@Knight_Rider will definitely be missed on here. Iâm glad that he will be doing the Lordâs work, though! I canât wait to see what comes out of the challenge that youâre working on! God Bless You, Brother!
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November 08, 2024 Friday
08:15 pm Eastern Standard Time
Summary
Day 30 of 90
NoFap Streak: 101 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
I have finally finished the challenge I have created. I think it will help those that have relapse. Well enough of that. Hello everyone how is everyone doing tonight? I am doing fine tonight, except these urges that plague me still after 101 days of nofap. I must stand strong and follow this verse from 1 Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
So you see my friends I must act as Jesus would act. Ask yourself one question if you want to relapse: What Would Jesus Do? I have been clean for 101 days because I am washed in the blood of the Lamb. Whereas I still struggle with these urges and wonât be done with these urges until maybe 2 or 3 years. I must remain strong, I must forget the days and move forward in my life. God I thank you for your blessings on my life everyday. God bless yâall.
Revelation 19:4 (KJV) And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I ask that you help me be washed in your blood everyday. God I pray for forgiveness of my past. I love you Lord with all of my heart. Be with me each and everyday. Guide my heart to express your love. Lord I lift your name on high, Lord I love to sing your praises. Thank you for your blessings Lord. I ask this in the name of Jesus, AMEN.
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Hebrews 4:15 KJV
For we have not an high priest* which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus knows your struggle, Brother. Something thatâs comforted me is to remember that Jesus doesnât look on you with scorn as youâre struggling. Remember the words of the Psalmist, âAs a father pitieth his childrenâŚâ Thatâs how God looks on us! Praise Him for His love and compassion in our trials! Iâm praying for you, Brother!
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November 09, 2024 Saturday
07:30 pm Eastern Standard Time
Summary
Day 31 of 90
NoFap Streak: 102 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
Thank you Brother for these encouraging words. Yes Jesus knows are struggle. Psalms 103:13 (KJV) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. He comforts us in our time of struggle. Psalms 71:21 (KJV) Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. I have been struggling as of this moment. I am praying that I donât fall. I have found my trigger that has sparked this urge and now I will terminate it. So to do away with this I must be careful at what I type in Google search. As I have found this out I must remain strong Iâm the Lord and never give up hope.
Google Search the most prominent enemy of my urges. I must only use it to find things that donât upset my mind. I will now not search anything inappropriate with Google search and every day I write in this journal I will let you know how many days I have searched without incident.
Example:
Summary
Day 31 of 90
NoFap Streak: 102 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
Google Search 1 day without incident
I will spend more time just to focus on my set goals. I want to fulfill what God has for my life. Whatever you do be careful at what you search. I want everyone to know that I have not relapsed or fallen into the dark abyss of things. I thank you Lord that you have helped me find my trigger.
Psalms 18:2 (KJV) The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that I remain strong in you. Help me to stay focused on whatever purpose you have for me. I confess that I have searched for something inappropriate that is not in your will. Lord I thank you for your patience with me as I struggle each and every day to be better. I ask right now in the name of Jesus that you remove all demonic possession and fantasies as far as the east is from the west. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I ask this in the name of Jesus, AMEN.
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November 10, 2024 Monday
07:22 pm Eastern Standard Time
Summary
Day 32 of 90
NoFap Streak: 103 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
Google Search 1 day without incident
Hello everyone, how is everyone feeling tonight? Me well okay I guess. Not much happening today for me. Well I want everyone to that I have finally broke free of what was holding me back. I can now witness to others about, my faith journey. Well I want to tell you now what has been holding me back. If you have read my journal you would know about the dream that I have had that scared me. I must now walk and talk about my faith everyday. (You are probably thinking, well what is holding you back), I think this is what has held me back, I have not been doing what God has called me to do. He has called me to tell others about His wonderful love for the world.
Text League: (dream) (interpretation)
I have never felt this so alive as I am right now. Now the point of the dream was that (dream) walking down this dark road, (interpretation) my soul was filled with darkness and there was no hope for me. (dream) There was screaming and everyone was being tormented by these demons and fulfilling their on pleasure, (interpretation) everyone in this world is tormented with no one telling them about Christ. (dream) The devil looking at me and calling his demons to attack me, (interpretation) I was being tormented by these demonic possession that must be dealt with and not give in too. (dream) When I call out Jesusâ name and devil runs and falls, (interpretation) I must place my hope in Jesus and set myself free by the grace of God. (dream) The narrow bridge I was walking over, (interpretation) I must never take the wide road and must stay true to the path to which God has called me to. (dream) The faint light in the distance, (interpretation) I am losing all hope of my candle in my heart that must be restored.
Well this is my dream and the interpretation of what God has given me to accept and I must act upon what was revealed. God has set my heart to be saved and not in the dark. God bless yâall.
Ezra 1:3 (KJV) Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that my life now will be fulfilled. I thank you for your patience for helping me interpret my dream. Lord I pray that you will be a guiding light unto my heart. Be my protector and Savior of my soul. Lord I ask right now in the name of Jesus that you remove all demonic possession from my soul. Thank you Lord for your blessings upon my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus, AMEN.
God bless yaâll and donât give up hope. Keep fighting and know that our Redeemer lives.
2 Likes
November 11, 2024 Monday
08:00 pm Eastern Standard Time
Summary
Day 33 of 90
NoFap Streak: 104 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
Google Search 2 days without incident
Worship in spirit and in truth, do we even know how to do this. God would like us Christians to worship Him in spirit and in truth. We must always be sincere about our worship to God. Nowadays some Christians do not even know how to worship Him in spirit and in truth. So to worship Him in spirit and in truth one must focus on what is important. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
In an unlikely encounter with an immoral Samaritan woman, our Lord Jesus uttered one of the most important statements ever made about worship. In Johnâs deeply moving account of Jesusâ meeting with the woman at the well, after Jesus uncovers her hidden sin and shame, she asks Him about a worship matter of long dispute between Jews and Samaritans â and of great importance to them both: âOur fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.â Jesus said to her, âWoman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.â The woman said to Him, âI know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.â Jesus said to her, âI who speak to you am heâ (John 4:20â26).
Jesusâ answer thunders with points of significance regarding the momentous transition that He Himself was bringing about in the history of redemption through His own life, ministry, death and resurrection; but it also speaks specifically to the theology of Christian worship.
First, Jesusâ great statement that we must âworship in spirit and truthâ has implications for every aspect of biblical worship. The Bible indicates that worship is both a specific activity and a way of life. Worship, as an activity, has at least three aspects in the Bible (public worship, family worship, and private worship) alongside all-of-life worship.
Public worship occurs when the people of God assemble for the express purpose of giving to the Lord the glory due His name and enjoying the joy of His promised special presence with His own people. This kind of worship is sometimes called âcorporate worshipâ (because the body, or corpus, of Christ, that is, the Church, is collectively involved in this encounter with God), and sometimes it is called âgathered,â âassembled,â or âcongregationalâ worship. This important aspect of worship is featured in both the Old and New Testaments. While Psalms 100:2 (KJV) Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. and Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. It speaks of âcoming before the Lordâ and âassembling togetherâ they are both addressing public worship.
