Choose Forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)

Almost everyone knows what it feels like to be hurt.

Someone breaks your trust.

A friend betrays you.

Someone says something that stays in your heart for years.

A relationship ends painfully.

Someone treats you unfairly.

And sometimes the hardest part isn't the pain itself.

It's deciding what to do with that pain.

You may feel like holding on to anger will protect you.

You may think:

“They don't deserve my forgiveness.”

And perhaps what happened was genuinely wrong.

But Jesus calls us to something greater than revenge.

The Bible says:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Forgiveness doesn't mean pretending that what happened was acceptable.

It doesn't mean saying that the person didn't hurt you.

It doesn't mean you must immediately trust someone who has broken your trust.

And forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation.

Sometimes healthy boundaries are necessary.

But forgiveness means refusing to allow someone else's wrongdoing to control your heart forever.

It means releasing your desire for revenge and placing justice in God's hands.

Jesus gave us the ultimate example.

He was betrayed.

Rejected.

Mocked.

Beaten.

Crucified.

Yet even while suffering on the cross, He prayed for those who were hurting Him.

That is the power of God's grace.

And if Christ has forgiven us, we are called to extend that grace to others.

Think about how much God has forgiven you.

Every mistake.

Every sinful thought.

Every wrong decision.

Every time you ignored His voice.

Every time you chose your own way.

We stand in need of grace too.

That doesn't make someone else's wrongdoing insignificant.

It reminds us that we are also people who need forgiveness.

Maybe today you're carrying anger toward someone.

You don't have to pretend everything is fine.

Bring the pain to God.

Tell Him exactly how you feel.

Ask Him to heal your heart.

Ask Him to help you forgive.

And if necessary, establish wise boundaries.

But don't let bitterness become your identity.

Bitterness can consume the person carrying it more than the person who caused the hurt.

Forgiveness sets your heart free.

Sometimes forgiveness happens in one decision.

Sometimes it is a process.

You may have to surrender the same pain to God repeatedly.

That's okay.

Keep giving it to Him.

Keep praying.

Keep healing.

Keep choosing grace.

And remember that forgiveness doesn't mean you have to forget the lesson.

You can forgive someone and still learn from what happened.

You can forgive and still protect yourself.

You can forgive and still choose wisdom.

You can forgive without returning to an unhealthy situation.

Forgiveness is not weakness. It is freedom.

If you have hurt someone, don't only ask God for forgiveness.

Where appropriate, have the courage to apologize.

Say:

“I was wrong.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Please forgive me.”

Humility can begin the healing of a relationship.

And if someone has hurt you, ask God for the strength to release the bitterness.

You may not be able to change what happened.

But with God's help, you can choose what happens next.

Don't let yesterday's pain steal today's peace. Give your hurt to God and choose forgiveness.

Is there someone you need to forgive—or someone you need to ask for forgiveness today?

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TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

SERMON TOPIC:

DOES READING THE BIBLE ON YOUR PHONE A SIN?

A Powerful Sermon for Young and Mature Christians.

The Phone Is Not the Problem.

Imagine this:
You wake up in the morning. Before your feet touch the floor, your hand reaches for your phone.

You check WhatsApp.
You scroll through Facebook.
You watch a few videos.
You check notifications.
You laugh at a few posts.

Then someone asks you:

“Did you read your Bible today?”

You say, “Yes, I read it on my phone.”

But another person says, “Reading the Bible on your phone is not spiritual. You need a physical Bible!”

So, who is right?

Is reading the Bible on your phone a sin?

The answer is NO.

