 
Battle of the Stronghold Builders

Author: Debbie Rhodes

ePublished by Debbie Rhodes at Smashwords

eBook ISBN: 9781311085498

Downloadable Version:

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright 2015 Creative Brain Agency

All rights reserved.

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Battle of the Stronghold Builders

Author: Debbie Rhodes

Publisher: Creative Brain Agency

Belews Creek, NC © Copyright 2015

Email orders:

creativebrainagency@gmail.com

All scripture references are taken from the Amplified Bible and The Message Bible unless otherwise indicated. Sources: biblegateway.com and biblehub.com. All other quotes and their originators are sited on their respective pages.

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Table of Contents

Ch. 1 Strongholds

Ch. 2 Stronghold Builders

Ch. 3 Imagination and Its Purpose

Ch. 4 Demolition and Reconstruction

Ch. 5 Jesus, the Ultimate Example

Appendix

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A few words from me ...

Here's the skinny --- an Unrenewed Mind will lead to Uncontrolled Emotions and Uncontrolled Emotions will lead to an Unsubmitted Will.

In my opinion, the most dangerous weapon on planet earth is the unrenewed mind. It has the potential to be a wicked cesspool of never ending really bad ideas that eventually will be carried out by that unsubmitted will and wreak some serious havoc and destruction wherever it goes.

My simple advice --- RENEW YOUR MIND with God's Word and find out how exciting a Renewed Mind, Controlled Emotions and a Submitted Will can actually be in your life.

The mind renewing process is, in a nut shell, what demolishing contrary strongholds and building up Godly strongholds is all about.

So, if you're ready ... let's get our minds going in the WORD direction!

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Ch. 1 Strongholds

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (AMP)

3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4 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, 5 [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 (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (MSG)

3-6 The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground [imagination] of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

What is a stronghold anyway? There are many definitions so let's have a quick look. In the natural, a stronghold [n] is defined as follows:

A building or a compound;

A place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack;

A fortress, a fort; a castle, a citadel;

A garrison [a military term] describing the entire compound where the troops live, work and train.

A place of survival or refuge;

An area dominated by a special quality;

An area of predominance;

A well-fortified place;

A place that serves as the center of a faction of or any group sharing certain opinions or attitudes; and/or,

A place that people could go to for shelter during a battle.

Definitions provided by: www.freedictionary.com

From a spiritual point of view, a stronghold could be defined as:

A house of thoughts;

A structure made up of thoughts;

A belief system that governs the overall outcome of how a person thinks, speaks, and acts;

Greek: Ochuróma; a fortress, strong defense, stronghold; a fortified, military stronghold; a strong-walled fortress; and / or,

A dominant thought pattern [+/-].

Strongholds or belief systems can be either positive or negative; in agreement with God's Word or in opposition to it. Either way – we all have them.

Some of the questions that will be addressed in this writing are as follows:

How does a stronghold develop and operate?

How does confession build / strengthen or demolish / weaken a stronghold?

How does a path become a path with regards to dominant thought patterns?

What makes up the foundation of a stronghold?

Who are the stronghold builders?

Where do they come from?

What are their natures / characteristics?

What are the tools of their trade; how do they do it?

What is their motive or end game?

What are the stronghold builders trying to accomplish?

What are the types of suggestions?

What is the imagination?

What is its purpose?

Where is it located?

If you have a stronghold that's built by the devil or the flesh nature, how do you demolish it?

What are the tools of demolition and/or reconstruction for believers in Jesus?

What makes up Jesus' strongholds?

What does the Lord believe?

What and where is Jesus' garrison?

Like any good structure, there has to be a solid foundation. A stronghold, a dominant thought pattern, is made up of:

Thoughts;

Images;

Emotions;

Memories; and,

Voices / Sources of input.

Strongholds, dominant thought patterns, develop over time. More along the lines like a slow cooker as opposed to a microwave meal in moments.

Other examples to help clarify the point – for example, if a contractor tried to wire a building before the foundation was poured, he'd not only be wasting his time, but all the resources as well.

Along the same lines, a builder cannot put the roof on the building when there is no undergirding support structure to hold it in place.

Similar to how a hunter traps an eagle; he has to slowly and methodically set the trap, one layer, and one piece at a time so as not to spook his intended target.

So, how does a stronghold develop? ...

One suggestion at a time, released strategically over time.

Once the stronghold builder has laid out the perfect blueprint and the suggestions are running in sequential order, then the repeat button is activated and they sit back and watch the stronghold, [dominant thought pattern], develop.

When Satan or the Flesh Nature are competing with the Holy Spirit to build their vision first, it is not uncommon for adjustments or tweaks to be made to their blueprint. Rhema or Holy Spirit interruptions a.k.a. revelations are detrimental to their cause.

According to the Word of God, we are speaking spirits [Gen. 1:26]; therefore what we speak either strengthens or diminishes a stronghold. Our words, which are images, imprints those images onto our imaginations like a tattoo; making it deeper and sharper – kind of like staining it onto our internal chalkboard.

Strongholds, whether they are negative or positive, develop pathways in our thinking. That path is either shallow or deeply ingrained based on how often that path is traveled. Just like in the natural, a path becomes a path because someone walks on it again, and again, and again.

There's a lot to cover and dots to connect so let's continue with Who are the Stronghold Builders, but before this chapter completely tapers off – please keep this in mind as you continue to read on.

Wrong living is a result of wrong behaviors. Wrong behaviors are the result of wrong believing. Wrong believing is the result of wrong thinking. Wrong thinking comes from a contrary, opposing source to God's love, which is found in His Word.

The opposite statements would paint the best picture of what God wants for us as believers. Let's try this again but in the positive.

Right living comes from right behaviors. Right behaviors come from right believing. Right believing comes from right thinking. Right thinking comes from renewing our minds to God's love, which is found in His Word.

That's why understanding the battle of the stronghold builders is key to gaining the uppermost hand in living a successful Christ-filled life. And in order to do that, we have to build Godly strongholds - thinking patterns or pathways that are like His.

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Chapter 1 Review Questions

Read 2 Cor. 10:3-5 in various translations.

Define stronghold, from both natural and spiritual points of view.

What makes up a stronghold?

How do strongholds develop?

What are the elements that bring about wrong living? Right living?

What is the uppermost importance to understanding the battle of the stronghold builders?

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Ch. 2 Stronghold Builders

Who are the stronghold builders? Where do they come from? What's in their natures or characteristics? What's on their resume?

In this book, I will focus on strongholds in the nature of the spirit and renewing of the mind – therefore I will target my explanations to those entities that can influence a believer's way of thinking:

The devil, Satan, that old serpent – Revelation 20:2 ESV "And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,"

The devil, Satan, that old serpent is a fallen archangel, who originated from heaven, a creation of the Father. Fell because iniquity had been found in him; he operates in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. See Ezekiel 28:12-19 on page 28.

Deceptive suggestions are his weapon of choice. Truly, that's all he has and unfortunately, with as many unrenewed minds that there are – it's more than enough for him to create mass destruction in a believer's life.

Look at what happened in the Garden very carefully. Through patient and persistent deceptive suggestion, he was successful in getting Eve to take a second thought about the tree in the middle of the garden. You know the one – the famous tree – the one that God told Adam not to eat from; the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He deceived Eve; got her to take a second thought about the tree's purpose and God's instructions about it.

Check out the story for yourself in Genesis Chapter 2:15-17 is where you will find God's instructions to Adam regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The deception begins in Chapter 3, verse 1 and the results of Adam and Eve's decisions are recorded throughout the rest of that chapter through verse 24.

Deceptive suggestions may sound something like the following:

Accusations; Ps. 35:20 NIV "They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land."

Guilt and condemnation, [probably his favorite since it's designed to get a believer away from Grace, the finished work of Jesus and back over under the law, which keeps a believer focused on their sin instead of His righteousness]; Romans 5:9 NLT "And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation." Romans 8:1 NIV "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,"

Banter or badger; tease; sarcastic humor. Mt. 7:6 The Message "Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege."

Lies, especially partial ones. [He's not ashamed to intertwine the truth with a subtle lie and let it grow into something wicked]; John 8:44 ESV "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

Plays the blame game; Gen. 3:12-13 ESV "The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate. Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

Harassments; threats; Luke 3:14 ESV "Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages."

Set you up to get you upset – [Joyce Meyer]; 2 Cor. 2:11 ESV "so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs." And then condemn you for getting upset!; and,

Murder your confidence in God's love for you any way he can! Romans 1:29 NLT "Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip."

The flesh nature – the way of thinking that is contrary to the Word of God - Galatians 5:16-17 ESV "16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."; and,

Flesh nature: a way of thinking that is contrary to God's Word; came from the fall of man; Satan deceived Eve through twisting God's Word; Adam disobeyed God's direct command. Deception danced with disobedience and birthed the sin nature – that tendency to lean into one's own desires instead of following God and His Word. It, the sin or flesh nature, broke that intimate connection between God and His creation, and only a relationship with JESUS can restore it.

Gal. 5:16-21 NASB "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 8:5 NASB "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."

Romans 8:8 NASB "and those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

The flesh nature may sound something like the following:

Fickle, double-mindedness; James 1:8 NLT "Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do."

Extremes; Eccles. 7:18 NIV "It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes."

Contrariness; Proverbs 15:4 NASB "A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit."

Pride, Sedition, Contention; Ps. 59:12 NLT "Because of the sinful things they say, because of the evil that is on their lips, let them be captured by their pride, their curses, and their lies."

Works mentality; self-works; self-righteousness; and, Romans 10:3 ESV "For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness."

Works of the flesh [thinking that is contrary to the Word leading up to acting out those works]. Gal. 5:19-21 NASB "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The Holy Spirit – John 16:13 ESV "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

The Holy Spirit: is from the Father; the very Spirit of Jesus sent to live within us to guide and lead us into all points of reconciliation to the Father's love and fellowship.

2 Cor. 5:17-21 NASB "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

John 16:13 ESV "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

The Holy Spirit may express Himself in the following ways:

The truth and light of God's Word, Scriptures; John 16:13 NIV "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

Peace-filled directions; James 3:17 NLT "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere."

A calm and comforting presence; 2 Cor. 1:4-5 NASB "who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ."

Visions and dreams; Acts 2:17-18 ESV "And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;"

Still small voice 1 Kings 19:12 KJV "And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."

The commonalities of these stronghold builders connect in that they all have access to memories and experiences – personal as well as others.

What is the motive or end game of a stronghold builder? What exactly are the stronghold builders trying to accomplish?

They all want to build on the foundation of your imagination. Like "contractors", they make bids [suggestions] to get the job. They want to call the shots; be the one that dominates or rules the outcome of all situations in a person's life. Their suggestions are their "bids". They want to win the contract to have the legal right to build on the foundation which is the imagination. And they desire access to the imagination to get to a person's creative speaking spirit.

The suggestions [bids] that are confessed the most activates the contract allowing them to begin building; hire their crews; bring in the tools and supplies to complete their vision or blueprint.

Satan wants to have his foundation poured so that he can build a house of horrors; he wants to use the overall structure as a distraction to keep the root or foundation hidden. He desperately wants access to the Dunamis Spirit – the creative, dynamic in all its working, speaking spirit! For he, Satan, cannot create his will without it. He needs help to fulfill his blueprint of destruction in a person's life.

As mentioned previously, the tools of the stronghold builders are thoughts, images, emotions, memories; and, voices / sources of input.

Before this chapter concludes, I would like to spend some time exploring Satan's resume and the elements that brought about his fall.

Satan's Resume: Ezekiel 28-12-19 AMP 12Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: You are the full measure and pattern of exactness [giving the finishing touch to all that constitutes completeness], full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

13You were in [a] Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the carnelian, topaz, jasper, chrysolite, beryl, onyx, sapphire, carbuncle, and emerald; and your settings and your sockets and engravings were wrought in gold. On the day that you were created they were prepared.

14You were the anointed cherub that covers with overshadowing [wings], and I set you so. You were upon the holy mountain of God; you walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire [like the paved work of gleaming sapphire stone upon which the God of Israel walked on Mount Sinai]. 15You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until iniquity and guilt were found in you. 16Through the abundance of your commerce you were filled with lawlessness and violence, and you sinned; therefore I cast you out as a profane thing from the mountain of God and the guardian cherub drove you out from the midst of the stones of fire. 17Your heart was proud and lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I lay you before kings that they might gaze at you.

18 You have profaned your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities and the enormity of your guilt, by the unrighteousness of your trade. Therefore I have brought forth a fire from your midst; it has consumed you, and I have reduced you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who looked at you.

19All who know you among the people are astonished and appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and shall never return to being.

Elements of the Fall: 1 John 2:16 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

He uses what he knows. Look at Jesus' temptation after His 40-day fast in Matthew 4:1-11 1-3Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: "Since you are God's Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread."

4Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth."

5-6For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, "Since you are God's Son, jump." The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: "He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone."

7Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don't you dare test the Lord your God."

8-9For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth's kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, "They're yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they're yours."

10Jesus' refusal was curt: "Beat it, Satan!" He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: "Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness."

11The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus' needs.

What do the elements of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life look and sound like? How do they manifest and/or operate?

One thing is certain that the triplets work together to 1) lead believers into disobedience, 2) to keep believers questioning their trust of God, His Word and His love for them, 3) become ensnared by the enemy's traps, and 4) keep them self-focused instead of on Jesus' righteousness.

ALL DISOBEDIENCE IS PRECEDED BY DECEPTION.

THE ENEMY USES ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING AVENUES TO BEGUILE US INTO DECEPTION KNOWING FULL WELL THAT IT WILL LEAD TO DISOBEDIENCE.

Let's take a closer look at these elements and their characteristics courtesy of the following article and its author, Brent Barnett.

*Site source:

http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com/

Portion of the article's contents used by permission from the author:

Lust of the flesh: craving for sensual gratification. This involves physical needs as well. Lust, the passionate or overmastering desire or craving, and/or lasciviousness [inclined to lustfulness] are prevalent when in operation. The five senses are usually bombarded or overloaded with suggestions until there is a breaking point.

Lust of the eyes: greedy longings of the mind. It is the desire to possess what we see or to have those things that have visual appeal, which may manifest as, covetousness, envy, and/or jealousy.

Pride of life: assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things, defined as anything that is "of the world," meaning anything that leads to arrogance, ostentation, pride in self, presumption, and boasting. In a nutshell, the essence of the pride of life—anything that exalts us above our station and offers the illusion of God-like qualities, wherein we boast in arrogance and worldly wisdom.

In wrapping up this chapter, I would like to record here that the lists included are not "all-inclusive", but are decent starting points for further study.

Prayerfully allow the Holy Spirit to take you into deeper communion and study over those bullet points, which will expose the enemy for the purpose of his eviction from out of your life in that area and eventually out of all areas.

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Chapter 2 Review Questions

Who are the stronghold builders?

Where do they come from?

What's in their natures or characteristics [What do they sound / act like?]

What's on their resume? [Experiences, education, etc.]

Define Sin, Iniquity and Transgression.

What is the motive or end game of a stronghold builder?

What exactly are the stronghold builders trying to accomplish?

What do the elements of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life look & sound like?

How do they manifest and/or operate?

One thing is certain that the triplets work together to do what?

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Ch. 3 Imagination and Its Purpose

What is the imagination?

The imagination can be used as a noun as well as a verb. As a noun, it could be defined as:

An internal chalkboard;

A movie screen;

A foundation where images take form;

A creation of the mind; and/or,

A creative building tool given to us by God.

As a verb, it is defined as:

The act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality; and/or,

The ability to form a picture in your mind so something that you have not seen can be developed or created.

The imagination can be used passively [day dream] or assertively [on purpose with a purpose].

What is its purpose?

To layout or display the blueprint of the vision, the end goal or desired outcome; and,

To see God's Word completed in our lives long before it ever manifests.

Where is it located?

In the soul; [mind, emotions, will]

Mind – the thinker,

Emotions – the feeler,

Will – the chooser.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 "And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)."

When a person becomes a believer or a follower of Christ, his or her spirit man is recreated or made new. 1 Cor. 5:17 puts it plainly, "Therefore if any person is [engrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!"

That's great, love to be new! The mind, however, has to be renewed. We are clearly instructed to renew the mind, which is housed in the soul.

Romans 12:2 2"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]."

Since the imagination is used as a canvas to paint the final picture, then we must make the connection that this is the place or launching pad that the stronghold builders target. Satan, the Flesh Nature and the Holy Spirit are desperate to get to it.

The imagination leads to the speaking spirit of a person. That's why the stronghold builders are ultimately after its prime location and purpose due to our status as creative speaking spirits – Satan is not one and has to circumvent his limitations through our endowment by God.

His access point - his number one avenue - is through thoughts. Thoughts have images attached because thoughts are made up of words. Words give us images and thus, develops the final image that we will hold onto until it comes to pass.

Those images or pictures come from thoughts. Images are "word pictures." Ever heard the expression, "A picture is worth a 1,000 words?" Hopefully, now you can SEE why.

The final image represents the stronghold, or the belief that 'it' will come to pass – positive or negative.

[Side note: The Hebrew word for Word or Thing is DEVAR. We will explore the word DEVAR more in the next chapter at the point that covers Speaking or the Confession of God's Word.]

Let's look at the connection between the mind, the emotions and the will.

A thought comes through the mind, a negative one. What happens next? Feelings respond in kind. You feel whatever emotion that best describes the condition of the thought that preceded it.

What happens after that? Well, if left unchecked or uncaptured as we are told to do in 2 Cor. 10:3-5 NASB "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." - then that combo of thoughts and feelings begins to influence the will of a person – moving them to action.

And just prior to that action, there will be the most critical element of all – speech that compliments or empowers that negative scenario to come to pass.

It is vitally important to understand that actions do not happen before emotions and emotions do not move without their catalyst – thoughts.

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Chapter 3 Review Questions

Define Imagination.

Noun:

Verb:

What is its purpose?

Where is it located?

List the components of the soul & their operating characteristics.

Is the Spirit is recreated, renewed or restored?

Is the Soul recreated, renewed or restored?

Is the Body recreated, renewed or restored?

List the components or elements from when a thought comes into the mind, what happens next?

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Ch. 4 Demolition and Reconstruction

When believers have dominant thought patterns, a.k.a. strongholds, which have been built by the enemy or the flesh nature – how do they get rid of it? What are the tools in a believer's toolbox? How should the tools be used?

Here's a brief list of what I believe to be the demo tools that God has awarded us through our relationship with Jesus:

The Holy Spirit;

The Word;

The Name;

The Blood;

Prayer;

Praise and Worship;

Practicing His Presence;

Speaking / Confession of God's Word;

Praying in the Spirit;

Meditation and Study of God's Word; and,

Repentance [Mind Renewal].

The Holy Spirit

John 14:26 NIV "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

Romans 8:5-6 NIV "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds sent on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;"

Advocate – one who pleads for or on behalf of another; an intercessor; someone who speaks or writes in favor of; one who backs or supports; one whose profession is to plead cases as in a court of justice.

How comforting is that? The Holy Spirit of the Living God is MY Advocate ... yours too! He pleads and speaks favorably on my behalf.

Teach – show or explain to someone how to do something; to impart knowledge of or skill in; give instruction to; to cause others to develop skills or knowledge in an area.

He's THEE Teacher! There isn't anything He doesn't know; there isn't anything He couldn't reveal to improve someone's quality of work or life.

Memory Recall – the action or faculty of remembering something learned or experienced; to bring a fact, an event, or details of a situation back into one's mind, especially so as to recount it to others; to remember.

He's my memory recall and brings back to my remembrance all that Jesus said and did during His earthly ministry. When I'm stuck – He gets me unstuck. When I'm struggling – He supports me and helps me come out of my hobble and gives me back a steady gait. When the pressure is intense – He provides the release so I can think clearly again.

Controller / Regulator – a person that directs or regulates something; to bring something under the control of authority.

I know that for some people the thought of being put under the control of authority puts them on the defensive automatically. After all these years, I am comforted at the thought of the Holy Spirit as my Controller / Regulator to bring me under the control of God's authority. I mean, who knows God the Father better than Him? Their wills are the same for me; to give to me for my benefit.

These roles are only just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to His unending capacities to Comfort, Deliver, Guide, Help, Intercede, Protect, and Seal. The attributes or characteristics of these roles can be clearly understood by His the titles. The list is truly endless at His involvement in a believer's life to live in the highest quality of life, here and now, as well as prepare for what comes next in the hereafter.

Our part – develop a relationship with Him and ask Him to reveal and exercise Himself in these various roles so that we can become familiar with how He moves in and through us.

The battle of the strongholds are certainly an area where He is the number one expert. He's the Master, if you will, to help assess and reveal what's needed to uproot contrary thought chains and replace them with Godly ones. He also has the solitary role as the one who knows which combination of tools to implement during demolition and reconstruction.

The Word

There is nothing more reliable, and more trustworthy than the Word of God. I realize that this is my strong opinion and you don't have to share it; however, if you are reading this – then there must be a question within your heart and you've determined to figure out the mystery of why you do what you do and why you think like you think.

Check out these passages for yourself:

Psalms 12:6: "The words of the LORD are flawless."

Psalms 119:89: "Your word, O LORD, is eternal, it stands firm."

Proverbs 30:5-6: "Every word of God is flawless."

2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, [literally God-breathed] and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

I've read a lot of books in my short time here on earth and I have not found one literary work that has been worthy of putting my trust in.

When I refer to trusting in the Word, I'm really referring to trusting in the Author of the Word. He is without a doubt, the utmost picture of reliability that I could ever imagine.

Isn't' that the point of trust? To be able to rely on the one that the trust has been directed to. To know that as you apply the pressure of leaning on that entity of trust that it will not waver in its commitment to keep its end of the partnership.

That's what the Word of God will do for the one who chooses to put their trust, or utter reliance into it; it will perform and carryout the terms of the agreement that are outlined within.

So, what's the how-to for this tool?

Simply put, decide to trust* in the Author of the Word and He'll show Himself mighty on behalf of that decision.

*Trust [to utterly rest in His character and the nature love Himself; His inclination to give to you for your benefit, in spite of you.]

The Name

The name, oh the name! J – E – S – U – S! There is no other name like His. It has the power to move mountains, cast out demons, heal the sick, deliver the oppressed and the list goes on.

