F4S: Have ya ever stumbled, given in to what you now really regret, or simply fallen flat on your face and gotten dirty before? Hate that. I feel for you, now get back up, Sport. Don't stay down there all soiled, tainted or toxic!

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Have ya ever stumbled, given in to what you now really regret, or simply fallen flat on your face and gotten dirty before? Hate that. I feel for you, now get back up, Sport. Don't stay down there all soiled, tainted or toxic!

Clean and staying clean inside—there’s indeed a way.  

And He has a name. Jesus is God’s way for you. Dare ya to make room and time for Him. There is a way to walk in victory over sin. God's way can make a way for you. 

How can I overcome a habitual sin?

Essentials about sin.. are there any?

I remember my former So Cal pastor Greg once shared to my friends and I that the top three words that people google late at night on the web are: Porn, lonely, and suicide. (Seems like our world-gone-astray from the Word has become more and more lonely for people these days huh. Your heavenly Father has a way for us to address this. You never have to be lonely, hopeless or lustful again).

This was around the time when Kate Spade died by suicide (on June 5, 2018), and then Anthony Bourdain also sadly died this way just 3 days later! Please don't go there! This life here is tough, but you are SO loved, hope is to be had, and that's just selfish. R U N to your safe Refuge, call out to.. and call a believer too. "For God so LOVED the world that he gave" us His Son -- that for for you!

Is it a sin to look at a woman’s body or at a man's body -- I'm thinkin' it's the way and how long you look. Watch out for that second look especially if it's lustful? 

What does the Bible say about overcoming lust?

Got some questions about sin?

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 nkjv (Idea; meditate upon, memorize by out loud repetition)

We, believers, are called to a holy life in the Lord. Can’t do that on our own, but you and I can be and give a good witness in this corrupt perverse world during these dark days. That might sound kind of religious, I don’t mean for it to come off that way, but it’s true.

You and I are to walk in holiness, wholesome humble honesty, in purity! We are called to Him first, to righteousness in Christ, not to self-righteousness or towards indulging the demands of the inner fleshly nature. Duh! Remember, God will use any vessel except a dirty vessel. His mighty power flows through clean vessels. So what are you waiting for.. come to Christ with candor (now is good) just as you are. Yes, opt to live real close in his presence, worship acceptably, biblically.. with intimacy. Daily choose Him. Make Him your primary, top, main focus daily no matter what you feel or don’t feel. Sure it’s good to repent when that’s needed.. to believe, be cleansed, and stay clean by His grace. Walk worthy, above reproach, and blameless for his glory.

“VANISH FOREVER ALL THOUGHT OF INDULGING THE FLESH IF YOU WOULD LIVE IN THE POWER OF YOUR RISEN LORD.” ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

You know how the Bible teaches that our Lord Jesus was tempted in all points just like as we are.. yet He never sinned. The world and Hollywood would teach otherwise, but Jesus experienced firsthand real temptations and didn’t blow it. He therefore he’s able to help each of us to ditch, to run (fast like Joseph did), to bail out, and to overcome by His power when we too are tempted.

Hey Sport, sometimes the best and wisest thing you can do is change the channel, or drive WAY around that familiar restaurant bar or Krispy Kreame doughnuts shop, or just hang up, or don’t dial that number in the first place, or exit that hotel room. You came there to pray together and fellowship — WHAT were you thinking, don’t be a foolish idiot. Husbands, hotel suites, penthouses, and rooms are for you and your female spouse alone.

Photo by Elena Theodoridou

We all need the Lord most — we’re to love Him most and follow. Got needs that He can’t meet? Really? Nope, Christ can easily meet every need even when spouses can’t.. or don’t even try. Christian spouses point each other towards the Word and do try to meet needs.

Married folk, as you seek first the Lord, His will for you, and His Kingdom and get much closer to God, then you two will get closer together as well.

What is the mortification of sin ..and of the fleshly nature within?

How possibly can I live a holy life.. yes me?

What is the proper way to handle sin in my life?

How should we live in light of God? Remember God’s Word saying, “Be holy for I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16)?

What is the flesh?

What is the indwelling of the third Person of the Godhead— the Holy One of God?

What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple? You remember that tabernacle of God right?

What does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? When God says something it’s so important, and when He says something twice in the Bible it’s way important to take note of, but what about said in triplicates? Remember and never ever forget? Remember His sterling holy character and all His faithful promises.

How do you know if you have the Holy Spirit?

Photo by Photo by Kate Olfans

Beyond avoiding sexual immorality (which is always good for you and those around you..) and keeping sex within God’s design for marriage (which God also calls good), we each can live a holy life by being obedient to God in all areas of life (1 Peter 1:14–16). Knowing and obeying God’s Word is key (John 17:17). Hiding God’s Word in our hearts keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11). When we live in obedience to God, we are staying separate from evil. We are offering our bodies as “living sacrifices” to God (Romans 12:1–2). The purpose of living a holy life is to glorify God and display His nature to those around us (Matthew 5:16). Living a holy life of obedience to God is living in true freedom from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:6).

It’s not always easy to choose obedience to God, especially if we’re trying to do it all on our own. Satan would love nothing more than to bring us back into bondage through disobedience. But we have the promise, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The Holy Spirit will produce Christlikeness in us, and, as we yield to Him, we can live a holy life (Galatians 5:16).

Here is the mindset we should have: “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). Any time we face temptation, we should say, “I’m dead to that! That was part of my old life! I am a new creation in Christ!” (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). To live a holy life, to separate ourselves from sin, we must see ourselves as God does — as born-again children of the Most High, clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

“So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless, I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shall guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” — Psalm 73:22–25

Flee youthful lusts.. to Him. As they say in New York City: Don’t even think about it. Choose to have eyes only for your Lord (your first love) and for your beloved spouse. We all need the word of God every day! I remember Mr. Zig Ziglar who went to my church — he always chose/prayed to have eyes only for Jesus and “the redhead.” Such a smart man!

Feed and nourish your spirit rather than your pushy fleshly nature today — make no provision for the flesh to enjoy some pet sin.