Dropping The Negative Strongholds-The Bananas-In Our Lives

The speaker in this message is discussing the idea of letting go of negative strongholds in our lives. He uses an analogy of a monkey trapped by holding onto a bunch of bananas. The monkey is unable to escape because it refuses to let go of the bananas. Similarly, the speaker suggests that we often hold onto negative thoughts, attitudes, and past experiences that hinder our growth and progress. He encourages listeners to identify and release these strongholds in order to move forward in their spiritual journey. Happy Sabbath to you all over the world and glad to be on another session here of GTM One. I hope everyone's doing well. We've just got over the Spring Holy Day season and coaching now waiting for Pentecost. So I hope that you've had a good week and the title of my message today is Dropping the Negative Strongholds to Bananas in Your Lives. Now you may be wondering how bizarre a title and hopefully that Norbert hasn't gone off the deep end. Well I don't think I have but I'm using this bananas scenario as an analogy of what I'm trying to get across in the message today. I was reading some time ago about a unique way that monkeys are captured for a zoo and I read in the article that it strongly portrays something that I want to portray to you as brethren on what we can also get trapped into. So I'll give you the analogy to start off and this is apparently a true way of how they capture monkeys for a zoo. So what they do is to take the small cage into the jungle and inside that cage they place a bunch of bananas but it'd have to be a bunch of bananas. They close the cage, they lock it, locking a bunch of bananas inside that cage. Now as the monkey comes along and spots the bananas in the cage, he will reach into the cage of course because he craves bananas, through the narrow rungs and grab the bunch of bananas as they crave for that food. However, in doing so, the monkey is unable to pull a bunch of bananas through the rungs of the cage as the spacing on the rungs are too narrow and he tries and tries with no success not letting go of the bunch of bananas. Now even while this is occurring and the trappers come upon him, the monkey will not let go of the bunch of bananas. The monkey is entrapped and done to himself as it allows the trappers to grab the monkey very easily. Now you may wonder, what relevance does this have in our spiritual lives, in our journey to the walk of God? Well brethren, this is the point of my message today. The point is driven home brethren, that if we saw this happening before us, physically saw it and wanted to save that monkey from being entrapped, would we not just yell out in exasperation and say drop the bananas? It would be frustrating for us to watch this because it is so difficult to imagine why the monkey would not drop the bananas and simply run away and avoid being caught. The solution is so simple, it is so clear, the monkey could easily forego the bananas and take off and not be trapped. Now brethren, this is the lead up to my message to all of us and I include myself as well. And we brethren in our lives sometimes hang on to our problems, our past experiences, our feelings, our attitudes, attitudes that cloud our perspective, attitudes that alter our actions, attitudes that sidetrack our best intentions and we simply won't let them go. Even when it is definitely in our best interest to do so, we too brethren entrap ourselves by hanging on. So the question I'm asking each one of us and you, what are you, what am I holding onto that is holding us back and preventing us from moving forward in our walk with God? What is it that those around us would wish we would just let go of? What is weighing you down because you simply refuse to let it go? I think I can speak for a good majority of all of us and admit there are things whether they are still there or where we continue to think that some of the things we hang on to or sometimes don't even identify or recognize which we think makes our lives better actually are things that make our life much more complicated. Just like the monkey not letting go and giving the opportunities for others to entrap him. Brethren, what is lowering us down because we just won't put it down? We must ask that question of ourselves. Things from our past, things that have occurred from our past that we find more comfortable to hang on to but are slowing us down and affecting us in extremely negative ways, sometimes physically and more often spiritually. Hold on to things that we use to sometimes explain our behavior, why we do things the way we do, why we behave in certain senses the way we do. We hold on to past experiences to excuse our lack of growth in life, whether it be mentally, socially, and more importantly, spiritually. Those excuses trap us, brethren, in a life we do not really seek or want but are not willing to do anything about it. Can you personally relate to this? I unfortunately can't, and sometimes we hang on so tight that we are completely trapped and do not even see that we are in that state. What are we hiding that we do not want anyone to find out about? This thing that you and I are dragging around hoping that no one will ever find out, but in many cases they do know that something is up. They can see it in your character, in your behavior, in your responses and or actions. Sometimes we tend to play games with ourselves and carry around something that really we do not need to be