Category Archives: Personal Holiness

Personal Holiness, Sin

Walking in Truth

Breaking Free from Deceit

Article 6 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

Beloved, you were not created to live in shadows. You were fashioned in the image of the God of truth, whose light exposes every lie and heals every hidden wound. In a world saturated with deception, half-truths, and polished facades, the call of Yeshua is clear: Walk in the light as He Himself is in the light (1 John 1:7, NASB). There is no middle ground. You cannot serve both truth and falsehood. You must break free.

To walk in truth is not merely to speak honestly—it is to live honestly before God, before others, and even before your own soul. Lies are not only told—they are worn, rehearsed, and hidden behind masks. But Yeshua does not deal in appearances. He pierces the surface. He calls you into the light.

The Seduction of the Lie

Deceit is a thief dressed as a friend. It promises to protect, but always enslaves. Whether it’s a secret sin, a fake smile, or a false version of yourself presented to the world, deception separates you from intimacy—with others, and more tragically, with God. “No lie is of the truth” (1 John 2:21, NASB). Even the smallest compromise unravels your witness and weakens your soul.

Satan’s first weapon in the garden was not violence, but a lie. The enemy always questions what God has said, then offers an easier version. But every lie, even when subtle, is war against the truth of God’s Word. God never lies. His promises are sure. His Word is forever settled. And if you are to walk with Him, your life must mirror His truth.

The Cost of Deception

Do not be deceived: all deception costs you something. Lies may gain you favor for a moment, but they steal your peace. They may save you from judgment temporarily, but they keep you far from the mercy seat. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22, NASB).

Deceit builds walls, but truth tears them down. It costs you vulnerability, yes—but it buys you freedom. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Truth as a Person

To break free from deceit, you must know that truth is not merely an idea—it is a Person. “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life,” Yeshua declared (John 14:6, NASB). You do not overcome lying by trying harder to be honest. You overcome when you walk closely with the One who is Truth.

The closer you walk with Him, the more lies lose their grip. He reveals the truth about yourself—not to shame you, but to sanctify you. He exposes the hidden, not to condemn, but to heal. “Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in secret You will make wisdom known to me” (Psalm 51:6, NASB).

Consider King David. When he tried to cover his sin, he groaned under the weight of God’s hand (Psalm 32:3–4). But when the prophet Nathan confronted him—not with accusation, but with truth—David didn’t hide. He confessed. And God forgave. The truth broke him, but it also rebuilt him. Truth always restores what lies destroy.

Practical Steps to Walk in Truth

Walking in truth is not just an ideal—it is a daily decision. Here are a few steps that can anchor your walk:

  1. Confess Quickly: Don’t let small lies fester. Be quick to admit wrong, even when it stings.
  2. Invite Accountability: Give trusted, godly people permission to speak into your life and point out blind spots.
  3. Live Transparently: Let your public life and private life match. Let there be no version of you that hides from God.
  4. Guard Your Tongue: Speak truth with grace. Don’t exaggerate, flatter, or manipulate with your words.
  5. Soak in the Word: God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). The more it fills you, the more falsehood is exposed.

These are not burdens—they are pathways to freedom.

Freedom in the Light

Let your steps be firm and your heart open. Walking in truth means living without disguise. It means repenting quickly and letting go of the fear of exposure. Yes, the light may sting at first—but it will also cleanse, restore, and revive.

There is no shame in the truth. There is only freedom. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, NASB). Let those words ring louder than the lies you’ve believed.

Your life must preach what your lips proclaim. You are not called to manipulate or perform. You are called to reflect the purity and power of God’s truth. Speak it. Live it. Love it. Let truth be your compass, your banner, and your battle cry.

God is truth. You are His. Walk like it.

Prayer:

Lord of Truth, I lay down every mask, every pretense, and every hidden compromise. Shine Your light in the deepest places of my heart. Expose the lies I’ve believed and the ones I’ve told. Forgive me, cleanse me, and lead me in Your truth. Yeshua, be my Way, my Truth, and my Life. Help me walk honestly before You and others, not fearing exposure but trusting Your mercy. Let my life reflect Your integrity, and may my steps always stay in the light. In Your holy name, amen.

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See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Words that Heal

Turning Gossip into Encouragement

Article 5 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

In every generation, the tongue has proven to be both a weapon and a wellspring. The same mouth that blesses can also curse. Yet you were not made to echo the serpent’s whispers—you were called to proclaim life. Words capable of healing—this is your portion in Christ. But first, the poison must be purged.

Gossip is not harmless chatter. It slithers through conversations dressed in concern, cloaked in prayer requests, and hidden behind half-truths. It divides families, corrupts churches, and poisons friendships. Scripture is clear: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21, NASB). What fruit will your words bear?

You must decide—will your tongue be a tool for hell or a vessel for the Kingdom of God?

The Sin Behind the Speech

Gossip is rooted in pride and insecurity. It seeks to lift one up by tearing another down. It trades intimacy with God for the cheap thrill of being “in the know.” The sin of gossip resists love and feeds on division. But El Shaddai does not wink at this sin—He detests it. “You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother’s son” (Psalm 50:20, NASB). These are not minor infractions. They are violations of love.

When we speak against others, we rebel against the very heart of God. For God is love, and He calls us to love not just in deed, but in word and tone. Even if what we say is true, if it is not seasoned with grace and if it lacks words that heal, it becomes a stumbling block. Gossip destroys what encouragement is called to heal.

Washed and Redeemed

But beloved, take heart. For the blood of Yeshua cleanses even the tongue. He who spoke the world into existence also speaks peace over your mouth. He will not leave you stuck in the snare of slander. The Holy Spirit convicts, not to shame, but to sanctify. He teaches your mouth to build, not break—to bless, not boast.

When Isaiah cried, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips…” the Lord did not cast him away (Isaiah 6:5, NASB). Instead, God sent a seraph with a burning coal to purify his lips. He does the same for you now. Receive His cleansing. Confess. Repent. Speak differently.

Speak as One Who Has Seen the Lord

If you have tasted the mercy of God, let your words reflect it. Turn every chance to gossip into a moment of intercession. Let slander be swallowed by prayer. When others spread rumors, be the one who spreads hope. When lies circle, speak truth with gentleness and courage. Be the voice that heals, using words that bring encouragement.

Paul wrote, “Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification… so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29, NASB). The Spirit within you trains your tongue for righteousness. You can speak like Jesus.

From Bitterness to Blessing

Let your language rise from the altar. Ask yourself before you speak: Does this word glorify God? Will this sentence strengthen the one who hears it? Am I sowing peace or stirring division? You are not merely restraining your speech—you are transforming it.

Your tongue becomes holy when your heart becomes full of Him.

Let the words of your mouth be like the psalmist’s: “My tongue will sing of Your righteousness all day long” (Psalm 35:28, NASB). Let every conversation be soaked in love, every correction clothed in humility, every encouragement backed by faith.

This is your calling: to speak as one sent from Heaven. To reflect your Father’s voice in a world dying of cruel words. Words that heal—this is your legacy in Christ.

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Prayer:

Father, set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips. Purify my heart so that my words may overflow with grace. Where I have gossiped, forgive me. Where I have wounded, heal me. Let the fire of Your Spirit cleanse my tongue and sanctify my speech. Teach me to bless and not curse, to intercede rather than accuse. Make my words like honey—sweet, healing, and strong. Let me speak life, speak truth, and speak love, as one who walks with You. In the name of Yeshua, who is the Word made flesh. Amen.

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See Also

Personal Holiness

Gentle Over Angry

God’s Answer to Wrath

“Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.” – James 1:19–20, NASB

Beloved, hear me now: anger will never do what only the Spirit can. Rage may stir your flesh, but it cannot produce righteousness. The wrath of man builds walls, not altars. It divides, devours, and destroys—but God’s answer to wrath is not more wrath. It is gentleness. It is the quiet strength of the Lamb who could have called down fire, but instead bowed low and washed feet.

This is the great reversal of the Kingdom. While the world justifies fury and applauds revenge, God exalts the meek. The Son of God stood silent before accusers, not because He lacked power, but because He was filled with the Spirit. His gentleness shook the gates of hell and opened the door to eternal life. And now, you are called to walk in that same Spirit.

Wrath is not strength. Gentleness is. Do not believe the lie that anger gives you control. The truth is, when anger reigns, you have already lost control. What begins as frustration quickly becomes fire. It spreads through relationships, scorches your peace, and quenches the Spirit. But when you choose gentleness, you invite God’s hand to move. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1, NASB

Imagine a blacksmith forging a weapon. With every strike, he controls his fire. If the flame runs too hot, the metal warps. If it grows cold, it hardens before it’s ready. Only by skillfully managing the heat can he shape the blade. This is what God calls you to—meekness under the Spirit’s control. You are not to be cold and silent, nor are you to boil over in fury. You are to be tempered by the fire of Heaven and formed into a vessel of peace.