Philippians Chapter 2:9-11 9"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; 11 And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

1 Corinthians 6:11 "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

Acts 4:30 "By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus."

John 16:23-27 "In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God"

From the time of our arrival, we are bombarded with our birth name – parents, grandparents, family and friends all have their fair share of calling us by the name deemed right by our birth parents to be the name that will stay with us for duration of our lives.

There is also the occasional nick name implemented by someone close to us; perhaps something that reflects a part of our personality or just a shorter version of our legally binding name.

Names do have meaning; they do have a significance once spoken. Most parents research the meaning or origin of their baby name because they want their child's name to reflect some positive attribute; after all it will be with them the rest of their lives.

For example, my birth name is Debra. In the Hebrew, it means "worker", "industrious." For my friends and family, they know that these attributes hold very true to me. I had read once that my name meant "seeker of truth." As a born-again believer in Jesus, who happens to be the way, the TRUTH and the life, I have often stated that it was my destiny to meet Him because every time someone called my name – they were calling me to Him; they were calling me to the TRUTH.

In legal matters, my birth name is what is requested or in matters where I would be held responsible, financially or legally – the signature of my name holds me to the terms of that agreement.

The same is true for the name of Jesus. To use His name in conversation with the Father God is calling upon the legal validity of His character and His resources to fulfill the covenant or contract that believers have with Him, which is the Word of God – the Bible.

His name is the only name that can bear up under the weight of any circumstances that believers may face while here on this side of heaven. It's a name that once spoken, brings His life-giving character, and power onto the scene.

I conclude this section posing the same question as previous; so, how does one use the Name of Jesus?

With love, with reverence, with respect, with honor, with expectation, with deep appreciation for who He is and what He's done for you – speak His name, sing His name, approach the Father in His name and conclude in His name all your prayers, petitions and requests.

Oh there's no sweeter name than the name of Jesus!

The Blood

Revelation 12:11 NIV

"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."

New Living Translation

"And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die."

English Standard Version

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."

The blood of Jesus, for Christians, is the most powerful weapon that we have in the battle of faith in this life. As you can read for yourself, the scripture references use the best descriptions of what His victory looks like for us when we agree with Him about what His blood has accomplished for us. Triumphed, defeated, conquered ... now that's what I call a completed work!

Triumph: a significant success.

Defeat: prevail over; to vanquish – defeat thoroughly.

Conquer: to overcome and take control by use of military force; to subdue.

Col. 2:13-15 NASB "When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him."

The shed blood of Jesus is what has made being reconciled to the love and fellowship of God the Father possible. God and sin do not cohabitate and we would not have been freed up to fellowship with Him if sin had abounded over His grace-filled act of love toward us through Jesus' finished work.

Check out the truth in Hebrews 9:14 NIV "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"

The blood of Jesus purges us of the sin-consciousness, which if left to fester will prevent us from receiving God's love and every promise in His Word.

The sacrifice for all sin for all mankind is forever finished; it's on record and there is no more sin debt according to 1 Peter 3:18 NIV "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit."

We have been forgiven of all infractions of disobedience from our past, our present and when He made the sacrifice at His death on the cross – He was making the payment for all future sins as well.

Pleading the blood of Jesus here and now is just as powerful as when Jesus pleaded it for us when He returned to the Father to make the ransom payment for sin and placed His blood on the mercy seat for all mankind and for the term of eternity.

When the accuser of the brethren comes to "tattletale" of our infractions while still here on the earth, the blood of Jesus speaks on our behalf to his venomous accusations. It's not that what he is saying is a lie, but he conveniently leaves out the TRUTH that we are redeemed through the finished work of Christ Jesus. Eph. 1:7 NIV "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."

He's hoping that we won't study the Word for ourselves and figure out what a liar he is and that we are bought and paid for and don't have to live another moment in defeat in any area of our lives. John 8:44 "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

It's a sad statistic that many believers in Christ live such defeated lives and have almost no joy or peace. The revelation of the blood of Jesus can change all that. God is definitely all about order and, in my opinion, isn't wasteful or does things on a whim or off the cuff. I relay that because of the five points that Jesus' body was either pierced or wounded during the final hours of His life.

Let's have a look at the areas from Jesus' body that His blood was shed from and build our testimony of what He did for us.

Crown – the crown of thorns was placed onto the top of His head and beat down onto his crown with the strong intent to mock Him. The thorns pierced the layers of His skin in every direction.

The crown represents the right to reign and rule a kingdom; an empowerment to govern an area as a supreme presence; decisions and delegations are made from this person and then carried out by the subordinates within that kingdom.

He was crowned so that we could rule and reign here and now so that we could be empowered to succeed in every arena life. The empowerment to fail [the curse] would soon be subject to the empowerment to succeed [the blessing].

A King's perspective is higher and different than that of a subordinate. Jesus – our ultimate King, also has a perspective or point of view that is definitely higher and better than anything we could ever hope to imagine; the crown also indicates the Peace that Jesus gives us through His perspective or point of view. When we practice harboring His Peace, it isn't long before His Peace harbors us. [Challenge: look up the definitions of harbor as a verb and then as a noun and then apply to this principle. It is awesome!]

Back – the lashing of His back from the horrendous whip made out of multiple strips which held shards of bone, perhaps rocks and/or broken pottery pieces.

These elements were embedded within the whip extensions so that when they made contact with the body, they would then sink into the layers of skin and flesh so that when the whip was pulled back on – it would rip open the body and remove whatever it could keep a grip on. It is accepted abroad that Jesus received 39 of these repetitious movements due to the Roman laws active at that time in history. John 19:1 NIV "Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip."

1 Peter 2:24 states that we were healed by the stripes of Jesus.

In The Message translation in I Cor. 11:17-34 in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church – he was addressing various concerns and making corrections regarding the Lord's Supper, the communion elements of the bread and the wine. It was being abused and Paul's letter was to correct their attitudes and behavior with regards to this reverent aspect of their relationship with Christ.

Jesus said it Himself in I Cor. 11:24 when He took the bread, gave thanks and then broke it and gave it to His disciples and stated to them that it represented His body which was broken for them.

He endured the scourging and through those stripes He took upon Himself every sickness, disease, pain, injury, and anything that the enemy could come up with to bring destruction to the human body that we would carry out God's will in.

Hands – pierced with 7-9" spikes to keep Him anchored to the cross. The hands represent the abilities to create, generate and/or draw wealth or provision into one's life and into the lives of others.

The revelation that to have an abundance of resources is so that all people groups can have the opportunity to hear the full message of Jesus and His finished work is vital to settle within the heart of each believer. It's not just about me, my and mine but about our "neighbor" too. If you have more than enough, then you are in a position to either go ye or send someone!

His blood through the hands represents that what was once cursed is now blessed to produce.

Feet – pierced with 7-9" spikes to keep Him anchored to the cross. Jesus was pierced in the same fashion when his feet / ankles were anchored to the cross to prop his body up during his crucifixion.

Where our feet can take us represents dominion, where one can rule or dominate.

Jesus' piercing represents the transfer from being dominated by Satan's and his oppressive ways to being the one that dominates with Jesus' authority and we can do it legally.

Wherever we trod – we carry His authority and legal right to dominate and rule that area.

Side – pierced with a spear.

The piercing of Jesus' side represents the birth of what believers refer to as the Church or the Body of Christ.

His piercing gave hope that the new and better covenant would soon provide the deliverance from guilt and condemnation that has and continues to plague believers from every nation around the world.

Delivered believers from sin's grip and placed them into a relationship with God that would nourish them with His mercy and compassion the rest of their lives.

Q: How do we use the Blood?

A: We PLEAD it!

As believers in Jesus' finished work, when we plead His blood – it is our way to set forth or file, as in a court of law, something formally in action.

The enemy accuses the brethren but then believers plead the Blood of Jesus and formally, legally file an appeal or a legal argument against his claim.

When the Ultimate Judge looks over the claims of both the accuser and accused – He sees the Blood of His Son and declares the accused clear and free of all accusations. Case dismissed!

We put ourselves in remembrance of what the Blood has done for us. Rev. 12:11 – and they overcame the enemy by the Blood and by the word of their testimony. Testimony of what? Testimony of what the Blood had done for them! Tell yourself, the enemy and others what the Blood of Jesus has done for you!

With strongholds that lead us into disobedience, plead the Blood of Jesus into those thinking pathways and it will purify that area so that the Holy Spirit can replace that disobedient thinking with WORD-filled thinking.

Prayer

There are so many different directions when sharing or teaching on prayer that this section would probably need a book all by itself! Therefore, with the Holy Spirit's direction – I will keep this portion focused on prayer in the area of how we use it regarding stronghold demolition and reconstruction. Let's start with some basics, such as, what is prayer? Who's the best candidate for revealing what's needed? And, how can we help and not hinder the Holy Spirit's work in us?

What is prayer? Prayer, from my point of view, is the one-on-one time that is just for me and Him to share all thoughts, ideas, dreams, plans, problems, frustrations, and the list goes on. It's that time when I put Him in remembrance of His Word and what He promised He would do - either for me or whoever I'm lifting up to Him.

Other definitions of prayer could include: 1) a time of mutual communication, 2) a dialogue between Creator and creation, and 3) intimate fellowship between God the Father and His child.

Since prayer is a dialogue – that means, two-way communication; I speak – He listens; He speaks – I listen (hopefully). Time invested in communing with Him regarding strongholds is vital. Again - Who's the best candidate for revealing what's needed?

I mean, really – who knows better what's hiding in the dark corners of our minds and who's better at exposing contrary strongholds (symptoms and sources) and then replacing them with healthy, God-authored strongholds? I think He is definitely the top expert in this field. Check out these awesome scriptures:

Jeremiah 17:9 NIV "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

GOD CAN, that's who! Romans 8:27 NIV "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."

The last phrase of Romans 8:27 really catches my eye ... 'in accordance with the will of God.' What is the will of God regarding strongholds? What DOES the Word of God have to reveal to us about this subject?

The familiar quote of 'faith begins where the will of God is known' seems to belong here. We must know what the will of God is regarding strongholds so that we may grasp His perspective on the importance of either demolishing one or building one in line with His way of thinking. The will of God and His way of thinking are both found in His WORD, the Bible.

What's His will regarding the health and well-being of our thought life? Well, let's review, shall we?

"And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you." – Romans 12:1-2 TLB

"I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]." – Romans 12:1-2 AMP

According to the scriptures, it's clear that we are to be in the process of renewing the way we think and as we do that, He'll show us the sources and responses that we default to and that are not His best, and thus, contrary to Him and His Word and then He'll show us how to replace it with ones that are. Now that's what I call a productive prayer time!

Lastly, how can we help and not hinder the Holy Spirit's work in this area?

We can help the Holy Spirit in working with His ultimate purpose for making us reconciled to God. That ultimate purpose is found in 2 Cor. 5:11-21, vs. 18 KJV "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;"

One of the definitions of reconciled means to be made compatible. How can we pursue a compatible, agreeable relationship if we don't think like God thinks? Amos 3:3 KJV is clear, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

We can all help the Holy Spirit in a couple of ways. First, by being honest with ourselves and secondly, by allowing Him to show us areas that are off in our thinking and then show us God's plan on how-to uproot that contrary thinking system and plant God's thinking system instead.

