“Love is love” is a pop-culture phrase. Most of the time when ppl say this, they’re referring to sexual attributes and other factors that lacks the characteristics of God/Jesus Christ. But I wanted to search a little deeper on the meaning—specifically in Greek/Hebrew

“You adulteresses [disloyal sinners—flirting with the world and breaking your vow to God]! Do you not know that being the world’s friend [that is, loving the things of the world] is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” —James 4:4 (Amp)

I took some time, not long ago, to ask God to help me to love the way He wants me to love bc I didn’t feel as if I actually “love” His way.

Too often we use the world’s definition, which isn’t real simply bc—the world doesn’t govern itself by God’s standards. They don’t always agree with showing love to or prayi g for strangers/enemies. Therefore it lacks authenticity, purity, righteousness, endurance, humility, security, prayer, trust, faith, honesty,TRUTH…

So we have a world full of lovers of self, pleasure of unrighteousness, perversion, boasters—their “love” rejoices in evil, it’s full of pride & distrust; insecurity and oppression

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

May we take a moment to reflect on how we “love”. How we use this word and how we express it. LOVE ISNT boasting about unrighteous behavior; it’s not proud nor self-exalting…

² “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. ³ You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.⁴ “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!^[b] 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. ⁶ But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.⁷ “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. -Revelation 2:2-7 (NLT)

Within the church culture, we often hear this passage interpreted as “return back to your first love; do your first work back over”. Here’s the revelation the Lord gave to me from this particular scripture and quote:

Imagine being in a relationship (marriage) for several years – life happens and now the two of you are drifting from each other. The communication has grown poor, there’s a lack of intimacy and now you’ve allowed yourself to become open & exposed to more “exciting” people and things. You’ve even found someone who sparks your interest – someone more entertaining who seems to be fulfilling what you feel like you’re missing (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Some people call this the 80/20 rule. You stopped working on your current relationship/marriage; you stopped watering and cultivating the grass in your yard and began admiring the [artificial] greenery in someone else’s yard. You’re enjoying this high you’re on because you’re now “living your best life”. Things were too dull and became too much to deal with in your marriage. You fail to realize that your relationship is salvageable & grow further and further away, less and less interested in making it work because pride says “I’ve done too much to go back; I’ve been gone too long” and lust says “it’s too fun out here. I deserve to be happy” [What’s good to the eyes isn’t always what’s best for the heart]. The Lord said to me that this is an example of a relationship between Him and a backslider.

Jeremiah 17: 9-10 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

Jeremiah 3:14 “Turne, O backsliding children, saith the Lord, for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” (KJV)

Return back to the beginning when you first received salvation and revaluate “why” you made the choice to. We don’t always take into account how much the things here on earth is parallel to the things in the sprit realm. Just as we can gradually lose interest or fall out of love with a human being, regardless of how many years you’ve been a couple, the same thing can happen with our relationship with God if we don’t stay in constant communication with him and if we start to having wondering eyes and itchy ears for the things of outside influences.

Life gets hard and sometimes painful, unexpected events takes place but, we should NEVER forget who God is and has always been to us. And for any reason we do, we should NEVER turn our back on him. Sometimes it’s not a matter of leaving God physically by committing obvious sins but, we can gradually leave Him by entertaining things that he despises, more regularly. For example, a person can still be married to you, still in the home with you but, gradually leave you mentally and emotionally. Before you know it, they’re totally gone while still lying next to you. You notice their disconnect and bring attention to it but, they say to you, “I never left you or filed for a divorce”. Meanwhile, they’ve checked out or began entertaining impure and unhealthy things outside of your marriage/relationship.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. – 1 Cor.13:4-8

Many of us are familiar with this scripture (1 Cor. 13:4-8). By reading this, it’s clear on what love is and what it isn’t, right? Well, I’m going to share a little nugget that the Lord shared with me. He said to me: “Most people don’t have an understanding of what love is. Therefore, they’re not able to receive it or reciprocate it effectively & in the way that brings me honor.” So what is love based on 1 Cor. 13:4-8? First let’s address that the opposite of love isn’t hate but, it’s pride. Pride is the root for feelings of animosity, bitterness, hatred, jealousy, strife & everything evil.

1 John 2:15-17 (NASB) “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

We know that God is the epitome of love; He is love and he hates pride. So, our expression of love towards The Father should be to oppose and hate the things God hates. 1 Cor. 13: 6 says, “love doesn’t delight in evil but, it rejoices in the truth”. Prov. 8:13 (NKJV) says, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” Verse 4 of 1 Corinthians 13 says love IS NOT proud but, it is kind and patient. Even when we think in our heart or speak out of our mouth, ‘I feel like I shouldn’t have to go through this; this is taking too long’, we operate in pride and God opposes the proud (James 4:6). Some things God wants us to go through for the purpose of pruning, training, correcting and discipling us, because of His love for us, we behave as if we’re above those things. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov. 16:18).

Correction is God’s Protection

Chastisement is an expression of God’s love for us. He corrects & discipline us when we’re wrong in order for us live holy and righteously according to His will. When we reject chastisement, we reject God’s love. When we continue to live and behave as if we’re above correction and don’t need or want correction, it’s rebellion (pride) towards Yahweh.

Hebrew 12: 8 (NIV) If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Like any good parent, God is concerned about us and our well-being. He loves us too much to not correct and discipline us when need be. The punishment he gives is not from a place of malice or hatred; that’s not who He is. There’s no evil in God. The opposer deceives us by telling us that when we’re being corrected, we’re being disrespected because our “pride” and feelings are hurt. Don’t take this statement out of context but, God is not concerned about our feelings at the expense of us losing our soul. Most of the times, our feelings come from a place that is hostile towards God, our flesh (Romans 8:7).

Hebrew 12:6-7 (NKJV) “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”

Rebuke a word that many interprets as judgement but, when it’s done through the love of God, it’s essential for our spiritual growth. When God reprimands or rebukes us, it’s also a way that he shows us that he loves and cares about us. When He reprimands us, He warns us of danger of the devour; our opposer and adversary. In today’s culture, the majority despises rebuking, rather it be in the open or in private. Many want to continue doing whatever it is that “they” want to do & it’s the presumptuous sin of people that causes God to rebuke (reprimand; reprove) us (Ezekiel 5; Hosea 5).

1 Tim 5: 20 “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”

Titus 1:13 (NIV) “This saying is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.”

Prov. 27:5-6 (NKJV) “Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

To withhold the truth, specifically God’s Truth, from someone IS NOT love. We cause harm to others and ourselves when we fail to warn them and tell them the truth. The Adversary deceives us with lies that chastisement and rebuking isn’t love and isn’t from God. Believing the lies of the enemy keeps us in our feelings; pride, that produces shame, resentment, rejection and rebellion. We continue to live and function in error, walking in darkness, when reject The Truth (John 1:1-14). The Love of God is truthful, faithful and it comes with correction (chastisement and rebuking). He knows what’s best for us better than we know what’s best for ourselves (Jeremiah 1:5; 29:11)

John 14:6 (AMP) “Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

2 Tim 4:2-4 (KJV) “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Love IS NOT telling someone what they want to hear to make their flesh feel good. Love IS NOT walking on eggshells so that you don’t offend people with The Truth. Love IS NOT condoning or partaking in sin. Love IS correction and protection. We can’t properly express or receive God’s love, agape’ love, without chastisement and rebuking. Keep in mind that our words are to be seasoned with salt; “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col. 4:6) but, when we fail to speak what God says and live by what he says, we do ourselves a disservice. We become the victim of our own demise. God and His word are one and His word doesn’t change to pacify our feelings. He says what He means, and He means what He says, with love. (Heb. 13:8-25)

2 Tim 3:16-17 (NKJV)”All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

John 1:1 (NIV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

GALATIANS 4:1-3 (NLT)

Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. ² They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. ³ And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles^[a] of this world.

Being easily triggered or offended by things is an indication that we’re spiritually and mentally immature. We can internalize and translate things in our mind that either doesn’t align with what God says about us and/or a situation. Sometimes it’s just us projecting our insecurities onto someone else. We start out as babes in Christ but, once we repent and give our life to God, we’re expected to grow into spiritual adulthood. He wants growth, maturity and productivity out of us. Our childish ways of thinking and behaving keeps us from receiving our inheritance, The Promise. There are things inherited to us by our Heavenly father that we can only receive once we reach a certain level of maturity.

GROW INTO YOUR INHERITANCE! DON’T MISS WHAT THE FATHER HAS PROMISED YOU BY BEING IMMATURE.

Maturity requires self-awareness and acknowledgement. There are times when we have to admit some uncomfortable facts about ourselves. We have to acknowledge when we’re mentally and spiritually childish and need to grow up. Immaturity is unacceptable to God. He wants us humble and child-like (teachable) but, NOT immature.

1 Cor. 13:11 (KJV) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1 Cor. 14:20 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil but be mature in understanding matters of this kind.

(AMP) Brothers and sisters, do not be children [immature, childlike] in your thinking; be infants in [matters of] evil [completely innocent and inexperienced], but in your minds be mature [adults].

Prov. 22:4 (ESV) The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

1. WHAT IN YOUR LIFE IS CHILDISH?
   1. What worked for you last year (season) that isn’t going to work for you in this year (season)?
      • Instead of changing everything around you to fit your suit, CHANGE YOUR SUIT
      • Change environments and influences
   2. Recognize that old you is no longer NEW you
      1. STAY ON THE WALL & DON’T COME DOWN
         • Stay where you are until the work God is doing within you and through you is perfected/completed.

Philip. 1:6 (NKJV) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Nehemiah 6:3 (AMP) So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave to come down to [meet with] you?

1.) We were slaves to the law UNTIL Jesus came

• Remain in the place and posture God instructed you to be in UNTIL he says otherwise
  • No one else has to understand what God is saying or doing through you; He will reveal to those connected to him
• Don’t entertain trivial or vain comments. They’re sent as a distraction
  • Keep your eyes and focus on God and on your assignment
  • You’re NOT responsible for what “they” say but, you’re responsible for your response to what they say.
  • FOCUS on what God says to you…

1. You ARE a child of the promise
2. You ARE no longer a slave to sin or your past
3. The Son has made you FREE
4. You ARE right where you’re supposed to be when you’re in the Will of God
5. HE WILL establish you and perfect the work He’s doing through you

GAL. 4:28-31 (NLT)

²⁸ And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac. ²⁹ But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit. ³⁰ But what do the Scriptures say about that? “Get rid of the slave and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”^[j] 31 So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman; we are children of the free woman.

I flipped open my Bible and was going to read what I opened it up to. The highlighted verses naturally stuck out to me (Joshua 1:1-7) but the Lord said read “Rahab Hides the Spies” (Chpt.2). Not sure why but, I obeyed anyway. It didn’t become clear why until I got towards the end: vs 21″Then she said, ‘According to your words, so be it.’. And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window.”

There was a verbal agreement made between Rahab (a prostitute) and the spies she hid (men Joshua sent to inspect the land they were about to enter). They agreed to provide protection for her & her family for her protecting them from danger.

There was a request and then an agreement. The enemy has a request for us & everything & everybody we love but, he can only have what WE agree to give him. How? By the words we speak repeatedly and our habitual behaviors. We agree to his requests when we live by his ways instead of God’s. Satan, “The god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) will deceive us by telling us he’ll give us power and control, and he does but, what he doesn’t mentions is that it comes with a price for your life and your soul. You offered yourself as a sacrifice for worldly possessions.
Likewise, when we make our request known to the Lord (Philp. 4:6) He will grant our petition (1Sam.1:8-17). We’ve already been bought with a price (1 Cor.6:20) and the ransom was God’s only begotten son, Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19 [NLT] 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” GOD CANNOT LIE & HE CANNOT GO AGAINST HIS WORD (Numbers 23:19).

