Tag: christianity

What the Enemy CANNOT do – And why that matters.

Job’s story is often used to explain suffering, but tucked inside the opening chapter is a powerful revelation: the enemy is far more limited than we think. His greatest victories don’t come from power—they come from our ignorance.

What the Enemy Cannot Do

Scripture makes this unmistakably clear:

  • He must present himself before God — he is not sovereign.
  • He is limited in knowledge and movement — not omnipresent, not all‑knowing, not able to read thoughts.
  • He cannot act without permission — God sets the boundaries.
  • He cannot force sin — he can only tempt.
  • He cannot create life — only corrupt what God made.
  • He cannot stop God’s Word — nothing can overturn what God has spoken.
  • He cannot take believers from God’s hand — our security is sealed.
  • He cannot change the final outcome — his defeat is already written.

So why does he seem so effective?

Why the Enemy Appears Powerful

  1. He Works Through Human Agreement
    Satan has no authority over a believer—only influence.
    He wins when people agree with lies, fear, shame, or temptation.
  2. He Exploits Weakness and Darkness
    He studies patterns, not thoughts.
    He thrives where we refuse to surrender.
    Where there is light, he flees.
  3. He Operates in a World That Welcomes Him
    The world system—its values, desires, and priorities—aligns with his nature.
    He isn’t powerful; the world is receptive.

Our Response: Authority, Light, and Trust

  1. Stand in God‑Given Authority
    Resist with confidence.
    Stop giving the enemy credit he doesn’t deserve.
    Break agreement with lies.
  2. Walk in the Light
    Bring hidden places into Christ’s light.
    Surrender what you’ve been holding back.
    Strengthen weak areas before they become destructive.
  3. Trust God’s Sovereignty
    Job’s story is not about Satan’s power—it’s about God’s control.
    What God allows, He governs.
    The enemy’s activity is temporary; God’s plan is eternal.

We Have Been Given Power

  • Christ’s victory is our inheritance.
  • The Spirit’s power lives in us.
  • Our weapons are mighty through God.
  • The church is advancing, not retreating.

Hell has gates because we are the ones moving forward.

Be strong. Be courageous. The Lord goes before you, fights for you, and will never forsake you.

God’s Word and It’s Warnings

Psalm 19:11 KJV — Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

“We are warned by the Word both of our duty, our danger, and our remedy. On the sea of life there would be many more wrecks, if it were not for the divine storm-signals, which give to the watchful a timely warning. The Bible should be our Mentor, our Monitor, our Memento Mori, our Remembrancer, and the Keeper of our Conscience. Alas, that so few men will take the warning so graciously given; none but servants of God will do so, for they alone regard their Master’s will.” Spurgeon

David is writing of the benefits and value of God’s Word. He culminates his poetic writing to verse 11. The Word of God gives warnings and the servant of God, He who heeds the warnings is rewarded.

David doesn’t treat God’s commands as restrictive fences but as protective boundaries.

The warnings of Scripture are not scoldings—they are storm‑signals, as Spurgeon said. They keep the ship from the rocks.

– The Word warns us of duty – what God calls us to do

– The Word warns us of danger – what sin will cost

– The Word warns us of remedy – where grace is found

Warnings are not signs of God’s severity; they are signs of His care. Only a servant who loves his Master pays attention to the lighthouse. I give warnings too my son’s for their benefit and safety not because I’m a killjoy.

The warnings of Scripture only help the one who:

– trusts the Master

– listens for His voice

– values His counsel

– desires His pleasure

The rebellious see warnings as restrictions.

The servant sees them as rescue.

The reward is both present and futuristic. Because God never does anything concerning us that does not have eternity in mind.

Presently we are rewarded with;

Peace – because obedience aligns us with God’s design

Clarity – because the Word lights the path

Protection – because warnings heeded prevent wounds

Joy – because obedience draws us closer to the heart of God

May we heed all that God’s Word says, for in it is life.

Peace

An art professor once gave his college class a simple assignment: paint a picture of perfect peace.
The students went to work, each convinced they knew exactly what peace looked like.