The safest place I can think of to do both of these things is in prayer with the One who loves me unconditionally and will only give to me whatever is beneficial for the highest quality of life possible. That's His revealed will for me; it's His revealed will for you too.

Q: How do we use prayer in the demolition and reconstruction of strongholds?

A: We ... spend time with Him. We ask questions, we seek His heart on the matter, and we humble ourselves to His input and / or correction ... we pray, that's how we use prayer --- we pray.

Praise and Worship

Praise: to express warm approval or admiration of someone or something; to commend, to applaud or magnify.

Worship: to show reverence and adoration to someone or something; to invest time and energy to express the worth and validity of someone or something; the expressed feelings of reverence and/or adoration for a deity.

This dynamic duo doesn't have to be reserved for those special times when you have music and an entire praise team and worship band providing that unique atmosphere.

You can offer praise and worship anytime, anywhere and in as many different ways as there are personality types on this earth.

The important key for this portion is to learn how praise and worship offer an effective tool for stronghold demolition and reconstruction.

In order to grasp that key, we have to discover what happens when praise and worship are released into the atmosphere around us.

There are multiple overlapping items that happen as praise and worship are released. Here are a few:

God inhabits the atmosphere from where the praise and worship is coming from. Psalm 22:3 KJV "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." To inhabit means to live in or occupy a place or environment. Now that's a roommate for life that I certainly embrace!

With God's presence ushered in by praise and worship – there's a fleeing of another presence --- Satan! Praise and worship are Supernatural Repellants of all demonic entities! I recently read a quip that stated how insanely jealous Satan is of God and his original desire still holds true – he wants that precious worship! James 4:7-8 TLB "So give yourselves humbly to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him."

God's presence brings God's power and authority to enforce that power! In short, power is the ability to get results! Eph. 3:20 TLB "Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes."

Since praise and worship require humbled hearts and a centering of all our energies and attention on the Lord, then from that place of adoration – we can then be brought into intimate fellowship; it will magnify our awareness of our need of His supply and direction regarding our belief system and behaviors. Remember, this intimate fellowship is for the purpose of being reconciled to Him [being made compatible]. See 2 Cor. 5:16-21.

Praise and worship are expressions of faith that He's well-able and willing to deliver us from any bondage, no matter its form. Romans 8:28 TLB "And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans."

Praise and worship quiets the soul and allows for our thoughts to be engulfed in His peace. Isaiah 26:3 TLB "He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!" The Lord's Peace involves His perspective on any given situation. Jesus' Peace - His point of view on how to uproot ungodly sources in our thinking is critical.

God's protection is enforced via praise and worship. 2 Samuel 22:47-51 "The Lord lives. Blessed be my Rock. Praise to him—The Rock of my salvation. Blessed be God Who destroys those who oppose me and rescues me from my enemies. Yes, you hold me safe above their heads. You deliver me from violence. No wonder I give thanks to you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name. He gives wonderful deliverance to his king and shows mercy to his anointed—To David and his family, Forever."

Here's a list on how-to offer praise and worship as recorded by Dr. Dale A. Robbins in his article 'The Power of Praise and Worship.'

Article (VL-123) is copyrighted © by Dale A. Robbins, 1990, and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA 95949 Site source: To read the article in full, please go visit the following site: http://www.victorious.org/praise.htm

Declaring of thanks - Heb. 13:15

Clapping hands and shouting -Psalms 47:1

Musical instruments and dancing -Ps. 150:4

Singing praise songs - Psalms 9:11

Psalms, hymns, & spiritual songs -Eph. 5:19-20

Making a joyful noise - Psalms 98:4

Lifting of hands - Psalms 134:2

Being still - Psalms 4:3-5, 46:10

Being loud - Psalms 33:3, 95:1-6

Practicing His Presence

There's something about looking up the definition of a word, even if you think you know what it means. It helps tremendously to develop a clearer image of said word.

In light of that sentence, the definition of practice (n) is as follows: the repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.

Philippians 4:9 NLT states is best; "Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."

Regarding the purpose of why this list was started – how to use these tools in the stronghold battle – to practice His presence is about practicing or rehearsing what He's revealed to us in our thinking that needs to be exchange for the truth of His Word in that area.

It's also about developing a consciousness of Him, hopefully as much as He is of us. He revealed to us that we know His voice. John 10:27 TLB "My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Other translations use the phrase 'know my voice', indicating an intimacy in the relationship and/or time spent together to develop that recognition of the sound of His voice.

The battle will be fiercer than it needs to be if we do not know HIS VOICE above the other voices clamoring for our attention. The good news is that once we begin to practice His presence - His voice will be there to guide us in those critical recognition moments.

Start small, in the everyday moments of your life to practice His presence and the recognition of His voice. I will share with you where I started with this element.

Years ago, I desperately needed to develop a keen hearing for His voice, so I started where I could – with something small --- the phone. When it would ring, instead of rushing to answer it or checking the caller id and then deciding if I should answer --- I paused whatever I was doing and asked Him, 'Do you want / need me to answer that for the Kingdom?' And then I would wait. Most of the time, in my inner man I would hear, ever so faintly, 'no.'

And then I would ask Him questions like, 'what should I wear today Lord?' and so on. I still practice the phone one to this day.

When I'm reading or studying the Word, asking Him to speak to me is another way to hear His voice and practice His presence or a consciousness of Him.

To wrap up – we can employ Practicing His Presence in the stronghold battle for the purposes of 1) developing a consciousness of Him and 2) for the development of a keen sense of recognizing His voice as He gives instructions to us on the battlefield of our minds.

Q: How do we employ this tool?

A: We practice! We look for ordinary, everyday moments that we can practice developing a consciousness of Him and practice listening for His voice. Involve Him in every part of your day from the littlest, almost insignificant items to the gigantic, life-changing ones.

Speaking / Confession of God's Word

Putting God's Word into my everyday speech is a top priority for me. Declaring God's decree* [The Bible], which is His supreme declaration for mankind, and recognizing that there is no decree higher than His is critical in how I am framing my world with the words that I speak into the atmosphere.

When I use the phrase 'God's decree' – please understand that *decree means an official order issued by a legal authority. There is no higher authority for me than God.

His Words are filled with Him and His power and authority to carry out those words. Check out Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."

I refer to the mouth and tongue as the bucket and rope which moves words and images in and out of our well or on and off of our imaginations. Check out these scriptures that refer to the mouth and tongue.

Proverbs 18:21 NIV "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

Proverbs 13:3 NIV "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin."

There are at least 100 scriptures that refer to the tongue, speech and/or confession. With that many references, investigating the how's and why's of confessing / speaking God's Word is critically important and is a worthy endeavor to pursue.

This investigation should also include God's unique design of the brain and central nervous system – which is the body's communications system. It's fascinating!

The precious people at Billy Brim Ministries have generously allowed the following insertion of an article written by Billy Brim, which explores and reveals the phenomena of why we have what we say. Please enjoy the following excerpt.

*DeVaR:

The Hebrew word, DeVaR intrigues me. It is Hebrew for 'word'. It can also be translated thing, or matter. For some time I have contemplated the idea that words become things or matters. Of course, this is supported by Mark 11:23.

Its root word, spelled exactly the same, is defined in the Hebrew Lexicon as speak, to arrange in order.... Strong's Concordance #1696 says, "to arrange, used figuratively (of words) to speak." This seems to indicate that our words arrange things, or matters. Consider this excerpt from Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho's book, The Fourth Dimension:

One morning I was eating breakfast with one of Korea's leading neuro-surgeons, who was telling me about various medical findings on the operation of the brain. He asked, "Dr. Cho, did you know that the speech center in the brain rules over all the nerves?" Then I laughed, saying, "I've known that for a long time." "How did you know that...? In the world of neurology these are new findings." I replied that I had learned it from Dr. James. (See James 3:2-5.)

Then this neuro-surgeon began to expound their findings. He said that the speech nerve center had such power over all of the body that simply speaking can give one control over his body, to manipulate it in the way he wishes. He said, "If someone keeps on saying, 'I'm going to become weak,' then right away, all the nerves receive that message, and they say, 'Oh, let's prepare to become weak, for we've received instructions from our central communication that we should become weak.' They then in natural sequence adjust their physical attitudes to weakness.

"If someone says, 'Well, I have no ability. I can't do this job,' then right away all the nerves begin to declare the same thing. 'Yes,' they respond, 'we received instruction from the central nervous system saying that we have no abilities, to give up striving to develop any capacity for capability. We must prepare ourselves to be part of an incapable person.'

"If someone keeps saying, 'I'm very old...and tired, and can't do anything,' then right away, the speech central control responds, giving out orders to that effect. The nerves respond, 'Yes, we are old. We are ready for the grave. Let's be ready to disintegrate.' If someone keeps saying that he is old, then that person is soon going to die."

That neuro-surgeon continued saying, "That man should never retire. Once a man retires, he keeps repeating to himself, 'I am retired,' and all the nerves start responding and become less active, and ready for a quick death."

The Book we call Deuteronomy is named Devarim in the Hebrew. Devarim is the plural of devar. So, the name of the Book is Words—taken from the first line of the Book, "These are the words which Moses spake...." Both words and spake are the Hebrew word devar. Moses did not get to enter the Promised Land because God told him to speak to the rock to bring forth water; instead Moses struck it. Some rabbis say that God wanted to demonstrate the power of the spoken word and that Israel could use it to take Canaan. Moses was the only one spiritually mature enough to so demonstrate.

Jesus taught on a regular basis, that we could have what we say. The ability. He also taught accountability (Matt. 12:36-37). Therefore, "What Have We Done With The Gift of Speech?" Selah.

*Source: https://www.billyebrim.org/content/march_2008

Portion of the article used by permission from Billie Brim Ministries.

Praying in the Spirit

Praying in the Spirit is speaking in different heavenly languages that only God can interpret. There are an endless number of benefits of praying in the strength and understanding that the Holy Spirit can provide.

I like the reference provided by gotquestions.org article regarding this subject – "Praying in the spirit does not refer to the words we are saying. Praying in the Spirit is praying according to the Spirit's leading."

There are definitely moments of weakness in the stronghold battle and the Holy Spirit can and will provide the necessary prayer supply when we cannot ourselves. Check out this reliable promise in Romans 8:26 TLB "And in the same way—by our faith—the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don't even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words."

The enemy cannot hide anything from the Spirit of God, even the most entrenched contrary strongholds don't stand a chance at prevailing or prolonging their presence when the Holy Spirit gets involved in exposing their locations and how they are operating. 2 Cor. 2:11 TLB "To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions."

Let's check out the benefits that Praying in the Spirit provides:

Supernatural Understanding of God's Mysteries 1 Cor. 14:2 NKJV "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries." 1 Cor. 2:10 NLT "But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets."

Praying in the Spirit is when we discover things that were previously mysterious and unknown will come into greater focus and clarity.

Grants Access to the Other Revelation Gifts of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 12:8-10 NKJV "For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues."

When in the heat of the battle, we need access to the Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, Prophecy and the Discerning of Spirits.

Opens the Scriptures John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you in to all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak."

He wrote it; He understands it best; He knows which scripture to apply; He's the one who makes understanding each promise possible.

Direct Audience with God 1 Cor. 14:2 "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God."

