Change the Way You Think: Winning the Everyday Battles of the Mind

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She highly encourages this, and she discourages pity parties and the martyr syndrome. Admittedly like many others here I not a big fan of televangelists, I appreciate their tremendous work in reaching to an audience that would never consider for themselves going face to face with people in a christian church. I do consider alot of their teaching as baby food in the scale of what should a believer should be eating.

However coming at low point recently I began reading this book and fed upon every word. I was surprised and taken back by Joyce Meyor's no nonense, cut and dry approach Admittedly like many others here I not a big fan of televangelists, I appreciate their tremendous work in reaching to an audience that would never consider for themselves going face to face with people in a christian church. I was surprised and taken back by Joyce Meyor's no nonense, cut and dry approach in her teaching of the true nature of spiritual warfare and the battle that is happening all the time.

I was particularly convicted on a number of issues and made aware by the Holy Spirit of strongholds within me that need to be dealt with. The fact that Joyce puts herself out there by giving examples from her life and ministries of the " many times " that her battles have been lost really edifies her teaching immensely and allows a base for the reader to begin to examine themselves. Overall I think this book will hold itself as essential reading for christians and particularly new ones in the years to come. The fact that it is already so mass produced that it can be very cheaply bought and yet so powerfully change someone's life by the work of the Holy Spirit is a testament to Joyce, it is completely grounded in scripture all the way through, my critical mind couldn't fault it while my open were being opened and my soul being fed.

First to know, this is a religious-based book. The author, Joyce Meyer, is a popular Christian author and speaker. Her television and radio programs air in many languages and countries. She has also written many books on Christianity, this being one of the more popular. Battlefield of the Mind is about solving some of the common problems we all encounter in life, such as depression, anger, or worry, by getting you to examine the way you think about things, or as the book puts it, "you need to beg First to know, this is a religious-based book.

Battlefield of the Mind is about solving some of the common problems we all encounter in life, such as depression, anger, or worry, by getting you to examine the way you think about things, or as the book puts it, "you need to begin to think about what you are thinking about. Other major points include: Joyce uses parables and many personal examples along the way- which makes the book very interesting to read. I personally found it very helpful in my own battles over my mindfulness.

I thought this book was okay. For me, there was nothing particularly mind-blowing about it. Much of the advice are mantras I've heard before "this is the power of positive thinking! There was not much "new" information in this book for me. I also found some of the information wrong, some of it to the point where it could be harmful to a reader with already low self-esteem.

For example, she talks I thought this book was okay. For example, she talks about what a "normal" mind should be like for a Christian. As part of the requirements for "normal," she says a mind should not be busy, and should not wander. This might be true of some people, but for others, it's not. Adam McHugh's "Introverts in the Church" points out that introverts naturally have a busy mind. Brain scans support his claims by showing the chemical activity in the brain of an introvert vs. Joyce Meyers' portrayal of what a "normal" brain should be like would be discouraging to people like me, who are constantly reviewing and reflecting.

It is natural, healthy, and -- you guessed it -- "normal" for us to have a busy mind. Additionally, I had difficulty relating to many of her anecdotes and analogies.

I don't mean to put her down, and I am not saying she has never had any real struggles in her life -- I'm sure she has. But many of her stories just made me sigh in frustration. For example, she writes about an experience of God leading her to give a new dress to one of her employees, and she didn't want to give the dress away. She eventually did, to her credit. But what about people who are struggling with REAL life-changing decisions? Not everything is so cut-and-dry as "I should give the dress away, because if I keep it, I am being selfish.

For one, the writing style is very accessible. She explains herself very thoroughly when discussing Scripture and her beliefs. Secondly, the use of Scripture throughout the book shows that she is very God-centered in her intentions, even if I don't agree with everything she has to say. It is obvious that she really wants to lead people in a good direction. Finally, her theology is pretty solid. Her beliefs don't line up with mine exactly, but her interpretation is pretty standard. View all 6 comments. I learned a few very helpful things in reading this book, particularly the concept of disciplining the mind, and of "renewing one's mind" through Scripture.

It intrigues and scares me a little bit to think that many spiritual battles can be fought in our thoughts, and that we develop patterns of thought unconsciously, for the most part. Sometimes I feel irritated by Joyce Meyer's tried-and-true approach: I often get the sense that she thinks everything that has worked for her will work for eve I learned a few very helpful things in reading this book, particularly the concept of disciplining the mind, and of "renewing one's mind" through Scripture.

I often get the sense that she thinks everything that has worked for her will work for everyone else, in the same ways. She doesn't seem to make allowances for different temperaments or personalities. All in all, I think she addressed a problem that hasn't received much attention, and this book was a welcome read. In this instant age, where we build habits without much purpose or intent, it is important to get back to disciplining our thoughts and discovering how they relate to our actions. This book literally changed the way I think in the month I spent reading and applying it.

I was in a very dark place after a breakup due to some bad decision making and this was exactly what I needed--someone to provide encouragement as well as a push. No excuses, your mind is just that, YOUR mind and it is your responsibility to change it if it is not meeting your needs or working to better your life.

That being said, this is a book that should not be read straight through, but should be read s This book literally changed the way I think in the month I spent reading and applying it. That being said, this is a book that should not be read straight through, but should be read slowly and reflected upon I also journaled through it. Joyce helps to equip the reader with the mind-altering power phrases and techniques necessary to bring anyone out of their funk--if they are willing to put in a little effort.

Honestly, I think a lot of the negative reviews on this book come from people who were expecting a cure-all book that simply by reading it would cause everything to suddenly become peachy, but that isn't how life works now, is it?

In order to get everything out if this book that you can I'd say there are a few steps to follow: Ask God to help you to get what you need from the message and to open your mind and heart to what he has to say to you through Joyce's words 2. Write notes from the chapters and examples of how you are applying or struggling to apply things to your life 3. Keep at it until it clicks, both in understanding and in practice.

Read it slowly, I'm talking absolutely no more than 3 chapters a day. And only go as fast as you can apply things. Close in prayer, thanking God for the enlightenment and for being there to help you through whatever it is your facing--in fact, thank him FOR what you're facing because when you come out on the other end you'll be a greater person than you were before I've never read a book like this before.

I swear she was in my head when she wrote this book.

Made me really think about my life and attitude and it made to change in a lot of ways. I went to a group class for this at church and even my husband thanked the two women in charge of the class because this book has changed me. I was quick to open my mouth when people made mad, totally didn't think before I spoke, didn't care what people thought. My way of thinking is what can I do to get back at them I've never read a book like this before. My way of thinking is what can I do to get back at them.

Yes I let that devil into my head for 40 years. It's hard to change old habits overnight. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who is always negative, quick to judge or quick to open their mouth!!!! I had a I don't give a crap attitude if u don't like me don't let the door hit u in the butt on the way out. So if u want to change ur life and be a happier person this book is for you. Mar 05, Aaron rated it liked it.

A drawing point for me to this book was that chess pieces were on the front cover. I find it odd that someone chose to have the white king submitted, while the black king stands victorious over him. What is this symbolic of? Before I get lost in this, I'll move on. Joyce Meyer is either loved or hated, as are many TV evangelists - there are not many inbetweens. I guess I fall inbetween. This book is very simply written. It is double-spaced and comes in at pages. The bibliography consists of t A drawing point for me to this book was that chess pieces were on the front cover.

People are essentially simple-minded. Isaac Asimov stated that his objective in writing, was to write as simply as possible, being as clear as possible. Well done then, Joyce, good and faithful servant. The contents of "Battle Field of the Mind" are broken into three parts: The main message found here is to "think about what you are thinking about". Various scriptures taken from the Amplified Bible, as well as King James, are spread throughout the book, validating Meyer's teachings on the mind.

Though I was not impressed with Joyce's writing style, I appreciated her insights, and her knowledge of the Bible. Certainly, there are things here to think about, and think deeply about. Confessing not only covers our sin, but also helps us to recognize and analyze where it is that we are habitually falling into sin. Socrates tells us "A life unexamined is not worth living. As Joyce states more than once: I believe she takes Matthew Paul said he resolved to know nothing among us except Jesus Christ.

Without reason, we could not recognize Paul as being paradoxical - he is truly one of the most logical and intellectual writers in the bible! Joyce's book here was written using reason, which, in the image of God, we were gifted with granted she used a smaller portion of reason in her writing than say, Charles Spurgeon.

So, this chapter, in my opinion, needs to be completely trashed and rewritten. Reason is not abnormal thinking. It is a wonderful tool without which we would only have religion. Myer Pearlman states that "theology literally means 'a treatise or reasoned discourse about God'. Theology, or doctrine, may be described as a science which deals with our knowledge of God and His relations to man.

