God in Control of Our Lives

No matter how old or young we are or what baggage we may carry, God continually guides us toward a perfect relationship with him. Since God knows the end from the beginning because he is the I AM, (Revelation 22:13) he also knows who is his.

Yes, it is our choice, but God already knows who will choose him and who will turn away permanently. To those who belong to the Lord, we have been weaned from birth. He doesn’t begin this process after we have abandoned sin. This is a process that began early in our lives. He knew we would choose him no matter what. (John 1:11-12)

God never condones sin, nor will he judge the sinner until the time is right.  (Ecclesiastes 3:17)

1 Timothy 5:22  Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands [giving the sanction of the church too hastily in reinstating expelled offenders or in ordination in questionable cases], nor share or participate in another man’s sins; keep yourself pure.

Jesus never joined in sin but easily spoke to the sinner without hesitation because of his/her sin. Our goal should be to seek out his will. If we take our eyes off the natural (using our five senses) and look to God who created all things, we begin to clearly perceive a pattern of the needed changes and choices in our lives. 

Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Strongholds brought on by carelessly disregarding God’s will may hide dormant for years or worse, they may increase and imprison us unless we come to the point of total trust in God. When we submit to him and trust him rather than in our own feelings, circumstances, or our five senses, we shed the veil that has been obscuring our vision.

It’s this very veil that can keep us in bondage to strongholds for the rest of our lives. In effect, we may have become comfortable with sin that should have been given over to God.

Since God draws us to him from an early age,  the enemy is trying to take control. (John 10:10)
How can we take control back and live our lives without becoming bound by a demonic stronghold?

5 Biblical ways to live stronghold free.
1. Realize and embrace the fact that our walk with God started from the beginning of our lives. He knew we would submit to him and never again look back at what kept us bound. Even if our walk with God takes time to develop it is still covered by him.

 Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 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;

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you.  I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand.

2. Seek out the wisdom of God. It's so easy to turn away from God when we have a crisis or a change in our lives that we didn’t expect and can’t explain. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to better understand the love of God.

Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!

Proverbs 18:15 The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. The ears of wise people seek knowledge.

3. Do not dictate to God. His will for you is perfect after all and in the end, you will see the good he has done. Romans 8:28

Acts 1:7 Jesus told them, “You don’t need to know about times or periods that the Father has determined by his own authority.

1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me.

4. Don’t doubt God. Continue to trust in and rely on him.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

5. Keep focused on doing right and on God’s words. Meditate on God’s words day and night.

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. ² Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted beside streams—a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Conquering the Stronghold of Backsliding

The greatest enemy of our faith is the enemy that draws us back into sin. Listening to or participating in, anything that sets itself up against the word of God invites this enemy into our lives. The enemy is backsliding. --Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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Temptation to Sin

This editorial is meant to be a stepping stone to uncovering the demonic strongholds that may keep us captive and prevent us from receiving God’s best. Explore the website to see how strongholds may be trying to surround you and strip your life of God’s blessings.

Backsliding invites us to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities. Like every other demonic stronghold it can separate us from God.

It is a thief with the power to kill, steal, and destroy and when it comes back, it brings many other demonic strongholds along with it. Some of these strongholds are familiar from our past, but some of them are new and alluring.

The only way to avoid this stronghold is to avoid the near occasion of sin. That is, when the danger is certain and probable because of what we know from our past, we must resist it at all costs. Why?

Hebrews 10:26-29 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, MORE

What can we do to avoid this stronghold?

 5 Biblical tips on overcoming backsliding.

1. The first and most important step to take is to stop turning back and turn again permanently to the one who first loved you.

1 John 4:19 We love Him, because He first loved us.

2. Do not allow freedom of choice to blind you. The choice is between life and death.

1 Corinthians 8:9 Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance (cause of stumbling) to the weak or overscrupulous [giving them an impulse to sin].

3. Don’t allow anyone or anything [temptation] to steal [your light] from you. Resist the temptation to give it over. Darkness can be a lonely, miserable place.

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

4. Remember that living a sinful life is much more painful the second time around and can lead to permanent death.

2 Peter 2:21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

5. Shake off the temptation quickly and decisively. You have control over sin, don’t allow sin to master you any longer.

Romans 6:16 Don’t you know that if you offer to be someone’s slave, you must obey that master? Either your master is sin, or your master is obedience. Letting sin be your master leads to death. Letting obedience be your master leads to God’s approval.