The Bible does not teach that reading God's Word from a phone is sinful. The issue is not whether the Bible is printed on paper or displayed on a screen. The greater issue is whether God's Word is entering your heart and transforming your life.
Your phone can be a tool for temptation—or a tool for transformation.
The same device that can carry pornography can carry Scripture.
The same phone that can waste three hours can also help you spend thirty minutes with God.
The question is not simply:
“What device are you using?”
The deeper question is:
“What are you using the device for, and what is God's Word producing in your life?”
1. GOD'S WORD IS WHAT MATTERS, NOT THE MATERIAL IT IS PRINTED ON

Key Scripture:
2 Timothy 3:16–17

«“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”»
Paul does not say God's Word becomes powerful only when printed on paper.
The authority of Scripture comes from God, not from the material on which the words appear.
Whether you read:
- a physical Bible,
- a Bible app,
- an ebook,
- a Bible website,
- or listen to an audio Bible,
the important question is whether you are receiving and obeying the truth of God's Word.

Consider this:
If you read Psalm 23 on paper, God can speak to you.
If you read Psalm 23 on your phone, God can speak to you.
The paper does not make the Word powerful.
God makes His Word powerful.
The Bible says:
«“The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.”
— Hebrews 4:12»
The power is in the Word, not in the paper.
2. JESUS TAUGHT US TO CARRY GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS

Key Scripture:

Psalm 119:11

«“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”»
Notice what the psalmist says:
“I have hidden Your Word in my heart.”
He doesn't say, “I have hidden Your Word in my leather Bible.”
The ultimate goal of Bible reading is not merely to own a Bible.
It is to allow the Bible to own your heart.
You can carry a beautiful Bible everywhere and never obey it.
You can have 20 Bible apps installed and never open one.
You can underline hundreds of verses and still refuse to forgive somebody.
You can listen to sermons every day and remain unchanged.
Therefore, Bible possession is not the same as Bible transformation.
Jesus said:
«“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
— John 14:15»
The real evidence that we are receiving God's Word is not merely that we read it.
It is that we obey it.
3. YOUR PHONE CAN BECOME A TEMPLE OF DISTRACTION OR A TOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
This is where we need wisdom.
Reading the Bible on your phone is not a sin.
But allowing your phone to constantly distract you from God's Word is a spiritual problem.
You open your Bible app to read Matthew 5.
A notification appears.
You check WhatsApp.
Someone has posted something interesting.
You open Facebook.
Then you see a video.
Then another video.
Twenty minutes later, you have forgotten why you opened the phone.
The problem was not the phone.
The problem was lack of spiritual discipline.
Jesus said:
«“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.”
— Matthew 26:41»
We must learn to control our devices rather than allowing our devices to control us.
Your phone can help you:
- read Scripture every morning;
- memorize Bible verses;
- listen to Scripture while travelling;
- study different Bible translations;
- search for related passages;
- take spiritual notes;
- listen to Christian teaching;
- share Scripture with others;
- follow a Bible reading plan.
But it can also become a major source of distraction.
The same phone can take you closer to God or farther from Him.
The difference is how you use it.
4. DON'T CONFUSE A PHYSICAL BIBLE WITH SPIRITUALITY
There is nothing wrong with loving a physical Bible.
In fact, many Christians find it easier to concentrate, underline passages, make notes, and remember where verses are located when using a printed Bible.
That's wonderful.
But we must be careful not to create spiritual rules that God did not create.

If someone says:
“You are sinning because you read the Bible on your phone,”
ask respectfully:
“Where does Scripture teach that?”
We must distinguish between:
Biblical commands
Things God actually commands.
Personal preferences
Things that may help us spiritually but are not universal commands.
A physical Bible can be an excellent spiritual tool.
But it is not a requirement for salvation.
It is not the paper that makes someone spiritual.
It is their relationship with Christ and their submission to God's Word.
5. THE GOAL OF BIBLE READING IS TRANSFORMATION

Key Scripture:

James 1:22

«“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”»
This is one of the most important truths in this entire message.
You can read the Bible on your phone and become spiritually mature.
You can read the Bible from a physical Bible and remain spiritually immature.
Why?
Because reading is the beginning—not the destination.
The Word should change:
- how you speak;
- how you think;
- how you treat people;
- how you handle money;
- how you respond to temptation;
- how you conduct relationships;
- how you forgive;
- how you work;
- how you raise your children;
- how you use technology.
If your Bible reading does not affect your life, something is missing.
The purpose of Scripture is not simply to fill your head with information but to transform your heart and direct your life.

BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS

Consider Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4.
When Satan came to tempt Him, Jesus responded repeatedly:
“It is written…”
Jesus knew the Word.
He remembered the Word.
He trusted the Word.
He used the Word.
And He obeyed the Word.
The lesson is powerful:
The Bible is not merely something we read during peaceful moments. It is truth we carry into spiritual battles.
When temptation says:
“You cannot overcome this.”
The Word says:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…”
— 1 Corinthians 10:13
When fear says:
“You are alone.”
The Word says:
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
— Hebrews 13:5
When anxiety says:
“Everything is going to collapse.”
The Word says:
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication…”
— Philippians 4:6
When condemnation says:
“You are finished.”
The Word reminds you:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1
That is why we must not merely read the Word.
We must know the Word.

DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

Your phone is neither holy nor sinful by itself.
It is a tool.
A knife can prepare food or cause harm.
Money can support ministry or become an idol.
A car can take you to church or take you somewhere sinful.
A phone can spread the Gospel or spread ungodliness.
The issue is the heart of the user.
Jesus taught:
«“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
— Matthew 6:21»
Therefore, examine your heart.
If you use your phone to read Scripture, praise God.
If your phone constantly distracts you from Scripture, establish boundaries.
If a particular app repeatedly pulls you into sin, have the courage to remove it.
Don't protect an app at the expense of your spiritual life.

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS

1. Choose a Bible-reading time
Don't wait until you “feel spiritual.”
Set a time and keep it.
2. Turn off notifications
When studying Scripture, silence unnecessary notifications.
Give God your attention.
3. Use your phone intentionally
Before opening your phone, know why you are opening it.
If you are reading Scripture, read Scripture.
4. Keep a physical Bible if it helps you
There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a printed Bible.
Use whatever helps you engage deeply with God's Word.
5. Don't only read—meditate
Ask:
What is God saying?
What does this reveal about Him?
What must I change?
What must I obey?
6. Memorize Scripture
A phone can disappear.
A battery can die.
A network can fail.
But God's Word hidden in your heart remains with you.
7. Put Scripture into practice
Forgive.
Love.
Serve.
Give.
Pray.
Speak truth.
Resist temptation.
Live holy.
That is when Scripture becomes visible in your life.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Am I reading the Bible to know God or simply to complete a reading plan?
2. Does my phone help my spiritual life more than it harms it?
3. What usually distracts me when I try to read Scripture?
4. Do I obey the Bible or merely quote it?
5. Is there an app or online activity that is consistently pulling me away from God?
6. What Scripture am I currently hiding in my heart?
7. If someone observed my phone activity for one week, would they see evidence of Christ?

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer for Hunger
Father, give me a deep hunger and thirst for Your Word. Let me desire Scripture more than entertainment, in Jesus' name.
2. Prayer for Understanding
Lord, open my spiritual understanding. Help me not only to read Your Word but to understand what You are saying to me.
3. Prayer Against Distraction
Father, deliver me from every distraction that steals my attention from You. Give me discipline and spiritual focus.
4. Prayer for Obedience
Lord, give me grace to practice what I read. Let Your Word transform my thoughts, character, decisions, and relationships.
5. Prayer for Technology
Father, teach me to use technology wisely. Let my phone become a tool for Your glory and not an instrument of spiritual destruction.
6. Prayer for Young People
Lord, raise a generation of young people who love Your Word, understand Your truth, resist temptation, and boldly represent Christ in this digital age.
7. Prayer for Spiritual Growth
Holy Spirit, make me spiritually mature. Let Scripture become deeply rooted in my heart and visible in my daily life.

STRONG CLOSING:

WHAT IS YOUR PHONE DOING TO YOUR SPIRIT?

Let me leave you with this question:
When you pick up your phone, what usually gets the first part of your attention?
Social media?
Entertainment?
Messages?
News?
Or God?
Your phone is not your master.
Your notifications are not your master.
Social media is not your master.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
So, if reading the Bible on your phone helps you encounter God, read it.
If listening to an audio Bible helps you stay in God's Word, listen.
If a physical Bible helps you concentrate, use it.
The goal is not to worship the format.
The goal is to know the Author.
Don't become a Christian who owns a Bible but doesn't know the God of the Bible.
Don't become someone who can quote Scripture but refuses to obey it.
Don't allow a smartphone to become smarter than your spiritual life.
Use technology—but don't let technology use you.
Read the Word.
Study the Word.
Meditate on the Word.
Memorize the Word.
Obey the Word.
Live the Word.
And most importantly:
Live for Jesus.
Final Declaration
My phone will not control me.
My distractions will not control me.
God's Word will guide me.
The Holy Spirit will lead me.
Jesus Christ will remain my Lord.
And everything I use—including my technology—will be used for the glory of God.
Amen!

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:7 (ESV)

“Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim.”

Opening the Scriptures

The six large stone jars were standing nearby.

Then Jesus gave the servants a simple command:

“Fill the jars with water.”

The servants did not yet know what Jesus was going to do. The wedding needed wine, yet Jesus told them to bring water.

From a human point of view, the command may have seemed unrelated to the problem.

But the servants obeyed.

John adds an important detail:

“They filled them up to the brim.”

They did not partially obey. They did not fill the jars halfway and decide that was enough. They carried out the command completely.

They still did not know what would happen next.

They simply did what Jesus told them to do.

Living God’s Word Today

There is an important lesson here about Christian obedience.

We often want God to explain everything before we obey Him.

We want to know why.

We want to know what will happen.

We want to understand how obedience will benefit us.

But obedience to Christ cannot depend upon our understanding of the outcome.

When God has spoken clearly in His Word, our responsibility is to obey.

Sometimes His commands will challenge us.

Forgive.

Love your enemies.

Speak the truth.

Flee from sin.

Care for those in need.

Share the Gospel.

Remain faithful when obedience becomes costly.

We may not always understand what God is accomplishing through our obedience.

The servants at Cana certainly did not.

But they filled the jars “up to the brim.”

There is also a warning for us here.

Partial obedience is often disguised disobedience.

We cannot faithfully follow Christ while selecting only the commands we find comfortable.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Our obedience does not earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by our works. But a life transformed by Christ should increasingly become a life of obedience to Christ.

The servants could fill the jars.

They could not perform the miracle.

That belonged entirely to Jesus.

The same distinction remains important for us.

Our responsibility is faithful obedience. The results belong to God.

Today, do not demand to see the outcome before obeying.

Trust Christ enough to do what He has commanded.

And when you obey, do not stop halfway.

Fill it to the brim.

Question for Today

Is there an area where you have been giving Christ only partial obedience?

Respond: “Lord Jesus, help me to obey You completely.”

THIS IS BAPHOMET


This lesson will be a little different as we will address the urgency of this topic. Baphomet was one of the early child sacrificing gods of the Bible days. But here is the issue. The worship of Baphomet continues to this day. It is Satanism pure and simple.

Worship entailed having sexual intercourse with temple priests and prostitutes. Baphomet is a creature with both male and female genitalia. Female breasts with male arms and legs. Baphomet worship is a fulfillment of base sexual desires and deviance. It is foundational homosexuality from the source that inspires homosexuality, Satan.

It is necessary as a follower of Baphomet to sacrifice your children to him. In Bible days, that meant placing your infant to one year old child into the white-hot metal arms of a Baphomet idol and worshipping as your child writhes in excruciating pain before dying. Yes, to this day there are Captains of industry, government leaders and Hollywood elites who gather to offer the life of their children to Baphomet.