carrying around any longer. Brethren, each one of us should be asking the question of ourselves, what are we holding on to that is making a monkey out of ourselves? We must determine in our minds, in our hearts, that if we want a better life, including our spiritual lives, we genuinely want to overcome and grow. We must drop that bananas or that banana or the bunch of bananas. We must drop that stronghold onto which we are holding. It is that simple. In our own lives, the banana, the stronghold can be anything that keeps us from seeing things as they are doing what we should be doing. It can be something in our behavior that we know we need to drop, but we just will not let it go. Sometimes we do not even recognize it as being a negative stronghold that is holding us back from advancing in our conversion process. So, these bananas that we hang on to and become strongholds on our lives are described by Paul in 2nd Corinthians 10 verse 4, turn there, 2nd Corinthians 10 verse 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the ultimate end. Mighty through God to the overthrowing of strongholds. The overthrowing of strongholds. Strongholds are those things that become a constant pull in the wrong direction for us. It is a heavily fortified position in our life that we need to get rid of, to let go of. When we do not get rid of these strongholds, then Satan is open to attack us on our own turf behind our own defenses. It is not something that we see coming because it is already there working against us from the inside. From the inside. The cornerstone of a stronghold is laid in an undisciplined mind, brother. Let's turn to Proverbs 4 verse 23. Proverbs 4 verse 23. Above all, guard the door of your mind. We've read this many times with diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. It is saying we need to protect our minds, brother. We need to be diligent about it because our thoughts determine the course of our life. Sometimes physically, but also more often spiritually. We do need to protect our minds. By not actively attacking our negative strongholds, we are by default holding on to them. We are holding off opportunities. We are holding off a better, more meaningful life. We are holding off the life that we are all wanting, the life that God wants for us. If we do not take the strongholds down, they will take us down. It's that plain and simple. When Paul asks, who your master in Romans 6.16. Let's turn to Romans 6.16. Romans 6.16. Don't you realize that to whom you yield yourself as servants to obey, you are servants of the one who you obey, whether it is of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness. He says, don't you realize? Very simply, brethren, when we do not let go of the bunch of bananas, the stronghold in our life, we are actually obeying it. We are a slave to it. And unfortunately, that could lead us to death. Paul is telling us that this is important. It's really a big deal. Sin, we are told in 1 John 3 verse 4, is a transgression of God's law. We all know that. Now, if in the heat of the moment, you do not think you can remember God's laws, let me give you a hack for that. Sin is anything that you do that undermines your relationship with God. Or undermines someone else's relationship with God. So, if it is not building us up, not building up, it is sin. And we know that sin leads to death. And we know that is not good. Verse 17, Romans 6, But thanks be to God that you are the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered to you. Brethren, we are all used to be slaves to sin. But we have been called to let go of that and run a new pattern of thought. A new way of seeing the world. A new way of seeing God. Our relationship, our finances, our past experiences, our genetic inheritance. We, brethren, are no longer our own. We are no longer slaves to that's just the way I am. Or that is the way my family is. That should be all over, brethren, in our lives. Those are just excuses. Verse 19, I speak from a human point of view because of the weakness of your flesh for just as you once yielded your members in bondage to uncleanness and to lawlessness and to unlawlessness. So now yield your members in bondage to righteousness unto sanctification. We are not our own. We are God's. We belong to God. Does our behavior, does our thinking, does our perspective on life glorify the God to whom we belong? Questions we must ask ourselves, brethren. As Paul said, we know all of this. So why, brethren, let us ask ourselves, do not we sometimes just drop the banana? Why don't we drop the bananas? The stronghold that is persistently being hung on to, why do we not move forward? Is that a valid question, brethren? Is that a valid question? Why do we not move forward at times? Brethren, the number one reason many times we don't is that we don't want to. We don't want to let go of those long-standing strongholds, those thoughts, those habits, those excuses, and the behaviors. We have been growing too comfortable with the things just the way they are. Not great, but not that bad either. We may not like our situation, but it has become part of the story we tell ourselves and we share with others. It unfortunately, many times, forms our identity, it is who we are. Jesus addressed this issue with a man on the Sabbath day. Let's turn to John 5 verse 1, which illustrates very well what I'm trying to get across. John 5 verse 1. After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. So, he was in Jerusalem at a pool called Bethesda. Around this pool sat the infirm, sick, and blind people in dire need of healing. The reason for this is learned from time to time, an angel would stir up a fire and learned from time to time, an angel would stir up water, and the first person in the water at that time would be healed. So many people sat there waiting, and you could imagine that scene. Verse 5. Now a certain man was there who had been suffering with an infirmity for 38 years. 