATANIC

All believers are called to freedom     [Jesus said:] He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners … to release the oppressed (Luke 4:18-19) … [to bring about] the glorious freedom of the children of God (Romans 8:21). You … were called to be free (Galatians 5:13).

God appoints servant leaders     Be shepherds of God's flock … eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you (1 Peter 5:2-3). Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).

The discipling process is two-way     Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17 NASB).

No one is immune     Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:30).

Ungodly authority controls; godly authority releases     [Jesus said:] You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different (Matthew 20:25-26 NLT).

Legalism uses manipulation and control     Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why … do you submit to its rules? … they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence (Colossians 2:20-23).

Manipulation can be a cover for false teaching     They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control … these men oppose the truth – men of depraved minds (2 Timothy 3:1-9).

Opinions can differ     One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind (Romans 14:5).

Occult practices are used to exercise control     Balak made this request of the sorcerer Balaam concerning Israel: Come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me (Numbers 22:6). Let no one be found among you … who practices divination or sorcery, engages in witchcraft … or is a medium or spiritist … Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:9-13). Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Daily Prayer:    Father, I renounce the lie that I should allow my life to be shaped by the manipulating and controlling authority of leaders. I announce the truth that all godly authority releases me to take hold of your plans and purposes for my life. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and have the power to walk free from satanic control operating through others. Whenever I feel manipulated, please help me to resist it and never to inflict it on others. I choose to believe the teaching of your Word. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and empower me to submit wholeheartedly to your every prompting. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

39.  STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION& CONTROL CONCERNING GOD

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: god owes us nothing;

We are all totally dependent on him

For everything

God does not owe me salvation     All of us … like the rest … were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions …  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this [salvation is] not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:3-9).

I can never earn God's blessing through good works     All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

God does not owe me wealth     So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content (1 Timothy 6:8 NLT). [Paul said: we are] sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything (2 Corinthians 6:10).

God does not owe me healing     Indeed he [Epaphroditus] was ill and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow (Philippians 2:27).

God does not promise that others will approve of me     For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men (1 Corinthians 4:9).

God does not owe me a life free from conflicts and persecution     Since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes … he quickly falls away (Matthew 13:21). In this world you will have trouble (John 16:33).

God may expose me to suffering for my good     Satan replied to the Lord, "Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property … But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!" (Job 1:9-11 NLT)

God does not owe me a life free from worries and the lure of money     The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful (Matthew 13:22).

God does not owe me a life free from disasters     "Does Job fear God for nothing?  (One of Satan's false accusations.) Have you not put a hedge around him? … (Job 1:9-11). (God removed the fence.)

Although God forgives me, deliberate sin will bring spiritual decay     Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).

I cannot make a sacrifice that would put God in my debt     Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? (Romans 11:35)

God will only relate to me on the basis of grace     I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21)

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that you owe me anything. I was a lost sinner, deserving condemnation, but out of your great love, mercy and grace you gave me life. I announce the truth that first and foremost you want a relationship with me, not to give me what I think I need. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and know that you cause all things to work together for my good. I look to you to meet all my real needs as you see fit as my loving Father. Whenever I am tempted to feel resentful and hard-done-by, I will choose to trust your sovereignty. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my appreciation of just how good you are. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

40.  STRONGHOLD OF UNFORGIVENESS

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: FORGIVING OTHERS LIBERATES ME

We must never withhold forgiveness from others or from ourselves    Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me [whether he is sorry or not]?  Up to seven times?  Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22).

Unforgiveness causes me spiritual torment     In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart (Matthew 18:34-35).

Forgiveness that is from the heart is prompted by compassion     The lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt (Matthew 18:27 NASB).

Forgiveness that is from the heart is unconditional     He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities … As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:10, 12).

Unforgiveness gives Satan a foothold in my life     If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven …  I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

Unforgiveness ruins intimacy with God     Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors … For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:12, 14-15).  (Relating to God as Judge I am forgiven, but, relating to him as Father, my unforgiveness of others spoils my intimacy with him.)

Unforgiveness ruins relationships     Love is patient, love is kind … it keeps no record of wrongs … it always protects, always trusts (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

The more I appreciate God's forgiveness the more I will love him and others     He who has been forgiven little [in his own eyes] loves little (Luke 7:47).

We must forgive because we have been forgiven     Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).

We must show mercy because we have been shown mercy     Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7).

God enables me to forgive the most terrible wrongs done to me     I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Unforgiveness contaminates all who are close to us     See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many (Hebrews 12:15).

Daily Prayer:     Father, I renounce the lie that unforgiveness keeps the person who has hurt me in some sort of prison. I announce the truth that unforgiveness creates bitterness in me, keeps me locked in a prison of my own making, and subjects me to spiritual torment. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can freely forgive all who have sinned against me, cancelling the debts they owed me and releasing them from those obligations. I now look to you to meet all my needs as my loving heavenly Father. Whenever I feel resentment, bitterness or self-pity welling up, I will choose to forgive and run to you for comfort. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my appreciation of how much I have been forgiven. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

41.  STRONGHOLD OF CONDEMNING CRITICISM

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: CRITICISM IS THE DEVIL'S WORK

Don't judge another person's servant     Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand (Romans 14:4). Who are you to judge your neighbour (James 4:12)?

