Sinful desires. They are the bane of the Christian's existence. Apostle Paul explained it perfectly in Romans 7:15 - I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Like him, many of us aspire to live for the Lord yet somehow end up doing the opposite sometimes. It's a conundrum.
But what exactly are sinful desires? Some of us think we know the answer. However, in a world filled with chaos and confusion, where "alternative facts" are not considered lies but clever communication, we must sit with this issue and remind ourselves what God says.
The Lord has called us to obey His commandments. We are to study His word to learn what His expectations and instructions are so we can comply with them. He has made it clear that those who obey will be well rewarded here on earth and after death when they will live with Him for eternity.
When we look at the Old Testament, we see there are a lot of instructions given to the Israelites. It might seem difficult to keep track of them all so God sent Jesus who taught believers two main things. First, "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). Second, he also taught believers the Royal Law, which is to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Mark 12:31).
Our sinful desires are those emotions that send us into actions and thoughts that contradict Christ's instructions. They spring up from our flesh and not the Spirit of God that has been given to everyone who submitted themselves to Christ the Son and God the Father.
Consider what God told Cain in Genesis 4:7 - If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
This is the war we wage - if we do what is right then we will conquer sinful desires. If not, sin will overcome us and create distance in our relationship with God and His Son. This is why Apostle Peter taught in 1 Peter 2:11 - Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. He warned us to keep our eyes on heaven so we don't think Earth is our home and succumb to the things of this world. God has provided what we need to overcome sinful desires and satan itself (2 Peter 1:3).
Fortunately for those who have given their lives to Christ, He has promised to protect them so sin (i.e. satan) will never overcome them (1 John 5:18b). This is also why the Bible teaches that those who are led by the Spirit of the Lord are the children of God in Daniel 11:32. These individuals can rely upon God's Spirit to steer them through life so that their sinful desires don't control them. This requires the genuine cooperation of the individual because God will not force His people to live right. He will, nevertheless, help them when they submit to that assistance.
So the question becomes are we going to be the ones who rely on God to overcome our sinful desires so we are not overcome by them? Or are we going to the people who in hubris think we've got it all figured out and can rely on our own strength? With God's grace and mercy, we will rule over sinful desires, living free from continuous sin through Christ who died to liberate us. IJMN, Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
2 John 1:3 - Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
Father, this is my prayer for today's participants as well as the lurkers and those who will participate later.
God take all the glory for today's fellowship. This gathering could not happen without Your grace and permission. So, You get all the praise for our being here. You've had us gathering since the end of 2019 and as we climb up to 400 gatherings, we look to You for Your presence and power to rest and remain in our lives.
Lord, keep us safe and let Your gracious hand be upon us for our good. Thank You for giving us the capacity through Christ to overcome sinful desires. We lean into You to do so successfully, IJMN, Amen.
FINAL MESSAGE
Today's message seems similar to a couple of the messages I've been instructed to share over the last few weeks.
When that happens, it is usually because the Lord is trying to reach someone in particular.
If today's message is for you, please submit to God. Whatever sin He is telling you to overcome, now is the time to deal with it. Not tomorrow. We should not delay when the Lord is speaking to us. Sometimes we can get away with it but there are times when our delay can have terrible effects.
So, if you are the person God is talking to with today's message, don't ignore it. Are you struggling with anger, fornication, cursing (coarse language), pδrn, lying, being manipulative or domineering? Whatever it is and it could be anything, let God show you what you need to know.
Trust Him to help you overcome the sin and rule over it, instead of being ruled by it.
The devil wants you to think you can never break free. It wants you to think you are too far gone in sin and will never be forgiven.
THAT IS A LIE AND YOU CAN'T LET SATAN PUNK YOU OUT OF THE FREEDOM AND BLESSINGS THAT GOD HAS WAITING FOR YOU.
And no, He won't give you His goodies if you'll just splurge them on sinful desires.
Christ died on the cross to set you free. Accept that freedom. Ask Him for strength and wisdom on how to break free completely from the sin that is keeping you from honoring the command to love the Lord with all your heart, strength and to treat others as you want to be treated.
If you would like to talk to someone, I'm here. I confess that I likely won't say what you want to hear but will say what God puts in my mouth. This has been known to rile people up but I'm more concerned about what He thinks, as I believe you can understand. This shouldn't scare you because it is better to hear the truth than the lie. Lies lead to death. Truth leads to life eternal. Choose truth. Choose the life that was paid for you on the cross, my sisters.
