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3. Lessons in Demolition: Dynamite‘Who is it that overcomes the worldexcept the one who believes thatJesus is the Son of God?’ (1 John5:5 ESV)When we are face to face with theissues that spiritual strongholdscreate, we can feel imprisoned. Oursituation might feel utterly hopeless,appearing bigger and stronger thanwe are and even than we believeour God to be. But here’s a key truth:with Christ, victory is a certainty.Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrectionsent shockwaves through thespiritual realms, as satan’s biggestboast – death – was utterly defeated.Now God ‘ gives us victory over sinand death through our Lord JesusChrist.’ (1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV) andauthority ‘ over all the power of theenemy ’(Luke 10:19 NIV). Ultimatepower and victory is with Christ, andby the Holy Spirit that victory powerlives in us.Some spiritual strongholds can bebroken quickly when a key Biblicaltruth blasts through the enemieslies like dynamite, revealing more ofGod’s to us in a moment. Others, aswe will see require a bit more timeas we ‘capture every thought andmake it obey Christ’ (2 Corinthians10:5 NCV), but don’t be discouraged:there is great hope at hand.Identifying any specific areas where you feel that they enemymay have built a stronghold in your life. Try noting them downand then imagining/writing out what victory might look likepractically in your situation? With Christ everything is possible TRY.5. Facing the Future‘In heaven we shall appear, notin armour, but in robes of glory.’William GurnallNone of the strongholds in our liveswhich have been fortified by our falsebeliefs and the lies of the enemy arebuilt to last. In this life we each havetrials and challenges to overcome,but whether we are just beginningto identify a spiritual stronghold, oremerging from the rubble of onerecently demolished, keeping aneye on eternity can really help usmaintain perspective.‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ Romans8:31.The future is full of hope and God reminds usthat we ‘ can do all things through He who givesyou strength’ (Philippians 4:13 NIV).Our desire for victory over the thingsthat hold us captive ultimately comesfrom our spirit wanting to be closer toGod, but we also want to be betterspouses, parents and friends to thosearound us – we want to be free tobe all that we were created to be!Remember that through Christ ‘theold has gone and new is here’ – keepturning to Him and trusting in Him.Every day you are a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17).TRY.(Sources: Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds; WilliamGurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour)4. Lessons in Demolition: Brick by Brick‘Do not conform to the pattern of thisworld, but be transformed by therenewing of your mind’ (Romans12:2 NIV)No spiritual stronghold is built in aday. Our patterns of thinking must beinfluenced, established, re-enforcedand then repeatedly rehearsed inorder to become a habit, or regularpractice. So don’t be discouraged if youdiscover that you need to dismantle astronghold brick by brick with God,until the foundations of the problemare uncovered and fully dug out. BethMoore puts it this way: ‘Sometimes theoverwhelming power of a strongholdmay be instantly broken, but theTRY.8 Overcoming Spiritual Strongholdsrenewing of our minds can take a littlelonger some “holds” in our lives aresimply “stronger” than others.’Particular examples in this case mightinclude struggles with old habits orpractices that were formed beforewe knew God. Old social patternsmay prove tough to move on from,or elements of addiction might beresulting in regular and recurring sin inour lives. Often demolishing these sortsof strongholds involves both an internalcommitment to keep bringing yourthoughts under control and in-line withChrist and an external application, suchas practically seeking support from atrusted friend or trained counsellor.Remember that honesty is a part of the journey to freedom. Thinkabout who could ask to stand by you and pray with you, in thestruggles you are facing - others can often help us to see whichparts of the problem to tackle first.ING WORDSENCOURAGUCBEVERY DAYEncouragingWordsEvery Day.UNITEDCHRISTIAN TERSBROADCASCall 0845 60 40 401 to get your FREE copyOvercoming Spiritual Strongholds 9