Be diligent to judge yourself     If we judged ourselves we would not come under judgement [the Lord's discipline] (1 Corinthians 11:31).

Don't judge non-believers     What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church (1 Corinthians 5:12)?

Don't judge another person's character     Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:1-2).

Don't try to be another person's conscience     When he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of guilt, in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement (John 16:8).

Show mercy to others     Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7).

Don't flatter or be hypocritical     We never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask … we were gentle among you like a mother caring for her children … We dealt with you as a father deals with his own children (1 Thessalonians 2:5-11).

Treat the wayward with gentleness     Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently (Galatians 6:1).

Speak the truth in love     Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

Don't retaliate     When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate … he made no threats … he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).

Build others up     Do not let any unwholesome [rotten, worthless] talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).

Be for others not against them     We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God (Psalm 20:5).

Don't be self-centred     Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

The weak need help not criticism     To the weak I became weak to win the weak (1 Corinthians 9:22). Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Daily Prayer:    Father, I renounce the lie that it is good to be critical. I announce the truth that God is not a fault-finding God, but one of encouragement, who looks for faith not faults. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to criticise others in a condemning way in order to feel better about myself. Whenever I feel critical and disapproving, I will choose to believe in your character and to look for what can be approved of and encouraged in that person or situation. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in my appreciation of others. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

42.  STRONGHOLD OF POVERTY

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD WILL MEET ALL MY NEEDS

God wants to prosper me     Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2 NASB).

God wants my city to prosper     Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you … Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper (Jeremiah 29:7). Send now prosperity, O Lord, we beseech you, and give to us success (Psalm 118:25 Amp)!

God does not want me to remain poor     There should be no poor among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance he will richly bless you (Deuteronomy 15:4).

God wants me to be able to lend to others     You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none (Deuteronomy 15:6).

God wants me to be compassionate and generous     Do not be hard-hearted or tight fisted towards your poor brother. Rather be open-handed and freely lend him whatever he needs (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).

God does not want my generosity to be conditional     Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back (Luke 6:35).

God enables me to produce wealth     You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

God wants my joy to be complete     The Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful (Deuteronomy 16:15).

God will not allow me to suffer want because of my generosity     After commending them for their sacrificial giving to his ministry, Paul said to the Philippian believers: My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

God wants me to give his kingdom first place in my heart   Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it … Seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well (Luke 12:29-31).

God expects me to work hard     If a man [or a woman] is not willing to work, then he is not to eat either (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

God wants all his children to be givers     He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).

God promises to provide even more than I need     God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace [every earthly blessing] abound to you, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you need [regarding worldly wealth], you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).

Generosity brings prosperity     You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that you are happy for me to remain poor; dependent upon the generosity of others. I announce the truth that you have promised to provide me with food, clothing and housing, together with enough of a surplus to help others – provided I work hard myself. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to worry about such things. Whenever I feel doomed to poverty, I will choose to believe your promises, submit to you and resist the enemy.  Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I trust you to meet all my needs. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

43.  STRONGHOLD OF GREED

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: greed is a counterfeit god

Greed can be kept hidden     My people come to you [spiritual leader] … to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain (Ezekiel 33:31).

Greed is an issue of the heart     Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven … for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:20-21). No servant can serve two masters … You cannot serve both God and Money (Luke 16:13).

Greed and generosity are opposites     Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back (Luke 6:30).

Trust, and dependence on God, combat greed     Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand (1 Chronicles 29:14).

Gratitude and contentment combat greed     Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15). Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). If we have food and clothing, we will be content (1 Timothy 6:8).

God supplies the needs of the generous     Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice (Psalm 112:5). You [who sow generously] will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us [passing on your gifts to the needy] your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11).

God will judge the greedy     You have hoarded wealth [in a time of need]. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you … You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence (James 5:1-6). I was enraged by his [man's] sinful greed; I punished him, and hid my face in anger, yet he kept on in his wilful ways (Isaiah 57:17).

Greed threatens family life     A greedy man brings trouble to his family (Proverbs 15:27). A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper (Proverbs 28:25).

Money is deceitful     Wealth is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. They open their mouths as wide as the grave, and like death, they are never satisfied. In their greed they have gathered up many nations and swallowed many peoples [through conquest and exploitation] (Habakkuk 2:5 NLT).

Greed has no place in the kingdom of God     No immoral, impure or greedy person – such a man is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Ephesians 5:3-5).

