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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Amen. Here is a strong KJV prayer for all ministries to manifest the gifts of the Spirit, and for the Holy Spirit and His healing power to move in the church today.

Prayer for the Gifts of the Spirit and Healing Power in the Church Today

Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ,

I come before You today asking that Your Holy Spirit have full liberty to move throughout the church. Let every ministry, every minister, every servant, and every member yield themselves completely to You.

Father, let the gifts of the Spirit manifest according to Your perfect will. Give wisdom, knowledge, faith, discernment, prophecy, healing, miracles, tongues, and interpretation as You see fit. Let every gift operate in love, humility, order, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7

Lord, fill Your ministers and Your people afresh with the Holy Ghost. Give pastors, preachers, teachers, evangelists, worship leaders, singers, musicians, intercessors, and every ministry servant boldness and sensitivity to Your Spirit.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” — Ephesians 5:18

Father, let the healing power of the Holy Ghost manifest in the church today. Stretch forth Your hand to heal the sick, the hurting, the brokenhearted, and those who are suffering. Let faith arise in the hearts of Your people.

“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people.” — Acts 5:12

Lord Jesus, You are still our Healer. Let Your healing mercy touch bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. Bring comfort to those who are hurting and strength to those who are weak.

“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him.” — James 5:14

Holy Spirit, have Your way in every service today. Let there be no confusion, pride, competition, or striving for recognition. Let everything be done for the glory of God and the building up of His people.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40

Father, let the preaching of Your Word be accompanied by the demonstration of Your power. Let unbelievers see Your goodness, let the lost be saved, let the bound be set free, let the discouraged receive hope, and let the sick receive prayer and comfort.

“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” — 1 Corinthians 4:20

Lord, increase the faith of Your church. Teach us to seek the Giver more than the gifts. Let every spiritual gift point people toward Jesus Christ and bring glory to Your holy name.

“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts.” — 1 Corinthians 14:1

Father, pour out Your Spirit upon the church today. Let worship rise, let prayer rise, let faith rise, and let Your presence fill the house.

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” — Acts 2:17

I pray that every ministry would function according to the calling You have placed upon it. Give each person grace to serve faithfully, courage to obey You, and discernment to know when and how the Holy Spirit is leading.

Let there be salvations, deliverances, healings, restoration, reconciliation, repentance, miracles, signs, wonders, and powerful testimonies, all according to Your will and all bringing glory to Jesus Christ.

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple... did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God.” — Acts 2:46–47

Heavenly Father, have Your way in the church today. Let the Holy Spirit move freely. Let Your Word go forth with power. Let Your healing presence touch those who need You. Let every ministry operate in love and unity, and let Jesus Christ be exalted above everything.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6

In the mighty, powerful, and precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS

SERMON TOPIC:

5 “RELIGIONS” THAT SEEM CHRISTIAN, BUT ARE NOT!

Theme Scripture:

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders…” — Matthew 24:24

> Important clarification: This message should not be used to attack people or mock sincere believers. The issue is doctrine—what a movement teaches about Jesus Christ, salvation, Scripture, and the gospel. Some groups may use Christian language while holding beliefs that differ fundamentally from historic biblical Christianity.

NOT EVERYTHING THAT SAYS “JESUS” PREACHES JESUS.

Church, one of the greatest dangers facing Christianity today is not only atheism.
It is deception wearing religious clothing.
The greatest danger is not always the person who says, “I don't believe in Jesus.” Sometimes the greater danger is the person who says, “Jesus is Lord,” carries a Bible, talks about prayer, sings Christian songs—but teaches another gospel.
Jesus warned us:
Matthew 7:15:
> “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing…”

Notice something: Jesus did not say they would come looking like wolves.
They come in sheep's clothing.
That means deception can look familiar.
It can sound spiritual.
It can quote Scripture.
It can mention Jesus.
It can even perform impressive religious activities.

But the question is:

WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?
Because Christianity is not simply about believing that Jesus existed.
It is about believing who Jesus is, what He accomplished on the cross, and how sinners are saved through Him.

1. THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES.

Jehovah's Witnesses use the Bible extensively and speak about God and Jesus. However, their theology differs fundamentally from historic Christian doctrine.
One major difference concerns the identity of Jesus Christ.
Historic Christianity teaches that Jesus is truly God, eternally existing with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
John 1:1 says:
> “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
And John 1:14 identifies the Word:
> “And the Word was made flesh…”

Jesus is not merely a created messenger.
Why does this matter?
Because if Jesus is only a created being, then the biblical doctrine of Christ has been fundamentally changed.
Colossians 1:16 says concerning Christ:
> “For by him were all things created…”
If all things were created through Him, Christ cannot simply be another created thing.

Spiritual lesson:

Do not determine truth by how much Scripture someone quotes. Determine truth by whether their teaching agrees with the whole counsel of Scripture.

2. THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — LDS/MORMONISM.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses the name of Jesus Christ and teaches about God, salvation, prayer and family.
But its theology differs substantially from historic Christianity.
Among its distinctive teachings are additional scriptures and doctrines concerning God, humanity, Jesus Christ, salvation and eternal destiny.
The biblical faith teaches that Scripture is God's authoritative revelation and that the gospel of Christ is not to be replaced by another gospel.
Paul warned:
Galatians 1:8
> “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
The issue is therefore not merely:
“Do they talk about Jesus?”
The issue is:
“Is the Jesus they preach the Jesus revealed in Scripture?”
Paul said:
2 Corinthians 11:4
> “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus…
There can be a different Jesus presented using the same name.

3. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.

Christian Science uses Christian vocabulary and refers to Jesus, God, prayer and healing.
But its understanding of fundamental Christian doctrines differs significantly from biblical Christianity.
Historic Christianity teaches the reality of sin, the physical incarnation of Christ, His death and bodily resurrection.
The Bible says:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
> “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…”
The resurrection was not merely a spiritual idea.
Jesus physically rose from the dead.
Thomas was invited to touch the wounds of the risen Christ.
Jesus Himself said:
Luke 24:39
> “A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

Spiritual lesson:
Never reduce Christianity to positive thinking, spirituality or personal experience.
The Christian faith is grounded in the historical work of Jesus Christ.
The cross was real.
The blood was real.
The resurrection was real.
And salvation is real.

4. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM

Unitarian Universalism is religiously diverse and generally does not require belief in the historic Christian doctrines of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, or salvation through Christ alone.
This is important because Christianity is not simply:
> “Be a good person, love everybody, and believe in God.”
Jesus did not teach that human morality alone could save us.
Jesus said:
John 14:6
> “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Christianity is fundamentally Christ-centered.
Acts 4:12 declares:
> “Neither is there salvation in any other…”
The danger of religious morality
A person can be kind and still be spiritually lost.
A person can give to charity and still need salvation.
A person can help the poor and still need Christ.
Good works are important—but good works do not replace the gospel.
Ephesians 2:8–9 says:
> “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…”
5. ONENESS PENTECOSTALISM
Here we need to be especially careful.
Not everyone who uses the term "Oneness Pentecostal" believes exactly the same thing, but historic Christian churches generally regard Oneness theology as outside orthodox Trinitarian Christianity.
Why?
Because historic Christianity teaches:
One God in three distinct Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19 says:
> “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
At Jesus' baptism, we see the Son being baptized, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice from heaven.
The Father is not the Son.
The Son is not the Holy Spirit.
Yet there is one God.
This is the mystery of the Trinity.

Spiritual lesson:

We must never reshape God into something easier for our minds to understand.
We submit our understanding to God's revelation.

THE BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

THE BEREANS.

Acts 17:11 gives us one of the greatest examples of spiritual discernment.
The Bereans:
> “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Notice they did not blindly accept even Paul's preaching.
They searched the Scriptures.
That is spiritual maturity.
The question is not:
> “Who preached it?”
The question is:
> “Is it biblical?”
Not:
> “How popular is this teacher?”
But:
> “Does this teaching agree with Scripture?”
Not:
> “How many miracles happened?”
But:
> “Does this exalt the biblical Christ?”

