(long post ahead)

There is a profound lesson I learned when I read this passage of Scripture:

“said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This passage takes place during Jesus’ trial. He was falsely accused of many things, yet we know that He was completely innocent. He had no sin. Everything He taught was truth, and everything He did, reflected the will of the Father.

Jesus could have defended Himself. After all, He possessed the very nature of God. He had every power and every right to prove His innocence. Yet He chose to remain silent and willingly submit Himself to the Father’s plan.

Even Pilate declared before the crowd that he could find no fault in Jesus. Herod found no crime worthy of death either. Still, the people refused to listen. Instead, they shouted louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified.

This reminds me of a sobering reality:

Even if God Himself stands before people and speaks the truth, there will still be hearts that choose not to believe. Miracles, truth, and evidence alone cannot change a heart that refuses to surrender.

Then came the moment of decision.

The people were given a choice:

Jesus Christ or Barabbas.

One was completely innocent.

The other was a guilty criminal.

Yet the crowd cried out for Barabbas to be released, while demanding that Jesus be condemned to die.

As I reflected on this, something deeply touched my heart.

I realized that Barabbas is a picture of us.

We are the guilty ones.

We are the sinners.

Yet Jesus took our place.

The punishment that should have fallen upon us was placed upon Him instead.

The Son of God willingly exchanged His freedom for ours.

He left the glory of heaven and humbled Himself to be born in a manger. Though He is the King of kings, He did not come to be served but to serve. He walked among the poor, healed the sick, showed mercy to sinners, comforted the brokenhearted, and lived a life of perfect holiness without sin.

Finally, He gave His life on the cross.

The release of Barabbas beautifully illustrates the Gospel.

Barabbas deserved the cross.

Jesus did not.

Yet Jesus took the cross that belonged to Barabbas.

In the same way, we deserve the punishment for our sins…..eternal separation from God. But Jesus took our place.

(Inangkin Niya ang ating mga kasalanan at pinasan Niya ang kaparusahang nararapat para sa atin upang tayo ay maligtas.)

That is the greatest picture of God’s mercy.

And above all, that is the greatest picture of love.

It was never the nails that kept Jesus on the cross. 🏻

It was His immeasurable, unconditional, and unfailing love for us.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

(HAVE A NICE DAY PIP’z)

# Purpose and Stewardship

I have been thinking about purpose, and I am beginning to see it through the idea of "stewardship".

I believe God has a general purpose for humanity, a general purpose for those who belong to Christ, and also particular things He entrusts to individuals. In Genesis, humanity was given responsibility to fill the earth, cultivate it, work it, keep it, and exercise dominion under God. Man was therefore placed in creation not as the ultimate owner, but as a **steward**.

For the Christian, this stewardship goes further. Jesus calls us **“the salt of the earth”** and **“the light of the world.”** He Himself said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” He taught, preached, healed, delivered, instructed, and ministered to people. He exercised and dispensed what the Father had entrusted to Him.

Peter says:
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
— 1 Peter 4:10

So stewardship is not merely about money, possessions, talents, or abilities.

**Stewardship is managing whatever comes into our little world according to how God wants it managed, so that it does not leave our hands contrary to His will.**

But not everything we encounter is necessarily ours to steward.

We live in a world filled with countless people, problems, opportunities, and events. We cannot take responsibility for everything. There must be a distinction between what we merely encounter and what the Master actually places within our sphere of responsibility, influence, authority, relationship, opportunity, or care.

Therefore, one of the crucial questions of purpose is:

**“What has the Master placed within my stewardship, and what has He not?”**

If someone comes into my care, how do I treat them?

If money comes into my hands, how do I use it?

If knowledge comes to me, what do I do with it?

If I receive an opportunity, how do I handle it?

If I am given influence, what do I cause that influence to produce?

If I receive a spiritual gift, do I use it to serve others?

If evil comes into my sphere, do I become another channel through which it spreads—or do I, by God's grace, stop its transmission through me?

This is why stewardship also involves **cultivation**.

Cultivation takes time.

A seed becomes a tree.
A child grows into an adult.
Knowledge develops into wisdom.
A gift becomes fruitful through exercise.
Truth is taught from one generation to another.
Good institutions and communities are built over time.

And therefore, what passes through our hands can become either **something we cultivate for God's purposes or something we help multiply contrary to His will**.

Unforgiveness can produce bitterness.
Bitterness can produce hatred.
Hatred can produce further harm.

But forgiveness can interrupt a cycle.

Truth can produce trust.

Love can produce love.

Wisdom can produce wisdom.

Generosity can produce generosity.

The Christian should therefore ask not only:

**“What am I producing?”**

but also:

**“What am I helping to reproduce?”**

Ultimately, I think purpose can be understood in this way:

**Purpose is not simply doing something impressive with our lives. It is faithfully doing what the Master has entrusted to us.**

Jesus prayed to the Father:

> “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”
> — John 17:4

He did not say, “I have done everything that could possibly be done.”