Family worship is led by fathers, or other heads of families, with a view to establishing God-centered homes, promoting worship in all of life in all the members of the household, and in preparation for public worship. The Bible makes clear the importance of family worship. Exodus 12:2 (KJV) This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Deuteronomy 6:6-8 (KJV) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. Joshua 24:15 (KJV) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Private worship (which is sometimes called âsecret worshipâ or âpersonal worshipâ) is taught and modeled throughout Scripture, especially by Jesus, Daniel, David, and Peter. Jesus gave specific instructions to His disciples about it in Matthew 6:6 (KJV) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. And He exemplified it in Mark 1:35 (KJV) And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. and Luke 5:16 (KJV) And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. David spoke of it Psalms 5:3 (KJV) My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Daniel spoke of it in Daniel 6:10 (KJV) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. And Peter spoke of it in Acts 10:9 (KJV) On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
Worship in all of life is stressed in both the Old and New Testaments and is behind the Shorter Catechismâs assertion that âmanâs chief purpose is to glorify God.â In Jonah 1:9 (KJV) And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land., when the prophet Jonah described himself as one who reverenced God, he wasnât speaking of something he did exclusively on Saturdays, but he was characterizing his whole manner of life. Paul, too, says we are to glorify God in everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.), and this is what we mean by all-of-life worship.
Second, Jesusâ great statement that we must âworship in spirit and truthâ means that we must glorify God (in public, family, private, and all of life) in accordance with Godâs own nature and truth. This means at least two things: First, we must realize that God is Spirit, and, hence, He is not tied to one location for our worship. Second, we must worship according to the truth of Jesusâ person and work, for He is the truth (John 1:14 (KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.; John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.) and, thus, the only way whereby we may truly worship God. In other words, Jesus is Himself âthe truthâ according to which we must worship. He is the very incarnation of God (John 1:14 (KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.*), the embodiment of the Fatherâs character (John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.), and the fullest revelation of Godâs nature and plan (John 1:18 (KJV) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.; Hebrews 1:1-3 (KJV) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;). Thus, to worship in truth means to worship in accordance with the truth of and about Jesus â that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, and the only Savior of sinners.
So, in conclusion, when we say that we are to âworship in spirit and in truth,â we are saying that in public, family, private, and all of life we are to glorify and enjoy God â which are the two parts of all worship. Second, we are to worship God in light of who He is (and since He is Spirit we must worship in spirit, or in accordance with the reality that He is Spirit). Third, we must worship God in accordance with His revelation (that is, carefully adhering to the directions of His Word). Fourth, we must worship God in complete dependence upon, and trust in, Jesus Himself (who is the truth in the flesh).
Philippians 2:5-7 (KJV) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I love and worship You for all that You have done for us, and Lord I long to worship You in spirit and in truth, just as You told the woman at the well. Thank You for making me in Your own image, and for all the many blessings and benefits that You have bestowed on me. Lord, I want to surrender to You completely. To present myself as a living sacrifice before You each day. To take up my cross daily and present myself to You as my spiritual act of worship, for You alone are worthy, You alone are the Lord. Open my eyes to see You more. Open my ears to hear Your still small voice, and open my heart to worship You more and more so that I may grow in grace and in a knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose name I pray, AMEN
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Hey Believe, I just want to say that I am very impressed with your posts in this thread. God has blessed you with a lot of wisdom and you are using it to do Godâs work. Just so you know I learn a lot from you. May God bless you brother and increase your wisdom so you can keep teaching others. Praise the Lord.
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November 12, 2024 Tuesday
08:06 pm Eastern Standard Time
Summary
Day 34 of 90
NoFap Streak: 105 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
Google Search 3 days without incident
What is true worship? Do we even know how to be true and worship the Lord? I think not, because some of us donât even know what true worship is. The basic thing is that we must sacrifice ourselves daily and carry our cross. When we get to heaven we will trade our cross for a crown. The angels in heaven worship God with true worship. So, let me ask you one more time, What is true worship?
The apostle Paul described true worship perfectly in Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
This passage contains all the elements of true worship. First, there is the motivation to worship: âthe mercies of God.â Godâs mercies are everything He has given us that we donât deserve: eternal love, eternal grace, the Holy Spirit, everlasting peace, eternal joy, saving faith, comfort, strength, wisdom, hope, patience, kindness, honor, glory, righteousness, security, eternal life, forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, freedom, intercession and much more. The knowledge and understanding of these incredible gifts motivate us to pour forth praise and thanksgiving in other words, worship!
Also in the passage is a description of the manner of our worship: âpresent your bodies a living and holy sacrifice.â Presenting our bodies means giving to God all of ourselves. The reference to our bodies here means all our human faculties, all of our humannessâour hearts, minds, hands, thoughts, attitudesâare to be presented to God. In other words, we are to give up control of these things and turn them over to Him, just as a literal sacrifice was given totally to God on the altar. But how? Again, the passage is clear: âby the renewing of your mind.â We renew our minds daily by cleansing them of the worldâs âwisdomâ and replacing it with true wisdom that comes from God. We worship Him with our renewed and cleansed minds, not with our emotions. Emotions are wonderful things, but unless they are shaped by a mind saturated in Truth, they can be destructive, out-of-control forces. Where the mind goes, the will follows, and so do the emotions. 1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Not the emotions of Christ.
There is only one way to renew our minds, and that is by the Word of God. It is the truth, the knowledge of the Word of God, which is to say the knowledge of the mercies of God, and weâre back where we began. To know the truth, to believe the truth, to hold convictions about the truth, and to love the truth will naturally result in true spiritual worship. It is conviction followed by affection, affection that is a response to truth, not to any external stimuli, including music. Music as such has nothing to do with worship. Music canât produce worship, although it certainly can produce emotion. Music is not the origin of worship, but it can be the expression of it. Do not look to music to induce your worship; look to music as simply an expression of that which is induced by a heart that is rapt by the mercies of God, obedient to His commands.
True worship is God-centered worship. People tend to get caught up in where they should worship, what music they should sing in worship, and how their worship looks to other people. Focusing on these things misses the point. Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24 (KJV) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.). This means we worship from the heart and the way God has designed. Worship can include praying, reading Godâs Word with an open heart, singing, participating in communion, and serving others. It is not limited to one act, but is done properly when the heart and attitude of the person are in the right place.
Itâs also important to know that worship is reserved only for God. Only He is worthy and not any of His servants (Revelation 19:10 (KJV) And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.). We are not to worship saints, prophets, statues, angels, any false gods, or Mary, the mother of Jesus. We also should not be worshiping for the expectation of something in return, such as a miraculous healing. Worship is done for Godâbecause He deserves itâand for His pleasure alone. Worship can be public praise to God (Psalms 22:22 (KJV) I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. also Psalms 35:18 (KJV) I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.) in a congregational setting, where we can proclaim through prayer and praise our adoration and thankfulness to Him and what He has done for us. True worship is felt inwardly and then is expressed through our actions. âWorshipingâ out of obligation is displeasing to God and is completely in vain. He can see through all the hypocrisy, and He hates it. He demonstrates this in Amos 5:21-24 (KJV) I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. as He talks about coming judgment. Another example is the story of Cain and Abel, the first sons of Adam and Eve. They both brought gift offerings to the Lord, but God was only pleased with Abelâs. Cain brought the gift out of obligation; Abel brought his finest lambs from his flock. He brought out of faith and admiration for God.
True worship is not confined to what we do in church or open praise (although these things are both good, and we are told in the Bible to do them). True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him (Acts 17:23 (KJV) For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.). Worship is to glorify and exalt Godâto show our loyalty and admiration to our Father.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (KJV) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
Prayer
Father, as I consider all that You have done for me, I stand in awe and gratitude. Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross to forgive my sins. I choose to offer my body as a living sacrifice. For this is true worship, entirely giving myself to You. May I honor You with my body and worship You in all I do. I give You my hands, my mind, and my entire self. Use me, Lord, and help me to be sensitive to Your voice as You lead me. In Jesusâ name, I pray, AMEN.
1 Like
I really enjoyed your post, Brother! It was very well thought-out and very well-put! 
God bless you, Brother! 
1 Like
November 13, 2024 Wednesday
08:28 pm Eastern Standard Time
Summary
Day 35 of 90
NoFap Streak: 106 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
Google Search 4 days without incident
How do we love Jesus? Do you love Jesus with all your heart, soul, and mind? (Take just one minute to focus on these questions.) We must love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. So how do we love Jesus more than anything? I will clarify this and try my best to make it simple.
In the Bible, Jesus tells us how to love God: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:37 (KJV) In other words, God wants us to love Him with our whole being and in every possible way. Godâs own Son taught us to love God the Father with everything we are, saying this was the first and greatest of all the commandments (Matthew 22:38 (KJV) This is the first and great commandment.).
God wants us to love Him exclusively above all other things and beings. Lukewarm, half-hearted, or apathetic fondness for God wonât do. He wants our total devotion. The Bible says that King Davidâthe man after Godâs own heart (Acts 13:22 (KJV) And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.)âhad this kind of singular passion for God: As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalms 42:1-2 (KJV)
David exemplified how we are to love God by delighting in praise and worship of Him: Psalms 84:2 (KJV) My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Psalms 43:4 (KJV) Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Psalms 122:1 (KJV) I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Even so, we know that David did not love God perfectly. His ability to love God was often hindered by his human weakness toward sin, just as ours is. But when we fail, we turn to God as David did and declare, Psalms 73:25-26 (KJV) Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
We love God by keeping His commands and doing His will - John 14:15, 23 (KJV) If ye love me, keep my commandments. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 1 John 5:3 (KJV) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 2 John 1:6 (KJV) And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. Psalms 40:8 (KJV) I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Jesus said the second greatest command, which is like the first, is to love others, and the measure by which we are to love them is as much as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39 (KJV) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.). It is impossible to genuinely love the Lord without loving other people, for the desire within Godâs heart is to love others: âBeloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:7-11 KJV). Because of Godâs love for us, we are bound to love one another. Demonstration of that love is carried out in part by reproducing His life in others as we spread the gospel of His kingdom.
God desires to have an intimate love relationship with us. Our love for Him is a response to His divine love for us (1 John 4:19 (KJV) We love him, because he first loved us.). We express our love for God by spending time in His presence, enjoying His nearness, listening to His voice, reading His Word, and daily seeking to know Him better. As the apostle Paul said, âBut if any man love God, the same is known of him. 1 Corinthians 8:3 (KJV)
Perhaps one of the purest examples in the Bible of how to love God comes from an unnamed woman who anointed the Lordâs feet with her perfume (Luke 7:36-50 (KJV) And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Phariseeâs house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Phariseeâs house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.). So grateful was she for Christâs forgiveness of her many sins that she poured out her love in extravagant worship and absolute devotion. This woman appreciated the true worth of her Savior, and in humble gratitude, sacrifice, and servitude, she loved and worshiped Jesus with her tears, her hair, her kisses, and her priceless bottle of perfume. She loved God with all she was and everything she had to offer.
1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Prayer
Father, Help me die to self and love like You. Help me love when loving isnât easy. When Iâve put the weight of perfect love on imperfect people, turn my eyes back to You, Lord. You love me unconditionally and your perfect love fills my every need. Thank You for that. I want to seek that love from You alone. Please give me an unquenchable thirst for Your Word and guide me to wholeness and victory through each precious Word. In Jesusâ name, I pray. AMEN.
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Very good, Brother! You know, I think a lot of times when we read about the two men that Jesus told the story about, we just think, âWell that means that those that have done more wrong are going to love God more.â But the truth in the story is that until we see ourselves as that one that Christ has forgiven much, weâre not gonna appreciate all that He has done for us and forgiven us of. Thank God for His forgiveness of sin! That alone is reason enough for worship of Him!
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November 14, 2024 Thursday
08:28 pm Eastern Standard Time
Summary
Day 36 of 90
NoFap Streak: 107 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
Google Search 5 days without incident
How do we live empowered by God? Do we seek Him daily? In Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. We must ask for things that are in Godâs will. Be content with what you ask because it might not be what you want.
Recently, Iâve been pondering the whole idea of âconnecting the power of God to everyday life.â It started when I came across this verse while reading the Bible:
2 Peter 1:3 (KJV) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Do I have âeverything I needâ for a godly life? And, am I genuinely realizing the power of God in my own life? And if not, how do I do that?
Could Godâs love and power working in me really help me to:
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Forgive someone whoâs hurt me when I simply do not feel like forgiving?
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Break a bad habit?
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Move forward in life when I feel stuck?
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Face fears or deal with adversity?
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Handle the juggling act of life: the competing demands from work, family, ministry, friends and other commitments?
Thankfully The answer is yes!
God never asked us to live this messy and challenging life in our own human strength. And, though we often try, willpower and sheer determination just wonât go the distance. We need the power of God every day, in every area of our lives.
The good news: Out of His great love, God infuses us with His amazing power so we can accomplish His good purposes. With Godâs power at work in me, I am able to do what I simply cannot do in my own human strength. When we get connectedâand stay connectedâto the true source of wisdom, love and power, Jesus Christ, we can experience true transformation and live empowered.
Living empowered starts with getting connected. When you are in a relationship with someone, you are connected; when youâre not, you are disconnected. Your most important relationship in life is first with Jesus Christ. When you ask Christ to come into your heart, you are saved from your sins, and you are connected with Him; you are connected with the source of powerâand of love, wisdom, healing and infinitely more. He gives us the power of God to live out the purposes of God in our lives.
Living empowered is about staying connected. John 15:5 (KJV) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Likewise, we need to stay connected to Christ or our spiritual lives wither and dry up. Staying connected means to âabide in Christ,â to remain, to stick around, to hang out, to be with him. As we pray and read Godâs Wordâand seek to apply it to our livesâwe develop a stronger relationship and connection.
Living empowered is about finding your true purposeâand living your prioritiesâbecause you know who you are in Christ (a well-loved son or daughter, a child of the King, and so much more). Living empowered means you can have improved relationships because unconditional love changes everything. God gives us the power to handle everyday life, but it is power that acts from ultimate love. Itâs power to help, heal, grow and mend relationships, not to destroy. As we bask in the love Christ has for us, we are better equipped to love others.
Living empowered means you can make a difference. With Godâs power working in you, your light will shine and you can make an impact as you seek to serve him in your home or workplace, your neighborhood, or across the ocean. Living empowered is about overcoming despite circumstances. When we feel incapable, when things seem impossible, when we simply donât know what to do, there is hope. Always hope for better days ahead. Godâs power in us calms the fears, restores brokenness and gives us joyâeven when life is hard.
Your life can be different. You really can change. Not by positive thinking of self-effort, but by the power of God. He can empower you to become a more loving person or a more effective leader, a kinder soul or a better listener. With the power of God at work in you and through you, you can live with greater purpose, fortitude and faith. You can be a person of confident hope and peace. Out of His great love, God infuses us with His amazing power so we can accomplish His good purposes.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Prayer
All-powerful Heavenly Father, I come to You in Your Sonâs Name to thank You for Your promise that I donât ever have to live alone in the flesh. Instead, You will give me strength through the Holy Spirit if I solely trust in You. Your Word tells me in Galatians 5:25 (KJV) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Although I live in this world of strife, dissension, and chaos, which works hard to take away my joy and peace, You have provided a pathway to perfect peace in Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. It is encouraging to be able to trust in the truth that You bring out in Jeremiah 32:17 (KJV) Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: You are not limited the way we, Your children, are. Father, I humbly come before You, recognizing that in my own strength I have nothing to offer You, but because of You living within me through the Holy Spirit, You are proud of me and want to make something of my life. I ask You to direct my life in such a way that it will be said of me like it was of King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 29:2 (KJV) And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. Thank you that I can bring these thoughts to You in Jesusâ Name. AMEN.
