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Reclaiming Surrendered Ground: Protecting Your Family from Spiritual Attacks
Sometimes Christians forget they have an enemy. But let your guard down for just a moment and Satan--ever watchful for an opportunity--is waiting to attack not just you, but your family as well. Jim Logan shows how Christ alone can save your home from the destructive powers of bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, and anger.
208 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 1995
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October 9, 2011
A very interesting book on spiritual warfare. One of the pillar's of the book is that western churches are largely unaware of the strategies of Satan to influence Christians. Being unaware leaves us vulnerable.
However, one of my favorite aspects of this book is that Logan isn't obsessed with demonic activity. He spends some time introducing the concept of spiritual warfare and does cover the occult. However, much of the book is spent discussing elements that are common in the western experience - particularly our thought life. Logan provides specific advise on overcoming, and persevering these attacks. This advice comes through in each chapter revealing another point. Our attention is to be on Jesus Christ. The enemy is already defeated. All Satan can do is influence us through lies. Our knowledge of scripture (truth) and our submission to Christ sets us free. Of course the book goes far more in depth.
Logan does a great job of making this book applicable for all Christians. The reader is left with a greater understanding of the cross of Christ, the tactics of Satan, and the implications of spiritual warfare upon ourselves, our spouses, our children, etc. I recommend reading this text with a Bible nearby as there are many references that you'll want to look up as you read.
If I were to meet Logan, I would have a question for him. I want to ask where he draws the line between psychological development and demonic influence. The book doesn't require the answer to be effective. But it did raise my curiosity.
I also think a fitting quote to go along with this book is from the movie, The Usual Suspects: "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
I recommend this for all Christians - however I especially recommend it for anyone raising children or in ministry (which really covers all Christians anyway).
However, one of my favorite aspects of this book is that Logan isn't obsessed with demonic activity. He spends some time introducing the concept of spiritual warfare and does cover the occult. However, much of the book is spent discussing elements that are common in the western experience - particularly our thought life. Logan provides specific advise on overcoming, and persevering these attacks. This advice comes through in each chapter revealing another point. Our attention is to be on Jesus Christ. The enemy is already defeated. All Satan can do is influence us through lies. Our knowledge of scripture (truth) and our submission to Christ sets us free. Of course the book goes far more in depth.
Logan does a great job of making this book applicable for all Christians. The reader is left with a greater understanding of the cross of Christ, the tactics of Satan, and the implications of spiritual warfare upon ourselves, our spouses, our children, etc. I recommend reading this text with a Bible nearby as there are many references that you'll want to look up as you read.
If I were to meet Logan, I would have a question for him. I want to ask where he draws the line between psychological development and demonic influence. The book doesn't require the answer to be effective. But it did raise my curiosity.
I also think a fitting quote to go along with this book is from the movie, The Usual Suspects: "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
I recommend this for all Christians - however I especially recommend it for anyone raising children or in ministry (which really covers all Christians anyway).
January 27, 2024
Changed my life.
Having grown up in reformed circles (with which I still identify), spiritual warfare was rarely mentioned. I truly did not have a strong knowledge of it. Jim Logan counsels, in love, and explains how bondage to sin is no mistake. The enemy, when given a foothold, often then has a stronghold— Terms I never thought I’d use often; I now can’t unsee it. So, from a personal perspective: 5 stars. Changed me for the better. As a reader: 5 stars— easy to understand, practical application, and powerful storytelling.
Wonderful, convicting, empowering.
You can walk in freedom. Every day. No more “worm theology.”
Having grown up in reformed circles (with which I still identify), spiritual warfare was rarely mentioned. I truly did not have a strong knowledge of it. Jim Logan counsels, in love, and explains how bondage to sin is no mistake. The enemy, when given a foothold, often then has a stronghold— Terms I never thought I’d use often; I now can’t unsee it. So, from a personal perspective: 5 stars. Changed me for the better. As a reader: 5 stars— easy to understand, practical application, and powerful storytelling.
Wonderful, convicting, empowering.
You can walk in freedom. Every day. No more “worm theology.”