He said:

**“The work which Thou gavest Me.”**

That is the distinction.

We are not called to steward everything in the world.

We are called to faithfully steward **what the Master brings into our hands and places within our responsibility**.

And when we stand before Him, the question will not ultimately be how much we possessed, how famous we became, or how impressive our accomplishments appeared.

It will be:

**What did you do with what I entrusted to you?**

Perhaps, then, to fulfill purpose is simply this:

**To take what the Master puts into our hands, manage it according to His will, cultivate what He wants cultivated, dispense what He wants given, refuse to propagate what He calls evil, and faithfully complete the work He has given us to do.**

**That is stewardship. And perhaps that is what it means to fulfill purpose.**

I'VE BEEN THROUGH HELL… AND TURNED IT INTO HEALING.

I could've let my past destroy me.
I could've stayed buried beneath the pain.
But JESUS had another plan.

What was meant to break me became part of my testimony. ‍
What wounded me taught me how to help the wounded.
What I survived became proof that GOD CAN REDEEM ANY STORY.

I'm not ashamed of where I've been anymore—because somebody still trapped in the darkness needs to know there is a way OUT.

I've been through hell… but I don't live there anymore.

I HEALED. I RECOVERED. I FOUND JESUS. AND NOW I SPEAK OUT.

Follow FoxxFusion Ministries for real testimony, recovery encouragement, faith & hope.

#JesusChangedMyLife #Recovery #Testimony #Healing #FoxxFusionMinistries

Acts 28:

"1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

The Key to Breakthrough

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16

Did you know over 70% of Messiah’ ministry focused on healing the sick, casting out demons, and performing miracles? In Acts 10:38, Luke beautifully summarizes His work, “Yahwah anointed Messiah of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for Yahwah was with Him.”

Messiah went around healing how many? All who were oppressed! The wonderful news is He continues to heal today. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

You may be wondering—why don’t we witness more miracles in our lives? why don’t we witness more miracles and healings in our lives? The answer could be simple—we often don’t ask. James 4:2 states, “...Ye have not because you ask not.” In Matthew 7:7, Messiah encourages us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

You might say I’ve asked and asked and still have not received my miracle or healing!” Please remember Yahwah is not on our time clock. If I had my way when found out I had hepatitis C I would have been healed immediately. But my eventual healing was not on my time but Yahwah’s!

We also have to remember what it says in the end of Matthew 5:45 “…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Friend, in walking with Messiah for 36 years, I’ve learned Yahwah delights in answering our prayers! Is there something you’re believing Yahwah for right now? Does it feel like it’s taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged - Yahwah’s Word assures us that through faith and patience, we will inherit His promises.

If you stay in faith and keep seeking, your breakthrough is on the horizon!

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

Matthew 20:29-34

Sometimes the accounts of healings have one detail that makes us question everything. Here it is His question.

“What do you want Me to do for You?”

Now you would think this question had an obvious answer. It was two blind men calling out to Jesus so loudly the crowd was telling them to shut up. So he turns with this question. Did He Not know?

No. Jesus is wanting them to voice it. They wanted to see. Their only hope of that happening was for Him to notice them and heal them. So they called out, then answered his question. You see, they wanted the healing, but it's at this point in ministry that Jesus has watched the newly healed turn from, Him without an ounce of gratitude.

And now here's two more. Do they desire healing? Or is their concern more eternal in nature? Were these two going to thank Him for the healing or just walk away? Remember the healing of the cripple who was lowered from the rooftop into a house.

That's when Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven before healing him. The more urgent matter for Jesus was this man's soul. When we come before the Lord, we pray for what we desire, not always necessarily what we need.
Do not forget that these men and women allowed their handicap to be their occupation for a lifetime.

Many were aware of the healing happening, few when asked address their need for forgiveness of sin. Jesus asks because the healing led to other issues. These grown adults were incapable of following a traditional career path. They would have to find a way to sustain their existence without relying on begging. And this would cause a financial issue for them.

So what kind of fool would possibly begin to resent being made well? Keep in mind that many of those who were screaming for excitement at the healing were some of the same people who remained silent when Jesus was being crucified.

We do the same thing today when we pray for temporary results. Our prayers should reflect more concern for the people's eternal consequences than for earthly temporal results.

Friday we will interrupt the study on Matthew for a special lesson on the madness occurring today. Be here for “This is Baphomet.”


[29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

Mark 3:10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. What would you do? If you were in a crowd that was listening to Jesus. You had heard the stories that Jesus healed a leper, a man with a shriveled hand who was made whole, a demonized guy now with a sound mind, the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years who was healed after touching the hem of his garment, story after story. Would you be so rude to push your way towards Jesus to touch him and ask for forgiveness later? Why did the Father send Jesus to the earth? Jesus said I come to do the will of the Father (John 6:38). For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17) Jesus went around teaching, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) This would mean what He did then, He still does today and tomorrow. So, what are you doing today to push your way to get closer to Jesus? Read your Bible, think about the verses you read. Jesus frequently said "Your faith has made you well".