Today's worship of Baphomet still accepts the human sacrifices, but an additional provision was added. “Sacrificing your child” could mean doing so and devoting their continued life in service as a priest of Baphomet. What did that entail? It required the forced removal of a male's sexual organs. The new “priest” would live out his remaining days as a neutered sex object accepting the offerings of others.

Do you understand that the push for accepting homosexuality in this country was always headed here? That it wasn't tolerance they wanted, or acceptance. Do you understand now why so many on the left have transgendered children? How the transgendered lunacy has resulted in government leaders too afraid to even define the word, “woman”.

Within the past decade there has been another shift in culture to demonize Biblical stances and adults nowadays refuse to define the word, ‘woman’ because to do so would go counter to their agenda. So the madness that it is allowing men into locker rooms or women's bathrooms, and insisting against all science that they are a different kind of woman is not a mental deficiency, it is part and parcel of their Satanic agenda.

Does it begin to make more sense that liberal women now stand supporting a mentally ill woman who strangled her 3 children? Anything to support victimizing the innocent is front and center in todays world as a great thing.

Statistically speaking transgendered individuals make up 1% of a population of 3 to 5% of homosexuals but celebrities have 4 children, all of whom are transgendered now. This is a combination of mental illness and a demonic intent. They cannot be reasoned with, they will not apply the simplest of logic or understand reality because they can't. Why? They told us.

Earlier last year a parade of homosexuals marched through the streets chanting, “We're here. We're queer. And we're coming for your children. “ But to share the video or comment on it was somehow “phobic”. So they can openly admit to wanting to rape your children, but for us to point it out becomes problematic.

And we look around now and what used to be considered common sense is now considered bigotry. The absolute hatred that is displayed against anyone calling into question allowing a male to compete unfairly against women in sports isn't about acceptance, or equality it is rooted in the worship of Satan.

Look at the rage on the videos of the mentally ill men online screaming “It's she, I'm a she.” Or, “It's ma'am.” That is not rational. It is not natural, it is demonic. This is not political, the leftist devotion to all things anti-god has been an issue for decades. But when adults in a school charged with keeping our kids safe covers up a trans student raping a girl in the bathroom, transferring him to another school where it happens again, you know there's an evil behind it. They would rather girls get raped than to possibly offend a homosexual and will go to great lengths not only to cover it up, but to allow it to happen again.

No, what we see with Britney Griner and Lea Thompson is lackluster mediocre male athletes who aren't capable of competing against men now “declaring themselves female” so they can steal scholarships and positions from females. These men are doing this out of greed and indifference but the people defending them have a clear Satanic agenda.

Even though the individuals themselves may not be aware, this is not a rights issue, it started as and continues as pagan worship. It is a demonic stance that God has made clear He hates.

When you realize that the whole effort to deny the most basic biological fact that there are only 2 genders is not about rights, not about acceptance, it is clear that any organization or church supporting this is of a Satanic origin. They've said as much.

So when you see celebrities with multiple children who they've adopted and then altered to become transgendered ministers of Baphomet, now you understand. They've surrendered the future to Satan creating a generation of infertile devotees to a blood cult.

They must be removed from power and influence but they won't be because this is where we were always headed with the issue of homosexuality. To a culture that is either too afraid to speak up when children are being cut from the womb to be eaten by Baphomet fanatics, or they will follow cultural norms and will do nothing to stop it.

Pray, brothers and sisters in Christ. Because Jesus is coming to His own and these unbelievers will be tossed unceremoniously into the pit of eternal fire to suffer eternally. Along with every lukewarm Christian who didn't want to make a stand out of fear of consequences. Now is the time to make a stand.