February 26, 2016
Is it possible for a believer to give ground to the enemy, then if it is, it then becomes crucial for that believer, in the power of the Holy Spirit to take back ground he or she has yielded to the enemy. This is the heart of the book. To understand the ways that God' people can give ground to Satan.
Mixed emotions on this study. I believe what the word says that we should guard our hearts and that the Satan's mission is to deceive, destroy, and ultimately death to those made in the image of God. I do believe in Spiritual Warfare and that no matter what you believe, we are in the middle of it. That the battle ground is the mind and the goal is for God's glory. Do I give Satan ground? Yes I do. The book is broken out by chapters in how we give Satan ground that affects our joy, our ministry, and how we love God and others. Logan gets it right that the question is not Do you have Victory? But are you standing in the victory you already have in Christ? There is a difference.
The definition of a stronghold is most helpful A stronghold is a mindset impregnated with hopelessness that causes me to accept as unchangeable something that I know is contrary to the will of God. I also was encouraged by his stand that being fixated on the enemy and his power is not helpful but that our focus should always be on Christ. Knowing how the enemy operates and becoming obsessed with him are two different things.
Each chapter also includes Higher Ground in which we can take steps to identify the stronghold and to bring to prayer. Being mindful of these strongholds is the first key to unlock as we walk thru scripture to breakdown the strongholds that keep us in fear or in sin. Breaking a stronghold always begins with repentance.
One strong disagreement I have A final reminder I want to leave with you before we get into the discipline of renewing the mind is this. simply having a wrong thought does not make you sinful or guilty,. If it did, Jesus would be sinful, as He received (but did not act upon) wrong thoughts, which were suggested to Him by Satan in the temptation in the wilderness. First of all, those were not Jesus' thoughts but Satan as he attempted to tempt Jesus thru the desires that Adam and Eve failed in the garden. I think sin does go deeper that action but our thoughts as well which Jesus did teach when he taught on lust of the mind or calling a brother a jerk. Our thoughts reveal the heart.
The book was helpful in recognizing the strongholds and the hope we can lose because of those strongholds. However, I am thankful that I can call on the name of Jesus and know that he will never forsake me. That his mercy is new everyday.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Mixed emotions on this study. I believe what the word says that we should guard our hearts and that the Satan's mission is to deceive, destroy, and ultimately death to those made in the image of God. I do believe in Spiritual Warfare and that no matter what you believe, we are in the middle of it. That the battle ground is the mind and the goal is for God's glory. Do I give Satan ground? Yes I do. The book is broken out by chapters in how we give Satan ground that affects our joy, our ministry, and how we love God and others. Logan gets it right that the question is not Do you have Victory? But are you standing in the victory you already have in Christ? There is a difference.
The definition of a stronghold is most helpful A stronghold is a mindset impregnated with hopelessness that causes me to accept as unchangeable something that I know is contrary to the will of God. I also was encouraged by his stand that being fixated on the enemy and his power is not helpful but that our focus should always be on Christ. Knowing how the enemy operates and becoming obsessed with him are two different things.
Each chapter also includes Higher Ground in which we can take steps to identify the stronghold and to bring to prayer. Being mindful of these strongholds is the first key to unlock as we walk thru scripture to breakdown the strongholds that keep us in fear or in sin. Breaking a stronghold always begins with repentance.
One strong disagreement I have A final reminder I want to leave with you before we get into the discipline of renewing the mind is this. simply having a wrong thought does not make you sinful or guilty,. If it did, Jesus would be sinful, as He received (but did not act upon) wrong thoughts, which were suggested to Him by Satan in the temptation in the wilderness. First of all, those were not Jesus' thoughts but Satan as he attempted to tempt Jesus thru the desires that Adam and Eve failed in the garden. I think sin does go deeper that action but our thoughts as well which Jesus did teach when he taught on lust of the mind or calling a brother a jerk. Our thoughts reveal the heart.