The love of money brings about ruin     People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I can serve both you and Money. I announce the truth that you love a cheerful giver and will always meet the needs of the generous. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to hoard wealth or fear the future. Whenever I find it difficult to be open-handed with my possessions, I will choose to believe your promises and follow your example. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in the grace of giving. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

44.  STRONGHOLD OF REBELLION AGAINST AUTHORITY

Today, Church leaders and apostolic team members, often face hostile criticism and opposition to their authority. This was also the case in NT times. They are easy targets and often seen as standing in someone else's way; particularly by those who have personal agendas. Rebellion against their authority, and indeed against all kinds of authority figures, may, however, be rooted in traumatic past experiences. Where there has been manipulation and control, or the abuse and exploitation of the vulnerable by authority figures, a stronghold of rebellion can easily become established. Whether this be the case, or the cause found in wounded pride or the thwarting of one's own dreams and plans, such a stronghold needs to be demolished. Their presence within the work of the kingdom of God has brought about many disastrous divisions and church closures. Because of this, it would be worthwhile for all of us to work through these Scriptures. Rebellion against authority caused Satan's fall and brought about the need for the cross.

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOD APPOINTS LEADERS

God will oppose those who oppose his chosen leaders     Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses … "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? … Hasn't he also spoken through us?" … the Lord said … "Why … were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" (Numbers 12:1-15)

Democracy is not the biblical model     Korah … Dathan and Abiram … rose up against Moses … with them were 250 … leaders … "The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord's assembly?" … The Lord said to Moses and Aaron "Separate yourselves from this assembly so that I can put an end to them" (Numbers 16:1-3, 20-21).

Jealousy often lies behind rebellion     In the camp they [Dathan and Abiram] grew envious of Moses and Aaron (Psalm 106:16).

Rebellion is rooted in pride     Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).

Rebellion precedes ruin     I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors.  I have come to the brink of ruin in the midst of the whole assembly (Proverbs 5:13-14).

God expects our submission to leadership     If any one does not obey our instructions … take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Being persuaded that decisions are the right ones, brings joy     Obey your leaders and submit to their authority [allow yourself to be persuaded by them] … Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you (Hebrews 13:17).

The enemy promotes leadership rivalry     Even from your own number [local elders] men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:30).

Extend grace to God's chosen leaders and think the best of them    Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Obey the Holy Spirit when he prompts you to submit to others     Submit to such as these [those who devote themselves to serving God's people] and to everyone who joins in the work, and labours at it (1 Corinthians 16:15-16).

Uncomplaining submission extends to the secular world     Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Romans 13:1).

God chooses and anoints his leaders     The Lord said to Samuel … "I have rejected Saul … and … I have chosen one of Jesse's sons to be king." … Samuel … anointed David … and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon him (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

God alone should remove one of his chosen leaders     Persecuted by Saul, David had two opportunities to kill him and to let his men make him king, but said: "The Lord forbid that I should lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord" (1 Samuel 24:6). "Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless? The Lord himself will strike him … his time will come and he will die" (1 Samuel 26:9-11).

God-appointed leaders do not need to secure their own position     David did not establish himself as king. God opened the way and put it into the heart of the people to anoint him king "over the house of Judah" (2 Samuel 2:4) and "over Israel" (2 Samuel 5:3).

God-appointed leaders need to hear the expression of the heart-support of those called to follow them     "We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you." All these … fighting men … came to Hebron fully determined to make David king (1 Chronicles 12:18, 38). "Do all that you have in mind," his [Jonathan's] armour-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul" (1 Samuel 14:7).

God-appointed leaders need the confirmation of their peers, and to know they serve for the benefit of God's people     Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons and carpenters to build a palace for him. And [by that] David knew [realised] that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel (1 Chronicles 14:1-2).

God-appointed leaders are to be honoured regardless of age     Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

God-appointed leaders provoke personal loyalty     "Watch me," he [Gideon] told them. "Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, 'For the Lord and for Gideon'" (Judges 7:17-18). They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will (2 Corinthians 8:5).

God-appointed leaders respond with humility and openness when their authority is challenged     (When facing a leadership challenge, Moses left God to resolve the issue.) Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else of the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3).

God-appointed leaders are secure in their roles and seek input from fellow leaders and followers in decision making    David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, "If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the Lord our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us" (1 Chronicles 13:1-2).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that rebellion against authority is of no consequence. I announce the truth that to do so is to rebel against you. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and do not need to defend myself or prove my own worth. Whenever I feel rebellious I will choose to believe your promises, submit to my leaders and trust in you for my own needs and for my life's work. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live through me as I grow in humble obedience.  In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

45.  STRONGHOLD OF GOSSIP

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: GOSSIP IS MALICIOUS

Gossip destroys trust     A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man [or woman] keeps a secret (Proverbs 11:13).

Gossip destroys relationships     A perverse man [or woman] stirs up dissention, and a gossip separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28).

Gossip isolates people     A gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid a man [or a woman] who talks too much (Proverbs 20:19).

Gossip prolongs dissention     Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down (Proverbs 26:20).

Gossip contaminates the heart     The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts (Proverbs 26:22; 18:8).

Gossip prejudges people     He who gives an answer before he hears, it is a folly and shame to him (Proverbs 18:13 NASB).

Gossip is the co-worker of slander     Put … aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech (Colossians 3:8 NASB).

Gossip gives expression to many of the things God hates     There are six things the Lord hates – no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family (Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT).

