Family Mountain
God designed families to have a Dad and a Mom who are loving and supportive, but many kids are raised in families where a biological Mom and Dad are not both present. God's notion of marriage and family are under attack by a woke culture and socialist governments that work to undermine and destroy healthy family life.
In 1950, there were 1.5M single-parent families, but in 2022, there were 9.8M, a 6.5 times increase. Of these single-parent families, 7.3M have only the Mom present. Not having a father in a family can lead to feelings of abandonment, inferiority, guilt, shame, fear, gender confusion, and more. What sort of family did you grow up in? Was there verbal, physical, or sexual abuse? If so, you likely have a distorted understanding of your Heavenly Father since your earthly father fell so short of what God intended for you. Mothers can also come with issues; too many children know this reality.
The Family Section explores ways families can become functional and healthy through a relationship with God and be edified through His church on earth.
The events in this Mountain and their consequences are contrasted with God's Plumbline of Truth.
We have underlined added links to supplemental information below.
Family Mountain Issues
Single-parent families are often more vulnerable to poverty, attack by evil spiritual forces, child predators, unwanted pregnancy, emotional distress, child trafficking, prostitution, addictions, poor or incomplete education, suicide, and other problems. God doesn't want you to face these alone, He will take the place of a missing earthly father or mother if you allow Him to.
Even if both parents are present, they may not have modeled the love, affection, nurture, or shelter necessary to counteract the influences of today's evil culture. Many of these problems have spiritual causes, and making Jesus your King and Lord will provide you with special tools to defend yourself and overcome spiritual entities and attacks.
If you grew up (or are growing up) in a family that doesn't know Jesus, or has only one parent, read the Curious and Rethink Sections and decide to trust Jesus.
Kingdom Family
A Christian family starts with a marriage Covenant relationship established between one man and woman who are both part of the Kingdom of God and have a personal relationship with their Creator (God). A Christian married couple typically cooperates with God to bring children into the world and to raise them to know God through their loving roles of mother and father. The best marriages occur when both partners know God (are not unequally yoked). If only one parent knows God, that parent can intercede on behalf of the unbelieving spouse.
Marriage between a man and woman is also a metaphor for the relationship between King Jesus and all those in His Kingdom. Married Kingdom believers have an extended family (the Church), which is a body of believers that can help them via intercessory prayer and in practical ways when circumstances arise. The Church might provide a mentor for a family, for example. When considering mentors, men with men, women with women only, or anyone with a mature ministry couple. Mentors of opposite sex should be avoided. Also, the pastor isn't always the best person for mentoring or counseling and may refer others.
Evil Forces and Families
Our bodies are earthly vessels, intricately connected to our souls and spirits, which exist in an unseen spiritual realm. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we become entangled with the Holy Spirit—an indwelling presence to teach and counsel transform our minds and align our hearts with God’s mindset. However, evil spirits also seek to entangle themselves with our bodies. They exploit vulnerabilities created by abuse, unforgiveness, lies, occult practices, generational bonds and other ways. These issues wound the soul and spirit, affecting both emotional well-being and physical health. Scripture strongly condemns acts such as pedophilia and incest. Incest is never proper. Even if adopted, there should be no “secret” sexual relationships within families. As young individuals, recognize that evil spirits aim to deceive, destroy, and torment. Yet, Jesus holds power over these forces—calling upon Him brings deliverance.Witchcraft, a relationship with evil spirits, opposes our connection with God and Jesus. There are no “good” witches; witchcraft always deceives. It opens doors to our souls, allowing demonic access. Beware, as witchcraft is more prevalent than you realize.
A Warning about the Influence of False Gods. Avoid studying evil spirits and false gods—they thrive on attention. Mentioning their names attracts them and may open doors. Instead, focus on God’s Truth.
The demon spirits behind sexual confusion work against God’s design. They promote gender confusion, sexual deviation, and practices that defile souls. Their influence sadly infiltrates schools, media, and society in overt ways today.
Today, the NEA (National Education Association) and some school librarians are used by these spiritual principalities. The federal government is supporting them by declaring parents who do not want pornographic books in school libraries, as domestic terrorists and working to take away their constitutional rights as citizens of the US. This is such a distortion and lie, but that is what evil does. Parents, get involved in your children's schools!