Look to Yeshua, who drove out moneychangers not with rage, but with zeal for His Father’s house. Look to Moses, described as the meekest man on earth, who interceded even for those who grumbled against him. Look to Stephen, stoned by a mob, yet praying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” That is the power of God at work—gentleness over anger, mercy over wrath.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9, NASB

God’s answer to wrath is a transformed heart, not a controlled temper. It is not enough to count to ten or bite your tongue. The root of anger must be surrendered. Bring it to the cross. Let the fire of His holiness consume every grudge, every harsh word, every memory that still ignites your flesh. Only the blood of the Lamb can quiet the storm within you.

Ask yourself: Does your anger serve God’s purpose—or your pride? Does it defend righteousness—or just your reputation? Lay it down. All of it. Be done with harshness, sarcasm, outbursts, and the spirit of offense. Let El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, be your defense. He sees. He judges righteously. He repays.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31–32, NASB

God’s answer to wrath is not weakness—it is divine strength under perfect control. The Spirit of God leads you to respond with patience, to listen with compassion, and to speak peace over chaos. This is not natural. It is supernatural. It comes from abiding in the presence of El Elyon, being filled daily with His Word, and refusing to be mastered by emotion.

This world is burning with anger. But you, beloved, are called to burn with holiness. Choose gentleness—not to appease man, but to reflect the heart of your Father in Heaven. Let the world see something different in you. Let them encounter the power of a quieted spirit, anchored in God, unmoved by offense.

Prayer

Father, I surrender my anger at Your feet. Forgive me for every time I acted out of wrath and not love. Cleanse my heart. Fill me with the Spirit of gentleness. Make me a peacemaker. Teach me to respond as Yeshua did—with truth, but never with hate. I reject the lie that anger will accomplish what only Your Spirit can. Let my words bring healing. Let my presence carry peace. Let my life reflect the quiet strength of Heaven. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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Key Takeaways for God’s Answer to Wrath:

  • Human anger cannot produce the righteousness of God.
  • Gentleness is not weakness—it is the strength of the Spirit under control.
  • Meekness invites God’s power to move where wrath only causes damage.
  • Choose to be a peacemaker in a world ruled by rage.

Do not let anger define your witness. Let gentleness mark your life. God’s answer to wrath is not found in shouting louder—it’s found in kneeling lower.

See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Humbled to Rise

Defeating the Pride of Life

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – 1 John 2:15, NASB

Brother, sister—hear me. This is not a word of condemnation, but a call to awaken. There is a sin that hides in plain sight, a spiritual cancer that often disguises itself as strength, success, or self-confidence. It is the pride of life. This sin does not shout—it whispers. But those whispers grow into lies that lead you far from the presence of El Elyon, the Most High God.

The pride of life tells you that you are enough without God. It causes you to depend on your own wisdom, your own strength, and your own reputation. Over time, it builds a wall between you and the Lord. Pride makes people think they don’t need God. It turns churches into stages for human praise instead of places where the glory of El Elyon is worshiped. It shifts the focus from the throne of Heaven to the applause of men. And that shift, beloved, is deadly.

“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6, NASB

You were not created to be independent from your Maker. You were formed from the dust, and it is only by the breath of Yahweh that you live. The way of the Kingdom is not like the world’s way. The world says, “Lift yourself up.” But God says, “Bow down, and I will lift you.” To defeat the pride of life, you must choose the lower road—the road of humility.

Let me tell you a story. There was a skilled craftsman, admired by many for the beauty of his work. One day, a curious boy asked him, “How did you become so great?” The man smiled gently and said, “I only became great when I stopped trying to be. I surrendered my talent to God. I asked Him to shape the work of my hands, and it became His, not mine.” That is the secret. When you humble yourself, God takes over—and what He builds will last.

