Mountains and Strongholds

Have you ever thought about the fact that we might be our mountain? I most certainly didn't until the day I watch a program on TBN - Better Together - and the 'panel' posed this question. Are we, our thoughts, our mountains? Could this be at least part of the reason the Word tells us to renew our mind!!!?

Obviously the questions can't be dismissed out of hand, but ... when you think about it, could there be an element of truth in the questions? I think that I might modify the first question slightly... that if our thoughts aren't our mountains, they can become strongholds. My definition of stronghold may be slightly different from yours. I believe a stronghold is a thought or it can be a belief that is a pillar (of sorts) in our mindset. But, it's existence is not of the Lord nor what He wants for us. These strongholds are crippling, they are meant to destroy us.

According to one source, a spiritual stronghold is: 

   "A spiritual stronghold is anything that has power over you. Ideally, it’s Jesus.

    but throughout our lives, we will all come up against strongholds that are

    desires of our flesh." 

And another source says:

   "A stronghold is only a threat if there are enemy soldiers inside. Indeed, a

    stronghold can also be a place of comfort, a safe place: For example, in 2 

    Samuel 22:2-3, David said: The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my

    deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn 

    of my salvation."

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, AMP says:

   "For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our

    [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man. The

    weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our

    weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are

    destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that

    sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every

    thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ," 

  

Scripture is our test as to whether it is a stronghold. It tells what OUR weapons are. And as we apply them, it tells us what happens. So primarily, all we need do is to consider whether our stronghold is carnal, is defeating.

A mountain is no more than an obstacle in our way - the height has nothing to do with anything. Mountains, like strongholds  are meant to get in our way. We always have the choice to allow this or not. And if we refuse, then most mountains become molehills - easily conquered. And yet, never react to them as if they don't exist. Denial is never a defense... especially since we have everything we need to defeat whatever is in the way of our being bold, being brave.

We truly have all we need to defeat mountains and strongholds, anything that places itself above who the Lord is and what He does... and how it applies to us. We ARE more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), We CAN do all through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13), and look again at 2 Corinthians 10 - WE pull down those strongholds! What do we need to do to be in this position? Abide in Him (John 15:4), Seek Him and His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33), be saved (Acts 4:12) and you are well on your way of becoming the person you have always meant to be.

Paul's Prayers for US

In Paul's letters in the New Testament, we read his prayers for the believer, and this does include US! There are 3 particular prayers that give us so much information about who we are, Whose we are, and all that is available to us to be all that we are intended to become. 

These are Paul's prayers for us in order that we do grow and mature [Ephesians 4:13] These prayers are found in Colossians 1:9-12, Ephesians 1:3-6, and 1:17-23, What they tell us is that Paul prayed often for the believer. AND that those were powerful prayers. However, I also believe that it is only when we act on them that the power is displayed. I'm providing the Amplified Bible's version so that you can appreciate the fullness of power in Paul's prayers.

In Colossians:

   *that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom

    [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things],"

 

Why?  

   *so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable

     character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all

     things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge

     of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]; 

     [we pray that you may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power,

     according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience

     with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the

     inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the Light."  

Turning to Ephesians:

  *Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

    who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in

    Christ, just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for

    Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world," 

     

Why?

    "so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-

    driven] and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined and lovingly

    planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus

    Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will—to

    the praise of His glorious grace and favor, which He so freely bestowed on us in

    the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ].Blessed and worthy of praise be the God

    and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,"

And, 

   "[I always pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may

    grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation [that gives you a deep and

    personal and intimate insight] into the true knowledge of Him [for we know the

    Father through the Son]. And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very

    center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the

    Holy Spirit]," 

Why?

    'so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the 
    confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious

    inheritance in the saints (God’s people), and [so that you will begin to know]

    what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active,

    spiritual] power is in us who believe. These are in accordance with the working

    of His mighty strength which He produced in Christ when He raised Him from

    the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far

    above all rule and authority and power and dominion [whether angelic or

    human], and [far above] every name that is named [above every title that can

    be conferred], not only in this age and world but also in the one to come. And

    He put all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet, and

    appointed Him as [supreme and authoritative] head over all things in the

    church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills and completes all things

    in all [believers]."

Read these verses in Ephesians and Colossians as if Paul was there with you and is speaking these prayers over you. What is he praying for you? The first thing is that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom. Wow. Knowledge of will in all wisdom and the operative adjective is - all. Paul wants us all to be filled and specifically filled. The reason for this is so that we may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord: admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity. Can you picture yourself as attaining this? Can we be so filled and for so great a purpose?

Whenever you hear another brother or sister in the Lord deprecating themselves ... gift them with this knowledge. Help them to know that Paul may have been writing to Ephesus or Colosse but these letters were also meant to be shared with the other churches and for all Christians. Because of the work in front of us we need to know who we are and why. God has chosen to work through us to touch this world, to bring salt and light, to encourage, to correct by His Word. Bottom line is that knowing and acting on who you are is NOT arrogance. It is confidence because you can't do this apart from the Triune God.... you weren't to.

