All posts by warren

Remnant

Hold On in Faith

Why the Chosen Are Not Always the Strongest

“Many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, NASB)

Beloved, we live in a time when many hearts are growing cold. Some who once stood firm in the faith are now questioning everything they believed. They call it “deconstruction”—a process where people tear down their beliefs, but never rebuild on the truth. Instead of seeking God with open hearts, they walk away from His Word in search of something more comfortable, more convenient, more acceptable to the culture. Still, we must hold on in faith.

But the voice of God still whispers in the noise.

He calls—not the proud or the perfect, but those willing to remember, seek, and stay.

You are not chosen because you win.
You are chosen because you remember.
Because you seek.
Because you stay.

This is the calling of the remnant. This is the heart of the Bride of Christ.

“Not that we are adequate in ourselves… but our adequacy is from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5, NASB)

What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?

To be chosen by God is not to be the most spiritual, the loudest, or the strongest. It is to be the one who says yes when God calls. It means to hold on in faith no matter what challenges come your way.

Scripture tells us, “There is none righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10, NASB). We are not chosen because of our strength or worth. We are chosen by mercy.

“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4, NASB)

And yet, many are invited—but few respond. Why? Not because God’s mercy is lacking, but because their hearts are unwilling.

“I wanted to gather your children together… and you were unwilling.” (Matthew 23:37, NASB)

God never forces love. He draws, He calls, He awakens—but He gives us the freedom to respond. That’s where free will lives: not in earning salvation, but in choosing to receive it.

Faith Is Holding On When Others Let Go

If you are still standing, still praying, still clinging to Yeshua in a world that mocks holiness—you are not forgotten. You are chosen.

  • Hold on in faith when your prayers seem unanswered.
  • Hold on when your heart is tired.
  • Hold on when others let go, and you are tempted to follow.
  • Hold on when all you can say is, “I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24, NASB)

To be holy is to hold on.
To abide in the Vine (John 15:4–5).
To press on toward the upward call (Philippians 3:12).
To stay when leaving would be easier.

A Prayer for the Faithful Remnant

Father, we thank You for calling us by Your mercy. Not because we were wise, or strong, or worthy—but because You are good. Give us the strength to remember what You have done. Help us to seek Your face in a world that seeks distraction. Teach us to stay when others walk away. Let us hold on in faith and not waver.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for You who promised are faithful (Hebrews 10:23, NASB).

In Yeshua’s name we pray—Amen.

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See Also

Faithful Living, Testing

God in the Trial

Finding His Hand Through the Fire

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing…
— 1 Peter 4:12–13 NASB

The fire came uninvited. It came as a word—cancer—and that word pierced deeper than a sword. What followed was a battle not just for the body, but for the soul. Weeks turned to months. Doctors, chemotherapy, surgery. In that furnace, hearts turned to El Shaddai, God Almighty. Prayers rose like incense. Tears watered the floor like offerings. And now, with the worst behind them, a quiet, aching question rises: Where was God in the trial?

The answer, beloved, is nearer than breath. God was there in the fire.

God is never absent in suffering. We serve the God who walks into furnaces (Daniel 3:24–25), who enters the storm (Mark 6:48), who weeps at the tomb even when He plans to raise the dead (John 11:35). He does not always take away the pain, but He sanctifies it. Every chemo session, every sleepless night, every moment of anguish was not wasted. He was refining them, shaping something eternal through temporal sorrow.

We must never see doctors as hindrances to God’s will. They are His servants—whether they know Him or not. Luke, beloved physician of the New Testament, served God not in a pulpit but with a stethoscope. God can work through a Word, through prayer, through anointed oil—or through medicine, wisdom, and skilled hands. All healing belongs to God, whether by miracle or by means. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 NASB).

So then, what is their testimony? It is not simply survival—it is transformation. To be crushed and yet not destroyed. To feel the shadow of death, and yet walk through it with Yeshua at their side. Their testimony is not merely what God did to the tumor—it’s what He did to their hearts. He taught them to trust when the outcome was unclear. He stripped them of every false comfort. He called them to Himself.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:67 NASB). Affliction became the shepherd’s rod.

