All posts by warren

Personal Holiness, Sin

Words that Heal

Turning Gossip into Encouragement

Article 5 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

In every generation, the tongue has proven to be both a weapon and a wellspring. The same mouth that blesses can also curse. Yet you were not made to echo the serpent’s whispers—you were called to proclaim life. Words capable of healing—this is your portion in Christ. But first, the poison must be purged.

Gossip is not harmless chatter. It slithers through conversations dressed in concern, cloaked in prayer requests, and hidden behind half-truths. It divides families, corrupts churches, and poisons friendships. Scripture is clear: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21, NASB). What fruit will your words bear?

You must decide—will your tongue be a tool for hell or a vessel for the Kingdom of God?

The Sin Behind the Speech

Gossip is rooted in pride and insecurity. It seeks to lift one up by tearing another down. It trades intimacy with God for the cheap thrill of being “in the know.” The sin of gossip resists love and feeds on division. But El Shaddai does not wink at this sin—He detests it. “You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother’s son” (Psalm 50:20, NASB). These are not minor infractions. They are violations of love.

When we speak against others, we rebel against the very heart of God. For God is love, and He calls us to love not just in deed, but in word and tone. Even if what we say is true, if it is not seasoned with grace and if it lacks words that heal, it becomes a stumbling block. Gossip destroys what encouragement is called to heal.

Washed and Redeemed

But beloved, take heart. For the blood of Yeshua cleanses even the tongue. He who spoke the world into existence also speaks peace over your mouth. He will not leave you stuck in the snare of slander. The Holy Spirit convicts, not to shame, but to sanctify. He teaches your mouth to build, not break—to bless, not boast.

When Isaiah cried, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips…” the Lord did not cast him away (Isaiah 6:5, NASB). Instead, God sent a seraph with a burning coal to purify his lips. He does the same for you now. Receive His cleansing. Confess. Repent. Speak differently.

Speak as One Who Has Seen the Lord

If you have tasted the mercy of God, let your words reflect it. Turn every chance to gossip into a moment of intercession. Let slander be swallowed by prayer. When others spread rumors, be the one who spreads hope. When lies circle, speak truth with gentleness and courage. Be the voice that heals, using words that bring encouragement.

Paul wrote, “Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification… so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29, NASB). The Spirit within you trains your tongue for righteousness. You can speak like Jesus.

From Bitterness to Blessing

Let your language rise from the altar. Ask yourself before you speak: Does this word glorify God? Will this sentence strengthen the one who hears it? Am I sowing peace or stirring division? You are not merely restraining your speech—you are transforming it.

Your tongue becomes holy when your heart becomes full of Him.

Let the words of your mouth be like the psalmist’s: “My tongue will sing of Your righteousness all day long” (Psalm 35:28, NASB). Let every conversation be soaked in love, every correction clothed in humility, every encouragement backed by faith.

This is your calling: to speak as one sent from Heaven. To reflect your Father’s voice in a world dying of cruel words. Words that heal—this is your legacy in Christ.

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Prayer:

Father, set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips. Purify my heart so that my words may overflow with grace. Where I have gossiped, forgive me. Where I have wounded, heal me. Let the fire of Your Spirit cleanse my tongue and sanctify my speech. Teach me to bless and not curse, to intercede rather than accuse. Make my words like honey—sweet, healing, and strong. Let me speak life, speak truth, and speak love, as one who walks with You. In the name of Yeshua, who is the Word made flesh. Amen.

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See Also

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a Person

Do you truly know who the Holy Spirit is? If you’ve ever mistaken Him for a feeling, a force, or a sudden burst of energy, you’re not alone. Many believers are confused about the identity of the Holy Spirit. But today, let’s clear away the confusion and anchor our understanding in Scripture: the Holy Spirit is a Person.

“Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, NASB). This simple yet sobering command carries weight. You can’t quench a force. You can’t grieve an emotion. But you can hurt, silence, or shut out a Person—and that’s exactly what we risk when we misunderstand or ignore the Holy Spirit.