God bless you and help you as you navigate this issue, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord we destroy every spirit of fear and death in the lives of Peppers and their families. We declare that we shall all live and fulfil your purposes for our lives. IJMN Amen
.From M22 - Blessed to fellowship with my fellow Peppers. I pray that our Father in Heaven will continue to order our steps this week IJMN Amen
LAST 10 MINUTES
Take a moment to think about the sinful desires you wrestle with. We all do. It is an unfortunate part of life. If you are unsure what sinful desires you deal with, ask the Lord to reveal them to you. God is invested in making us better so He will show you what you need to know.
Then, say this prayer that was shared with us by sis @AlexisColby today -
Lord, thank You for Your Word which teaches us how to overcome our sinful desires. Help us to truly understand and live by Your commandments and grant us the strength to resist sin that wages war against our soul. In Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Now, when next you are about to submit to a fleshly desire and you feel that tug in your heart not to, take a deep breath and speak God's word. Keep proclaiming God's word as you remove yourself or change the atmosphere around you so that you don't focus on the sin seeking to devour you but turn your attention to the Loving God who has given you grace and strength to overcome your flesh.
God bless you!
From M22 - Father Lord I pray for everyone of us in this community. I pray that you take care of anything or situation that worries us. I pray that you increase us in supernatural wisdom, favour, grace and strength. IJMN Amen
From CMC - Hi Guys
I am asking you all today to please pray for me and my family. I lost a dear cousin on Sunday morning unexpectedly and it’s been weighing very heavy on my heart. Over the past 5 years I’ve lost an immense amount of family members. It’s put me in a position where I’m starting to think am I next? I know that this is not today’s topic but I just need words of encouragement right now.
I hope you all have a blessed week!
Lord, I want to also lift up all those impacted by the storms that hit Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Father, lives were lost. Property was destroyed. People are reeling from the event and many do not know how they will recover.
God, You long to show compassion and Your compassion brings restoration. You spoke this over the tribes of Judah and Joseph in Zechariah 10:6. There You declared You would restore them because You have compassion on them.
Lord, I lean into that aspect of who You are. He who has compassion (Exodus 33:19) and call upon You to bring forth Your restoration as a result for all the affected. IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I thank you for sis @FFJ . Thank you for blessing her to bless us with your word in this community. I pray that you will continue to increase her in supernatural wisdom, favour knowledge and understanding. I pray that she will experience your grace in every aspect of her life. I pray that this grace extends to her loved ones, family and interests IJMN Amen
From M22 - -Abba Father I pray for my siblings. I pray that you will continue to teach, correct, renew and transform them for your glory. Help them focus on you and not the worries of this world. I pray that you turn their worry to peace. You have come through for them in the past and I pray that it reminds them that you will mever forsake them. I pray that you will continue to guidr and direct them IJMN. Father Lord I trust you concerning each of my siblings. I know I will rejoice over them in due time IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling with their faith. That you will strengthen as they continually walk with you. I pray that they experience your peace which surpasses all understanding. I pray that they are reminded that you are in their boat when they navigate the storms of life. IJMN Amen
Lord, thank You for being the God of all flesh. Because of this, we know that nothing is difficult for You (Jeremiah 32:27). You are the God who can do all things and does all things as He wills because Your dominion is everlasting and Your authority cannot be contested.
Father, I lift up those who will be experiencing surgery soon.
God Your word states that nothing is difficult. Even Jesus taught us that with You, all things are possible. As such, we know that for those who will go into surgery soon, You will usher them in and bring them out successfully. The doctors and nurses shall be Your hands here on earth, bringing healing to bodies. All by Your grace and to Your glory, IJMN, Amen.
Thank You, oh mighty God. Our Jehovah Rapha. Thank You for using doctors and medicine to heal, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples waiting for the fruit of the womb. I pray that you will turn their waiting into fruitfulness. I pray that you will bless them with healthy beautiful babues that they will nourish and nurture in your ways. I pray that you put an end to failed IVFs, miscarriages and difficult adoption processes IJMN Amen
Almighty God, I hail You. The Ruler over all Storms, the King over all the Earth, the Master of the Universe. All creation is under Your feet. Lord, with the hurricane season approaching, I pray for Your mercy. Have mercy on whom You chose to have mercy. Let great testimonies arise despite the storms. Please protect Your people from the destruction that bad weather can cause. I know Your plans surpass my own, but I am interceding for those that You choose to have mercy on. I humbly approach Your throne of grace to find You help for them in this time of need. Amen IJN
Lord, I want to thank You for first responders who don't shirk from the responsibility to help people in danger. Thank You for their lives and the service they provide to complete strangers.
I pray for them that they shall come to know You and enjoy the fullness of blessings available to them through Christ.
IJMN Amen.