One painted a golden wheat field shimmering in a gentle breeze.
Another captured a towering oak tree with a swing swaying beneath its branches as the sun dipped behind soft, white clouds.
Others offered beaches, mountains, meadows, and quiet streams—every canvas a portrait of calm tranquility.

The professor moved from easel to easel, nodding with approval.
Then he reached the final student.

His face tightened. His eyebrows furrowed. He struggled to find words.

The painting was violent—black skies split with lightning, thunderclouds swirling, waves crashing against jagged rocks as if a hurricane were moments away. The professor finally blurted out, “I asked for a picture of perfect peace. What is this supposed to be?”

“Sir,” the student replied gently, “look closer.”

The professor leaned in. Hidden deep within the rocks, tucked safely in a narrow cleft, sat a pair of doves. Dry. Sheltered. Unshaken. Their nest secure despite the chaos raging around them.

“Professor,” the student said, “this is perfect peace. Not the absence of the storm, but the confidence of resting in the rock.”

That’s the truth we forget.

Life is unpredictable. Storms rise without warning. Winds howl. Waves crash. Darkness rolls in. But peace was never meant to be found in the calm—it’s found in the Christ who holds us steady when nothing else does.

He is the Rock that doesn’t move.
He is the shelter that doesn’t leak.
He is the refuge that doesn’t crumble.

The storm may rage, but those who rest in Him remain unmoved.

Be encouraged today and read these verses. He will give you His perfect peace.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Christ Is the Rock of Refuge
Psalm 61:2 (KJV)
“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Psalm 18:2 (KJV)
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust…”

Peace in the Midst of the Storm
John 14:27 (KJV)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Mark 4:39–40 (KJV)
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still… And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”

Sheltered in the Cleft of the Rock
Psalm 91:1–2 (KJV)
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress…”

Exodus 33:22 (KJV)
“And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock…”

Waves May Crash, But God Holds Steady
Psalm 46:1–3 (KJV)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear… though the waters thereof roar and be troubled…”

Resting Under His Wings
Psalm 57:1 (KJV)
“Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW….???

One time, in a discussion with a friend who is agnostic, asked me the above question among a series of questions

This is a question that I am not unfamiliar with. Typically, “You just have to have faith.” has been the answer of choice.

The reality? While faith is vitally important, there must come from those mature Christians a deeper understanding of the Word of God, there must be a better answer.

My answer to this friend….I don’t know. Yep, you read that right. I don’t know.

Now, don’t be confused, I know what I believe. I have experiences which reinforce my beliefs. I have studied the Bible and I have become persuaded of its Truth.

The problem is that my experiences are mine. I have faced those questions and been persuaded to trust God and His word. Therefore, it would be hard for any person to base their faith strictly on my testimony.

I have prayed, studied, researched, and I want to share with you what I have come across this far.

*The below is a mixture of an article from gotquestions.com, the bible, and my own thoughts*

The problem of evil is the appearance of a contradiction between an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God; and the human experience of suffering and evil in the world. Especially, to those who are deemed innocent (meaning they didn’t ask for suffering or mistreatment). The truth is that the bible does not leave this issue unanswered. In fact, scripture not only refers to the problem, but there are several solutions to it (the problem of evil).

    Let’s look at the Bible’s honest questioning of evil, God’s response to evil, and the scriptural solution to evil.

    Evil is something God understands and acknowledges. God’s willingness to give us free will, the making of our own choices, does open the door to moral evil. Moral evil leads to physical evil. Evil is the absence of goodness. Even in this, God has consistently acted to soften the blows that evil and suffering bring to humanity, culminating in the provision of the one and only true means of making all things right, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God “slain from the foundation of the world.” And with that provision a great promise, evil and suffering will eternally be destroyed completely and fully.

    1. Scripture acknowledges the “Problem of Sin.”

    The book of Job is probably the most notable in discussing the reasons why mankind experiences suffering even when we don’t seem to deserve it. Other scriptures offers several passages that reflect the problem of evil.

    Habakkuk 1:2-4, Eccles. 4:1-3, Psalm 10:1, Psalm 22:1-2, Psalm 83:1-2, John 16:2-4, Romans 8:36, Revelation 6:9-10.

    They show the reality that, as scripture states, “It rains upon the just and the unjust alike.” A deep personal awareness echoes from each writer. These men, these 66 books, and the stories within show a reality of evil. Yet, there is an echo from these writers which drowns out the “problem of evil”, a recognition and a trust in the goodness of God to make all wrongs right, someday.

    2. Scripture frames the “problem of evil”

    The bible makes it clear that evil is something that God neither intended nor created. Moral evil is a necessary possibility. If we are truly free beings, then we are free to choose opposite of God’s will, meaning we can choose moral evil. Yet, this choice is not without consequences.

    First, we must understand that All God does is good! Genesis 1:31 and James 1:17 are clear in this.

    Second, man was given the choice. Genesis 2:16-17 expresses this with a clear consequence should they choose wrong. This is an important detail. There was never any guessing what the consequences were, God was clear, “You will certainly die.”

    3. Adam and Eve chose and the consequences were enacted. Genesis 3:17-19. From this one act, like a cancer, sin corrupted everything that God had made and called good. Disease, loss, pain, mistreatment, aging and physical death; all a direct result of Sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…

    Scripture gives to us the contrast in several places. Proverbs 14:34, Proverbs 19:3, Matthew 5:3-11, John 9:1-3, Romans 1:18-28, Romans 3:23, Hebrews 2:2-3.

    We suffer at times for our own sins at times, other times we suffer because of the sins of others, and in some cases we suffer from the natural order of cause and effect. Occasionally, we suffer for a special purpose. To bring hope or help and a warning to ourselves or others.

    In all of this, we find that this world is not all there is. The mortal life is not all we have been made for. For the believer, this is why we can face loss or persecution and simultaneously look beyond the suffering to a greater hope!

    This is another way God has revealed a remedy to dealing with the problem of evil that is rampant in the world. We have a “blessed hope” that ALL of this will one day all pass away and that which is light and Truth will remain forever!

    3. Scripture opposes the “problem of evil”

    Scripture shows that God did not create evil and does not promote it. God is described rather, as combating it. God limits its impact, gives warning of it, acts to stop the spread of it, gives us an escape from it, and some day soon will defeat it forever!

    Genesis 3:21, Genesis 4:10-15, Genesis 6:5-8, Genesis 7:1-4, Deuteronomy 9:5, Deuteronomy 30:15-18, Jonah 3:6-10, Matthew 10:28, Matthew 23:37, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Colossians 1:13, 2 Thess. 2:7, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 19:11, Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 21:1-5.

    God has actively and is still actively trying to limit its impact. He gives clear instruction to avoid evil and given spiritual power and authority to those who want to be freed from evil’s power.

    4. Scripture resolves the “problem of Sin”

    God could’ve watched from a distance, but He didn’t. He entered into our suffering and entered into the full experiences of evil. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came and lived in the power of the Holy Ghost, sinless.

    Matthew 16:22, Mark 10:45, Luke 22:19-20, John 14:6, John 19:16-18, John 19:30, John 20:19-20, John 20:30-31, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:1, Colossians 1:21-22.

    God, instead of creating us as robots, or deciding to doom us all because of Sin, or condoning it (It just is what it is), chose to supply to us a way out, a solution. How? By taking the punishment upon Himself.

    He entered into this mess that we willingly created, lived among us, felt every emotion that we feel, scripture even states that He was tempted (tried) in all points as we are. He came down. He didn’t remain distant, unconcerned, or inactive.

    Go with me for a moment. What did Christ take to his death? Betrayal, Being forsaken, degradation, shame, mocking, a crown of thorns, and the sin of the past, present, and future.

    Upon that cross He was nailed and with it the curse of Sin and its power. He fulfilled what was needed to conquer it, so that we could conquer it.

    Personally, I am thankful He did, because otherwise I would have no hope of anything better.

    GOD DOESN’T CHANGE

    When God spoke the stars, sun, planets, and moons into existence, He did so with perfect precision. Everything was placed in meticulous order. In that order, we see a powerful picture of both consistency and change.

    The sun rises and sets in an unchanging cycle. The moon does the same. The seasons change consistently, following a divinely appointed pattern. Though different parts of the world experience longer winters or longer summers, the order itself remains fixed.

    While these heavenly bodies remain constant in their cycles, they also bring change. Life itself is a series of changes—constant adjustments. We grow older. We have children, and they grow older. The cycle continues.

    I shared with the students that I have owned my truck for the last six years. I drove my oldest child in that truck when he was little, and now my youngest—who just turned four—rides with me in it. They love riding with me. But now, I am selling that truck. That’s a change.

    I have also lived on the same property with family for over thirty years. Now, I am the last one there. My wife and I have decided to sell and move closer to our church. A birthday, a sold truck, and an upcoming move—all reminders that change is part of life. And while change can be exciting, it can also be heartbreaking.

    Yet God remains constant.

    Scripture tells us that “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).

    Seasons come and go. Changes take place. But God remains unchanging. Scripture also tells us that there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning with Him. This means there will never be a moment when God alters who He is. His nature, His character, and His personality—as revealed in Scripture—remain forever the same.

    This is wonderful news for us.

    It means God’s love for you does not change. His desire to work in your life does not waver. He loves us with an everlasting love. He works in us with great patience. And He uses our lives—through every season and every change—to testify to others of His unchanging faithfulness.

    BROKEN MIRRORS

    Every week I have the privilege of standing before our students in chapel, sharing truths that I pray will shape their lives. And in those moments, I’m reminded of something I see not only in children, but in people of every age, background, and personality: beneath the surface, most are carrying something heavy.

    They’re broken.

    Broken by the world. Broken by relationships. Broken by disappointments. Broken by words spoken. Broken by their own decisions, and broken by the decisions of others.

    And when life breaks us, our perspective shifts. It becomes distorted. It begins to have missing pieces. We start looking at ourselves and the world through a broken mirror.

    We often turn to people to fix us. And while they may help for a season, the pressures of the past, the weight of the present, and the uncertainty of the future eventually reveal the cracks again—often deeper than before.

    Some will even deem us irreparable, discarding us and adding to the pain.

    Others of us try to fix ourselves. We put on fake smiles, dress up our personalities, and pretend everything is fine. But just like handling broken glass, the more we try to piece it together ourselves, the more we cut our own hands. The pain only reminds us of how shattered we really are.

    Hopeless. Helpless. Convinced we are beyond repair.

    But there is another way. A better way.

    Isaiah tells us that Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted, to bind up wounds, to give beauty for ashes, joy for sorrow, and freedom to the captive. And in the New Testament, Christ Himself confirms this is why He came.

    The true culprit behind all our brokenness is sin. And Jesus came to deal with it once and for all. He conquered sin, and in conquering it, He made a way for us to be better than new.

    His blood takes the broken pieces of our lives—the ashes, scars, and wounds—and transforms them. He doesn’t just patch us up; He exchanges our brokenness for wholeness, our despair for hope, our sorrow for joy.

    Not only does He restore the mirror we’ve been looking through, He enlarges it. Suddenly, we see a life we never dreamed possible. A life filled with grace, freedom, and purpose.

    That’s the gospel: Jesus doesn’t just repair the broken—He makes us new.

    If you’ve been staring at life through a broken mirror, know this: you are not irreparable. In Christ, your brokenness becomes the very place where His glory shines brightest.

    If you would like to know how this is possible, message me or find someone who is a Christian that can guide you to that place of healing, redeeming, and saving.

    A Monopolized Gospel

    Recently, I was informed of some major debate going on about “plagiarism among preachers.” Now I am not one to get into what, I believe, are frivolous debates and arguments. In fact, scripture gives us insight which align with my opinion on this;2 Timothy 2:23-26, which states that foolish and ignorant arguments “produce quarrels”. Other verses, like Titus 3:9, label such disputes as “unprofitable and worthless,” while Romans 14:1 encourages believers to avoid “quarreling over disputable matters” that could harm the unity of the church.

    Yet, I do feel that it is necessary to offer another perspective. I am all for giving credit to who credit is due for intellectual property. However, when it comes to the word of God and the interpretations of it, I believe that “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), therefore the question we must ask is, “Can the gospel or the preaching of it be plagiarized?”

    Here is my perspective and you are free to have yours as well.

    Monopolization of the gospel cheapens it. When anyone makes the claim, “What I have to say concerning the gospel are mine and no one else’s,” they elevate their voice, their words to the level of divine revelation.

    When anyone rebukes another for speaking the same truth, even in the exact same phrasing, the rebuking voices elevate human words to that of divine revelation.

    However, the scripture tells us that “There is nothing new under the sun.” The gospel is not some private invention nor is the interpretation of it something sacred or proprietary.

    The gospel was written, all of it, by the breath of God, not the brilliance of man. Scripture tells us that the Holy Ghost inspired one unified testimony of scripture through several holy men for all people to share, proclaim, and live by.

    Man’s thoughts, no matter how eloquent, are not some new revelation. They are echoes, reflections, and reminders of the same already divinely declared truth.

    The gospel is not copyrighted, but it is entrusted to men who will faithfully present it.

    While I use commentaries, quotes, stories, and poems; I also use other preachers’ statements in my sermons. The reason behind all of this is because the way they stated something is what I might have been thinking but couldn’t word it accurately. While I do try to credit these individuals, there are times, in the midst of preaching that time dictates that I move a little more quickly and therefore the credit might be missing. Yet, I believe this is just a matter of good habit but not a matter of any great moral/eternal consequence.

    The real danger that should be discussed is the preaching of the gospel without the anointing. 1 Corinthians 2:4 is Paul explaining that his message was with the demonstration of the Spirit’s power.

    So, now is the part where you must do some examination. Where do you stand?

    I DID IT MY WAY

    I DID IT MY WAY

    Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

    In 1968, Frank Sinatra recorded “My Way”—a song that became an anthem of self-determination. Ironically, its closest chart rival was “Amazing Grace,” a hymn of surrender. One celebrates autonomy; the other, redemption. One leads to ruin; the other, to life.

    Culture urges us to “follow your heart,” but Scripture warns that the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah. 17:9). The world cheers “I did it my way,” but Jesus calls us to follow Him, saying, “I am the Way” (John 14:6).

    The Danger of Doing It Our Way

    Solomon observed that man’s way often feels right—but ends in death. Scripture reveals five traits of man’s path:

    – Deceptive – Promises much, delivers little (Jeremiah. 17:9).

    – Difficult – “The way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15).

    – Depraved – “Every imagination…only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5).

    – Destructive – Pride blinds us to stumbling blocks (Prov. 16:18).

    – Deadly – It leads to spiritual death (Prov. 14:12).

    Biblical examples abound: Adam and Eve, Cain, Lot’s wife, Ananias and Sapphira—all chose their way and met ruin.

    The Invitation to God’s Way

    Thankfully, Proverbs offers a better path:

    – Trust – “Lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5–6).

    – Favor – “The Lord knows the way of the righteous” (Ps. 1:6).

    – Light – “Thy word is a lamp…” (Psalm. 119:105).God’s way is marked by surrender, Scripture, and Spirit-led direction. It’s not always easy, but it’s always life-giving.

    A Living Parable

    Chuck Colson, Nixon’s “hatchet man,” did things his way—until prison humbled him. There, he met Christ. His greatest failure became the launchpad for Prison Fellowship, transforming lives behind bars. He said, “My great humiliation…was the beginning of God’s greatest use of my life.”

    Choose Your Path

    Every day presents a fork in the road.

    Ask yourself:

    – Does this path begin with Christ?

    – Is it marked by righteousness?

    – Does it glorify God or gratify self?