Spell this out in your heart: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON. He is not enthusiasm. He is not courage. He is not the personification of goodness. The Holy Spirit is not an “it”—He is God. He has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11), speaks (Acts 13:2), loves (Romans 15:30), intercedes (Romans 8:26), and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). He knows. He feels. He leads.

Jesus spoke of the Spirit as “another Helper”—the Greek word Parakletos, meaning advocate or counselor—“that He may be with you forever” (John 14:16, NASB). The Son promised One like Himself, not a mere power surge from heaven. And just as we would never treat Yeshua as a nameless force, we must not reduce the Holy Spirit to an emotional experience or a vague sense of conviction.

To quench the Spirit is to resist His leading, to silence His voice, or to shut Him out of your daily decisions. Imagine Him as a guest in your home, present and willing to help, but ignored. Or worse—treated with suspicion and skepticism. Can a guest like that stay long? The Holy Spirit desires intimacy, not toleration. He seeks fellowship, not mere acknowledgment.

Paul writes, “Now we have received… the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12, NASB). You are not meant to walk in confusion, trying to “feel” your way through your faith. You are invited to commune with the Person of the Holy Spirit, to hear His voice, receive His comfort, and follow His direction.

This truth will change your walk: the Holy Spirit is not waiting for your perfection—He is waiting for your invitation. He is not fragile, but He is holy. He is not distant, but He will not force Himself into a life that will not listen. Don’t quench Him by busyness, by sin, or by doubt. Welcome Him.

Right now, stop and ask yourself: Am I treating the Holy Spirit like a Person? Do I listen for His voice? Do I make room for His presence? Do I respond when He convicts, prompts, or encourages?

The Holy Spirit is a Person. And He desires to walk with you, speak to you, and fill you with the life of God every day. He is not an “it” to be controlled. He is God to be worshiped, Friend to be loved, and Guide to be followed.

Prayer

Ruach HaKodesh, Holy Spirit of God, forgive me for treating You as less than who You are. I welcome You—not as a feeling, but as a Person. Speak to me. Lead me. Fill my life with Your presence and power. Teach me to walk in step with You and to never quench Your voice. I want deep, intimate fellowship with You. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

See Also

Personal Holiness

Gentle Over Angry

God’s Answer to Wrath

“Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.” – James 1:19–20, NASB

Beloved, hear me now: anger will never do what only the Spirit can. Rage may stir your flesh, but it cannot produce righteousness. The wrath of man builds walls, not altars. It divides, devours, and destroys—but God’s answer to wrath is not more wrath. It is gentleness. It is the quiet strength of the Lamb who could have called down fire, but instead bowed low and washed feet.

This is the great reversal of the Kingdom. While the world justifies fury and applauds revenge, God exalts the meek. The Son of God stood silent before accusers, not because He lacked power, but because He was filled with the Spirit. His gentleness shook the gates of hell and opened the door to eternal life. And now, you are called to walk in that same Spirit.

Wrath is not strength. Gentleness is. Do not believe the lie that anger gives you control. The truth is, when anger reigns, you have already lost control. What begins as frustration quickly becomes fire. It spreads through relationships, scorches your peace, and quenches the Spirit. But when you choose gentleness, you invite God’s hand to move. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1, NASB

Imagine a blacksmith forging a weapon. With every strike, he controls his fire. If the flame runs too hot, the metal warps. If it grows cold, it hardens before it’s ready. Only by skillfully managing the heat can he shape the blade. This is what God calls you to—meekness under the Spirit’s control. You are not to be cold and silent, nor are you to boil over in fury. You are to be tempered by the fire of Heaven and formed into a vessel of peace.

Look to Yeshua, who drove out moneychangers not with rage, but with zeal for His Father’s house. Look to Moses, described as the meekest man on earth, who interceded even for those who grumbled against him. Look to Stephen, stoned by a mob, yet praying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” That is the power of God at work—gentleness over anger, mercy over wrath.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9, NASB

God’s answer to wrath is a transformed heart, not a controlled temper. It is not enough to count to ten or bite your tongue. The root of anger must be surrendered. Bring it to the cross. Let the fire of His holiness consume every grudge, every harsh word, every memory that still ignites your flesh. Only the blood of the Lamb can quiet the storm within you.