So how do we find God in the trial? We press in. We stop looking for escape and start looking for Emmanuel—God with us. We find Him in the peace that made no sense, in the strength that showed up when theirs was gone, in the unity between husband and wife forged in the furnace. We find Him not just in healing, but in hope that does not disappoint(Romans 5:5 NASB).

Beloved, you may not understand it all now. But God wastes nothing. Even this will bear fruit—perhaps a deeper ministry, perhaps compassion for others walking the same valley, perhaps a hunger for eternity that burns brighter than before. Keep your eyes on Him. Thank Him for what He’s done, even as you ask Him what He’s doing still.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)

God in the trial is still God on the throne. Let the testimony rise—not just that you were healed, but that you found Him in the fire.

Prayer

Father, we thank You—not just for outcomes, but for Your presence through the process. You are the Healer, the Sustainer, the One who never leaves. We praise You for every doctor and every prayer, every battle fought and every peace granted. We ask that You complete what You have started—not only in the body but in the soul. May this trial produce endurance, and endurance proven character, and character hope. Use this testimony to awaken others. Let them see You in the fire. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

See Also

The Pursuit

Come Closer, Beloved

Walk in the Spirit

He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

You who have tasted the goodness of God, do not linger at the edge of His presence. Draw near. The life of God in you is not dependent upon your name, your culture, or your status—but upon your surrender. As it is written, “Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8, NASB). If Yeshua, though perfect, submitted through suffering, shall we not also walk this narrow way with Him?

A closer walk with the Lord demands more than a confession of faith—it demands Spirit-led obedience. From the first cry of your rebirth, the Holy Spirit has taken residence in your soul, not merely as Comforter, but as Commander. You were not merely saved to escape wrath—you were called to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8, NASB). This path is not optional. It is the only path of the Kingdom.

In the early Church, the fire of the Spirit leapt over the dividing walls of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, learned and ignorant. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body”(1 Corinthians 12:13, NASB). The Spirit does not dwell in structures made by men or align Himself with national borders. He forms a new humanity, united under the Headship of Christ, calling all who believe to one standard—obedience to the teachings of Yeshua.

Yet many falter, not for lack of instruction, but because they refuse to suffer the cost of discipleship. The words of the New Testament are clear, but hearts dimmed by compromise obscure their brightness. The Spirit does not yield to culture—He calls culture to repentance. The Gospel does not bow to man’s traditions—it calls all men to die to themselves.

Let not your walk be shaped by your surroundings, but by the indwelling Spirit. Have you not read? “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, NASB). A closer walk with the Lord means saying “yes” when the flesh screams “no.” It means obeying when it is inconvenient, loving when it is undeserved, and surrendering when pride rises up.

The teachings of Christ are not suggestions. They are commands—holy, eternal, and binding upon the soul of every blood-bought saint.

So come, dear reader. Do not settle for surface faith. Press in. Abide. Let His Spirit shape your thoughts, your speech, your footsteps. Let the fire of God consume what is carnal and breathe life into what is eternal. The closer walk with the Lord is a walk of obedience, unity, and continual transformation.

As John wrote, “The one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6, NASB). The time is short. The hour is late. Cast aside every weight and draw near to your King.

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Prayer:

Holy Father, draw me into a closer walk with You. Baptize every part of my life in Your Spirit. Teach me to obey, not reluctantly, but with joy. Let my heart beat with Yours. Break the pride of my culture, my comfort, and my self-will, and make me wholly Yours. May my life proclaim that Yeshua is Lord, to the glory of El Shaddai. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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See Also

Personal Holiness

Transformed to Triumph

Walking Free from Sin by the Power of God

Final Article in the 12-Part Series on Overcoming Sin

Beloved, you have walked with us through the battlefields of the heart—where sin once reigned and flesh once ruled. You have seen the war within, but more importantly, you’ve seen the way out. Not by your strength, not by willpower, but by the grace and truth of the living God.

This is not the end of the journey. It is a new beginning. You were not redeemed to return to old chains—you were called to walk free from sin, step by step, from glory to glory, until Christ is fully formed in you.

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Twelve Chains Broken, Twelve Truths Embraced

Let these truths mark your path, and let the Spirit write them on your heart:

1. Contentment Over Lust of the Eyes

“I have learned to be content…” (Philippians 4:11-12, NASB).

When your eyes long for more, fix them on the sufficiency of Yeshua. He alone satisfies.

2. Self-Control Over Lust of the Flesh

“The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB).

Discipline is not about denial—it is about being filled with something greater than desire.

3. Humility Over Pride of Life

“Humble yourselves… and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10, NASB).

There is no room for self-glory where God is rightly enthroned.

4. Gentleness Over Anger and Wrath

“A gentle answer turns away wrath…” (Proverbs 15:1, NASB).

Let the patience of God quiet the fury of your flesh.

5. Encouragement Over Gossip and Slander

“Speak what is good for edification…” (Ephesians 4:29, NASB).

Your words can heal or harm—choose to be a voice that builds.

6. Truthfulness Over Deceit and Lies

“Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25, NASB).

Honesty honors God. Let truth dwell deeply in you and pour freely from your life.

7. Worship Over Idolatry

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Matthew 22:37, NASB).

Tear down every idol. Give God the throne, and let your life burn with devotion.

8. Forgiveness Over Bitterness

“Forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NASB).

The chains of bitterness break when mercy flows. Forgive, not to forget—but to be free.

9. Generosity Over Greed and the Love of Money

“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, NASB).

Let open hands be your testimony. You are blessed to be a blessing.

10. Diligence Over Laziness and Complacency

“Do your work heartily, as for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23, NASB).

You were not made to drift—you were designed to build, plant, and bear fruit.

11. Grace Over Hypocrisy and Judgment

“Let your speech always be with grace…” (Colossians 4:6, NASB).

Put down the mask. Speak and live with sincerity, for you are clothed in mercy.

12. Peace Over Fear and Anxiety

“My peace I give to you…” (John 14:27, NASB).

Let His presence be your anchor. You are held, seen, and perfectly kept.

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What Now? Walking Free from Sin Daily

Now that these truths have been planted, how do you walk them out?

  • Abide in the Word. God’s Word is your sword and shield—read it, speak it, live it.
  • Stay close to Yeshua. Victory isn’t found in principles but in the Person of Christ.
  • Live by the Spirit. Don’t strive—surrender. Let the Spirit lead you into lasting transformation.
  • Stay in community. Don’t walk alone. The body strengthens the weak and guards the way.
  • Repent quickly and rise again. When you fall, don’t stay down. Run to your Father.

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You Were Made for More

You are no longer a slave. You are a son. A daughter. A redeemed vessel set apart for the glory of El Shaddai. The very power that raised Yeshua from the grave lives in you. So walk boldly. Love deeply. Fight humbly. And never forget—sin is defeated. Jesus is Lord.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for the journey You’ve brought me through. Thank You for exposing sin and pouring out grace. I surrender every area, every thought, every weakness to You. Make me holy, make me true. Let the transformation not end here—let it deepen daily. Help me to walk in victory, abide in Your Spirit, and live for Your glory. I am Yours, anchored in peace, clothed in righteousness, and called to reflect Your light. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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Prophets

Prophecy in the New Testament Church

In the New Testament (NT), prophecy is both a gift and a ministry. Unlike the Old Testament model, where prophets often held exclusive access to God’s voice for the people, the NT church reveals a more widespread prophetic activity among believers. This shift is anchored in Acts 2:17 (NASB): “And it shall be in the last days,” God says, “That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy…” Prophecy becomes a common manifestation of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Key aspects of prophecy in the NT Church:

  • Edification, exhortation, and consolation (1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB). Prophecy in the church is primarily for the building up of others—encouraging, calling forth, and comforting.
  • Accessible and orderly: “For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted” (1 Corinthians 14:31 NASB). The gift is not limited to a few but made available to many.
  • Tested, not blindly followed: Unlike OT prophets who spoke with unchallenged authority, NT prophecy is subject to discernment: “Do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 NASB).
  • Distinguished from the office of prophet: While many may prophesy, Ephesians 4:11 notes that Christ specifically gives some to the church as prophets. These individuals carry a greater mantle of responsibility and often operate in consistent revelation, foundational roles, or regional influence.

The prophetic voice in the NT church is ultimately a testimony of Yeshua. Revelation 19:10 (NASB) says, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” It’s not about future-telling alone; it’s about revealing the heart, purposes, and presence of Yeshua to His people.

The Office of the Prophet vs. the Gift of Prophecy

A clear contrast must be made:

Office of ProphetGift of Prophecy
Part of the fivefold ministry (Eph. 4:11)One of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:10)
Carries governmental authority within the churchOperates under local church authority
Often directional or foundational (Acts 13:1–3)Primarily for strengthening, encouragement, comfort
Tested by fruit and longevityTested by content and discernment in the moment
Long-term development and callingMay be used occasionally or seasonally

A prophet may function with visions, dreams, divine warnings, and strong directional insight, like Agabus, who prophesied a famine and warned Paul of persecution (Acts 11:27–30; Acts 21:10–11).

What Are Words of Knowledge?

Words of knowledge are another gift of the Spirit, distinct from prophecy, yet often operating together. 1 Corinthians 12:8 (NASB) says: “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit.”

A word of knowledge is a supernatural insight into a fact or reality the speaker could not have naturally known. It’s not future-oriented like prophecy often is, but present or past-focused, often unlocking faith or repentance.

Examples:

  • Yeshua tells the woman at the well that she had five husbands (John 4:16–19).
  • Peter confronts Ananias and Sapphira about their lie (Acts 5:1–4).
  • Paul knows that a man has faith to be healed (Acts 14:9–10).

Contrasting Prophecy and Words of Knowledge

ProphecyWord of Knowledge
Often future-focused or directiveUsually present or past-focused
Brings encouragement, direction, or warningReveals hidden facts to unlock hearts or faith
Can be general for a group or specific to a personOften specific and personal
May call someone into a future they didn’t seeMay reveal something they thought was hidden

Words of knowledge often prepare the way for prophecy. A person hears a fact only God could know—this stirs their heart. Then, prophecy can flow, giving them direction or encouragement. It’s like a divine one-two punch.

A Church Gathering

Imagine a gathering where a woman is struggling privately with fear. The Spirit gives someone a word of knowledge: “There’s someone here who hasn’t slept peacefully in three nights because of dread.” That person is identified and feels exposed—in a good way. Then prophecy comes: “The Lord says, ‘You are not alone. I have stood by your bed. I am driving out fear and giving you peace tonight.’”

Both gifts worked together—word of knowledge revealed the situation, and prophecy revealed the heart of God.

Conclusion: Prophecy in the New Testament Church

Prophecy in the New Testament Church is vital, powerful, and accessible. It must be sought with humility, tested with Scripture, and permanently anchored in the person of Yeshua. The Lord desires His people not just to hear sermons, but to hear His voice. As we hunger for more of Him and press into the Spirit’s leading, both prophets and words of knowledgehelp the church grow in love, unity, and holiness.

Prayer

Father YHVH, we thank You for pouring out Your Spirit in these last days. Let prophecy rise again in purity and power. Cleanse us of pride or fear, and train our ears to hear Your voice clearly. Let the gifts of the Spirit not be rare among us, but normal, humbling us with awe. Use us to encourage, convict, and lead others back to Yeshua. We want more of You and less of us. Teach us to speak what You are saying and to listen with trembling hearts. In the name of Yeshua our Messiah, Amen.

See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Anchored in Peace

Winning the Battle Against Anxiety

Article 12 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

Beloved, the storm is real—but so is the anchor. The waves of anxiety crash with fury in this generation. Fear of the future. Pressure to perform. Thoughts that spiral in the silence of night. But hear this: you were never meant to be ruled by fear. You were made to be anchored in peace.

This is not the peace the world offers—temporary, shallow, and easily broken. This is the peace that flows from El Shalom, the God of peace Himself. This peace surpasses understanding, guards your heart, and anchors your soul through every storm. It does not come from circumstance. It comes from presence—the presence of God.

The Battle Begins in the Mind

Anxiety is more than emotion—it is war. A spiritual battle that begins with a whisper: “What if…?” and ends with sleepless nights and restless hearts. But God does not leave you helpless. He gives you truth, the sword of the Spirit, to cut through every lie.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7, NASB).