Praying in agreement with His perfect will without any distractions or excuses.

Empowered to Prevail in Spiritual Warfare from the Position of Victory Eph. 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."

When the pressure from the battle intensifies, it can be too much and we can succumb to it; however, praying in the Spirit ensures us that we will be praying from the perspective of Jesus' finished work, which eternally and thoroughly defeated all our enemies, for all time.

The 5 benefits mentioned here were inspired by Larry Sparks' Article '5 Ways That Praying in Tongues Will Change Your Life Forever' @ Charismanews.com Published March 23, 2014. I highly recommend reading the article in its entirety.

Q: How do we use Praying in the Spirit in the battle?

A: Follow the insights listed here.

Meditation and Study of His Word

Meditation and Study of the Word are priceless!

For me, there has been no other practice or discipline that has yielded the revelations to the depth and clarity that meditation and study of God's Word has awarded me. It's unique and empowering. I'm still feeding off the great revelations that God poured into my spirit when I spent a year meditating on a different passage of scripture each week and that was several years ago! It resulted in the book 'We are Under Instruction ... By the Holy Spirit.'

In my recording of that great adventure, I kept a journal of the scriptures, the questions I asked and the insights I believe He shared with me. It was quite a year of spiritual growth and understanding of His Word. I chose one scripture and meditated and studied it for one full week.

Here's the list of tools and the basic meditation method that I used during that time.

The Tools:

My Bible

A dictionary

A thesaurus

3x5 notecards

The Method:

Step 1 – choose the verse you want to meditate on. Put that verse onto a 3x5 card. Recommend one verse when first starting out and then work your way up to a passage.

Step 2 – Twice a day for five (5) minutes, find a quiet place and take several deep breaths, really make the effort to relax.

Step 3 – Confess the scripture to yourself and accentuate with volume a different word each time you confess it. This is a memorization technique. There's no magic number on the frequency – just keep repeating it until it seems to sink down into your spirit.

Step 4 – Keep deep breathing and allow the word to penetrate the atmosphere around you as well as within you.

Step 5 – Have a journal handy or a scrap piece of paper, a writing utensil and an expectation to hear. The Author of that Word is going to speak to you, in that still, small voice.

Step 6 – Look up the words from the verse in the dictionary and the thesaurus and then rewrite the verse with the expanded definitions and other word substitutions.

Step 7 – Each day go over your notecards with the newly added insights that God is going to give you.

Step 8 – Ask questions! Get out the 'Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How' oldies but goodies and incorporate them into your time of treasure hunting.

Regarding how to use Meditation and Study of God's Word in the battle, please use these simple tools and steps to expose the dominant and contrary thought patterns – the Holy Spirit will show you what's most urgent to address.

Remember the purposes of meditation and study of God's Word is found in Joshua 1:8-9 AMP "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Personal experience in this discipline has revealed that mediation and study of God's Word exposes the enemy for his eviction from out of that area of my life. The enemy has plans, plots, ploys and schemes for each one of us; none of which are a match for the revealed Word of God!

Hope you caught it! The observe and do wording ... meditate in the Word so that you can observe (for the purpose to understand) and do (for the purpose to implement, which is a fancy word for obey – to act on what's been revealed to you) what you understand!

2 Cor. 2:11 AMP "To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions."

Be equipped. Be empowered. Be expectant. Be Victorious. Be Triumphant. Be A Doer of the Word – Meditate and Study!

Repentance [Mind Renewal]

Truthfully, I'm not sure I really understood repentance until recently. The understanding that I have now has come as a result of bits and pieces of teaching on mind renewing and the practical applications gleaned from the Celebrate Recovery Study Guides in the area of replacing *character defects, flaws and weaknesses - that opened the eyes of my understanding so that I could work with the Holy Spirit instead of in opposition to His cause / calling.

[*These defects, flaws and weaknesses are located in my personality traits; which are seen and heard in the ways I respond; which are rooted in my belief system; which is influenced and shaped by the way I think.]

In my opinion, His 'calling' is found in 1 Cor. 5:16-21 for the cause of reconciling me to the Father's love for a deep and intimate relationship with Him. In order for our relationship to be symbiotic [beneficial for both] – I need to be in agreement with His ways of thinking and so on. In Amos 3:3 TLB "For how can we walk together with your sins between us?"

Well, what's the importance of Reconciliation? Glad you asked. Reconciliation in its simplest definition means to be made compatible. Why in the world would God want me reconciled to Him?

The answer is even simpler than the question – the reconciliation work of the Holy Spirit within me is for restored fellowship to the Father.

LOVE, loves me and wants to be in a wonderful, intimate relationship with me.

Now sin, or disobedience negatively affects my responses and my relationship with Him, myself, with others and with the enemy.

When the enemy is attacking me or confronting me and putting the pressure on, then I need to have the confidence of obedience in my relationship with the Father to wield the authority He's given me. If I'm all bent out of shape because of disobedience, then I'm not going to be able to withstand that pressure. The outcome in this scenario is an ugly one.

Lately, whenever I see the word sin, I substitute using the word disobedience in its place to get a better handle on what that really means and/or looks like in my relationship with Him and with myself for that matter.

Disobedience comes as a result of yielding to or accepting the input or direction that the deception(s) offered me as they come from contrary sources to God's love for me. I find God's love clearly defined for me in His Word and therefore, anything suggested to me that's not in line with it and when I yield or agree to its input – then I'm only an action step or two away from acting out that disobedient leaning / suggestion.

The flesh nature, that way of thinking that's contrary to God's Word, and Satan are the stronghold builders who would revel in seeing their deceptions come to fruition in my life. It's a battle for certain and one that we've been equipped to succeed in, if and when we follow the blueprint God gave us in His Word.

Disobedience is preceded by deception, but obedience is preceded by truth or revelation.

If a person wants to live in obedience to God's Word, then he/she must renew their minds, which is the action part of repentance. To renew the mind means to participate in the action of repentance – one must make an exchange – the exchange of contrary thoughts for God's thoughts, found of course in the Bible.

The Greek word for repentance is metanoeó [met-an-o-eh'-o]. It means to change the mind; change the inner man, particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God. Biblical Hebrew unveils repentance in two verbs: 1) shuv which means to return and 2) nacham which means to feel sorrow.

Wikipedia shares these definitions: to think differently after; an after-thought, different from the former thought; a change of mind and a change of conduct; change of mind and heart; and/or, a change of consciousness.

The mind, emotions and will are all heavily involved in the process. Check out this quote found at WikiBooks on Hebrew Roots / The Original Foundation / Repentance:

"Repentance then is the informing and changing of the MIND [the thinker]* and directing the EMOTIONS [the feeler]* to urge the required change, and the action of the yielded WILL [the chooser]* in turning away from sin [disobedience*] and to God."

Author's paraphrase added.*

Here's my take on repentance or repent:

To exchange sources and ways of thinking [the flesh nature and Satan] that lead me into deception, which will manifest in disobedience for sources and ways of thinking [the Word and the Spirit] that lead me into truth or revelation which will manifest in obedience.

Romans 12:2 TLB "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you."

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things."

Psalm 119:11 KJV "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

Let's try this: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not disobey against thee." My, my, my! Hide the word in your heart so that you can OBEY!

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 AMP "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 (the Messiah, the Anointed One),."

There's plenty of scriptures to confirm God's blueprint for a life to reflect willing obedience carried out through newfound ways of thinking in line with His Word. But instead of listing them all for you, I'll leave some of that endeavor and studying up to you. What I will leave you with is some examples, personal examples, on how I am actively pursuing a life of willing obedience / willing agreement through repentance [mind renewal].

I will list what I believe are the components that should be identified in this life-giving habit.

Identify the character flaws, weaknesses or defects that need to be addressed [Hint: study the ways you respond in various negative situations, the area will be revealed.] For example, if you respond more often in anger, bitterness, envy, fear, or selfishness, and so on – the flaw has been identified in the ways you respond.

Locate the response's source, i.e., the flesh nature or demonic influences; which may manifest or be known through a wide variety of expressions, such as, self-righteousness, pride, lust.

Identify what the new response is going to be; the opposite of the contrary response.

Write out supporting scriptures for that new response. Make them 1st person. See examples below.

Ask the Holy Spirit for His help in carrying out the new response plan.

Examples:

Selfishness

When I want to respond in Selfishness, I will pause* and stop responding from the attitude / source of 'me-my-and-mine' and respond from the source of LOVE, whose nature is to give for the benefit of the one being given to.

John 3:16 God loves me; I am His world. He gave Jesus for my benefit.

Luke 6:31 Through CHRIST I do for others just as I would want them to do for me.

Romans 12:9 Through CHRIST, His love through me is sincere. I hate what is evil and I cling to what is good, which is His Love.

I REPENT: I exchange the response and source of selfishness with the response and source of the Love of God.

Bitterness

When I want to respond in Bitterness, I will pause* and stop responding from the attitude / source of resentment over unmet needs, whether they are perceived or real, and respond from the source of kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

Eph. 4:31 Through CHRIST, I let go of all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking and all malice too.

Eph. 4:32 Through CHRIST, I am kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving others, even as I have been forgiven by God for Christ's sake.

Col. 3:12 Through CHRIST, I have been chosen of God, holy and beloved; I put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

I REPENT: I exchange the response and source of bitterness with the response and source of kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

Pride

When I want to respond in Pride, I will pause* and stop responding from the attitude / source of self-validation and respond from Jesus' humility, which activates the force of honor toward all involved.

Eph. 4:2 With lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, I through CHRIST's humility, forebear others in the Father's love.

Proverbs 11:2 Through CHRIST's humility, I operate in His wisdom. I reject pride and its offspring of shame.

Phil. 2:3 Through CHRIST's humility, I esteem others and do not allow anything to be done through strife or vanity.

Romans 12:16 Through CHRIST's humility, I'm in harmony with His oneness of purpose for others. Through His strength I do not give place to "high things" or make decisions from self-conceited resources.

I REPENT: I exchange the response and source of pride with the response and source of CHRIST's humility.

Hopefully, you are catching on to the practical side of repentance or the mind renewing process.

Some closing thoughts . . .

In repentance, a.k.a. the mind renewing process, one must engage the elements of love, harmony, holiness, humility and submission in order for the exchange to take hold and form new paths in ways of thinking to align it with the Word.

Think like God thinks, feel like God feels and act like God acts. I remind myself often that He's teaching me Jesus' Responses - for Jesus' Results - for the work of Reconciliation to be completed within me or through me as I work with Him in reaching others.

Let's have a quick look at the definition of the above mentioned elements:

Love – the nature of God Himself; the nature to give for the benefit of the one being given to. When I give for the benefit of someone else, I'm operating in His love.

Harmony – a oneness of purpose. Having no agendas, motives or wills contrary to God's motive, which is His unconditional love – to give to someone for their benefit.

Holiness – thinking in line with God's thoughts, which are found in the scriptures.

Humility – See Volunteer.

Volunteer – a person who without charge or expected compensation, willingly agrees to go and/or do something for the benefit of someone else. This person has the element of cheerful readiness present in their attitude.

Submit; Submission – agree to the input and/or direction provided from a source outside of self; engages the force of honor for all involved. Honor means to allow the input of another to carry the most influential weight when making decisions regarding any number of scenarios that come up in this life.