Ask yourself: Does your anger serve God’s purpose—or your pride? Does it defend righteousness—or just your reputation? Lay it down. All of it. Be done with harshness, sarcasm, outbursts, and the spirit of offense. Let El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, be your defense. He sees. He judges righteously. He repays.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31–32, NASB

God’s answer to wrath is not weakness—it is divine strength under perfect control. The Spirit of God leads you to respond with patience, to listen with compassion, and to speak peace over chaos. This is not natural. It is supernatural. It comes from abiding in the presence of El Elyon, being filled daily with His Word, and refusing to be mastered by emotion.

This world is burning with anger. But you, beloved, are called to burn with holiness. Choose gentleness—not to appease man, but to reflect the heart of your Father in Heaven. Let the world see something different in you. Let them encounter the power of a quieted spirit, anchored in God, unmoved by offense.

Prayer

Father, I surrender my anger at Your feet. Forgive me for every time I acted out of wrath and not love. Cleanse my heart. Fill me with the Spirit of gentleness. Make me a peacemaker. Teach me to respond as Yeshua did—with truth, but never with hate. I reject the lie that anger will accomplish what only Your Spirit can. Let my words bring healing. Let my presence carry peace. Let my life reflect the quiet strength of Heaven. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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Key Takeaways for God’s Answer to Wrath:

  • Human anger cannot produce the righteousness of God.
  • Gentleness is not weakness—it is the strength of the Spirit under control.
  • Meekness invites God’s power to move where wrath only causes damage.
  • Choose to be a peacemaker in a world ruled by rage.

Do not let anger define your witness. Let gentleness mark your life. God’s answer to wrath is not found in shouting louder—it’s found in kneeling lower.

See Also

Church

The Church Is God’s Dwelling Place

Where Heaven Touches Earth

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
—Matthew 18:20 (NASB)

In every generation, the Church has stood as a light in the darkness, where God’s presence meets human hearts. The Church is God’s dwelling place, not because of its architecture or rituals, but because the living God has chosen to abide amid His people. This truth changes everything. The Church is not just a religious organization—it is the very habitation of El Shaddai, built on the foundation of Yeshua the Messiah and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “You also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22, NASB). This is not symbolic language. It is literal and eternal. The Church is God’s dwelling place, where Heaven touches earth. It is not one good institution among many; it is the only one birthed directly by the will of God, designed to reflect His holiness, proclaim His gospel, and carry His glory.

Divided Yet Divine

The skeptic may ask, “Which church do you mean? Aren’t Christians divided?” Yes, denominations abound. But the true Church transcends every man-made label. The Church is God’s dwelling place wherever the Holy Spirit has gathered hearts that are surrendered to Yeshua, washed by His blood, and devoted to worshiping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

We see her in the underground churches of persecuted lands. We hear her prayers in hospital rooms, prison cells, and quiet homes. She gathers in storefronts and cathedrals, barns, and basements. Wherever two or three are gathered in His name, there He is—Yeshua in the midst—validating the gathering as holy ground. (Matthew 18:20, NASB)

The Power and Purpose of the Church

The Church is not perfect. Those inside her walls know this better than anyone. We grieve her shortcomings and weep over her compromises, but we also believe in her future because God is not finished with her. Yeshua declared, “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18, NASB). That promise still stands.

The Church is God’s dwelling place, His house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7). She is the Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7), being prepared for the return of the Bridegroom. She is the pillar and support of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). When she functions in purity and unity, she becomes a channel of healing to a broken world, a refuge for the lost, and a launchpad for revival.

God Dwells Among His People

From the tabernacle in the wilderness to the upper room in Acts 2, God has always desired to dwell among His people. He says in 2 Corinthians 6:16 (NASB), “I will dwell among them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” That same Spirit who filled the temple now fills His Church. Not the stone structure, but the living stones—you and me (1 Peter 2:5). The Church is where God dwells among His people.

When we gather with hearts fully yielded and worship with reverence and faith, the King of Glory walks into the room. The Church is God’s dwelling place—His holy habitation on earth.