This is not denial of reality—it is defiance of fear. It is not pretending the storm isn’t there—it is choosing to trust the One who walks on water.

Peace is a Person

To win the battle against anxiety, you must know this: peace is not a feeling—it is a Person. “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14, NASB). The closer you draw to Yeshua, the more the chaos around you loses its power.

He does not promise a life without storms. He promises His presence in them. He does not silence every wave—but He still speaks, “Peace, be still,” and it still holds authority over wind and water (Mark 4:39).

You will not find peace in control. You will not find it in explanation. You will only find it at His feet.

The Anchor and the Drift

Picture a small boat on open waters. The sky darkens. The wind rises. Without an anchor, the boat drifts—farther and farther until it cannot find its way home. But the one who drops anchor early remains steady, even when the sea rages.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable and one which enters within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19, NASB). You have an anchor that reaches into the very presence of God. His promises are secure. His covenant is unbreakable. You do not need to drift.

Drop anchor, hold fast to the Word, press in through worship, and speak the truth out loud until your heart believes it again.

How to Stay Anchored in Peace

  1. Name your anxieties. Don’t hide them—bring them into the light before God.
  2. Pray with thanksgiving. Gratitude shifts your focus from fear to faith.
  3. Meditate on truth. Fill your mind with God’s promises, not the enemy’s predictions.
  4. Rest in His presence. Don’t rush. Sit quietly before Him. Let peace be planted.
  5. Speak peace aloud. Declare God’s Word over your life daily. Let your tongue lead your heart.

This is not a one-time victory—it is a daily rhythm. But whenever you choose truth over fear, worship over worry, trust over control, you win. You are walking free. You are becoming who you were always meant to be: anchored in peace.

Prayer:

Prince of Peace, I come to You with my fears, restless thoughts, and weary soul. I confess I have tried to carry what only You can hold. Forgive me. Speak peace over my mind. Guard my heart. Be the anchor that holds when everything around me shakes. I trust You—not because I see the outcome but because I know who You are. Keep me near. Keep me still. Keep me anchored. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

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See Also

Be Still

Speechless in the Presence of God

Have you ever been so overwhelmed by the presence of God that words failed you? I do not write to you with human wisdom but as one who has beheld His glory. There is a holy hush—a moment beyond language—where the soul is left speechless in the presence of God. This silence is not empty; it is full of awe, overflowing with revelation, and saturated with divine love.

Scripture tells us what happened on the Mount of Transfiguration: “While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them … A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!’” (Luke 9:34–35, NASB). In that moment, the disciples were speechless. Not because they were confused, but because they were overtaken by glory.

What Does It Mean to Be Speechless in the Presence of God?

Not all silence is sacred. Some remain silent because they are spiritually dry. But when the Holy Spirit reigns in a fully surrendered heart, silence becomes sacred space. It is the final crescendo after praise and worship have poured out every word we can offer.

Here is the divine progression:

  1. Praise bursts forth — we speak, pray, and testify.
  2. Worship rises — songs overflow from the heart.
  3. Silence descends — not from lack, but from glory too heavy to carry in words, leaving us truly speechless.

This isn’t stillness born of confusion or apathy. Isaiah’s silence cried out, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips … for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of armies” (Isaiah 6:5, NASB). When you see God rightly, you know that no song is worthy and no word rich enough.

Why Silence Can Bring You Closer to God

A. W. Tozer wrote, “More spiritual progress can be made in one short moment of speechless silence in the awesome presence of God than in years of mere study.” Why? Because in those moments, God writes on your heart directly. You don’t just hear about Him—you experience Him.

We often fill our spiritual lives with noise—devotionals, sermons, and prayers. But when was the last time you waited? When was the last time you stepped beyond the veil and stood in His presence without asking, without speaking—just beholding and being speechless?

Moses entered the cloud and came out radiant (Exodus 34:29). You too are invited—not to observe from afar, but to enter the cloud of glory, the presence of El Shaddai. Not just once, but daily.

The Cloud of Glory

Imagine a traveler standing before a great mountain shrouded in mist. As he steps into the cloud, he can no longer see the path or the world behind him. But he hears a whisper in the stillness—not from outside, but within. He has entered the presence, not with understanding, but with surrender. There, in the silence, the Voice speaks clearly, leaving him speechless.