Daily Bible Lesson.
YOUR PAST DOES NOT DISQUALIFY YOU

John: 4:13–18, 28–29

"Lord, quiet my heart as I spend these few minutes with You. Help me set aside the burden of past mistakes, regret, or shame. Open my eyes to see how Your grace covers my entire history, and remind me that my past is never a barrier to Your purpose for my life. Amen."

In the ancient Near East, women gathered water at the well during the cool early morning or late evening. It was a social, shared routine. But in John 4, a Samaritan woman comes to Jacob’s well at noon—the hottest, most unforgiving hour of the day.

She wasn't avoiding the heat; she was avoiding the people.

Her life was marked by brokenness: five previous husbands, and a current living arrangement that offered no security or honor in her community. She carried the weight of public judgment, self-reliance, and isolation.

When Jesus asked her for a drink, He broke three major cultural barriers at once: social (men didn't speak to women publicly), religious/ethnic (Jews avoided Samaritans), and moral (rabbinic traditions avoided public interaction with people of ill repute).

Jesus didn't ignore her past. In fact, He directly addressed it:

“Go, call your husband and come back.”
“I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” — John 4:16–18

Notice how Jesus speaks: He states facts without condemnation. He exposes her true condition not to humiliate her, but to show her that He knows everything about her and still wants to offer her living water.

Many people live under the impression that God only uses those with pristine backgrounds. We assume that past failures, bad choices, or deep regret relegate us to the spiritual sidelines.

The Samaritan woman’s story flips that assumption completely:

Full Exposure Leads to Full Acceptance:
Jesus knew her complete history before He started the conversation. God never looks at your past and says, "I didn't realize you did that." His offer of grace is given with full knowledge of your worst moments.

From Hiding to Witnessing: After meeting Jesus, the woman left her water jar behind—the very symbol of her daily burden and isolation—and ran back into the city she had been avoiding.

A Voice for the City: The very town that judged her became her mission field. “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony” (John 4:39).

Your past does not disqualify you from God's love or His purpose. In God’s hands, the very mess you tried to hide can become the message that points others to freedom.

Take a moment to reflect or write down your thoughts on these questions:

1. What past mistake or area of regret do you tend to hold onto, assuming it limits how God can use you?

2. How does knowing that Jesus fully understood the woman's past
before offering her living water change how you view His offer to you?

"Father, thank You that my past does not dictate my future in Your Kingdom. Thank You that You see every flaw, every regret, and every mistake, yet You still call me, love me, and offer me living water. Give me the courage to leave my 'water jar' of shame behind and walk confidently in the purpose You have for me today. In Jesus' name, Amen."

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.
You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below

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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

APPLY THINE HEART UNTO MY KNOWLEDGE

Hear • Understand • Apply

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 22:17 (KJV) “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.”

1. LISTEN

Wisdom begins with listening.

A teachable heart grows; a stubborn heart stays stuck.

Listen to God, wise counsel and correction.

2. UNDERSTAND

Don't just hear—seek understanding.

Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

Ask: What does this mean? How can I use it?

3. APPLY

Knowledge becomes useful when you put it into practice.

Knowledge informs; application transforms.

Don't just know how to forgive—forgive.
Don't just know how to pray—pray.
Don't just read God's Word—live it.

4. KEEP LEARNING

Stay humble and teachable.

Learn from:
1. God's Word
2. Wise people
3. Experience
4. Correction
5. Your mistakes

KEY LESSON

1. Listen carefully.
2. Seek understanding.
3. Apply what you learn.
4. Accept correction.
5. Keep growing.

FINAL CHARGE

Don't become someone who knows much but practises little.

HEAR IT. UNDERSTAND IT. APPLY IT. LIVE IT.

Knowledge in the head is information.
Knowledge in action becomes wisdom.

SHORT PRAYER

Father, give me a teachable heart. Help me to hear Your Word, understand Your wisdom and apply it in my daily life. Give me humility to receive correction and grace to keep growing. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prepared by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo +233544295158