5 TESTS FOR IDENTIFYING FALSE TEACHING.

1. WHAT DOES IT TEACH ABOUT JESUS?
Is Jesus truly God?
Did He truly become flesh?
Did He truly die?
Did He physically rise from the dead?
Is He the only Savior?
1 John 4:2–3 gives us a serious test concerning the confession of Christ.
2. WHAT DOES IT TEACH ABOUT SALVATION?
The biblical gospel says:
Ephesians 2:8:
> “For by grace are ye saved through faith…”
Salvation is not something we purchase with good works.
It is God's gift through faith in Christ.
3. WHAT AUTHORITY DOES IT GIVE SCRIPTURE?
Whenever a movement says:
> “The Bible is not enough; you need our special revelation…”
Christians must examine that claim carefully.
The Bereans searched the Scriptures.
Acts 17:11.
4. DOES IT PREACH ANOTHER GOSPEL?
Paul was extremely strong about this.
Galatians 1:9:
> “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
There is only one gospel.
5. DOES IT PRODUCE CHRISTLIKE FRUIT?
Jesus said:
Matthew 7:20
> “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Truth should produce holiness.
Grace should produce transformation.
The gospel should produce Christlikeness.

DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT.

The devil does not always need to convince people to stop believing in God.
Sometimes he only needs to convince them to believe in a distorted version of God.
That is why discernment is essential.
Satan quoted Scripture when he tempted Jesus.
Matthew 4:6.
So the question is not simply:
“Does this person quote the Bible?”
The question is:
“Is the Bible being interpreted correctly and is Christ being faithfully proclaimed?”

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS.

1. READ YOUR BIBLE FOR YOURSELF
Do not build your theology entirely on sermons, TikTok videos, Facebook posts or YouTube clips.
2 Timothy 2:15 calls believers to rightly divide the word of truth.
2. KNOW THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH
Know what the Bible teaches about:
God
Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
Sin
Salvation
Grace
The resurrection
The second coming
The authority of Scripture
3. TEST EVERY TEACHING
Don't reject something merely because it is unfamiliar.
And don't accept something merely because it is popular.

Test it by Scripture.

4. DON'T MOCK PEOPLE
Our assignment is not to insult people.
Our assignment is to speak the truth in love.
2 Timothy 2:24–25 teaches believers to correct those who oppose the truth with gentleness.
5. KEEP YOUR EYES ON CHRIST.
The goal of discernment is not to become experts in other people's errors.
The goal is to become deeply rooted in Jesus Christ and His Word.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION.

1. Who do I believe Jesus Christ really is?
2. Do I know the biblical gospel clearly?
3. Can I recognize false teaching when I hear it?
4. Do I read Scripture for myself?
5. Have I allowed popularity to become my standard for truth?
6. Am I following Christ—or merely following a religious personality?
7. Can I defend my faith from Scripture?

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS.

1.
Father, give me the spirit of discernment. Help me distinguish truth from error, in Jesus' name.
2.
Lord, establish me deeply in Your Word so that I will not be carried away by every doctrine.
3.
Father, reveal every false belief operating in my life and lead me into biblical truth.
4.
Lord Jesus, help me know You—not merely know about You.
5.
Give me wisdom to recognize false teachers without becoming judgmental, arrogant or hateful.
6.
Holy Spirit, protect my heart from deception and keep me faithful to the true gospel.
7.
Father, make me a faithful teacher of Your Word who will speak truth with love.

STRONG CLOSING:

DON'T JUST CARRY A BIBLE—KNOW THE CHRIST OF THE BIBLE

Beloved, we are living in a generation where information is everywhere but discernment is becoming scarce.
Everybody has a microphone.
Everybody has an opinion.
Everybody can build a platform.
Everybody can quote a Bible verse.
But not everybody is preaching the gospel.
Therefore, don't follow a preacher simply because he is famous.
Don't follow a movement because it is popular.
Don't follow a religion because it uses Christian language.

Follow Jesus Christ.
Search the Scriptures.
Test every doctrine.
Guard your faith.
Know the Word.
Know the Savior.
And when deception comes wearing religious clothing, may the Holy Spirit give you the wisdom to recognize it.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” — 1 John 4:1
The question is not merely, “Does it look Christian?”
The question is: “Does it faithfully proclaim the Jesus of Scripture and the gospel of grace?”
Stand on the Word.
Hold fast to Christ.
Walk in truth.
And never trade biblical truth for religious appearance.

Surrender to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you.
You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below

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CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173028, +2349055447540

Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST 2026

TOPIC: REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD, PART 2

MEMORIZE:
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," Jude 1:20 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: MARK 14:32-50
32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

MESSAGE:
Yesterday, I mentioned that you should recharge your spiritual energy whenever you feel a hunger in your spirit. This is very important; however, you should also continue to refuel your spiritual energy even when you don't feel a spiritual hunger so that you can be prepared ahead of any emergency. This is what I refer to as 'extra oil'. Extra oil is the reservoir of prayers and fasting that you have previously done and the Bible verses you have memorised that will come in handy when you are suddenly faced with a challenge. That is why you should always pray, fast, and study the word of God more than you think is necessary, because on days when you need a quick spiritual surge of power, it is from the reservoir that you have built that you will quickly recharge your energy.

For example, temptations can arise on a day when you are not fully charged, and you will need strength to resist them. It is from your extra oil that the strength will come. Likewise, if danger suddenly shows up or disaster strikes, you will need to switch to a war mode quickly, and that can only happen when you have a reservoir of oil in you. In such moments, you can start by speaking in tongues. As you speak in tongues, you will draw from the extra oil in your reservoir, and before long, you will feel a surge of power, and then you will be able to solve the problem at hand. However, nothing will happen if there is no extra oil in your reservoir, even if you speak vehemently in tongues when facing a disaster.

Child of God, nobody prepares for war on a battlefield. Oftentimes, commanders and soldiers plan their battle strategies long before wars break out. In Matthew 26:36-44, the Bible recounts how Jesus spent time praying earnestly in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was arrested. While He prayed, His disciples slept; therefore, when challenges arose, they had no extra oil to draw from, so they fled. Peter denied Jesus, and all the other disciples fainted on the day of adversity because their strength was small (Proverbs 24:10).

Beloved, pray more than you think is necessary before the day of adversity comes. Prayer is never a waste. Speak in tongues often, and spend ample time in God's presence so that when the day of adversity comes, you will have more than enough extra oil to draw strength from.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to immerse myself in prayer and give myself to the study of Your word daily.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
EZEKIEL 16 - 17

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL 12 - ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS!
1. Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,
Looking unto Jesus,
Who is gone before;
Christ, the Royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See His banners go.

CHORUS
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
Looking unto Jesus,
Who is gone before.

2. At the name of Jesus
Satan's host doth Ilee; On then, Christian soldiers On to victory! Hell's foundations quiver At the shout of praise: Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise.

3. Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God: Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, All one body we One in hope and doctrine, One in charity.

4. Crowns and thrones may
perish Kingdoms rise and wane; But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain: Gates of hell can never 'Gainst that church prevail; We have Christ's own promise And that cannot fail.

5. Onward then, ye people,
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song: "Glory, praise and honour, Unto Christ the King", - This, through countless ages, Men and angels sing.


‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
FRIDAY, 28TH AUGUST, 2026

REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD II
‎
‎PRAYER POINTS
‎
1.Father, thank You for the infilling of Your Holy Spirit on me. Thank You for satisfying me with Your word, to encourage and to strengthen at all times.

2.Father, please help me to continually refuel, recharge, and reload my spiritual energy in preparation ahead of any emergency, in Jesus' name.

3.Father, please help me never to come to a point where I feel too full to refuel my spiritual energy rather, let my life continually enjoy spiritual supply of energy, in Jesus' name.

4.Father, please may I never run out of extra oil in my walk with You, help me to fill my spiritual tank with Your word, prayers and fasting such that my reservoir will overflow at all times, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, please help me not to relent in the place of studying the word, intensive prayers and continuous fasting such that when I am faced with challenges, i can emerge more than a conqueror, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, please give me strength to resist the devil and to overcome in times of temptations, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, please help me to regularly engage myself in spiritual exercises that will keep me battle ready in the days of adversity, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, please help me not to sleep nor slumber when I ought to watch and pray so I won't faint or flee in the day of adversity, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, please help me to pray more than necessary, immerse me in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and help me to spend ample time in Your presence daily, in Jesus' name.