In Ephesians, Paul repeats the focus of "..who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ". I believe Paul was reinforcing his teaching about all we receive when we make Jesus our Lord. He also restates: 

   "And He put all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet, and

    appointed Him as [supreme and authoritative] head over all things in the

    church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills and completes all things

    in all [believers]." [1:23]

Thank goodness we are always a work in progress and that it is the Lord who fills and completes all things...

People last forever!

Ever thought about this? It is true. People DO last forever [Pastor Morris said this, though I wish I had said it.] Whether your destination - which WE determine - is heaven or hell, we will last forever. There IS a heaven and there IS a hell. We just need to help others realize that it is serious and it is their decision. But that the answer is obvious and available FOR ALL.

   "Jesus answered him, 'I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a

    person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed,

    sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.' 

    Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot

    enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” Jesus answered,

    'I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and

    the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of

    the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of

    the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised that I have told you, ‘You must be

    born again [reborn from above - spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified]."

   [John 3:3-7. AMP]

The New Living Translation says: "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life." Coupling various translations of this final thought in John 3:7 does expand our understand without doubt concerning what's being said. I think that we start with: first, recognize Who is making these statements - it is Jesus, not an 'interpretation' - straight from the source. Jesus also states this in unequivocal terms - MUST.

Why do people doubt? What is it they are 'afraid' of? Not too certain 'logic' has anything to do with it. And quite honestly, that's not the point. We are given access to a full and fruitful life, not void of temptations or seductions by our enemy but ways to defeat him when he applies his wiles. We are given eternal life with the Creator of the Universe. We are invited into relationship and fellowship. And as we read His Word, we see the other 'things' that are ours.

Tale a quick look at all that Jesus gifts us with when we come confessing our sins to Him and ask Him to cleanse, forgive, and accept us. That's what the new birth, rebirth is all about. To reestablish relationship by choosing to be chosen. And what do we receive? Righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), which gives us the right of  Relationship ( He'll never leave us -  Hebrews 13:5), Peace (John 1:27), Hope (Romans 15:13), Faith (Hebrews 11:1), Forgiveness (1 John 1:0), another

Helper (John 14:15), Eternal Life (John 10:19(.... and that only begins the litany of what gifts Jesus brings when we accept the free gift and make Him our Lord.

Quite honestly, if Jesus brings us Eternal Life and People live forever... doesn't it make more sense to live that eternal life with the Triune God? (that was a rhetorical question)

Unconditional Love

Do you appreciate, understand, know that the entire Bible is a love letter from the Father to His creation, more specifically - You. The Word is always love, even when He is bringing  correction - the reason, the purpose, the foundation is always Love. 

     "...advancing God’s program of instruction which is grounded in faith [and requires surrendering the entire self to God in absolute trust and confidence]. But the goal of our instruction is love [which springs] from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." [1 Timothy 1:4b-5, AMP] 

The Message Bible phrases 1 Timothy 1:5 as: " The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God." Uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith. I don't know about you but I want my love to be demonstrable, unashamed, full of joy and unconditional. I'm not certain how to do unconditional love but I do know I don't want to imply that there are 'conditions' to my love. 

My 'model', my frame of reference is the Lord. He always displayed unconditional love as does the Father. Neither of them, nor the Holy Spirit, are just waiting for us to make a mistake, do or say something that we shouldn't. They are ready to swoop down upon us. Which also does not mean that they are displeased. You do remember that they are Omni, yes? They're not surprised nor do they look at us with a 'why did you do that' expression. They know... they're just waiting for us to realize and repent. They are always cheering us on to grow and learn about themselves as the basis for how we act. And they NEVER withhold love.

   "Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Just as it is written and forever remains written,

       “For Your sake we are put to death all day long; We are regarded as sheep

        for the slaughter.”

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 8:35-39, AMP]

Without question, every Christian should memorize those 4 verses because of the power of this message and the reality of the power of their Love. There are multiple times that we need a defense against what we are experiencing - the Love of our Lord is critical during these times. But it is based in OUR belief. And our belief is based in our experience. So, the question is - have you experienced the Love from the Lord? The obvious answer is 'yes' but the point is whether we recognized it.

We have ALWAYS been the center of the Father's thoughts and actions. His love for us is without parallel. The entire reason for Jesus coming, dying, being resurrected is for us... the Love for us. And the reason that the Holy Spirit was sent and is ministering in our world is their Love for us. Love is and has always been the foundation, the motivation, the action - and we are the recipients. But we are also the dispenser of this love to the world we live in:

1 John 4:7-8, AMP

   "Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is

    from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God

    [through personal experience]. The one who does not love has not become

    acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He

    is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]"

Salt and Light

That's part of the definition of who you are and what you do. Did you realize it? And this is really an either/or. Either you are light or you are darkness. Either you are salt or you've lost your savor. How do you define you?

