DeVern emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to the Lord's authority in every aspect of our lives. He begins by acknowledging the power of collective prayer and intercession, recognizing that we are part of a larger spiritual movement working towards eternal purposes. The core focus is on knowing Christ intimately, which leads to a recognition of His Lordship and authority over us. DeVern reflects on how little we often understand this authority and the necessity of a complete confrontation with all high places and strongholds within our spirit, soul, and outward life. He illustrates this through biblical examples, such as Abraham's humility in giving up his rights for God's purpose, and Gideon's selective process in choosing his soldiers, which reveals the importance of inner discipline and spiritual sensitivity. The conflict between God's kingdom and the enemy's kingdom is ongoing, and true victory requires total alignment with God's authority. DeVern urges believers to examine their lives for hidden strongholds, high places, and outward reveals of inward struggles. He concludes with a prayer for full dependence on God's authority, asking Him to invade every area of our being and to transform our way of life into one that is fully under His government, for His glory and purpose.
7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale. 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
4 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.