Spiritual Deliverance: A Free Mind and Heart

Scripture
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

This Scripture is a very important one; it has even been said that it is a dividing line in Scripture. On the one hand it reveals what the devil wants to do to people and on the other hand it reveals what God desires to do for people.

Demonic Strongholds
The devil works to establish demonic strongholds in the minds of people, including Christians. He wants to close off the minds and hearts of people to God. If he can do so then he can further accomplish his works of stealing, killing and destroying.

I am going to expose four of the demonic strongholds that he works to establish especially in the minds of Christians. You might be surprised that he has been at work in your mind and/or in the minds of some who are close to you. Almost everyone that can read knows that they can go to a dictionary and find the definitions for unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and resentment but few know that each of these can become demonic strongholds in the minds of people, even Christians.

The devil looks for any opening to attack the children of God. He is constantly sending fiery darts toward them. One of his favorite targets is the mind of believers. When you realize what he is doing, then you begin to understand why many say that “the battle is in the mind.” The devil works to attack and create chaos in the minds of God’s people. He wants to take away their peace and rest. He knows that Scripture says that “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You.” He wants to steal, kill and destroy your peace. He wants to distract you and get your mind off of the Lord. If he can do so then he can hinder your fellowship with the Lord, your ability to edify your brothers and sisters in Christ, and your witness to the lost.

Freedom in Christ
Jesus came to set the captives free. He came to give life and life more abundantly; He came to give peace that surpasses understanding. He is your victory! Look to Him to set you free. He wants you to have a free mind and heart. The Word of God teaches us to submit to God and resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7).

Christians are in a spiritual war that will continue until Jesus returns. There is a reason why we must be vigilant and always keep our spiritual armor on. If you have let down your guard at some point and a fiery dart or darts has gotten through to your mind, then pray to God to deliver you. Some may also need to seek out a minister who will help them find freedom in Christ. God made us to need each other and he has given ministry gifts to pray and help in time of need.

Prayer
Father, Your Word teaches us that salvation includes not only our sins being forgiven, but healing, provision and deliverance. I pray that if anyone reading this has been under attack by the devil and his demonic forces that in Jesus Christ they will be set free. I specifically command the strongholds of unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and resentment be cast down. Your Word promises us that our weapons are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. We are to overcome the devil and his works by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Your Word teaches us to submit to you and resist the devil and he will flee.

Father we submit to you! Devil, in the name of Jesus we resist you and your demons of unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and resentment. These people belong to God; they have been bought with the price of our Lord’s precious blood. You have no more right to their minds or their lives. They and their mind belong to the Lord Jesus. Be gone in the name of Jesus.

Thank you Father in the name of Jesus, Amen

Conclusion
Now give thanksgiving and praise to God and walk forward in the victory purchased by Jesus on the cross. Be careful of making room for the devil. Always forgive everyone without their asking or their changing. Regardless of its degree, never let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:26). Get before God and release everything to Him. He will give you peace in your mind and heart and bitterness and resentment will not be able to find a way into your life. Keep on the armor. There is a reason for the helmet of salvation and the shield of faith as well as for all the armor given us by our Lord.

In Christ Jesus you are an over comer; you can have a free mind and heart. I have emphasized unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and resentment in this message, but what ever your battle involves there is victory for you in Christ Jesus. Many are dealing with fear, discouragement, worry, fretfulness, anxiety and stress, etc. Seek Freedom! Remember “Thanks be to God who gives you the victory in Jesus Christ Your Savior and Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:57).