Sword Fighting: Applying God's word to win the battle for our mind

by Christine Dillon

Do you often feel defeated and weighed down by worries and fears? 

Christians have the Holy Spirit’s help in all areas of life so why do we still struggle? Understanding spiritual “sword fighting” will help us win the battle for our mind so that we can distinguish between Satan’s lies and God’s truth.

This book is written for the ordinary Christian and each chapter contains testimonies and practical suggestions to address issues Christians struggle  

* Anger          * Impurity

* Worry          * Low self-esteem

* Fear            * Discouragement and depression

* Doubt          * Withstanding direct spiritual attack

* Guilt            * Bitterness and resentment

Christine Dillon has applied these lessons in her own life. A missionary since 1999, she has passed on these principles to many people she has discipled people in both Western and non-Western contexts. 

Transform your life by applying God’s word to take captive the lies that repeatedly sabotage you and make you feel a failure.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2020

About the author

Christine writes both Christian fiction and non-fiction.
Her debut novel, 'Grace in Strange Disguise' - was published 1 October 2017. The six-book series was completed in December, 2021.
In 2023, Christine changed genres and is now writing Old Testament-era fiction. The 'Light of Nations' series will be multiple books, starting with 'Wells and Wanderers - Amorites'.

Author website: www.storytellerchristine.com
Subscribe via my website to become a 'storyteller friend' for updates and a free book.
Find 'storytellerchristine' on FB, Pinterest.
Follow on BookBub.

Since 2004, Christine has been a Bible storyteller, and each year she's more excited by what she's learning. This is a tremendous way to communicate and make disciples.

Bible storytelling website & linked Facebook group: www.storyingthescriptures.com
'storying the scriptures' (closed FB group - so you need to ask permission to join)

BOOK TRANSLATIONS
* 'Telling the Gospel Through Story' was published in traditional Chinese in February 2015

* 1-2-1 discipleship was published in simplified Chinese in October 2015 and in traditional Chinese in January 2017.

* Verborgen Genade (Dutch translation of 'Grace in Strange Disguise), published in February 2020.

* Siegreich Sein: mit Gottes Wort (German translation of 'Sword Fighting') published December 2021.

Reviews

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is dynamite. It is the playbook for Spiritual warfare and how to get fit for the battle. The author begins by a frank down to earth discussion about the reality of spiritual warfare and reveals the most commonly used weapons of our enemy. The author then presents the defensive and offensive tools we have been given to fight in a down to earth manner. I love her style of communicating because she took verses and passages I’ve read, studied and heard numerous sermons on and boiled them down to basics, which is so simple yet profound. I kept thinking wow I never thought of it that way before. And I was highlighting like crazy. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the first part of the book. “If a thought or temptation comes into our mind and we can’t immediately combat it with appropriate verses or principles from Scripture, then we are spiritually flabby.” Well that was a call to action if I ever heard one. She had my full attention. I had to admit I’m spiritually flabby and now I wanted to know how to get in shape. Then similar to Paul’s epistles, in the second part of the book she takes the information we just learned and applies it practically to a myriad of common areas where we get tripped up as Christians such as worry, anger etc. I’ll be honest. This book should be a must read for any Christian. There was so much I loved about this book, the authors communication style, the importance of the topic, the practical application, and the fact that the author made me think, even if she did step on my toes but it’s all good. I so needed this wake up call.

[Ngaira Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed reading this book by Christine Dillon. I find her writing style honest and engaging. She shares the challenges of living a Christian life with humility and hope. The book provided really clear biblical wisdom and practical tools to keep fighting the good fight. I highly recommend this book for every home, to be read and re-read through challenging seasons of life.

[Anne McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this, her latest guide to living for Christ, Sword Fighting: Applying God’s Word to Win the Battle for the Mind, experienced Christian, Christine Dillon captures our attention by addressing many relevant issues in everyday life: anger and depression to name but two. She shares her own experiences as well as outlining Bible principles and presenting some real life cases of believers from around the world. She also shows how we can overcome the problems we face by applying those principles in our own lives. I found it a book that was relevant and hard to put down.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any Christian but I would whole heartedly recommend for anyone (especially Ministers/pastors/missionaries and others in ministry). The chapter titled: Direct Spiritual Attack was particularly revealing. Thoroughly recommended.

[Christina Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to listen to the audio version of this book. Having been taught Sword Fighting by Christine many years ago, I got to enjoy listening to this book and understand how we do live in a spiritual world and that we need to equip ourselves with God's word to help our minds be pointing towards Jesus. Thank you Christine for this book and the gems in it.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a valuable, but uncomfortable, book to read! Why uncomfortable? Because it forced me to confront my spiritual flabbiness and do something about it. The things Dillon points out about spiritual warfare are very important and all too seldom addressed in churches. The sword fighting strategies she presents are also very important, and are accessible and practical.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that has information that applies to Christians in many areas. I was impressed with the amount of thoughtful research and information that was shared. This is a book I want to read again and again. And this book should be one used to teach classes in churches.

