Tag: santification

Breaking the Addiction to Food

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I weighed about 300 pounds or more back then. I was a food addict, as Dr. Brown pointed out. If I had continued eating the way I was, I wouldn’t be alive today. My cholesterol was 240, blood pressure was 149 over 103, and I had sleep apnea, which required me to use a machine. At 59, I decided I couldn’t continue living that way.

Life Now

After making what seemed like “radical” changes, I can truthfully say I’m thriving. I’m full of life, and it’s amazing. After addressing my health, I’ve not only lost weight, but I also haven’t had a headache for 9 and a half years, and my lower back pain is gone. My blood pressure is now 100 over 65, my cholesterol is around 135, and I no longer need a breathing machine to sleep.

While I understand that this is not the case for everyone, for me, health is ultimately about stewardship. I believe I have a mission from God, and I want to be able to serve, give, and run until it’s time for me to go home. The same should be true for every believer.

What Scripture Says About Our Bodies

What does 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which addresses sexual immorality, have to do with how we eat? While it speaks about purity, the verse concludes with the important words, “You were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.” These words are just as true when it comes to our health.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul speaks of discipline in all things, comparing our Christian walk to an athlete’s strict training. Athletes deny themselves to be in optimal health for an earthly crown, but we should strive for spiritual discipline, aiming for a heavenly crown.

Eight Things We Need to Break:

1. Overeating is sin – Understand that overeating is the sin of gluttony and goes against God’s design for us.

2. Fat does not define you – Your value is in Christ, not in your body size.

3. You are an overcomer in Christ – Jesus is greater than any struggle you face, including food addiction.

4. Grace empowers you to live above sin – With God’s grace, you can overcome temptation and live healthfully.

5. Freedom through obedience is a choice – Obeying God leads to freedom, even in matters of health.

6. Spiritual warfare over food is real – Struggles with food may be part of a deeper spiritual battle.

7. With God, all things are possible – Through God’s strength, you can overcome any obstacle, including addiction.

8. Healthy eating is cooperation with the Lord – Choosing to eat healthily is an act of obedience and stewardship.

Ten Key Points for Health Transformation:

1. Don’t diet—get a lifestyle change – Sustainable health comes from permanent lifestyle changes, not temporary diets.

2. Don’t cut back, cut bad foods out entirely – Remove harmful foods instead of just reducing their intake.

3. Recognise food addiction is real and deadly – Understand that addiction to food can harm your body and soul.

4. Learn the difference between toxic hunger and true hunger – Know when your body is truly hungry versus when you are just craving comfort.

5. Don’t snack between meals – Develop discipline by eating only during meals.

6. Recognize unhealthy eating is sin to you – Acknowledge that unhealthy eating habits can be spiritually harmful.

7. Identify the main psychological reasons you eat – Address the emotional triggers behind overeating.

8. Understand food is the fuel of your life, not the reward for your life – View food as nourishment, not a reward for accomplishments.

9. Exercise is not a substitute for healthy eating – Healthy eating is foundational, and exercise supports it, but it cannot replace it.

10. Resolve to change today; tomorrow never comes – Make the decision to change now, because procrastination leads to more harm.

Conclusion

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the bodies God has entrusted to us. Our health is not just about us—it’s about fulfilling the purpose God has for us in this life. By practicing discipline in eating, we honor God by caring for our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The journey to health is not just physical but deeply spiritual, as we align our choices with God’s will, trusting that with Him, we can overcome any challenge, including food addiction. Ultimately, healthy living is an act of worship, demonstrating our gratitude for the life and strength He provides.

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*** Article by Vladimir Savchuk Ministries: Interview with Dr Michael Brown / Photo by Cottonbro at Pexels

So You Have a Past… Who Doesn’t?

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What the Bible Says About New Beginnings in Christ

Let’s be honest—no one makes it through life without baggage. Every one of us has a past. Some of us carry the weight of wrong decisions, broken relationships, deep regrets, or seasons we’d rather forget. Maybe your past is marked by addiction, failure, shame, or simply drifting far from God. Whatever your story looks like, you’re not alone—and more importantly, your story isn’t over.

Here’s the good news: God specializes in new beginnings.

The Bible isn’t a book of perfect people; it’s the story of a perfect God who redeems imperfect people. Abraham lied. Moses murdered. David committed adultery. Peter denied Jesus. Paul persecuted Christians. And yet every one of them was transformed by the grace of God and used for His glory.

That same grace is available to you. Jesus didn’t come to condemn your past—He came to redeem your life and offer you a brand-new start. The message of the Gospel is not “try harder” or “be better,” but “come to Me, all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

You Are a New Creation

The Apostle Paul sums it up beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Let that sink in: you are a new creation. That means the old labels no longer apply. Your past doesn’t get to define your identity. In Christ, your story gets rewritten. God doesn’t just clean you up—He completely transforms you from the inside out.

For many, this moment of transformation is sudden and undeniable. One minute you’re consumed by the world—chasing image, pleasure, and temporary fixes—and the next, you’re face-to-face with the overwhelming love of Christ. That’s what happened to me. I spent years looking for truth in all the wrong places: from New Age counterfeit spirituality to a life built around image, status, and self.