Joshua 21:45 “Not one of the Lord’s good promises to Isreal failed; everyone was fulfilled”

A verbal agreement is a legal, binding contract not only in a court of law but, in the spiritual realm. When we make a request, God judges our intent and our motive before He releases it to us (James 4:3; John 15:7) because He cares about us. He doesn’t force us to follow Him or keep his commandments but, our choices come with consequences. He doesn’t hide any fine prints from us; he tells us exactly what to expect when we choose salvation but, he promises to be with us through every pleasant and unpleasant situation in our life and promises to give us eternal life, a crown, new garments, and HEAVEN; a place flowing with milk and honey, where the streets are paved with gold. Paradise! We have a choice to agree or disagree with the promises of God or the deceitful promises of Satan. Legally, based on what we agree to, we are bound to but, there’s liberty in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:20 TPT [The Passion Translation] “For when you were bound as servants to sin, you lived your lives free from any obligation to righteousness.”

2 Cor. 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [freedom]”

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17)

Message: A vision without works behind it, is only a dream.

There are many things that we desire to attain in life, regardless of our economic status and/or background but, the differences between “the haves” and the “have nots” are our work ethics. How long and hard are we willing to work, what are we willing to sacrifice, and how long we’re willing to suffer and fight to attain our goals and dreams reveals “how bad” we want it. Some of us have a stronger drive towards exercising and becoming more fit and healthier, some of us work harder than others towards reaching certain financial and academic goals, and a few may push themselves to give above average in every area of their life because they’re perfectionists. No matter what our reasons are, when we have a certain vision for our lives, we will push ourselves [our body] to make that dream and that desire a reality.

With that being said, we know that it would be impossible to expect to reach said goal(s) without hard work, sacrifice, determination and motivation. So many want to reach higher levels, “climb the ladder” but, aren’t willing to put in the work or make the necessary adjustments and sacrifices in their life to reach that level of success they say they desire. Our words must align with our actions and sometimes that requires making some sacrifices. [We’re going to get into, soon, how all of this applies to The Kingdom of Heaven]

What are the sacrifices?

Rest. Many of us love to sleep. If you ask some people, they’ll tell you they’ll sacrifice food & other things of pleasure and comfort, just to get more sleep. Our body depends on rest to thrive and not just to survive. [Quoted] “Rest is vital for better mental health, increased concentration and memory, a healthier immune system, reduced stress, improved mood and even a better metabolism…Rest is any behavior aimed at increasing physical or mental well-being. Sleep, on the other hand, is a body-mind state in which individuals experience sensory detachment from our surroundings. Sleep is an essential function of the body and impacts every system from our cognitive function to immune health. Quality sleep can help us reset, recover and recharge. It’s absolutely vital to brain function, memory, concentration, immune health and metabolism. Unlike rest, sleep is something your body cannot function without. In fact, if you are sleep deprived, your body will force you to sleep, no matter what you’re in the middle of. ” I know culture is always talking about “grinding and hustling” but, that IS NOT what the bible tells us because the Lord knows that is not in our body’s best interest.

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Psalm 127:2 ESV “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

Hebrews 4:9-11 ESV “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”

Time. Depending on how bad we want something and how determined and motivated we are to get it, we will sacrifice our leisure time and time away from the people we love, who love us back. Our tunnel vision only allows us to see the road ahead more so than what’s around us. However, time is very valuable, and we must use our time wisely because once it’s gone, we can never get it back. Who and what we sacrifice our time for, is gravely important.

Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil”

Matthew 6:33 ESV “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 ESV “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;”

Comfort. In order to reach certain levels, we have to know that it’s going to come with some level of discomfort. We may have to go through painful transitions, spiritually and emotionally, that includes but not limited to; leaving familiar places and faces, we may have to get rid of [things], habits and patterns that we love but aren’t beneficial to us and our purpose. For example, if you desire to become healthier, you can’t do whatever you want to your body just because you can. You have to be disciplined enough to set parameters/boundaries in your life.

1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. [KJV] All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 10:23 TPT (The Passion Translation) You say, “Under grace there are no rules and we’re free to do anything we please.” Not exactly. Because not everything promotes growth in others. Your slogan, “We’re allowed to do anything we choose,” may be true—but not everything causes the spiritual advancement of others.