If you dare to see what practical humility looks, sounds and acts like – then take on the role of a true volunteer in your relationship with the Holy Spirit and with others in the repentance process.

*I Will Pause

Here's what I Will Pause means to me:

I choose to surrender my will-power. My will being the faculty which I decide and initiate the corresponding action. The power portion indicates the authority, ability, capacity and the resources to do something or act in a particular way. I choose to turn my will over to His will and my power over to His power.

I choose to take on the role of a true volunteer, with cheerful readiness, at the Holy Spirit's direction regarding the upcoming response.

I choose to give the Holy Spirit that moment of time He needs to give me the response the Father desires me to give for the benefit of others. I choose to defer to Him and His direction / input.

I choose to operate in agreement with Christ's Harmony – a oneness of purpose, which is the reconciliation work of the Holy Spirit who is making me compatible in my relationship with the Father.

I choose to operate in Christ's Holiness – thinking like He thinks, which I find in His Word.

I choose to operate in Christ's Humility – honoring His input above all others.

Well, there it is – repentance in a nutshell; a very large nutshell, but hopefully enough to inspire and instruct on the practical how-to's of implementing this life-giving discipline in your relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I think the how-to for this tool is clearly outlined here. Remember, as you implement these tools for the demolition of contrary, dominant thought patterns – you'll be constructing obedient, dominant thought patterns at the same time.

I challenge you to step out and whole heartedly follow these steps and make the necessary adjustments as the Holy Spirit reveals them to you. He'll probably share with you some amazing nugget that's not listed in this chapter. I completely trust and rest in His love for you that He'll do just that.

It's time to wrap up this book in the next chapter as the Holy Spirit reveals to us what Jesus' ultimate Stronghold is – His belief / response system. Hold on – it's going to be phenomenal!

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Chapter 4 Review Questions

When believers have dominant thought patterns, a.k.a. strongholds, which have been built by the enemy or the flesh nature – how do they get rid of them?

What are the tools in a believer's toolbox?

How should the tools be used?

How does a person get rid of a negative stronghold [dominant thought pattern/s]?

List the tools of demo / construction and how to use them.

Define DEVAR.

What is meditation?

What are the basic tools to use for successful meditation?

What is the importance of reconciliation?

What is repentance?

What precedes disobedience?

What precedes obedience?

What is the flesh nature?

What are the components that will make repentance a true, life-giving discipline?

What are the elements of the I Will Pause phrase?

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Ch. 5 Jesus, the Ultimate Example

Let's start off with a refresher ... stronghold – a dominant thought pattern, positive or negative.

These strongholds are made evident in a person's personality traits; those traits are seen and heard in the ways they respond; those responses are rooted in their belief system; and this system is influenced and shaped by the way they think.

Followers of Christ, born again Christians are told time and time again to let Christ be formed within them. Gal. 4:19 AMP "My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) within you,"

Well, what does that mean exactly – let Christ be formed within us? In order to grasp the meaning of that phrase – we have to look at the most important component, in this case, that component is the Person of Jesus, the Christ.

In the Greek, [Christos] Christ means the Anointed One and His Anointing. The person of Jesus - the Anointed One and His Anointing – His personality; the way He thinks, feels, and acts. The definition of anointing means to rub off on, usually with oil, typically as a part of a religious ceremony.

Linking the rubbing off element of that definition with the long-term effects of spending quality time with someone --- some of their personality traits will rub off, or be duplicated and seen and heard in future responses – their mannerisms, their laugh, their perspectives and/or elements from their belief system.

Jesus' stronghold or belief system is the blueprint for developing a perfectly aligned belief system with the Word of God.

What makes up Jesus' stronghold? What does He believe? These are the questions that I asked long ago that led me onto one of the greatest treasure hunts in the Word of God that I've ever encountered.

I will use stronghold and belief system interchangeably from this point on. I'll kick off this portion with some definitions so that as you read forward you can picture their meanings in the context of what's written.

Belief: an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists; trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something.

System: a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized method; a group or combination of interrelated, interdependent, or interacting elements forming a collective entity.

Belief System: the acceptance that a combination of statements, principles, procedures and methods are true and form a collective entity to determine the outcome as those elements work synergistically.

Fortress: any place of exceptional security; a stronghold. [Jesus' fortress is where you'll find me!] A compound where living quarters and training exercises are carried out by the troops stationed there.

Righteousness: Jesus' attitude based on His finished work; Jesus' attitude based on His altitude! It's being made right because of His payment for sin, for all mankind, and for all time – ALL past, present and future infractions of disobedience or sin have been paid for with His precious blood.

Peace: Jesus' permanent state of calm and quiet; His perspective about people and/or circumstances; His freedom from disturbing thoughts and/or images; His freedom from anxiety or worry.

Joy: The revelation of God's Word and the strength is produces within the spirit man to repel the enemy's deceptive suggestions, plans, plots, ploys, schemes, tactics and wiles and so on.

Let's Explore Righteousness

Righteousness - to be in right standing and right doing with God the Father. Obtained through Jesus' shed blood. I have it now because I am born again; Jesus is my Savior and Lord. 2 Cor. 5:21 NIV "God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Righteousness is, for me, an assertive attitude of my position before the Father because of what Jesus has done for me. As a believer, I am seated with Him in heavenly places. I am seated in the finished work. This assertive attitude is a confident one, not one full of the consciousness of my sins but an attitude full of the righteousness of Christ.

RIGHTEOUSNESS is an ATTITUDE or a CONSCIOUSNESS, rooted and grounded as a part of a BELIEF SYSTEM, that governs, inspires, or frames my DISCIPLINES AND/OR RESPONSES to circumstances or situations that are contrary to God's Word or Love for me.

The first thing I asked myself was: What Makes up a Righteousness-Consciousness? What do I have to believe in order to respond like Jesus would when confronted with scenarios that would challenge His right standing / right doing before God?

From the scriptures, I would have to believe the following so that my Righteousness-Consciousness is the same as the Lord Jesus:

Believe that God loves me, unconditionally and personally. John 3:16 NIV "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Believe that every unbreakable promise in His Word is for me. Prov. 3:3-6 KJV "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Believe what the Blood of Jesus has paid for – and know what it paid for. Rev. 12:11a KJV "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony," Please review the list of what the benefits of the blood that was shed from the five points of His body. You'll find that list in Chapter 4.

Believe He has forgiven me ONCE and FOR ALL TIME – Past, Present and Future! Heb. 10:12-14 The Message "Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process."

Believe He does not see my transgressions anymore because they have been blotted out; they won't be mentioned to me. Ez. 18:22 KJV "All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live." Is. 44:22 KJV "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." Is. 43:25 KJV "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

Believe He does not remember any of my sins or iniquities. Heb. 8:12 KJV "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more."

Believe He has been merciful to my unrighteousness. Heb. 8:12 KJV "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more."

Believe I am in right standing / right doing with Him. Rom. 5:17 KJV "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)"

Believe I am acquitted from guilt. Rom. 5:18 KJV "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."

Believe He has made me acceptable in word, thought and deed. Rom. 10:3 AMP "For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes [which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought, and deed] and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of their own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God's righteousness."

Believe I am approved. 2 Cor. 5:21 NIV "God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Believe I have freedom from sin. 2 Peter 3:13 AMP "But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise, in which righteousness (uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God) is to abide."

Believe I am righteous as Jesus is. I John 3:7 AMP "Boys (lads), let no one deceive and lead you astray. He who practices righteousness [who is upright, conforming to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action, living a consistently conscientious life] is righteous, even as He is righteous."

Believe the righteousness He's given me is eternal. Ps. 111:3 AMP "His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever." Ps. 112:3 AMP "Prosperity and welfare are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever." Ps. 112:9 AMP "He has distributed freely [he has given to the poor and needy]; his righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) endures forever; his horn shall be exalted in honor."

While reading in Isaiah 54, I saw the benefits of being established in Righteousness.

Next question: What are the Benefits of Being Established in Righteousness? What should I be able to see operating in my life now that I believe what Jesus believes? Here's what the Word has revealed about the benefits:

Far from oppression; from even the thought of oppression or destruction. Is. 54:14

Won't fear. Is. 54:14

Terror will not come near me. Is. 54:14

Anyone who gathers against me will fall. Is. 54:15

No weapon formed against me prospers or succeeds. Is. 54:17

Every tongue that speaks against me in judgment shall be condemned.

Is. 54:17 AMP 14"You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order): you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you. 15 Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you. 16 Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purpose; and I have created the devastator to destroy. 17 But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord."

Peace – internal and external. Is. 32:17 AMP "And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever."

Quietness and confident trust. Is. 32:17 AMP "And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever."

Dressed in the robe of righteousness. Is. 61:10 AMP "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Completely satisfied. Mt. 5:6 AMP "Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied!"

Kingdom of heaven is mine. Mt. 5:10 AMP "Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"

Reign as a king in this life. Rom. 5:17 AMP "For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

Leads me to sanctification. Rom. 6:19 AMP "I am speaking in familiar human terms because of your natural limitations. For as you yielded your bodily members [and faculties] as servants to impurity and ever increasing lawlessness, so now yield your bodily members [and faculties] once for all as servants to righteousness (right being and doing) [which leads] to sanctification."

Spirit is alive because He has imputed His righteousness to me. Rom. 8:10 AMP "But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you]."

Brings me into right relationship with Him. Rom. 10:6 AMP "But the righteousness based on faith [imputed by God and bringing right relationship with Him] says, Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into Heaven? that is, to bring Christ down;"

Makes me pure & holy [consecrated]. I Cor. 1:30 AMP "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]."

Makes me redeemed, eternally from the penalty from sin. I Cor. 1:30 AMP "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]."

Manifests itself in active goodness, kindness and charity. 2 Cor. 9:10 AMP "And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]."

Anointed with exultant joy and gladness. Heb. 1:9 AMP "You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions."

I am counted as God's friend. James 2:23 AMP "And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God's will in thought and deed), and he was called God's friend."

Have peace, concord, agreement and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness; a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts. James 3:18 AMP "And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]."

Prayers avail much. [Avail = to be of use; to have force; benefit; profit]; [Much = a large amount; to a great extent]. James 5:16 AMP "Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]."

Brings my life out of trouble & frees me from distress. Ps. 143:11 AMP "Save my life, O Lord, for Your name's sake; in Your righteousness, bring my life out of trouble and free me from distress."

Delivers me from death. Proverbs 11:4 AMP "Riches provide no security in any day of wrath and judgment, but righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) delivers from death."

Have a sure, permanent & satisfying reward. Prov. 11:18 AMP "The wicked man earns deceitful wages, but he who sows righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) shall have a sure reward [permanent and satisfying]."

The Righteousness-Consciousness is a part of Jesus' belief system within a believer that governs; outlines or frames a believer's responses to:

1 – God

2 – Self

3 – Others

4 – Satan

5 – Circumstances / Situations contrary to God's Word and love for them.

Let's Explore Peace

Peace is a perspective taken from Jesus' point of view. Through His eyes - He's seated next to the Father, completely resting in His finished work of the cross.

The payment for sin was made once and for all time and for all mankind. He will never have to repeat any of the hardships He endured on our behalf.

His current state of rest is a permanent one!

