At a recent marital gathering, a common question surfaced: Is it acceptable for married couples to indulge in pornography? My unequivocal response was a resounding No!
1. The Spiritual Dimension of Pornography
James 1:14-15 cautions against being carried away by one’s lust, leading to sin and eventual death.
“Pastor, why would you say so? At least, we are married, and we can do anything in the sanctity of our marriage!”
James 1:14-15But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
There’s an unseen force behind pornography—the strongman of perversion.
Engaging with it, whether single or married, invites negative spiritual influence. Transference of spirits can occur, impacting your home and family negatively.
Reject the subtle attempts of the devil to infiltrate your sacred space through disguised pornography.
2. The Gripping Pull of Addiction
Beyond dirtying your heart with explicit content, pornography exerts a formidable pull on your emotions. Addiction becomes a real danger, with the allure of more extreme forms of perversion.
The initial satisfaction from regular pornography may wane, leading to the exploration of increasingly disturbing territories. This journey not only jeopardizes your sexual life but also poses a significant threat to your marriage and spiritual well-being.
3. Unfair Comparisons within Marriage
One often overlooked consequence is the undue pressure placed on a spouse to match the performances witnessed in pornography. Ignorantly demanding such acts can violate your partner’s conscience and erode the sanctity of your relationship.
It’s essential to realize that the scenes depicted are often fueled by drugs, numbing the actors’ humanity.
Requesting your spouse to replicate these acts can lead to strained intimacy, potential infidelity, and a breach of trust.
In conclusion, the pitfalls of introducing pornography into a marriage are numerous and profound.
Later, we’ll delve into strategies to break free from its grips and restore the sanctity of marital relationships.
Stay tuned for practical insights on reclaiming a life free from the clutches of pornography. Until then, remain blessed!
God has given us. Word for this year. Borderless opportunities!
“Borderless” refers to the absence of borders or boundaries. It suggests an environment or situation without limits, restrictions, or defined edges.
Its synonyms include Boundless, Unlimited, Unrestricted, Infinite, Limitless,and so on.
“Opportunities” refer to favorable circumstances, situations, or chances that arise, providing a possibility for advancement, benefit, or success.
The scripture is replete with several people who had boundless opportunities. Examples are David, Joseph, and Daniel!
In 2024, be sensitive! Don’t allow the devil to attack your opportunities.
How does the devil attack opportunities?
These are a few ways:
1. Opportunities may elude one’s perception,
2. Opportunities can be pilfered away,
3. Opportunities are susceptible to squandering.
4. They may be concealed,
5. They may be disregarded.
6. Opportunities can suffer scarcity,
7. Opportunities may prove elusive.
How Do You Seize Opportunities This Year?
1. Cultivate a Prayerful Spirit
2. Commit to Fasting
3. Immerse Yourself in the Word
4. Shun Iniquity
5. Embrace Boldness
6. Cultivate Sensitivity
7. Become a Generous Giver/Tither
8. Maintain Strong Connections
9. Steer Clear of Strife
10. Develop Capacity
Prayers To Take
1. Heavenly Father, guard me against squandering the divine opportunities you present in the name of Jesus!
2. Lord, ensure that my future surpasses my past in the name of Jesus!
3. Father, prevent me from becoming a forgotten tale while I am still alive in the name of Jesus!
4. I declare disgrace upon every power assigned to waste your opportunities in the name of Jesus!
5. May the battles inherited from my parents find no voice in my life; let them be silenced in the name of Jesus!
Instructions this year!
Be sensitive! Be alert.
Be strong to utilize all the opportunities coming out way this year!
2Co 4:1 (AMPC) THEREFORE, SINCE we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion.
Hello everyone, today we’re diving into five areas that deserve your contemplation as we approach the final day of the year. These insights aim to guide your reflection, helping you make the most of the remaining time before we usher in the new year.
1. Reflection:
As the curtains draw on this year, seize the chance to step back and ponder your accomplishments and goals. Evaluate your progress with an honest lens, identifying areas for improvement. This self-reflection isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a tool for personal growth, laying the foundation for new aspirations in the year ahead.
2. Gratitude:
In the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial to pause and express gratitude. Take a moment to appreciate the people, experiences, and opportunities that have added joy and fulfillment to your life. Cultivating gratitude isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s a proven way to enhance overall well-being and maintain a positive outlook.
Has God been good? Have you taken the time to express your gratefulness and appreciation?
3. Family and Friends:
Amidst the year-end rush, reflect on whether you have allocated quality time for your loved ones, especially family and friends. Strong relationships serve as pillars of support and fountains of happiness. Plan activities that create lasting memories, strengthening the bonds that make life richer.
4. Spiritual Growth:
These closing days of the year offer a prime window for spiritual reflection. Engage and practice God’s presence, basking in His glory and enraptured in His grace to endow and endue you for the coming year! Have you gotten a word for the coming year yet? It’s not too late! Spend time in His presence!
5. Giving:
Have you given enough back to your immediate sphere of influence as God blessed you? Were you faithful in tithing and honouring God? Have you helped others around you that you are better off than? Contributing to the community not only has a positive impact on others but also brings a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose to your own life.
Remember, these last hours of the year present a unique opportunity for introspection, growth, and positive transformation. Embrace the time that remains, and let it be a stepping stone to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Meet Sandy, a soul amid relationship storms, feeling like her ship is sinking, one after the other. Pay attention if you’ve ever found yourself in a similar boat, wondering why love seems elusive. We’re about to set sail on a journey of healing and restoration.
1. Drop the Baggage
Ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of past hurts and betrayals? Sandy knows the drill. The first step to turning the tide is dropping that baggage. Offenses and bitterness are like hidden roots, which the Bible warns about. Don’t let past hurts become the stumbling blocks in your journey to love.
2. Forgive and eliminate all Bitterness
Forgiveness isn’t just a virtue; it’s a lifeline. Sandy’s been there, hurt by an ex, and betrayed by friends, but holding onto bitterness is a dangerous game. Let God handle the scorecards. Don’t let someone else’s foolishness become your folly. Confront bitterness head-on, ask for divine help, and let go. Your destiny needs room to breathe.
Heb 12:15 (KJV)
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
3. Lighten the Load
Extra baggage doesn’t fly well in relationships. Sandy learned the hard way that carrying emotional weight can ground you. If you must, confront the pain, but don’t let it weigh you down. Like a bird weighed before flight, relationships are hindered by emotional baggage. Let go and soar like an eagle.
4. Protect Your Heart
Being served breakfast unexpectedly can be devastating. Breakups can feel like being left in the cold, discarded like unwanted trash. It hurts, and a little cry is okay. But don’t let sorrow turn into bitterness. Protect your heart, let God heal the wounds, and believe in compensation for your losses. Understand that greatness awaits, and with a healed heart, you’re destined to rise. Bitterness and iniquity work hand in hand!
Act 8:23 (KJV)
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
5. Embrace Understanding
In times of heartbreak, pray for understanding. Sandy’s story teaches us that comprehension leads to breakthroughs. May God grant you the wisdom to navigate the storms, and may your days be filled with productivity and blessings.
Embrace the journey, for greatness beckons, and you shall not miss it.
So, to all the Sandys out there, and everyone grappling with relationship failures, remember: The storm may rage, but you have the power to navigate through it. Be blessed, be healed, and embrace the love that awaits on the other side.
Alright, lovebirds, if you’re sailing the single seas and eyeing that potential forever mate, here are five things you should be doing consistently. Trust me; these will lay the groundwork for a rock-solid marriage. If you are already hooked, these are the things you should keep your eyes on as well.
1. God at the Center
First things first, folks. Let’s not kid ourselves; if it wasn’t for divine intervention, you might not have crossed paths. Keep that God factor intact – it’s the glue holding you together. Follow the divine playbook, hit those church services, dive into your Bible, and throw in massive rivers of tongues, meditation, and confession. Make sure your love story is anchored in something more profound than just looks or deep pockets.
Five Consistent Acts for Great Lovers
2. The Power of Prayer
Prayer – the unsung hero of relationships. Pray together, pray separately, just pray. Even if you’re miles apart, thanks to smartphones and social media, you can still make it happen. Share your prayer points, download some powerful confessions, and let your prayers become the secret sauce that adds favor, mercy, wisdom, and understanding to your relationship. Trust me; it’s a game-changer.
3. Forgive, Don’t Forget
In the courtship phase, you’re learning the ABCs of each other. And let’s be real, clashes are inevitable. The key? Forgive early and forgive often. You’re dealing with different temperaments here, folks. Misunderstandings are par for the course, so keep that forgiveness flowing. Marriage, they say, is for two great forgivers. Don’t let strife, malice, or bitterness set up shop – forgiveness is your secret weapon.
4. Knowledge is Power
Ever heard the phrase “knowledge is power”? Well, it holds in courtship too. Read, read, and read some more. Educate yourselves about the intricacies of courtship and marriage. Books are your best friends in this journey. Dive into the wisdom of authors who’ve been there, done that. Tim Lahaye’s “Spirit-Controlled Temperament” could be your marriage Bible. Trust me; it did wonders for us. Understanding our differences became a breeze and the quarrels? Drastically reduced.
Five Consistent Acts for Great Lovers
5. Mutual Respect
In the game of love, it’s a partnership. Respect and honor should flow both ways. Yeah, God put the man as the head, but let’s not forget the neck – just as crucial. It’s not about superiority; it’s about complementing and respecting each other’s God-given roles. Courtship is the breeding ground for this respect. Ladies, no need to play the role of a small mummy before marriage. Let your virtues speak for themselves. And guys, lead with love, earn that respect – don’t demand it.
So, there you have it, love warriors. As you navigate the courtship waters, remember these consistent acts. May God grant you the wisdom and understanding to make your journey from courtship to marriage a joyous one. Cheers to love!