We call theology a science because science is the systematic and logical arrangement of certified facts. Theology consists of facts relating to God and Divine things, presented in an orderly and logical manner. Religion comes from a Latin word meaning 'to bind'; religion represents those activities which bind man to God in a certain relationship. Theology is knowledge about God.

Thus religion is practice, while theology is knowledge. Religion and theology should go together in the balanced experience; but in practice they are sometimes separated so that one may be a theologian without being truly religious and on the other hand one may be truly religious without possessing a systematic knowledge of doctrinal truth.

Joyce Meyer, we do not need to fear reason - it will not lead to atheism, unless applied in earnest to atheism which should then, if the logician is honest, in the very least, lead the atheist to agnosticism. We are to apply our Godly ratiocination to his Word. I don't know how Joyce reasoned herself into such an unreasonable reasoning of reason.

I don't think it's just her. I think that the Body of Christ is terrified of logic, and sees it as cold and terrible. This is why they are called "religious folk". After Chapter 10 of "Battle Field of the Mind" I truly began to appreciate the depth of Meyer, which at first appearance, to me, seemed shallow. This is the beauty of the book - and the same beauty can be found in the gospel. It seemed to me too, that by the end of the book, Joyce's vocabulary was expanding, and her prose growing sharper I realize that she has written over 70 published books.

There is a lot of information covered in the book that I'd like to get into. Reading it once seems a shame, therefore, in this case, unlike the cases of many other books, a workbook would be preferable—I'll be keeping my eye out for one. Joyce points out many historical facts of the bible, including that it was an day journey the Jews had to cross over into the promised land - God kept them in the wilderness for 40 years; in turn, her "Wilderness Mentalities" section was quite insightful. I think her favorite word at the time of writing this was "exhortative" — she used it much.

I too enjoyed the little tales of trials in her personal life, and the wisdom she gleaned from them. I hear she is writing fiction now - which I'd be interested in reading.

Battlefield of the Mind Devotional: 100 Insights That Will Change the Way You Think

I might point out another oddity in the book, which I found highly entertaining. People tell me that I actually look at least 15 years younger today than I did when I first began to diligently study the Word and make it the central focus of my entire life. If one christian woman I love and admire is Joyce Meyers. She knows what she is talking about and what I love about her she keeps it real and we need that in our daily life. We need to keep it real and be real with ourselves and with others.

She pratice what she preach. She has been there and know what we all faces in life and what we go thru emotionally. My advice to all my friends and check her out and read her book it will blow your mind. Her book help not only women but everyone how to deal w If one christian woman I love and admire is Joyce Meyers. Her book help not only women but everyone how to deal with your emotional issues and behavior she is like a Christian Dr.

LoL that is how I see her. Her books has help me and heal me in my journey of life and so I want to share with you what has help me in my life. She is on cable and has her own tv program find in your tv guide for her listing and check her out I know u going to love her. I hope I can bless someone! By sharing you what has help me personally. Am I losing the battle in my mind since I didn't like this book? I guess I'll first point out that I see where this book could help a lot of people, but it wasn't for me. I must've recognized this early on because at the top of page nine I scribbled "Reminder: I got a few things out of it, but a lot of it was just I still can't completely put my finger on Am I losing the battle in my mind since I didn't like this book?

I still can't completely put my finger on all of it. Maybe it'll come out as I type this out. This woman's writing style sometimes nearly drove me mad. We watched a small segment of her speaking, and I think she's a much better speaker than writer, which is the opposite of Richard Dawson, the dude who wrote the book for last year's Bible study session. I liked his book, but the one time we watched him I wanted to throw up. Joyce should stick to speaking if the rest of her nearly 90 books are like this one.

I can see where she could certainly work an audience. As I read along I kept getting the notion that this woman might be a twit, though I don't believe that after seeing her speaking segment, and looking at what she's accomplished, but the way she comes across with her writing I suspected I was in trouble when I got to page x.

I wasn't even out of the introduction. The book we read was the updated version, and she's discussing doing the update: I really like it!!! It is easy to read and contains one of the foundational truths that we must have in order to access the new life we are offered through our relationships with Christ. That doesn't mean she can't still deliver a good message. If I can get past the personality, there might be some good principles. But this kind of silliness was peppered throughout the text. You may even want to go back to Chapter 5 at this point and refresh your memory on the importance of being positive.

I just went back and read it and got blessed myself even though I wrote it. She's discussing the dangers of a wondering mind. I don't see the harm in a little woolgathering every now and then, especially if it's not distracting you from a task at hand, but she says that's bad. The wondering mind section was one of the many parts I left.

She used to wonder about her son Danny's grades because apparently they weren't good. She doesn't state that outright, but that's how I read it. Her take on this was "Instead of wondering what kind of grades Danny will get, I can believe that he will make good grades. That's a good way to turn your mind if you're trying to be more positive.

She really should've left the matter alone right there, but in the next paragraph we get this: Our son Danny did not like school and struggled all the way through so I did a lot of wondering about him and his future. All my wondering was wasted time. God knew His sic future and had everything under control. I'm sure he does it well, but The Biblical quotes used in this primarily come from the Amplified Bible.

I've never read that one much, but I can now say that I hate the Amplified Bible. Don't get me wrong; it's just another thing that ain't for me. I can see where it would come in very handy for someone who doesn't have a great deal of education, and there's nothing wrong with that. I'm all for people trying to get a better grasp of things any way they can. But for someone who is marginally familiar with the Bible, and can read it without needing every other phrase explained in parentheses and brackets, it's distracting. It's dumbed down so far that it's intellectually insulting to the educated.

I'm sorry if that sounds crass, but I call it like I see it. I would much prefer a regular translation, even the King James version which I don't have any trouble reading, but that's just me. If you like the Amplified, then its inclusion works in your favor. I skipped everything in the brackets because I was missing the message. Blessed happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

I don't know if I've ever met anyone who doesn't know the meaning of the word "blessed. I don't need everything defined and expounded upon; I can get the gist without someone holding my hand, so this isn't useful to me. If it helps you, go for it. A lot of the biblical passages used were forced into the scenario making it feel contrived. Things were often taken out of context to make a point that wasn't in the original meaning, but I think that's par for the course when discussing religion. As for the content, well I had some trouble there too.

There's a premise that I couldn't get behind, and this is especially present in the first two sections. Apparently Satan is behind all of our bad thoughts. I don't buy that, and that being the case a lot of the solutions weren't apropos. I ask God every morning to run the show; to use me to speak his words and do his work. I trust that He's doing that. It even says somewhere in here that if I ask God for these kinds of things that he'll do them, but then it contradicted that statement at other times. It's all rather confusing. Anyway, if God is taking care of everything, how does Satan even have a chance?

I believe that a human has the capacity for evil without a fallen angel, or demon, or something else forcing him to it. I believe a human has the capacity for love as well without something forcing that as well.

I don't believe that Satan is responsible for everything that goes wrong in my life. All this talk of Satan sounded like a cop-out for not taking personal responsibility for my own actions, and just playing the victim card. When I do that I'm stuck at "blame," and when I'm stuck there I can't move forward. I need to own my part of my mess before I can get better. I can't own it if it's someone else's fault. A lot of the solutions were overly simplistic, and I don't think they apply as well to people who truly have depression or other mental conditions.

Battlefield Of The Mind: Winning The Battle In Your Mind

I think people who have depression ought to do these things, for they can help, but other measures should be taken as well. Those other measures should be addressed with a therapist or the like. God has certainly provided plenty of them to help us. And it seems like Joyce feels if you're following her suggestions and you're still not happy, then you must not be doing it right; you just don't have enough faith.

Yeah, well, sit on it, sister. There are things in here that I'm putting into practice. Positive thinking helps; I've seen it work in others and I've seen it work in me sometimes, but it waxes and wanes. One thing I've learned from this Bible study is that I'm quite different from the majority of the rest of the group. I was astounded at some of the things I heard. There's a chapter at the end in the "Wilderness Mentalities" section called "My life is so miserable; I feel sorry for myself because my life is so wretched!

And I don't believe for one moment that any of them were lying. I, on the other hand, live that way for weeks on end sometimes, and I got quite resentful and jealous. Luckily there's a chapter that covers jealousy and envy pretty soon after that one. The "Wilderness Mentalities" section of the book was my favorite part, and might've saved this from a one star rating.

I could get behind the problems and the solutions for most of them. The first two sections Oh, and that reminds me. Here's another section I'm afraid I had to leave behind: Another example of the way the spirit and the mind work together is the gift of tongues with interpretation. When I speak in tongues, my mind is unfruitful until God gives either me or someone else the understanding of what I am saying; then my mind becomes fruitful.

Please keep in mind that the gifts are not tongues and translation. Translation is an exact word-for-word account of the message, whereas in interpretation one person gives an understanding of what another has said, but in the interpreter's own style as expressed through his own particular personality. Let me give you an example: But what made it 2 stars for me was the lack of realness and vulnerability.

Joyce Meyer frequently cited things she used to struggle with. But in every case or at least for the first 50 days that I actually read she had always overcome it and was just fine now. I felt like she was preaching to me from a stage far beyond my reach.

From my perspective t I appreciated the insights and biblical advice. From my perspective that isn't how it works though. I can definitely see how this book could help others but it wasn't for me. Jun 12, Alicia rated it it was amazing. A mind can be a dangerous thing and all our actions, thoughts, words, come from thoughts in our mind. How can we change our way of thinking and why are we our own worst enemy? Joyce stresses that we must change negative thoughts in order to have a more fulfilling and happy life.

If you are going through a rough time, this book is a great book to read and go back to often anytime you feel you are off track. May 14, Shari rated it it was amazing Shelves: I have a habit of letting my mind be engulfed with negative thoughts. I consider myself a positive person. I believe I'm content with life. But I admit there are times when I struggle with thoughts that shouldn't even enter my mind May 22, Lisa rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Battlefield of the Minds really illustrates the struggle with maintaining a peaceful attitude.

I think it would serve best reading it repeatedly and in snippets. Jul 29, Reiko rated it really liked it Recommends it for: This book is a must have it is the 2nd best book ever!!! Mar 01, Anita rated it it was amazing. Great devotional about how to keep your mind positive.

Jan 06, Hellen Reads Daily rated it it was amazing. This books has changed the way i think. I got closer to God, i am nurturing my young faith and it has given me a stepping stone to know God, read the bible and do more good.

I can say i am doing better at thinking what i am thinking of now, encourage myself to think positive thoughts, to be patient and wait on Gods timing. I have learnt that praise and prayer open doors to heaven and blessing, as i keep growing in faith, i pray The holy spirit leads to and protects me from Satan strong holds.

See a Problem?

Th This books has changed the way i think. This book is for anyone who wants to change their lives through positive thinking, its all in the head. A better way to live a more fulfilling life. This is my second Joyce Meyer book, i look forward to read more from her. Great work Joyce, God is really using you!!! Feb 12, Elena rated it really liked it Recommends it for: It's the first time I read a book that has inspirational and motivational insights based on Bible. At the beginning was annoing. However, by the time I had finished the book I found good suggestions for a better attitude in the daily challenges.

It's a good book for those who study bible and who have enough time for going again and again over the same ideas but expressed in different words. In addition to that you could see that the author tried to explain "a path to success" through Christian t It's the first time I read a book that has inspirational and motivational insights based on Bible.

In addition to that you could see that the author tried to explain "a path to success" through Christian teachings. This book was very enlightening regarding the power of our thought patterns. I read both the book and the devotional simultaneously. I highly recommend this book to those desiring to change their thought patterns for the better.

TyRenee, author of "Embracing God's Child", http: Jan 31, Vicki Green rated it it was amazing. Loved the book; learndd a lot about myself and how I look at and live my life. I experienced changes withn myself and how I live my life with Christ and the Holy Spirit. J highly reccomend this read individually or in a group.

I plan on re-reading to see what I get out of it this round. I read this years ago. The real tools came in an inconspicuous book called Traveling Light by Max Lucado. Like how to " really" deal with your mind instead of ping pong bible verse. It really made sense on how to do that when under attack as well. I plead the fifth.

This book is one of the greatest breakthroughs in devotionals. Joyce speaks truth, encouragement and gives great application. Good read Easy read. Bible references to introduce practical examples. Contains a lot of Joyce's sayings. This book gives food for thought and guidance for spiritual growth.

Apr 25, Lauren Sampson rated it liked it Shelves: The battlefield of the mind book is one of my favorite books, this devotional was good but I definitely got more out of the actual book. Worth reading if you need a short reminder each morning of God's truths. Jul 29, Maureen rated it it was amazing. Jan 28, Tyrenee rated it it was amazing.

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