Demons hang on tenaciously and cannot be dislodged until the ideas and heresies they have engendered in the mind are eradicated.

Austin Gardner • February 13, 2023

Today's gleanings

The imaginations and speculations that demons build in the mind become the fortresses in which they entrench themselves and from which they attack (2 Corinthians 11:3–4). To drive out the demon—“another spirit” (2 Corinthians 11:4)—these fortresses must be destroyed. Demons hang on tenaciously and cannot be dislodged until the ideas and heresies they have engendered in the mind are eradicated.

The apostle John warns the “beloved” people of God not to believe every spirit but to put the spirits to the test because many false prophets are energized by evil spirits that fill their minds with error and false doctrine and thus enslave them (1 John 4:1).


 Merrill Frederick Unger, What Demons Can Do to Saints (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1991), 102.

************************



Paul testified that he was “not ignorant of his [Satan’s] devices,” “lest Satan should get an advantage” of him (2 Corinthians 2:11). Satan seeks to gain a favorable and strategic place in the life of the believer to do him harm (Ephesians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Unless we acquaint ourselves with his wiles and subtle strategy, we are bound to fall under his attacks.

 Merrill Frederick Unger, What Demons Can Do to Saints (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1991), 103.

************************



The promise is: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The satanic principle is to take as much ground as possible when not resisted.

 Merrill Frederick Unger, What Demons Can Do to Saints (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1991), 103.

************************



He simply says that He never changes, that there is no change possible in God. God never differs from Himself. If you get ahold of this, it can be to you an anchor in the storm, a hiding place in danger. There is no possibility of changing in God. And God never differs from Himself.

 A. W. Tozer and David E. Fessenden, The Attributes of God: Deeper into the Father’s Heart, vol. 2 (Camp Hill, PA: WingSpread, 2001–), 91.

************************



Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit.

The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated.

The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible.

The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal.

Yet there are not three eternals, but one eternal.

As also there are not three uncreated nor three incomprehensible, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible.



 A. W. Tozer and David E. Fessenden, The Attributes of God: Deeper into the Father’s Heart, vol. 2 (Camp Hill, PA: WingSpread, 2001–), 98–99.

************************



Pride makes us focus on what we’ve done right, instead of what we’ve done wrong.

 R. Larry Moyer, Show Me How to Preach Evangelistic Sermons, Show Me How Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2012), 107.

************************

Non-Christians place themselves alongside others, choosing those who, in their opinion, live worse than they do.

 R. Larry Moyer, Show Me How to Preach Evangelistic Sermons, Show Me How Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2012), 108.


By Austin Gardner February 24, 2026
Biblical clarity for ministry leaders. Learn why internal alignment matters more than external success. 50+ years of ministry wisdom from Austin Gardner.
By Austin Gardner February 23, 2026
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit—but why? W. Austin Gardner explores the tension between bold faith and hidden pride in ministry leadership.
By Austin Gardner February 22, 2026
W. Austin Gardner explores the cautionary tale of Jehu in 2 Kings 10:31. Are you obeying with your whole heart, or just your hands? Discover the freedom of full surrender.
By Austin Gardner February 21, 2026
Why did God clear Pharaoh's flies instantly but leave Austin Gardner's? Explore a powerful lesson on trust, leadership humility, and grace from 50 years in ministry.
By Austin Gardner February 21, 2026
W. Austin Gardner reflects on the weight of leadership legacy and 1 Kings 22:52. Are your footsteps worth following? A biblical look at influence, character, and the power of example.
By Austin Gardner February 20, 2026
After 50+ years of ministry, W. Austin Gardner shares his shift from a culture of performance to a life of resting in grace. Discover the truth about identity in Christ.
By Austin Gardner February 19, 2026
Can everything change in a single day? W. Austin Gardner explores Joseph’s sudden restoration in Genesis 41:14 and why God’s timing is worth the wait.
By Austin Gardner February 18, 2026
Can you choose to forget the pain of the past? W. Austin Gardner explores Genesis 41:51 and Joseph’s decision to move from a place of wounding to a place of fruitfulness.
By Austin Gardner February 17, 2026
What happens when the past resurfaces? W. Austin Gardner explores Genesis 42, showing why character is built in the light and how to face old shadows with grace.
By Austin Gardner February 16, 2026
Stop the performance. W. Austin Gardner explores the high cost of pretending in ministry and how the "Big Leap of Faith" leads to true spiritual rest.