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Mental Strongholds Are A Big Part of Our Spiritual Battle.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

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How Can We Use the Bible to Pull Down Strongholds?�

Ephesians 6:16-18, In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

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The Problem

The problem is that many Christians are defeated by mental strongholds every day because they are ill-equipped, meaning they lack the necessary skills to engage in battle properly. This deficiency results from a misunderstanding of Biblical leadership.

Philippians 2:3–4, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

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Why Are Christians Deficient with the Sword?

Exodus 34:3-5, You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered;

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The Good Shepherd

A proper understanding and function of biblical leadership is a servant attitude through a shepherd model. In both cases, Jesus is the premier model.

John 10:10-11, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Knows, Feeds, Leads, and Protects

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How to Make Your Quiet Time a Personal Growth Time.

Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

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What Are The Tools Needed?

A Bible You Understand.

A Device to Search the Web

Some Type of Journal

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Notable Web Helps

Topcialbible. Com
Nave’s Topical Bible
The Bible Yellow Pages
God’s Yellow Pages

Topical Bible

Complete Bible Study Tools
Free Logos
eSword
Grasping God’s Word

Bible Study Tools

Praywithme. Com
Prayingscritptures.com

Prayer Helps

eBibe Teacher
TruewayKids.

Teaching/Mentoring Helps

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How Much Time Will it Take?

That is up to the need and the time you have to give.
The principle of trade-offs—you have to give up to go up.

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What Needs to be My Focus?

Relational Struggles
Attitude Struggles
Jesus Creative Purpose
Learning How to Help Others.

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Mental Strongholds

CORE CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
Your Identity in Christ: How God Sees You
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/core-christian-beliefs/identity-in-christ.html

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Your Creation

John 1:3-4, All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Psalm 139:13-14, For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Ephesians 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Colossians 1:16, For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

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How Should I Record What I Am Learning?

Four Question Headings

What Am I Struggling With?

What Does God’s Word Say About My Struggle?

What Do I Need to Pray about This Struggle?

What Do I Need to Change regarding:

Thinking

Self-Talk

Habits

Self-Discipline

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How Do You Use What You Have Learned?

Share it with someone.

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Wayne & Donna Marbry

Prayer: My heart aches for both of you. I am responding late because it took me some time to process. Kristy and I are here for you both. We are praying earnestly for you and the situation. When you all feel up to it, we would love to visit with you. If Wayne would like, I can visit with him or with him and you. Just let us know how best to minister to you at this time.

Our prayers for you

Dear Jesus, as our dear friends Wayne and Donna face this difficult news, Kristy and I come to You with heavy hearts, asking You to grant them Your strength and comfort. Wrap Wayne and Donna in your loving embrace, providing a stronghold amid the fear and uncertainty. Jesus, give them the courage that only you can provide to navigate this challenging journey, and fill their hearts with hope, even in the darkest moments. Guide the hands of the medical professionals and empower them to find the best possible treatment options. We trust in Your healing power, and we pray for a miracle of restoration, not just in Wayne’s body but also in his spirit. Be with them every step of the way, and let us, as friends, be a source of unwavering support and love. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

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Wayne & Donna Mabry

Psalm 18:1-2, I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

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Discipleship 101

Matthew 28:19-20, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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Invitation & Challenge

Are you willing to make your quiet time a personal growth plan?

If so, start with learning your identity in Jesus to break free from the mental strongholds of the lies of Satan.

Are You Willing to Embrace the Trade-off Principle

You have to give up to go up.

Do you know how special you are to God?

I John 4:9-10, In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins.