Blog

Group of different women praying together, Christians and Bible study concept.

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” –1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESVPerversion defines human conduct that strays from behavior that is generally deemed as normal and acceptable in most societies. While the term can be used to refer to a range of deviations, perversion is most often used to describe sexual behaviors that are considered unusual, vile or compulsive to the average person. It is no coincidence perversion usually starts off with the desire for sex.Sadly, because the world constantly bombards us with sexually explicit content on a daily basis, some people have become desensitized to lewd material. This means those who are tempted by sensual content may actively seek out more erotic material to fulfill their fantasies.<figure id="figure-h25f1az52im4pm61cm"><img id="h25f1az52im4pm61cm" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1428537649/photo/surprised-girl-receiving-a-strange-text-message.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kU09mQxaMK20GxbKgXgT9-0Pz60nS46OufU-7Fy8rrU=" alt="Surprised Girl Receiving a Strange Text Message" title="Surprised Girl Receiving a Strange Text Message" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1428537649/photo/surprised-girl-receiving-a-strange-text-message.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kU09mQxaMK20GxbKgXgT9-0Pz60nS46OufU-7Fy8rrU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Perversion and pornography</h3>It is possible for sexually stimulating material to lead people into a life of full-bloom perversion. Pornography is especially lethal to a person’s spiritual and physical well-being because this demon is the gateway to a distorted life. As a person’s pornography addiction heightens, they will notice the content they first enjoyed will not give them the same euphoric feeling it once did. Just like with a joint or drug needle, someone who becomes addicted to porn will have to “up their dosage” to obtain their initial high.This means when tamer content does not cut it anymore, they may find themselves watching videos filled with homosexuality, bestiality, and pedophilia. After a while, films movies and magazines may not satisfy an addict’s urges, so they may be tempted to get real sex by force through rape, molestation or incest –all perverted acts that are highly immoral.<figure id="figure-b570rah248m4pm6ap2"><img id="b570rah248m4pm6ap2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1355221009/photo/frightened-dark-skinned-woman-covers-face-with-palms-peeks-through-fingers.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=WnOF6Ml808v19hNAQ2vNXVWMzfZ19pApwkIdMqsPoG0=" alt="Frightened dark skinned woman covers face with palms peeks through fingers" title="Frightened dark skinned woman covers face with palms peeks through fingers" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>The Dangers of Yielding to Perversion</h3>&nbsp;“Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” –Romans 1:28 NIVStatistics show porn addiction, or problematic pornography use, affects approximately 5–8% of the adult population. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the world wide web, this figure is only expected to increase with time. Interestingly enough, while on the surface, it may appear viewers engage with this type of content for quick and easy sexual gratification, there are deep-rooted issues such as an unfulfilled longing for love, that tempts people to sneak a little peek here and there.The catch is, every time a person goes back for more, their appetite for the inappropriate content only increases, which causes them to develop an urge that can only be satisfied with continual and increased viewership. No matter how much they try to convince themselves their actions are not that bad, slowly but surely, they grant the enemy permission to normalize things that God says are evil.&nbsp;At this point, a person’s conscience becomes seared and God gives them over to a depraved mindset so they do the things they should not do without concern for consequences. Oftentimes, at this stage, an individual will try to justify their immoral acts. Even if they do recognize their actions are wrong, they won’t be convicted or moved to change their behavior.Sadly, before they know it, they become ensnared and entangled in a messy web of sin.&nbsp;<h3>A Biblical Perspective on Perversion</h3>In 1 Corinthians 6:18, the Apostle Paul warned believers to flee from sexual immorality. He explained this sin was specifically heinous because “all other sins a person committed were outside the body, but an individual who sinned sexually, sinned against their own body.” &nbsp;This is because Paul, through revelation from God, understood the devastating effects such sexual acts could have on a person’s body, spirit and soul.The Greek and Roman cultures that dictated the way of life in Paul’s day were characterized by idol worship. This hyper-sexualized culture was inundated with all sorts of perversion. In fact, immoral acts were so common that things like prostitution, homosexuality, pedophilia and adultery were even normalized.Paul understood some of the Corinthians would have trouble understanding the severity of sexual immorality since they grew up in a culture that had desensitized them, so he explained how fornication violated the body by desecrating the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Perversion from a Christian Viewpoint

redemption concept, God's helping hand and cross on sunset background

<h2>Understanding Disappointment</h2>“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” –Isaiah 40:31 NIVThe most certain thing about the human condition is we will all experience disappointment at some point in our lives. Whether it be in our families, relationships, careers, or ministry, there is, and will always be, a season of disappointment we will have to overcome.It is very important to be conscious of the times when you feel disappointed. This is because disappointment can lead to discouragement and discouragement, if not addressed, will lead to despair.<figure id="figure-zt4egb0audm4fsh38z"><img id="zt4egb0audm4fsh38z" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1780363729/photo/bored-and-disappointed-male-indian-employee-sitting-in-waiting-room-on-row-of-chairs-full.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=PH8zeXRPLfRBKUE9do5cjtzHb7D1eDsITVkZPUH8hf4=" alt="Bored and disappointed male indian employee sitting in waiting room on row of chairs, full length shot" title="Bored and disappointed male indian employee sitting in waiting room on row of chairs, full length shot" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1780363729/photo/bored-and-disappointed-male-indian-employee-sitting-in-waiting-room-on-row-of-chairs-full.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=PH8zeXRPLfRBKUE9do5cjtzHb7D1eDsITVkZPUH8hf4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">The Dangers of Succumbing to Despair</h2>Despair, defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary, is the complete absence of hope. Hence, it is imperative we be on our guard when we are faced with an unmet expectation. Those moments when our hope is crushed and we feel let down are the critical seasons that will determine if we keep pushing or give up.When we’re faced with disappointment we have two choices. We can either dwell on the negative, or we can focus on Christ. One choice will guarantee we stumble because focusing on disappointment will deplete spiritual strength. The second choice, on the other hand, keeps our minds &nbsp;on the Lord and the love of the Father which keeps us from throwing in the towel.<figure id="figure-s92pmrxt7om4fsh8vi"><img id="s92pmrxt7om4fsh8vi" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1493063095/photo/rear-view-image-of-a-woman-sitting-alone-on-a-bed-in-bedroom.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=j431llm4t272CgOFtscS0txWoGVhdoV5ShmLc29nTV8=" alt="Rear view image of a woman sitting alone on a bed in bedroom" title="Rear view image of a woman sitting alone on a bed in bedroom" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1493063095/photo/rear-view-image-of-a-woman-sitting-alone-on-a-bed-in-bedroom.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=j431llm4t272CgOFtscS0txWoGVhdoV5ShmLc29nTV8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Take Control of Your Perspective</h3>When I experienced disappointment, I would ruminate on the hopelessness of my circumstances from a human point of view. Still, the Bible says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).&nbsp;This taught me that although human reasoning might try to tell me things will never change, my limited scope of thinking does not dictate what God can and cannot do. Furthermore, regardless of what I think, He is always good and has my best interest at heart. This meant regardless of my dilemma, God &nbsp;would protect and save me.The scripture goes on to say “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). This also taught me that regardless of my fleeting feelings, I had to make the active choice to trust in God’s Word so He could direct my steps.<h3>The Takeaway</h3>Often when we are disappointed we are tempted to think “What’s the point of even trying?”At times like this, we are especially prone to questioning the promises of God. Still, we are urged to submit to God’s will, which is to love and trust Him with all of our hearts. When we do this, He will give us a proper perspective.“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” –Proverbs 3:7-8 NIVI believe the way we choose to deal with disappointment determines our spiritual health. If we think we know everything and try to be wise in our own eyes, the pain we feel from disappointment can easily cause us to sink into a pool of despair. On the contrary, if we trust God and resist the temptation to give up, we will be comforted by His love that comes in the midst of trying times.<figure id="figure-6z0q1zxkpnm4fshenw"><img id="6z0q1zxkpnm4fshenw" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1819832788/photo/silhouette-of-hand-helping-on-sunset-background.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QMsl2U3F06yz4tMGP1PMIttyzIT0la7M_Z8DgOeTzmk=" alt="Silhouette of hand helping on sunset background" title="Silhouette of hand helping on sunset background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1819832788/photo/silhouette-of-hand-helping-on-sunset-background.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QMsl2U3F06yz4tMGP1PMIttyzIT0la7M_Z8DgOeTzmk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

Dealing with Dissapointment

<h2>Counting It All Joy</h2>Choosing to be joyful in the midst of hard times is definitely easier said than done –at least for me it was. One thing I’ve learned is God wants us to be honest with Him about our pain.That’s why when I think about people in the Bible who persevered through tough times and came out on top, my mind instantly goes to Job.Honestly, this was my least favorite book of the Bible because it revolved around suffering and I am not a fan of unwarranted hardships or trials.<figure id="figure-taktes1iaam45ltfws" class=""><img id="taktes1iaam45ltfws" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/104Fj3KcKeaf4KaAJuEpeNSMTMuChcbNpYqRDpkYYwDfoTjJNi5a5bnIAWLvXapz.jpeg" alt="faith strength" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/104Fj3KcKeaf4KaAJuEpeNSMTMuChcbNpYqRDpkYYwDfoTjJNi5a5bnIAWLvXapz.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Book of Job</h3>The book of Job begins by describing him as a perfect and upright man who was very prosperous and successful. Then the scene switches to God’s heavenly courts, where His angels come to present themselves to Him. Among God’s heavenly beings appears Satan, who when questioned, tells the Lord he has been roaming the earth and taking note of everything that was going on. The New Living Translation version states:&nbsp;“Then the Lord asked Satan, ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is blameless…He fears God and stays away from evil. &nbsp;Satan replied, yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is!” –Job 1:8 NIVHere, we see God brought Job to Satan’s attention, and the devil, who is also known as the accuser, tells God Job only loved Him because He protected him and blessed him with much wealth.&nbsp;“But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face! Satan challenged God. All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically,” the Lord responded.” –Job 1:11-12 NIV<figure id="figure-9wbz0hrt3m45ltk3e"><img id="9wbz0hrt3m45ltk3e" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1312850834/photo/the-book-of-job-title-page-close-up.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=dZxC0XwT07K0-Y93R9wE177CZT3d5xHyR_e4wQwy040=" alt="The Book of Job Title Page Close-up" title="The Book of Job Title Page Close-up" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1312850834/photo/the-book-of-job-title-page-close-up.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=dZxC0XwT07K0-Y93R9wE177CZT3d5xHyR_e4wQwy040=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Satan: The Source of All Suffering</h3>After Satan left God’s presence, he sent a band of raiders to steal Job’s cattle and murder his servants. The devil also rained down fire from heaven to incinerate Job’s sheep and shepherds and sent a second band of raiders to steal Job’s camels and kill the rest of his workers.If that was not bad enough, Satan also signaled a powerful whirlwind to strike the house of Job’s oldest son while he and his other siblings were feasting. The Book of Job is a very tough reading to digest. On the surface level, it can seem like an upsetting sequence of events since it appears like God gave Satan permission to torture somebody who did all the right things.After all, it was God who brought Job to Satan’s attention. Personally, that specific verse intrigued me, because Christianity teaches us that God protects us from the enemy and wants us to have and experience good things. Needless to say, for the longest time, I could not wrap my head around the fact that God not only permitted that kind of suffering for a righteous man but also instigated the series of unfortunate events in the first place. The first time Job is tested he pronounces:&nbsp; “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may his name be praised.”&nbsp;–Job 1:21 NIV<figure id="figure-kxlp6t5sfm45ltshi"><img id="kxlp6t5sfm45ltshi" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2058852750/photo/headache-burnout-and-young-black-woman-in-the-living-room-of-her-modern-apartment-on-weekend.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1laFyMPg2TLPwS_v4jAIIcdzfDvilO6obmV_irrkuvA=" alt="Headache, burnout and young black woman in the living room of her modern apartment on weekend. Stress, mental health and sick African female person with migraine for illness in lounge at home." title="Headache, burnout and young black woman in the living room of her modern apartment on weekend. Stress, mental health and sick African female person with migraine for illness in lounge at home." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2058852750/photo/headache-burnout-and-young-black-woman-in-the-living-room-of-her-modern-apartment-on-weekend.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1laFyMPg2TLPwS_v4jAIIcdzfDvilO6obmV_irrkuvA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Satan is Relentless</h3>As a result of his faithfulness, he is credited for not sinning by blaming God for the sudden calamity that befell on him. But get this, Satan appears before the Lord a second time and God brings Job to his attention yet again.“Then the Lord asked Satan, Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.“Satan replied to the Lord, ‘Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!’ ‘All right, do with him as you please,’ the Lord said to Satan. ‘But spare his life.’ So Satan left the Lord’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot.” –Job 2:3-6 NIVAfter the second set of misfortunes fall on Job, his own wife urges him to curse God and die. Still, with unwavering conviction, Job tells her she is speaking as if she were foolish, insisting people should accept bad things from the Lord just like they embrace His blessings. Job is then visited by three of his friends who try to justify his adversities by accusing him of sinning against God.Naturally, Job, who was confident in his innocence, defends himself and in the process, questions God’s justice as he laments over his situation. After a long dialogue between the men, the Lord finally shows up in a whirlwind. Instead of answering the questions Job put to him concerning justice, He reminds Job that He is the Creator of the world with wisdom that surpasses all human reasoning.&nbsp;After God speaks, Job apologizes for challenging Him by questioning the logic behind his justice. The part that really gets me is the fact that God turns around and condemns Job’s friends who seemingly expressed an accurate depiction of God.They were the ones stating no one was smart enough to give the Lord advice and pointing out His sovereignty and omniscience. But at the end of the entire ordeal, the Lord turned around and said:“After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. &nbsp;My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.” –Job &nbsp;42:7-8 NIV<span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">ConclusionIf we were to evaluate the situation from a human standpoint, this story would not make much sense. If Job had spoken the truth about God, why did he apologize at the beginning of Job 42? &nbsp;While the answer may not be clear, one thing is sure. Even in the middle of Job’s suffering he did not denounce the Lord his God or lose faith in him.&nbsp;I believe God considered Job’s response to his suffering righteous since he was unwilling to curse or blame Him for the onset of his troubles. Not only that, even in the peak of Job’s testing, he was honest enough to bare his whole heart to God with jarring questions, instead of pretending like he wasn’t hurt.Moreover, after God reminded him that His thinking was way beyond human reasoning, Job was willing to humble himself and accept that as a response to his questions about God’s justice, despite the fact that it didn’t directly address any of his queries.&nbsp;I bring up the story of Job because in counting all of our trials and tribulations as joy, we should not be oblivious to the discomfort and pain we are feeling. God doesn’t want a ritualistic relationship where we follow scriptures blindly because it’s something we are supposed to do.In addition, He is not interested in a shallow relationship where we just repeat a bunch of pretenses we’ve heard about Him. This approach will not ease our pain and will only drive us farther away from Him when we don’t get the outcome or answers we want.&nbsp;On this journey to freedom, it is okay to feel hopeless at times. But instead of allowing bad emotions to take root in your heart and decrease your faith, bring them to the Lord in prayer. He can handle your tough questions and despair.&nbsp;

When the Going Gets Tough

<h2>Understanding the Power the Tongue</h2>“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”&nbsp;–Proverbs 18:21 NIVJust as important as guarding our thought lives, are the words we choose to utter. In fact, our words carry so much weight, the Lord tells us life and death are in the power of the tongue.All human beings are created in the likeness and image of God. Just as He created the heavens and the earth through His words, we too possess the ability to influence our outcomes through the things we choose to say.Ultimately, our words can speak blessings, or they can communicate curses. They can build others up, or they can break them down. Through it all, one thing is certain; those who love to talk will reap the effects of their words –whether the things they proclaim are positive or negative.<figure id="figure-p10kolltmm3vna6uy" class=""><img id="p10kolltmm3vna6uy" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604882735634-bcac4a61725a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxjaHJpc3RpYW5pdHklMjB3b3Jkc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MzI0NTU1MTV8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="christianity words" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604882735634-bcac4a61725a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxjaHJpc3RpYW5pdHklMjB3b3Jkc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MzI0NTU1MTV8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Words as a Reflection of the Heart</h3>The old children’s adage states “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” While this saying has stood the test of time, it could not be farther from the truth. Words hurt and they carry significant weight. Just think about all the people who believed they would never amount to anything after they were berated their entire lives.Not only that, think about how many people failed to reach their maximum potential because they told themselves they were too weak to try.Words have driven some people to get trapped in the valleys of life, while they have propelled others to persevere despite all odds. While a good portion of an individual’s fate is determined by how they choose to accept the messages spoken over them, there is a spiritual element that also comes into play. This means the words we speak create the world we experience. This is why it is so important to bridle our tongues, especially when we’re feeling angry, discouraged or depressed.<h3>You Are What You Say</h3>While trials and challenges are inevitable, sometimes we worsen an already bad situation by speaking words of death over ourselves. Many of us may not admit it, but when we’re stuck in a tough spot, we tend to declare words of disaster that bring doom and gloom, instead of trusting in God’s sovereignty and provision. Indeed, the habit of speaking words of death starts in the mind and is made tangible through our speech. Still, just as negative words increase the likelihood of unfortunate outcomes, faith-filled words bring about peace, joy and blessings. &nbsp;<figure id="figure-wyxkpxtc68m3vntnqf"><img id="wyxkpxtc68m3vntnqf" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1677594332274-3e2c016723b7?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHx0YWxraW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMjQ1NjMyOXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="a man standing next to a woman on a sidewalk" title="a man standing next to a woman on a sidewalk" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1677594332274-3e2c016723b7?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHx0YWxraW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMjQ1NjMyOXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Speak Life Not Death</h3>Life is hard, and trying to navigate the everyday ups and downs of its ever-evolving landscape is even harder. In a world hyper-fixated on the negative, it is imperative to make an intentional effort to see through the scope of the scriptures.Remember, no situation could ever be too hopeless because “God works all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). That being said, if you think you may have an inclination towards cynicism, a good practice to nip negative talking in the bud is to refute pessimistic utterances with the word of God. For example:Don’t say: “Life is hopeless, there is pain and suffering everywhere.”Instead declare: “The sufferings I witness and experience now pale in comparison to the glory that will be revealed to me when Christ returns” (Romans 8:18).Don’t say: “Things will never get better, I might as well give up now and throw in the towel.”Instead proclaim: “I will not become weary in doing good because when the time is right, I will reap a harvest if I don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9-10).Don’t say: “I am so lonely, nobody likes me and I’ll probably be stuck in involuntary solitude for the rest of my life.”Instead affirm: “My identity is found in Christ alone and because He is with me, beside, behind me and inside me I am complete and whole” (Acts 17:28).Don’t say: “This is too hard, there’s no way I can overcome this obstacle.”Instead assert: “I will not be afraid or discouraged no matter what comes my way because God is with me wherever I go” (Psalm 139:7).Don’t say: “I can’t stop worrying, my mind won’t shut off.Instead proclaim: “I will not be anxious, but in all things by prayer and supplication, I will give my concerns to God and be comforted by His peace (Philippians 4:6-7).Don’t say: “What’s the use? My situation is hopeless and there is no way out of this mess.”Instead declare: “I will trust in the Lord always and not rely on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The Power of The Tongue

<h2>Fighting Temptation</h2>Human beings are creatures of routine. When we discover an efficient way of getting a task done, we tend to adopt the mechanism and rarely make any efforts to change things up. After all, why replace something that isn’t broken? This line of thinking explains how most habits are formed.Indeed, the things we love to do, or the practices we habitually engage in without a second thought, usually stem from actions, beliefs and practices that have been ingrained into our subconscious minds through repetition. While this may not necessarily be a bad thing, when we look at mental bondage that has been fueled by substance abuse or destructive thinking patterns, we can only conclude the negative habits were developed and bolstered through constant repetition.<figure id="figure-48yoej807wm3lpd9fw"><img id="48yoej807wm3lpd9fw" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/516982699/photo/hand-offering-an-apple.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=997F2AZdDJdzOUNG7EOynGCuNQzSms1Jbo5GzsZHmzw=" alt="Hand offering an apple." title="Hand offering an apple." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/516982699/photo/hand-offering-an-apple.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=997F2AZdDJdzOUNG7EOynGCuNQzSms1Jbo5GzsZHmzw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Recognizing the Root of Temptation</h3>Whether we want to admit it or not, the actions, beliefs and practices that have grown to tempt or enslave us were initially developed from our own choices. I bring this up to say that when God delivers a believer from addiction by renewing their minds, the neurological patterns that have been ingrained in their brains from past destructive behaviors may take some time to be rewired. The word “addiction” is derived from a Latin term for “enslaved by” or&nbsp; "bound to.” Addictions literally hijack the brain by altering its chemistry and changing its communication patterns. When we become addicted to a substance, practice or certain pattern of thinking, our brain adjusts to accommodate the over-stimulation fueled by the obsessive compulsions.<h3>Why Overcoming Temptation Takes Time</h3>According to mental health experts, when a person tries to quit or discontinue a destructive habit, their brain will experience an uncomfortable adjustment process. Although this change is for the greater good, the person will still struggle from time to time as the brain finds a new healthy balance. Most addictions are usually bolstered in familiarity and even if a person is willing to change and allows God to transform their mindset, triggers of their past behaviors can tempt them to relapse into old habits.The truth is, because of our human nature, we all have a tendency to get comfortable with the patterns and habits we have enforced in our lives for years. This means even if we want to change, there are parts of our physiological make-up that will still have a craving for the things that we have previously fed it.This phenomenon can be described as “temptation,” a term also characterized as an impulsive desire to do, or engage in something we know will produce more harm than good in the long run.<img id="k4uktnprfm3lozn25" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1510590337019-5ef8d3d32116?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxiaWJsZSUyMHN0dWR5fGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTg1MzcyMnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="bible study" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1510590337019-5ef8d3d32116?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxiaWJsZSUyMHN0dWR5fGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTg1MzcyMnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"><h3>Temptation from a Biblical Perspective</h3>Let’s be real for a moment. We’ve all experienced temptation and have fallen victim to its luring power, but being tempted should not be a reason to lose hope in your God ordained breakthrough.Encountering temptations is inevitable. The good news is the Lord is faithful and He will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear.Not only that, with every temptation we face, God provides a way of escape so we can endure the testing period and avoid giving in to our lustful desires (1 Corinthians 10:13).<h3>Understanding Temptation</h3>The New Living Translation states that “temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.” If you are battling with an addiction or an oppressed mindset, it is important to remember you will encounter many triggers and temptations that will try to lure you back to your old life.But this is nothing to beat yourself up over or get discouraged about. In the first chapter of James, the apostle noted that “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.”&nbsp; Yes, you read that correctly.Not only does God give you the grace to endure the testing season, He also rewards you after you have overcome it. This reward is described as a crown of life God has promised to everyone who loves him (James 1:12). The scripture also goes on to remind us that temptation does not come from God.<figure id="figure-pphx59nsvgm3lozo39"><img id="pphx59nsvgm3lozo39" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1529079018732-bdb88456f8c2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxjaG9pY2V8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzMxODU0NDgyfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="man standing in the middle of woods" title="man standing in the middle of woods" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>&nbsp;“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.” –James 1:13 NIVHere we see God, through His disciple, reminding believers He does not tempt people. Now a lot of people assume after they receive deliverance from God, He will tempt them to see whether they will continue to trust in Him or fall back into the pattern of sin.But while He does allow us to go through a season of testing, all of the temptations we face along the way are products of our own selfish desires and poor decisions.Nevertheless, the God we serve is so good, He still gives us the strength we need to endure temptation and then rewards us when we make it through. While it does take time and intentional effort on our part, when we replace our destructive habits with prayer, fasting and reading the Word of God, eventually the temptations that once enticed us won’t have a strong hold over our emotions, thoughts and actions anymore.

Overcoming Temptation

The man sitting in the corner of the room has emotional and mental problems He has depression and stress from society and work. medical concept.

<h2>My Struggle with Suffering</h2>I grew up in a Christian family. One that emphasized going to church every Sunday and underscored the importance of praying before every meal and bedtime. While these practices were a good way to instill Christian principles, they did not give me an accurate depiction of who God was and how He saw me. At that time, I, like many people today, thought of God as a distant ruler who granted us our requests if we prayed hard enough and made a decent effort to avoid major sins like stealing and murder.Needless to say, after acting on this principle and coming short every single time, I grew disappointed, dejected, and eventually disinterested in God –especially since bad things still happened to me despite my fervent pleas and attempts to be good.<h3>Suffering Sucks</h3>Sadly, by the time I was old enough to understand the importance of establishing and fostering a personal relationship with the Father for who He was and not for what I could get, I was too angry with Him to care. After all, how loving could God be if he allowed suffering and gross inequality to plague the world? How wise could He be if He allowed all human beings to be born with an inclination to sin? Most importantly, why was the entire human race confined to a broken world because of the pride and rebellion of one fallen angel? Couldn’t God just have punished Satan and stopped him from corrupting His beloved creation?In my limited scope of thinking, the only thing I grasped was the fact that though God purported to be in control of the entire universe, He chose not to interfere with the affairs of life.&nbsp;Which in my book made Him responsible for every single betrayal, disappointment, and hurt that destroyed relationships, ruined families, and prompted people to commit crimes and immoral acts that ruined their lives and disenfranchised the lives of many others.<h3>Questions of Suffering&nbsp;</h3>As an avid over-thinker, thoughts like these haunted me constantly and over time, I developed a cynical outlook on life that was bolstered by a victim mentality. Internally, I questioned God on His principles related to suffering.Why were some people rich, while others were destitute and poverty-ridden? Why were some people hated for something as trivial as their skin pigmentation when they had no control over how they were born? Why did innocent children die young or tragically, while seemingly immoral people appeared to live full and abundant lives?<figure id="figure-1b157z63zsm31ni2dk"><img id="1b157z63zsm31ni2dk" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1505816014357-96b5ff457e9a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNnx8c3Bpcml0dWFsJTIwZ3Jvd3RofGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDY0MTg5N3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="spiritual growth" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1505816014357-96b5ff457e9a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNnx8c3Bpcml0dWFsJTIwZ3Jvd3RofGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDY0MTg5N3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>I wish I could tell you the answers to these mysteries were revealed to me as I developed my faith in God, but that was not the case. The hard truth is we may not know or understand the answer to these questions on this side of eternity, but they give us no excuse to grow angry with God. And since pain and tough times are sure to come, separating ourselves from the only one who can give us peace in the season when we experience hardships and trials is self-sabotaging, to say the least.<h3>Jesus and Suffering</h3>The most practical examples that teach us how to handle suffering are exemplified in the life of Jesus. The very principle of ‘God’s will over mine’ is reflected in the life of Christ who took the form of a bondservant so He could bear the sins of the world and give us access to His Father.But because Jesus was human, He felt emotions too. To put it quite plainly, He knew what it was like to weather the storms of life and understood wholeheartedly the gut-wrenching agony that suffering and pain brought on an individual. In fact, in &nbsp;describing the son of God, Isaiah 53:3 notes He was “despised and rejected by mankind.”&nbsp;Besides food and water, some of the most vital necessities that humans need to function are love, acceptance, and the feeling that they belong. When these areas are lacking, it usually brings about emotional, physical, and mental suffering in one way or the other. Now let’s backtrack a bit. Jesus Christ was passionately hated and pitifully disregarded by men.<figure id="figure-hro61lpevvm31nolqt"><img id="hro61lpevvm31nolqt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1805813672/photo/dramatic-light-sky-and-clouds-background-passion-of-jesus-christ-on-golgotha-hill-and-cross.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-9xnF5tBBXQ0ucbPj7PNB45Fhbr4ygoD5tq0YlPT0hA=" alt="Dramatic light, sky and clouds background, passion of Jesus Christ on Golgotha hill and cross as symbol of Jesus' death and resurrection during Passion Week" title="Dramatic light, sky and clouds background, passion of Jesus Christ on Golgotha hill and cross as symbol of Jesus' death and resurrection during Passion Week" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1805813672/photo/dramatic-light-sky-and-clouds-background-passion-of-jesus-christ-on-golgotha-hill-and-cross.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-9xnF5tBBXQ0ucbPj7PNB45Fhbr4ygoD5tq0YlPT0hA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>He was truly a man of suffering who was well acquainted with pain. And how did people treat Him back in his day? “Like one from whom people hid their faces and held in low esteem” (Isaiah 53:4). Imagine, the king of the world, spat on and disregarded by men.Let that sink in for a moment. The savior of the world gave up His heavenly throne to save His beloved creation and they repaid him through rejection, ingratitude, and mocking. Here’s the most perplexing part, this was a fate He chose willingly. Yes, Jesus chose to suffer willingly because He knew His temporary displeasure would bring about everlasting redemption for the entire universe.&nbsp;If you're anything like me, you might have struggled to relate to the humanity of Christ. That is to say, you often wonder: ‘How could the son of God who had access to supernatural power relate to my suffering?’ After all, how could the man who healed the lame and sick and raised the dead possibly be able to relate to my hopeless situation? &nbsp;But Jesus was just as much human as He was a part of the Holy Trinity. And because of this, He felt the fear and pain of His impending death just as deeply as we feel the toils and daunting dilemmas of our own life today.<span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">The Garden of GethsameneThe story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is one of loneliness, struggle, and pain. After eating the last supper with His disciples where He informed them of his impending death, Jesus left with Peter, James, and John for the olive mill.When they arrived, He instructed them to sit while he went to a different area to pray. It was said that Jesus had begun to grow sorrowful and troubled at this time.“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch. And then going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.” –Mark 14:34 NIVImagine knowing the exact moment you were going to die. Not only that, imagine knowing exactly how you would die and the amount of pain and suffering you would have to endure before you gave up the ghost.The average person would probably become paralyzed with fear and anxiety. I don’t know about you, but if I found myself in a situation like that, I probably would have combust trying to exert all my power and energy thinking of ways to alter my fate.And who could blame me? After all, I’m only human –and so was Jesus. That is why although He was all about His Father’s work, there was a point where He still struggled to accept the immense suffering He would have to endure to fulfill His plan for redemption.<figure id="figure-i6y37n7ff6m31ns039" class=""><img id="i6y37n7ff6m31ns039" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1942480385/photo/jesus-praying-in-the-garden-of-olives.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=GBf4Pl_n_QZJKWZ7Sc9yspADBd34hXz-aTs-ZvEx3EE=" alt="Jesus praying in the garden of olives" title="Jesus praying in the garden of olives" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1942480385/photo/jesus-praying-in-the-garden-of-olives.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=GBf4Pl_n_QZJKWZ7Sc9yspADBd34hXz-aTs-ZvEx3EE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>A few verses later it states:“Abba, Father, he said, Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” –Mark 14:36 NIVThe Garden of Gethsemane was an olive grove where the fruit was squashed and crushed to make oil. Biblical scholars say Jesus chose to visit this location because it would be where His fleshly desires would be crushed, so He could produce new oil and develop the strength He needed to fulfill the will of His Father.It is crucial to note Jesus came to the garden feeling sorrowful and distraught. Even as He prayed to His Father His emotional condition did not seem to get better right away. Still, He persistently petitioned God with his fervent prayer three times.At one point, Jesus even fell on his face as He spoke to God. This is one of the most prostate positions a person can take when they are requesting something from someone. This humble position also shows us Jesus was not only distressed, but excruciatingly fraught for intervention. But here’s the main lesson: After praying to God three times, Jesus accepts His fate and instead tells His Father to let His will be done.<figure id="figure-j7vhkmy5x4m31nua4a"><img id="j7vhkmy5x4m31nua4a" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1425407491/photo/abstract-shot-of-jewish-temple-and-blurred-olive-tree-leaves.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tzwgAy2dRR_TKqIhieXZf8Mmpm_7J63T1r2JNtKp0RI=" alt="Abstract shot of Jewish temple and blurred olive tree leaves" title="Abstract shot of Jewish temple and blurred olive tree leaves" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1425407491/photo/abstract-shot-of-jewish-temple-and-blurred-olive-tree-leaves.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tzwgAy2dRR_TKqIhieXZf8Mmpm_7J63T1r2JNtKp0RI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>If Jesus had allowed His emotions and a fear of suffering to persuade Him not to lay down His life, the entire world would have been doomed. Death, sin, and the grave would have had the last say and the devil would have had a field day stealing, killing, and destroying mankind. The worst part is, there would have been no hope –absolutely no silver lining– for the entire human race.While nothing we do can ever compare to Christ’s sacrificial atonement when we choose to make the most of the obstacles in our lives, the lessons we learn and the perseverance and grit we develop will be used to help another person on their journey.Because we live in a broken world, pain and suffering are inevitable, but God never wastes experiences. Instead, He uses our most heart-wrenching &nbsp;circumstances to draw us closer to Him. Then, He strengthens us with the skills we need to persist, endure, and persevere.