ENCOUNTERwithTRUTHSpiritual warfare is a truth encounter, nota power encounter. Jesus won the victoryover satan when He died on the crossand took the keys of death and hell. Jesusconquered death by rising from the dead.The enemy is under His feet.He has given us authority to cast outdemons in His name and by the power ofthe Holy Spirit, but there are some keysto knowing how to do that with love andhonour to all concerned.Let me illustrate from my own lifehow a spiritual stronghold is built anddismantled. They are built up in themind, usually on top of wounding ortrauma in a person’s life. In my childhood,I saw how people in my village weremanipulated through fear to carry outevil practices, causing harm to many.Even though my Christian Grandpatried to protect me, I was personallyabused by those who I loved. I watchedwhile a Christian friend was horrificallykilled by a car and was told, ‘This is whathappens to people who follow yourGrandpa’s God.’10 Overcoming Spiritual StrongholdsYears later, happily married to a dear,godly Christian, we went through sometrauma of our own. We had a baby in oursecond year of marriage, who we namedJoe. Sadly Joe died after just 30 minutes.My trust in God was rocked and I had tobattle against the thoughts that said tome, ‘This is what happens to people whofollow your Grandpa’s God.’We went on to have three more lovelychildren, which helped me believe Godcould indeed be trusted. We led Alphaand Freedom In Christ courses in ourchurch. All was going well until one ofour children fell ill with a life-threateningcondition. Suddenly my trust in Godplummeted and I had a crisis of faith.I took a retreat to seek God, and Hegraciously led me to a vicar who knewhow to deal with spiritual strongholds.He helped me to identify a spiritualstronghold built up from trauma upontrauma in my childhood; indoctrinationwith wrong beliefs about God, myselfand others; and a history and culture offear in my ancestors.A personal testimony by Helen PollardWhen we asked the Holy Spirit for theroots of this stronghold, things becameclear. I began to see the fear anddeception behind what people in myvillage taught and believed. The truthencounter began to bring down thestronghold (2 Corinthians 10:4–5) in mymind. With love and support, I was ableto express the pain of these things – andexperience God’s comfort and healingfor them all.This was a journey of 18 months. It wasn’teasy. There were loud shouts and tearssometimes but Jesus expressed loudshouts and tears (e.g. Hebrews 5:7) inHis lifetime, too.‘IN JESUS’ NAME ANDAUTHORITY, WE CANTELL THE ENEMY TOLEAVE. HE NO LONGERHAS A HOLD ON US.’Where wounds, wrong beliefs and ourhistory keep us trapped, the enemy caninvade and gain a hold. But when truth,expression and healing are allowed in,the enemy loses his grip. We begin toresist his lies. Then, in Jesus’ name andauthority, we can tell the enemy to leave.He no longer has a hold on us. That’swhat I was able to do, with dignity andrespect from the vicar and my husband.Now that’s what I love to do for others,too. In the words of James 4:7–8, Ihelp people resist the devil throughencounters with truth. I help them todraw close to God and have Him revealand heal the wounds that caused thewrong beliefs. Then I watch how Godcomes close to His beloved children asHe promises He will.Helen Pollard and her husbandSteve run Bespoke Growth in God, aprofessional counselling and coachingservice with a Christian emphasis. Findout more about their work at www.bespokepollards.comOvercoming Spiritual Strongholds 11

‘ALTERNATIVE ‘SPIRITUALITIES’ TEND TO FOCUSUPON OURSELVES, RATHER THAN UPON THE GODCENTREDNESS THAT WE WERE CREATED FOR’Spirituality It’s a buzz word today and itsupposedly embraces a wide collectionof beliefs. Basically what is meant byspirituality is ‘those attitudes, beliefs andpractices which animate people’s livesand help them to reach out to supersensible realities’ (Dictionary of ChristianSpirituality, Wakefield).Go to the religion section in any majorbookshop in the West and you will findan amazing kaleidoscope; books onBuddhist meditation, chant and prayer,Bhakti-Yoga, or ‘How to Consult YourAngel.’ It is quite probable that you will notfind Bibles on display. In a central Londonchurch you can pick up a magazinefeaturing ‘Stepping into the Boundless’,‘The Shaman’s Rules of Power in Businessand Life’ or ‘Sex, Love and Tantra.’ Theseare the giants we are up against!Regarding true spirituality, the vitalquestions are these: ‘What leads usto the true and only God? How canwe become more like His Son, JesusChrist? What makes for growth in moralcharacter? What makes a person tick asa true disciple?’THEREALTHINGRichard Bewes OBE on the four ingredients of genuine,biblical spiritualityThere are a number of ingredients ingenuine spirituality. Here are the fourmost important:First, the inherited background: think ofthe hymns that many of us grew up on!Think of Timothy’s faith that first lived in hisgrandmother Lois and his mother Eunice(2 Timothy 1:5). Salvationist Kate Booth, amighty worker for God who, at the age offour would be put to bed with the words,‘Now Katie, you have not been sent intothe world for yourself, but for God, and forothers. The world is waiting for you!’Second, the learnt truths: all true Christianspirituality has the grace of God as itsfoundation, the death and resurrectionof Christ as its centre and the on-goingrelationship with the Holy Spirit as itsdynamic; a true Trinitarian basis. The firsteight chapters of Romans set out thesecrets of true spirituality.Third, the practised discipline: again, theScriptures and prayer play their part. Asa child of missionaries, Bible stories weremy daily diet, coupled with family prayers,the reading of books, prayer meetings,the services and fellowship of the churchand the missionary imperative. Indeed,as, in evangelism, we reach out as ‘a royalpriesthood’ to ‘declare the praises’ of Godto