You were not saved to impress men—you were redeemed to reflect the holiness of Yeshua. Defeating the pride of life begins with surrender. You must choose, daily, to lay down your ego, your rights, your desire to be seen. You must become like the Lamb—silent, obedient, and wholly dependent on the will of the Father.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time.” – 1 Peter 5:6, NASB
Examine your heart. Do you bristle at correction? Do you crave the approval of others more than the presence of God? Do you rely more on your gifts than on the Spirit? Pride is subtle. But the Spirit will reveal it if you ask—and when He does, don’t delay. Repent. Get low. Open your hands. Humility is not weakness—it is the pathway to true authority in the Kingdom.
God is not looking for the proud. He is searching for those who tremble at His Word, who bow before Him in secret, who do not grasp for platforms but long for His presence. Will you be that one? Will you walk low so that He may raise you up, defeating the pride of life in the process?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3, NASB

Defeating the pride of life is not a single decision—it is a lifestyle. It is choosing the cross daily. It is remembering that every breath you breathe is mercy. It is standing before God, not with your résumé, but with your hands lifted in worship. The humble will see God. The proud will resist Him and fall. Let us be those who fall on our knees now, so we may rise with Him in glory.

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Prayer:

Father, I humble myself before You now. I confess the pride that has crept into my heart—every thought that made me feel sufficient apart from You. I surrender my plans, my gifts, and my desire to be noticed. I choose the way of the cross. Let me be poor in spirit, that I may be rich in Your Kingdom. Lift me up only when I have bowed low before You. Be glorified, not me. Be praised, not my name. Let me rise only by Your hand, and for Your glory. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

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Key Takeaways for Defeating the Pride of Life:

  • Pride of life distances us from God, but humility draws us close.
  • God resists the proud but pours grace on the humble.
  • Daily surrender is the key to true spiritual authority.
  • Humility opens the door to revival and the presence of El Shaddai.

Let your heart burn not for applause, but for His glory. Let your life become an altar where pride dies and holiness rises. It is time to bow low—so you can rise in Him.

See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Mastering the Flesh

Replacing Lust with Self-Control

Lust is a fire that consumes without ever satisfying. It stirs within the fallen nature, promising pleasure but delivering bondage. The world celebrates lust as freedom, but the Word of God reveals the truth: lust enslaves the soul. And yet, we are not left defenseless. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to walk in holiness, mastering the flesh and replacing lust with self-control.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NASB)

To master the flesh is to choose surrender over struggle, discipline over desire, and intimacy with God over indulgence in sin. We must understand that lust is not just physical—it’s spiritual. It is rebellion against the order of God, a longing for fulfillment apart from Him. The flesh says, “Take what you crave.” But the Spirit whispers, “Wait on the Lord.”

A War We All Face

No believer is exempt from this battle. Even Paul confessed the tension in his own body: “For I do not do the good I want, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” — Romans 7:19 (NASB). The war between flesh and Spirit rages daily. But God gives us weapons to fight.

To master the flesh:

  1. Guard your eyes – What you allow through your eyes reaches your heart. Shut the door to temptation.
  2. Renew your mind – Replace distorted thoughts with the truth of Scripture. Fill your mind with God’s Word.
  3. Flee temptation – Don’t linger in the presence of sin. Run with holy urgency.
  4. Fast and pray – Teach your flesh to submit through spiritual discipline and intimacy with God.

Illustration: Joseph Ran

When Potiphar’s wife cornered Joseph with seductive intent, he didn’t entertain the thought. He didn’t weigh the consequences or try to pray in the moment of temptation. “But he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside.” — Genesis 39:12 (NASB).

He ran. Why? Because Joseph feared God more than he feared man. He knew staying even a second longer would be a second too long. In fleeing temptation, he preserved something far more valuable than his reputation—his righteousness.

You may lose something when you flee—a position, an opportunity, the admiration of others—but you gain what cannot be bought: a clean conscience before God. Joseph lost his garment, but he kept his purity. And God raised him up in due time.

Fleeing isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. When lust comes knocking, run. Don’t reason with it. Don’t try to prove your strength. Don’t linger and pray that the feeling fades. Flee. And in your running, run straight to El Shaddai, your refuge and strength.

Replacing Lust with Self-Control

“Now as for you, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…” — 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)

Lust can’t be managed—it must be crucified. And self-control is not the absence of desire but the redirection of desire toward God. When we walk in self-control, we’re saying, “I trust God’s timing. I believe His ways are better than mine.” That trust produces peace.

Self-control is not behavior modification. It is Spirit transformation. It grows in the soil of surrender. It blooms when we delight in the Lord more than in our impulses. It’s not about being less human—it’s about becoming more like Yeshua, who was tempted in every way, yet without sin.

