Introduction

When I sat down to write this book, I became concerned and perplexed about writing a book that could only be understood from a born-again perspective. After thirty- five years of writing and ministering to those who confess a relationship with our Lord, how do I now write to include those who do not know Him, but are held captive by their emotions, desires, lusts, hurts and disappointments? How do I reach that wife who has to deal with a cheating husband and those off-the-chain children? Though some of us may have found our way to deliverance and the sweetness of freedom, there are so many who have not been as fortunate. But then our God is faithful to reach. out to all of us with the great love He is so well known for. Whether saint or sinner, we all have been given a conscience by our Creator. It is the conscience of man that knows God and the moral goodness we were intended to live by. Likewise, whether you are saved or not, evil is your enemy. It robs us of a happy, peaceful, fulfilling life. It is no respecter of persons, and it finds its way into the best of homes and hearts. I have counseled hundreds of people who found themselves trapped inside circumstances, situations and relationships that caused frustration, depression, obsessions, bitterness, offenses and unforgiveness. But now more than ever, with our world seemingly collapsing all around us, there is a feeling of hopelessness that is beginning to overwhelm mankind.

Many hearts are beginning to faint, just from listening to the daily newscasts. We are in a time of war and rumors of wars. Morality seems to be a thing of the past; loyalty has succumbed to betrayal and hope for the future is vanishing daily. The effect of these times on the world is being manifested in diverse emotions and cynical behavior. Financial failures, political diversities, marital frustrations and the overall stress of our times are the woes of these days. But for the Christian, these represent fiery trials that come to try our faith. Nevertheless, both saved and unsaved have merged in character and ever-increasing fear and hopelessness. This book is purposed to bring attention to the distance we have fallen from righteousness and peace, as well as the fierce departure of man from his own conscience. Hopefully, it will also lead the way to the peace that can only be found in truth. The question was raised in one of our meetings: “What words would your friends, family members, or co-workers use to describe you if they had to be totally honest?” In many cases words like mean, hateful, contentious and unforgiving might be used. In other cases, depressing, bitter, controlling, jealous and offensive, might be on the list.

Over the years, I learned that 99% of deliverance is identification. The other 1% is submission to the Word and will of God. It is not about what church we attend or what our social status is. It is about coming back to the purpose for which we were created. It is about walking out of the snare of negative behavior and condemnation, to becoming whole and at peace with God and man. Jesus said, “The truth will make you free.” Well, it is time to examine our very own contributions to the ills of our heart and the wounds in our soul. Wrong thinking is the root of evil. The thoughts inside negative mindsets have become as a dagger, piercing the mantle of righteousness and skillfully cutting it away leaving no evidence of the life of Christ we confess or the goodness we desire to experience from others. How will the world know that Jesus did come in the flesh if not by the righteous disposition of the Sons? The fleshy mind is the tool many use to walk through circumstances, situations and relationships. They reject or ignore the mind of Christ and proceed to handle things without the wisdom of God or the counsel of His Spirit.

But how does the scripture instruct those who testify in the Lord? Does it not warn us against walking in the vanity of our own mind? To do so, is to have the understanding darkened; and this darkness alienates us from the life of God and causes blindness of heart. Because sin is progressive, we are ushered into a state of spiritual numbness that the Word describes as being past feeling and given over to lasciviousness and uncleanness with greediness (Ephesians 4:19). But this is not Christ, nor is it what we have learned of Christ. We were taught to put off or destroy the former lifestyle of the old man.

When I began to teach ministers and others “How to Walk in the Spirit,” it created quite a controversy in the religious community. Of course, the contention was among those who call themselves leaders in the church world today. They raked me over the coals for even suggesting born-again believers in Christ could live a life free from sin and evil desires. And now I dare to suggest that they can live a life that trades anguish and anxiety for joy and peace. They can exchange despair for hope and a great expectation; hatred and iniquity for love and forgiveness. Are these not the truths that are at the very core of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Or, are these just slogans found on tee-shirts and church billboards? Are we now to believe that

after nearly two thousand years of survival this Gospel has no power in it? Is the Bible simply another compilation of philosophies that have no true meaning in the real world? Furthermore, one would have to ask why there is such controversy over something that is clearly commanded in the scriptures, and even more, why is this controversy coming from those who preach and teach the scriptures. People, including Christians are hurting, afraid, emotionally distraught and living in despair. These are facts. But what about the abundant life ministers have been promising for as long as I can remember? Where is the peace of God that passes understanding? Where is the ‘joy of the Lord’ that is supposed to be our strength? These questions deserve answers. The pages of this book will go to the heart of these matters.

We will explore the truth about the life God intends for us to live, as well as discover just how and what it takes to live it. Our souls have been put in jeopardy by some of the erroneous teachings that have been offered to the Body of Christ and the world. Our minds and hearts have been shaped by the philosophies of men who have left us spiritually frail and afraid of the days ahead. Is this the Mind of Christ: to be fearful and afraid, full of anguish and anxiety, hopelessness and despair? I think not, and I suggest to you that the Mind of Christ is only a breath away. To get there however, you must first win “The Thought War.”

The Thought War is a work given to me by God to bring the world and the church face to face with itself. It reveals the cunning operations of our mind and soul that lead us into degradation, despair, separation from one another and God. It not only offers the why, but also reveals the how. It tells us how we got in some of the mess and mindsets we find ourselves in. But more than that, it shows us the way out. It tells us why we hurt for so long, but then how to heal instantly. Take the time to read this book or listen to the audio book. It will not only deliver, but also inspire you to bring that deliverance to your loved ones, friends and even strangers.

Be Blessed.