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May that be truly said of all of us, Brother! Thatâs my desire! Thank you for what you wrote down tonight! God bless you, Brother!
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November 15, 2024 Friday
07:27 pm Eastern Standard Time
Summary
Day 37 of 90
NoFap Streak: 108 Days
Stage 2: 91 - 181 Days
Google Search 6 days without incident
How do we have intimacy with God? We must look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith. To have true intimacy with God is to accept His Son Jesus as the Lord of your life. Study Godâs Word and pray every second of your life. It doesnât have to be a long prayer to Jesus every second but just a simple prayer would do. (Ex: Praise the Lord) That is a simple and thought out prayer praising the Lord. Now I ask again how do we have intimacy with God?
Intimacy with God is available to you. It is as accessible to you as Godâs promises. And Godâs invitation to you to enjoy intimate fellowship with him is that thing that is putting your faith to the test more than anything else (James 1:2-4 (KJV) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.).
Intimacy is what we call the experience of really knowing and being known by another person. We frequently use spatial language when describing this experience. An intimate friend is someone we feel very close to; they know us at a deep level. If something happens that damages the intimacy with our friend, they feel distant from us. Or a person who doesnât know us intimately knows us at a superficial level. But of course intimacy is not spatial but relational. We all know what itâs like to be sitting right next to a person with whom we feel distant and we can feel close to a person who is four thousand miles away.
âBiblical knowledge is far better than gold when it fuels our trust in God. Otherwise, it only fuels our pride.â What makes us feel intimate with another person? While there are many ingredients to intimacy and each intimate relationship we have has a different recipe, common to all of them is trust. We cannot be intimate with a person we donât trust. Trust is at the heart of intimacy. The more we trust someone, the closer we let them get to us. The degree to which trust is compromised in a relationship is the degree to which intimacy evaporates.
This is as true in our relationship with God as it is in our relationships with other human beings. Our experience of Godâs nearness or distance is not a description of his actual proximity to us, but of our experience of intimacy with him. Scripture shows us that God is intimate with those who trust him. The more we trust God, the more intimately we come to know him. A felt distance from God is often due to a disruption in trust, such as a sin or disappointment. This reality is vitally important to understand. As Christians, we want to experience intimacy with God. With the psalmist we say, âfor me it is good to be near Godâ Psalms 73:28 (KJV) But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. And we want to heed Jamesâs exhortation and realize its promise in James 4:8 (KJV) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. But we can seek that nearness in ways that donât produce it.
One common mistake is thinking that nearness to God can be achieved through knowledge accumulation. Now, of course, to intimately know God, we must know crucial things about God. Jesus said, âAnd ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 (KJV) and he pointed out that many worship what they do not know - John 4:22 (KJV) Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
But never in the history of the Christian church has so much theological knowledge been available to so many people as it is today. The American church enjoys perhaps the greatest amount of this abundance. We are awash in Bible translations, good books, insightful articles, recorded sermons, interviews, movies, documentaries, music, and more. And much of it very good. It is right for us to be very thankful.
But America is not abounding in Enochs (or finding them frequently disappearing), saints who walk with God in a profoundly intimate way (Genesis 5:24 (KJV) And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. - Hebrews 11:5 (KJV) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.). Why? Because knowledge is not synonymous with trust. Thatâs why Jesus said to the religious leaders of his day, some who possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of Scripture,
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John 5:39-40 (KJV) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Biblical knowledge is far better than gold when it fuels our trust in God, because it fuels our intimacy with God (Psalms 19:10 (KJV) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.) But when biblical knowledge replaces our trust in God, it only fuels our pride (1 Corinthians 8:1 (KJV) Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.)
Another common mistake is trying to achieve intimacy with God through subjective aesthetic experiences. We might call it a âField of Dreamsâ approach: If we build the right environment, God will âcome.â Some pursue this in high liturgical environments designed to inspire an experience of transcendence and mystery. Others pursue it in contemporary worship events designed to inspire an experience of immanence. Others chase revivals, thinking that proximity to Godâs power will result in proximity to God. If we truly trust God, such environments can encourage our intimacy with God. But none of them inherently possesses the power to conjure Godâs nearness to us.