Let us not forsake her, treat her lightly, or abandon her mission. Instead, may we press in deeper, purify ourselves of the world, and live as a people set apart for the presence of God.

Prayer:

Holy Father, awaken Your Church to her holy calling. Let her not be swayed by the world or silenced by fear. Fill her afresh with Your Holy Spirit. May every gathering be marked by Your presence, and may we, as Your people, live holy and blameless before You. Let the gospel go forth boldly from pulpits and from hearts, from city streets to distant nations. Dwell among us, O Lord, and make Your name known. In the name of Yeshua the Messiah we pray, Amen.

See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Humbled to Rise

Defeating the Pride of Life

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – 1 John 2:15, NASB

Brother, sister—hear me. This is not a word of condemnation, but a call to awaken. There is a sin that hides in plain sight, a spiritual cancer that often disguises itself as strength, success, or self-confidence. It is the pride of life. This sin does not shout—it whispers. But those whispers grow into lies that lead you far from the presence of El Elyon, the Most High God.

The pride of life tells you that you are enough without God. It causes you to depend on your own wisdom, your own strength, and your own reputation. Over time, it builds a wall between you and the Lord. Pride makes people think they don’t need God. It turns churches into stages for human praise instead of places where the glory of El Elyon is worshiped. It shifts the focus from the throne of Heaven to the applause of men. And that shift, beloved, is deadly.

“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6, NASB

You were not created to be independent from your Maker. You were formed from the dust, and it is only by the breath of Yahweh that you live. The way of the Kingdom is not like the world’s way. The world says, “Lift yourself up.” But God says, “Bow down, and I will lift you.” To defeat the pride of life, you must choose the lower road—the road of humility.

Let me tell you a story. There was a skilled craftsman, admired by many for the beauty of his work. One day, a curious boy asked him, “How did you become so great?” The man smiled gently and said, “I only became great when I stopped trying to be. I surrendered my talent to God. I asked Him to shape the work of my hands, and it became His, not mine.” That is the secret. When you humble yourself, God takes over—and what He builds will last.

You were not saved to impress men—you were redeemed to reflect the holiness of Yeshua. Defeating the pride of life begins with surrender. You must choose, daily, to lay down your ego, your rights, your desire to be seen. You must become like the Lamb—silent, obedient, and wholly dependent on the will of the Father.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time.” – 1 Peter 5:6, NASB
Examine your heart. Do you bristle at correction? Do you crave the approval of others more than the presence of God? Do you rely more on your gifts than on the Spirit? Pride is subtle. But the Spirit will reveal it if you ask—and when He does, don’t delay. Repent. Get low. Open your hands. Humility is not weakness—it is the pathway to true authority in the Kingdom.
God is not looking for the proud. He is searching for those who tremble at His Word, who bow before Him in secret, who do not grasp for platforms but long for His presence. Will you be that one? Will you walk low so that He may raise you up, defeating the pride of life in the process?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3, NASB

Defeating the pride of life is not a single decision—it is a lifestyle. It is choosing the cross daily. It is remembering that every breath you breathe is mercy. It is standing before God, not with your résumé, but with your hands lifted in worship. The humble will see God. The proud will resist Him and fall. Let us be those who fall on our knees now, so we may rise with Him in glory.

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Prayer:

Father, I humble myself before You now. I confess the pride that has crept into my heart—every thought that made me feel sufficient apart from You. I surrender my plans, my gifts, and my desire to be noticed. I choose the way of the cross. Let me be poor in spirit, that I may be rich in Your Kingdom. Lift me up only when I have bowed low before You. Be glorified, not me. Be praised, not my name. Let me rise only by Your hand, and for Your glory. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

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Key Takeaways for Defeating the Pride of Life:

  • Pride of life distances us from God, but humility draws us close.
  • God resists the proud but pours grace on the humble.
  • Daily surrender is the key to true spiritual authority.
  • Humility opens the door to revival and the presence of El Shaddai.

Let your heart burn not for applause, but for His glory. Let your life become an altar where pride dies and holiness rises. It is time to bow low—so you can rise in Him.