Revelation 3:2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

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Conquering the Stronghold of Distress

Have you ever wondered why distress never seems to leave us even though we pray for healing, blessings, peace, and well-being?

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 John 1:2

We need to check our thoughts, deeds, and words quickly at the door. What is occupying our time, our money, and our attention? What words are we speaking? Have we been spending more time thinking about or giving room to curses over ourselves or our family than to believing God for blessings, guidance, help, and healing? A simple threat might be spoken with good intentions, but a threat spoken over us even by our own mouths can set a chain reaction in motion for distress and eventual destruction. In other words, we could possibly bring on our own distress just by concentrating on what MIGHT go wrong. How you say?

When we speak words of defeat or fearful, in effect, words of destruction over ourselves or our children, we are speaking curses. (Anything that goes against the word of God and His will for us.) Curses cause fear and distress. When distress takes over, it builds a stronghold and invites other strongholds. Strongholds of pain, sickness, fear, worry, and many others soon join it.

Thinking we are doing well we may say, “My son/daughter will never amount to anything.” Our intent may be to have them prove us wrong. In effect, we have just set their lives up for a spirit of distress to enter and if this continues they will eventually begin to believe those words. Every day we are capable of speaking curses out of our mouths that can lead to a life of hardship, failure, and defeat for us or others.

In your own hands through your own words.

Have you ever owned a sickness? A stupid habit? A dumbness? A bad attitude? It has become a way of life and part of our personality to simply say, “my cold”, “my troubles”, “I’m always doing that”, “I’m all thumbs”, “you’re not gonna get me to change now”, and so forth. When we own a problem we invite that problem to linger, or worse, to stay indefinitely.

Does that problem really belong to us or to the enemy? How can we change the way we think and act so that we see and experience the good and the blessings more than the problems?

Luke 21:34 But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose;

Which master are you serving?

5 Biblical truths to overcome the spirit of distress:
1. Give your life over to God. DO NOT rebel against what he tells you to do.

Luke 11:28 Jesus replied, “Rather, how blessed are those who hear and obey God’s word.”

2. Read the word of God (the will of God) and follow his instructions. The word of God is the will of God.

Ephesians 2:1-3 You were once dead because of your failures and sins. ² You followed the ways of this present world and its spiritual ruler. This ruler continues to work in people who refuse to obey God. ³ All of us once lived among these people and followed the desires of our corrupt nature. We did what our corrupt desires and thoughts wanted us to do. So, because of our nature, we deserved God’s anger just like everyone else.

3. Do not give in to thoughts of destruction, sickness or failure.

Psalm 77:11-13 I will remember the deeds of the Lord. I will remember your ancient miracles. ¹² I will reflect on all your actions and think about what you have done. ¹³ O God, your ways are holy! What god is as great as our God?

4. Keep a distance from anyone who is feeding you bad thoughts.

Romans 13:10 Love never does anything that is harmful to a neighbor. Therefore, love fulfills Moses’ Teachings.

5. Watch your words. Be careful of the words that come out of your mouth. This may take some time, but it is well worth the effort.

Matthew 12:37 By your words you will be declared innocent, or by your words, you will be declared guilty.”

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Removing the Stronghold of Destruction

Destruction, unlike deterioration, has a definite end. The end of this present time and life is final and is promised in scripture. But does our understanding of the world have to end in destruction or can we be assured of a new beginning? In other words, are we setting ourselves up or causing our own destruction or can it be avoided?

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call on heaven and earth as witnesses today that I have offered you life or death, blessings or curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants will live.

Since destruction is inevitable for the physical body of a person especially one dedicated to the world our goal should be to avoid being destroyed, demolished or annihilated because of a mindset on worldly things. A stronghold of destruction sets in along with other strongholds that cause us to ignore our basic need for redemption and the things of God. Those of us in Christ live in the world but we are not of the world. Those of us without Christ are of the world and are guaranteed to end their lives in everlasting hellfire. Harsh? Sure it is. But the word of God assures us that we are given a choice (free will) and it’s up to us to get serious about that choice.

Deuteronomy 30:15 Today I offer you life and prosperity or death and destruction.

We have been given free will by our creator and that free will invites destruction when we ignore God and proceed to place ourselves in the center of the world (and sometimes universe) and its offerings. It’s so easy to abandon others and God’s will when this occurs. If we continue to ignore our creator we need to heed this warning "God cannot go against his own will."

