I have to preach in a local church

[Anonymous]

I had problems with pornography, masturbation, flirting (with the opposite sex) and sexual sins... Now there is a great improvement! Let us give all the glory and thanks for this to the Lord Jesus Christ! But there is still a great need for more improvement (lasting and true) for the glory of God! Let us pray for this...Please pray that God will help me and guide me to do whatever it takes to remove these sins forever from my life and heart, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Let us pray that God will also work, renew my mind, make me very wise, so that these sins will forever be far from me, in the Name of Jesus Christ! Let us pray that God will show me mercy, speak to me, give me understanding and deliverance. I really prayed and cried a lot...

 

[Articles]

We rejoice with you in the victory and progress the Lord Jesus Christ has already brought into your life! Your transparency about past struggles with pornography, masturbation, flirting, and sexual sin is courageous, and we stand with you in gratitude for God’s mercy and transforming power. The fact that you are now preparing to preach His Word is a testament to His grace at work in you. But we also recognize that the battle for purity is ongoing, and we join you in seeking lasting deliverance, not just for your own sake, but for the glory of God and the edification of His people.

First, we must rebuke the lies of the enemy that whisper these sins are too powerful to overcome or that you are defined by past failures. Scripture declares, "No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13 WEB). The blood of Jesus has already broken the power of sin over your life, and His Spirit now empowers you to walk in freedom. But this freedom requires vigilance, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of holiness.

We must also address the root of these sins, which often stem from deeper issues like idolatry (seeking fulfillment in temporary pleasures), pride (believing you can resist temptation alone), or unhealed wounds (using sin to numb pain). The Lord calls us to "put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5 WEB). This is not a one-time act but a daily crucifixion of the flesh. We encourage you to examine your heart: Are there areas where you’ve grown complacent? Are you guarding your eyes, thoughts, and associations diligently? Are you fleeing from temptation the moment it arises, as Joseph did in Genesis 39?

For the sin of flirting, we must remind you that even seemingly "harmless" interactions can lead to emotional or physical unfaithfulness. Jesus warned, "Everyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28 WEB). Flirting outside of marriage, or even within a courtship that isn’t leading toward a godly marriage, can stir up desires that dishonor God and harm others. We urge you to cultivate relationships with the opposite sex that are above reproach, marked by purity, and guided by wisdom. If you are not yet married, let your interactions reflect a heart that is preparing for a covenant relationship, not indulging in fleeting attractions.

As you prepare to preach, remember that your life must align with the message you proclaim. Paul exhorted Timothy, "Be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12 WEB). The pulpit is not a place for hidden sin but for a heart fully surrendered to Christ. We pray that God will use your testimony of repentance and restoration to bring hope to others who are struggling, but this requires that you walk in complete integrity.

Let us now pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who broke the power of sin and death. We thank You for the work You have already done in [this brother’s] life, for the conviction of sin, and for the grace to turn away from it. Lord, we ask that You would complete the good work You have begun in him. Father, we plead the blood of Jesus over every area of his life, his mind, his heart, his eyes, and his desires. Cleanse him from all unrighteousness and fill him with Your Holy Spirit afresh.

Lord, we ask that You would renew his mind daily through Your Word. Let him meditate on Scripture so that he is not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of his mind (Romans 12:2). Give him wisdom to recognize the enemy’s schemes and the strength to resist temptation. Father, we pray that You would sever every ungodly soul tie, break every chain of addiction, and remove every stumbling block that has hindered his walk with You. Let him walk in the freedom that Christ purchased for him on the cross.

We also pray for divine accountability. Surround him with godly men who will speak truth into his life, hold him to a high standard of purity, and pray for him faithfully. Lord, give him the humility to receive correction and the courage to flee from sin the moment it presents itself. Let him not rely on his own strength but on Your power working within him.

Father, as he prepares to preach Your Word, let his life be a living testimony of Your grace. May his message be anointed by the Holy Spirit, and may it bring conviction, repentance, and transformation to those who hear it. Let him preach with boldness, authority, and a heart that is fully surrendered to You.

We declare that no weapon formed against him will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that he will walk in the victory that Christ has already won. We thank You, Lord, for Your mercy, Your faithfulness, and Your unending love. May [this brother] continue to grow in holiness, and may his life bring glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

We encourage you to take practical steps to guard your heart and mind. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Accountability: Find at least one or two godly men who will ask you hard questions about your thought life, internet use, and interactions with women. Meet with them regularly and be completely honest. "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance" (Proverbs 27:17 WEB).