[Rachael Wellings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource, we read it as part of our bible study group. It was great to work through as a group, but also great to read alone. It will be something I pick up and read many times.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I had access to a free copy of this book from the author but my review is my own opinion.

Christine's books both fiction and non-fiction are always engaging and challenging.

This book goes back to the Bible, challenging the reader to think about how to approach the problems in their life. The book also offers practical next steps with each chapter containing a list of questions to reflect on and things to pray about.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about putting on the armor of God and using the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) to battle Satan/the enemy. Beginning with information about the armor and the Sword itself, the book then moves to common attacks from the enemy and ways to respond to those in addition to verses to counter those attacks. The author uses Scripture as the basis for all of the practices and then provides examples from her own life or those she knows. Great methods to be put into practice!

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best commendation of this book is that putting it into practice really makes a difference in believing and living out God's promises, discerning truth from error and enjoying all that God has for us in Christ.
The book itself is engaging and accessible, with a good Scriptural background.

I mention the commendation above as I was fortunate to have the writer share an original draft a few years ago. Following the advice of truly memorising relevant Scripture has helped shift truths from the head to the heart.

The book is realistic about the battle for the mind and how long it can take to be spiritually fit. See chapter 4!

I am pleased that this book has been published and trust it will be of benefit to many.

[Carlos C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent primer on spiritual warfare - what it is, how it affects you, and what to do about it.

Most of us Christians in the West pay lip service to spiritual warfare. But at the same time, we feel totally ignorant about it. We don't think we've directly experienced or seen demonic manifestations. But we also know it would be naive not to be aware of it.

So we have a strange dissonance - should we be more alarmed? But we also don't want to look unnecessarily anxious about it. What to do????

This is where I found Christine Dillon's book to be super helpful. It's not an alarmist book. But it shows us the subtle and silent ways that the devil works in our lives - eg doubting our value and , forgiveness, and salvation.

Spiritual warfare doesn't have to be in the spectacular smoke, fire, devil-with-horns stuff. It's actually in the mundane, day-to-day stuff. It's what happens everyday when we look in the mirror and doubt our God-given worth. It's what happens when we gossip at church.

This book is informative, practical, and empowering. After reading it, I finally felt I had a working knowledge of spiritual warfare. And I had the tools to deal with it and move on.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This practical guide begins with a biblical overview of the necessity and methods of using Scripture to combat the lies and distractions that can otherwise render Christians ineffective and keep us in a state of weakness.

The second, longer section addresses specific issues like anger, worry, fear, etc. It’s worth reading the full book no matter how irrelevant certain topics feel to you—they may help you better understand someone else. However, you can easily jump first to those where you most relate.

Perhaps because I’ve read on this topic before, I found the start a little slow. I’m glad I kept reading, because the examples of specific Scriptures applied daily (or more often!) to retrain people’s negative thought patterns were challenging and inspiring.

The author includes case studies (names changed) of individuals who were crippled by doubt, low self-esteem, etc and who achieved breakthrough into the full life God intended for them through this simple method of identifying suitable biblical truth and repeatedly wielding this Sword. Far too often we raise the weapon once or twice and then give up.

I highly recommend Sword Fighting as a practical example of how we can win the battles in our own heads by accurate use of Scripture.

Some (of many) highlights in my copy of the book:

If a thought or temptation comes into our mind and we can’t immediately combat it with appropriate verses or principles from Scripture, then we are spiritually flabby. [Not said in judgment, but in a call to develop our “muscles.” Chapter 4, Kobo page 2 of 8]

It is the action of “taking every thought captive” that is the core of spiritual sword fighting. [Chapter 4, Kobo page 3 of 8]

You have been listening to your own thoughts, but now you must begin to listen to what God says in His word and to what God says through other people. [Chapter 13, Kobo page 8 of 20]

Christine Dillon writes both nonfiction and fiction. This book was many years in the writing but was ultimately published as a companion to her novel, Grace in the Desert, in which the characters experienced the need (and results) of this type of spiritual warfare. Since fiction can give examples but not detailed instructions, Sword Fighting was released. And I’m grateful.

To connect with the author or learn more about her ministry and her books, visit storytellerchristine.com. If you enjoy fiction that combines a good story with solid spiritual growth, check out her Grace series. I’d encourage you to begin with book 1, Grace in Strange Disguise, since the characters change and grow throughout the series.

[Review copy from my personal library.]

[Chrissy Garwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm writing an early review because I don't want to rush finishing this book.
Here are my thoughts at the end of the first chapter:
From the opening introduction, I realised this was going to be an edifying book. The author didn't promise a quick self-help list of things to do to gain victory in my life. Instead, she offered insightful suggestions backed up with references to see how they fitted together. At the end of the chapters, there are Reflective Questions. I usually skip these sections but decided to maximise the reading experience and give this section my full attention. I was pleasantly surprised by the answers that these questions drew out of me. There were also some suggestions for prayer, to practically apply the lessons learned in my own life. I found that invaluable.
I highly recommend this book. The author has included lots of additional reading suggestions for those readers who are looking to go deeper into this complex topic.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished this incredible book - I think it is the most helpful I have ever read on the practical side of wielding the sword of the spirit in the battlefield of our mind. If you have ever felt down trodden, guilty, angry, despairing, have low self esteem; this book is for you. Learn how to make use of the most powerful weapon in the world - the Bible.

