Strongholds:
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. Be reconciled to your brother first, and then come and offer your gift.
God is teaching me in this that I can give satan a place in my heart and mind (a stronghold) by harboring hurts and anger toward another person for wrongs real or imagined behavior that I am not comfortable with. We often make up what the person meant by their words or actions. This is how God says to handle this:
Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Have any of you rolled over and over in your mind what this or that person said or did that you didn’t like? As for me; YES to often. The devil wants to send you off on a tangent of how awful they are and what you should say to them. I am so thankful the Lord Jesus has stopped me and slowed me down and began to teach me to love first in my dealings with others! Things are not always as they seem! The devil wants you mad and moving right away. God says love first, slow down.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things endures all things. 8 love never fails!
The thing the devil likes is turmoil; keeping our minds off Christ. The devil uses fear as well to keep us locked in this cycle of anger in our minds. I would think 9 out of 10 times true communication in love, patience, listening and prayer will deliver all from this stronghold. Pray first! If we take it sincerely to the Lord He will show us the loving way. I find a lot of times it is my own thinking that is causing the problem.
Lord I can’t thank you enough for the times You have slowed me down and intervened before Ii could stick my foot in my mouth! Lord I thank you for teaching me how to speak in love. That I can speak about those things that hurt me and do it in a way that is gentle and kind. Lord the way You correct me is loving and true and kind but also firm. Please in Jesus name Father continue to make me more like Your Son Jesus. To always be quick to forgive others because I daily need Yours and others forgiveness. Also Lord I thank You for being quick to stop the devils lies and move me toward the truth and Your peace.
In Jesus Name
Amen!