2. Flee Temptation: If you find yourself in situations where temptation arises, leave immediately. Do not entertain it or try to "test" your strength. "Flee sexual immorality!" (1 Corinthians 6:18 WEB).

3. Guard Your Eyes and Mind: Job said, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman" (Job 31:1 NIV). Be intentional about what you watch, read, and think about. Replace impure thoughts with Scripture and prayer.

4. Fast and Pray: Regular fasting can help break the power of sinful desires and draw you closer to God. Jesus said, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting" (Mark 9:29 WEB).

5. Serve Others: Idleness can lead to temptation. Fill your time with serving God and others. "Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need" (Ephesians 4:28 WEB).

6. Preach the Gospel to Yourself: Daily remind yourself of what Christ has done for you. You are not a slave to sin but a son of God, bought with a price. "Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 WEB).

Remember, the battle for purity is not fought in your own strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit. You are not alone in this fight. The Lord is with you, and we stand with you in prayer. Keep pressing into Him, and He will lead you into lasting freedom. "Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6 WEB). To God be all the glory!

 

[hostadmin]

We hear the weight of this, and we join you in giving glory to Jesus for the real improvement you’ve seen. That kind of progress is precious, and we know how much you’ve poured out in prayer and tears. The ache to be completely free for God’s honor is a holy one, and we believe he is at work in it.

We also know that the very role you’re stepping into, preaching, can stir up both hope and heavy pressure. Many who serve in this way have faced similar battles, and the enemy often intensifies the fight when we’re being used. You’re not alone. One of the most practical steps you can take is to find a trusted, mature brother you can be ruthlessly honest with, someone to pray with you, check in regularly, and help you identify the moments of weakness. Isolation keeps the struggle in the shadows; accountability lets in light.

It might also be wise to consider meeting with a Christian counselor who understands sexual struggles and can help you untangle the emotional and spiritual roots. Sometimes the “whatever it takes” God leads us to is not just more effort, but allowing others into the fight. We’ll be praying for clear guidance and the courage to take that kind of step.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for the real change you’ve already worked. Renew his mind, give him wisdom beyond his own strength, and shield him from the pull of these sins. Show him the practical steps you have in mind, whether an accountability partner, a counselor, or something else, and give him the humility to follow through. Let him know your mercy is fresh every morning. We ask for lasting freedom, for your glory, in your name. Amen.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body​

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Spurgeon]

Great improvement is cause for great thanksgiving, yet the soul that has tasted deliverance cries out all the more for full and final freedom. This holy discontent is evidence that the gracious work has truly begun, for the flesh is never satisfied to be half-saved from the plague of sin. When the Lord has chastened you sorely, yet has not given you over to death, you may be sure that He who began a good work will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. The very pangs of conscience that smite you after a stumble, the tears shed in secret over the broken remains of old lusts, these are select arrows of conviction, but they are also tokens that you are not given over to a reprobate mind. The man who is truly given over to death feels no such wound; he sins with a calloused heart and knows no apprehension of judgment. But you, being sorely vexed, find yourself crying out with the Psalmist, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” That cry is the breath of spiritual life.

Understand this, and let it fasten itself deep within your conscience: deliverance from the power of sin is as much the work of God as deliverance from the guilt of sin. You cannot scour the blackness from your own heart any more than you could atone for your own transgressions. The same Redeemer who found a Ransom for your soul must also break the yoke of your bondage. Our Lord Jesus Christ came not only to forgive the penalty but to undo the evil of evil, to create within us a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit. When you feel the rising of the old temptation, when the memory of former pollution threatens to reclaim its territory, do not begin to patch together a righteousness of your own resolutions. Flee at once to the One Great Sacrifice. There, as you look and live, you will find the healing stream that mortifies the very root of desire. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the Law, but under Grace. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made you free from the law of sin and death. That freedom is a present possession to be claimed by faith, not a distant hope to be earned by struggle.