The book was helpful in recognizing the strongholds and the hope we can lose because of those strongholds. However, I am thankful that I can call on the name of Jesus and know that he will never forsake me. That his mercy is new everyday.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 20, 2014
This is the sort of thing every active Christian needs to know about, but few ever hear of. Jim Logan gives sound, practical advice for resisting the devil and reclaiming lost ground on several fronts. The nice part is that he does so without what I call "the heebie-jeebie factor" that can generate fear in inexperienced saints. He uses examples of clients in his counseling ministry who have dealt with each issue he covers, increasing your potential for those "ah-hah" moments of connection with folks that struggle as you do. I especially appreciate the one-page "Higher Ground" action notes that boil each chapter down to the nitty-gritty points and give practical steps to overcoming struggles with that particular topic.
It's meaty stuff, so it took me a while to read and digest, but it's not a deep doctrinal discussion that goes over the heads of us lay folks. I'd call this must-reading for anyone in ministry--for your own use or to aid those under your care. Parents need to read this, too, as our kids' spiritual well-being can be improved by applying these principles. Get a copy for your own library, your church and the missionaries you support. If they haven't read it, they'll be glad you did. If they have, they may pass it along.
It's meaty stuff, so it took me a while to read and digest, but it's not a deep doctrinal discussion that goes over the heads of us lay folks. I'd call this must-reading for anyone in ministry--for your own use or to aid those under your care. Parents need to read this, too, as our kids' spiritual well-being can be improved by applying these principles. Get a copy for your own library, your church and the missionaries you support. If they haven't read it, they'll be glad you did. If they have, they may pass it along.
January 26, 2016
There are few books of this caliber on this subject. Jim Logan has laid out a clear, concise battle plan for dealing with the true enemy of this world, Satan. Christians around the world are far too often ignorant of the very real reminder in Ephesians 6:12 that we battle "powers of the dark world". This book lays out real stories with real solutions to remind us how to efficiently wear the "armor of God" when we take back control of our lives. I believe this book is valuable for counselors, therapists, ministers, and family members of those in danger of very real spiritual attacks. Biblical, scriptural, and backed by research and documentation, this book is much needed in the Christian world.
September 27, 2007
Demons are all around... maybe even close to your own soul... what have you given to Satan?
This book helps to expose the parts of our lives we have given to the devil, and also shows that we can't "compartmentalize" our choices. It gives step by step suggestions to reclaim the areas of our lives that we have surrendered to our own desires. The real-life examples given are detailed and show that everybody is in this thing together. It has helped me in understanding what part I play in the whole battle between God and the Angel of Light.
This book helps to expose the parts of our lives we have given to the devil, and also shows that we can't "compartmentalize" our choices. It gives step by step suggestions to reclaim the areas of our lives that we have surrendered to our own desires. The real-life examples given are detailed and show that everybody is in this thing together. It has helped me in understanding what part I play in the whole battle between God and the Angel of Light.
January 4, 2016
This book has been around for a while, but it is a very good treatment on the ways in which the Enemy attacks the Christian. The thing that I love about this book that distinguishes it from other books is its practicality. Whenever we talk about spiritual warfare it feels like we must walk away from being practical, but Logan dispels that with this book. We can and should seek to go on the offensive and engage the enemy with a biblically centered approach. This book is a must read because it does more than tell you there is a problem, it gives you ways to do something about it.
October 14, 2010
The author gives a very detailed accounting of spiritual warfare and how to deal with it, and backs it up with scripture.
June 24, 2021
There is much to be applauded in Logan's "Reclaiming Surrendered Ground."
Applause...
Logan does a great job of a lot of things in this book: making demonic influence very tangible; helping visualize how demons actively work to destroy individuals, families, and churches; giving stories of demonization; showing how demonization can affect not only unbelievers, but even Christians (just this principle of Satan working to conquer us by taking footholds in our life - as evidenced in Ephesians 4:27 - is worth the book's weight in gold and was life changing for me!); painting a picture of a father and mother's significance and responsibility in combatting Satanic influence in their family; and giving handles on how to combat the work of the enemy. Overall, a great book for equipping yourself against the Enemy's schemes.