Here are some other words to help us picture what the response of Peace looks like:

untroubled \- not feeling, showing, or affected by anxiety or problems;

tranquil – free from disturbances, calm;

content – in a state of peaceful happiness, satisfied; and,

Peace, a perspective – a steady stream of thoughts that are in line with God's Word.

What makes up Jesus' Peace Perspective?

We'll answer this question from the Hebrew noun Shalom. Therefore, Peace or The Peace Perspective [TPP] would include being in a state of wholeness or with no deficiencies; nothing missing, nothing lacking, nothing broken. Whole in every capacity, by every definition; not an area of life left with any deficits.

What are the benefits when a believer is operating in The Peace Perspective?

[How will you know TPP is in the on position?]

We should see a combination of the following fruits or evidence when TPP is operating from the "power seat" – [the throne of our hearts]:

Trust. Prov. 3:5-6 NIV "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Anxiety-fear-worry-free; not wrought up. Is. 54:14 NIV "In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you." 1 Peter 3:4 NIV "Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

Clear mind; not double minded. James 1:8 NIV "Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." 2 Tim. 1:7 NIV "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

Remain at rest. Ex. 14:14 NIV "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Tranquility of heart and life continually. Num. 6:26 AMP "The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually)."

Wisdom. Job 13:5 AMP "Oh, that you would altogether hold your peace! Then you would evidence your wisdom and you might pass for wise men."

Joy. Prov. 12:20 AMP "Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy."

Prosperity, security, stability. Jer. 33:9 AMP "And [Jerusalem] shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth that hear of all the good I do for it, and they shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the peace, prosperity, security, and stability I provide for it."

Freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin. Matt. 10:13 AMP "Then if indeed that house is deserving, let come upon it your peace [that is, freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin]. But if it is not deserving, let your peace return to you." Luke 19:38, 42 AMP "Crying, Blessed (celebrated with praises) is the King Who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven [freedom there from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin] and glory (majesty and splendor) in the highest [heaven]!" Luke 7: 50 AMP "But Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go (enter)into peace in freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin]."

Untroubled, undisturbed well-being. Luke 8:48 AMP "And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your confidence and trust in Me) has made you well! Go (enter) into peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being)."

Concord, agreement, harmony* between individuals with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts. James 3:18 AMP "And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]." 1 Peter 1:2 AMP "Who were chosen and foreknown by God the Father and consecrated (sanctified, made holy) by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and to be sprinkled with [His] blood: May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance [that spiritual peace to be realized in and through Christ, freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts]."

Harmony* and unity. Eph. 1:2 AMP "May grace (God's unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 2:14 AMP "For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us,"

Soul harmony.* Col. 3:15 AMP "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]."

Harmony = a oneness of purpose; no agendas, motives, or wills separate from the unconditional love of God. It's working with the Holy Spirit instead of against Him in the reconciliation process to the Father's unconditional love for His joy and fellowship.

When I think about harmony, I'm drawn to the analogy of an engine. It's the driving force that gives the transport the energy it needs to get it to its destination. Re-reading the definition of harmony looking at it for what it is, as an engine – that's one powerful force to get me to the Father's destination.

Let's recap:

What is Peace?

It's a perspective and a response.

From the Hebrew word Shalom, what does Peace mean?

It means nothing missing, nothing broken, and nothing lacking.

What is Peace's purpose?

To be our umpire – to make the call on how and what we should respond.

The Peace Perspective's purpose or job is to act as an umpire – deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in the mind. We have to pause to allow TPP to respond through us. It's an on-going communicating partnership between us and the Holy Spirit – who knows how to answer anyone in any situation.

When is Peace available?

All the time.

Where do we access Peace?

From the Holy Spirit, who lives within us.

Why do we need to access Peace?

To keep us seated in our place of rest, which is with Jesus. To remain seated means we believe in the finished work of Jesus and His shed blood.

How do we access Peace?

We pause and let the Holy Spirit give us our response.

How do we maintain Peace?

We keep increasing our knowledge of the Lord Jesus through the Word of God. Renewing the mind with the Word will help keep us plugged into TPP. And through a lifestyle filled with prayer and intimate communion with God on a daily basis.

Some closing thoughts:

TPP is directly linked to trusting in God. Peace is multiplied to a believer through their increased knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:2 NLT "May God give you more and more grace [unearned favor] and peace [calm and undisturbed perspectives] as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord."

How do we increase our knowledge?

By getting in The Word and letting The Word get into us. - It is commonly referred to as renewing the mind. Romans 12:1-2 AMP "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]."

Prayer – Intimate fellowship with the Father. Practice His Presence. Follow Him in the little things and instructions. Involve and invite Him into everything. Hearts and minds are kept in perfect peace because we have put our trust [utter reliance] in God. Is. 26:3 ESV "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed [anchored] on you, because he trusts [rests in God's abilities and willingness to fulfill His promise] in you."

Let's Explore Joy

Joy: The revelation of God's Word and the strength it produces within the spirit man to repel the enemy's deceptive suggestions, plans, plots, ploys, schemes, tactics and wiles and so on.

Strength: The property of being physically or mentally strong; military capability: capability in terms of personnel and material that affect the capacity to fight a war; force: physical energy or intensity; forte: an asset of special worth or utility; persuasiveness: the power to induce the taking of a course of action or the embracing of a point of view by means of argument or entreaty; intensity: the amount of energy transmitted; potency: capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects; the condition of financial success; lastingness: permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force.

The scriptures in Nehemiah 8 verse 10 states that the Lord's joy is our strength. What's the Lord's joy? That's the ultimate question that has to be answered in order to appreciate and appropriate [a.k.a. use] the power of the definition of Joy.

Journey with me and check out these scriptures that lead up to the definition of the Lord's Joy. I'll paraphrase each verse.

Verse 1 – All the people came together because they wanted to hear the Word of God read to them. It wasn't accessible to every household. You had to have a priest read it to you at a collective gathering.

Verse 2 – Ezra the priest brought the Law before them – all who could hear with understanding.

Verse 3 – He read it from early morning until noon in the presence of all who could understand; the people were attentive to what was being read to them.

Verse 4 – Ezra stood on a wooden pulpit along with the other Levites.

Verse 5 – Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; when he opened it they stood up.

Verse 6 – Ezra blessed the Lord; the people responded with Amen, amen, lifting up their hands and bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

Verse 7 – The Levites helped the people to understand the Law and the people lingered in that place.

Verse 8 – They read from the Book of the Law, faithfully amplifying and giving sense so that the people UNDERSTOOD the reading.

Verse 9 – Nehemiah and Ezra and the Levites proclaimed the day holy to the Lord their God; instructed the people to not mourn, nor weep; for the people wept when the heard the words of the Law.

Verse 10 – Ezra then instructs them to go your way, drink the sweet drink, send some to those who have nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. He told them to not be grieved or depressed because the JOY of the LORD is your strength and stronghold.

What's a stronghold? Yes – a dominant thought pattern, positive or negative.

Verses two, three, and seven relay that the people had the capacity to understand, and their hunger was clearly present to pursue the fullest meaning of the Law that was being read to them.

BUT, in verse eight – the phrase or the vernacular of understand was recorded as UNDERSTOOD. There was an outpouring of praise and worship at that moment. And then in verse ten is where the declaration was made that the Lord's joy was their strength.

To declare I've understood the full meaning of scripture, for me, means to have revelation or a divine impartation that can now be used in practical and powerful applications in my daily responses. Let's look at this like an algebraic formula:

The Lord's Joy = My Strength

Revelation of God's Word = The Lord's Joy

My Strength = Revelation of God's Word

Why do believers need the 'Joy of the Lord' and strength?

We need to walk and live in the revelations of the Word because they will provide the stronghold in the battle against the enemy of our souls, who is relentless in his pursuit to steal, kill and destroy any substance of God in our lives, period. We require this deep foundational strength {the lastingness; the permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force} to sustain us until our race is finished.

Where in the Word do you find Righteousness, Peace and Joy mentioned together?

You're right! Romans 14:17 ESV "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

To understand the phrases Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God I propose the following:

'Kingdom of Heaven' – the place from which we were created and sent from the Father to the earth via the channel He created through natural childbirth. The Kingdom of Heaven is our original home. The place of His actual throne, the place where the streets of gold are actually tangible, the gates of pearl and where all the saints of God have gone after their natural life ended here.

And for the phrase the 'Kingdom of God' – it is my conviction that it is a believer's our governing belief system as ambassadors from the Kingdom of Heaven while here on the earth. The Kingdom of God is how we are to respond in the wide variety of challenges that come from living in a fallen world, so very far away from home.

It is also my conviction that the Kingdom of God [RPJ] is the Lord's stronghold – Jesus' belief system, made up of dominant thoughts regarding His righteousness - brought about by His finished work on the cross and in His body; His peace - perspectives or point of view about every situation that ever has been, is now or will be; and His joy - revelations about the Father's Word / Love, giving Him the necessary strength to repel any enemy attack, no matter the arena that He's attacked in.

When the battle of dominant thought patterns are raging within the soul, I don't know about you – but I would very much like to think like Jesus thinks so that I can respond like He responds.

Benefits of responding like Him --- getting His results for His purposes, which I believe is all ultimately linked to the reconciliation work of the Holy Spirit; making us all compatible for intimate fellowship with the Father.

Jesus' Responses leads to Jesus' Results and His Results leads us into being Reconciled to the Father.

As far as how to develop and implement the Kingdom of God; Righteousness, Peace and Joy – I am going to suggest that you harbor these elements.

The word harbor lends itself toward the negative, such as, harboring negative emotions, harboring anger, harboring bitterness and the list goes on. Since a person can harbor a response in the negative sense, then that same person can harbor a response in the positive sense.

Did you know that harbor is a noun as well as a verb?

Harbor (v): to keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one's mind, especially secretly.

Harbor (n): a place where vessels may find shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures.

To harbor a thought pattern, is the actual mental exertion that it takes someone to meditate. To ponder over and over, to mutter to oneself and hold onto the image or images of what that person is clinging to in their thinking.

When a person practices harboring a response long enough, then the response becomes the harbor – like a first nature instinct.

For example, when a person harbors [v] the response of peace [practicing the Lord's perspectives] often enough, then peace becomes their harbor [n]. The response of peace practiced over and over becomes a safe place of protection for their soul to find rest and safety. It becomes a place that they become anchored and immovable in that area.

Phil. 4:7 NASB "And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard [Harbor] your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Let me write Phil. 4:7 this way: Jesus' peace, His perspectives, which surpasses all comprehension, guards or harbors my heart and my mind [my thought patterns] and He does it because He is the Anointed One and shares His Anointing with me.

Here's the challenge: harbor [v] the responses of Righteousness, Peace and Joy long enough, and these responses will become your harbor [n] – protecting you from the negative influences of the enemy and the nature of the flesh, which is that contrary way of thinking that directs us away from the Word of God.

There is an abundance of scriptures that mention the Lord's peace. I'm confident that once someone starts to harbor the image of Jesus' peace, that he or she will be anchored safely in the harbor of His point of view. Happy harboring!

The Word of God affords us an endless buffet to develop strong revelations in any arena that we choose. I have shared with you here in this chapter what I gleaned while studying / harboring Jesus' Righteousness, Peace and Joy.