The Final Words

Think about all that’s required to become successful in the world and within our personal lives; now apply all of that to The Kingdom of Heaven. It profits us nothing to gain the success of the world and then lose our soul [refer to Mark 8:36]. In the same manner, work ethics are required if Heaven is our goal [refer to John 14:12]. The greatest sacrifice we have to make to God is, OURSELVES [refer to Romans 12:1-2] We can’t get access to the Kingdom half doing the work required to get there. You want the palace but are you making the sacrifices to get there? The Lord is gracious and merciful but there are no free passes. We can’t expect to reach a specific destination and not follow the routes and directions to arrive there. God knows what we’re capable of doing. If we can sacrifice rest to earn more money and worldly things then we can sacrifice rest to wake up early and pray (Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.; 1 Thess. 5:17 “Pray without ceasing”), if we can diet and train our mind and body to exercise, then we can train our mind to fast and separate ourselves from the things of the world [because there’s a GREATER goal and a destination in our view] (Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [refer also to 1Cor.10:13; Heb. 2:18; Heb.12:1; James 4:7;]) and if we’re willing to fight, “hustle” and be uncomfortable while accomplishing all of our earthly goals, why do so many of us expect everything to be easy and handed to us when it pertains to reaching Heaven and heavenly goals? Nobody told us that this journey would be easy. We have to fight many oppositions, jump many hurdles and cry many tears in order to reach the Kingdom but, 1st question, are you up for the challenge? Pain comes with progress and purpose. We CAN NOT birth without some form of pain. If we’re passionate enough about what we want and/or who we want, then the answer will be “YES!”, without a second thought. Likewise, nothing (including excuses) would be able to separate us from God and getting closer to Him when we yearn for His presence; his touch [refer to Romans 8:38-39] Now the 2nd question becomes, how bad do you want it/Him?

Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,”

1 Peter 3:17  “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

Matthew 5:12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

1 Peter 4:1 “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,”

Romans 8:17 “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

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

#Compassion #Patience #Forgiveness #Faith Words that God keeps ministering to me about. As believers and followers of Christ, & I’m not talking about just a religious follower (Christianity), there are going to be A LOT of things we have to force ourselves (flesh) to forgive through, press through, love through and have compassion for. It’s a “force” because the flesh wars against the the spirit of God and -truth be told, we’re not ALWAYS in the spirit . Sometimes we get to a place in God and forget we too had to grow to where we are and somebody was patient with us & had compassion towards us. Though God is very much able to keep us from all hurt, harm and danger, He’s also able to keep us from falling. So don’t get comfortable with the idea of falling. However, God already knows He has children not as strong in the faith as others and we all are going to “fall” short, in one area or another. YET HIS LOVE LIFTS US, STRENGTHENS US, COMFORTS US, & FIGHTS FOR US❤️😭🙌🏾🙏🏾 I’m not saying we have to agree with everything people say and do but, remember also where we used to be. #SantificationIsAProcess. It takes some longer than others to get there but, GET THERE! We all have to WORK towards becoming better than yesterday; pressing towards the mark of a higher calling in CHRIST JESUS. Don’t become stagnant/complacent. Don’t expect to fall from grace; don’t expect to fall into the traps that was set by the enemy when God already provided a way for us to escape (1 Cor. 10:13). Serve God with THE FAITH/BELIEF THAT YOU’RE GOING TO CONQUER & WIN💪🏾 PERIOD!!! Many people choose not to fully surrender to God thinking, “I seen others fall & play with God & I don’t wanna be like them”. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THEM BECAUSE YOU AREN’T THEM! Just BE who & what God called YOU to be! With that being said, everyone who fell, myself included, didn’t stay down, btw. As a matter of fact, I fight that much harder to #standandLive. I refuse to be bullied and defeated and you all don’t have to be either. I’m learning though, thanks to some good friends reminding me, that I extend more grace to people than I do myself but, in my defense, it’s just my way of self discipling 🤷🏾‍♀️😊 However, I received the message: Forgiveness is for ourselves just as much as God expects us to extend it to others. ❤️💙❤️