Morning friends. There are tears of gratitude in my coffee this morning. Sittin here reading Isaiah 53:5 this morning. It says, “He was wounded for our transgressions…and by His stripes we are healed.” There He hung between heaven and earth, wounded, rejected, and alone. The hands that could have called angels were nailed to a cross. The One who had rescued countless people was dying with no one rescuing Him. And here’s what breaks my heart…He wasn’t saving Himself because He was busy saving me. Jesus knew my sin. He knew my failures. He knew every road I would wander down, and He still chose the cross. Nobody came to save Jesus that day. Jesus came to save me. The cross is God’s love with a heartbeat. His blood paid a debt my goodness could never pay. So today, stop running from the One who ran toward your redemption. The Savior who wasn’t saved became the Savior who saves. Call on Jesus. Give Him your life. He gave His life for you! Take His hand. Y’all have a blessed day. Love ya. Pappy Flynn

Daily Bible Lesson.
THE HIDDEN POWER OF SALT IN THE BIBLE: WHY GOD USED SALT SO OFTEN

Have you ever wondered why salt appears over and over again in the Bible?

It was never just a seasoning.

From Genesis to the New Testament, salt carried deep spiritual meaning. It represented purity, preservation, faithfulness, covenant, wisdom, and even judgment.

Let's explore what God was teaching through salt.

1. ELISHA USED SALT TO HEAL THE WATERS OF JERICHO

2 Kings 2:19–22

After Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha arrived in Jericho.

The people said:

«"The city is pleasant, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive."»

God instructed Elisha:

«"Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it."»

Elisha threw the salt into the spring and declared:

«"Thus says the LORD, 'I have healed these waters; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from them.'" (2 Kings 2:21)»

Immediately the waters became pure.

Notice something important.

The miracle was not in the salt.

The salt was simply an act of obedience through which God demonstrated His power.

Spiritual meaning:

God can cleanse what sin has poisoned.

He can restore what seemed permanently ruined.

When God speaks, even bitter waters become life-giving.

2. EVERY GRAIN OFFERING HAD TO INCLUDE SALT

Leviticus 2:13

God commanded Israel:

«"Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings."»

Why?

Because salt preserves.

It resists corruption.

It symbolized that Israel's worship should never become spiritually corrupt.

Spiritual meaning:

God desires worship that remains pure, faithful, and sincere.

Our devotion should not spoil with compromise.

3. GOD ESTABLISHED A "COVENANT OF SALT"

Numbers 18:19

God told Aaron:

«"It is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD."»

Again in:

2 Chronicles 13:5

God declared that He gave David the kingdom by a covenant of salt forever.

In the ancient world, salt was valuable and enduring.

A covenant sealed with salt symbolized permanence, loyalty, and faithfulness.

Spiritual meaning:

God does not abandon His promises.

What He establishes, He is faithful to keep.

4. JESUS CALLED BELIEVERS "THE SALT OF THE EARTH"

Matthew 5:13

Jesus said:

«"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?"»

Salt preserves food from decay.

Likewise, believers are called to preserve truth in a corrupt world.

We are meant to influence the world—not be influenced by it.

Spiritual meaning:

Christians should slow the spread of moral decay by living holy lives, speaking truth, and reflecting Christ's character.

5. JESUS SAID TO HAVE SALT IN YOURSELVES

Mark 9:50

Jesus taught:

«"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness... Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."»

This points to inward spiritual character.

Spiritual meaning:

God desires hearts marked by wisdom, humility, holiness, and peace.

6. PAUL COMPARED OUR WORDS TO SALT

Colossians 4:6

Paul wrote:

«"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt."»

Our words should preserve life, bring wisdom, and point people toward Christ.

Instead of spreading bitterness, believers should speak words that heal, encourage, and build others up.

7. SALT WAS ALSO A SIGN OF JUDGMENT

The Bible also uses salt to represent desolation when people reject God.

After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah:

Genesis 19:26

Lot's wife looked back in disobedience and became a pillar of salt.

Her story stands as a warning against longing for the sinful life God has called us to leave behind.

Later, Scripture describes lands under God's judgment as barren and covered with salt.

Deuteronomy 29:23

Judges 9:45

These passages show that the same symbol could represent either blessing or judgment, depending on humanity's response to God.

WHAT DOES SALT REPRESENT IN THE BIBLE?

Salt symbolizes:

• Purity

• Preservation

• Faithfulness

• God's everlasting covenant

• Holiness

• Wisdom

• Gracious speech

• Healing through God's power

• A warning against corruption and disobedience

THE GREATEST LESSON

Salt itself has no supernatural power.

The Bible never teaches that salt possesses mystical or magical abilities.

Whenever God used salt, it was because He chose it as a symbol or as part of an act of obedience.

The power was always God's—not the salt.

Today, God still heals bitter lives.

He restores broken families.

He renews weary hearts.

He preserves those who remain faithful to Him.

The same God who healed the waters of Jericho is still able to transform what seems impossible.