Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST, 2026

*SUB-THEME:*
YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
YOUTHS AS BEARERS OF LIGHT

*TEXT:*
EPHESIANS 5:8-13
8. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
9. for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth
10. and find out what pleases the Lord.
11. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
12. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
13. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

*TOPIC:*
YOUTHS AS BEARERS OF LIGHT

*THE MESSAGE:*
Jesus made it clear that He is the light of the world, and whoever following Him will never walk in darkness but have the light of life (Jn. 8:12). Darkness is often synonymous with sin and wickedness. In this text, Paul makes it clear that believers were once in darkness but are now in the light of the Lord. He urges them to live as children of the light and have nothing to do with darkness. Instead, expose it through righteous and truthful deeds that pleases the Lord. Christians are living amidst ungodly people whose behaviours and priorities conflict with the word of God. Will you compromise to belong or stand out as light? As a youth, your life must radiate the light of Christ wherever you are - in school, at work, in business, and in search of a job or a life partner. Is your light shinning? If not, fan it into flame.

*REFLECTION:*
Let your light so shine.

*PRAYER:*
Father, help me not to hide my light in Jesus' name. Amen.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
2 TIMOTHY 2:21.
"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work."

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
EZEKIEL 16-19.

ED.i. TO SAFE HARBOR

"Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved. So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away." - Acts 27:31-32

Paul said this when they were in a big storm on a ship at sea. This shipwreck story is often preached; however, we do not often hear about the lifeboat which belonged to the ship. The workers on the ship wanted to use this boat to secretly get away. They knew that if the ship was tossed against the rocks, they would all perish. Moreover, there were 276 people on board. How do you get them all in one lifeboat? They were cowards and wanted to leave the ship to save their own skin. Paul warned the captain and said: 'If they do not stay on board, you will not be saved.'

Jesus Christ, the only Lifeboat

The lifeboat would not offer any chance to survive on the stormy sea where they had been floating for two weeks. Paul knew this. I do not know much about ships, but one thing is certain: when there is a chance for shipwreck, the first question is: 'where is the lifeboat?'

I have an important question: do we all understand the meaning and importance of a lifeboat when it comes to the salvation of our souls? When your soul is in great need, do you have a lifeboat? Today I want to ask you to investigate the lifeboat before your soul venture on board. For many people their lifeboat is their 'good works.' However, you will not get to heaven with these. There are many leaky lifeboats and people think these will save their souls.

I would like to convince people through the Holy Spirit to step into the only safe lifeboat which will bring you to heaven. That lifeboat cannot be smashed. The wood comes from the cross on Calvary. Throughout the ages, this Lifeboat brings shipwrecks into safe harbor day and night. This Lifeboat never fails and is big enough for everyone. The only lifeboat that can save your soul is Jesus Christ.

https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Good evening prayer for today.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

Come unto me, all [ye] that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ⏤ Matthew 11:28

Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work. ⏤ Oswald Chambers

O God, You have taught us in Your holy word to cast our burdens upon You, promising that You will sustain us. We come to You this evening with our burdens. You’ve given them to us as gifts, so we know there must be a blessing hidden within each one. Help us to accept our burdens and receive the gifts they carry. Let us not complain or grumble under them, lest we miss the blessings You’ve prepared for us.

You haven’t promised to take our burdens away, for that would rob us of the blessings You’ve lovingly prepared. But You have promised to sustain us and give us the strength to bear them. So our prayer is that You would give us the grace to accept whatever burdens You’ve placed upon us, to carry whatever crosses You’ve given us, and to bear them after our Savior, trusting in quiet faith.

At the close of this day, we bring You our sincere gratitude and praise for Your goodness.

Your love never tires,
Your patience never runs out,
Your grace never fails.

We grieve You with our many sins, our unbelief, and our complaining. Have mercy on us and forgive us for Jesus’ sake.

Grant us an evening blessing from Your hand. Give us Your peace, strengthen us with Your might, and prepare us for any duty or struggle that lies ahead. Crush Satan under our feet. Jesus, You have overcome the world, and in Your victory, You are our defense and refuge. So we hide in You, as in the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Bless us for Your name’s sake. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/46/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

Work Out Your Own Salvation - Part 2 of 3. Be sure to watch all 3 parts!
https://youtube.com/shorts/fSd8bOR-mqc?is=eb7wIP5fYRxX5RNN

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

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Prayer Wall
No matter what you’re facing today, you don’t have to carry it alone. If you’re feeling lost, hurting, or going through a heavy season, the team at It Ain't Over Ministries wants to stand in faith with you. Simply click the link attached to this post to share your prayer requests so we can lift you up before God.
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Let your soul hunger deeply for the presence of God.

Share this with someone who needs encouragement to seek God's presence.

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ANOTHER KAMEL AND KNAT SATIRE NEWS STORY

WARNING! Rated G-PS for POLITICAL SATIRE

The Kamel and Knat

Bill Proposed to Change Title "Bill of Rights" to "Bill of Federal Government Restrictions." Both Parties Saying They Agree, but it Won't Pass

Click Below for Details and Photos of the Bill's Sponsors:

https://kamelandknat.substack.com/p/bill-proposed-to-change-title-bill?r=2u8e73&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web