Words that build up triumph over words that destroy     Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Words of grace benefit all     Do not let any unwholesome [rotten, worthless] talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).

Be slow to believe accusations, especially against leaders     Do not entertain an accusation against an elder [even in your mind] unless it is brought by two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19).

God expects me to be loyal     Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10). In humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

Only with the Spirit's help can the tongue be tamed     The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:5-8).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that when I talk about others behind their backs in a negative way it doesn't carry any unholy consequences. I announce the truth that gossip is slander and when I engage in it I am sitting in judgement on others. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and need to actively rid gossip from my life. Whenever I feel I am in danger of speaking abusively of others, I will come to you and express my feelings to you and ask for your grace. I choose to believe your promise that your grace is always sufficient for me. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I grow in exercising control over my tongue. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

46.  STRONGHOLD OF HEAVINESS OF SPIRIT

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: I have been given a spirit of joy

I will rejoice in my King     Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people (Psalm 149:2-4).

I will rejoice that my King has come to me     Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

Jesus has removed my spirit of despair     The Lord has anointed me … to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve … to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:1-3).

I am commanded to shout with joy!     Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot – come, let us rejoice in him (Psalm 66:1-2, 6).

My salvation is my source of joy     Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy (Psalm 126:3).

Joy is found in God's presence     You will fill me with the joy of your presence (Acts 2:28). In your presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11 NASB). The joy of the Lord is your strength [his joy and delight in you!] (Nehemiah 8:10).

Confident trust brings joy     May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Confident hope brings joy     Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying (Romans 12:12 NLT).

God's protection brings me joy     Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you (Psalm 5:11).

I will rejoice in God's love     I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have … set my feet in a spacious place (Psalm 31:7-8).

I have the joy of Jesus     Your God has set you [Jesus] above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy (Hebrews 1:9). Jesus prayed that I may have the full measure of his joy (John 17:13).

Joy comes through obedience (which is never perfect)     I have told you this [to remain in my love by keeping my commands] so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (John 15:9-11).

I can always be joyful!     Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation … I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:4, 12-13).

Heaven awaits me!     Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be … their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:3-4).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that fullness of joy can never be mine. I announce the truth that all of your children have your joy within them. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can obey your command to rejoice in you at all times. Whenever I feel under a spirit of heaviness I will choose to believe your promises and rejoice in my salvation. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I grow in joy, contentment and thankfulness. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

47.  STRONGHOLD OF SELF-PITY

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: abandoning myself to the sadness of my problems & painful experiences, gives the devil a secure foothold

Nothing can separate me from Christ's love     Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? … No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us [enough to die for us] (Romans 8:35-37 NLT).

Nothing compares with Christ's love for me     The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favour has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair (Isaiah 61:1-3 NLT).

God is always with me     I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever – the Spirit of truth (John 14:16). Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

God will always comfort me     God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT).

God will always protect me     Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one (John 17:11, 15).

With the commandment, God gives us the power to obey it     Do everything without complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14). Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

I will pursue the blessing that will flow from the evil done to me     We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28 NLT).

I will take responsibility for my thought life     Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

I will put Jesus at the centre     Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17).

I will fix my eyes on Jesus, not on myself     Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up (Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that self-pity is not a sin. I announce the truth that self-pity dishonours you and gives the devil a field-day. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can overcome the habit of being self-absorbed. Whenever I feel sorry for myself I will choose to remember the suffering you went through to make me your child and be truly thankful. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I daily die to self. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

48. STRONGHOLD OF SELF-REJECTION

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: it is satanic to reject myself

I am precious to God     O Lord, you have searched me and you know me … you are familiar with all my ways (Psalm 139:1-4). How precious concerning me are your thoughts, O God (Psalm 139:17).

God's hand is directly on my life     You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5-6). Where can I go from your Spirit? … Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast (Psalm 139:7-12).

I need to cooperate with God as he heals me and changes me    Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me [any unresolved pain, any satanic bondage, any idolatry, any persistent sin], and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).

Father, Son and Holy Spirit live within me     [Jesus said:] I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever. If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (John 14:16, 23).

It is good and proper for me to love myself in a healthy way     Love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39). Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. No one ever hated his own body but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church (Ephesians 5:28-29). (Abusive treatment and belief in the devil's lies, lead some into self-harm. God weeps and longs to pour his healing love into such broken hearts. It is now believed almost a third of young teenage girls self-harm as a result of peer pressure.)

Jesus loves and accepts me as I am; I should do the same     Now the tax collectors and 'sinners' were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1). [Jesus was happy to be known as] a friend of tax collectors and 'sinners' (Matthew 11:19). Many tax collectors and 'sinners' came and ate with him and his disciples (Matthew 9:10).

Jesus will never give up on me; neither should I     A bruised reed [earth's weak, helpless and broken ones] he [Jesus] will not break, and a smouldering wick [those the world considers worthless] he will not snuff out, till he leads justice [my salvation's just cause] to victory (Matthew 12:20).