Intimacy
Shortly after His "one flesh" statement at Creation, the Lord told people to "go forth and multiply." procreation requires both male and female genes. That is an issue that LGBTQ people in homosexual and lesbian relationships must struggle with. There is no other way to become one flesh and thus create a new branch in the human genetic tree. It doesn't matter how anyone feels about this; it is a simple fact. Men don't have X chromosomes to contribute nor the ability to carry a child, and women don't have Y chromosomes.
God does not hate LGBTQ people; indeed, God is grieved that they miss the fulfillment that He intended for them. Civil unions for LGBTQ people are fine for tax or insurance needs, but they can't constitute a marriage covenant before God, even if declared in a church. The heterosexual marriage relationships are God's design for men and women and the only way that His mandate to multiply can be fulfilled.
Loneliness is a strong emotion, so Satan too often offers men a solution by joining themselves to prostitutes. Scripture warns against such unions, which bonds the souls of both people as "united" (1 Corinthians 6:16). One is created for each sexual partner. Multiple bonds were the downfall of Solomon and many other ancient kings because they were intimacy killers, which led to more loneliness. Solomon wandered into the worship of false gods in part because he did not follow God's design.
A body/soul can have demons entangled with it. People can also be infected with sexually transmitted diseases, some of which are incurable today or require life-long treatment. If a man or woman meet their soulmate, his or her soul may be attached to others with whom they have been intimate. Sometimes the "soulmate" couple cannot connect deeply and bond with each other. This can create bondage that is difficult to release with a fractured soul. It can also create distance from any children that are born of such unions.
Doesn't God understand how strong the sexual drive can be? God knows! But He also knows the best way for a man and woman to be happiest, is by being and staying in the one relationship they choose and promise God and each other that they will fulfill. Reject instant gratification and think about the long-term consequences of it.
Jesus spent much time among prostitutes and other "sinners." While He disapproved of their sinful behavior, His love and acceptance of them as people God cared for transformed them. God’s desire is for everyone to be in a spiritual relationship with Him, and His love reaches out to all individuals. Rather than condemning, Christ's followers are called to understand, love, and share the hope found in Christ with all people. It's important for ALL believers to remember that we serve a Holy God and we ALL fell short of His standards for us. See Matthew 18:10.
Abortion
There is another evil entity at work in America today that seeks to destroy infants. Both young men and especially women believe the lie that it is no big deal to "get rid" of an unwanted pregnancy by resorting to abortion. And some state governments are voting to accept abortion up to and beyond the birth process. What has America come to if we can watch a healthy child die after it is born with no regard for its life? And is that any better than taking the life of a child at three, five, whatever months before birth? Don't believe the lies, and turn to God for help as you mature in your spiritual understanding!
Abortion leaves deep scars—shame, guilt, and regret—for those involved. A part of the soul of the people involved in an abortion is torn and requires the Lord to cleanse, heal it and restore self-worth. Conception involves two people, so abortion also wounds the father and is a sin against God. Thankfully, God loves us and provided Jesus’ sacrifice to mend even the most wounded soul.
As of today, abortion has claimed over 65 million lives - let that sink in for a moment. This sin also disproportionately affects African Americans. Where is the BLM movement crying out against this? In NY, abortions can be done not only up to, but also after live birth. If Abel's blood cried out to God when Cain slew him, will not the blood of this evil also cry out against America?
Young people, think about what you are doing as you enter into opposite-sex relationships. It is God's desire that couples enter into sexual intimacy only after marriage. And, as stated in the prior section, He does know how difficult that can be. Lean into the Holy Spirit and trust that there is a way to love someone and still wait for physical intimacy. Honor God’s purpose, and advocate for life, justice, and healing. Choose to reject the spirits of lust and self-gratification and choose lives that honor God and protect His purpose for your life.
Living a Life of Fidelity and Honor
Jesus sets an unwavering standard for fidelity—one that extends beyond physical actions to our thoughts and imaginations. Even entertaining unfaithful thoughts is akin to committing the act itself. Most men and women have been unfaithful at some level, whether or not they’ve crossed the line into adultery. In marriage, infidelity shatters trust. Without healing, it can lead to divorce or a loss of intimacy.
The crux lies in how we perceive others. When we focus solely on the body, we miss the essence—the spirit and soul—of the person. Reducing someone to an object of lust dishonors their true identity.
This distortion affects not only marriages but also the church community. Across denominations, some church leaders have succumb to sexual impropriety. Their actions ripple through the congregation, impacting believers who look up to the leadership. The Daniel Place emphasizes the importance of choosing a fellowship wisely in the Beginner Section.
Sexual sin among leaders tarnishes God’s name and invites criticism from His enemies. The earthly consequences are also usually severe: removal from ministry and, at times, legal repercussions. Not all fellowships are safe; some are inherently less safe than others.
Infidelity breaks the bonds of trust and intimacy, and infidelity often leads to divorce or loss of intimacy if marriages are not dissolved. We serve a holy God, one who deserves to be honored and held in esteem and whose laws and guidance need to be obeyed, not out of duty but out of love and respect for Him.
Guiding Children Toward God’s Purpose
Every child born is a precious creation in God’s image. Each deserves nurturing and the expectation of a loving home—a place where both parents actively support, teach, and guide them toward their Heavenly Father’s plan. However, many parents still grapple with meeting these expectations for various reasons.
Some parents carry the wounds of not having experienced such a family structure during their own upbringing. Others face challenges—perhaps a missing parent or emotional absence within the home. Conditional love—expressed as “I love you when…”can harm a child’s soul and spirit.
Busy lives sometimes distract parents, rendering them absent even when physically present. Demons—through familiar spirits, witchcraft, or personal sins—target vulnerable children. Negative words such as "You are just like your father/mother!" "You are stupid." "You will never achieve success when you grow up," wound deeply. They are contrary to God’s Word and Jesus’ example. Instead, seek to bless your children, recognize them as a gift from God.
Each of your children has at least three angels with access to the Father in Heaven. Pray daily for your children, invoking the Lord to task these angels to protect your child during separations—at daycare, school, or elsewhere. Bid their angels to watch over them. Bid them to be present when your precious ones slumber at night. Let them know that they are privileged to sleep in the Lord's refuge, under His wings, a refuge guarded by archangels according to scripture.
Children rest under the Wings of God, above which hovers His Shekinah glory radiance. Teach your children to rebuke fear in Jesus’ name and share bedtime Bible stories. Ask God to visit them in their dreams fostering a sense of security. each them to rebuke any fears or apprehensions in Jesus'-Name. Ask them what they dreamed last night in the morning and help them understand it in light of the scriptures and God's love and protection. The window of parental influence is brief, especially as worldly influences creep in. Cherish the formative years from birth to age 7—they hold irreplaceable significance.
Spiritual Preparation - Nurturing God's Purpose
As an adult, regardless of gender, your journey involves preparing for God’s unique destiny. Begin by embracing saving faith, allowing you to discern His purpose and pursue it intentionally. Take this step, if you are ready, before distractions from life’s demands of education, career, and marriage are part of your world.
Consider this: Few jobs rival the impact of raising children well. Prioritize wisely, recognizing that young minds are most receptive during their formative years. Bedtime stories from a child’s Bible, complete with pictures, create cherished one-on-one moments.
When navigating daycare options, choose centers run by fellow Christians. Ensure their activities align with your values. Investigate thoroughly; some centers harbor ulterior motives. Check to see if there is a nanny-cam that let's you check on your child during his or her time there.
Should public education continue on its current path, explore private schools or homeschooling. Check out online resources for Christian homeschooling. Home schooled students excel academically, transitioning smoothly from parent to teacher. Remember, your children are precious gifts entrusted to you. Love Jesus deeply, and His love will overflow to them. Safeguard your family’s privacy, stay off government surveillance radars as long as possible.
The Vital Role of Church Fellowship
Marriage on earth serves as a metaphor for our future relationship with the King of Kings in the unseen spiritual realm. The Scriptures describe this as the Wedding Feast of the Lamb—a grand celebration with billions of participants. The Holy Spirit prepares us and guides us to the Father’s house.
Church fellowship among Kingdom believers holds immense significance. It’s meant to minister to one another and care for widows and orphans. However, not all fellowships excel in this. As the Great Revival unfolds (already underway), some may fall short of reflecting Jesus’ love and provision for new converts.
Most churches offer specialized ministries for men and women and educational programs for children. These are vital because a weekly sermon alone cannot fully educate adult believers. Allocate at least two to three days each week to engage in the work of the body. God assigns roles to everyone in His Kingdom, and all believers are welcome to grow in the Spirit.
All hail King Jesus! If you carry the Holy Spirit within you, you’re intricately woven into His body—the bride awaiting an upcoming heavenly wedding.
Summary