38 years! That's a long time. The man had an infirmity. Now it says that Jesus knew this, in considering the man's condition, and situation, and the fact that he was sitting around the pool. Jesus asked him, what might seem like a strange question? He asked him, do you want to be healed? Remember, keeping in mind that this man had been sick for 38 years, the question seemed redundant. He answered a foregone conclusion. If you personally were standing there and heard this asked of the man, you would want to interrupt and jump in and say, of course he wants to be healed. He is sick. He has been this way for 38 years. What do you mean by that question? He was there at the pool, wasn't he? You may think this question was strange on the surface, but was it really, brother? Was that question strange? Could it be that this man had become so accustomed to his condition after 38 years that he liked it that way? Is it possible that he liked it that way? So Jesus had to ask him the question, do you want to be healed? Or has your condition become your story? Is it how you get attention? Is it how you explain your existence? Do you get the drift from what I'm saying, brethren? Is it possible that it is the way we sometimes deal with problems, that we have become accustomed to the life we lead and the world that surround us? So accustomed to the problems we have, so comfortable with the excuses that we cling to, so accustomed to the feelings and insecurities that enslave us, that Christ comes to us asking the same question, do you really want my help? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to have your prayers answered? Do you really want to overcome, or at least to bring under control, the problems that have been plaguing you for so long? Do you want to remove the spots and wrinkles that have been causing you pain? Do you want to be healed? 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Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Do you want to experience the power of God in your life? Depression should be our past. Remembering is one thing. Looking back is quite another. We need to see our past differently. Anxiety is about an imagined future with limited possibilities. Anxiety is about an imagined future with limited possibilities. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Depression, worry and anxiety are diminished when we have clarity about what really is important. Brethren, testify this in the Lord that you are no longer to walk, even as the rest of the Gentiles are walking, in the vanity of their minds. Brethren, testify this in the Lord that you are no longer to walk, even as the rest of the Gentiles are walking, in the vanity of their minds. Brethren, testify this in the Lord that you are no longer to walk, even as the rest of the Gentiles are walking, in the vanity of their minds. Brethren, testify this in the Lord that you are no longer to walk, even as the rest of the Gentiles are walking, in the vanity of their minds. Brethren, testify this in the Lord that you are no longer to walk, even as the rest of the Gentiles are walking, in the vanity of their minds. Brethren, testify this in the Lord that you are no longer to walk, even as the rest of the Gentiles are walking, in the vanity of their minds. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Brethren, let us not live in the futility of the thinking like those that live without the knowledge that God has personally given us. Everything you think and do will be filtered through the lens of your sad story. Everything you think and do will be filtered through the lens of your sad story. Everything you think and do will be filtered through the lens of your sad story. That is not what we have been invited into, brethren. That is not what we have been invited into, brethren. That is not what Paul says. That is not what Paul says. We have been taught the pattern of teaching we find in God's word. We have been taught the pattern of teaching we find in God's word. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. In verse 23 he says we are to put the old thinking behind us and take hold of a novel approach. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Many of us are fighting battles we never meant to fight because we simply haven't dropped the bananas, that negative stronghold in our life in the first place. Father, that is why we have each other, each one of us, that is why we have each other. Father, that is why we have each other, each one of us, that is why we have each other. Father, that is why we have each other, each one of us, that is why we have each other. Father, that is why we have each other, each one of us, that is why we have each other. We have all faced struggles and endured pains, and we continue to do. It is no shame. We have all faced struggles and endured pains, and we continue to do. It is no shame. We have all faced struggles and endured pains, and we continue to do. It is no shame. We have all faced struggles and endured pains, and we continue