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Beautiful Battle: A Woman's Guide to Spiritual Warfare
Warfare...hell...demons... I'm just trying to drive my kids to school and stay on top of the laundry. What does any of that have to do with me? You've heard plenty of talk about evil. You've heard about binding Satan and breaking strongholds and calling demons by name. You've heard you should claim your victory in Christ...but you're not really sure how to do that. This isn't a book about evil. With passion and strength, Mary DeMuth brings balance and insight to the often murky realm of spiritual warfare. As you embrace the abundant life to which God calls his daughters, she'll tell you why your voice matters for eternity. And on the darkest days, you'll know that spiritual warfare is about bowing before the Creator, not cowering before the devil. It's about finding freedom and beauty in the midst of devastation. It's about the power of God to heal our hearts, to move mountains, to intercede when we're weary. It's about crucifixion and a defiant, glorious resurrection. It's about truth. It's about power. Join Mary in the beautiful battle, and be renewed on the journey.
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
50 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Mary E. DeMuth
73 books417 followersMary DeMuth is literary agent, international speaker, podcaster, and she’s the novelist and nonfiction author of over forty books, including Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy (Bethany 2022). She loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 31 years and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with 4 million downloads: prayeveryday.show. For sexual abuse resources, visit wetoo.org. For cards, prints, and artsy fun go to marydemuth.com/art. Find out what she’s looking for as a literary agent at marydemuthliterary.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 13, 2012
I read this book. I re-read this book. I took notes on each chapter. I used it in a small group study. I used it for family devotions. WHAT A KEEPER! This book is jam-packed with practical information about the spiritual battle we're engaged in daily.
I've read and studied a lot on spiritual warfare, so I expected more of the same in Beautiful Battle. However, this is a very practical book with just the right mix of theory and application. The author starts with a few chapters devoted to understanding the battle--knowing ourselves, our enemy, and God. She emphasizes the need for balance in this understanding. Rather than focusing so much on our enemy and either cowering in fear of his perceived strength, or spending all day running after him to thwart his plans, she stresses the need to see God as the sovereign Lord of all and keep everything in the right perspective.
After laying this foundation, the rest of the book explains all the ways we are involved in the battle, things as simple as taking risks, getting rest, and living a lifestyle of prayer. Several chapters deal with specific battles we may face, including fear, addictions, and being hurt by other Christians.
This is a great primer for battle, and something I will probably continue to read over and over again. The reading was light, and the instructions for applying these principles to daily life were basic and easy to understand. And while the title says this is a WOMAN'S guide, I'm willing to bet men would get a lot out of this one, too.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I've read and studied a lot on spiritual warfare, so I expected more of the same in Beautiful Battle. However, this is a very practical book with just the right mix of theory and application. The author starts with a few chapters devoted to understanding the battle--knowing ourselves, our enemy, and God. She emphasizes the need for balance in this understanding. Rather than focusing so much on our enemy and either cowering in fear of his perceived strength, or spending all day running after him to thwart his plans, she stresses the need to see God as the sovereign Lord of all and keep everything in the right perspective.
After laying this foundation, the rest of the book explains all the ways we are involved in the battle, things as simple as taking risks, getting rest, and living a lifestyle of prayer. Several chapters deal with specific battles we may face, including fear, addictions, and being hurt by other Christians.
This is a great primer for battle, and something I will probably continue to read over and over again. The reading was light, and the instructions for applying these principles to daily life were basic and easy to understand. And while the title says this is a WOMAN'S guide, I'm willing to bet men would get a lot out of this one, too.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 5, 2017
This is one of the best books on spiritual warfare that I have read. Very balanced and scriptural. I highlighted half the book...
September 22, 2018
Magnificent. I have rarely put so many underlines, notes, and Post-Its in a book. This book encourages self-examination and provides encouragement for women who struggle to keep the faith in a broken world. I’m going to be re-reading this on a regular basis. The last chapter especially calls for regular review, since it outlines practices we need to avoid and those we need to foster.
August 2, 2021
A really inspiring, biblically-based book on Spiritual warfare. It inspired me to pray and find joy in the Lord.
November 21, 2021
So many encouraging truths!
May 10, 2017
I actually listened to this book on audio, though if I had to do it again, I'd read it so I could take notes.
This was a wonderfully written book that was highly practical while shying away from some of the weirder aspects people think about when they think of spiritual warfare. It was balanced in its encouragement to pursue holiness and eradicate the things that don't promote that, while not being fear-based. She shared very practical stories from her own experience that truly added to the book and didn't distract. And she defined spiritual warfare in a way that helps every reader understand how they deal with it (as opposed to just missionaries and others in cross-cultural settings).
Well done. This is a great book for women that would make a great book study.
This was a wonderfully written book that was highly practical while shying away from some of the weirder aspects people think about when they think of spiritual warfare. It was balanced in its encouragement to pursue holiness and eradicate the things that don't promote that, while not being fear-based. She shared very practical stories from her own experience that truly added to the book and didn't distract. And she defined spiritual warfare in a way that helps every reader understand how they deal with it (as opposed to just missionaries and others in cross-cultural settings).
Well done. This is a great book for women that would make a great book study.