others (1 Peter 2:9), we are thus doingthe priestly job; we are doing spirituality!Fourth, the endured hardships: it iseverywhere in the New Testament! Pauland Barnabas emphasised that ‘throughmany tribulations we must enter thekingdom of God’ (Acts 14:22). The firstreason why Christians suffer is that weare following One whose footstepstook Him to a cross. The second is thatGod has chosen suffering as a wayto spiritual progress (Romans 5:3-5).Alternative ‘spiritualities’ tend to focusupon ourselves, rather than upon theGod-centredness that we were createdfor. It is the same with certain disciplinesthat can create a self-obsessed illusionof mystical ‘holiness’, without dealingwith our sinful characters. Paul points tocertain rituals and mystical experiencesthat, for all their impressiveness, causedpeople to ‘lose connection with Christ theHead’ (Colossians 2:19).Morally, in our characters, are webecoming more like Jesus Christ? That isthe crunch issue of true spirituality.Richard Bewes, OBE is the former Rectorof All Souls Langham Place London andthe author of many books.Overcoming Spiritual Strongholds 13

Do you needsomeone topray with?More help with Spiritual StrongholdsAdvice and GuidanceSometimes overcoming spiritual strongholds may require practical support as well asspiritual insight. You may find it helpful to approach a church leader or team member whocan offer pastoral and prayer support for the journey.If you feel that certain behaviours, such as addictions or harmful attitudes and actionsmay be rooted in a spiritual stronghold, it is always wise to seek help. Dealing withthese situations appropriately on a spiritual and physical level it important to ensure thatyourself and others are not put at risk.Organisations that can helpBetel of BritainBetel of Britain is a group of caring, not-for-profit Christian communities in the heart ofthe UK dedicated to restoring homeless and long-term unemployed people to healthy,independent lifestyles.www.betel.org.ukMercy Ministries UKMercy Ministries UK is a national charity dedicated to providing a six-month residentialChristian discipleship programme for young women suffering from life controlling issues,such as eating disorders, self-harm, depression, and the effects of abuse in all its forms.www.mercyministries.co.ukFreedom In ChristThe Freedom In Christ discipleship course is a proven and effective way for churchesto help Christians become fruitful disciples. It’s been used by around 200,000 peoplein the UK. Visit the website to find out about the resources on offer and how to find acourse near you.Call UCBPRAYERLINEon 0845 456 7729 (UK)*1890 940 300 (ROI)*Further readingThe Bondage Breaker by Neil T Anderson (Harvest House Publishers)Demolishing Strongholds by David Devenish (Authentic)Or visit ucb.co.uk/prayerSteps to Freedom in Christ by Neil T Anderson (Lion Hudson)All calls treated confidentially by trained volunteersChristianity, Cults and The Occult, pamphlet (Rose Publishing)*(Standard call charges apply, although calls from mobilesmay cost you more. Check with your supplier for details.)14 Overcoming Spiritual Strongholdswww.ficm.org.ukBattlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer (Faithworks)Overcoming Spiritual Strongholds 15

Your 28 Days of ChangeGod’s spirit is in you and.‘He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world’It takes time to change long-standing thought patterns,habits and behaviour. We need to keep coming before Godin our brokenness and asking for His help.The rest of this Overcoming booklet is designed to helpbring you before God for the next 28 days – to learn fromHis wisdom in His Word and to access His healing powerthrough prayer.Make a decision to set aside the time each day to read andrespond in prayer. Don’t worry if you miss a day or two, justpick up wherever you left off.Keep a notebook and pen nearby to jot down anything thatoccurs to you while you read, or quotes that inspire you tothink differently. Trust that God will speak to you personallyabout your healing over the coming weeks.Remember, Jesus is on your side, willing you to succeed.Right now, He is praying to the Father on your behalf.1DAY1) You must be washed! Your spiritual protectionagainst dirt, disease and death is ‘the washing ofwater by the Word’ (Ephesians 5:26 NIV). It’s notenough to step into the shower every morning;you’ve also got to step into the Scriptures. Jesussaid, ‘You are already clean because of the Word Ihave spoken to you.’ (John 15:3 NIV). Sin will keepyou from your Bible and your Bible will keep youfrom sin.2) You must be salted! In Hebrew culture, theyrubbed salt on newborn babies to toughen theirskins so they could be handled without bruising.16 Overcoming Spiritual StrongholdsToo many of us need ‘special handling.’ We’retouchy. If we’re corrected, we get defensive. Onlywhen you’ve been ‘salted’ by mature love andnon-legalistic acceptance can you be really openand honest.3) You must be swaddled! When we’re first borninto God’s family we’re vulnerable. We need tobe covered and protected. That’s the value ofChristian fellowship; it wraps us up in the arms oflove and says, ‘You don’t ever have to go back tothe old life again! You can begin afresh. You canbe healed of your painful past. You can have goodtimes and good relationships instead of bad ones.’Have you been washed, salted, and swaddled?Prayer PointLord, I pray that the areas of my spiritual life that have become stale will once againflourish. Help me find You again in the desert of my own life. Help me worship Youwith the excitement of my early years; let me know a greater depth of Your love andacceptance, that the intimacy between us will be the best it’s ever been, in Jesus’ name.DAYYou can receive a quarterly copy of The UCB Word ForToday free of charge – see the back page for more details.‘Neither wast thou washed. [nor] salted.nor swaddled’Ezekiel 16:4 KJVWHY ARE ONLY one in ten people who make acommitment to Christ still serving Him five yearslater? Ezekiel gives us some answers:God’s Spirit is in you, and ‘He who is in you is greater thanhe who is in the world’ (1 John 4:4).The daily readings are written by Bob and Debby Gass,authors of The UCB Word For Today, and originally appearedthere first. Over a million people around the world read Boband Debby’s warm, encouraging words each day.Washed, Salted, Swaddled!2You Belong!‘We belong to His dearly loved Son’Ephesians 1:6 NLTDO YOU SPEND a big part of your life trying to getpeople to accept you? Once you understand thatGod already accepts you and that you ‘belong’to His dearly beloved Son, the acceptance ofothers will become less important to you. You see,when God approves of you, what difference doesanybody else’s opinion make?Don’t misunderstand me; you won’t becomeuncaring or unmoved by people. On the contrary,you’ll become more caring and more deeplymoved by their needs, because now your own arebeing met by God! The fact that God accepts youtransforms your prayer life. Once you realise thatyou have a direct pass to the throne room you’llstop trying to ‘talk God into hearing you.’ You’llrealise that you can come boldly to Him at twoo’clock in the morning, without worrying aboutwaking Him up or disturbing Him. You can call onHim, knowing that you’ll always be received withlove and concern, regardless of the time of day, nomatter where you are or what’s going on. He’ll hearyou because ‘you belong!’Once you grasp that, your low self-esteem willbegin to heal and your reluctance to approachHim with either your sins or your needs will vanish.Why? Because you’re loved! You’re accepted!Nothing and nobody can ever change that!Overcoming Spiritual Strongholds 17

DAY3Make Time For Him Today!‘I am with you always’Matthew 28:20 NIV‘HELLO THERE. When you wakened thismorning, I thought perhaps you’d talk to Me andinvolve Me in your day, but you were preoccupiedfinding something to wear for work. When you’dtime to spare, I thought we’d have a few momentstogether, but you got on the phone and startedtalking to somebody else.‘I noticed that before you ate lunch at work, youlooked around and seemed embarrassed to talkto Me. Maybe that’s why you didn’t bow yourhead and give thanks, even though some of yourfriends did. Later at home, I waited while youwatched television, ate dinner and did paperwork.At bedtime I guess you were just too tired becauseDAYyou dropped into bed and fell fast asleep. Do youknow I’m always here for you? I love you so muchthat I wait every day for a prayer, a thought or justa chance to speak with you. The problem as I seeit is; it’s hard to have a one-sided conversation.Signed, Your Friend, Jesus.’When did you last talk with the Lord? Or take timeto listen to Him? There’s never a time when He’snot speaking; no room so dark, no lounge socrowded or no office so busy that He’s not there.Never mistake your insensitivity for His absence.Among life’s fleeting promises of pleasure isthis timeless assurance, ‘I am with you always’(Matthew 28:20 NIV). Make time for Him today!Prayer Point4‘He persevered because he saw Him who is invisible’Hebrews 11:27 NIVSTART USING THE spiritual compass God hasplaced within you. Yes, it’s risky but it will opendoors that nothing else will. Do you remember thewidow in 1 Kings 17, of whom the prophet Elijahrequested her last meal? When fear whispered,‘You only have enough for yourself,’ her spiritualcompass said, ‘Give what you’ve got and God willgive you back what you need!’ She did and sheoutlived her famine!When Saul saw Goliath, he told David, ‘You can’tgo and fight this Philistine’ (1 Samuel 17:33 TM).When David saw Goliath, his spiritual compassimmediately pointed toward God and heannounced, ‘God. will deliver me!’ (1 Samuel17:37 TM). Look at Noah; building a floating zoo inthe desert because he heard a voice that nobodyelse did! As a result, his family was saved, hischildren became leaders in the new-world andhis name was immortalised. History is full of them;people like Benjamin Franklin who dared to fly his

AMP Amplified Bible NIV New International Version New American StandardNAS NKJ New King James Version NCV New Century Version TM The Message TLB The Living Bible NRS New Revised Standard Version PHPS Phillips N.T. in Modern English GWT God's Word Translation TEV Today's English Version NEB New English Bible