to do. It is no shame. There are areas where God is collaborating closely with us, and we don't even know sometimes. There are areas where God is collaborating closely with us, and we don't even know sometimes. There are areas where God is collaborating closely with us, and we don't even know sometimes. There are areas where God is collaborating closely with us, and we don't even know sometimes. There are areas where God is collaborating closely with us, and we don't even know sometimes. There are areas where God is collaborating closely with us, and we don't even know sometimes. Paul said he was made strong in his weakness. Paul said he was made strong in his weakness. Our scares do not display weakness, but the courage to learn and to grow. Our scares do not display weakness, but the courage to learn and to grow. Our scares do not display weakness, but the courage to learn and to grow. Our scares do not display weakness, but the courage to learn and to grow. Our scares do not display weakness, but the courage to learn and to grow. Brethren, these obstacles, those things we sometimes hang on to, are imposter shepherds. Brethren, these obstacles, those things we sometimes hang on to, are imposter shepherds. Brethren, these obstacles, those things we sometimes hang on to, are imposter shepherds. Brethren, these obstacles, those things we sometimes hang on to, are imposter shepherds. Brethren, these obstacles, those things we sometimes hang on to, are imposter shepherds. They lead us to destruction. They tend to begin to rule our lives. They tend to begin to rule our lives. They superimpose our thinking. They superimpose our thinking. An operating program that causes us to misinterpret everything around us. An operating program that causes us to misinterpret everything around us. An operating program that causes us to misinterpret everything around us. Even the word of God. Even the word of God. We lose touch with reality. We lose touch with reality. We lose touch with reality. We lose who we are. We lose who we are. We are led down the wrong path and to the wrong choices. We are led down the wrong path and to the wrong choices. We are led down the wrong path and to the wrong choices. We are led down the wrong path and to the wrong choices. Jesus talks about this in John 10. Jesus talks about this in John 10. John 10 verse 1. John 10 verse 1. John 10 verse 1. John 10 verse 1. Truly I say to you, Truly I say to you, the one who does not enter the sheepfold through the door, the one who does not enter the sheepfold through the door, but climbs up some other way, that one is a thief and a robber. that one is a thief and a robber. It is not from the word of God. If it does not reflect the mind of God, If it does not reflect the mind of God, it is coming to you it is coming to you through that door. through that door. It is an imposter, brethren. It is not the real shepherd. It is not the real shepherd. Verse 2. Verse 2. But the one who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens and the sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Verse 4. That when he brings the sheep out he goes before them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. It is clear. It is strong. It is comforting. It is safe. Verse 5. But they will never follow a stranger for they will flee from him because they do not know the voice of the strangers. Jesus spoke this parable to them but they did not understand what he was saying to them. We, brethren, were called to know and to follow the shepherd's voice. We can all listen to the voices in our head telling us to act on our insecurity, our sad stories, or our past, or what someone else is doing. The way we are wired can lead us in the wrong direction and we have to be very careful. Very careful. Verse 7. Therefore Jesus again said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door to the sheep. What we hang on to will steal our hope, kill our connection to God, and destroy our life. If we are his, we will not listen to those voices. To drop the negative strongholds in our lives, the bananas, is to have life to the full as God intends. The problem is within. It is not God. It's not other people. It is not our circumstances. It is us, brethren, each one of us. It is us. It's how we have chosen to respond to what life has thrown at us. It is a mismanagement of our minds. What are we holding on to that is holding us back? What are we holding on to that is holding us back? You know, brethren, we could be holding on to something that is not necessarily wrong. But we sometimes we need to let go of it, even if it's temporarily. It does not necessarily mean forever. Every season of life requires different things from us. For example, what you could rightfully hang on to as a single person is different than what you should hang on to as a married person. What are you holding on to that may be a good thing in a different season of life? But right now, it is just a hindrance to where you are and where you need to focus. Self-awareness comes into play. Self-awareness examining ourselves personally, which we were in the process of doing with the days that have just gone by, the days of unleavened bread, and asking the question continually, how is my behavior affecting those around me? We must ask ourselves, how did I come to see the world this way? There is something we need to let go of. As God's people, we are to see the world from a new mindset, brethren. What is a mindset? A mindset is an