   “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how

    can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out

    and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery]. You are

    the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does

    anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives

    light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way

    that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and

    honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven." [Matthew 5:13-16, AMP]

According to this translation, we are the light of Christ to the world. But what does this mean... and how do we do salt and light? Do you feel you are the 'light of Christ' to your world? Scripture emphasizes and reinforces this concept that we are and can be salt and light. Remember that if we are asked to be, to do something, then we are ABLE to do, be whatever the Lord asks. He would never put us in a position or ask us to do something we can't. However, I also believe that He never expects us to do it from our own strength. Examples:

   "For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as

    children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light]"

    [Ephesians  5:8, AMP]

   "Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so

    that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]." 

    [Colossians 4:6, AMP]

   "Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God], so

    that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and

    uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally]

    crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as

    bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness]"

    [Philippians 2:14-15, AMP]

The Philippians verses do cause us to pause, because let's face it - we do ask 'how cum?' often. That's really OK because I don't think the Lord gets angry with us when we do. I do think that He gets disappointed when we don't follow through:

   "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons, and he came to the

    first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I

    will not’; but afterward he regretted it and changed his mind and went. Then

    the man came to the second son and said the same thing; and he replied, ‘I

    will, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of the father?”

    [Matthew 21: 28-31, AMP] 

The points really are our obedience and our trust that what we are being ask is something we can do and is meaningful and fruitful. Remember you are never defined in the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit's minds apart from who you are or are becoming. This should be of great comfort. Also remember that you are on a journey... you may not be at your destination, you may feel that you are miles away but the point - you are moving and growing, becoming and doing.

YOUR Authority

Authority is based in purpose.

If you are going through something then that means that you are able to go through it. Whether we realize it or not, the Father is indicating His trust in us. And no, not to go it alone because He is always there for us and will strengthen us. However, what we need to remember is that scripture tells us that we never are asked to go through something that we can’t handle. We always seem to underestimate who we are and it is time to act based in confidence of who we are and Whose we are. So one of the first questions is - do you have authority to win the battle?

Ever think about your authority? Do you activate and use your authority? What good does it do us when the Lord has granted us authority and we do nothing with it? Though He could, He chooses to touch this world through His family - us. Therefore it is we who exercise the authority that has been given in order to advance His kingdom. But this is not capacious nor attempting to change another person (for their own good). If He won't intervene in people's decisions and choices, why would He allow us to?

Our responsibility underscores our utilization of authority...and our confidence in our use. Authority is not without responsibility and WHO is the ultimate Authority... which is not us. Our authority comes from the Lord. Though not exhaustive, [https://www.gotquestions.org/authority-of-the-believer.html] provides a good discussion on the critical ones.

   "Besides the authority to share the gospel, the authority of the believer includes

    the right to be called a child of God (John 1:12) and the authority to “approach

    God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). In all things, we

    remember that Christ is the Lord. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” 

    (2 Corinthians 10:17)." 

    

While it may sound simple... our authority is to: share the gospel, the right to be called a child of God, and to approach the throne of grace. But this is powerful and far reaching at the same time being specific and precise - as well as being all encompassing. Point being that we do have authority that can be properly and effectively used.

Authority is important in that it provides us our standing and support to be and do a Believer in our world. But this requires of us: 

     faith in Who we believe and what He's provided for us

     confidence that we can effectively use the authority granted us

     continual study on our authority and how to utilize it

And these three - faith, confidence, study are only the beginning in our ability to be the Lord's hands, feet, and voice in our worlds. Our context is Matthew 5:13-16.

   "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery]. You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Authority is based in purpose.

Standing for/on a Principle

Ever done this? Stood for a principle of yours - unequivocally, uncompromisingly - not shouting or yelling, but making it abundantly clear that you were standing on/for (fill in the blank). Do you know 'why' you did this? To split hairs... I tend to look at 'on' as an action and 'for' as a motivation. 

If you had to do it over again, would you still act the same? What was it about the principle that made you not want to deny it or its importance? Is that how you view yourself and How you grow in the things of the Lord? Or are you only the recipient? (The answer is 'not ok'.) I believe we are the ones highly involved in our growth. I believe it is as we spend time with the Lord, especially in His Word, that we discover and begin our understanding. If we are only recipients then how personal can the learning be?

Looking at this subject from a different perspective... how do you feel when you don't act on your own standards? Even when you negate and deny them? Are you angry with yourself? Irritated? Surprised? But what do you DO about the situation? Do you actually change your standard? Do you return and correct the impression you left? Do you just berate yourself? (This last one has little to commend it and rarely accomplishes anything ... though is probably the most oft used.)

Obviously there are pluses and minuses for standing up for a principle as there are for denying it, though I would suggest we err on the side of standing. In my world, standing is more of a test than it is a trial (and, again in my world, there are significant differences between a test and a trial...). Regardless of test or trial, what are the advantages to not standing? None that I can see. We end up  disappointing ourselves on some level and we betray ourselves, which is an offense that's difficult to ever justify.

Personally, I hope I can say as Paul did:

   "I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I

    have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. In the future

    there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right

    with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to

    me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have

    loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, AMP)

This is one time that I pray I am one of the 'those'.