Tear Down, Then Build From Rest
Tear down the false, then build on Jesus the true foundation
Devotional Credit
His Victorious Indwelling, compiled by Nick Harrison, selection by James Buchanan Dunlop on Judges 6:25 to 26
Photo Credit
Unsplash
Gideon was told to throw down the family altar to Baal, then to build an altar to the Lord. Dunlop’s reflection reminds us that God is thorough. He does not bless divided loyalties. Before we rush into fresh activity for God, He calls us to remove the false trusts that quietly claim our hearts. That is not scolding. It is mercy. The Father frees us from what drains us, then He builds something true on the ground Jesus has already secured.
We often try to do both at once. We cling to old sources of safety, then ask God to endorse our plans. Inside, anxiety grows. We say we will serve God, yet we avoid dealing with the idols of approval, control, or comfort. Dunlop gently puts a finger on that hidden restlessness and points to the way forward. First tear down the lie, then build in the Lord.
This is not grim self improvement. It is faith working through love. The grain of wheat goes into the ground and dies, then new life appears. In Jesus, that dying has already happened in a decisive way, and His risen life is now ours. We do not earn the ground. We stand on it. From that settled place we cooperate with the Spirit who lives in us, laying aside what does not belong and putting on what matches who we are in the Son.
Thank you, James Buchanan Dunlop, for the needed reminder. Revival does not begin with feverish activity. It begins with returning to the finished work of Jesus, saying yes to the Spirit, and letting Him clear the clutter so real life can flow. Tear down, then build. Not by panic, but by trust.
Journal Entry, Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am in you to make room for the life of Jesus to be seen. You turned to the living God from idols, and you belong to Him. You were crucified with the Anointed, and you now live by faith in Him. Your old person was co crucified that the body of sin might lose its claim. Sin shall not rule over you, for you are under grace. Walk by Me, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Put off what does not fit your new life, anger, bitterness, deceit, impurity, and put on compassion, kindness, humility, and love. You are a new creation. Present your body to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, for this is your reasonable worship. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Let the word of the Messiah dwell in you richly. As you received Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith.
I work in you to will and to do for the Father’s good pleasure. My grace trains you to renounce ungodliness and to live self controlled, upright, and godly in this present age. You are a living stone, being built into a spiritual house, to offer spiritual sacrifices through Jesus the High Priest. Keep yourself from idols. Cast every care on Me. The peace of God will guard your heart and mind in the Anointed. The One who calls you is faithful. I began this good work in you, and I will carry it to completion.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about your phone when storage is full. New updates cannot install until you delete what no longer belongs. You are not punishing the phone. You are making space so what is new can function. In the same way, the Holy Spirit within you gently identifies the files that do not fit your life in Jesus, an old resentment, a secret shortcut, a habit of doom scrolling, so that real life can run.
A simple practice today. A bill arrives and worry spikes. Before you scramble, pause and agree with what is true. Then say, Lord, I trust You to clear the false refuge of control and to express Your calm wisdom through me as I take the next step. From that settled place, you make the call, adjust the budget, or ask a question with honesty. That is not rule keeping. That is Jesus, by His Spirit, living His life through you.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that, in Jesus, I am already Yours and clean. Thank You that Your Spirit lives in me, enabling me to say no to idols and yes to Your ways. I agree with You that I have died with the Messiah and I now live to You. Today I stand on the ground of His finished work. I welcome Your peace to rule my heart as I build what pleases You. I rejoice that You are faithful to complete what You began.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Judges 6:25 to 26; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:6 to 14; Romans 8:9 to 11; Galatians 5:16, 24 to 25; Colossians 3:1 to 17; Ephesians 4:22 to 24; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 12:1 to 2; Colossians 2:6 to 7; Philippians 2:13; Titus 2:11 to 12; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 John 5:21; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6 to 7; John 12:24; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:14