When you are going through a difficult time you want to gain encouragement from a person who knows what you are going through. John (the father of world famous minister Joel) Osteen was that type of man and it is clear in this book. I had struggled for a period of time with a "stronghold" in my own life. By reading this book I realized I need to get on the battlefield --the battlefield of the mind. Giving in to negative thoughts, beliefs, feeling and circumstances can cause walls to be constructed in your life. Through God (and the help of Mr. Osteen) these strongholds can be conquered. Fighting the necessary battles was the only way I would be able to overcome in my life. I was very encouraged. I certainly highly recommend this book to EVERYONE!

Being a fan of Joel Olsteen and his television ministries, I had to pick this book up. My mom is the one who actually reads a lot of scripture about demonic and other harmful influences in our lives as Christians. I personally have struggled with my own personal demons, and although this book is not a quick fix for aleviating those demons, it helps a great deal to put things into perspective. For example, Joel teaches us that accepting the fact that demons are going to do their best to control us is all part of their "job." Our job is to be stronger and rise above them, because if we don't it's hard to move on spiritually, and maybe even physically and emotionally. More or less Joel taught me that rising above unlocks a potential in your spirituality that you never knew was possible. In turn, my self-esteem has risen as well. While reading this book, I hear his encouraging voice which is a real motivator.

Pulling Down Strongholds by John Osteen is like opening a book and being opened to a wide open space. I had originally gotten this book as a gift and with most gifts I am given, I never looked at it.

One night, after a binge of alcohol I sat down while tears flowed from my eyes and I read that book. I had this strong inner feeling inside of me to tell me to pick up that book and read it. I sat in my room until 2 A.M from 10 P.M. and I read every word, every sentence. I understood this book completely and the pain I had buried inside of me washed away.

John teaches you in a mystical way that strongholds in life are the weight that keeps us from moving forward or blooming. He says that in order for you to grow spirtually you need to break free of any stronghold someone or in my case an addiction has placed on you. I never knew that people can place a grip on you so strong that you feel suffocated. John also shares his past life experience with the readers and on every level I completely felt connected to him.

I love this book because when I lose the sense of reality and I start to let someone put their grip on me, I read this book and come to my senses. This book has helped me through a lot!

Pulling Down Strongholds by John Osteen is on the top 10 of my favorite books. It is a very easy read.

The main message in this book is based on the verses found in 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 which states “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Osteen details out how the enemy puts thoughts in our minds and how these then become strongholds once we accept these thoughts and allow them to become our reality. Several examples are given from the author’s personal life and from his ministry to support his message.

Of equal importance are the various means that Osteen explains how to wage war and “pull down these strongholds” that we have allowed the enemy to established in our mind.

This book was a mainstay when I had home devotion with my children while they were growing up. When I feel defeated and I need a pick me up, I will re-read this book. It never fails to reset my thoughts and impart some new inspiration that satiates the soul. I have given this book away to friends and always, I run out to buy another copy. I now keep two copies around so I will be able to share it with someone without relinquishing my highlighted copy. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS.