THEME: GETHSEMANE HOUR/ALONE WITH GOD

TOPIC: O GOD, ARISE AND DELIVER ME FROM FINANCIAL DEVOURERS

Bible Reading: Malachi 3:10-12, Joel 2:25-27, Psalm 35:1-10

Recommended Time of Prayer: Between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Between 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am. Pray twice daily.

1. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries be delivered from every devourer assigned against the resources, finances, members, and kingdom work of this commission, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11)

2. O God, arise by Your mercy and preserve every member of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries from powers assigned to consume the fruits of their labour, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 90:17)

3. Father, let every devourer assigned against my finances, business, career, ministry, farm, and legitimate investments be defeated by Your mighty power, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11)

4. O God, arise by Your mercy and deliver me from every devourer eating up my harvest, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25)

5. Every power assigned to consume my income immediately after it comes into my hands, lose your hold over my finances, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 28:8)

6. Every satanic force turning my profitable efforts into repeated losses, be frustrated by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Job 5:12)

7. Father, rebuke every devourer attacking the fruits of my labour and let my harvest be preserved, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11)

8. Every hidden channel through which my financial resources are being wasted or drained, be exposed and closed by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Luke 8:17)

9. O Lord, protect my farm, business, career, ministry, investments, customers, contracts, and every legitimate source of income from destructive losses, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 121:7-8)

10. Every power assigned to make me labour without enjoying the reward of my labour, be defeated, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 65:23)

11. Father, restore every harvest that has been consumed through losses, setbacks, missed opportunities, and unprofitable ventures, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25)

12. Every evil pattern of financial leakage operating in my life, break by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 144:13-14)

13. O Lord, arise and frustrate every plan designed to divert my legitimate income and resources into unproductive channels, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 54:17)

14. Father, give me wisdom, discipline, and discernment to manage every resource You place in my hands and to recognize profitable opportunities, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

15. Every devouring power attacking the fruitfulness of my farm, business, career, and investments, be silenced by the authority of Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 23:5)

16. I declare that my labour shall produce profitable results. I shall eat the fruit of my labour and enjoy the work of my hands, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2)

17. O Lord, let every legitimate investment I make receive Your wisdom, protection, and favour. Let me not invest into loss or walk into financial traps, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

18. Father, let abundance replace scarcity, preservation replace wastage, and fruitful harvest replace repeated loss in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 23:1)

19. O Lord, preserve and prosper every current supporter and partner of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Let every devourer against their businesses, careers, families, and finances be rebuked, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 20:1-4)

20. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries never lack the resources needed to preach the gospel, win souls, and advance Your kingdom. Rebuke every devourer assigned against the finances of this work, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19; Malachi 3:11)

21. O God, arise by Your mercy and completely deliver me from every devourer assigned against my harvest. Let every power consuming my finances, business, career, ministry, farm, investments, opportunities, and legitimate income be defeated. I shall not labour in vain; I shall reap, enjoy, preserve, and multiply the fruits of my labour, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:25; Psalm 128:2)



TAKE NOTE OF YOUR DREAMS AND HIDE YOUR FEEDBACK

For more information/counselling: Email: dragnetgospelAnderson Mwila.com WhatsApp: +2348062343560

SHALOM

DAY 21- Morning

Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage

Reflection
Love Is a Daily Choice

Good morning,
We have spent this week talking about choosing love.
Choosing your spouse.
Choosing trust.
Choosing appreciation.
Choosing friendship.
Choosing romance.
Choosing forgiveness.
These are not merely feelings.
They are decisions.
There will be days when love feels effortless.
There will also be days when love requires discipline.
On those days, remember your covenant.
Remember God's grace.
Remember why you began.
And remember that Christ calls us to love—not only when it is convenient, but as a reflection of His own love for us.

God's Word
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." — Colossians 3:14

Today's Love Action
Tell your spouse:
"I choose you, and I choose to keep growing with you."
Then pray together for your marriage.

Let's Talk
Which choice has made the greatest difference in your marriage this week?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us that love is more than a feeling. Help us choose faithfulness, kindness, friendship, forgiveness and joy every day. May our marriage reflect Your covenant love. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair
The couples who build lasting marriages are not necessarily those who never struggle. They are those who keep returning to the decision to love.

Marriage Nugget
"Feelings may begin the journey, but faithful choices help love endure."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST 2026

TOPIC: BREAKING COVENANTS, PART 1

MEMORIZE:
"But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?" Ezekiel 17:15 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: 1 SAMUEL 2:27-31
27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?

28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.

MESSAGE:
God is faithful; He never breaks His promises, nor does He go back on His word. James 1:17 says that there is no variableness nor shadow of turning with Him. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and He never breaks His covenants. However, if a fellow breaks a covenant he or she has made with God, then God is under no obligation to keep His part of the covenant.

In Numbers 25:6-13, God made a covenant of eternal priesthood with Phinehas, Eleazar's son, because, in his zeal for the Lord, he struck a man and his concubine dead. However, in today's Bible reading, God told Eli, "I entered into a covenant that you and your father's house will stand before Me forever, but since you have broken the covenant, I am saying, let it be far from Me." Eli's carelessness annulled the covenant God made with his ancestor, Phinehas. As a result of the broken covenant, God's hedge of protection departed from Eli's household, and his two sons died on the same day. When Eli heard the news of their death, he also died that same day, along with the wife of one of his sons. This illustrates the importance of a covenant and that the consequence of breaking one is usually death.

The death of a person who is a party to a covenant typically releases such a person from fulfilling his or her part in the covenant; however, God remains faithful to His covenants, even after a person He is in covenant with dies. Deuteronomy 7:9 says that He keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments to the thousandth generation. Exodus 34:7 tells us that He keeps mercy for thousands. When you keep your covenant with God, it will extend to your descendants. When God promised Abraham that through his seed, all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 22:18), that promise found its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus, who came 42 generations after Abraham, approximately 2,000 years later. When God promised David that he would always have a seed to sit on the throne (Psalm 89:3-4,29), He never broke His side of the covenant. That covenant was also fulfilled in Jesus.

Beloved, remain faithful to your covenant with God, for in doing so, you will release immeasurable blessings upon yourself and your descendants for generations to come.

KEY POINT:
God is faithful; He never breaks His covenants.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
JEREMIAH 51 - 52

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL 11 - STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST OUR KING
1. Standing on the promises of Christ our King, Thro' eternal ages



‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026
*BREAKING COVENANTS I*
‎
1.Father, You are the faithful God; the same yesterday, and today, and for ever, the covenant keeping God.

2.Father, thank You for Your faithfulness from generation to generation; You never break Your covenant because You are not a man that will lie or repent of his words.

3.Father, please help me not to break Your covenant or fail to fulfill my own part of Your covenant with me. Help me not to be careless in my walk with You, in Jesus' name.

4.Father, please help me never to break Your covenant so that Your hedge of protection will not depart from my household, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, please help me not to ignore the correction and discipline on the children You have given me so they won't miss Your covenant for their lives, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, please help me to be faithful to Your covenant throughout my living, and never to compromise at any point in time, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, please let my love for You be on the increase daily and help me to keep Your commandments for an extension of the blessings of Your covenant to my descendants, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, please let the promises in Your covenant find fulfillment in my life and in the lives of my children's children, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, please help me to remain faithful in your covenant; please release Your immense blessings upon my life and on my descendants, in Jesus' name.

10.Father, please show me Your mercy, and help me to repent in any area I have broken Your covenant, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
Help him never to break Your covenant, 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 date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

SERMON TOPIC:

YOUNG PEOPLE, DON'T WASTE YOUR YOUTH.

Theme:
Your Youth Is a Gift, Not a Season to Throw Away.

«“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” — Ecclesiastes 12:1 (KJV)»

DON'T WASTE WHAT YOU CANNOT REPLACE

Young person, you can recover lost money. You can replace a broken phone. You can rebuild a failed business. But you cannot recover yesterday.
Youth is one of the greatest gifts God gives a person—and one of the easiest gifts to waste.
You have energy today. You have time today. You have opportunities today. You have the ability to learn, build, serve, dream, pray, create and make a difference.
But the enemy wants you to believe:
«“You are still young. There is plenty of time. Enjoy yourself now. You will become serious with God later.”»
That is a dangerous lie.
The devil does not always destroy young people through terrible sins. Sometimes he destroys them through distraction.
He keeps them busy but unproductive.
Connected to everyone but disconnected from God.
Entertained but empty.
Informed but not transformed.
Chasing popularity while losing purpose.
Young people, don't waste your youth!
Your youth is not merely for having fun. It is preparation for purpose.
1. REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR BEFORE YOU WASTE YOURYEARS
Ecclesiastes 12:1
«“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…”»
Solomon did not say, “Remember your Creator when you become old.”
He said “now.”
God deserves your youthful years—not merely the leftovers of your life.
Many people say:
«“When I get older, I will serve God.”»
But what if God wants to use you now?
David was young when he confronted Goliath.
Samuel was young when God called him.
Josiah was young when he became king and began reforming Israel.
Timothy was young when Paul recognized his spiritual potential.
Your age does not disqualify you from God's purpose.

Deep Insight

Youth is not an excuse for spiritual laziness.
The earlier you surrender your life to God, the more years you can spend fulfilling His purpose.
Don't give God your retirement.
Give Him your strength.
Don't give God your leftovers.
Give Him your first fruits.
2. DON'T ALLOW PLEASURE TO STEAL YOUR PURPOSE
1 John 2:15–17
«“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…”»
There is nothing wrong with enjoying life.
But there is a difference between enjoying God's blessings and becoming enslaved to worldly pleasures.
Social media can become a distraction.
Entertainment can become an addiction.
Relationships can become an idol.
Money can become a master.
Sexual temptation can destroy destiny.
And the desire to be accepted can cause a young person to compromise convictions.
Ask yourself:
What is consuming most of my time?
Because what controls your time will eventually influence your life.
You cannot spend five hours every day feeding your flesh and expect your spirit to remain strong.
You cannot constantly consume content that weakens your values and expect your character to remain strong.
Be careful what you repeatedly watch, listen to, follow, admire and imitate.
3. USE YOUR YOUTH TO BUILD, NOT JUST TO CONSUME
1 Timothy 4:12
«“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers…”»
Paul did not tell Timothy:
«“Because you are young, wait until you become older.”»
He said:
«“Be an example.”»
Young people should not only be consumers.
Build something.
Learn a skill.
Study the Word.
Develop your character.
Serve in church.
Help people.
Create something useful.
Learn technology.
Develop your gifts.
Start preparing for your future.
Don't spend your entire youth watching other people build their dreams.
Remember this:
Entertainment gives you moments. Development gives you capacity.
Your future will demand skills you must begin developing today.
Your character must grow alongside your career.
Your spiritual life must grow alongside your education.
Your wisdom must grow alongside your influence.
4. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS CAREFULLY
Proverbs 13:20
«“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”»
Not everybody who laughs with you is helping you.
Not everybody who calls you “brother” or “sister” is taking you toward your destiny.
Some relationships are assignments from God.
Others are distractions from your purpose.
Look at the people closest to you.
Do they encourage you to become better—or pressure you to become worse?
Do they respect your faith?
Do they challenge you to grow?
Can you say “no” around them without losing the friendship?
Can you discuss your dreams with them?
Can they correct you?
Your environment matters.
If you constantly surround yourself with people who celebrate foolishness, eventually foolishness will become normal to you.
Choose friends who can pray with you, grow with you, correct you and walk with you toward God's purpose.
5. DON'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW TO OBEY GOD
Ephesians 5:15–16
«“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”»
Notice the phrase:
“Redeeming the time.”
Time is a currency you cannot save forever.
Every day you receive 24 hours.
You can waste them.
You can invest them.
But you cannot reverse them.
There are young people who are praying for opportunities while wasting the opportunities already in their hands.
Some are waiting for a miracle while refusing to develop discipline.
Some are asking God for greatness while neglecting the small responsibilities He has already given them.
Faith does not cancel responsibility.
Pray—but prepare.
Believe—but build.
Trust God—but discipline yourself.
Ask for opportunities—but develop the capacity to handle them.

BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

JOSEPH — A YOUNG MAN WHO DID NOT WASTE HIS SEASON

Joseph was young when his life suddenly changed.
He was betrayed by his brothers.
He was sold into slavery.
He was falsely accused.
He was imprisoned.
Yet Joseph did not allow his circumstances to determine his character.
Genesis 39:9
When tempted by Potiphar's wife, Joseph said:
«“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”»
Joseph understood something powerful:
His future was more valuable than his temporary pleasure.
He could have said:
«“Nobody will know.”»
But Joseph knew that God was watching.
He could have compromised.
He could have become bitter.
He could have wasted his youth in anger.
Instead, he remained faithful.
And eventually, God lifted him from the prison to the palace.

The lesson:

Don't destroy tomorrow because of today's temptation.
That relationship may be temporary.
That pleasure may be temporary.
That opportunity may be temporary.
But the consequences of some decisions can follow you for years.
Young person, protect your future.

DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS

1. Your youth is a seed season.

What you plant now will influence what you harvest later.
Plant prayer.
Plant discipline.
Plant knowledge.
Plant integrity.
Plant service.
Plant righteousness.
2. Your habits are building your future before you see it.
You may not see the harvest today, but your daily decisions are constructing tomorrow.
3. God is more interested in your character than your popularity.
You may impress thousands of people online and still disappoint God privately.
Character is who you are when nobody is watching.
4. Not every open door is a God-given opportunity.
Some doors are traps disguised as opportunities.
Learn to ask:
«“Lord, is this good for me—or merely attractive to me?”»
5. Your greatest battle may not be against people; it may be against distraction.
A distracted generation can have enormous potential and accomplish very little.
Protect your attention.
What captures your attention repeatedly can eventually shape your direction.

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Starting today:
1. Give God the first part of your day.
Pray. Read Scripture. Listen for God's direction.
2. Set goals for your life.
Spiritual goals, educational goals, financial goals, relational goals and career goals.
3. Learn valuable skills.
Don't depend only on certificates. Develop practical competence.
4. Control your phone; don't let your phone control you.
5. Choose your friends intentionally.
6. Avoid sexual and moral compromises.
7. Find a mature Christian mentor.
8. Serve somewhere.
Don't just attend church—be useful in God's house.
9. Stop comparing your journey with other people's journeys.
10. Start now.
Don't wait until everything is perfect.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

Take a moment and answer these honestly:
- If I continue living exactly as I am today, where will I be five years from now?
- What am I doing with my time?
- What habit is secretly destroying my potential?
- Who are the people influencing my decisions?
- Am I becoming closer to God or farther from Him?
- What gift has God placed inside me?
- What am I doing to develop that gift?
- What temptation am I repeatedly entertaining?
- What should I stop doing?
- What should I start doing?
- If Jesus returned today, would I be satisfied with how I used my youth?

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer for Purpose
Father, open my eyes to understand Your purpose for my life. Help me not to wander through life without direction.
2. Prayer for Wisdom
Lord, give me wisdom to make decisions that will preserve my future and honor You.
3. Prayer Against Distraction
Every distraction assigned to waste my time, weaken my faith and derail my destiny, I reject it in Jesus' name.
4. Prayer for Discipline
Holy Spirit, give me the discipline to do what is right even when nobody is watching.
5. Prayer for Purity
Lord, keep my heart, mind and body pure. Give me strength to overcome every temptation that seeks to destroy my future.
6. Prayer for Good Relationships
Father, connect me with people who will strengthen my faith, sharpen my character and help me fulfill my purpose.
7. Prayer for Courage
Lord, give me courage to stand for truth even when my generation is going in the opposite direction.
8. Prayer for Impact
Father, let my life become a blessing to my generation. May I not pass through this world without making a positive difference.

STRONG CLOSING: DON'T WASTE YOUR YOUTH

Young person, you are not too young for God to use you.
You are not too young to pray.
You are not too young to preach.
You are not too young to serve.
You are not too young to lead.
You are not too young to build.
You are not too young to make a difference.
David had a sling.
Joseph had a dream.
Samuel had a listening ear.
Timothy had youthful strength.
And God used them.
What is in your hands?
What gift is inside you?
What dream has God placed in your heart?
What are you doing with the years God has given you?
Don't wait until you are old before you become serious with God.
Don't spend your best years chasing things that cannot satisfy your soul.
Don't exchange your destiny for temporary pleasure.
Don't allow social media to consume the years that should be building your future.
Don't let fear paralyze you.
Don't let failure define you.
Don't let your past imprison you.
Rise. Pray. Learn. Build. Serve. Grow.
Your youth is not a waiting room.
Your youth is a training ground for destiny.
And when you stand before God one day, may you be able to say:
«“Lord, I did not waste what You gave me.”»

FINAL CHARGE
Young people, don't waste your youth.
Give God your strength.
Give God your gifts.
Give God your dreams.
Give God your time.
Give God your future.
And watch what He can do with a life that is completely surrendered to Him.
Your youth is passing. Your purpose is waiting. Start today.

If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do you by joining a Bible believing Church.
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DEMYSTIFYING THE DEMON OF MASTURBATION

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

«“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)” — 2 Corinthians 10:3–4»

Introduction

There are certain battles people fight in silence. They smile in public, worship in church, preach powerful messages, and yet return home to fight a private war that leaves them feeling ashamed, condemned, and spiritually weak. Masturbation is one of those subjects that many people are afraid to discuss openly.

Unfortunately, silence has sometimes allowed fear, ignorance, condemnation, and misinformation to grow around the issue. Some people believe every case of masturbation means a demon has entered their body. Others dismiss the matter completely and refuse to acknowledge the possibility of sexual bondage, lust, addiction, or spiritual oppression.

We must approach this subject with both truth and compassion.

To demystify something means to remove unnecessary mystery, fear, exaggeration, and confusion surrounding it. Therefore, when we speak about what some describe as the demon of masturbation, we must understand that the issue is often more complex than simply saying, “There is a demon inside me.”

The real question is: What is driving the behaviour?

Is it lust? Is it pornography? Is it loneliness? Is it a habit developed over many years? Is it emotional pain? Is it an addiction? Is there genuine spiritual oppression involved?

Until we understand the root, we may continue fighting the wrong battle.
In this write-up, twelve points on how to demystify the demon of masturbation and stay free from it have been examined carefully.

God bless you as you read through it, and I pray you get your freedom from reading it in Jesus name amen.

1. Masturbation Is Not a Person's Identity

The first thing I want to say to anyone struggling with masturbation is this:

You are not masturbation. You are not your addiction. You are not your worst moment.

A person may struggle with a sexual habit without that habit becoming their identity.

The devil loves to move people from conviction into condemnation.

Conviction says:

«“What you are doing is wrong. Come back to God.”»

Condemnation says:

«“You are dirty. You are hopeless. God does not want you anymore.”»

But Romans 8:1 declares:

«“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...”»

The enemy knows that a person drowning in shame will often continue doing the very thing that is destroying them.

Shame says, “Hide from God.”

Grace says, “Run to God.”

When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves. Sin makes people hide. But God came looking for them.

That is still the heart of God.

2. The Real Battle Often Begins in the Mind

Jesus said:

«“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28»

Sexual sin rarely begins with the physical act. It often begins in the mind.

A thought is entertained.

A fantasy is repeated.

An image is watched.

A memory is revisited.

A desire is fed.

Eventually, what was once a thought becomes a stronghold.

This is why Proverbs 4:23 says:

«“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”»

The hand may be involved in masturbation, but the battlefield is often much deeper than the hand. The battlefield may be the mind, imagination, appetite, emotions, and habits.

You cannot consistently feed lust and expect purity to grow.

You cannot continually consume sexually explicit content and expect your mind to remain unaffected.

What you repeatedly feed becomes stronger.

3. Is There Really a “Demon of Masturbation”?

We need balance here.

The Bible does not specifically name a spirit called the demon of masturbation. Therefore, we must be careful not to give unscriptural names and descriptions where Scripture is silent.

However, the Bible clearly teaches that human beings can experience temptation, bondage, strongholds, sinful desires, and spiritual oppression.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that:

«“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers...”»

At the same time, James 1:14–15 teaches that people can also be drawn away by their own desires.

Therefore, not every struggle should automatically be blamed on a demon.

Sometimes it is:

- A habit that has been practised repeatedly.
- An addiction strengthened over time.
- Exposure to pornography.
- Sexual fantasies.
- Loneliness and isolation.
- Emotional pain.
- Curiosity that developed into bondage.
- Lack of discipline.
- Unresolved wounds.
- A genuine spiritual attack that exploits an existing weakness.

The wise believer does not oversimplify the problem.

Sometimes a demon may exploit a habit, but the habit itself must still be broken.

You can cast out an evil spirit, but if you return to the same environment, the same pornography, the same fantasies, the same secret lifestyle, and the same triggers without renewing your mind, the cycle may continue.

Deliverance without discipline can produce temporary relief without lasting transformation.

4. Lust Is a Fire That Must Not Be Fed

One of the greatest fuel sources for masturbation is lust.

Paul instructed Timothy:

«“Flee also youthful lusts...” — 2 Timothy 2:22»

Notice that Paul did not say, “Negotiate with youthful lusts.”

He said, “Flee.”

There are some battles you overcome by standing and fighting. There are others you overcome by refusing to remain in the environment.

Joseph did not stay in Potiphar's wife's room to prove his spiritual strength. He ran!

Sometimes your deliverance begins with leaving the room.

Turning off the phone.

Blocking the website.

Deleting the videos.

Changing your sleeping pattern.

Avoiding isolation.

Refusing to entertain fantasy.

You cannot pray against a fire while continuously pouring petrol on it.

5. Pornography Is Often a Major Doorway to Sexual Bondage

We must be honest: pornography has become one of the greatest enemies of sexual purity in this generation.

What previous generations struggled to access is now available within seconds on a mobile phone.

Pornography trains the mind to seek repeated stimulation. It can create unrealistic expectations, intensify fantasies, and strengthen unhealthy patterns of sexual behaviour.

For many people, masturbation did not become a serious struggle until pornography became a regular companion.

Therefore, if you sincerely desire freedom, you must address the source.

Do not merely pray:

«“Lord, take away this habit.”»

Also pray:

«“Lord, give me the courage to remove what is feeding this habit.”»

Psalm 101:3 says:

«“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes...”»

Freedom requires honesty.

What are you watching?

What are you saving?

Who are you chatting with?

What happens when you are alone?

What time are you most vulnerable?

Until you identify the trigger, you may keep repeating the cycle.

6. Repetition Can Become a Stronghold

A stronghold is something that has gained unusual influence over a person's thinking or behaviour.

What you repeatedly practise can become easier to repeat.

This is why some people sincerely hate the habit and still find themselves returning to it.

The cycle may look like this:

Trigger → temptation → fantasy → masturbation → temporary relief → guilt → shame → promise to stop → another trigger → relapse.

The answer is not merely making stronger promises.

Many people have said:

«“This is the last time.”»

Then repeated it again.

Why? Because willpower alone is often not enough to break a deeply established pattern.

Real freedom requires a combination of:

- Repentance.
- Renewing the mind.
- Spiritual discipline.
- Removing triggers.
- Accountability.
- Healthy habits.
- Prayer.
- Filling your life with the Word of God.

7. Do Not Fight a Spiritual Battle Without Spiritual Weapons

If there is a spiritual dimension to your struggle, you must engage spiritual weapons.

Ephesians 6:17 speaks about:

«“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”»

When temptation comes, do not remain mentally passive.

Speak the Word.

Pray.

Worship.

Change your environment.

Call someone you trust.

Go for a walk.

Read Scripture aloud.

Refuse to sit in darkness and negotiate with temptation.

The devil is not afraid of your good intentions. But he recognizes the authority of a believer who stands firmly in the truth of God's Word.

8. Your Body Must Come Under the Government of the Spirit

Paul said:

«“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection...” — 1 Corinthians 9:27»

Your body has desires, but your desires must not become your master.

There is a difference between having an urge and surrendering to every urge.

Maturity means learning to say no to yourself.

The Christian life is not simply about casting out devils. It is also about crucifying the flesh.

Galatians 5:24 says:

«“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”»

There are things prayer will empower you to overcome, but you must still make a decision to walk away.

God gives grace, but grace is not permission to remain comfortably in bondage.

Grace empowers us to live differently.

9. Stop Fighting Alone

Secrecy is one of the greatest strengths of addiction.

The enemy tells you:

«“Don't tell anyone. They will judge you.”»

But James 5:16 says:

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

This does not mean you should announce your private struggle to everybody.

Wisdom is necessary.

Find a mature and trustworthy spiritual leader, counsellor, or accountability partner who can help you without shaming or exploiting you.

Sometimes freedom begins when you finally say:

“I need help.”

There is no shame in seeking help.

The shame is allowing pride to keep you in chains when help is available.

10. Replace, Don't Just Remove

Jesus taught important principles about an empty house in Matthew 12:43–45. The lesson is clear: a life must not merely be emptied of destructive influences; it must be filled with what is good and godly.

Do not simply say:

«“I will stop masturbating.”»

Ask yourself:

“What will I replace this habit with?”

Fill your life with:

- Prayer.
- Scripture meditation.
- Productive work.
- Exercise.
- Healthy friendships.
- Fellowship.
- Service to God.
- Purposeful activities.
- Accountability.

An idle mind can become a playground for temptation.

When your life has no structure, temptation can easily find space.

11. If You Fall, Get Up Again

Perhaps you are reading this and saying:

«“Pastor, I have tried many times and failed.”»

Hear me: Do not surrender to failure.

Proverbs 24:16 says:

«“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again...”»

The righteous person is not necessarily the person who never faces temptation or never stumbles. The righteous person is the one who refuses to remain on the ground.

Repent genuinely.

Receive God's mercy.

Learn from what happened.

Identify the trigger.

Strengthen your boundaries.

And rise again.

Micah 7:8 says:

«“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise...”»

Your last failure does not have to become your permanent address.

12. Freedom Is More Than Deliverance

True freedom is not simply shouting during a deliverance service.

Freedom is being able to return home and make different choices.

Freedom is controlling your thoughts.

Freedom is turning away when nobody is watching.

Freedom is honouring God with your body.

Freedom is saying no when temptation says yes.

Freedom is developing the discipline to live in the light.

Jesus said:

«“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36»

Christ can break chains.

Christ can heal wounds.

Christ can renew the mind.

Christ can restore purity.

Christ can strengthen weak places.

But you must cooperate with the process of freedom.

A WORD TO PARENTS, PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS

We must stop addressing sexual struggles only with insults and condemnation.

Calling everyone possessed without understanding their struggle may create more fear than freedom.

We need truth, but truth must be spoken with love.

Some people need deliverance.

Some need discipleship.

Some need accountability.

Some need counselling for deep emotional wounds.

Some need to break free from pornography.

Some need all of the above.

The church must become a place where people can seek help without being publicly humiliated.

Holiness should be preached, but restoration must also be available.

Jesus never lowered God's standard, but He also lifted people who had fallen.

PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD FREEDOM

1. Repent sincerely before God. Do not justify what you know is feeding lust and impurity.
2. Destroy your triggers. Delete pornography and sexually explicit materials.
3. Control your private environment. Avoid situations and times when you are consistently vulnerable.
4. Renew your mind daily with God's Word.
5. Pray before temptation becomes overwhelming.
6. Fast and develop spiritual discipline where appropriate.
7. Exercise self-control in other areas of life.
8. Get a trusted accountability partner.
9. Avoid isolation when you know you are vulnerable.
10. If the struggle feels compulsive or severely distressing, seek appropriate professional support alongside spiritual guidance.
11. Never give up on your journey toward purity.

PRAYER FOR FREEDOM

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You with humility and honesty. I acknowledge every habit, lust, fantasy, addiction, and practice that has tried to bring me into bondage. I ask for Your mercy and forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Break every ungodly pattern that has gained control over my life. I renounce every connection with pornography, lust, immoral fantasies, and every practice that dishonours You.

Holy Spirit, strengthen me where I am weak. Give me the grace to discipline my body, control my thoughts, and flee every appearance of sexual immorality. Let the power of the Holy Spirit break every spiritual oppression and every stronghold operating in my life.

I declare that sin shall not have dominion over me. My body belongs to the Lord. My mind belongs to Christ. My future will not be destroyed by a secret habit. I receive grace to walk in purity, discipline, and freedom.

I will rise again. I will not be condemned. I will not remain in bondage. Through Jesus Christ, I am empowered to overcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

CONCLUSION

Masturbation should neither be surrounded by unnecessary fear nor treated casually when it has become connected to lust, pornography, guilt, compulsive behaviour, or spiritual bondage.

Let us demystify the issue.

Not every struggle is automatically a demon. Not every demon can be blamed for choices we repeatedly make. But neither should we deny that spiritual warfare can exploit human weaknesses.

The answer is a balanced pursuit of freedom through repentance, truth, spiritual discipline, renewal of the mind, accountability, wise boundaries, and the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

You are not beyond redemption.

You are not too dirty for grace.

You are not too weak for God's strength.

And no chain is stronger than the power of Jesus Christ.

Your struggle may be private, but your freedom can become your testimony.

By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

3 WAYS TO DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN YOUR PROPHETIC CALLING

The prophetic gift is not something we should treat casually. What God places within us must be cultivated through spiritual discipline, intimacy with Him, and the right spiritual environment. If you desire to mature in the prophetic, you must intentionally build a life capable of carrying what God entrusts to you.

## 1. Give Yourself to Prayer and Fasting

Prayer develops our intimacy with God, while fasting helps bring our flesh under submission. The prophetic becomes clearer when our hearts are continually turned toward the Lord.

A prophetic gift cannot be sustained by gifting alone. We need a life of prayer that keeps our hearts sensitive to the Holy Spirit and a life of consecration that teaches us to put God's desires above our own appetites.

There are times when God calls us into deeper levels of prayer and fasting because He is preparing us to receive, discern, and carry greater spiritual responsibility.

*If you want greater sensitivity to the voice of God, make room for deeper consecration.*

## 2. Establish Yourself in the Word of God

The prophetic must always be anchored in Scripture. Revelation should never become an excuse to neglect the written Word of God.

The Bible teaches us how to recognize God's character, test what we hear, and distinguish truth from our own emotions, desires, assumptions, or deception. Scripture gives us the foundation by which prophetic impressions and revelations can be examined.

The more deeply the Word of God is established in you, the stronger your spiritual discernment becomes.

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

Don't seek revelation while neglecting the Book that teaches you how to recognize truth.

## 3. Surround Yourself With the Right Spiritual Atmosphere

The environment around you can influence what develops within you. There are environments that can weaken your spiritual hunger, and there are environments that can awaken gifts and desires that God has placed inside you.

We see an example of this in the life of Saul. When he encountered the company of prophets, Scripture tells us that the Spirit of God came upon him and he prophesied among them.

*1 Samuel 10:10–11*

This shows us the importance of spiritual atmosphere. What surrounds you matters.

Make room in your life for prayer, worship, the Word, sound biblical teaching, genuine fellowship, and people who sincerely pursue the presence of God.

The right environment does not replace your personal relationship with God, but it can encourage, strengthen, and help develop what He has already placed within you.

### BUILD A LIFE THAT CAN CARRY THE FIRE

If you desire to grow in the prophetic, don't focus only on receiving prophetic experiences. *Build the character, discipline, prayer life, biblical foundation, and consecration necessary to carry what God gives you.*

The greater the fire God entrusts to you, the greater the responsibility to maintain the altar.