10.Father, please help me to immerse myself in prayers and myself to the study of Your word daily, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
Please help him never to be disconnected from prayers and the study of Your word daily, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name
‎
‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.
‎
‎14.Your personal petitions.
‎(Philippians 4:6)
‎
‎15.In Jesus name I pray.
‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
‎
#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

GOOD PEOPLE ARE DOING GREAT THINGS IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
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Drop a comment or send me a message for more details!
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TUESDAY MORNING FAMILY PRAYER!

“Lord, Cover Our Family, Heal Our Bodies, Save Our Souls, and Supply Our Needs!”

Heavenly Father,
On this Tuesday morning, we come before Your throne with grateful hearts. Before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for life, strength, grace, mercy, and another opportunity to call upon Your holy name.
Your Word declares:
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
Father, this morning we place our entire family into Your hands. Every mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, and extended family member—we cover them in prayer.
Lord, go where we cannot go. Touch those we cannot reach. Speak to hearts when our words are not enough. Protect our families from dangers seen and unseen, and let Your presence rest upon every household represented in our family.
Your Word says:
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” — Proverbs 18:10 (KJV)
Father, be our strong tower!
LORD, HEAL OUR FAMILY!
Father, we lift before You every family member who is struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.
Some are dealing with sickness in their bodies. Some are carrying pain that others cannot see. Some are fighting battles in their minds. Some are exhausted, discouraged, overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained.
But God, You know exactly where they are and exactly what they need!
You declared:
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV)
So, Father, we ask You to restore health!
Touch minds that are troubled.
Touch bodies that are hurting.
Touch hearts that are broken.
Strengthen those who are weak.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Encourage those who feel discouraged.
Give rest to those who are weary.
Lord Jesus, heal, deliver, restore, and set free!
Your Word declares:
“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” — Psalm 107:20 (KJV)
Father, send Your Word into every situation!
Where there is sickness, send healing.
Where there is bondage, send deliverance.
Where there is confusion, send clarity.
Where there is fear, send peace.
Where there is despair, send hope.
Where there is weakness, send strength.
We stand upon Your Word and believe that nothing is too hard for You!
LORD, SAVE OUR FAMILY!
Father, our prayer is not only for physical healing—we are crying out for souls to be saved!
We lift every family member who does not yet know Jesus Christ personally.
Lord, draw them to You.
Remove spiritual blindness. Break down hardened hearts. Remove every distraction, excuse, false teaching, and influence that keeps them from surrendering completely to Christ.
Jesus said:
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” — John 6:44 (KJV)
Father, draw our family!
Let somebody become hungry for Your Word.
Let somebody become tired of living without You.
Let somebody realize that possessions, accomplishments, relationships, and money cannot fill the place that belongs to Jesus.
Let the question rise within their hearts:
“What must I do to be saved?”
And just as Paul and Silas answered:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:30–31 (KJV)
Father, let salvation come into our households!
Your Word declares:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (KJV)
Let our family members call upon Jesus!
Let them repent.
Let them believe.
Let them surrender.
Let them be transformed.
We are praying not merely that they will know about Jesus, but that they will know Jesus and develop a genuine relationship with Him.
Lord, save our sons and daughters. Save our grandchildren. Save our siblings. Save our extended family. Let there be a spiritual awakening throughout our bloodline.
LORD, OPEN DOORS OF EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL PROVISION!
Father, we lift every family member searching for employment.
Some have submitted applications and are waiting.
Some are looking for better opportunities.
Some need promotions.
Some need pay increases.
Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet.
Some are carrying financial burdens that nobody else knows about.
Father, open doors that no man can shut!
Your Word says:
“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” — Revelation 3:8 (KJV)
Lord, send the right opportunities.
Give favor during interviews.
Give wisdom when making career decisions.
Give courage to walk through new doors.
Let résumés reach the right people.
Let applications receive favorable responses.
Let promotions come.
Let increases come.
Let opportunities come that exceed expectations.
And Father, for every family member struggling financially, remind us that You are our Source.
Your Word declares:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
We stand on that promise!
Provide food.
Provide shelter.
Provide transportation.
Provide employment.
Provide resources.
Provide wisdom to manage what You place into our hands.
And Father, teach us not only to pray for provision but to walk in wisdom concerning our finances.
Your Word says:
“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)
We declare that lack will not destroy our faith! We trust You as our Provider.
LORD, BRING LOVE AND UNITY INTO OUR FAMILY!
Father, strengthen our marriages. Strengthen relationships between parents and children. Restore broken relationships between brothers and sisters. Heal old wounds, misunderstandings, disappointments, and offenses.
Where pride has entered, bring humility.
Where anger has entered, bring forgiveness.
Where communication has broken down, bring understanding.
Where distance has developed, bring reconciliation according to Your will.
Your Word declares:
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14 (KJV)
Teach us to love one another with the love of Christ.
But Father, above everything else, teach our family to love YOU FIRST!
Jesus said:
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” — Mark 12:30 (KJV)
May our homes be places where You are honored.
May prayer live in our homes.
May Your Word live in our homes.
May forgiveness live in our homes.
May peace live in our homes.
May love live in our homes.
And may Jesus Christ always remain at the center of our families.
Father, as we go throughout this Tuesday, order our steps. Protect us traveling to work, school, appointments, and wherever this day may take us.
Keep Your hand upon our children and grandchildren.
Watch over our elderly family members.
Strengthen our caregivers.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Encourage those who are discouraged.
Restore those who have fallen.
Save those who are lost.
Heal those who are sick.
Provide for those who are struggling.
And unite our families through the love of Jesus Christ.
We declare the words of Psalm 133:1 (KJV):
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION...
Today, we declare that our family belongs to God!
We declare healing over the sick, peace over troubled minds, deliverance over those in bondage, salvation over the lost, employment for those seeking work, increase for those needing provision, and restoration over our relationships.
We declare that Jesus Christ will be lifted up in our homes.
We will love God first and love one another.
We declare that God is our Healer, our Deliverer, our Savior, our Provider, our Protector, and our Keeper!
And we believe that the God who began a good work in our family is faithful to complete it!
In the mighty, matchless, healing, saving, delivering, and providing name of JESUS CHRIST, we pray.
AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

Loving and Gracious in All Things

“There are those people who would say, ‘I’d rather deal with somebody who is rude, antagonistic and sarcastic, but when it really matters, is there for us in the big challenges of life.’

But when one reads the Holy Bible, Old and New Testament, the character of God is such that He expects us not only to be loving and gracious on the big things, but also on the little things. To be loving and gracious only when it really matters, or only when it is convenient, is not the character of Christ. We must be loving and gracious in all things—big and small.”

Christian Character Is Revealed in the Little Things

It is easy to admire someone who stands beside us during a great crisis. Faithfulness in difficult times matters. But Christianity calls us to something deeper.

God does not ask us to love only when the circumstances are serious. He calls us to love in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Jesus said:

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” — Luke 16:10

The little things matter because the little things reveal the heart.

How do we speak when we are irritated?
How do we treat someone who inconveniences us?
How do we respond when someone disagrees with us?
How do we speak about people who aren’t present?

These things may seem insignificant to the world, but they are not insignificant to God.

Love Is Not Selective

Jesus gave His followers a standard far higher than simply being decent when it is convenient:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” — John 13:34

Christ’s love was not reserved for emergencies. It was woven into everything He did.

Paul says:

“Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Notice the word all.

Not some things.

Not the important things.

All things.

Our speech, our attitudes, our reactions and our relationships are all opportunities to reflect Christ.

Paul also says:

“Let your speech be always with grace.” — Colossians 4:6

Always.

Not only when we are preaching.

Not only when we are dealing with someone we love.

Not only when someone is watching.

Always.

Even When People Are Difficult

Christian love is tested most when people are difficult.

Jesus said:

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” — Matthew 5:44

This does not mean Christians must tolerate abuse or refuse to confront wrongdoing. But even when we must establish boundaries or correct someone, we are not permitted to abandon Christlike love.

Proverbs tells us:

“A soft answer turneth away wrath.” — Proverbs 15:1

And Paul commands:

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32

Kindness is not weakness. Grace is not weakness. Forgiveness is not weakness.

These are marks of someone being transformed by Christ.

The Fruit of the Spirit Should Be Seen Every Day

Paul describes the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Galatians 5:22–23

Notice how many of these qualities are revealed in ordinary interactions.

Longsuffering. Gentleness. Goodness. Meekness.

A person may demonstrate extraordinary courage during a crisis and still need the Holy Spirit to teach them patience in everyday life.

Someone may sacrifice greatly for another person and yet continually wound others with their words.

Christianity is not merely about doing great things occasionally. It is about becoming a person whose ordinary life reflects Jesus Christ.

Christ in the Big and the Small

Paul writes:

“Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do.

That includes the dramatic moments of life—and the mundane ones.

So yes, be the person who stands beside someone when tragedy strikes.

Be the person who answers the call when someone is hurting.

But also:

Be kind when nothing important is happening.

Be patient when you are irritated.

Speak graciously when you could speak harshly.

Forgive the small offenses.

Refuse to return sarcasm with sarcasm and hostility with hostility.

Because the Christian calling is not simply to be loving when “it really matters.”

It is to be loving because Christ lives in us.

Jesus said:

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35

The world should see Christ not only in how we respond to life’s greatest tragedies, but in how we behave on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon.

Love in the big things.

Love in the little things.

Grace in the big things.

Grace in the little things.

Mercy in the big things.

Mercy in the little things.

Because there are no insignificant moments when we are called to represent Jesus Christ.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

That is the Christian life: not occasional goodness, but a life increasingly shaped by the character of Christ.

✟
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
1 John 3:16

In some Bible translations, John 19:2 reads
"And the soldiers TWISTED together a crown of thorns and placed it on His head..."

JESUS is The One King whom the Old Testament book of laws and of prophets all longed for.
HE is also the same LORD that the New Testament disciples all looked back on.

Today, we see a list of thousands of religious groups that were established even before we were born.

Some religions led families to charity, humility, and blessings of heaven, and we should be happy about that.

On the other hand, there are still existing congregations that when left unchecked, crush souls, control people, and create even more divisions while protecting and elevating a few, canceling others instead of celebrating shared prosperity together and of keeping alive our hope for eternity through our LORD JESUS CHRIST. This is devastating but not unusual. Sadly, it happens to both the humblest local sects and cathedrals of megachurches.

But The Bible ends with "GRACE", not with chronic depression and hopelessness.

The consistent pattern throughout the Scriptures is that it redirects all our devotion and attention to GOD.

The book of Genesis starts with: "In the beginning, GOD created..."

While Revelation ends with:

"The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all. Amen."

The scene where the soldiers thought of twisting together a crown of thorns displays this fallen world and our tendency to join or create yet another religion that may only give us and others headaches instead of leading us to have a vision of our Savior: THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH —JESUS.

And just as JESUS bled and was painfully hurt by the soldiers' twisted crown of thorns they designed for His head, we can also expect to experience a similar sense of treatment from others against our mental headspace as we now pursue the glory of GOD through His Son, JESUS CHRIST.

Our LORD has done His part.
His sacrifice on the cross is finished.
THE WORD OF GOD is sufficient.
His Holy Spirit is given to our hearts.

Reflection questions:

Where is He leading you today?
What is He directing you to do?
When was the last time you had an honest talk with JESUS?

Prayer:

Our Heavenly Father,

You are The GOD of sound mind.
You give clarity where there is confusion and provide us with correction when needed.
You feed Your children with daily bread through Your incorruptible WORD that nourishes, strengthens, and teaches us to see yet another day of grace through the cross of CHRIST.

Despite the twisted crown of thorns You humbly received from fallen humanity, You still finished Your journey then with us in Your mind.

Forgive us LORD GOD, for the many times we dishonored Your precious words by how we responded to Your grace through our actions and imaginations. We ask that you also give a forgiving heart to those we have hurt in this earthly journey and comfort us through the pains we still do carry.

We ask You to lead us into a lasting and honest fellowship with Your Holy Spirit and keep us joyfully serving You and the people You surround us with as we await Your return.

In JESUS' Name, Amen.

Matthew 12:49
“And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said,
Behold my mother and my brethren!”

#perception
#notdeception 🫣
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