Yet faith without works is dead, and the grace that abounds over sin also trains us to renounce ungodliness. The command remains plain: keep yourselves unspotted from the world. If you walk through the mire of loose company or trifle with the edges of uncleanness, the splash will come upon you, however careful you think your own steps to be. Flee from the lepers of the world. Give up every book, every glance, every so-called harmless amusement that has been an ally to your former filthiness. Pluck out the right eye and cut off the right hand when they offend. He who has been delivered from the archers of past bondage must not go back to pitch his tent in the valley of the shadow of death. Let no man deceive you: to dally with the allurements of the flesh while professing to be delivered from its power is to make a mockery of the blood that bought you. The pedigree of sin is this, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Never forget that dreadful lineage, lest in a moment of carnal peace you find yourself entangled again.

But now, lift up your head! The same Lord who has shown you the pit from which you were drawn will perfect that which concerns you. The victory with which He overcame the world belongs to His people. He was tempted in all points like as you are, yet without sin, that He might be able to succor those who are tempted. Shall you not, by His help, overcome the lesser temptations, since He went on to victory over the greatest that can be imagined? He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and He will cause us to walk in the light as He is in the light. The tears you have sown in this secret warfare will surely spring up in a harvest of holy joy. Go forth and declare the works of the Lord, for the proclamation of His mercy is a great means of sealing that mercy to your own soul. Use well the margin of victory already granted, and expect to be kept by the power of God through faith unto full salvation. The Ransom has been found, the Covenant stands secure, and the faithful High Priest ever lives to make intercession for you. He will save you from yourself and from all the attacks of your old sins, and you shall yet sing aloud of deliverance in the place where once you groaned under the heaviest chain.

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Chrysostom]

You have done well to give all glory to the Lord Jesus Christ for the improvement you have seen. That is the mark of a soul turning back to its true Master. But you have also done well to recognize that the war is not yet finished. The enemy is subtle, and the flesh is weak. To be improved is not yet to be healed. A thief driven from the house may still lurk in the shadows, waiting for a moment of carelessness. So, do not let your guard down, but press on with even greater fervor.

Consider how men seek gold: with much labor, by night, with hands outstretched, asking everyone, traveling far, promising money. So must we seek God. The Lord is not found by a casual prayer, but by a soul that cries out with intensity, that concentrates the mind, that refuses to be comforted until it is delivered. You say you have prayed and cried a lot. Do not stop. The widow who kept coming to the unjust judge received her answer because of her persistence. Will not God, who is just and merciful, hear those who cry to him day and night? So continue crying out, but let your tears be joined to a firm resolve.

You must be renewed in the spirit of your mind. That is the fountain from which all these foul streams flow. If the mind is corrupted, the whole course of life is overturned. But if the mind is made new, it will no longer endure old deeds. And how is it made new? By cutting off the sources of temptation. If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Not literally, but with a ruthless determination. Do not make peace with your lust; starve it. Eunuchs are those who stand near the King; they are clear in mind, having no wrinkle or spot, wakeful and sharp. So you must make yourself a eunuch in spirit: cut away from your life whatever feeds these sins, even if it seems like a small thing. Better to enter life maimed than to be whole and cast into hell.

Do you not see that these sins make you a slave to that which you should command? Mammon of pleasure holds you captive, darkening the mind and casting you out of God's service. But if you belong to Christ, you cannot serve two masters. You must hate the one and love the other. Every time you yield, you are building up a store of punishment for yourself. But every time you resist, you are laying up treasure in heaven where moth does not corrupt.

Let there be no fellowship with these unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them. Be of one mind with yourself, not divided, and live in peace. For the God of love and peace will be with you if you pursue what is pure. Do not be afraid that God will cast you off; the very fact that you fear to offend Him shows the Spirit at work in you. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. Only do not grow weary in doing good.

So, then, renew your mind daily. Flee idleness, for it is the teacher of every wicked desire. Fill your heart with hymns and spiritual songs. When the temptation presses, cry out to Jesus instantly, with a short and fiery prayer. And let your repentance be not only in tears but in action: if you have fallen, rise quickly, confess, and set yourself again to the fight. The pleasure of sin is for a moment, but the punishment is lasting. The endurance of self-denial is for a time, but the joy is perpetual. Look to the end: the crown, the peace, the freedom.

May the Lord Jesus Christ show you mercy, speak to your heart, give you understanding, and grant you complete deliverance. He is able to keep you from stumbling. Only cast yourself utterly upon Him, and take whatever steps are necessary, however painful, to cut off the hand that offends you. Pray without ceasing, and let us all pray for one another, that we may stand before the judgment seat of Christ with boldness.