*Cultivate the presence. Guard the Word. Strengthen your prayer life. Choose your atmosphere wisely. And allow the Holy Spirit to mature what God has placed within you

Spiritual growth requires more than good intentions. It requires training.

https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/19/train-yourself-for-godliness-the-discipline-of-a-life-devoted-to-christ/

In 1 Timothy 4:7–8, Paul tells Timothy:

“Instead, train yourself for godliness.”

Just as physical strength is developed through consistency, spiritual maturity grows as we intentionally spend time in God’s Word, pray, worship, serve, repent, and obey.

The question isn’t simply, “Do I want to grow closer to God?”

The deeper question is:

What am I doing consistently that is training me to become more like Jesus?

Our newest blog looks at Paul’s challenge to reject distractions, develop spiritual discipline, and invest our lives in something that has value not only for today—but for eternity.

Read: “Train Yourself for Godliness: The Discipline of a Life Devoted to Christ”

Don’t underestimate ordinary obedience practiced consistently.

Read the Word. Pray. Worship. Serve. Repent. Reflect. Obey. Keep showing up.

#TrainYourselfForGodliness #1Timothy4 #SpiritualDiscipline #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #Discipleship #BibleStudy #Prayer #FollowingJesus #GrowingInChrist #Faithfulness #ChristianEncouragement

God's Promises
Job 5:17-18

New International Version

17 “Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
18 For he wounds, but he also binds up;
he injures, but his hands also heal.

Lifeline Today
Thursday August 20
Choices and Changes
Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12 (NLT)

Choices determine destiny. The ability to make a choice is a gift God has given every living human being. Every choice you make acts as a building block for life changes. Small daily decisions compound into major life transformations, shaping your health, career, and happiness over time. Choosing short-term comfort can lead to long-term struggle, while discipline brings future rewards.

Everything in life reflects the choices you make in life. If you have chosen something, you will consequently get the results that will adhere to it. If you have made bad choices in the past, you can turn to God in repentance to resist future temptation. Life is too short to allow yourself to be an inmate in the prison of bad choices and weak decisions. Be guided by the Word and the Spirit in making your choices. This is your day.

Wisdom Fountain: “It’s choice—not chance—that determines your destiny.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to make righteous choices and the courage to embrace the changes they bring. Clear my mind of doubt, still my anxious thoughts, and align my heart with Your perfect will so I may walk forward with peace and absolute trust in Your guidance in Jesus’ name.

THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 2026

Topic: You Are Not Behind

Bible Reference

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

A Short Story

Samuel was twenty seven, and he had started wondering whether he was already too late.

Some of his friends had built successful businesses. Others had secured good jobs, bought cars, travelled to different countries, or started families. Whenever he opened social media, it seemed as though everyone was moving forward except him.

Samuel had a small business that was barely growing. He was also learning a new skill, but the progress felt painfully slow.

One afternoon, he sat with a friend and said, “I think I have wasted too much time. Maybe I should have achieved more by now.”

His friend looked at him and asked, “Who told you that your life must follow their timetable?”

Samuel became quiet.

He realized that most of his frustration was not coming from his actual situation. It was coming from constantly comparing his journey with other people's journeys.

That evening, he returned home and looked at the small notebook where he had written his goals months earlier. He noticed something he had forgotten.

He had actually made progress.

It was not dramatic. It was not something he could proudly display on social media. But he had learned new skills, become more disciplined, grown spiritually, and taken steps he had once been afraid to take.

For the first time in a long while, Samuel thanked God for the little he had.

He decided that instead of spending his energy asking why he was not where someone else was, he would focus on becoming faithful with where God had placed him.

Today's Message

Comparison can make you despise your own journey.

You look at someone else's finished product and compare it with your beginning. You see their achievement but do not see the years of preparation, sacrifice, failure, and waiting behind it.

God does not measure your life by another person's timeline.

The Bible tells us not to despise small beginnings. Something may look small today and still become significant tomorrow.

Do not be ashamed of starting small. Do not be discouraged because your progress is not yet visible to everyone.

Your responsibility is to be faithful with what God has placed in your hands today.

You are not behind simply because someone else arrived before you.

Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep trusting God.

Your journey is your journey.

What To Do Today

1. Stop comparing your progress with what you see on social media.

2. Write down three areas where you have genuinely grown.

3. Identify one small step you can take toward your goal today.

4. Thank God for where you are while trusting Him for where you are going.

Prayer

Lord, deliver me from the pressure of comparison. Help me to appreciate my journey and remain faithful in small beginnings. Give me patience, discipline, and confidence to keep moving forward with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Challenge

Write down three things you have accomplished or improved in the past year, no matter how small they may seem. Thank God for each one.

Anthony Ijere
Christian Author and Revivalist

https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDs9qaNMQumKTicv7uU7SJ?s=cl&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0

https://t.me/anthonyijere