STRONGHOLDS

I Was Just Thinking About – STRONGHOLDS.

It is interesting to read and listen to the various viewpoints about open borders and whether or not there should be a wall built that would discourage illegal entry into this country. Currently, in the Middle East, large numbers of people are leaving their homelands to escape persecution, warfare and dangers. Most are desperate and seeking only a safe place for their family and themselves.

Historically, ancient ruins indicate many of the well-known cities were fortified with tall and thick walls. The intent was to prevent armies of other nations to gain access into their cities. It would mean destruction, death and captivity. When the children of Israel finally accessed The Promised Land, their major barrier was the walls of Jericho (Joshua 5 and 6). The wall was too great for them but the intervention of the Lord in behalf of His people would overcome the greatest of strongholds.

On a personal level, anyone committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and desiring to take a serious God seriously will discover two types of strongholds. The first deals with control of one’s mind, the rational and logical. In II Corinthians 10:3-5, “For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments, and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

When I was engaged in regular pastoral responsibilities, I tried to assimilated personal insights based on the person’s life and spiritual choices. In asking about a favorite Scripture verse, a dear lady quoted hers from the KJV, II Timothy 1:7, “For the Lord hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” When she reached the last phrase, “of a sound mind”, she pointed to her head. Her testimony bore out she was aware of the needed discipline ‘to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

The second personal stronghold is mentioned in Psalm 27:1 (NIV), “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” Part of the spiritual conflict is for the soul and mind of a person. When Paul spoke of the necessity for the implementation of the whole armor of God, the reason given is Ephesians 6L12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” In the Hymn, Will Your Anchor Hold In The Storms of Life, the refrain is: “We have an anchor that keeps the soul; Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” Is this your confidence and assurance? 

Prayer

fully – consider these things with me.

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