See Also

Worship

Return to Breathless Adoration

Beloved, I write to you not with lofty words, but with a trembling heart. There is no God like our God—El Shaddai—faithful to His covenant and overflowing in mercy toward those who walk before Him with undivided hearts (2 Chronicles 6:14, AMP). And yet, I ask you: Where has the reverence gone? Where is the stillness before His Majesty? Where is the breathless adoration due His holy name?

Have we not traded the fear of the Lord for comfort? The wonder of His presence for polished performance?

The prophet Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. “And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, and the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said, ‘Woe is me, for I am ruined!’” (Isaiah 6:4–5, AMP). This was not a man entertaining religious routine—this was a man undone by the glory of the living God.

And yet, in our generation, we whisper His name with casual hearts. We structure our services to control the clock, not to create space for the Spirit. A.W. Tozer wrote, “The whole Christian family stands desperately in need of a restoration of penitence, humility, and tears.” I ask you: Do you feel that ache? That groaning deep within that cries out for more than a sermon and a song? Do you yearn for that breathless adoration of His presence?

Breathless adoration is the soul’s response to the unveiled glory of God. It cannot be summoned by emotion or noise. It is born in the heart that sees Him rightly—holy, exalted, unchanging. The psalmist declared, “Let all the earth fear and worship the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” (Psalm 33:8, AMP). This is the posture He desires: not mere participation but reverence.

Yeshua rebuked the religious spirit that honored God with lips but withheld the heart. “But in vain do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:9, AMP). When worship is reduced to routine, it loses its power. When songs are sung without surrender, they ring hollow. We must repent of going through the motions while ignoring the One we claim to adore.

Let your heart be pierced again.

“Rend your hearts [in sorrow and contrition] and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness [faithful to His covenant] (Joel 2:13, AMP). This is not a harsh word—it is a merciful call. A summons to deeper waters. A whisper from the throne room saying, “Come closer with breathless adoration.”

The early Church understood this. They prayed in one accord, they waited on the Spirit, and “when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:31, AMP). That shaking came not from chaos but from unity, hunger, and fear of the Lord.

O Church, we need that holy shaking again.

Not noise—but nearness.

Not performance—but presence.

Not religion—but fire.

The psalmist cried, “One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, To gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord and to meditate in His temple” (Psalm 27:4, AMP). This is the language of breathless adoration. It does not ask, “What will I get?” but cries, “Let me gaze upon Him!”

Let us cast down our pride. Let us abandon the polished and return to the pure. Let the altar be rebuilt—not with perfect programs but yielded hearts. Fall to your knees. Let the Spirit strip away everything false and make room again for holy awe and breathless adoration.

The Lord still waits to be gracious to you. “Therefore the Lord waits [expectantly and longs] to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them]” (Isaiah 30:18, AMP).

Return to breathless adoration. Return to the Presence. Return to your first love.

Prayer

Abba, we have grown too comfortable. We have sung without trembling and prayed without awe. We have mistaken activity for anointing. Forgive us. Draw us back to the place of wonder. Pierce our hearts, Lord, and awaken us to the beauty of Your holiness with breathless adoration.

Yeshua, teach us to wait again. Let every gathering, every song, the nearness of Your Spirit mark every prayer. Let holy fear return to Your Church. Let reverence rise again like incense before Your throne.

Ruach HaKodesh, breathe upon dry bones. Shake what needs to be shaken. Strip away the superficial and make us people of fire—marked by breathless adoration.

We seek Your face, not Your hand. Dwell among us again. In Yeshua’s holy name, Amen.

See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Mastering the Flesh

Replacing Lust with Self-Control

Lust is a fire that consumes without ever satisfying. It stirs within the fallen nature, promising pleasure but delivering bondage. The world celebrates lust as freedom, but the Word of God reveals the truth: lust enslaves the soul. And yet, we are not left defenseless. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to walk in holiness, mastering the flesh and replacing lust with self-control.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NASB)

To master the flesh is to choose surrender over struggle, discipline over desire, and intimacy with God over indulgence in sin. We must understand that lust is not just physical—it’s spiritual. It is rebellion against the order of God, a longing for fulfillment apart from Him. The flesh says, “Take what you crave.” But the Spirit whispers, “Wait on the Lord.”

