I was having one of those inner conversations with the Lord concerning “strongholds and warfare spirits” and within the conversation He replied, “Every attack doesn’t come from Satan. Some people invite warfare spirits to themselves. In the same manner, everything isn’t a stronghold.” So I began to inquire of Him more on what a stronghold is. Strongholds are barriers or forts that we put around our mind and heart that hinders The Truth of God & everything He is, from accessing through because of the legal authority that we’ve given Leviathan, the spirit of pride. A short definition of a stronghold is, self-sabotaging behavior.
Pride and Leviathan. Leviathan is also known as The King of Pride. You’ll find out more about this dragon-like spirit in Job 41:22-33. This spirit of pride is unyielding and unbending. It refuses to submit to The Will of God and His covenants.
2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (KJV) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Pride is deshtructive and destroys everything in it’s path. Our prideful behavior doesn’t just affect our life but, it also affect the lives of the people around us. The elements of pride are stubbornness, hardness of heart, and defiance [rebellion] against The Word of God.
Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. (ESV)
Psalm 81:11-12 “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own counsel” (ESV)
Romans 2:5 “But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
1Sam15:23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination [witchcraft], and presumption is as iniquity and Idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king”
You Can Be Free. You Don’t Have to Be Bound. How to break free from strongholds? Through prayer and fasting (Matt.17:17-21) (John 8:32-36; 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 43:1). Speak freedom over your life, over that issue , and act upon it! Even the all powerful word of God is ineffective in our life if we don’t believe it and activate its power. Speak the word, as Jesus done, with authority! Intercede in prayer, fast and intentionally separate yourself from the impure things that you have an appetite and craving for. Become consecrated and holy Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. (NIV) There can not be a consecration without a sacrifice. The unclean things that holds us, we give authority and permission to do so when we continue to hold on to them instead of giving it completely to God. Allow Him to do what He wants to do with you and in you.
Jesus sacrificed for us, which gives us grace. We prove His grace is sufficient [enough] through our life in him. 2Cor. 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (NIV). Freedom awaits you. It’s as close as in your mouth! You’re more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37) and you shall not be defeated!
Side note: Don’t abuse the grace of God; Heb.10:26-31; Romans 8:7; Romans 6:1-2; Heb.2:1-3; Jude 1:3-4
Empowered and Inspired 