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Strongholds

Different types of strongholds exist. All strongholds have been created by demonic activity. Everything evil can be attributed to Satan and his demonic minions.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Satan tempted Eve and Adam. When Adam obeyed Satan and began the human problem that spread to all world systems.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

Some strongholds are direct opposition by demonic forces.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Other strongholds are created in culture with systems that allow or promote evil and work to oppress those who are walking with God. These range from government institutions to company politics or even church politics.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16)

Still other strongholds are deep inside you. These have been created as you were living our life. They may be some lies you believe.

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

Your personal strongholds could have been created by various kinds of trauma. The trouble with strongholds is that you often don’t even know they’re holding you back, but they work in the dark.

Some strongholds are emotional hurts.

Psalm 147:3 “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 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.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Ask God to answer these questions.

1. What is a stronghold?
2. How do strongholds get created?
3. Why does Satan want to create strongholds?
4. What does it mean that you don’t wrestle against flesh and blood?
5. How can systems like governments or companies create strongholds?

Bonus Questions:

1. What kind of strongholds can be inside you?
2. What are some lies you might believe that create strongholds?
3. How does God heal emotional hurts?
4. How can you use God’s weapons to destroy strongholds?
5. What does it mean to bring every thought you have into obedience to Christ?

SEEKING GOD

audio recording for reflection:

1. Pray for the Lord to protect you and keep you in His presence and His presence only.
2. Direct your mind toward the Lord only.
3. Ask God what He want’s to talk about.
4. You can ask God any questions. In all of this, be led by the Holy Spirit. God promises that He will answer you if you ask Him.
5. Do not edit or change what God says even if you don’t understand it.
6. Reject the lies and receive the truth.
7. Take notes.
8. Transfer your notes to your journal without editing what God said to you.

Keep in mind that God doesn’t want you to ever disconnect from Him. He wants to flow through you constantly in knowledge, wisdom, and love.

Fishbone (Cause and Effect) Diagram Exercise

Draw a cause and effect diagram that makes sense for this unit. You can read more about cause and effect diagrams in (Fishbone Diagram Info). This simple tool can help you understand how to make things work, why things aren’t working, or why things are happening in a certain way. Review the article and find the most important effect you want to look at and put that in the box on the left end of a line. From the center line, draw one branch for each cause. Think of the branches as streams feeding into the main river that leads to the effect. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in this. (Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.) Take what you learned, your notes or what you produced and videotape yourself. Become a kid influencer for Christ with your own social media platform by uploading your video as God leads.