Summary:

The fourth step to answered prayer is to guard your mind against every evil thought that causes you to doubt God's Word. You must cast down negative thoughts and suggestions by speaking

the Word of God. Your thoughts are governed by your observations,
associations and the teachings you receive.

  1. God's thoughts are higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-11). Your thought life is responsible for the paths you take in life (Isaiah 55:8-11).
    1. When you read and meditate on God's Word, your mind will begin to take on God's thoughts. As a result, you will know His ways and the path He has for your life.
    2. Holiness is having the mind of God.
    3. God's Word will change your thinking, produce success and propel your life to a higher level.

  2. Your weapon against the devil is the Word of God that you speak.
    1. The Word of God will pull down any stronghold (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
    2. A stronghold resides in the mind.
      1. It is a fortified thought.
      2. It is the root to any addictive behavior that exists in a person's life.
    3. Strongholds develop as a result of an established thought pattern, which is protected by your personal belief system. (Ex: gossiping, fornication,
      pornography, overeating, etc.)
    4. The key to freedom from addiction is attacking the stronghold in your mind with the Word of God. Willpower alone will not free you.
    5. Identify the strongholds in your life.
    6. Cast down strongholds of self-defeating thoughts and eliminate images of failure.

  3. Don't take wrong thoughts by speaking them (Matthew 6:25-31).
    1. When you speak the negative suggestions of the enemy, it is as if you sign for a package that is delivered to you.
      1. You don't have to speak every thought that comes to your mind.
      2. Your mouth sets your course in life.
      3. Cast down thoughts by speaking the Word of God.
    2. Many Christians blame God or the devil for the strongholds they have developed, but we all have the responsibility to not allow evil thoughts to remain in our
      minds.
    3. Be mindful of the words you speak.

  4. To guard your mind, you must first guard your heart (Matthew 15:19).
    1. There are three entrances to the heart: the eyes, the ears and the mouth.
    2. Your heart is the ground that will produce the "word seed" you plant, whether negative or positive. Words have the potential to produce a harvest in your life (Proverbs 4:20-27).
    3. The law of receiving says that anything that enters your heart in abundance will overwhelm and overcome your life when acted upon.
    4. The right seed will grow the right harvest.
    5. The words you have allowed in your heart have produced the issues you are dealing with now.

  5. To see answers to your prayers, you need to guard your mind (Philippians 4:8).
    1. Consider these questions:
      1. In what type of environment do you live?
        1. Your environment shapes the way you think.
      2. What do you do in your free time?
      3. Who are your closest friends?
        1. The people you associate with the most will have a strong impact on your life.
Scripture References:
  • Isaiah 55:8-11
  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
  • Matthew 6:25-31
  • Matthew 15:19
  • Proverbs 4:20-27
  • Philippians 4:8
Pastor Robert Bagonza
Reddemed Church
www.mrolec.org