A War We All Face

No believer is exempt from this battle. Even Paul confessed the tension in his own body: “For I do not do the good I want, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” — Romans 7:19 (NASB). The war between flesh and Spirit rages daily. But God gives us weapons to fight.

To master the flesh:

  1. Guard your eyes – What you allow through your eyes reaches your heart. Shut the door to temptation.
  2. Renew your mind – Replace distorted thoughts with the truth of Scripture. Fill your mind with God’s Word.
  3. Flee temptation – Don’t linger in the presence of sin. Run with holy urgency.
  4. Fast and pray – Teach your flesh to submit through spiritual discipline and intimacy with God.

Illustration: Joseph Ran

When Potiphar’s wife cornered Joseph with seductive intent, he didn’t entertain the thought. He didn’t weigh the consequences or try to pray in the moment of temptation. “But he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside.” — Genesis 39:12 (NASB).

He ran. Why? Because Joseph feared God more than he feared man. He knew staying even a second longer would be a second too long. In fleeing temptation, he preserved something far more valuable than his reputation—his righteousness.

You may lose something when you flee—a position, an opportunity, the admiration of others—but you gain what cannot be bought: a clean conscience before God. Joseph lost his garment, but he kept his purity. And God raised him up in due time.

Fleeing isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. When lust comes knocking, run. Don’t reason with it. Don’t try to prove your strength. Don’t linger and pray that the feeling fades. Flee. And in your running, run straight to El Shaddai, your refuge and strength.

Replacing Lust with Self-Control

“Now as for you, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…” — 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)

Lust can’t be managed—it must be crucified. And self-control is not the absence of desire but the redirection of desire toward God. When we walk in self-control, we’re saying, “I trust God’s timing. I believe His ways are better than mine.” That trust produces peace.

Self-control is not behavior modification. It is Spirit transformation. It grows in the soil of surrender. It blooms when we delight in the Lord more than in our impulses. It’s not about being less human—it’s about becoming more like Yeshua, who was tempted in every way, yet without sin.

The one who replaces lust with self-control learns to enjoy the beauty of purity, the strength of obedience, and the freedom of walking in the light. Every time you say no to the flesh, you’re saying yes to something greater—the fullness of life in the presence of God.

You Were Made to Walk in Freedom

You are not a prisoner to your cravings. If Yeshua lives in you, the chains have already been broken. The flesh may shout, but the Spirit empowers. It is possible to walk in victory. But you must be intentional. You must guard your gates, feed your spirit, and run from sin.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age.” — Titus 2:11–12 (NASB)

Grace does not excuse lust—it teaches us to overcome it. God is holy, and He calls you to be holy. He will never leave you to fight alone. When you fall, get back up. When you’re weak, call on His strength. When the fire of temptation rises, run—because victory waits on the other side of obedience.

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Prayer

Abba Father, I come before You confessing my weakness. I cannot master the flesh without Your Spirit. I renounce every craving that sets itself against Your will, and I choose to flee temptation like Joseph. Fill me with power to walk in self-control. Make me pure in thought, pure in heart, and pure in action. Let the fire of Your holiness burn away every impure desire. Teach me to crave Your presence more than pleasure, and help me walk in victory every day. I want more of You, Lord, and less of me. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

See Also

Personal Holiness

Eyes of Contentment

Introduction to the Series

This article marks the beginning of a 12-part series called “From Struggle to Strength: Overcoming Sin Through Christ.” Each piece will shine a biblical light on one of the everyday sins that quietly entangle our hearts and hinder our walk with God. From pride to fear, from lust to laziness, we will not only expose the subtle power of these sins—but also reveal the victorious path God has laid out for us to overcome them through His truth, Spirit, and grace.

We begin with the lust of the eyes, a sin as ancient as Eden and as modern as your phone screen. Through Scripture, practical wisdom, and the hope we have in Yeshua, this series will help you fight sin not with shame—but with freedom. Let us walk this journey together, fixing our eyes on the One who makes us whole.