The one who replaces lust with self-control learns to enjoy the beauty of purity, the strength of obedience, and the freedom of walking in the light. Every time you say no to the flesh, you’re saying yes to something greater—the fullness of life in the presence of God.

You Were Made to Walk in Freedom

You are not a prisoner to your cravings. If Yeshua lives in you, the chains have already been broken. The flesh may shout, but the Spirit empowers. It is possible to walk in victory. But you must be intentional. You must guard your gates, feed your spirit, and run from sin.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age.” — Titus 2:11–12 (NASB)

Grace does not excuse lust—it teaches us to overcome it. God is holy, and He calls you to be holy. He will never leave you to fight alone. When you fall, get back up. When you’re weak, call on His strength. When the fire of temptation rises, run—because victory waits on the other side of obedience.

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Prayer

Abba Father, I come before You confessing my weakness. I cannot master the flesh without Your Spirit. I renounce every craving that sets itself against Your will, and I choose to flee temptation like Joseph. Fill me with power to walk in self-control. Make me pure in thought, pure in heart, and pure in action. Let the fire of Your holiness burn away every impure desire. Teach me to crave Your presence more than pleasure, and help me walk in victory every day. I want more of You, Lord, and less of me. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

See Also

Personal Holiness

Eyes of Contentment

Introduction to the Series

This article marks the beginning of a 12-part series called “From Struggle to Strength: Overcoming Sin Through Christ.” Each piece will shine a biblical light on one of the everyday sins that quietly entangle our hearts and hinder our walk with God. From pride to fear, from lust to laziness, we will not only expose the subtle power of these sins—but also reveal the victorious path God has laid out for us to overcome them through His truth, Spirit, and grace.

We begin with the lust of the eyes, a sin as ancient as Eden and as modern as your phone screen. Through Scripture, practical wisdom, and the hope we have in Yeshua, this series will help you fight sin not with shame—but with freedom. Let us walk this journey together, fixing our eyes on the One who makes us whole.

Overcoming the Lust of the Eyes

Do you often find yourself chasing after what you see—desiring newer things, better possessions, or the lifestyles others portray? You’re not alone. The lust of the eyes affects us all, subtly shaping our desires and leaving us restless and dissatisfied. But the good news is, by focusing on contentment in God, you can start overcoming the lust of the eyes.

From the very start, humanity has wrestled with this struggle. Eve’s temptation began when she saw fruit that appeared desirable (Genesis 3:6 NASB). That one look opened the door to sin, dissatisfaction, and sorrow. In today’s digital age, the temptation is amplified as we’re constantly shown idealized images that stir envy and discontent. By recognizing these triggers, you can take the first step toward overcoming the lust of the eyes.

Yet God calls you to something greater: contentment. True contentment doesn’t depend on external circumstances or possessions. As the Apostle Paul wisely said, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11 NASB). Paul didn’t stumble into this peace; he actively pursued it. You can, too, by overcoming the desires of the eyes.

To overcome the lust of the eyes, you must intentionally shift your focus from temporary pleasures to eternal treasures. Fix your gaze on Jesus (Yeshua), the one who fulfills every genuine need. Pray earnestly with the psalmist, “Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, and revive me in Your ways” (Psalm 119:37 NASB).

Here are three practical steps to cultivate contentment and overcome the lust of the eyes:

  1. Control Your Vision: Limit exposure to things that trigger envy or dissatisfaction, choosing instead media and content that build you spiritually and aid in overcoming the lust.
  2. Prioritize Scripture: Daily engage with God’s Word, allowing it to shape your perspective and desires, focusing on overcoming the temptations of the eyes.
  3. Practice Gratitude: Regularly thank God for your blessings, big and small. Gratitude shifts your focus away from what you lack toward what you’ve graciously received. This gratitude can play a significant role in overcoming the lust of the eyes.

You were created not to chase endless desires but to experience deep fulfillment in God Himself. The more clearly you see Him, the less appealing the world’s fleeting pleasures become, assisting in overcoming the lust of the eyes. True contentment awaits as you anchor your vision in His eternal promises.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide my eyes to focus on what truly matters—You and Your kingdom. Help me overcome desires that lead me away from You. Teach me contentment, fill my heart with gratitude, and let my satisfaction always be found in You alone. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

See Also