Malachi 3:6 “I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Numbers 23:19  “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”

What can be done in order to avoid the sure destruction that comes from wrong choices?

5 Biblical truths to overcome a stronghold of destruction:
1. Stop right now and change the way you think and act. If you are deliberately going against the word of God you are in danger.

Luke 3:8 Do those things that prove that you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act. Don’t say, ‘Abraham is our ancestor.’ I guarantee that God can raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

2. Receive Christ Jesus. If you receive Christ and choose to walk uprightly whenever it depends on you or your choice, your life is free from destruction.

Romans 6:23 The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. Ask God’s help to deliver you from any sin that you’re struggling with. Never allow any sin to stay long enough to become a stronghold that will lead to destruction.

Philippians 3:18-20 I have often told you, and now tell you with tears in my eyes, that many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ In the end they will be destroyed. Their own emotions are their god, and they take pride in the shameful things they do. Their minds are set on worldly things. ²⁰ We, however, are citizens of heaven. We look forward to the Lord Jesus Christ coming from heaven as our Savior.

4. Fear God and Him alone. Do not allow peer pressure or fear of the opinions of others to keep you from turning from your sins.

Matthew 10:28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell.

5. Keep your mind and heart pure and free from sin as much as you are able.
James 1:27 Pure, unstained religion, according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world.

John 8:10-12 ¹⁰ When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? ¹¹ She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Stronghold of Rage

Rage demands its own way. It is always violently angry. It inflicts fear and terror in others. If it is allowed to become a stronghold  it will eventually push everyone out of its host’s life. Selfishness, jealousy, rebellion and offense can invite it in.

This stronghold can end our lives or keep goodness and love at a distance if it is allowed to continue.

Job 5:2a For vexation and rage kill the foolish man.

Rage can be instigated by [vain] imagination. Thoughts of foolishness and selfishness can bring it on. It is paranoid. It perceives offense where offense may not be intended. Every part of its existence is grounded in selfishness.

When rage moves forward it does not take anyone or anything else into consideration except its own agenda. It has no compassion, no respect, no concern for the welfare or well-being of its host or those around its host.
If this stronghold of rage is not stamped out it will kill. It may not be the death of a human but it will be the death of something good — something the host does not want to, or should ever lose.

5 Biblical tips to overcome rage:
1. Do not allow the stronghold of denial to cover over rage in your life. Be honest with yourself, God, and others.

Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices,¹⁰And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.

2. Try to understand why you are angry before it turns into [verbally or physically] foolish violence.

Luke 6:11 But they were filled with lack of understanding and senseless rage and discussed (consulted) with one another what they might do to Jesus.

3. When you feel rage trying to stick its ugly head into your life find a safe, quiet place and look to God for help before it moves in.

Hosea 7:16 They turn back, shift, or change, but not upwards [to the Most High]. They are like a deceitful bow; their princes shall fall by the sword for the insolence and rage of their tongue. This shall be [cause for] their derision and scorning in the land of Egypt.

4. Turn to God if someone has raged against you [especially for a foolish or nonsensical reason].

Psalm 7:6 Arise, O Lord, in Your anger; lift up Yourself against the rage of my enemies; and awake [and stir up] for me the justice and vindication [that] You have commanded.

5. Do not argue with fools or allow an argument to turn passionate. If someone you know is acting foolishly, back off– before you allow rage to take over your or their countenance.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

Job 31:12 For [uncontrolled passion] is a fire which consumes to Abaddon (to destruction, ruin, and the place of final torment); [that fire once lighted would rage until all is consumed] and would burn to the root all my [life’s] increase.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Seasons of Change

No matter how old or young we are or what baggage we may carry, God continually guides us toward a perfect relationship with him. He doesn’t begin this process after we have abandoned sin. This is a process that began early in our lives.

God never condones sin, nor will he judge the sinner until the time is right.

  1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands [giving the sanction of the church too hastily in reinstating expelled offenders or in ordination in questionable cases], nor share or participate in another man’s sins; keep yourself pure. Jesus never joined in sin but easily spoke to the sinner without hesitation because of his/her sin.

Our goal should be to seek out his will. If we take our eyes off the natural (using our five senses) and look to God who created all things, we begin to clearly perceive a pattern of the seasons of change in our lives. 

Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Strongholds brought on by carelessly disregarding God’s will may hide dormant for years or worse, they may increase and imprison us until we come to the point of total submission. When we begin to trust God, and trust in God, rather than in our feelings, our circumstances, or our five senses we shed the veil that has been obscuring our vision. It’s this very veil that can keep us in bondage to strongholds for the rest of our lives. Some may call it denial, but in effect, we may have become comfortable with what should be given over to a season of change.

Since God is drawing us to him from an early age, the enemy is also trying to take control. How can we take control back and go through the seasons of change in our lives without becoming bound by a demonic stronghold?

5 Biblical ways to advance through the seasons of change in our lives.
1. Realize and embrace the fact that our walk with God does come in seasons. Seek to advance toward God during these times.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 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;

2. Seek out the wisdom of God. It's so easy to turn away from God when we have a crisis or a change in our lives that we didn’t expect and we can’t explain. This is a season of change and an opportunity to better understand the love of God.

Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!

3. Do not dictate to God. Give God His right to keep some things about your season of change to Himself. His will for you is perfect after all and in the end, you will see the good he has done.

Acts 1:7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power.

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God]

4. Don’t doubt God during your season of change. Continue to trust in and rely on him.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

5. Keep focused on doing right and on God’s words. Meditate on God’s words day and night.

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. ² Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted beside streams—a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Stronghold of Generational Disease

Four Generations of Cotters! (Photo credit: cacaye)
Have you ever wondered why certain sicknesses run in families? Have we accepted this phenomenon as a fact of life? What does God say about these things? A generational disease is simply put, a curse on our bodies.

Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day? Notice that this verse says, “Satan has kept in bondage.”

The major qualifications for a disease could at times be imprinted into our DNA, but more than likely this imprinting does not necessarily have to result in disease. What are diseases and why do we seem to inherit them from our ancestors?

Disease is an abnormal condition that affects the body of an organism. Most disease is not a prerequisite. But a disease can come on us because of sin. Sin that has turned into a habit and eventual stronghold may, in fact, cause our bodies to invite sickness. Habits are learned behavior that can be passed down for decades. With these inherited habits come the sins that cause deterioration and disease.

Some of these habits are, temper flare-ups, overindulging in food or drink, smoking, blame, unforgiveness, laziness, and the list goes on. In other words, we learn the habits that become strongholds that cause what appears to be a generational disease.

What can be done about this stronghold of generational disease and how can we rid ourselves of it, even though it appears to have been passed down for generations?

5 Biblical tips on overcoming generational disease:

1. Seek out the main cause once you recognize an illness that appears to be passed down to you. High blood pressure, for example, may be caused by improper eating habits, lack of exercise, or something simple like not drinking enough water. Things you learned from others in your family.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

2. Ask God in prayer for the strength you need to overcome a habit that has been taught to you and may potentially lead to sickness and even early death.

Numbers 14:18  ‘The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’

3. Ask for the healing Jesus has already provided. Jesus has overcome the sins of the world. Receive his sacrifice if you haven’t already.

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be absolutely free.

John 16:24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.

4. Have faith that his sacrifice was sufficient for you to overcome what you believe is a generational curse.

Galatians 3:13 Christ paid the price to free us from the curse that the laws in Moses’ Teachings bring by becoming cursed instead of us. Scripture says, “Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.”

5. Turn from anything that may be causing you to harbor bad habits leading to sickness.

Proverbs 16:17 The highway of decent people turns away from evil. Whoever watches his way preserves his own life.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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Free from the Stronghold of Rivalry

Rivalry and jealousy walk hand in hand. We see a competitor succeeding and we begin to have thoughts of anguish in one way or another. Some of these thoughts of anguish are jealousy thoughts, some are fearful thoughts, some are greed thoughts, and much more. When a spirit of rivalry comes into our thoughts, our thought-life gets complicated.

The Exhortation to the Apostles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If these thoughts are not checked immediately they can and will lead to a stronghold that will bring us down completely. We can lose more than our businesses when we give ourselves over to the stronghold of rivalry.

Rivalry is a thief. When we become obsessed with its dominion we are headed down a path to destruction. A spirit of rivalry will take our peace, it will kill our ambition, and it will destroy our relationships. This spirit or stronghold will steal our future.

We will always have competitors–people trying to get an advantage over us, over the market or anything in life. Competition is good if it doesn't become an obsession. When we compete we strive to perfect our work. However, if we spend time obsessing about our competitors we will invite a spirit of rivalry into our minds that can become a habit that may have dominion over us forever.

