Free from the Stronghold of Imaginings

Before we can destroy or remove a stronghold from our lives we must recognize what the stronghold is. In this case, imaginings are ideas, stories, and thoughts held in your mind but that are not true or real. Things you imagined may take place or that may have taken place may or may not be real.

So how do imaginings become a stronghold? We know that when we create in any way, we need to imagine the project first. The bible talks about visions as the first step in a calling or mission, as in:

Habakkuk 2:2-3 “Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly. ³ The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won’t be a lie. If it’s delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won’t be late.

NYC – Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Vision of Saint John 

 So, how can imaginings be so bad and how can they become a stronghold?

The truth is that they aren’t bad when the imaginings are used to inspire, encourage, create, or otherwise glorify God with good. When do we recognize how this gift of imagination has turned into a stronghold against God’s will? The bible talks about vain, dark, empty-headed, vengeful, and evil imaginings.

Farmer plowing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Of course we are human, but we don’t fight like humans. 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 ⁵ and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.

What can be done to avoid a stronghold of imaginings from entering our lives?

5 Biblical tips to overcome a stronghold of imaginings.
1. Be aware of your drifting thoughts? Are they pulling you closer to God and his will or further away? Do they glorify God? Or do they dishonor God?

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super-abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

2. Resist and rid yourself of any hateful, evil, vain, or hurtful thoughts which are the beginning of imaginings against God’s will.

James 4:7 So place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.

3. Replace any influence that may be encouraging your dark imaginings with positive, affirmative, joyful, loving, and godly influences available.

2 Timothy 2:21 So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.

4. Be diligent in the things of God. When God has given you a mission or a vision, set your heart and life on it immediately. You know it comes from God if you have the peace of God and if it lines up with his word.

Proverbs 11:27 He who diligently seeks good seeks [God’s] favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come upon him.

5. Refuse to spend any more wasted time on vain imaginings.

Romans 1:21 Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and ^[a]godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.

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.

Free from the Stronghold of Facetiousness

Facetiousness, like many other strongholds, begins as a thought which may become a habit. A facetious stronghold is one of the most hidden strongholds because it is sanctioned by the world and worldly thinking. We may enjoy a laugh or two at the expense of another without even being aware that this spirit has taken up residence.
When discovered, this stronghold could rise up and invite other strongholds to protect itself. Before it gives up its domain, facetiousness may invite strongholds of denial, defense, arrogance, spite, criticism, and many others.

In the guise of resembling humor, facetiousness in a host may gain credibility and continue on for years without the host or anyone else seeing the true destroyer behind the host’s words. These words treat serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.


Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Although at first the words of a host of facetiousness may seem amusing or frivolous, the gift of words is given to us by God.  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.

So, what can be done to keep this seemingly innocuous habit from becoming a stronghold?

5 Biblical tips to overcome the stronghold of facetiousness:

1. Weigh your words carefully. Since we know our words are powerful, we need to make sure the power of our words builds up, rather than knocks down.

Matthew 12:36-37 “I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say. ³⁷ By your words, you will be declared innocent, or by your words, you will be declared guilty.”

2. Take control over your own habits, particularly when it comes to the words you use.

Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving

3. Stay in Christ. A friend of the world will come to ruin.

James 4:4 Don’t you know that love for this evil world is hatred toward God? Whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God. 

4. Recognize the difference between foolish and wise words. Filter out the input you get through the media, your friends, and others around you.

Ecclesiastes 10:13 A fool starts out by talking foolishness and ends up saying crazy things that are dangerous.

5. Follow Godly advice and wisdom from the word of God. No one who takes God seriously will allow facetiousness to rein in his/her life.

James 1:22 Do what God’s word says. Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves.
Proverbs 10:8 The one who is truly wise accepts commands, but the one who talks foolishly will be thrown down headfirst.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka

Stronghold of Stinginess

Stinginess like pettiness depletes the host of whatever it is withholding. A stingy person is unwilling or shows an unwillingness to share with others. A stronghold of stinginess sets in when the fear of poverty increases–unfortunately, this same stronghold perpetuates poverty and the resultant fear.

If a stronghold of poverty or fear didn’t come before stinginess became an issue, it invites the stronghold of poverty and of course many other strongholds along with it, depending on the measure of stinginess–think, Ebenezer Scrooge. In the story of Scrooge, Ebenezer Scrooge became shut off to the world, fearful, and petty in all he did.

Proverbs 11:24 There is that scatters, and yet increases, and there is that withhold more than is meet, but it tends to poverty.

Where does this stronghold come from?
Like most other strongholds stinginess begins in our thoughts. Fear is a great contributor to this thought process but selfishness is not far behind. Fear of losing, of not having enough, of going without, of getting too close–in short, any number of thoughts can trigger the thought to withhold something that should be given.

What can be done to keep this stronghold from setting in? 

5 Biblical tips to overcome or obliterate a stronghold of stinginess:

1. Learn God’s will for provisions in your life and His direction. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Proverbs 28:27 Whoever gives to the poor lacks nothing. Whoever ignores the poor receives many curses.

2. Trust the Lord to keep His promises for your obedience.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

3. Cast away any fear that might lead you to believe anything other than what God has said. Be patient.

Proverbs 28:22 He that hastens to be rich has an evil eye and considers not that poverty shall come upon him.

4. Give generously when you have the opportunity and ability to give.

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

5. Love. Keep your thoughts free from anything that would cause you not to withhold love.

Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka