Overcoming Enemy Strongholds!

 

Guard Your Mind!

Overcoming Enemy Strongholds     This week we are looking at strongholds. What is a stronghold? Why do we need to know about them? There are two kinds and one is good and one is not. Let's look at this verse...  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (2 Cor. 10:4-5)  Focusing on this part of the verse, we see that it has to do with our thoughts. When the devil gets us to think negative thoughts, he is making inroads into the way our lives will go if we let him keep filling our minds with negativity.  We have to do something, called "taking every thought captive that does not line up with God's Word. That means stop that thought in its tracks and replace it with a positive thought. Jesus is the Word. We have to replace the negative, or evil thoughts with what God says about us in His Word. That's how we destroy strongholds, or anything that tries to get a grip on our thinking, to bring us down. We can run to God, because He is to be our stronghold, (place of refuge) in every situation...  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)  What we need to do is fill our hearts and minds with what the Word of God says, and destroy what the enemy tries to plant in our hearts and minds. Let's look at several scriptures that will certainly take us from defeated thinking to victorious thinking...  When I am under attack: "No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, says the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17  When I feel insignificant: “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4  When I feel lifeless: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” Psalm 118:17  When I feel sick: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5  When I am worried: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6  When I’m having a bad day: “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24  When I am in a storm: “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 harm you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43:1-3  When I don’t understand: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7  When I am shaken: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2  When I need assistance: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord?” Psalm 121:1  When I am financially drained: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19  When I am afraid: “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Psalm 23:4  When I am confused: “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7  When I am alarmed: “I will lie down in peace and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8  When I don’t feel like I am able: “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all I can ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20  When I feel deserted: “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Psalm 18:24  When I feel down and out: “Thou, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.” Psalm 3:3  When I feel weak: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10  When I need a solution: “Before you call I will answer; while you are yet speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24  When I can’t find my way: “Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21  When I am guilty: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1  When I am alone: “Be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid; neither be thou dismayed, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9  When I feel like God is distant: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18  When I am in darkness: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1  When I feel like no one’s got my back: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6  When I feel unsettled: “Stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord.” 2nd Chronicles 20:17  When I feel defeated: “Thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14  Let's try to do what the Lord is showing us in the picture above and let Him wrap His loving arms (Himself - the Word) around our thoughts and bring down negative thinking once and for all!  Be blessed, healed and rejoice because the victory is yours! Just say it and believe it and receive it!  Have a wonderful week and always let us know how we can be praying for or with you!  This blog is reaching people all over the world! God is sending His Word out to the nations! Be blessed and filled dear friend and pass this message along to others.  We love you so much!  Love and blessings! Denny & Hanny Stearns   Denny & Hanny Stearns Fish N Loaves Ministries, Inc. Multiplying God's Word around the globe! Email: Denny.Stearns@gmail.com Email: Hannylynn05@gmail.com   Website: www.Fishnloavesministries.org Blog:Fishnloavesministries.blogspot.com     Don't forget to go to our website and order your copy of my new book! It's getting fantastic reviews! It is sure to touch many hearts and lead people closer to Jesus. Share a copy with a friend or relative after you have read it and keep praying that this message will have a global reach!

FEAR NOT!

 

FEAR NOT! This week I want to address an issue that everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives. Fear! Fear comes from an evil spirit, not from God. It is our duty to resist it! There is no such thing as a "good kind of fear." Yes, we respect the fact that we should not go out in front of oncoming traffic. That is common sense. But fear comes to bring us doubt, worry and a whole lot of anxiety. Let's look at what God says about that... “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV  “Yea, 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.” Psalms 23:4 NKJV “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NKJV  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:5-10 NKJV  “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.” Psalms 84:11 NKJV “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NKJV “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV  “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 NKJV  “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31 NKJV  “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13 NKJV  ““Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 NKJV  “So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”” Hebrews 13:6 NKJV  “Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.’ ”” Isaiah 44:8 NKJV  “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ”” Isaiah 12:2 NKJV  “Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”” Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” Joshua 1:9 NKJV  “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13 NKJV  “And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my Lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”” Daniel 10:19 NKJV  Now that we have read this, shouldn't we make it our confession every day? Shouldn't we practice resisting the very thing that comes to steal our faith in what God can and will do for us? I am printing out this list so I have a constant reminder of what God will do for me as I trust in Him. I hope this helps you and others you may know who have been struggling with fear. Have a wonderful week and always let us know how we can be praying for or with you! This blog is reaching people all over the world! God is sending His Word out to the nations! Be blessed and filled dear friend and pass this message along to others. We love you so much! Love and blessings! Denny & Hanny Stearns Denny & Hanny Stearns Fish N Loaves Ministries, Inc. Multiplying God's Word around the globe! Email: Denny.Stearns@gmail.com Email: Hannylynn05@gmail.com Website: www.Fishnloavesministries.org Blog:Fishnloavesministries.blogspot.com Don't forget to go to our website and order your copy of my new book! It's getting fantastic reviews! It is sure to touch many hearts and lead people closer to Jesus. Share a copy with a friend or relative after you have read it and keep praying that this message will have a global reach!

