Putting on the Armor of God - How to Win Your Battles with Satan - Bestselling Author - Prepare for Personal Missions and Goals... Marriage... Repentance and Forgiveness... Follows Right Along Side of "The Miracle of Forgiveness" by Spencer W Kimball

by Steven A. Cramer, Cedar Fort Inc. (Editor)

Putting on the Armor of God was begun as a project to expose Satan's ancient arguments in their modern disguises. How often we You deserve so much more than this. Why are you keeping yourself in this bondage? You should be free and really enjoying yourself. Don't pray. What good is it to pray to a God who isn't there. Or if he is there, he is so far away he won't listen. Go ahead and do it. One little indiscretion is certainly not going to kill you. What difference does it make? No one will know. Nothing less than perfection is acceptable to God. You'll never be perfect, so why are you trying? You've made so many mistakes now there is no hope for you. There's no need for you to go through all the pain of change. Look what you were thinking. You have an unclean mind. God couldn't possible love you. You are not worthy. You are inferior. It's okay. You can repent when the bishop calls you in for your mission interview. Putting on the Armor of God discusses these and many more adversarial whisperings, their origins, effects and defenses.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Self Help, Spirituality, Inspirational

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Rena Phung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt prompted to read this book. I resisted the prompting. After the third time I finally borrowed it from my sister-in-law. It sat on my desk. I was reluctant to begin it. I thought, I guess, that it might focus me too much on the adversary and therefore bring him more into my life! I told one of the sisters I visit teach about this book and told her I was afraid to read it. And she immediately interrupted and said: "You have to read that book. Fear is always from Satan." The Spirit confirmed that her words were true. That evening I brought out the book despite that persistent fear and opened and began to read. The fear immediately left me and I knew that it was right that I read it. It has entirely changed my perspective. I fall in the category of many of us when we just try to do what's right and ignore Satan and hope he won't bother us! It is an attitude that has not allowed me to progress! Like the sister who I visit teach said "You already invited him into your life when you made covenants to keep the commandments of God!" or as this book said "You are part of this war whether you like it or not!" And it is a very good thing to understand our adversary's tactics, recognize his influence in our lives and be better able put on the armor of God, and therefore to conquer Satan!

[Donald Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven A Cramer (Gerald Curtis) is my father. I thought I'd share that he passed away this weekend. If anyone has a memory they'd like to share with his family, you can do that on his online memorial which is https://www.weremember.com/gerald-h-c....
Thank you!

[Bryn Winegar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not subscribe to the belief that sin or addiction are actually demon possession, which is the foundation of this book. There were some components of doctrine I could glean truth from.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an AWESOME book! I have recommended it to many people. It is by far the best non-scriptural, spiritual book I have ever read. I will re-read it often and am doing so now.

Now having said that, it will not necessarily dazzle you when you read it. It kind of gradually does its thing. It was good because it helped me become more self-aware, it increased my understanding of Good and Bad, and it increased my feelings of love for and understanding of God and Jesus Christ.

Most importantly this book helped me to see my weaknesses more clearly, see how Satan exploited my weaknesses in the past, and helped keep me motivated to overcome these weaknesses and vulnerabilities, which I thought were a permanent part of who I was. It helped me understand the scriptures better. It may not seem it, but I am a different person because of this book.

[Ruthann Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit I didn't finish the whole book. I got too bogged down in the middle and couldn't finish. The author uses a lot of quotes and ideas from the miracle of forgiveness. I thought it was very similar to that book. There was one quote that really bothered me though. I forget the exact quote but something to the effect of, parents would rather hear their child has passed away than broken the law of chastity.


I disagree with this. None of us are perfect, we all need the atonement. Yes, breaking the law of chastity is bad, but it isn't the end of life. People often come back from it and live full, happy lives. It happens, the desires are strong, that's what the atonement is for. Repentance isn't the plan in the even that we might fail, it's the plan when we do.

I recommend this for 14 and up.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

For better and worse, this book is heavily influenced by President Kimball's "Miracle of Forgiveness." Does a fantastic job of externalizing and unpacking the ways we are moved to act against our better natures. Whether or not you believe in the literal existence of Satan, this book lays bare the vulnerabilities and weaknesses that lead us to act in ways we regret. This book is very much an early nineties Mormon non-fiction book, but I still found it valuable in 2016.

[Kathy Blose · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most powerful books I have ever read on how to fight Satan. This book saved my soul when I was going through a very big battle with the Adversary years ago and had no counselor to turn to. Cramer has been there and overcame with the help of the Savior.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I'm going to rate all of my father's books 5 stars, because that's what they deserve. I know this book has helped thousands of people overcome bad habits, temptations and other trials by coming to Christ. It has very practical advice while it uplifts.

[Alex Wheatley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overly redundant. Little to no original insight. The author, who has no authority on the subject--professionally or ecclesiastically, mostly regurgitates quotes and ideas from church leaders over and over again. Good for a quick browse (10-15 minutes), but not worth the time to read word for word.

[Winslow Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money!

Outside of the standard works, this book has been a 10/10 experience. I feel like I have come to know my savior more by reading it and pondering on the scriptural filled content.