More than ever, it is imperative that believers renew their minds to God's Word. Getting it into their eye gates, ear gates, mouths and hearts.

Let's remember the primary purpose for pursuing the Kingdom of God – a.k.a. harboring the responses of Righteousness, Peace and Joy:

TO WORK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DEVELOP CHRIST'S IMAGE, CHARACTER, ATTITUDES, AND ATTRIBUTES, HIS BELIEF SYSTEM – IN A PHRASE – [HIS RESPONSES] WITHIN US AND WE WILL HAVE HIS RESPONSES WHICH LEADS TO HIS RESULTS WHICH LEADS TO HIS RECONCILIATION OF THE LOST TO THE FATHER'S UNCONDIONAL LOVE AND FELLOWSHIP!

Choosing to harbor the revelations in the Word of God will take a lifetime, but it will be a journey well-traveled.

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Chapter 5 Review Questions

What is a stronghold?

Strongholds are made evident in a person's personality

What does let Christ be formed within us mean? Galatians 4:19.

What is the Greek word for Christ and what does it mean?

Jesus' stronghold or belief system is the ? for developing a perfectly aligned belief system with the Word of God.

What makes up Jesus' stronghold / belief system? What comprises His response system? Hint: Romans 14:17

Define Belief.

Define System.

Define Righteousness.

What makes up a Righteousness-Consciousness?

What does a person have to believe to operate in a Righteousness-Consciousness? Review the scriptures and list those elements.

John 3:16; Prov. 3:3-6; Rev. 12:11

Heb. 10:12-14; Ez. 18:22; Heb. 8:12

Rom. 5:17; Rom. 5:18; Rom. 10:3

2 Cor. 5:21; 2 Peter 3:13; 1 John 3:7

Ps. 111:3

What are the benefits of operating with a Righteousness-Consciousness?

Is. 32:17; Is. 61:10; Matt. 5:6

Matt. 5:10; Rom. 5:17; Rom. 6:19

Rom. 8:10; Rom. 10:6; 1 Cor. 1:30

2 Cor. 9:10; Heb. 1:9; James 2:23

James 3:18; James 5:16; Ps. 143:11

Prov. 11:4; Prov. 11:18

What is the primary purpose of developing a Righteousness-Consciousness?

Define Peace in the Hebrew, noun and verb.

When a believer is operating in the Lord's Peace, His perspective – what are the fruits or benefits?

Proverbs 3:5-6; Is. 54:14; 1 Peter 3:4

James 1:8; 2 Tim. 1:7; Ex. 14:14

Num. 6:26; Job 13:5; Proverbs 12:20

Jer. 33:9; Matt. 10:13; Luke 19:38, 42

Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48; James 3:18

1 Peter 1:2; Eph. 1:2; Eph. 2:14

Col. 3:15

Define Harmony.

What's Peace's Purpose?

Why do we need to access Peace & operate in it?

How do we maintain Peace?

What happens when you harbor a particular response long enough?

Define Joy according to Neh. 8:10.

Review Nehemiah 8.

Finish the equations:

The Lord's Joy = ? Strength

My Strength = ? of God's Word

The Lord's ? = Revelation of God's Word

Revelation of God's Word = ?

Why do we need the Lord's Joy and strength?

Discuss Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17.

Kingdom of Heaven is a ?

Kingdom of God is a ?

Jesus' ? leads to Jesus' ? leads to being ? to the Father.

How do we develop in the responses of RPJ?

Define Harbor [n] & [v]:

When a person practices ? a response long enough, then the response becomes the harbor – like a first nature instinct; a first reaction.

What is the primary purpose for developing an understanding to implement the entire Kingdom of God belief system of RPJ?

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Appendix – Helpful Items!

Prayer for Exercising Jesus' Authority over the Flesh Nature:

Flesh nature – in the name of Jesus, I arrest you from operating from within my way of thinking today; I demand with Jesus' authority that there will be no contrary ways of expressing yourself through thinking, speaking, doing or being that is against God, His Word, His Spirit, the blood of Jesus and His unconditional love for me!

I choose to work with the Holy Spirit as He renews my mind with God's Word. He's helping me right now to replace disobedient thinking patterns and their sources with Word directed thinking patterns. He is developing within me now my Father's ways of thinking, speaking, doing and being and I'm receiving His quality of life right now, in Jesus' name, amen!

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Prayer for Thought Capture:

2 Cor. 10:3-5; 1 John 4:18

In the name of Jesus and by the authority and strength of the Holy Spirit, I bring captive ALL thoughts, images, sources and responses that have come through my soul and imagination to the obedience of Christ.

I will now think on things that are pure, lovely and of good report. I submerge my soul and imagination under the blood of Jesus and forbid from these areas any sources, forms or expressions of fear.

I anchor to my soul and imagination the revelation of the perfect love of God which is well-able to cast out all sources, forms and expressions of fear.

Thank You Lord that my soul and imagination are now being used to see Your Word fulfilled in my life in Jesus name, amen.

[Do this as many times a day that it comes to your remembrance and anytime that the invading thoughts are too obvious to ignore, which you will know by the state of your emotions --- they will be moved or rolling around if a contrary thought has been left unchecked / uncaptured.]

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Meditation Technique:

The Tools:

A Bible

A dictionary

A thesaurus

3x5 notecards

The Method:

Step 1 – choose the verse you want to meditate on. Put that verse onto a 3x5 card. Recommend one verse when first starting out and then work your way up to a passage.

Step 2 – Twice a day for five (5) minutes, find a quiet place and take several deep breaths, really make the effort to relax.

Step 3 – Confess the scripture to yourself and accentuate with volume a different word each time you confess it. This is a memorization technique. There's no magic number on the frequency – just keep repeating it until it seems to sink down into your spirit.

Step 4 – Keep deep breathing and allow the word to penetrate the atmosphere around you as well as within you.

Step 5 – Have a journal handy or a scrap piece of paper, a writing utensil and an expectation to hear. The Author of that Word is going to speak to you, in that still, small voice.

Step 6 – Look up the words from the verse in the dictionary and the thesaurus and then rewrite the verse with the expanded definitions and other word substitutions.

Step 7 – Each day go over your notecards with the newly added insights that God is going to give you.

Step 8 – Ask questions! Get out the 'Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How' oldies but goodies and incorporate them into your time of treasure hunting.

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How to Make Meditation, Mind Renewing, Repentance Cards:

Identify the character flaws, weaknesses or defects that need to be addressed [Hint: study the ways you respond in various negative situations, the area will be revealed.] For example, if you respond more often in anger, bitterness, envy, fear, or selfishness, and so on – the flaw has been identified in the ways you respond.

Locate the response's source, i.e., the flesh nature or demonic influences; which may manifest or be known through a wide variety of expressions, such as, self-righteousness, pride, lust.

Identify what the new response is going to be; the opposite of the contrary response.

Write out supporting scriptures for that new response. Make them 1st person. See examples below.

Ask the Holy Spirit for His help in carrying out the new response plan.

Examples:

Selfishness

When I want to respond in Selfishness, I will pause* and stop responding from the attitude / source of 'me-my-and-mine' and respond from the source of LOVE, whose nature is to give for the benefit of the one being given to.

John 3:16 God loves me; I am His world. He gave Jesus for my benefit.

Luke 6:31 Through CHRIST I do for others just as I would want them to do for me.

Romans 12:9 Through CHRIST, His love through me is sincere. I hate what is evil and I cling to what is good, which is His Love.

I REPENT: I exchange the response and source of selfishness with the response and source of the Love of God.

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I Will Pause:

Here's what I Will Pause means to me:

I choose to surrender my will-power. My will being the faculty which I decide and initiate the corresponding action. The power portion indicates the authority, ability, capacity and the resources to do something or act in a particular way. I choose to turn my will over to His will and my power over to His power.

I choose to take on the role of a true volunteer, with cheerful readiness, at the Holy Spirit's direction regarding the upcoming response.

I choose to give the Holy Spirit that moment of time He needs to give me the response the Father desires me to give for the benefit of others. I choose to defer to Him and His direction / input.

I choose to operate in agreement with Christ's Harmony – a oneness of purpose, which is the reconciliation work of the Holy Spirit who is making me compatible in my relationship with the Father.

I choose to operate in Christ's Holiness – thinking like He thinks, which I find in His Word.

I choose to operate in Christ's Humility – honoring His input above all others.

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Elements for Successful Repentance:

In repentance, a.k.a. the mind renewing process, one must engage the elements of love, harmony, holiness, humility and submission in order for the exchange to take hold and form new paths in ways of thinking to align it with the Word.

Think like God thinks, feel like God feels and act like God acts. I remind myself often that He's teaching me Jesus' Responses - for Jesus' Results - for the work of Reconciliation to be completed within me or through me as I work with Him in reaching others.

Let's have a quick look at the definition of the above mentioned elements:

Love – the nature of God Himself; the nature to give for the benefit of the one being given to. When I give for the benefit of someone else, I'm operating in His love.

Harmony – a oneness of purpose. Having no agendas, motives or wills contrary to God's motive, which is His unconditional love – to give to someone for their benefit.

Holiness – thinking in line with God's thoughts, which are found in the scriptures.

Humility – See Volunteer.

Volunteer – a person who without charge or expected compensation, willingly agrees to go and/or do something for the benefit of someone else. This person has the element of cheerful readiness present in their attitude.

Submit; Submission – agree to the input and/or direction provided from a source outside of self; engages the force of honor for all involved. Honor means to allow the input of another to carry the most influential weight when making decisions regarding any number of scenarios that come up in this life.

If you dare to see what practical humility looks, sounds and acts like – then take on the role of a true volunteer in your relationship with the Holy Spirit and with others in the repentance process.

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Flowchart of How a Stronghold Develops

All Acts of Disobedience are Preceded by Deception.

Deceptive Suggestion[s] Enters Through One Or More Of The Following Channels:

  1. Lust Of The Eyes

  2. Lust Of The Flesh

  3. Pride Of Life

Hits The Soul [The Mind, Emotions And Will Of A Person] – To Consider The Information And Its Source To Make A Decision On How To Respond.

Accepting The Deceptive Suggestion Leads To Disobedience Carried Out Through One Or More Of The Following Channels:

  1. Lust Of The Eyes

  2. Lust Of The Flesh

  3. Pride Of Life

Leads To Walking In The Flesh [The Contrary Way Of Thinking That Opposes God's Word].

Leads To Chaos And Destruction.

All Acts of Obedience are Preceded by Truth [a.k.a. Revelation].

Deceptive Suggestion[s] Enters Through One Or More Of The Following Channels:

  1. Lust Of The Eyes

  2. Lust Of The Flesh

  3. Pride Of Life

Hits The Soul [The Mind, Emotions And Will Of A Person] – To Consider The Information And Its Source To Make A Decision On How To Respond.

Rejecting The Deceptive Suggestion Leads To Obedience Carried Out Through One Or More Of The Following Channels:

  1. Harmony of Christ – the Oneness of Purpose [Reconciliation]

  2. Holiness of Christ – Thinking Like God Thinks

  3. Humility of Christ – Honoring God's Input Above All Others

Leads to Walking in the Spirit [Thinking in Line with God's Word].

Leads to Order and Peace.

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