How to Cultivate Holy Silence in Your Life

If you long to be transformed and are hungry for revival in your soul, create space for God’s presence. Here’s how:

  • Set aside time daily not just for prayer, but for silence before God.
  • Turn off distractions. Let your phone, music, and noise wait.
  • Enter with worship. Let praise rise, then let the Spirit lead into silence.
  • Listen and wait. Don’t rush the moment. God speaks in the stillness.

These moments may be short, but their fruit is eternal. You will not always walk away with answers, but you will walk away with Him. And that is the goal.

Final Thoughts: The Power of the Cloud

God in the Glory

You do not need to fear the silence. Embrace it. For it is there you will truly hear Him. When words are stripped away, what remains is faith. What remains is intimacy. Be speechless in the presence of God, and you will come to know Him as you never have before.

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Prayer

Spirit of the Living God, lead us into Your cloud. Take full authority in our hearts. Teach us to speak, then teach us to sing. And when the moment is too holy for either, teach us to be silent before You, utterly speechless. We want more of You and less of us. Let us hear Your voice in the stillness, and let Your presence change us forever. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Share this post if your heart longs for more of Him.

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See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Grace Before Judgment

Overcoming Hypocrisy

Article 11 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. Yet how quickly we reach for shadows when our hearts are exposed. The sin of hypocrisy does not lie in weakness—but in pretending we have none. It is the sin of the masked soul, speaking of holiness while quietly bowing to pride. Hypocrisy is not just misrepresentation—it is spiritual deception. And it must be overcome by grace before judgment.

You were not made to perform. You were made to be holy—set apart, sincere, and free. And that freedom is found only when the grace of God pierces through every facade and awakens truth in your inward parts. If you would walk in the Spirit, you must walk in the light, extending grace before judgment.

The Disease of Pretending

Hypocrisy thrives where fear reigns. It fears being seen, fears being wrong, fears being weak. And so it wears a face. The lips say “Amen,” but the heart hides resentment. The hands serve, but the soul withholds. The outward man shines, while the inward man is starving.

Yeshua called out this sin—not because He hated the sinner, but because He longed for truth. “Woe to you… hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones” (Matthew 23:27, NASB). These were not outlaws or pagans—these were the respected, the devout, the leaders. But they had traded sincerity for performance, presence for platform, grace for self-glory. Grace before judgment was forgotten, leading to spiritual decay.

You were not made to be a tomb—you were made to be a temple.

The Woman and the Stone

Picture the scene: a woman, dragged into the public square, caught in her sin. Around her stand the judges, stones in hand, eager to condemn. But Yeshua kneels. He writes in the dust. And with one sentence, He unmasks them all: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone” (John 8:7, NASB). Silence falls. Stones drop. One by one, the accusers leave.

Then Yeshua lifts His eyes—not with wrath, but with mercy. “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on do not sin any longer” (John 8:11, NASB). This is grace before judgment. This is the heart of El Shaddai. He does not overlook sin—He overcomes it with mercy that transforms. It is the epitome of extending grace before judgment to bring about change.

What Hypocrisy Forgets

Hypocrisy forgets the mercy we’ve received. It points the finger without first cleansing the heart. It strives for the approval of men and forgets the gaze of God. But God sees through the mask, and His love calls us to tear it off. This love emphasizes the importance of grace before judgment. “You desire truth in the innermost being”(Psalm 51:6, NASB).

The hypocrite plays a part; the child of God comes broken, honest, and hopeful. You do not need to fake righteousness—you have been clothed in the righteousness of Yeshua. You are free to walk in truth, because the cross has removed your shame. Remember, always extend grace before judgment, just as it has been extended to you.

How to Overcome Hypocrisy

  1. Confess the mask. Ask God to expose every hidden area and invite Him into your reality.
  2. Repent sincerely. Don’t justify. Don’t delay. Return to the mercy seat with honesty.
  3. Align your private and public life. Let what you do in secret match what you proclaim.
  4. Offer grace before judgment. Speak with mercy. Restore gently. Forgive quickly.
  5. Stay near to the Light. Walk daily with Yeshua. His presence kills pretense.