    For the sinner: Repent and follow Christ—the Way to life.

    For the believer: Examine your steps and return to God’s path.

    For the church: Teach truth, model obedience, and expose deceptive roads.Let’s stop singing “My Way” and start walking His Way.

    Worship in Spirit and in Truth

    Worship is the Heartbeat of Heaven!

    Jesus taught that true worship isn’t about places or rituals—it’s about spirit and truth. To worship in spirit means engaging with spiritual realities, not outward forms. To worship in truth means aligning with God’s Word and coming to Him authentically, not performatively.

    Why We Worship

    Worship is our response to God’s worth. It’s not about style or preference—it’s about revelation. As Revelation 4:11 declares, “You are worthy, our Lord and God…” We were created to worship (Isaiah 43:21) and commanded to worship (Psalm 29:2). Worship realigns our hearts, dethrones self, and enthrones Christ. It’s also warfare—silencing the enemy and shifting atmospheres (Psalm 8:2).

    How We Worship

    Biblical worship is both internal and external. It springs from the heart and expresses itself physically:

    • Bowing – Psalm 95:6
    • Lifting hands – Psalm 134:2
    • Singing – Psalm 100:2
    • Clapping – Psalm 47:1
    • Dancing – 2 Samuel 6:14
    • Silence – Habakkuk 2:20

    Worship erupts from a recognition of who God is and what He’s done.

    What Worship Produces

    Worship leads to transformation and encounter:

    • God’s presence manifests – Psalm 22:3
    • Hearts are softened and renewed – Isaiah 6:1–7
    • Unity is cultivated – Acts 2:1–4
    • Spiritual breakthrough occurs – Joshua 6:20, Acts 16:25–26

    Worship tills the soil of the heart, breaks chains, and invites divine intervention. It’s not passive—it’s a weapon.

    A Picture of True Worship

    The woman with the alabaster box (Luke 7:36–50) embodied worship in spirit and truth. Her offering was costly, intimate, and unashamed. She didn’t care who understood—only that Jesus knew she was worshipping.

    What if our worship became the battleground where heaven touched earth? What if we laid down our preferences and lifted up pure praise? Worship isn’t just a song—it’s a surrendered life. Let’s become a people who worship with our whole being, creating space for God to move in ways we never imagined.

    WHAT GOD WANTS CONTROL OF – THE HEART

    TEXT: Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV) “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

    We are warned in the scriptures to avoid certain aspects concerning the heart:

    1. AVOID A DOUBLE HEART – Psalm 12:2A double heart is a divided heart—one that says one thing but believes another.It reflects duplicity, where outward words don’t match inward motives. James 1:8 calls such a person “double-minded, unstable in all his ways.”

    2. AVOID A HARD HEART – Proverbs 28:14 A hard heart resists conviction, correction, and compassion.It is insensitive to sin, and over time, becomes calloused to the voice of the Holy Spirit.Pharaoh is a classic example—his hardened heart led to destruction.

    3. AVOID A PROUD HEART – Proverbs 21:4 Pride is the root of rebellion. It exalts self above God. A proud heart says, “I don’t need help. I’ve got this.” But Scripture reminds us: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). Pride blinds us to our need for transformation. It keeps the stony heart intact.

    4. AVOID AN UNBELIEVING HEART – Hebrews 3:12 An unbelieving heart is not just skeptical—it’s rebellious. It refuses to trust God’s promises and turns away from His presence. Like Israel in the wilderness, unbelief kept them from entering the Promised Land.

    5. AVOID A COLD HEART – Matthew 24:12 A cold heart is the result of unchecked sin and spiritual apathy. It loses its zeal, its compassion, its fire for God.In the last days, Jesus warned that love would grow cold—not just in the world, but among believers.

    6. AVOID AN UNCLEAN HEART – Psalm 51:10 This was David’s cry after his sin with Bathsheba and it shows the depth of true repentance.

    An unclean heart is not just stained—it’s spiritually diseased. Like a deadly cancer which spreads throughout the body rapidly.

    Only God can create a clean heart—it’s not a renovation, it’s a re-creation.

    This is the very promise of Ezekiel 36:26: a new heart, a new spirit, a new beginning.

    “Before God can change your life, He must first capture your heart.”

    We live in a world that fights for control—control of our time, our attention, our identity.

    Our hearts often being captured by its allure. God stands apart. He doesn’t want to compete for: your heart. He doesn’t want to be one of many influences.

    So I’m not just talking about emotions or feelings. We’re talking about the declaration of your allegiance, your trust, and your surrender unto to one and one alone.

    There are 4 things you need to know.

    I. GOD WANTS TRUTH AT THE CORE – (Psalms 51:6) Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

    • God desires authenticity. Not performance. Not pretense.

    • He wants your devotion rooted in truth—truth that governs the inside and not just the outside. I have said it before, be honest with God, as He already knows what is going on.

    II. GOD MENDS THAT WHICH IS MALIABLE – (Isaiah 64:8) But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

    • The Potter can only shape what yields to His touch.

    • In a recent conversation I stated that the process that the clay goes through is not an easy one, but it yields. It doesn’t know the outcome, but it does not resist. In order for God to have control of our hearts, we must be maliable in His hand, trusting His process.

    III. GOD RESISTS PRIDE, BUT POURS GRACE ON HUMILITY. (James 4:6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

    • HUMILITY IS THE SOIL WHERE A NEW HEART CAN BEGIN.

    • A proud heart builds walls. A humble heart builds altars. One repels grace, the other attracts it.

    IV. GOD ALONE CAN CREATE A NEW HEART.

    • THIS CAN ONLY HAPPEN WHEN HE TAKES CONTROL OF THE HEART WE CURRENTLY POSSESS.

    This is not about behavior modification—it’s about heart transformation. God doesn’t patch holes. He gives you a new heart altogether.

    Ezekial is writing under the unction of the Holy Ghost to write concerning a new covenant that would come. A covenant that we can and many have become partakers of.

    Adam Clarke writes His perspective on our text, “A new heart also will I give you – I will change the whole of your infected nature; and give you new appetites, new passions; or, at least, the old ones purified and refined. The heart is generally understood to mean all the affections and passions.”

    And a new spirit will I put within you – I will renew your minds, also enlighten your understanding, correct your judgment, and refine your will, so that you shall have a new spirit to actuate your new heart.

    I will take away the stony heart – That heart that is hard, impenetrable, and cold; the affections and passions that are unyielding, frozen to good, unaffected by heavenly things; that are slow to credit the words of God. I will entirely remove this heart: it is the opposite to that which I have promised you; and you cannot have the new heart and the old heart at the same time.• And I will give you a heart of flesh

    One that can feel, and that can enjoy; that can feel love to God and to all men, and be a proper habitation for the living God.

    Spurgeon, the prince of preachers wrote, “A “heart of flesh” is known by its tenderness concerning sin. The heart of flesh is tender to God’s will. Unlike a strong heart that refuses to bow before God’s dictates, when the heart of flesh is given, the will quivers like an aspen leaf in every breath of heaven and bows like a willow in every breeze of God’s Spirit. The natural will is cold, hard iron, which refuses to be hammered into form, but the renewed will, like molten metal, is quickly molded by the hand of grace. In the fleshy heart there is a tenderness of the affections. The hard heart does not love the Redeemer, but the renewed heart burns with affection toward Him. The hard heart Is selfish and coldly demands, “Why should I weep for sin? Why should I love the Lord?” But the heart of flesh says, “Lord, You know that I love You; help me to love You more!”

    Jeremiah 17:9–10: “The heart is deceitful above all things…”

    You may tell yourself, “This isn’t applicable. My heart is surrendered.” The reality, we are all susceptible to “doing that which is right in our own eyes.” We are susceptible to walking in our own way, while believing our heart is surrendered to the LORD.

    If you’ve sensed even a trace of stoniness in your heart—bring it to God. He alone can remove what’s unyielding and replace it with what’s living. Let today be the day the heart transplant begin.