Some Things To Take With A Healthy Grain Of Salt
I can't quite applaud everything about this book. Though Logan describes himself as a "biblicist," there were times I felt that he either went off on his own wisdom or at the very least just didn't explain his biblical reasoning.
1) Demonization Through RPG's & Rock Music
For example, he calls certain things occultic - such as role-playing games and rock music - but I was left a bit confused as to what Logan thinks is demonic (or a portal for demonic work) about them. I tried to "read between the lines" to discover this. I imagine it has something to do with the Prophet Samuel's words that all rebellion (against God and His ways) is witchcraft. I take to mean that even things that are harmless in and of themselves - such as RPG's and rock music - can be used by the enemy when they are charged with rebellion or have rebellious themes. However, Logan doesn't actually say that; rather, he seems to demonize those things in and of themselves.
In fact, there were a couple times where he seemed to suggest that songs with a beat were the problem, and he gives this suggestion: "Commit yourself to listen only to music that is strong in melody and edifies the Lord Jesus Christ." I get the edifying Christ part, but what is it about songs with a beat that are demonic? And what is it about songs with a "strong melody" that are righteous?
However, I will say that it was helpful to engage with what Logan was saying. It did make me question whether or not some of these things I tend to consider to be "neutral" or "entertaining" could be used by the enemy to gain a foothold in my life and to be on guard against. And so for that, I actually thank Mr. Logan.
2) Ancestral Demonization
Logan's explanation of ancestral demonization (the passing on of demons from ancestors to their descendents) was a bit lacking. He used a few verses that, in my mind, show clearly that God can and will visit His wrath upon descendents for the sins of their ancestors (Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Lev 26:39-40 to name a few) - which may more accurately define what Logan means by "family and ancestral curses." But Logan draws two things from these passages that further: 1) that sin can be passed down as a heritage and 2) that demonization can be passed down as a heritage. These Scriptures don't teach that and I thought it a bit lazy to say that they do.
Though I don't agree with Logan's use of these texts, I think Logan's general idea is basically true - namely, that children often perpetuate the sins of their fathers, and those sins are the shackles of demonic oppression.
In Conclusion...
These are all things I would say you should "take with a grain of salt" and discern them with the Word and Spirit in prayer, but I would not say they are things that should keep you from reading this book. I definitely recommend and think it
Applause...
Logan does a great job of a lot of things in this book: making demonic influence very tangible; helping visualize how demons actively work to destroy individuals, families, and churches; giving stories of demonization; showing how demonization can affect not only unbelievers, but even Christians (just this principle of Satan working to conquer us by taking footholds in our life - as evidenced in Ephesians 4:27 - is worth the book's weight in gold and was life changing for me!); painting a picture of a father and mother's significance and responsibility in combatting Satanic influence in their family; and giving handles on how to combat the work of the enemy. Overall, a great book for equipping yourself against the Enemy's schemes.
Some Things To Take With A Healthy Grain Of Salt
I can't quite applaud everything about this book. Though Logan describes himself as a "biblicist," there were times I felt that he either went off on his own wisdom or at the very least just didn't explain his biblical reasoning.
1) Demonization Through RPG's & Rock Music
For example, he calls certain things occultic - such as role-playing games and rock music - but I was left a bit confused as to what Logan thinks is demonic (or a portal for demonic work) about them. I tried to "read between the lines" to discover this. I imagine it has something to do with the Prophet Samuel's words that all rebellion (against God and His ways) is witchcraft. I take to mean that even things that are harmless in and of themselves - such as RPG's and rock music - can be used by the enemy when they are charged with rebellion or have rebellious themes. However, Logan doesn't actually say that; rather, he seems to demonize those things in and of themselves.
In fact, there were a couple times where he seemed to suggest that songs with a beat were the problem, and he gives this suggestion: "Commit yourself to listen only to music that is strong in melody and edifies the Lord Jesus Christ." I get the edifying Christ part, but what is it about songs with a beat that are demonic? And what is it about songs with a "strong melody" that are righteous?