From AC - YHWH Shammah, I lift up JD, Jo and @callmedr to You as they go for their tests and await the results. May Your healing hand be upon them, and give them and their loved ones Your comfort and reassurance. We seek You to guide the results of the reports and fervently pray that the results will be negative for any disease. Lord, we trust in Your goodness and Your power to bring about a favorable outcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.
from M22 - Father Lord I pray that you will out an end to war in this world. I pray that you will touch the hearts and minds of leaders, citizens and governments to come to a peaceful ceasefire. I pray that you will destroy and disrupt all olans if the enemies to keep fueling war and destruction in these regions. Father I pray that your peace sweeps over every single person in these regions IjMN Amen
From JIR - God, please bless those who are sick in the hospital right now to recover from their ailments. Please bless them with the strength, love, comfort and hope to keep on holding on. Please bless those who are able to reach out to You and seek You while they are in the state they are in to call Your name and keep praying, steadfast. Please bless the sick in the hospital with Your healing powers if it is in Your will, Lord. IJMN. Amen.
From AC - Lord, I lift up BB today on his first day of ministry. I am in awe of the big moves You have been making in his life since his baptism just a few short months ago. May You drench him with fresh anointing and guide him in all he does through this ministry by the power of the Spirit, to edify the body of Christ and bring You glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
God almighty I want to than You for Your grace upon my life and the help You show me daily. Thank You for lifting my spirit and giving me joy. I give You praise for all the things I am eagerly expecting
From M22 - Father Lord I thank you for yesterday being Children's Day. I pray for children across the world especially those in war torn regions. I pray that you will continue to shield them from harm, violence and abuse. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of their parents, guardians and caregivers to nourish and nurture them in your ways. I pray that we will have every cause to celebrate these little ones. I pray that you will help them fulfil their destinies. I pray that you will draw them closer to you. IJMN Amen
Father, I pray for mercy upon all lost in Papua New Guinea recently.
Lord, I pray for the loved ones who are left in pain and mourning those who perished in that landslide.
Please, God, have mercy and help the mourning, IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Father lord I think you for this wonderful family of Christ. Thank you for bringing ua together for our loved ones, causes and situations dear to us. I pray that you will continue to teach, transform, prune and renew us for your glory. Father help us decrease so you can continually increase within us. Help us hold on to your promises to prosper us. Father Lord I pray that you will continue to take care of our needs. Help us to focus on seeking you knowing that you will keep taking care of our needs IJMN Amen
PRAYER TIME
For the next 25 minutes, let us put our personal needs to the side and lift up others in prayer.
Call on the Lord to bless your fellow P&P participants, pray for your nation, or pray for your friends. Ask God to help people so they do not lose their spiritual saltiness.
Keep the following scripture in mind -
Job 42:10 - After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.
Father, I thank You for the blessing of a lovely weekend. Thank You for peace, rest, family time, and time with You.
1 Corinthians 1:4 - I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
Thank You, Lord, for the grace You grant to my fellow P&P participants. I appreciate Your kindness. It is this grace that enables them to show up twice a week so we can all honor You in fellowship.
Glory be to Your Holy Name!
From AC - Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom ~ Psalm 145:3
Faithful God, You are so great! Thank You for my babe's successful surgery, thank You for healing! I trust that what You have started You will see through to completion and I thank You in advance for the victory that awaits us! Take all glory and honour, for It is You alone Who is worthy of all praise! Hallelujah!
Thank You for never forgetting us, dear Lord. Indeed, the Bible notes in Psalm 8:4 - what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
Also, we are told in Isaiah 49:15 - “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!
Great and Mighty King, despite the fact that we are mere dust, we are front and center of Your mind. And, You stretch out Your hand over us for our protection. Hallelujah be unto You, Redeemer!
Jude 1:24-25 - To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Thank You God.
To You be glory, majesty, power, and authority through Christ forever!
From AC - Amen! Thank you for sharing such a crucial message.
Thank You Abba for this beautiful sunny day you have made, I rejoice and I am glad in it. Lord, thank You for Your Word which teaches us how to overcome our sinful desires. Help us to truly understand and live by Your commandments and grant us the strength to resist sin that wages war against our soul. In Jesus, I pray. Amen.
From JIR - Thank You Lord for teaching, correcting and guiding Your children to stay on the right path. We are nothing without You! By Your grace, You work within us and around us to bring Glory to Your name. What a privilege and an honor! This is Your world and it revolves around You, Lord! We are just in it and here for Your glory!
You love us more than we love ourselves and know us better than we know ourselves and through Your faithfulness, You will never leave or forsake us. What a comfort to know You are full of immeasurable goodness, love, compassion, mercy and grace, which will never allow us to fall. We submit to You and fully depend and rely on You for all things! May we continue to obey You and bear plentiful good fruit 30, 60 or 100 fold or even more! We love You Lord and will do whatever is needed to be pleasing in Your eyes. Glory be to You, Lord! IJMN! Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Abba Father for another fellowship day. Thank you Father for seeing us through the month of May. Father, as the month of May wraps up. I pray that all you have taught us this month will equip us to march with boldness into the new month of June IJMN Amen
PRAISE TIME
Glory to God in the highest! Father, we thank You for bringing us together to honor You with praise today.
Let us worship God and lift His name up. Let us appreciate Him for all He's done for us as well as others. Let us be grateful for what He's about to do for us.
From JIR - Thank you Father for blessing us all to wake up this morning and allowing us to fellowship here today. You are the reason we are able. We love You, we worship You, we praise You!
What are great message @FFJ. God is always right on time! This is just the message that I needed. In church last Sunday a lady who I was standing next to and never met held hands with me to pray. After church she said something that really stood out to me and I have been more aware of it ever since. It was revealed to her by God that I need to keep my emotions in check and watch what I say out of my mouth. I don’t really curse so it might be my tone of voice when I speak which again circles right back around to my emotions.
I didn’t realize it and wasn’t aware until I was told. I live for Jesus by reading my Bible everyday, limiting my tv time to about 1-2 hours a day to news and judge or game shows, not reading gossip, watching the people I am around and trying my best not to sin with the guidance of the Spirit. I have really made a lot of changes and have stepped out of comfort zone for Jesus, but with doing all of that, I am still lacking in areas which is going to happen since I am a mere human.
I need to take everything I learn from the Word of God and apply it to my life, get rid of my emotions and live off of fact, which is the Word of God. I also need to better submit to God so by His grace, He can guide me and set me on the right path. I thank God for this message that you have placed in front of me today as it just solidifies the message from the woman in church. I will be working on myself always, God willing. IJMN! Amen.
From CMD - Good morning! This was very timely , thank you for this . Also just requesting prayer - may have a diagnosis that scares me so please just keep me in prayer.
From EC - Amen!
From M22 - Thank you Father for another beautiful day. We thank you for the gift of life, mobility, the air in our lungs. We thank you for your mercy, grace, love, generosity and protection. We give you praise and honor you Faithful God! IjMN Amen.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . May God continue to increase within us so we can decrease. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a perfect reminder for us to lean on God to overcome sin and not our own understanding. I am grateful we can turn to Apostle Paul's story. He showed us he wasn't perfect and he struggled to overcome sin and weaken his flesh. I pray that we rely on our Father in heaven to overcome sin and not our own strength IJMN Amen.
Let me tell you about my Lord and Savior
The One that's greater, One that's greater
Lord and Savior
Let me tell you about my Lord and Savior
The One that's greater, One far greater
Lord and Savior
You don't gotta hold on insecurities
Don't you know He paid the price for you and me
All you really gotta do is just believe
His love is yours, forgiveness yours
Can't you see He's known you from the start?
Can't outrun what was said from the start
He's got a plan for you
He's paid the price for you
He left thе 99 for you
His love's that great (Love's that grеat)
He's got a plan for you
He paid the price for you
He left the 99 for you (Ooh, oh)
Let me tell you about my Lord and Savior
The One that's greater, One that's greater
Lord and Savior
Let me tell you about my Lord and Savior
The One that's greater, One far greater
Lord and Savior (Oh yeah)
So let me tell you about my G-O-D
Let me tell you what my God done did
Many things way my eyes don see
Love way dey high, like say my eye dirtyyyy
My Daddy won't leave me
Still shields me
If you just believe you get eternal life
That's free of charge
He paid the price for you and I when He was on the cross
Sunmobi my G (Come closer my God)
No dey run from Him (Don't run away from God)
Odo Oluwa yi (My God is)
Ni Ibi asadi (A place to run for safety)
All of a sudden, peace overwhelming
Might be enticing but sin is a poison
Killing you softly
Baby just hurry, put it upon Him
Let me tell you about my Lord and Savior
The One that's greater, One that's greater
Lord and Savior (Lord and Savior)
Let me tell you about my Lord and Savior
The One that's greater, One that's greater
Lord and Savior
Sunmobi my G (Come closer my God)
No dey run from Him (Don't run away from God)
Odo Oluwa yi (My God is)
Ni Ibi asadi (A place to run for safety)
All of a sudden, peace overwhelming
Might be enticing but sin is a poison
Killing you softly
Baby just hurry, put it upon Him
Let me tell you about my Savior