Think of it like this: A candlelit dinner with romantic music may encourage a sweet moment of relational intimacy between a husband and wife, but only to the degree that the environment encourages and deepens their mutual trust and love. If thereâs relational distance between them due to a lack of trust, the aesthetics themselves have no power to bridge the distance. Only restoring the trust will do that.
The secret to drawing near to God and having him draw near to us is revealed clearly in the Bible: we draw near to God through faith in Christ who alone gives us access to him (Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. also Hebrews 7:25 (KJV) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. also Philippians 3:9 (KJV) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:), and we put our trust in all of âhis precious and very great promisesâ which find their Yes to us in Christ (2 Peter 1:4 (KJV) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. also 2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.)
God is impressed with our faith, not our feats. Where faith is lacking, he is not pleased with the quantity of our knowledge or the quality of our aesthetic events. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. When God sees someone whose heart fully trusts his promises and lives by them, God comes to strongly support that saint (2 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.) and manifests himself to him:
John 14:21 (KJV) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
âWhat you must trust God most for right now is where he means for you to draw closer to him.â God wants intimacy with you. Christ has done all the hard work in the cross to make it possible. All he requires is that you believe in him John 14:1 (KJV) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. He wants you to trust him with all your heart Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Which means his invitation to you to enjoy intimacy with him is the providences in your life that are testing your faith more than anything else. What you must trust God most for right now is where he means for you to draw closer to him.
It is likely an invitation that your flesh wants to decline. But as you read your Bible, do not the great cloud of witnesses Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, all agree with James and Peter that the greatest testing of faith is the path to the greatest joy (James 1:2-4 (KJV) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.* also 1 Peter 1:8-9 (KJV) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.)? And do they not agree with Paul that it is not worth comparing to the joy of knowing Christ and the coming glory (Philippians 3:8 (KJV) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, also Romans 8:18 (KJV) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.)? Intimacy with God often occurs in the places where we must trust him most. Heaven on earth is the inexpressible joy and the peace that surpasses understanding that comes from trusting God wholly Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. For, as the old hymn writer said, âthey who trust him wholly find him wholly true.â
James 1:2 (KJV) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Prayer
Lord, I can only walk in Your manifest presence if I live a life of holiness, righteousness and godly character. Everything is Yours, but I want to be Your prize possession. I seek to be Your child that best stewardâs every opportunity I have with You. I long to climb the heavenly temple mount. I want to live in the Holy of Holies. I long to see Your face and stand in Your glory. I must put my ear to Your chest and hear Your heartbeat, I must experience the pulses of Your love. Make Your emotions mine. To have this intimacy with You, I must keep my hands clean and my heart pure. Holy Spirit, apply the work of Jesus to my heart and hands. Wash them and keep them clean. Keep idols out of my heart. May my allegiance and affections only be for You. Not trusting in or advocating for anything untrue and unstable, I will cling to You and Your ways. May Your blessing vindicate my âat Your feetâ lifestyle. May my influence spread. May this desire to seek You spread to the next generation. I pray it will be easily caught like a cold. Let their spiritual intensity fling open the gateways of Your kingdom to earth. I pray their worship and seeking will usher in King Jesus and the power of his kingdom. Capture my heart and capture the heart of my generation in the name of the King of Glory I pray, AMEN.
Note: This is my last entry for this journal. I am writing a new journal for a better life. IronWill: Still I Rise - The Road to Victory [38 M] is my new journal for a new beginning.
God Bless yâall and donât give up hope. Keep fighting and know that our Redeemer lives.
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Very good, Brother! A very fitting Swan Song for Autogynephilia Files. I look forward to what God has in store for your life, and whatâs to come with IronWill, Still I Rise. God bless you, Brother!
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