Overcoming the Lust of the Eyes

Do you often find yourself chasing after what you see—desiring newer things, better possessions, or the lifestyles others portray? You’re not alone. The lust of the eyes affects us all, subtly shaping our desires and leaving us restless and dissatisfied. But the good news is, by focusing on contentment in God, you can start overcoming the lust of the eyes.

From the very start, humanity has wrestled with this struggle. Eve’s temptation began when she saw fruit that appeared desirable (Genesis 3:6 NASB). That one look opened the door to sin, dissatisfaction, and sorrow. In today’s digital age, the temptation is amplified as we’re constantly shown idealized images that stir envy and discontent. By recognizing these triggers, you can take the first step toward overcoming the lust of the eyes.

Yet God calls you to something greater: contentment. True contentment doesn’t depend on external circumstances or possessions. As the Apostle Paul wisely said, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11 NASB). Paul didn’t stumble into this peace; he actively pursued it. You can, too, by overcoming the desires of the eyes.

To overcome the lust of the eyes, you must intentionally shift your focus from temporary pleasures to eternal treasures. Fix your gaze on Jesus (Yeshua), the one who fulfills every genuine need. Pray earnestly with the psalmist, “Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, and revive me in Your ways” (Psalm 119:37 NASB).

Here are three practical steps to cultivate contentment and overcome the lust of the eyes:

  1. Control Your Vision: Limit exposure to things that trigger envy or dissatisfaction, choosing instead media and content that build you spiritually and aid in overcoming the lust.
  2. Prioritize Scripture: Daily engage with God’s Word, allowing it to shape your perspective and desires, focusing on overcoming the temptations of the eyes.
  3. Practice Gratitude: Regularly thank God for your blessings, big and small. Gratitude shifts your focus away from what you lack toward what you’ve graciously received. This gratitude can play a significant role in overcoming the lust of the eyes.

You were created not to chase endless desires but to experience deep fulfillment in God Himself. The more clearly you see Him, the less appealing the world’s fleeting pleasures become, assisting in overcoming the lust of the eyes. True contentment awaits as you anchor your vision in His eternal promises.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide my eyes to focus on what truly matters—You and Your kingdom. Help me overcome desires that lead me away from You. Teach me contentment, fill my heart with gratitude, and let my satisfaction always be found in You alone. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

See Also

Devotion to God

The Heart Before God: Trusting Him Over Ourselves

“Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the LORD and whose hope and confident expectation is the LORD.” — Jeremiah 17:7 AMP. This is a reflection of The Heart Before God.

The heart before God is a sacred battleground. It’s the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23)—yet God says it is also deceitful above all things. That contradiction arrests us. We long to follow God, yet wrestle with thoughts, motives, and desires that war against His Spirit. In Jeremiah 17:7-10, God shows us two kinds of people: one who trusts in the Lord and one who trusts in man—including himself.

The one who trusts in El Shaddai is likened to a tree planted by the water. This isn’t a casual believer—this is a person whose hope and expectation are rooted in God alone. When heat comes, this believer doesn’t fear. When drought strikes, he continues to bear fruit. Why? Because his strength isn’t in his own heart, but in the presence of Yahweh. He lives by the river of God’s Spirit. He is nourished daily. He is not shaken.

But then comes the divine diagnosis: “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV). This is not poetic exaggeration. The Hebrew word translated “desperately wicked” can mean incurable or sick beyond healing. The heart before God, left to itself, cannot be trusted. It justifies sin. It hides selfish ambition behind religious behavior. It seeks applause while pretending to serve. And the terrifying truth? We don’t even see it.

Only God can.

“I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, to give to each person according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NASB). Here is divine justice—not based on appearance or confession, but on the hidden motivations behind our actions. Jesus echoed this in Matthew 15:19 (NASB): “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander.” He made it clear: our actions are the fruit, but the heart is the root.

This is why the psalmist cried out: “Search me, God, and know my heart; put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23, NASB). David understood that the heart before God must be laid bare—not hidden, not justified, not excused. We cannot cleanse ourselves. We cannot diagnose ourselves. But when we offer our hearts to Adonai, He begins the work of transformation.