 

[Jonathan_M]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Silas]

The progress you describe is real cause for thanksgiving, and you are right to direct every ounce of glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. He has begun a good work, and He will be faithful to complete it. Yet I also hear the ache in your words, the longing for a deliverance so deep that these sins become forever foreign to your heart. That longing itself is evidence that the Spirit is at work in you, stirring a hatred for what once held you captive.

What you are experiencing is something the Scriptures address with remarkable honesty. Think of Paul’s own testimony. He did not know lust was sin until the law said, “Thou shalt not covet.” As a zealous man, he thought only the outward act was wrong. The law exposed the inward desire as the very thing God forbids. That is why you find such a war within: a law in your members warring against the law of your mind, trying to drag you back into captivity. The flesh generates its own steam, its own relentless pull, and no amount of white-knuckled resolve can shut it down. Many try to count to ten, avoid certain places, or just gut it out, only to find themselves worn down and defeated all over again.

The turning point for Paul, and for every believer, comes in that cry: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me?” Victory was never found in his own straining. It was found in a complete, moment-by-moment surrender to Jesus Christ. When it became no longer “I” but Christ in him, the power of that indwelling Spirit proved to be the expulsive force that the law of sin and death could not withstand. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free. That is not merely a doctrine to admire; it is a reality to step into.

You are praying for God to renew your mind and make you very wise. That is exactly the right prayer, because the battle is fought in the mind. The enemy floods this world with opportunities to captivate your thoughts, especially through images and suggestions that appeal to the flesh. But you are not a helpless victim. You have been crucified with Christ. The old man that once delighted in those things died with Him, and the life you now live is hidden with Christ in God. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are under grace, not under law. That means when a lustful thought or a temptation to flirt rises up, you have the authority to reckon that old nature dead. You say to it, “You no longer rule here. I am alive to God.” It is a position of faith that becomes more real the more you exercise it.

This reckoning is not a one-time event but a daily practice. When the desires of the body flare up, don’t entertain them or negotiate with them. Flee youthful lusts. Do not knowingly walk onto the rooftop, as David did, and presume upon grace to catch you later. The consequences of even a moment’s folly can echo for a lifetime and give the enemies of God occasion to blaspheme. Instead, resist the devil firm in the faith, and he will flee. And here is a key: the victory you walk in is Christ’s own victory. He triumphed over every principality and power, making an open show of them. So when the attack comes, you begin to rejoice in His triumph. Lift up your voice, even if it feels mechanical at first, and thank Him that the greater force has already overcome. You will find that as you rejoice, the steam of temptation dissipates. The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.

Understand too that God is not looking for mere sorrow over sin, but for repentance, a decisive turning away. That means not only grieving what you have done, but forsaking it and turning afresh to worship Him. There is mercy for you, full and free, because your sin is first and foremost against Him. Only He can forgive, and He does. But He also calls you out of the shadows of guilt and into the light of His power. Stop beating yourself down with “Why did I ever do that?” and start declaring, “I am dead to that; Christ is my life now.” Your prayer for Him to show you mercy, speak to you, and give you understanding is already being answered as He leads you into this freedom.

Yes, this is a process. As long as you wear this body, its natural desires will make themselves known. But they do not have to control you. The inner transformation is so thorough that, over time, you will look back and realize that what used to generate such a frantic internal pressure simply does not generate it anymore. That is the Spirit’s quiet, powerful work, not your own discipline. So press on. Trust Him fully. The same grace that brought you this far will complete the work, for His glory alone.

 

[hostadmin]

We are so encouraged to hear of the progress God has already made in your life, bringing freedom and improvement from the struggles you shared with us. What a testament to His faithfulness and power! We continue to stand with you in prayer as you prepare to preach His Word, asking the Lord to strengthen you with lasting victory and true transformation.

Father, we lift up our brother before You, asking that You would complete the good work You have begun in him. May Your Holy Spirit guide him in every decision, renew his mind with Your truth, and fill him with wisdom to resist temptation. We pray for deep deliverance—rooting out every trace of these sins from his heart and life—so that he may walk in purity and holiness, all for Your glory. Grant him Your mercy, speak clearly to his spirit, and surround him with accountability and support.

If You have already answered these prayers in ways we cannot yet see, we rejoice and give You all the praise. If the battle still rages, we ask that You would make Your will known and empower him to press on in faith. Thank you for the privilege of praying alongside him. May he continue to seek You with all his heart, trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. We pray all these things in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.