BATTLEFIELD of the MIND

From Joyce Meyer’s book – PART 1

All Scripture passages are from the New International Version (NIV)

The weapons of the word

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 Cor. 10:4-5

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8: 31-32

The Answer
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has
sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed
free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” – Luke 4: 18-19

The way out

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it. – 1 Cor. 10:13

The mind of the flesh vs. the mind of the Spirit

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh
desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on
what the Spirit desires. – Romans 8:5

By the Spirit
‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. – Zechariah 4:6

As you think, so are you

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is
recognized by its fruit. – Matthew 12:33

Don’t give up!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Galatians 6:9

Go through
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. – Isaiah 43:2

The choice is yours

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death,
blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. - Deut. 30:19

Turn and take possession

The LORD our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and
advance into the hill country of the Amorites… See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession
of the land the LORD swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their
descendants after them.” - Deut. 1:6-8
Suffering precedes liberation
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

No condemnation
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus - Romans 8:1

Don’t get discouraged

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in
God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. - Psalm 42:5

Be positive
Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.”
And his servant was healed at that moment. - Matthew 8:13

All things work for good

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who
have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

A new day
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Cor.
5:17

The work of the Holy Spirit

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not
come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the
wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment. - John 16:7-8

A ready mind
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the
message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
- Acts 17:11

The force of hope

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been
said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body
was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet
he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and
gave glory to God. - Romans 4:18-20

Expect to receive! To receive, expect!

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the
LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! - Isaiah 30:18

Keep your tongue from evil

Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from
deceitful speech. - 1 Peter 3:10

Mind-binding spirits
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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

Decide to believe
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 through wordless groans. - Romans 8:26
Think about what you’re thinking about
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. - Psalm 119:15

Be careful what you think

“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to
you—and even more. - Mark 4:24

Meditate on the Word

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in
the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day
and night. - Psalm 1:1-2

Meditation produces success

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful
to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. - Joshua 1:8

Think about what you’re thinking about

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires
and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. - Ephesians 2:3

Meditate on the works of God

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. - Psalm 48:9

Be transformed by renewing your mind

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his
good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2

Think on these things

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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