August 27, 2016
Loved this book. Probably one of the best I've read this year. Loved how holistic she was in exploring spiritual warfare and that it wasn't a prescribed list of dos and don'ts. She explores how we try to fill ourselves up, our idols, and how spiritual warfare can be overt and covert at times (from distraction to discontentment). Also loved how each chapter ended with a prayer. Can't wait to read another of Mary DeMuth's books. Here's a quote from early on in the book that drew me in...
"Spiritual warfare has more to do w/ the state of your heart before a holy God than a list of things to do or avoid. It involves interaction, sometimes confusion, falling down, getting back up. It involves your willingness to look foolish, to take crazy steps, to trust God’s voice. While there are principles to know & practice, it’s your ability to trust in God’s power & authority that will bring about the victorious life. We’ve moved from gaping holes to wild dances. Isn’t that what the life of freedom looks like? We try to fade into the outer walls of life, feeling the sting of being outcast, only to realize the God of the Universe extends His hand, invites us to Him, & fills us up to overflowing. In His fullness we forget about ourselves, our wounds, & our needs, & we dance with Him unencumbered, free
"Spiritual warfare has more to do w/ the state of your heart before a holy God than a list of things to do or avoid. It involves interaction, sometimes confusion, falling down, getting back up. It involves your willingness to look foolish, to take crazy steps, to trust God’s voice. While there are principles to know & practice, it’s your ability to trust in God’s power & authority that will bring about the victorious life. We’ve moved from gaping holes to wild dances. Isn’t that what the life of freedom looks like? We try to fade into the outer walls of life, feeling the sting of being outcast, only to realize the God of the Universe extends His hand, invites us to Him, & fills us up to overflowing. In His fullness we forget about ourselves, our wounds, & our needs, & we dance with Him unencumbered, free
May 28, 2012
Somewhere between facing cancer and embracing God’s call on my life, I found myself unprepared for the spiritual warfare I faced. Looking for more training on how to use the weapons, I’ve been eagerly looking forward to Mary DeMuth’s new book, Beautiful Battle. It didn’t disappointed me. Nor would it disappoint any reader, who chose it from the back cover information.
We have a gaping God hole which we spend our entire lives trying to fill. Satan offers us many counterfeit fillers. For Mary, “spiritual warfare begins -- leaving our own methods of filling our gaping holes at the well and allowing Jesus to fill every thirsty, needy place with His Living Water (p. 17.)”
“Spiritual warfare is about setting things in proper order in our hearts and mind through the power of the Holy Spirit. (p. 64)” Her personal stories and spiritual insights take us from the foundations of the battle to our victory in Christ, with action steps to create order in our hearts and minds.
Her observations and premises rang true against my own experiences.
In Mary’s transparent and engaging style, she draws you into this challenging topic empowering you with courage and skill to face the darkness. I plan on keeping my copy next to my desk.
We have a gaping God hole which we spend our entire lives trying to fill. Satan offers us many counterfeit fillers. For Mary, “spiritual warfare begins -- leaving our own methods of filling our gaping holes at the well and allowing Jesus to fill every thirsty, needy place with His Living Water (p. 17.)”
“Spiritual warfare is about setting things in proper order in our hearts and mind through the power of the Holy Spirit. (p. 64)” Her personal stories and spiritual insights take us from the foundations of the battle to our victory in Christ, with action steps to create order in our hearts and minds.
Her observations and premises rang true against my own experiences.
In Mary’s transparent and engaging style, she draws you into this challenging topic empowering you with courage and skill to face the darkness. I plan on keeping my copy next to my desk.
February 17, 2012
Every woman should read this book! Beautifully written, it gives voice to the struggles that all women face. Woven into the pages are lessons that can fill the empty or low-flowing soul. Without a doubt, the messages could even nourish the seemingly filled heart of the woman who thinks herself complete. As usual, Mary shines a light on that which can be dark and suffocating in our lives. Do yourself a favor and get this book!!!
August 20, 2012
Absolutely love Mary Demuth's authentic style of writing. I love the way she communicates and reveals her personality through her books and blogs. Her heart to reach to hurting people and reach to those of us who are 'healing' and 'stronger' because of our tough life experiences, shines through every page. Her message of love and grace is evident.
January 18, 2015
Win a battle that rages
I actually bought this book on a whim. I am so glad that I did. If you ever want to really know how much Satan is trying to get you to do his will and not God's, READ THIS BOOK. What an eye opener.
Miss Demuth now has another fan for ever. You will not be disappointed for buying this book.
I actually bought this book on a whim. I am so glad that I did. If you ever want to really know how much Satan is trying to get you to do his will and not God's, READ THIS BOOK. What an eye opener.
Miss Demuth now has another fan for ever. You will not be disappointed for buying this book.
February 5, 2015
Like any Christian book it needs to be read critically & I still don't know where I sit with some of the things she said. However I found the book encouraging, challenging and inspiring. She has a different way of looking at things & the book is all about encouraging the reader to live in Christ, as he has already beaten satan.
June 4, 2012
Very helpful resource! She has a healthy balance between taken spiritual warfare seriously but without being afraid.
December 9, 2012
A great book for those who want an honest look at spiritual warfare. Chapters were pertinant to specific situations. Overall, very helpful.
September 4, 2015
Eye opening
April 4, 2015
The more I read this book, the more it spoke to me, about me, and into me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews