Present Truth # 1
God's Letter to You

Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance
At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise.

Who Wrote the Bible?
Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors.

“ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown.

Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2.

No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance.

Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Divisions
Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written).

The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.

“The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization.

“The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does.

“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23.

“Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated.

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God!

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9.

Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

“The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope.

The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order.

Can Everyone Understand the Bible?
For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.”

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them.

The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2.

As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright.

Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding?

One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16.

In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden.

Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17.

The Theme of Bible Inspiration
Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word?
Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake!

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13.

This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us.

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.

**God does not hear the prayer of one who prays and stays in sin**

Seeking God cannot be an empty gesture. It must come with purpose in the heart, with genuine intention — this is how the prophets sought the Lord's face: *"Then I proclaimed a fast there... that we might afflict ourselves before our God"* (Ezra 8:21). Fasting and prayer are a way of emptying the heart of everything that is sin, so that God has room to speak and act. And God knows the heart — He is not impressed by fasting of the mouth, mere outward appearance, while the heart remains distant (Isaiah 58:3-6).

There's a striking episode where a Canaanite woman cries out for help, and Jesus responds in a way that shocks at first: *"It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs"* (Matthew 15:26). The bread — the blessings, the miracles, God's answers — belongs to those who are children. To those who have intimacy, who live inside the Father's house. It's not for those who ask from the outside, living in sin, with no commitment to change. The woman, however, insists with faith and humility, and Jesus recognizes her great faith. The lesson remains the same: the position of a child opens a door that the position of a stranger does not.

And that's exactly why Scripture teaches: *"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"* (Matthew 7:7). That promise is real, but it isn't unconditional — it's for those who live as children, sanctified, truly walking with God. Whoever sanctifies themselves, whoever surrenders their life without reservation, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and whatever they ask within God's will, they will receive, because it is written.

But this must be said: *"we know that God heareth not sinners"* (John 9:31). It's no use fasting, weeping, crying out, asking for blessing, while deliberately living in sin with no intention of letting go. God cannot be manipulated by tears or by forced fasting. He waits for the heart — broken, sincere, willing to change.

If you want to see God answer your prayers, the path begins before the request: it's sanctification. It's living as a child, not as someone who only wants the crumbs from the table while living far from home.

*Remember that the Word of God is a statute.*

Annabel Allu

1 September

Have Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken

Psalm 37:25 (AMP)
“I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous [those in right standing with God] abandoned or his descendants pleading for bread.”

God Has Never Forgotten You
There are seasons when life can make you wonder whether God sees what you are going through.
You may look at your circumstances and think, “Lord, how am I going to get through this?” Perhaps provision seems uncertain, the future feels unstable, or you have been waiting so long for an answer that discouragement has begun to creep into your heart.

But David gives us a powerful testimony: he had lived long enough to see many seasons, yet he could testify that God had never abandoned His righteous ones.

Notice that David didn't say the righteous never experience hardship. He didn't say they never face lack, disappointment, uncertainty, or difficult seasons. His testimony was that God does not abandon His children in the middle of those things.

Sometimes God's provision doesn't arrive in the way or timing we expected. Sometimes He provides through an unexpected opportunity, a person, a door that opens, strength for another day, or simply the grace to keep going when we don't know what tomorrow holds.

But He remains faithful.
Your present circumstance is not proof of God's absence.
A difficult season does not mean God has forgotten your name. A delayed answer does not mean He has changed His mind about you. A season of uncertainty does not mean you are walking alone.

The same God who carried you through yesterday is already present in your tomorrow.

Remember What God Has Already Done
David's confidence came from looking back.
“I have been young and now I am old…”
In other words: “I have lived long enough to know that God is faithful.”

There is power in remembering.
Think back over your own journey. Remember the doors God opened. Remember the times you thought you wouldn't make it, yet somehow you did. Remember the strength that came when you had none left. Remember the provision that arrived at just the right moment.

Those moments become reminders for today:
If God was faithful then, He is still faithful now.
You don't have to understand everything God is doing to trust the God who is doing it.

God Is Your Provider
Psalm 37:25 reminds us that our security ultimately does not come from our circumstances—it comes from God.
People can change. Jobs can change. Economies can change. Plans can change. Life can change.
God does not.

He knows what you need before you ask. He sees what you cannot see. He knows where your provision will come from before you even know there is a need.
So today, refuse to let fear tell you that you have been forgotten.

Lift your eyes above the circumstance and remember the character of your Father.
He is faithful.
He is trustworthy.
He is your provider.
He will not abandon you.
Your story isn't finished.

Prayer
Father,
Thank You for reminding me that You never abandon those who trust in You. When I look at my circumstances and become afraid of what tomorrow may bring, help me to remember Your faithfulness.
Thank You for every time You have carried me, provided for me, protected me, and made a way when I couldn't see one.
Forgive me for the times I have allowed fear to make me question Your presence.
Help me to trust You even when I don't understand Your timing. Teach me to walk by faith and not by what I see. Give me peace when provision seems uncertain and courage when the future feels unknown.
Lord, I choose to believe that You have not forgotten me.
You are still my Provider.
You are still my Shepherd.
You are still my refuge.
You are still faithful.
Let my life become a testimony like David's—that after walking through many seasons, I can look back and say:
“God never left me. God never abandoned me. God was faithful every step of the way.”
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Today’s Declaration
“I will not fear what tomorrow holds, because I know who holds tomorrow. God has never abandoned me, and He will remain faithful to me. I am not forgotten. I am not alone. My Father is my Provider, and I choose to trust Him.”

Hold on to this today: God's silence is not His absence, and your waiting season is not a forgotten season.

ARE YOU REALLY FIGHTING PORNOGRAPHY—OR NEGOTIATING WITH IT?
A Christian Call to Declare War on Sexual Sin
Pastor Joseph Clark

There comes a point in every Christian’s battle with pornography when we need to stop asking, “How can I manage this temptation?”

And start asking:

“How badly do I want to be free?”

Because pornography is not harmless entertainment.

It is not merely a private weakness.

It is not something Christians should simply learn to “live with.”

It is a temptation that can become an enslaving pattern of lust, fantasy, secrecy and sin. It can consume the imagination, corrupt the way we see other people, damage marriages and relationships, steal time, weaken prayer, and draw the heart away from the purity to which Christ has called His people.

And if you are a Christian who is fighting pornography, you need to understand something:

You are in a fight.

The question is whether you are actually fighting.

Or whether you are negotiating.

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STOP NEGOTIATING WITH TEMPTATION

One of the greatest mistakes we make with temptation is giving it a conversation.

“I’ll just look for a minute.”

“I won’t go any further.”

“I’ve been good for two weeks.”

“This isn’t really pornography.”

“Nobody knows.”

“God will forgive me.”

That isn’t resistance.

That’s negotiation.

And Scripture doesn’t tell us to negotiate with sexual temptation.

It tells us to flee.

“Flee fornication.”

— 1 Corinthians 6:18

Paul told Timothy:

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

— 2 Timothy 2:22

Notice the word:

FLEE.

Not debate.

Not analyze.

Not negotiate.

Not see how close you can get without crossing the line.

Run.

Joseph understood this.

When Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him, Joseph didn’t stay around to see how strong his resistance would be.

When she grabbed him, Scripture says:

“And he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.”

— Genesis 39:12

Joseph ran.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is close the laptop.

Sometimes it’s putting the phone down.

Sometimes it’s getting out of bed.

Sometimes it’s leaving the room.

Sometimes it’s calling your accountability partner.

Sometimes it’s getting on your knees.

FLEE.

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JESUS DIDN’T NEGOTIATE WITH SATAN

Look at Jesus in the wilderness.

Satan came when Jesus was physically weakened after fasting forty days and forty nights.

The devil tempted Him.

And what did Jesus do?

He didn’t engage Satan in a philosophical debate.

He didn’t entertain the temptation.

He didn’t say, “Let me think about that.”

He said:

“It is written.”

When Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread, Jesus answered:

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

— Matthew 4:4

When Satan twisted Scripture to tempt Him again, Jesus answered:

“It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”

— Matthew 4:7

And when Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world:

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

— Matthew 4:10

Three temptations.

Three answers rooted in Scripture.

“It is written.”

That’s your model.

When pornography comes knocking, you need something stronger than emotion.

Something stronger than willpower.

Something stronger than the promise that “this will make you feel good.”

You need the Word of God.

David said:

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

— Psalm 119:11

Don’t wait until you’re already looking at pornography to start thinking about holiness.

Put the Word in your heart now.

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DECLARE WAR

Let’s be blunt.

If pornography has become a recurring sin in your life, declare war on it.

Don’t declare war on it tomorrow.

Don’t declare war on it after one more failure.

Declare war today.

Jesus used deliberately shocking language when describing how seriously we must treat sin:

“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee…”

— Matthew 5:29

And:

“And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee…”

— Matthew 5:30

Jesus is not commanding literal self-mutilation.

He is teaching us that we must deal with sin radically and decisively.

If your smartphone repeatedly becomes the doorway to pornography, change how you use your smartphone.

If being alone late at night repeatedly leads you into sin, change your nighttime routine.

If particular websites, social-media accounts, or applications trigger lust, eliminate them.

If unrestricted internet access is destroying your purity, install safeguards.

If secrecy is feeding the problem, bring it into the light.

Stop protecting your access to the sin you claim you want to defeat.

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ARE YOU REALLY STRUGGLING?

This is where the question gets uncomfortable.

A Christian can struggle with sin.

Paul describes the conflict between flesh and Spirit:

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other…”

— Galatians 5:17

There is a battle.

There is resistance.

There is conflict.

But ask yourself:

Are you actually resisting?

Are you praying?

Are you fasting?

Are you reading Scripture?

Do you have an accountability partner?

Have you told another mature Christian about the problem?

Have you installed accountability software?

Have you removed private access to pornography?

Have you changed your routines?

Have you identified your triggers?

Have you stopped following accounts that stimulate lust?

Have you changed the environment in which you repeatedly fall?

Are you seeking pastoral help?

Are you willing to seek professional Christian counseling when appropriate?

Are you willing to seek a biblically grounded deliverance ministry if you believe you are dealing with entrenched spiritual bondage?

Or are you simply saying:

“I really want to stop”

while keeping every door open?

That’s not war.

That’s a weak attempt to negotiate a ceasefire with your own sin.

Commit.

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MAKE PORNOGRAPHY YOUR ENEMY

Paul says:

“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God…”

— Romans 6:13

You have a choice about what you present yourself to.

What are you yielding?

Your eyes?

Your imagination?

Your phone?

Your computer?

Your time?

Your sexuality?

Your mind?

Your body?

Who gets them?

Pornography wants them.

Christ wants them.

Choose.

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DON’T BE IDLE

Idleness can become an open door.

If you are constantly alone, bored, scrolling, lying in bed, wandering through the internet, and allowing your mind to drift wherever it wants, don’t be surprised when temptation finds you.

Get busy.

Work.

Exercise.

Study.

Read.

Serve.

Pray.

Go outside.

Spend time with people.

Serve the church.

Build something.

Learn something.

Pursue your calling.

Paul instructed believers:

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands…”

— 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Don’t give temptation an empty house to occupy.

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BRING THE BATTLE INTO THE LIGHT

Pornography thrives in secrecy.

That is why accountability matters.

James says:

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”

— James 5:16

Find someone trustworthy.

A mature Christian man.

A pastor.

A mentor.

An accountability partner.

Someone who will actually ask you the hard questions.

Not:

“Everything okay?”

But:

“Have you looked at pornography?”

“Have you intentionally searched for sexually explicit material?”

“Are there apps on your phone that you are hiding?”

“Have you been honest with me?”

You don’t need someone who merely makes you feel better.

You need someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth.

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SAFEGUARD YOUR DEVICES

Let’s stop pretending that technology is neutral when we know how we are using it.

If your phone is the primary gateway to your sin, safeguard your phone.

If your laptop is the gateway, safeguard your laptop.

Use reputable filtering and accountability tools.

Remove applications that repeatedly lead you into temptation.

Don’t sleep with an unrestricted device beside your bed if nighttime is when you repeatedly fall.

Don’t keep secret browsers.

Don’t create hidden accounts.

Don’t maintain a private digital world that nobody else knows exists.

Jesus said:

“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee…”

— Matthew 5:29

The principle is clear:

Remove the access point.

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FAST AND PRAY

There are battles that should drive us to our knees.

Jesus Himself fasted when He entered the wilderness.

Matthew records:

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”

— Matthew 4:1

And:

“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.”

— Matthew 4:2

Fasting isn’t a magic formula.

It doesn’t purchase God’s favor.

But it can become a powerful expression of humility and dependence upon God.

Tell the Lord:

“Jesus, I cannot conquer this in my own strength. I need You.”

Pray when the temptation comes.

Pray before it comes.

Pray when you are strong.

Pray when you are weak.

And believe God.

Paul says:

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful…”

— 1 Corinthians 10:13

And then comes one of the greatest promises in Scripture:

“…but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

— 1 Corinthians 10:13

Look for the escape route.

And when God provides it—

TAKE IT.

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PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD

You are not merely fighting a website.

You are fighting temptation.

You are fighting lust.

You are fighting deception.

And Scripture describes the Christian life as spiritual warfare.

Paul says:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

— Ephesians 6:10–12

Then he tells us to take:

The belt of truth.

The breastplate of righteousness.

The Gospel of peace.

The shield of faith.

The helmet of salvation.

The sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.

And:

Prayer.

Pornography can become a powerful instrument of temptation and enslavement.

Don’t underestimate it.

Peter says:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Whom resist stedfast in the faith…”

— 1 Peter 5:8–9

Be sober.

Be vigilant.

Resist.

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SEEK DELIVERANCE IF YOU NEED IT

Some Christians experience pornography as an entrenched pattern of bondage that requires more intensive spiritual intervention.

If you believe that describes you, seek a mature, biblically grounded deliverance minister who understands Scripture, repentance, spiritual warfare, accountability, and the finished work of Christ.

One resource used in some Christian settings is Neil Anderson’s Bondage Breaking material.

But understand this carefully:

Your deliverer is not a minister.

Your deliverer is Jesus Christ.

No technique saves you.

No program saves you.

No deliverance minister saves you.

No accountability application saves you.

Jesus saves.

Jesus said:

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

— John 8:36

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FILL YOURSELF WITH CHRIST

Here’s the part many people miss.

The Christian life isn’t merely about removing pornography.

It’s about filling your life with Christ.

Paul says:

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

— Ephesians 5:18

Fill your mind with Scripture.

Fill your home with worship.

Fill your day with prayer.

Fill your time with service.

Fill your life with godly relationships.

Fill your heart with the things of God.

Paul tells us:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report… think on these things.”

— Philippians 4:8

The goal isn’t simply:

“I must stop thinking about pornography.”

The goal is:

“I want to think more about Christ.”

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TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME

You don’t have to promise God that you’ll never be tempted again.

You don’t have to figure out how you’re going to remain pure for the next thirty years.

Win today.

When tomorrow comes, win tomorrow.

Jesus said:

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.”

— Matthew 6:34

Take today seriously.

Today, don’t look.

Today, don’t search.

Today, don’t indulge.

Today, pray.

Today, read the Word.

Today, walk in the Spirit.

Today, keep your eyes on Jesus.

One day at a time.

⸻

AND IF YOU FALL—GET BACK UP

This is crucial.

If you fall, Satan will whisper:

“You failed again.”

Then:

“You’re a hypocrite.”

Then:

“You might as well keep going.”

Don’t listen.

Repent.

Confess it.

Get honest.

Tell your accountability partner.

Identify what led to the fall.

Close the door you left open.

And get back up.

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again…”

— Proverbs 24:16

One failure does not mean you should surrender.

A person who falls off a wagon doesn’t say:

“Well, I fell off, so I might as well lie in the road forever.”

Get back on.

Repentance means turning back toward God.

Don’t allow shame to become an excuse for continued sin.

⸻

DON’T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE

Never say:

“God forgives me, so it doesn’t matter.”

Paul asks:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

God forbid.”

— Romans 6:1–2

Grace is not permission to remain enslaved.

Grace teaches us:

“…denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

— Titus 2:12

Christ did not die to make you comfortable in your chains.

He came to set you free.

⸻

SO—ARE YOU REALLY FIGHTING?

Here is the question I want you to answer honestly.

Are you really fighting pornography?

Or are you negotiating with it?

Are you praying?

Are you fasting?

Are you in the Word?

Are you accountable?

Are your devices protected?

Are you eliminating your triggers?

Are you fleeing immediately?

Are you seeking help?

Are you willing to confess?

Are you willing to change your habits?

Are you willing to sacrifice convenience for purity?

Are you treating pornography like the serious spiritual threat that it is?

Because you cannot declare war on pornography while secretly maintaining a supply line to it.

You must choose.

You cannot serve Christ and willingly cultivate the sin that is destroying your fellowship with Him.

Jesus said:

“No man can serve two masters…”

— Matthew 6:24

So declare war.

Not against yourself.

Not against your sexuality.

Not against God’s good design for sexual intimacy.

Declare war against lust.

Declare war against pornography.

Declare war against secrecy.

Declare war against compromise.

Declare war against the lies that tell you that you cannot change.

And then—

LOOK TO JESUS.

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

— Hebrews 12:1–2

Your hope isn’t your willpower.

Your hope isn’t your perfect record.

Your hope isn’t an accountability application.

Your hope isn’t a deliverance minister.

YOUR HOPE IS JESUS CHRIST.

Submit to God.

Resist the devil.

Flee temptation.

Take the escape route.

Get back up when you fall.

Stay in the Word.

Put on the armour.

And keep your eyes on Jesus.

James gives us the battle cry:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

— James 4:7–8

SUBMIT.

RESIST.

DRAW NEAR.

And keep fighting.

⸻

A PRAYER FOR FREEDOM FROM PORNOGRAPHY AND SIN

Heavenly Father,

I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ.

I plead the blood of Jesus over all sin, sickness, temptation, evil, suffering, sexual sin, lust, and pornography.

I reject Satan and all his evil works.

I reject every lie, deception, temptation, bondage, and stronghold that would draw me away from Jesus Christ.

I renounce pornography and sexual impurity.

I repent of every time I have willingly entertained lust, fantasy, pornography, or sexual sin.

Lord Jesus, forgive me.

Cleanse me.

Purify my heart.

Renew my mind.

Strengthen my spirit.

Give me the power to flee temptation rather than negotiate with it.

Give me discernment to recognize temptation before it takes hold.

Give me the courage to close the door, put down the phone, turn away from the screen, and run from whatever would lead me into sin.

I receive Jesus Christ with all my heart and soul as my Lord and Savior.

I surrender my body, my mind, my eyes, my imagination, my sexuality, my desires, my relationships, my future, and my entire life to Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit, fill me.

Teach me.

Guide me.

Strengthen me.

Convict me when I begin to wander.

Give me hatred for sin and a greater love for righteousness.

Help me to walk in purity.

Help me to walk in holiness.

Help me to walk in obedience.

Give me strength to fast.

Give me strength to pray.

Give me strength to stay in Your Word.

Give me wisdom to establish safeguards and accountability.

Give me humility to ask for help when I need it.

When temptation comes, remind me that You have provided a way of escape.

When I am weak, remind me that Your grace is sufficient.

When I fall, give me the humility to repent and the courage to rise again.

I declare that pornography will not be my master.

Lust will not be my master.

Sin will not be my master.

Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Master.

I submit myself to God.

I resist the devil.

I draw near to Jesus Christ.

And I place my complete faith and trust in Him.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

The Devil’s Goodness | GPS: God’s Positioning System

Not everything that looks like goodness comes from God.
In Genesis 3:5, in Matthew 4:3, and in Matthew 16:22-23, the devil disguised deception as compassion. He offered knowledge, bread, and even “care” — but behind it all was destruction.

And today, the same voice still speaks, dressed in modern ideologies and false compassion. What seems like “goodness” is often just a façade.

This message will open your eyes to the reality behind the so-called kindness of the enemy — and why only God’s Word can position us on the right path.
Watch until the end and share this truth.

#TheDevilsGoodness
#godspositioningsystem
#christianpodcast
#spiritualwarfare
#exposingthedevil
#falsecompassion
#wordofgod
#gospeltruth
#repentandbelieve
#KingdomOfGod
#jesusislord
#biblicaltruth