However, I will say that it was helpful to engage with what Logan was saying. It did make me question whether or not some of these things I tend to consider to be "neutral" or "entertaining" could be used by the enemy to gain a foothold in my life and to be on guard against. And so for that, I actually thank Mr. Logan.
2) Ancestral Demonization
Logan's explanation of ancestral demonization (the passing on of demons from ancestors to their descendents) was a bit lacking. He used a few verses that, in my mind, show clearly that God can and will visit His wrath upon descendents for the sins of their ancestors (Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Lev 26:39-40 to name a few) - which may more accurately define what Logan means by "family and ancestral curses." But Logan draws two things from these passages that further: 1) that sin can be passed down as a heritage and 2) that demonization can be passed down as a heritage. These Scriptures don't teach that and I thought it a bit lazy to say that they do.
Though I don't agree with Logan's use of these texts, I think Logan's general idea is basically true - namely, that children often perpetuate the sins of their fathers, and those sins are the shackles of demonic oppression.
In Conclusion...
These are all things I would say you should "take with a grain of salt" and discern them with the Word and Spirit in prayer, but I would not say they are things that should keep you from reading this book. I definitely recommend and think it
July 24, 2023
This was a very insightful, helpful read on a subject not many people in conservative Christian circles want to talk about. After nearly a decade of pastoral ministry, the realities of spiritual warfare have become increasingly clear to me. It was helpful to get some experienced biblical perspective in this area.
April 18, 2017
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13
This book woke me up to the real battle that is happening. Satan spreads his lies like seeds. If we let them take root, they spread havoc in our lives. This book explains how to defend ourselves and against these attacks.
This book woke me up to the real battle that is happening. Satan spreads his lies like seeds. If we let them take root, they spread havoc in our lives. This book explains how to defend ourselves and against these attacks.
February 7, 2019
Every Christian should read this book. Useful for just what the title promises: reclaiming surrendered ground and protecting your family from spiritual attacks. As it happened, I picked this up just after reading Lewis's The Screwtape Letters. What a combination! Highly recommend.
August 2, 2014
integesting, insightful book.
January 11, 2016
very clear on spiritual warfare
June 28, 2018
Excellent book on spiritual warfare. Down to earth, balanced, accessible. Very practical and excellent suggestions that you can do.
November 12, 2018
This book is comprised of layer upon layer of paranoid speculations about demons and what things people can supposedly do to "allow the enemy a foothold" in their lives. (Mostly, as it turns out, those things are pretty much anything newer than 1930 or so.)
Instead of ascribing my own personal failings to the incessant and barely-resistible badgering of demons, I prefer to own my own shortcomings. I can't live life in the state of abject terror and helplessness Jim Logan promotes. He's pretty much convinced that all evil comes from the outside and that purity is to be found in human hearts, or at least Christian ones. I could not disagree more.
Typical statement: "The enemy can plant wrong thoughts in our minds, but he cannot force us to think about the, to mull over them and let them germinate into full-fledged sin." Really, Jim? What's your source on that? What's a "wrong thought" and how is it different from a sin?
PS- Jim Logan thinks that addiction and mental illness aren't real.
Instead of ascribing my own personal failings to the incessant and barely-resistible badgering of demons, I prefer to own my own shortcomings. I can't live life in the state of abject terror and helplessness Jim Logan promotes. He's pretty much convinced that all evil comes from the outside and that purity is to be found in human hearts, or at least Christian ones. I could not disagree more.
Typical statement: "The enemy can plant wrong thoughts in our minds, but he cannot force us to think about the, to mull over them and let them germinate into full-fledged sin." Really, Jim? What's your source on that? What's a "wrong thought" and how is it different from a sin?
PS- Jim Logan thinks that addiction and mental illness aren't real.
March 17, 2021
I always love a good how to book. This is kinda like a how to, but for keeping your family safe from Satan's attacks. Please take the time to read if you are a believer. It has valuable ancient knowledge that you will want your children to pass on to their grandchildren.
January 13, 2022
A good book on the realities of spiritual warfare in many ways but does seem to have some wrong assumptions on some issues a product of its time. Looking past its faults it gives great explanations of spiritual issues and how to work through them.