[Jennifer Parent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be a classic in my home. Like another reviewer, I have avoided focusing on the role of Satan in my life, wanting to pretend he is real and has a real influence on our thought processes, fearing to acknowledge his real influence and existence in our world, frankly feeling almost ridiculous to give him any credit for actually having an effect on me, feeling that people are trying to escape responsibility for their actions by blaming it on the adversary as summarized in the saying, “The devil made me do it.” I no longer think any of those things, only hesitant still to share my newly held close to my heart insights. The author supports all of his ideas thoroughly with scriptures from all sources of LDS Canon. What made the book even more powerful to me was when I researched the author about halfway through the book. What I both loved and felt disappointed about was that he shares almost nothing about the personal application of these principles from his own life, and yet, he writes from a perspective of really knowing personally of what he speaks. I learned that he was a bishop of the LDS faith that succumbed to pornography and adultery, was excommunicated and overcame those challenges through the application of these principles in his life as he supposedly detailed more in a book called Worth of a Soul. Though it shouldn’t matter since his book stands on its own with the scriptures that he uses to support his writing, it gave
it much more credibility in my opinion, since he has lived and overcome Satan in his life by applying these principles.

[Isabella Dunkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t really write reviews for books, but this book is different. Skip to the last paragraph for my testimony.

A sister that spoke at my Young Women’s encampment suggested this book to me, and I ordered a copy when I got home to read. My testimony has grown especially so in the last few years, I was recovering from an addiction and managed to admit to my mistake and pull through. Since then I have been strong as ever.
Even so, I’ve been at a loss for awhile now on how to grow stronger, and improve my relationship with the Lord. And this book was an answer to that prayer.

It covers many topics that will change you for the better like nothing else. I felt my desire to follow the Lord and stand as His Disciple only grow as I read this book. It really strengthened and assured me. It’s given me help in resisting Satans whispers, and motivation to listen for the Lords whispers. It will help guide me through future troubles, I’m sure.

I wanted to keep this short, so I’d just like to bear my testimony, that I know these words speak truth. That my Heavenly Father has forgiven me, and is willing to forgive you, no matter what you did, or who you hurt. I know The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is true, and that we’ll welcome you, should you choose to be welcomed. I testify, that the Lord is waiting for me, and for you to come back home, and that he will help you do anything to get you back. I say these things in the name of Christ, amen.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Our worth is not a result of circumstance, or even of our particular level of obedience or righteousness. It is part of our heritage as children of God." - Mary Ellen Edmunds

Much like CS Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters", this book explores the way Satan tries to lie and distract us from reaching our fullest potential. It helped me to recognize the lies Satan tells me personally -- it was kind of eerie how whenever I was struggling with something in my own life, a chapter would come up to help shine a light on the lies and how I can reframe my thinking. I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father, and by rejecting Satan and clinging to my Heavenly Father and the teachings of Jesus Christ, I will live a happier, more useful and full life. This book was sometimes hard to read -- change is hard -- but I'll be revisiting it often.

[Skye Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read. Jam packed with doctrine and truth. I love how Cramer definitely includes his own thoughts and feelings but couples it all with an exceedingly high amount of scripture and prophetic counsel. This book has so much goodness. I discovered an endless amount of powerful scriptures while reading. I am going to start the scripture searching advice given in Appendix C. I am excited to make my index card set and start memorizing these powerful scriptures to help strengthen my “sword of truth.” I’ve gained so many new goals from reading this. I’m very excited to keep on returning to this book and reflecting on it for years to come.

[Zach Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Gives awesome insight and perspective into the scriptures. Really talks about how important prayer is as well as the scriptures. Also, talks a lot about how the devil specifically attacks us. Hey basically is giving you the scriptures as a game plan to understand how to avoid falling off the path. Every Christian should read this.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I told my mom about it and she also read it and loved it. What wonderful insights about the battle we are constantly fighting and how to fight back. I love his use of the scriptures and so many wonderful quotes from prophets and apostles. This book is very much grounded in the principles and on the doctrine of Christ. Would definitely recommend.

[Tyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some good truths from the scriptures, words of the prophets, etc but overall the writing was quite mediocre. There was also some doctrinally imprecise statements, some speculative statements that made me cringe, etc. There was some good practical guidance that can help with temptation.

[Sam Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. Without a doubt one of the best church books I've read. It was a very refreshing take on how Satan deceives and tempts us. This is like an instructional manual for beating Satan - what a great idea for a book! I highly recommend this.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even express how good this book is. I truly believe everyone should read this book. The perspectives on Satan, trials, etc., is really important and awakens so much. I have found it has helped me so much. I will continue to grow and learn because of this book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting. Great read for latter day saints.

[roxan smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Great read, would read it again...give it 5 stars, not sure what else you want me to say..blah blah blah

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!!

[Tyler Furgason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Latter-day Saint should own and read this book yearly.

[Londi · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's full of shaming. I had to put it down and quit reading it.
Far from encouraging, far from helpful.

[Tricia Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! It was very helpful in such a practical way! Definitely helped me spiritually grow

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that gives excellent counsel on how to accomplish exactly what it promises in the title.

[Kelly]

I'll admit that I didn't try very hard with this book. I read exactly 29 pages before turning to another book. The problem is purely personal preference. I simply don't read this kind of book. I prefer reading the Standard Works or church magazines for gospel instruction. That and I also got tired of reading about Satan. I just don't think about him that much, but rather try to focus on the Savior. To the author's credit, he did use several scriptures and quotes from prophets and apostles. They were like the good part of the ice cream that I dig through the gallon for.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that I will read over and over again. It definitely changed my understanding of the real battles that we fight daily-hourly or minute by minute with Satan. Brings to light his tactics, how to avoid them. Fascinating chapters on dealing with sexual addictions. Appreciated the constant references to scripture and modern and ancient prophet's texts also.
One of the best books I've ever read-and fully recommend for everyone.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year I decided to pick "Putting on the Armor of God" as an area of focus for my family. This has been a great book in helping me more clearly understand and teach my family this great gospel doctrine! The author quotes the scriptures along with prophets and apostles through out the book. I highly reccommend it!