I can confidently yield the control of my life to the Holy Spirit     The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children (Romans 8:16). The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6). Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Romans 8:14).

How can I reject myself when Jesus suffered the rejection of his Father for my sake?     My God, my God, why have you forsaken me (Matthew 27:46)? "Papa?" Jesus cried, frantically searching the sky. "Papa? Where are you? Don't leave me!" And for the first time – and the last – when he spoke, nothing happened. Just a horrible, endless silence. God didn't answer. He turned away from his Boy" (Sally Lloyd-Jones). God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that there is nothing wrong with rejecting myself and sitting in judgement on myself. I announce the truth that doing so is a grievous sin that dishonours you and the sacrificial death of your Son. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can trust him to teach me how your truth applies to me. Whenever I become legalistic with myself I will choose to accept myself by grace. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I grow in godly self-esteem. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

49. STRONGHOLD OF THE FEAR OF MAN

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

The truth: god alone needs to be feared

God must always come first     But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him (Luke 12:5).

God must be the one from whom I seek affirmation     I [Jesus] do not accept praise from men, but I know you [legalistic Jews]. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me … How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? (John 5:41-44)

Trust in God, and in his promises, banishes the fear of man     My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:9-11 NLT)

Dependence on human acceptance keeps people out of heaven     Many people did believe in him … including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43 NLT).

God must be the one from whom I seek support     Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults … I, even I, am he who comforts you (Isaiah 51:7, 12).

Confident dependence on God, drives away the fear of man     The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

Fear of man is not part of my true identity     A true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people (Romans 2:29 NLT).

Fear of man is a heart issue     We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed … We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6).

I now live for his "Well done good and faithful servant"     We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident … and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him … For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:7-10).

My first allegiance in now to Christ     If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant (Galatians 1:9-10 NLT).

I now live to please God not man     We pray … that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:9-10).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that I need the approval of other people. I announce the truth that it is you alone whom I should fear and you accept me in Jesus. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and need to be strong and courageous in his power. Whenever I feel intimidated by people I will choose to die to self, believe your promise that you are with me, and step out in faith. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I grow in who I am in Christ. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

50.  STRONGHOLD OF WORRY OVER THE SALVATION OF LOVED-ONES

The Bible makes the following abundantly clear: all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Prior to receiving Jesus as our own personal Lord and Saviour, we are all God's enemies; his wrath hangs over us all and we are powerless to save ourselves (Romans 3:23; 5:6, 10; John 3:36). Salvation can only be found in and through Jesus; there is no other way to be saved – no other religion or system of ideas that can reconcile us to God (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 4:12). Good works, confidence in our own righteousness, faithfulness in religious duties, like church attendance, etc, can never save us (Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9). God calls every individual to repent and to believe the gospel and holds each of us accountable should we refuse (Acts 17:30; Mark 1:15; Romans 2:8). There is no salvation by proxy. Each one of us will be held personally responsible by God (John 3:36; Romans 14:12; Hebrew 9:27).

Before we receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour, the Bible describes us as spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1); corrupt and defiled (Titus 1:15); separated from Christ (Ephesians 2:12); under condemnation (John 3:18); deceived and enslaved by sin (Titus 3:3): held captive by the devil (2 Timothy 2:26); and having minds that have been blinded by the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4). All this means that without God taking the initiative, no one could be saved; without the Father revealing to us that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, no one could become his child (Matthew 16:16-17).

The questions that need to be asked are these: Does the Bible offer hope that any individual can be saved? Does it give indications that, in some way, God extends grace to all? I believe it does. At some point in their lives, might it be that God does, in some special way, draw all to Jesus? Does he, at least to some extent, bring spiritual revelation to all? I believe he does.

It is impossible for God to lie (1 Samuel 15:29; Hebrews 6:18). It is also impossible for him to be insincere; to say one thing and to mean another; to mislead and to offer false hope. God is good. God is love. He is the God of hope. He is true; he is what he appears to be. What he says is accurate; it is totally true. He is faithful and keeps all his promises. His commandments and pronouncements are in perfect harmony with his character. He is always self-consistent and never self-contradictory. He would never require something of us that he himself doesn't do. His loving concern, mercy and compassion extend to the welfare of every member of the human race (John 3:16); to all he has made (Psalm 145:13).

I agree with the many notable scholars (including J I Packer) who recognize that parallel truths are taught in Scripture. For example: divine sovereignty and human free will; divine grace and human responsibility; God seeking us and we seeking him; God finding us and we finding him; God hardening hearts and individuals hardening their own hearts, etc. The Bible teaches that God gives individuals up to their own stubbornness (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).

Referring to Romans 9:22-24, John Stott writes: "Although Paul describes the objects of God's mercy as those he prepared in advance for glory, he describes the objects of God's wrath simply as prepared for destruction … without indicating the agency responsible for this preparation." Charles Hodge comments: "It is nowhere suggested that God has the right to create sinful beings in order to punish them, but rather that he has the right to deal with sinful beings according to his good pleasure, either to pardon or punish them." Martin Lloyd-Jones sums up Paul's position in these words: "In Romans 9:6-29 Paul explains why anybody is saved; it is the sovereign election of God. In Romans 9:30-33 he is showing us why anybody is lost; the explanation of that is their own responsibility." The wrath of God rests on those who reject the Son (John 3:36). All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21).