What Does Following Jesus Look Like!

 

What the Bible Says About it

What Does Following Jesus Look Like?     Today we were going to see some people we had never met to help them with their Medicare Health Insurance plans. He was referred to us by a neighbor we have known and worked with for years. When I spoke to him and scheduled the appointment, he told me he tries to scare people off by putting a bunch of skeletons and evil looking stuff outside the house. I knew in advance we would have to pray about this, as we usually do.  Looking back several years ago, as I was preparing to go on my first mission trip to Peru, God had brought me to read Romans 12:9-21. It describes in great detail how the life of a Christian should look when we deal with people. This same section of scripture came up to me today. As I thought about this message today, a few scriptures came to mind. Let's look;  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)  And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)  Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)  And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)  Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.  Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.   Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)  As we look back on how that appointment went, we were once again amazed at the goodness of God as we sat patiently and listened to them. They just really needed someone who would listen to them and make them feel important. Even though we were surrounded by a lot of darkness, the light of Jesus was shining through. We were able to leave a drawing with the woman and help her with a couple questions about God and prayer.  They were blessed, and we prayed over them both after we left. We know that what we couldn't do in that place, God would step in and do what only He can do. Wow! All He asks us to do is to step out and try. Plant a seed. Say a prayer and believe Him. He will always do the bigger part. I hope this blesses you today as much as it did us.  If you want to partner with our ministry, you may go to our website and click on the "donate" button. All contributions are tax deductible and will be used to help us reach more people with more.  Our blog is reaching people all over the world! God is sending His Word out to the nations! Let us know how we can pray for you. We love to pray for people and see great things happen!  We love you so much!  Denny & Hanny Stearns   Denny & Hanny Stearns Fish N Loaves Ministries, Inc. Multiplying God's Word around the globe! Email: Denny.Stearns@gmail.com Email: Hannylynn05@gmail.com   Website: www.Fishnloavesministries.org Blog:Fishnloavesministries.blogspot.com     Don't forget to go to our website and order your copy of my new book! It's getting fantastic reviews! It is sure to touch many hearts and lead people closer to Jesus. Share a copy with a friend or relative after you have read it and keep praying that this message will have a global reach!

What We Say Really Does Matter!

 

Today I Choose to Speak Life Over Myself - How About You?

What We Say Really Does Matter!     I have just got to share with you the goodness of God! Today we went to help someone with their health insurance. The woman had been ill for many long months and was weary from all the pain. When she explained what she had been through, I heard her speaking words that are contrary to her healing.  We know that we are what we speak. We have been given the power of life and death and it's in our mouth! Look at this...  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruit. (Proverbs 18:20)  This clearly shows us that it is important what we say. And what we say must line up with what we believe. Before we prayed for her, we explained this principle to her and helped her see that she is saying what the Bible says about healing, but then in another moment she questions it, asking, "Why am I not healed yet?" This shows that she didn't really receive her healing, and if she did, she made it null and void by her words.  We prayed over her and cancelled every word curse that had been spoken over her, either by herself or others around her. She had her faith level high believing that when we prayed, Jesus would touch her. It was wonderful to see her countenance change to one of joy by the time we left. She had a new expectation that she has received her healing, and will continue thanking Jesus all the way up until she sees it actually manifest! That was exciting to see!  Until we see the victory over the battle, the healing in our body, the restoration of our family and/or finances, we must keep our faith tank on full! We can't let anything bring us back down. We can remember this song and better yet, this verse that clearly shows us what our heart posture should be...  Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)  Check out this song too: Trading My Sorrows  Today as I sat with the Lord, He opened my heart up and it felt like He brought me through all the battles I have fought since surrendering to Him and He refreshed my soul by showing me afresh how good, loving, kind, faithful and wonderful He is. Coming home from that appointment today, I was feeling so blessed, and suddenly Holy Spirit brought me that song! My heart just rejoices in God my Savior. That's why I write!  Be blessed, healed and rejoice because the victory is yours! Just say it and believe it and receive it!  Have a wonderful week and always let us know how we can be praying for or with you!  This blog is reaching people all over the world! God is sending His Word out to the nations! Be blessed and filled dear friend and pass this message along to others.  We love you so much!  Love and blessings! Denny & Hanny Stearns   Denny & Hanny Stearns Fish N Loaves Ministries, Inc. Multiplying God's Word around the globe! Email: Denny.Stearns@gmail.com Email: Hannylynn05@gmail.com   Website: www.Fishnloavesministries.org Blog:Fishnloavesministries.blogspot.com     Don't forget to go to our website and order your copy of my new book! It's getting fantastic reviews! It is sure to touch many hearts and lead people closer to Jesus. Share a copy with a friend or relative after you have read it and keep praying that this message will have a global reach!