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

https://youtu.be/WdZ8xdqo8jQ?si=4Lzb0UoBklxPgATb

DBF-001-039 continues with John 2:18. The Jewish authorities now challenge Jesus to prove His authority. Their response exposes a recurring human problem: demanding that God prove Himself on our terms rather than submitting to the revelation He has already given.
DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP
DBF-001-039
Today’s Scripture
John 2:18 (ESV)
“So the Jews said to him, ‘What sign do you show us for doing these things?’”
Opening the Scriptures
Jesus had cleansed the temple.
He had driven out those who were misusing His Father’s house and had demonstrated unmistakable authority.
The Jewish authorities now confronted Him.
Their question was essentially:
What gives You the right to do this?
They demanded a sign.
This is striking because the problem Jesus confronted was already visible before them. The temple had been misused, yet instead of first examining what had gone wrong, they challenged the authority of the One who confronted it.
They wanted Jesus to prove Himself.
This attitude will appear repeatedly throughout His ministry.
People will see His works, hear His words, and still demand something more before they will believe.
The deeper problem is not always lack of evidence.
Sometimes it is an unwillingness to submit.
Living God’s Word Today
We must be careful not to approach God in the same way.
We can quietly begin making bargains with Him.
“God, if You answer this prayer, then I will trust You.”
“If You solve this problem, then I will believe You are with me.”
“If You give me what I ask for, then I will obey.”
That is not biblical faith.
God does not stand before us waiting to pass our examination. We stand before Him.
He has revealed Himself in creation.
He has spoken through His Word.
Most importantly, He has revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our responsibility is not to demand that God continually prove Himself according to conditions we establish.
Our responsibility is to hear His Word, believe Him, and obey.
This does not mean Christians should never ask sincere questions. Scripture contains many faithful servants of God who cried out for understanding during difficult circumstances.
There is a great difference, however, between seeking understanding and demanding proof before we will obey.
One says:
“Lord, help me understand.”
The other says:
“Lord, prove Yourself to me first.”
The religious leaders were standing before Jesus Christ, yet they demanded another sign.
We should examine our own hearts before criticizing theirs.
God has already given us the greatest revelation possible.
He has given us His Son.
And as we continue through John’s Gospel, we will discover that Jesus will point toward the greatest sign of all: His death and resurrection.
Do not build your faith upon demanding another miracle.
Build your life upon the Christ revealed in God’s Word.
Question for Today
Are you trusting what God has revealed, or are you demanding that He prove Himself on your terms?
Respond: “Lord, help me trust Your Word and obey You.”

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(PROVERBS 31)

1. The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

2. What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, son of my vows?

3. Do not give your strength to women,
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;

5. Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

6. Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

7. Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.

8. Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.

9. Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10. Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.

11. The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.

12. She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

13. She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.

14. She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.

15. She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.

16. She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.

17. She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.

18. She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.

19. She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.

20. She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

21. She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

22. She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23. Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

24. She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.

25. Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.

26. She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27. She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28. Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:

29“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”

30. Charm is
deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who
fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31. Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Did you know?
The sanctuary was not merely an ancient place of worship. It was God’s illustrated plan of redemption.

Scripture calls the earthly sanctuary a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5). Its services were symbolic, pointing beyond themselves to the saving work of Christ.

Every part taught something.

The sacrifices revealed that sin brings death and that forgiveness requires the shedding of blood.
The priesthood revealed the need for a mediator between God and man.
The daily ministry showed how confessed sin was dealt with through the blood of the sacrifice.
The Day of Atonement revealed a final work of cleansing, judgment, and the ultimate removal of sin.

Even the yearly feasts followed the same redemptive pattern.

Passover pointed to Christ our sacrifice.
Unleavened Bread pointed to His sinless life and burial.
Firstfruits pointed to His resurrection.
Pentecost pointed to the inauguration of the heavenly sanctuary and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Trumpets announced the approaching judgment.
The Day of Atonement pointed to the final judgement ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.
Tabernacles pointed forward to the final gathering and dwelling of God with His redeemed people.

This is why the sanctuary matters.

The cross cannot be separated from the priesthood.
The sacrifice cannot be separated from the ministry of the blood.
And the daily service cannot be separated from the final cleansing on the Day of Atonement.

Together, the sanctuary, its sacrifices, its priesthood, and its feasts form one connected prophetic picture of the entire work of redemption—from the death of Christ to the final removal of sin.

“Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary.” — Psalm 77:13

Hebrews 8:5 • Hebrews 9:9, 23–24 • Colossians 2:16–17

A Nugget of Truth.
SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE WORD

Jesus prayed:
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17

Sanctification is the work of God in transforming the life and character of the believer, and Jesus tells us that His Word is the instrument of that sanctification.

But we cannot expect the Word to transform us if we rarely open it.

Just as the body needs daily food, the spiritual life needs daily nourishment from the Scriptures. Jesus said:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4

Reading the Bible is not simply about gaining knowledge. We are to allow its truth to correct us, convict us, teach us, and change the way we think, speak, and live.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11

True sanctification produces a visible change in character, conduct, speech, attitudes, and choices. The more we behold Christ in His Word, the more our lives are brought into harmony with His character.

The Bible should therefore not be something we turn to only once a week. If we want to grow in holiness, overcome sin, recognise deception, and become more like Christ, we need His Word in our minds and hearts every day.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Daily Bible study is not what earns salvation—it is one of the primary ways God works His truth into the life of the person He is saving.