T C Hammond ("In Understanding Be Men" published by IVP) puts it this way: "While it is true that Scripture teaches that it would be just and lawful for God to do what he wished with his own, the whole of Scripture is against the notion of any rigid arbitrariness in God (or that human free will would be impaired)." "The comparative numerical extent to which God's electing grace applies, the just and righteous ground of his elective choice and many kindred problems, are not revealed to us. We are, however, assured from Scripture that whatever man may find himself outside the sphere of the covenant of redemption has not had his chances of coming to Christ reduced one iota by God's electing grace." "There are some points in the scheme of Christian doctrine where an acceptance of unrevealed mysteries and an earnest attempt to remain faithful to the biblical presentation are far preferable to the production of a completely 'water-tight' system." The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29). It is the glory of God to conceal a matter (Proverbs 25:2).

To quote John Stott again: "In Romans 9, Paul attributes the unbelief of Israel to God's purpose of election, on account of which many were passed by, and only a remnant was left; an Israel within Israel. In chapter 10, however, he attributes it to Israel's own disobedience. Their fall was their own fault. All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people (Romans 10:21). The antimony (the paradox, the apparent contradiction) between divine sovereignty and human responsibility remains."

Charles Simeon ministered at a time when the Arminian/Calvinist controversy was bitter, and he warned his congregation of the danger of forsaking Scripture in favour of a theological system. "As wheels in a complicated machine may move in opposite directions and yet sub-serve a common end, so many truths apparently opposite be perfectly reconcilable with each other, and equally sub-serve the purposes of God in the accomplishment of man's salvation."

Another question also needs to be asked: Do any of the following Scriptures teach that, in the end, all will be saved (universalism)? No, I don't believe any of them do. Jesus himself said: Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him (John 3:36).

The devil's lies I have believed:  ____________________________

_________________________________________________________

The sin this has led to:  ____________________________________

The idolatry behind the sin: ________________________________

The gospel disbelief behind the idolatry: _____________________

_________________________________________________________

The people I must forgive: _________________________________

THE TRUTH: god wants everyone to be saved

The Lord is gracious and compassionate to all     The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made … The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made … You … satisfy the desires of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him (Psalm 145:8-20).

Worry should not be part of my life     Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

God's justice is beyond doubt; he can be trusted completely      Will not the judge of all the earth do right (Genesis 18:25)? [Of course he will!]

The gospel is good news for everyone     Jesus went into Galilee, [publicly] proclaiming the good news of God … "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15). For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life (John 6:40).

God's wrath is reserved for those who reject Jesus     Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him (John 3:36). For those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger (Romans 2:8). God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient (Ephesians 5:6).

God grants forgiveness to all who cry out to him for mercy     In his distress he [Manasseh, guilty of all forms of idol worship and gross evil, including child sacrifice] sought the favour of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21).

God longs for sinners to repent     Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked declares the Sovereign Lord? Rather am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live (Ezekiel 18:23)? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel (Ezekiel 33:11)?

God bears with sinners, waiting for them to repent     The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

God wants all to be saved and for us to pray for their salvation    I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone … This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

God commands all to repent     In the past God overlooked such ignorance [about what God is really like], but now he commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).

God's invitation is open to all     Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost (Isaiah 55:1). Jesus said: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

The sin of the whole world was laid on Jesus     We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).

God's love extends to all     For God so loved the world [the human race] that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:16-17).

Faith comes through hearing the gospel     Faith comes from listening to this message of good news – the Good News about Christ (Romans 10:17 NLT).

Jesus suffered the full wrath of God against the sin of the world     He [Jesus Christ, the Righteous One] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (I John 2:1-2). Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

God's mercy is available to all who repent    God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all [on all without distinction, rather than on all without exception (F F Bruce)]. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Romans 11:32-33)

God's love, grace and revelation are extended to all     But I, when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all men to myself (John 12:32). For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared [has been offered] to all men [everyone] (Titus 2:11). The true light that gives light to every man [general illumination sufficient for those who reject it to be blameworthy (Leon Morris)] was coming into the world (John 1:9). From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another (John 1:19). [Jesus said:] I am the light of the world (John 8:12).

God has made it possible for all to be made right with him     God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Jesus paid the ransom for all     For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men [everyone] – the testimony given in its proper time (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Jesus is the potential Saviour of all     This man really is the Saviour of the world (John 4:42). For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). The Living God … is the Saviour of all men [everyone], and especially of those who believe [i.e. I cannot be saved unless I believe in Jesus] (1 Timothy 4:10).

God made all that they might seek a relationship with him     From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that [all] men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:26-27).

Hell was not prepared for the human race although those who reject Christ will end up there (Revelation 20:15)   Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).