Paul reminded the Romans that true change begins in the heart: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, NASB). This transformation isn’t external—it’s inward, by the Spirit. And again, he wrote, “With the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness…” (Romans 10:10, NASB). The heart must believe in Yeshua. It must trust in God, not in its own instincts or emotions.

Jesus declared, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NASB). A pure heart isn’t a perfect heart—it’s a surrendered heart. A heart tested by fire, cleansed by truth, and kept by faith. A heart that no longer exalts self but bows in awe before the throne of grace.

The Heart Before God Requires Daily Surrender

The heart before God cannot be treated casually. It must be surrendered each day, tested by His Word, and yielded to His Spirit. God is not looking for religious effort—He’s searching for hearts that are fully His (2 Chronicles 16:9). Hearts that don’t trust in circumstances, strength, or emotion, but in the faithfulness of God Almighty.

So we must pray like David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, NASB). This is not a one-time request. It’s the daily cry of those who desire to walk with God—not with hollow religion but with authentic faith.

Prayer

Father, I surrender my heart to You. I confess that it is deceitful and often led by emotion or pride. Search me, test me, and purify me. Plant me by Your waters and anchor me in Your truth. Let my roots grow deep in You so that I may not fear when trouble comes. I desire a heart that is clean, steady, and full of faith. Show me where I trust in myself, and lead me into full dependence on You. Let the heart before You be honest, humble, and wholly Yours. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

Want more fruit in your life? Start with the heart.

When we get the heart before God right, everything else begins to align.

See Also

Devotion to God, Spiritual Growth

Guard Your Heart and Seek God’s Presence

In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy for our hearts to become burdened by things that pull us away from God. But as believers, we are called to guard our hearts, seek His face, and pursue His presence above all else. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence continually. If we are not intentional, we may find ourselves drifting—settling for what is good instead of pressing into God’s best.

Why Guarding Your Heart Matters

Scripture reminds us:

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23 (NASB)

Everything we do flows from the condition of our hearts. If we allow sin, distractions, or discouragement to take root, our faith can become weak. But when we guard our hearts—aligning them with God’s Word and seeking His presence—we walk in the abundant life He has promised. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence to maintain a strong, unwavering faith.

The enemy wants to fill your heart with doubt, fear, and compromise. He wants you to believe that the things of this world will satisfy you. But the truth is, only God can fill the deep hunger of your soul. That’s why we must be vigilant, continually surrendering our hearts to Him.

Seek God’s Face, Not Just His Blessings

Too often, we focus on seeking God’s hand—His provision, His guidance, His blessings. But true fulfillment comes from seeking His face.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

God doesn’t just want to direct your steps—He wants a relationship with you. When we prioritize His presence, everything else falls into place.

Think about the moments when you’ve felt closest to God. Were they when everything was perfect, or were they when you were desperate for Him? Often, the deepest encounters with God come when we remove distractions and press into His presence.

Follow the Voice of the Good Shepherd

“My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” – John 10:27 (NASB)

God is always speaking, but are we listening? If your heart feels heavy, if you sense a shift in your spirit, take time to seek His voice. He may be calling you into a new season, asking you to let go of something that no longer aligns with His purpose for you.

Don’t settle for what is comfortable—pursue His best. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence, for God’s ways are higher than ours, and even when we don’t understand, we can trust Him completely.

Seasons Change, But God’s Presence Remains

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NASB)

Every believer walks through different seasons—times of growth, rest, pruning, and preparation. If you feel a shift in your heart, don’t resist it. Bring it before the Lord and trust that He is leading you for a reason.

This is your time to draw near. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence. Let nothing pull you away from His presence. Seek Him with all your heart, and He will meet you in ways you never imagined.

Final Encouragement

God is calling you deeper. Guard your heart, listen for His voice, and pursue His presence relentlessly. The more you seek Him, the more you will find Him. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence. He is your greatest reward.

If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded to seek God first. Let’s pursue His presence together!

See Also