Let your heart be cleansed. Let your lips be pure. Let your walk be consistent. You were not called to perform—you were called to reflect the glory of God. Always prioritize grace before judgment in your actions and interactions.

Prayer

Father, I confess my tendency to pretend. I’ve feared man more than I’ve feared You. I’ve worn masks You never gave me. I repent. Wash me in the blood of Yeshua and strip away every layer of falsehood. Teach me to walk in truth, to speak with sincerity, and to love without judgment. Make me a vessel of grace. Let my life reflect Your mercy, and may I never trade intimacy with You for the approval of man. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Faithful and Fruitful

Trading Laziness for Diligence

Article 10 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

The vineyard of the sluggard is overgrown. Weeds choke what once had potential, and the walls that protected it are broken down. Not from catastrophe—but from neglect. Laziness doesn’t always look like rebellion. Sometimes it just looks like delay. But make no mistake—when we resist God’s call to diligence, we sin against His design. You were not created to drift. You were made to be faithful and fruitful in His service.

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:23–24, NASB). You are not laboring for earthly bosses or temporary gain. You are laboring before the King of Glory. Every task is holy. Every assignment is a seed planted to be faithful and fruitful.

The Deception of Comfort

Laziness is rarely loud. It often disguises itself in comfort, procrastination, or the subtle lie that there’s always more time. But time is not ours to waste. Every hour is a gift. Every season has purpose. And when we bury our talents in the ground—out of fear, passivity, or selfishness—we dishonor the One who entrusted them. To be faithful and fruitful, we must overcome these deceptions.

Greed says, “Take more.” Lust says, “Feel more.” But laziness says, “Do less.” It robs the Kingdom of the fruit you were meant to bear. It silences your calling, shrinks your vision, and convinces you that good intentions are good enough.

But Yeshua’s parable in Matthew 25 cuts through the illusion. The servant who hid his talent wasn’t praised for being safe—he was condemned for being slothful. Faithfulness is not just about what you believe—it’s what you build. Therefore, we must endeavor to be faithful and fruitful in all we do.

The Garden and the Axe

Picture a lush garden, perfectly designed, filled with potential. Seeds have been sown. Rain has fallen. The sun has shone. But no one has pulled the weeds. No one has pruned the vines. The gardener grows weary and leaves it untouched. Day after day, the fruit withers before it ripens.

Beside that garden stands an axe—resting at the root of a tree. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10, NASB). That sounds harsh—until you remember the love of the Gardener. He planted you with purpose. He waters you with grace. He prunes you for fruitfulness. But He will not force you to grow. To be faithful and fruitful, we must cooperate with His process.

Laziness wastes what God intends to flourish. But diligence cultivates what God delights to bless.

The Spirit of Diligence

This is not about striving in the flesh. True diligence flows from the Spirit. It does not burn out—it burns bright. It is not anxious—it is intentional. “The soul of the lazy one craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made prosperous” (Proverbs 13:4, NASB).

You don’t overcome laziness by willpower. You overcome it by worship. You start by surrendering your time, your goals, and your energy to the Lord of the Harvest. And as you walk with Him, He gives you grace to rise, strength to endure, and joy in the work.

Diligence isn’t about perfection—it’s about faithfulness. Keep showing up. Keep sowing. Keep building. And in due season, you will bear fruit that lasts. Thus, you will live a life that is faithful and fruitful.

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How to Trade Laziness for Diligence

  1. Repent of passivity. Name where you’ve settled for comfort over calling. Bring it into the light.
  2. Ask for renewed vision. When your why is clear, your effort follows.
  3. Start small. Don’t wait for motivation—build momentum with one obedient step.
  4. Create rhythm, not pressure. Seek God daily, work faithfully, and rest when He says rest.
  5. Surround yourself with workers. Iron sharpens iron. Walk with the diligent, and you’ll grow strong.

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Prayer

Lord, forgive me for every time I’ve chosen ease over obedience. I repent for wasting what You’ve entrusted to me. Today, I trade laziness for diligence—not by my strength, but by Your Spirit. Give me joy in the work, vision for the task, and grace to endure. Make me faithful and fruitful in every season, and let my life glorify You. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Generous by Design

Conquering the Grip of Greed

Article 9 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

You were not made to hoard. You were created in the image of a generous God, whose hands are always open, whose gifts overflow, whose nature is to give—not sparingly, but lavishly. To walk in His likeness is to walk free from the grip of greed. You were made to be generous by design.

Greed disguises itself as security, ambition, and stewardship—but its fruit is fear, control, and isolation. It whispers that you never have enough, that God won’t provide, that giving is loss. But the truth is, generosity is not subtraction—it is multiplication in the Kingdom. You cannot outgive El Shaddai.

“Then He said to them, ‘Watch out and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions’” (Luke 12:15, NASB). Greed is not just a wealthy man’s temptation. It dwells in every heart that clings tightly and trusts sparingly.

You weren’t made to hoard, you were made to pout out.

The Heart That Grips

Greed is a clenched fist. It tells you that your provision comes from your own effort. It hoards because it fears tomorrow. But Yeshua told us plainly—“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20, NASB). The problem is not in having—it’s in holding too tightly.

A greedy heart is never satisfied. The more it gets, the more it needs. It cannot rest because it is never full. But when you know the heart of the Father, you begin to live with open hands. You give because you trust Him to refill. You bless because He has first blessed you. You lose nothing in generosity—you reflect Heaven.

The Warehouse and the Well

Picture this: a man builds a massive warehouse to store all his crops. He insulates it, protects it, and stands back proud. “Now I can rest,” he says. That night, he dies. And the warehouse—full but lifeless—sits cold and silent. Beside it, another man walks to the village well. He draws water daily and freely shares it. The well never runs dry. His hands are empty, but his heart is full.

Which one lived well?

Greed builds barns and dies alone. Generosity draws water and shares life. You were never meant to be a warehouse. You were made to be a well.

God’s Grace Poured Out

Everything you have—your breath, your gifts, your resources—is from God. You are not an owner. You are a steward. And when you release what is in your hand, He releases what is in His. “Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6, NASB).

Greed says, “I’ll give when I have more.” Grace says, “I give because I’ve received.”Generosity flows from gratitude, not surplus. It begins in the heart before it touches the wallet.

Whether it’s money, time, talents, or encouragement—give. Not reluctantly, not for praise, but because you trust the Giver.

How to Break Free from Greed

  1. Confess the lie. Greed begins with believing God won’t take care of you. Bring it into the light.
  2. Practice open-handed living. Give intentionally—even when it’s uncomfortable.
  3. Celebrate others’ blessings. Rejoice instead of comparing.
  4. Ask God to make you a channel. Pray: “Let it flow through me, not just to me.”
  5. Store up treasure in heaven. Give where moth and rust can’t reach.

Greed breaks when you remember who your Provider is.

You were made to give, not grasp. To pour out, not store up. You are generous by design.

Saving Isn’t Hoarding—But the Heart Still Matters

Let’s be clear: wisdom plans ahead. Scripture never condemns wise stewardship. The ant stores food in summer (Proverbs 6:6–8). Joseph stored grain in Egypt to prepare for famine (Genesis 41). And in our day—when pensions vanish, systems shake, and even family support can’t be assumed—preparing for retirement is not a lack of faith. It’s often an act of faithfulness.

But here is where the grip of greed tries to twist the truth: when saving becomes your savior, when the size of your account determines your peace, when giving feels unsafe because your plans must come first—that’s when stewardship has crossed into slavery.

God is not against saving. He is against fear disguised as wisdom.

You are called to plan, but not panic. To prepare, but not obsess. You can store without hoarding when your trust is not in the stock market, the 401(k), or the balance sheet—but in the unshakable hands of El Shaddai.

So yes, save wisely. Plan for tomorrow. But live with open hands today. Because the God who provides for your future is also watching how you steward the present.

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Prayer:

Father, You have given me more than I deserve. Forgive me for the times I’ve clung to blessings instead of trusting You to provide. I renounce greed in all its forms—fear, pride, selfishness—and I receive the heart of Yeshua, who gave all. Make me a well, not a warehouse. Teach me to live open-handed and joyfully generous. Use me to reflect Your heart to a world in need. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

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See Also