It is possible for all to believe     He [John] came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him [Jesus] all men might believe (John 1:7).  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life (John 3:14-15). I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24). Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)

Justification is a possibility for all     Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that [potentially] brings life for all men (Romans 5:18).

The Father gave up his Son for all     He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

The cross reconciled all things to God     God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross (Colossians 1:19-20).

Jesus tasted death for everyone     But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9).

Jesus is the Saviour of the world     And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world (1 John 4:14).

Daily Prayer: Father, I renounce the lie that you do not want my loved-ones to be saved or have made it impossible for any of them to become one of your children. I announce the truth that you extend your love, grace and compassion to all. I affirm that I now live by the Spirit and can be free from worry in all its destructive forms. Whenever I feel tempted to doubt your justice, I will take such thoughts captive. I choose to trust your character and believe your promises that none are beyond the reach of your unconditional love. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and live in me as I continue to intercede for the lost. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

TICK OFF THE DAYS:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36, 37, 38, 39, 40

APPENDIX 1 : SCRIPTURE SUGGESTIONS

I will put enmity between you [Satan] and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he [Jesus, the Messiah] will crush your head, and you will strike his heel (Genesis 3:15).

Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today (Exodus 14:13).

Do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up (Numbers 14:9).

In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye (Deuteronomy 32:10).

Now you my son/daughter acknowledge … God … and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind (1 Chronicles 28:9).

David … said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God … is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the Lord is finished" (1 Chronicles 28:20).

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:9).

You [Lord] will call and I will answer you; you will long for the work of your hands (Job 14:15 NASB). He controls my destiny (Job 23:14 NLT).

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake … Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:1-3, 6).

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall (Psalm 55:22 NLT). Pour out your hearts to him (Psalm 62:8). Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19).

Watch over … the son/daughter you have raised up for yourself (Psalm 80:14-15). Give me an undivided heart, that I might fear your name (Psalm 86:11).

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives (Psalm 90:12, 14 NLT). He guards the lives of his faithful ones (Psalm 97:10).

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name … and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:1-5).

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands (Isaiah 55:12).

I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you (Ezekiel 36:24-29).

Then he [an angelic messenger] continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the [demonic spiritual] prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days (Daniel 10:12-13).

"Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength" (Daniel 10:19).

Those who are wise [who impart wisdom] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3).

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds … he will revive us … he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth (Hosea 6:1-3).

The pride of your heart has deceived you (Obadiah 1:3).

In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry (Jonah 2:1).

Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs (Jonah 2:8).

When God saw what they did [their repentance, fasting and cries for mercy] and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had promised (Jonah 3:10).

He [Jesus] will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord … And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace (Micah 5:4-5).

Who is a God like you who pardons sins and forgives? … You do not stay angry … but delight to show mercy (Micah 7:18).

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him (Nahum 1:7). He knows those who take refuge in him (NASB).

The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights (Habakkuk 3:19).

The Lord their God will care for them [his people]; he will restore their fortunes … The nations on every shore will worship him (Zephaniah 2:7, 11).

Then will I purify the lips of the peoples [the nations], that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder (Zephaniah 3:9).

Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm (Zephaniah 3:14-15).

"I will strengthen them [my people] in the Lord and in his name they will walk," declares the Lord (Zechariah 10:12).

The Lord will be king over the whole earth (Zechariah 14:9).

My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun (Malachi 1:11).

Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward (Matthew 10:41-42).

It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you (Mark 7:20-23 NLT).

Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:44-47 NKJ).

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth … He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you (John 16:13-14).

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes … For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last (Romans 1:16-17).

Since then it is by faith that we are justified, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have confidently entered into this new relationship of grace, and here we take our stand, in happy certainty of the glorious things he has for us in the future (Romans 5:1-2 Phillips).

We were … buried with him … in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead … we too may live a new life (Romans 6:4).

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express (Romans 8:26).

God's gifts and his call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Once they are made, God does not withdraw his gifts or his calling (Phillips).

And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another (Romans 15:14 NASB).

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).

We are … being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Now it is God who made us for this very purpose [to be clothed with a heavenly body] and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 5:5).

The love of Christ controls [compels] us (2 Corinthians 5:14 NASB).

God … comforts the downcast (2 Corinthians 7:6).

Formerly … you did not know God … but now … you know God – or rather are known by God (Galatians 4:8-9).

For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith – and this [salvation] not from yourselves it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

For through him [Jesus] we have access to the Father, by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12).

Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people … For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person – such a man is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Ephesians 5:3-5).

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). You have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:10).

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:17-18).

The Lord disciplines those he loves, and scourges everyone he accepts as a son [or daughter] (Hebrews 12:6).

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed (James 5:16).

To the elders among you … Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve (1 Peter 5:1-2).

They [these false teachers] are experts in greed – an accursed brood! (2 Peter 2:14)

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son, purifies us from all sin [keeps us cleansed from guilt and sin in all its forms and manifestations] (1 John 1:7 Amp).

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:12).

To him who loves us and released us from our sins by his blood – and has made us … priests to his God and Father – to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever (Revelation 1:5-6 NASB).

