July 12
For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds. [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ… (2 Cor 10:4,5 AMP)
The battle mounting against us can seem overwhelming at times: overdue bills, home and auto repairs, doctor’s reports, job loss, business failure, deteriorating relationships, rebellious children, and on and on… However, we must understand that these are things we can SEE and are therefore only temporary (2 Cor 4:18), and our Father in heaven, YHWH-Nissi, reveals the only way to defeat the temporary is with the eternal—HIS WORD! This is the weapon of our faith, which is our spiritual sword. It isn’t made of flesh and blood or any earthly materials so no eye can see it, nor can any physical sense perceive it. But when we wield it in spiritual battle (especially warfare that the enemy wages in our minds) we are empowered by YHWH our Elohim for “the overthrow and destruction of strongholds”.
What, exactly, are mental “strongholds”? These are erroneous thought patterns that exalt themselves above (making themselves more true than) the Word of YHWH—lies planted into our thinking by demonic forces attempting “to kill, steal, and destroy” our Father’s “good plan” for our lives. (John 10:10; Jer 29:11) From the day we first received Messiah into our hearts, Abba-YHWH’s Holy Spirit has been renewing our minds and conforming our thoughts to be more and more like Him, helping us to get our old ways of thinking—the world’s way manifesting the word of Satan—beneath our feet. This is our Father’s glorious way of transporting us from the devil’s kingdom of darkness in to His glorious Kingdom of Light! (Rom 12:2; Col 1:13)
Yeshua provides His followers a vital key to the Kingdom of Heaven (knowledge of how YHWH operates) in the heading scripture. His instruction is simply this: we are to take captive (and study thoroughly) every thought. If it is revealed as an argument, theory, reasoning or a proud and lofty thing that sets ITSELF up against the true knowledge of YHWH, then pluck it out. But if it proves to be our Father’s loving Word, keep it, nurture it, and in due season you shall reap its harvest, in the name of Yeshua Ha’ Mashiach, Messiah Jesus of Nazareth.
Remember, there are two opposing seeds of thought—YHWH’s and the devil’s—constantly battling for dominion in our minds, and the harvest that’s reaped in our lives depends on whose seed we nurture most.
Do not be led astray: Elohim is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap. (Gal 6:7 HRVS)
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HIDDEN MANNA~Daily Bites: Strongholds
HIDDEN MANNA~Word Designs: Pulling Down Strongholds
Copyright 2022 by Tracie Justice