"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

A stronghold is a place that has been fortified to protect it against attack in a wartime situation. While most of the time strongholds are beneficial for defending of an offensive attack, the sense in which the author writes reverses the idea. He suggests you are "waging war," and the war is "not of the flesh" therefore spiritual in nature. But the twist is that you are on the offense, not defense, and you are "destroying strongholds" established in the mind. You have to love the battle image here. You are being called today into an offensive battle, but the battle is different. It's not a flesh battle, which means it's not against people. But rather it's against the ideas, thoughts, arguments, and opinions that attack the God's truth. It's a battle for truth and godliness. A noble fight.

Today as you head into battle, see the conflict for what it is. It is not a battle for God and against people. It's a battle against untruth, waged in love, for a God who has already won the war. While the culture boasts of their ideas, thoughts, arguments, and opinions, you need to be on the offense for the truth that is not yours, but God's. Do not fall victim to the world's attack, and ward off the strongholds.

DO THIS: Battle for truth in love.

PRAYER: God, give me the ability to recognize the battle today. While I understand the battle metaphor, I often miss the battle of the day because of my lack of spiritual sight. Increase my ability to perceive the battle and guide my mind as I wage war for truth in love.