attitude. It is a collection of thoughts which information and emotions attach that create a particular perspective on life. It is a filter for everything that we experience in life. Remember, this is important because our perspective determines our future. Our future is not linear, it is dynamic. Romans 12 verse 2. Romans 12 verse 2. Do not conform yourselves to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in order that you may prove what is well pleased and good in the perfect will of God. All connect the renewing of our mind to a new future. We must examine our thoughts and know where they come from, brethren. And then we are told in 2 Corinthians 10 5, we are to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. An average individual, an average person has over 30,000 thoughts a day, and sometimes more. That is a lot of thoughts to sift through, and with every thought having the potential to change who we are, and that is critical. With one thought about every three seconds, bring every thought into captivity is a monumental task. I would say it's impossible. However, the task before us is to ponder every thought that we have. What we need to do is to examine the filter through which we allow our thoughts to enter our mind, or be processed in the mind in the first place. We must identify the source of our thoughts, and filter through which we allow them to linger, and spread to those around us. We, brethren, design a mindset by intentionally shaping our external inputs, such as what we read, our experiences, what we consume on the internet, where we go, and the people we surround ourselves with. If we do not, our environment will shape us and determine our mindset, and we are guaranteed to move away from God. It's bound to happen. It is each one of our responsibilities to choose the environment that will shape our mindset. And of course, again, it is our choice, godly or carnally. Brethren, we cannot move through life on an autopilot. God asks us to be reintentional and see life from the new perspective. The point of renewing our minds and bringing every thought into captivity is so that we are not limited by our own minds. What God is teaching us is beyond the ability to imagine for ourselves. It is why humility is so important, brethren. Humility is so important. As soon as we think we know, we stop learning. There is much to learn if we can lay down our pride. We are to let go of the past and grab hold of the future. A mind disconnected from God is a small mind trapped in a small world. Have you ever noticed that people who hate their life are the least likely to change it? Their mind is shut down to possibilities. It becomes a trap. When we are told in Philippians to think on what is good, it is because it is a way out of anything we have experienced. It provides a way to drop the memories that traps. Those who love their life are more likely to grow and change because their minds are open. Not to mention the fact that they are bound to make fewer wrong decisions when your mind is in the right place. To look at a life in a positive way is not a naive view of life, but our proper response to God and what He has done for us. Brethren, what is something that is one of the hardest things to let go of? John 15 verse 12. This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. God and His Son loved us so much that Jesus gave His life for us, even though we did not appreciate it. Understanding the depth of that sacrifice, brethren, which we were just reminded of with Passover, but not only at Passover, but throughout the year, should be a key part in a worthy manner in seeing life as we should. But being asked in verse 13 to lay down one's life, let's read it. No one has greater love than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. Laying one's life down for his friends seems a bridge too far. That would be a huge gift, to say the least. People have done it through the for all kinds of reasons. And I can picture scenarios where I might do it, but I think the implications of verse 13 go deeper and harder than simply giving up my physical life for yours. What if I give my life for you and I had to live with my decision every day for the rest of my life? Christ and God the Father now live with their decision to make possible the forgiveness of our sin and the possibility of our eternal life daily even though most people have no appreciation for it and walk all over everything they stand for. Ask yourself the question, could I do that? Would I do that? That is supernatural it does not come naturally to us. A successful Christian will take ownership of their situation brethren. And a non-successful Christian will blame others and spend their time on the issues that they really cannot do anything about. Then they stagnate. People who take responsibility for their lives have the power to make changes. You must be accountable. Brethren, there was some time back I read about an individual and I'm not sure where I read it but I will never forget it. So I'd like to share that with you. I was a revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was Lord give me the energy to change the world. As I got older approached middle age and realized that my life was half gone without my changing a single soul. I changed my prayer to Lord give me the grace to change all those who encounter me. Just my family and friends and I will be satisfied. Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered I have begun to see how foolish I have been. My one prayer now is Lord give me the grace to change myself. If I had prayed this right from the start I would not have wasted my life. Rather I ask you have we wasted our life? A valid question each one of us can ask but we want to be the one out front leading the charge with our pet ideas or the one trying to control the situation of other people. That is much easier than examining our own behavior and learning to control ourselves. That is not so much fun. There is no apparent glory in that. It's a challenging work. There is a lot of inertia to overcome. So what happens? Our problems are now our habits. We have grown accustomed to our problems and over time we find them easier to justify and find excuses. Someone once said that adults are just children with better excuses. Sure we might acknowledge it as a problem but what is sometimes our favorite line but we can work around it or we look what they are doing so it's comparatively not so bad. Evoking the principles of relative sin. I am not so bad but they are much worse. Rather we should and we must this life we have been called to is not about getting better than the next guy. It's about continually improving ourselves. We must raise the bar on ourselves. Set higher and higher standards for ourselves. We do not have any business being mastered by anything or anyone because we have a new master God the Father Jesus Christ. God has invited us into a way of life where we are to let go of every encumbrance because we want to be fully His. Submitted to His way of life. So brethren this may be hard to swallow but let's consider this. The long outstanding problems that we may have and ask ourselves the problem is really that we don't really want to utilize the power of God. Use the Holy Spirit we have in our lives to make the necessary changes. We must. Am I speaking out of turn brethren? Hopefully I'm not. What are we hanging on to that we would be desperate of? What private agendas are we hanging on to that do not allow us to get God's help? How can we get out of our own way so we do not block the still voice of God? Brethren, we cannot answer these questions without humility. It takes a degree of humility to answer these questions if the answers are going to move us forward, closer to God. Otherwise it's easy to look through the distortions that make us look and feel better in the torturous logic that betrays us so easily. Brethren, so please do not take this as an extremely negative message but rather answer the question on a positive note and know that we can make the changes necessary that we need to make with the help of God's Holy Spirit. We have been granted that brethren. Let us use it. The Holy Spirit will give us that power or resolve we need to get struggles through the struggles and the tricky situations or to overcome our own moral sluggishness or may give us the power to see things more clearly. To separate the Godly solution from the morass of intuitive solutions that we gravitate to. In any event we need it and we need to ask God for it. Our physical existence limits us through the gift of faith. God shows us possibilities. Our faith shows us what God has in store for human time. We wait now for reality to catch up with our faith. God's word shows us the many possibility available to us that are made visible only by our faith in it. If we can let go of our limited physical thinking. Let go of the inconclusive solutions that are offered by the mind of men. And renew our minds with the new prospect God has given us. We can overcome and move beyond the past that limits us. We need to take God's word at face value and begin to ask ourselves the right questions and begin to align our thoughts brethren with the mind of God. We will see the lasting solution to our personal issues and problems. We must take the first steps towards God. We begin by walking and then we will see. Without faith we live beneath God's intention for us. It is why without faith we cannot please God. We need faith. Faith moves us from what we are to what we can be. Of course only with God's help. It is what connects us to God. Most of us and that includes me live beneath God's intention for us. We need to drop the bananas those negative strongholds that are being hung on to and start moving. We can change ourselves and our attitudes and our effect on other people. We can change our opinions. We can change direction. Only the discipline and our decision to ask God for his help are missing. We have the chance the capacity the answers and most of all we have the divine help. All the elements are there right in front of us. Brother I you all of us must make the decision. We need to regularly review our life to identify those bananas those strongholds in our lives that we need to let go of. It's a recursive process. What is not serving you well? What is the next step you need to take brother? Let us each one of us ask ourselves those questions. This is a personal matter. Let us ask those questions. So Christ asks each one of us do you really want my help? That brethren is a very valid question. Do we want God's help? As I look at the problems that I've had in my life thus far and the problems I still have in my life I many times think about this analogy of the monkey in the jungle. I've wondered is God looking down from his throne seeing me struggling ensnared by our problems ensnared by my personal problems and shaking his head and saying why don't you just drop the bananas?