Table of Contents

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES

TOPICS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

TOPICS CURRENTLY IN PREPARATION

CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION

The Foundational Importance of God's Truth

Forgiving From The Heart

Under law or controlled by the spirit?

Strongholds & Idolatry

Chapter Two : The Empathy of Jesus

Chapter Three : Overcoming Fear

1 FEAR OF SATAN & HIS DEMONS

2 FEAR OF DIVORCE OR ABANDONMENT

3 FEAR OF DEATH & HELL

4 FEAR OF NOT BEING LOVED OR CHOSEN BY GOD

5 FEAR OF NEVER BEING LOVED BY OTHERS

6 FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO LOVE OTHERS

7 FEAR OF MARRIAGE

8 FEAR OF PARENTHOOD

9 FEAR OF REJECTION & DISAPPROVAL BY OTHERS

10 FEAR OF NEVER GETTING MARRIED

11 FEAR OF NEVER HAVING CHILDREN

12 FEAR OF REJECTION BY GOD

13 FEAR OF EMBARRASSMENT

14 FEAR OF FAILURE

15 FEAR OF BEING OR BECOMING HOMOSEXUAL

16 FEAR OF FINANCIAL PROBLEMS

17 FEAR OF DEPRESSION & MENTAL ILLNESS

18 FEAR OF BEING A HOPELESS CASE; A REJECT

19 FEAR OF WORTHLESSNESS

20 FEAR OF THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE

21 FEAR OF THE FUTURE

22 FEAR OF CONFRONTATION

23 FEAR OF BEING A VICTIM OF CRIME

24 FEAR OF VIOLENT ATTACK

25 THE FEAR OF RAPE

26 FEAR OF HAVING COMMITTED THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

27 FEAR OF SPECIFIC PEOPLE, ANIMALS, INSECTS, OBJECTS

28 FEAR OF CROWDS & CONFINED SPACES

29 FEAR OF CANCER & OTHER LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES

30 FEAR OF COMMITTING SUICIDE

Chapter Four : DEMOLISHING STRONGHOLDS

Defining Strongholds

HOW TO WORK THROUGH A STRONGHOLD-BUSTER

Common Satanic Lies

1. STRONGHOLD OF NOT BEING A GENUINE BELIEVER

2. STRONGHOLD OF CONFUSED IDENTITY

3. STRONGHOLD OF A SLAVE MENTALITY

4. STRONGHOLD OF REJECTION

5. STRONGHOLD OF WORTHLESSNESS

6. STRONGHOLD OF NOT BEING LOVED BY GOD

7. STRONGHOLD OF BEING FATHERLESS

8. STRONGHOLD OF FEAR

9. STRONGHOLD OF GUILT

10. STRONGHOLD OF RESTLESSNESS

11. STRONGHOLD OF INSECURITY

12. STRONGHOLD OF DOUBT

13. STRONGHOLD OF DOUBTING GOD'S GOODNESS

14. STRONGHOLD OF WEAKNESS

15. STRONGHOLD OF LEGALISM

16. STRONGHOLD OF RELIANCE ON WORKS

17. STRONGHOLD OF NON-RELIANCE ON THE GOSPEL

18. STRONGHOLD OF AN INCOMPLETE SALVATION

19. STRONGHOLD OF INDEPENDENCE FROM GOD

20. STRONGHOLD OF HOPELESSNESS

21. STRONGHOLD OF PERFECTIONISM

22. STRONGHOLD OF FEELING INCOMPETENT

23. STRONGHOLD OF FEELING UNCLEAN

24. STRONGHOLD OF HAVING NO PURPOSE

25. STRONGHOLD OF THE FEAR OF FAILURE

26. STRONGHOLD OF DEPRESSION

27. STRONGHOLD OF THE FEAR OF SATAN

28. STRONGHOLD OF BEING OVERCOME BY SATAN

29. STRONGHOLD OF being a prisoner of the past

30. Stronghold of immaturity

31. Stronghold of pride

32. Stronghold of selfishness

33. STRONGHOLD OF INDULGING CHARACTER FLAWS

34. Stronghold of over-eating

35. STRONGHOLD OF LUST / PORNOGRAPHY

36. STRONGHOLD OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

37. STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION & CONTROL WITHIN FAMILIES

38. STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION & CONTROL CONCERNING LEADERSHIP

39. STRONGHOLD OF MANIPULATION& CONTROL CONCERNING GOD

41. STRONGHOLD OF CONDEMNING CRITICISM

42. STRONGHOLD OF POVERTY

43. STRONGHOLD OF GREED

44. STRONGHOLD OF REBELLION AGAINST AUTHORITY

45. STRONGHOLD OF GOSSIP

46. STRONGHOLD OF heaviness of spirit

47. STRONGHOLD OF SELF-PITY

48. Stronghold of self-rejection

49. Stronghold of the fear of man

50. STRONGHOLD OF worry over the Salvation of loved-ones

Appendix 1 : Scripture Suggestions