[Sandra Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sword Fighting is challenging, thought provoking, and backed up by God's word. It is well worth reading.

[Stephanie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book, but my opinion is my own.

This book was very informative! It helped me think of different ways to handle various topics that we come across when witnessing that I had never thought of before. It will definitely be a book I will go back and reference when I need help in a particular area, as the chapters are laid out so that information on a specific topic is easy to find.

[Beth Wyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly Practical

This is an incredibly practical guide for daily christian living. It addresses each area of struggle with an understandable explanation of the issue and then offers a Biblical response. It presents key scriptures and nudges the reader to use them in their struggle for victory in that particular area. All of us need this practical encouragement.

The reflective questions and prayer points at the end of each chapter, help the reader work through their specific struggle.

Reading it cover to cover is a useful first step, but the greatest benefit will come when using individual chapters to address specific situations. With time the reader will develop the ability to respond with scripture in the moment of struggle.

An excellent resource for both the longtime believer and the new believers they are discipling in their walk with Christ.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book so I could review it. But these opinions are my own.

This book has tonnes packed into a very small space. I found I needed to read it slowly to fully do it justice and absorb what the author was so passionately saying. I only have an electronic version, but I think a print version would be a very handy resource for any Christian to have on their shelves.

Christine covers a wide range of topics that Christians struggle with including fear, guilt, and discouragement. She clearly shows how these are ways that our enemy prevents us from being all God wants us to be and how we can use Scripture to overcome these challenges.

[Winnie Ngai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally found Christine's book very practical and challenging for me as a Christian. A good reminder that our 'battle' is a spiritual one and "the better I know my enemy, the better I can resist him". It's also a good reminder that I have all I need for this spiritual war i.e. the Armour of God and Holy Spirit.
I would encourage Christians to read this book - it helps us to reflect on the basics.

[Rebecca Langmead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me immensely in thinking through how to use God's Word in difficult situations and circumstances in life.
It has reminded me of the Bible's power and the way the Holy Spirit works through it to change me.
I have been challenged to memorise and meditate more on scripture and to apply it throughout each moment of the day.
Such an excellent help in my Christian walk.

[Lauren T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an invaluable resource for all Christians. It is a practical and honest guide to help us use God's word against the lies of the evil one.
It is a short book, but I needed time to meditate on it and I am still thinking about it as I start to apply it to my thinking.

[Matthew Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped make sense of the” Armour of God” like nothing I had read or heard before. I have found the book valuable in my Christian walk. My bible study has used it also and have found to be a great tool.

[Carolina Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this together with a group of friends. This book is encouraging and helped me use the word of God to deal with issues in my life: worry, fear, guilt. Easy to read and use. It is not a self-help book, but teaches you how to use to use the sword (the bible) against the lies of the enemy.

[Sarah Loft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently finished this book, I have just invited my book club to read it too. Here is what I shared with them: 'I think this book has potential to richly bless and grow us all in different ways. I feel this book takes a very biblical and balanced approach to spiritual warfare. It tackles different ways we struggle and encourages us to be spiritually fit by giving us scripture to reflect on and learn so we can hear God's truth in our struggles. I found it practical, helpful, and encouraging.'

On a more practical note of what to expect, the first quarter of the book addresses the topic of spiritual warfare; what does the bible say it is and how do we respond. It looks at the spiritual armor we have been given and how we use each part. The remainder of the book, chapter by chapter, picks key themes we tend to struggle with (eg. worry, fear, self-esteem, impurity, bitterness etc.) and provides wisdom, scripture, and true stories that help us with the practical application of applying God's word to our struggles. Each chapter has questions for reflection and suggested scriptures to learn.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! If you want to take sin seriously in your life and you are ready to do battle then read this book. This gives you THE tool - the Bible and shows you how important it is to attack thoughts, sinful desires and temptations with God’s word. It is very practical in helping you walk with Jesus day by day. I’m also reading this in a Bible study group. There are questions and prayer suggestions with each chapter. Our group is getting lots out of these chapters each week.

[Will McKelleher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought 'Sword Fighting' is a good overview of spiritual warfare and the length was just right for me. I enjoyed the examples Christine provided whether from herself, Biblical or others. I'm particularly grateful for her vulnerability in sharing powerful, personal examples of spiritual harassment. It helps to make things more real.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource for anyone grappling with any kind of emotional battle. It is a non-fiction piece, and I can never read this sort of writing cover-to-cover. But I love how I can read just a few short pages and find much for my mind to ponder and respond to until I’m ready to pick it up again. Really good reflective questions at the close of each section as well.

[Daven Timms · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational read. This is where the rubber hits the road and the steel is sharpened, for those that want to take up the Good fight. Practical tips on how to use the scriptural sword to fight for you in all situations. A must read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a valuable book as it helped me to focus on the wonderful truths and promises in God's word. At first I skipped ahead to the chapters on the struggles I most often face, but I went back and read all the chapters as they were so helpful.