August 22, 2022
This is an excellent book on Spiritual Warfare. Having listened to some of Jim Logan’s messages and growing up with a pastor who familiarized me with the truths in this book, I found this book to be a great refresher and encouragement on Spiritual Warfare. Logan is biblically solid and combines personal experience with good Biblical scholarship. While at times I disagree with his thoughts that relate to a lot of the teachings from Bill Gothard’s ministry, this doesn’t takeaway from a lot of the great truths presented in this book. I think this book will be an eye-opener for a lot of Christians as well as a helpful resource for those trying to walk in victory in their Christian life.
August 13, 2021
A must read for any Christian.
January 27, 2022
Reclaiming Surrendered Ground
This is an excellent book on how to fight Satan and stay close to God. It's a book that I will read again.
This is an excellent book on how to fight Satan and stay close to God. It's a book that I will read again.
August 3, 2023
It's my favorite spiritual warfare book. I've read it many times.
July 1, 2024
This is one of those books that needs to be read and then re-read and then re-read again. Solid principles. Extremely practical.
May 4, 2024
Powerful book for anyone seeking victory in their life. Below are some takeaways I gleaned from the book:
The devil has no authority in the Christian’s life, accept for that which has been surrendered to him.
If it is possible to give ground or place to the devil, as Ephesians 4:27 says, then it is also possible to reclaim that ground.
The devil wants to kill, steal, and destroy. The good news for us is that he is a defeated foe.
We do not need to ask others if they have the victory, we need to ask if they are standing in the victory they already have.
Since every Christian faces spiritual warfare, every Christian is also equipped with the spiritual tools needed for the war.
If the Christian could not be influenced by the devil, then why are we told to put on the armor of God and stand firm (Ephesians 6:10), to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), and to resist the devil (James 4:7)?
The popular word that the world uses is “addiction,” but God uses the word “sin.” Addiction gives the idea that you’re a victim of something, but sin suggests you’re making a choice.
When you give ground to the devil, he can begins digging a foundation to construct whatever he wants.
When Lazarus was raised from the dead, he had life but was bound with grave clothes and needed help being unwound.
Fathers, you have great responsibilities, and the devil wants to attack you, but you have great resources in God.
As a child of God, you’re calling is to get to know your Father, not the enemy. You should be aware of the devil, but not fear him because you are God’s child.
Getting free can be easy, but staying free is the challenge.
You are not fighting to gain victory, you’re fighting from a position of victory. The devil is a defeated foe!
We have been delivered from the power of darkness, but not from the presence of darkness. We still live in a wicked world.
Because Satan is already defeated, his only power is in deception.
The devil has no authority in the Christian’s life, accept for that which has been surrendered to him.
If it is possible to give ground or place to the devil, as Ephesians 4:27 says, then it is also possible to reclaim that ground.
The devil wants to kill, steal, and destroy. The good news for us is that he is a defeated foe.
We do not need to ask others if they have the victory, we need to ask if they are standing in the victory they already have.
Since every Christian faces spiritual warfare, every Christian is also equipped with the spiritual tools needed for the war.
If the Christian could not be influenced by the devil, then why are we told to put on the armor of God and stand firm (Ephesians 6:10), to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), and to resist the devil (James 4:7)?
The popular word that the world uses is “addiction,” but God uses the word “sin.” Addiction gives the idea that you’re a victim of something, but sin suggests you’re making a choice.
When you give ground to the devil, he can begins digging a foundation to construct whatever he wants.
When Lazarus was raised from the dead, he had life but was bound with grave clothes and needed help being unwound.
Fathers, you have great responsibilities, and the devil wants to attack you, but you have great resources in God.
As a child of God, you’re calling is to get to know your Father, not the enemy. You should be aware of the devil, but not fear him because you are God’s child.
Getting free can be easy, but staying free is the challenge.
You are not fighting to gain victory, you’re fighting from a position of victory. The devil is a defeated foe!
We have been delivered from the power of darkness, but not from the presence of darkness. We still live in a wicked world.
Because Satan is already defeated, his only power is in deception.
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