Definition: A rival is a person or thing that tries to defeat or be more successful than

English: Sacrifice of Cain and Abel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

another, one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess, or one striving for competitive advantage.

When a spirit of rivalry enters our lives we may set ourselves up against the word of God. So how can we defeat this stronghold and get right with God, since God does not accept rivals and inviting a spirit of rivalry becomes a rival itself between us and God’s blessings?

Five biblical tips to help us overcome a stronghold of rivalry:

1. Don’t allow your thoughts to drift long enough to compare yourself or your business to others.
 Thinking about your competitors or ‘rivals’ will disconnect you from the will of God. Any thought you allow to linger that sets itself up against God or the word of God will hurt you in one way or another.

Jeremiah 17:9 “The human mind is the most deceitful of all things. It is incurable.  No one can understand how deceitful it is.

2. Take advice only from the word of God–not from the world. Worldly advice can create jealousy and rivalry.

James 3:15-17 That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It belongs to this world. It is self-centered and demonic. ¹⁶ Wherever there is jealousy and rivalry, there is disorder and every kind of evil. ¹⁷ However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure. Then it is peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good deeds, impartial, and sincere.

3. Become familiar with the words of Jesus Christ. When you know his will and his word you can distinguish thoughts that are not from him, particularly when you learn of someone in your own situation or when someone is doing something you strive to achieve.

John 10:10 A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came so that my sheep will have life and so that they will have everything they need.

4. Choose the life of a servant. A leader is always expected to do more, give more, accomplish more, and be a servant to those he/she leads.

Mark 9:33-35 While Jesus was at home, he asked the disciples, “What were you arguing about on the road?” ³⁴ They were silent. On the road they had argued about who was the greatest. ³⁵ He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, “Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else.”

5. Pray for God to take a corrupt nature from you so that you can see clearly what God’s will (God who gave you life) is for your life.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, ²⁰ idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I’ve told you in the past and I’m telling you again that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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• Strongholds Part 2 – The stronghold of Deceit
• Free from the Stronghold of Defensiveness
• Free from the Stronghold of Envy
• Free from the Stronghold of Jealousy

Free from the Stronghold of Sarcasm

Sarcasm and laziness walk hand in hand before a stronghold of sarcasm is established. One of the easiest ways to hurt an offender is to stab out with our words. However, we take comfort in thinking that there are little or limited physical consequences of using sarcasm, and as a result, we use this weapon over and over again until it becomes a habit leading to a stronghold.

When we use our mouths to tear down or destroy someone, we are blocking ourselves from the steps it might take to tackle a problem with the right actions and words.

Proverbs 26:16 A lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven people who give a sensible answer.

So how does this stronghold take root in our hearts and minds? To understand this, we first need to know what sarcasm is and how it can be destructive.

Unusual sarcasm notice (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the dictionary, we see that sarcasm is the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say, made in order to hurt someone’s feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way. 

Sarcasm can be brought on by anger, frustration, abuse, hate, bitterness, and many other strongholds. In effect sarcasm is “a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter gibe or taunt.” The word, sarcasm, comes from the Greek σαρκασμός (sarkasmos) which is taken from σαρκάζειν meaning “to tear flesh, bite the lip in rage, sneer”.

When sarcasm digs in and becomes a stronghold, as with any other verbal abuse, it will destroy in some way–either the host or the victim-target or both. How can we recognize when our words are sarcastic and set us up against the word of God?

5 Biblical tips to overcome the stronghold of sarcasm:

1. Check your motives. Will, what you are about to say build up or tear down?

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but joy belongs to those who advise peace.

Matthew 12:37 By your words you will be declared innocent, or by your words you will be declared guilty.”

2. Trust God and his word for your battles.

Isaiah 55:11 My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow.  It will not  come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do.”

2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people’s defenses, that is, their arguments…

3. Use your words carefully. Any careless word will be wasted.

Matthew 5:37 Simply say yes or no. Anything more than that comes from the evil one.

Ephesians 5:4 It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God.

Matthew 12:36 I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say.

4. Search your heart. Are you speaking life or death into existence?

Ephesians 4:29 Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you.

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but joy belongs to those who advise peace.

5. Remember the law of sowing and reaping. What you sow (even with your words) is what you will reap in this life.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.