But in the middle of my brokenness, Jesus met me with a love I didn’t even know I needed. The moment I called out to Him, everything changed. It was as if the weight I had carried for years finally lifted.

A New Heart and a New Spirit

God promises not just a new beginning, but a whole new nature:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

This isn’t about behavior modification—it’s about heart transformation. During my time in the New Age, I believed I could heal and improve myself through things like positive thinking, life coaching, and spiritual techniques. But none of it brought true freedom or lasting peace. What I needed wasn’t another method or mindset shift—it was the truth found in Jesus Christ. When I opened the Bible, I discovered that Christianity isn’t about climbing a ladder to reach God—it’s about a loving God who came down to rescue us through Jesus. He didn’t just tidy up my broken life—He made me completely new.

Your Past Is Not Too Great for God’s Grace

One of the enemy’s favorite tactics is shame. He whispers, “You’ll never change. You’re too far gone. God could never use someone like you.” But the cross silences that lie. The blood of Jesus covers every sin, every failure, every regret.

Isaiah 1:18 says:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

No matter how deep the pit, God’s arm is not too short to save. I’ve lived that truth. I went from spiritual deception and emotional darkness—even suicidal thoughts—to complete restoration in Christ. And it wasn’t because I fixed myself. It was because He rescued me. His love met me in the most hopeless moment of my life.

God Is Doing a New Thing

God doesn’t just rescue us from our past—He invites us into a future:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18–19)

When you surrender your life to Jesus, you’re not just forgiven—you’re empowered. God fills you with His Holy Spirit to walk in freedom, purpose, and peace. That’s not just theory—it’s reality. I’ve seen God rewrite my story in ways I could never have imagined, and I now have a mission to share that hope with others.

Walking in the Newness of Life

Romans 6:4 says:

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

This new life is marked by daily surrender and daily grace. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, walking hand-in-hand with a God who loves you too much to leave you as you are. He gives you a new identity, a new heart, and a new reason to live.

Conclusion: God’s Not Done With You

So you have a past? Who doesn’t? But in Jesus, you also have a future. The past may explain you, but it doesn’t define you—not anymore.

When Jesus says, “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5), He means it. I’ve lived it. And if He can do it for me, He can absolutely do it for you.

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** Photo by Pixabay at Pexels

7 Signs God May Be Testing You

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“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” ~ 1 Peter 4:12-19 NKJV

Often times, as born again believers we face difficult situations and wonder if there are deeper reasons for that trial. The Bible teaches that there are certain instances where God uses a circumstance to test us and our hearts. Here are seven signs that God is testing you, with each one serving to reveal, refine, and strengthen your faith.

Seven Signs God May Be Testing You

1. Unusual Delays

When God allows for unusual delays, it’s a test. We see this in the example of Abraham. The testing of Abraham was used to refine his trust and patience in God (Genesis 21:1-3).

Often, unusual delays may show that the test is from God. These sorts of tests reveal things in our hearts and refine our character, perfecting our patience. Ultimately, the lessons learned in these seasons are things that no other season in our lives would show us.

2. Facing Impossible Situations

Secondly, another tell-tale sign is when you’re facing impossible situations. We see in the Bible that God tested Moses and the Israelites by allowing them to face the Red Sea and fear the reality of Pharaoh behind them (Exodus 14:13-14).

If you’re facing an impossible situation, God is not trying to drown you or destroy you. He is testing you. Your fear and doubt may come to the surface during those times, but God desires to bring it up to remove it from within you.

3. Struggles with Provision

Next, when you struggle with provision, you might be tested by God.

It’s easy sometimes for those of us in a spiritual warfare camp to shift blame always on the devil, especially when experiencing financial issues. But sometimes, the Lord might be testing us, just as He did with Israel when they faced lack in the promised land (Deuteronomy 8:3).

God wasn’t attacking them but was revealing, refining, training, and perfecting them. He did provide for them, but He also wanted to perfect them. God is not just interested in providing for you. He’s interested in perfecting you.

4. Trials of Suffering

Another important thing to remember is that trials of suffering often mean experiencing loss and hardship. For instance, in Scripture we see that Job experienced intense suffering, loss, and hardship. During his suffering, we see that Job worshipped even in his grief (Job 1:20-21). He didn’t have answers but chose to trust.

If you’re experiencing this sort of test, it’s important to remember that the way trust in God is expressed is through worship. Life on earth is really a series of losses. Grasping that reality can help you get through trials, knowing life is temporary, and eternal life is what really matters.

5. Temptations to Compromise

Next, when you’re facing temptations to compromise, it’s a test.

Daniel was tested to see if he would conform to Babylonian customs (Daniel 6:10). In the same way, God may test your integrity and obedience to His word in situations where obeying Him might cost you. In temptation, the enemy entices you to sin, but God reveals what’s in your heart, refines your character, perfects your godliness, and trains you in righteousness.

6. Opportunity to Help Others

When you have the opportunity to help others despite being in hardship, it’s a test.

In scripture, we see that Joseph, despite his own hardships, was faithful in serving others (Genesis 39:4-5). Often, God tests our willingness to serve and bless others, even in difficult situations. Joseph, even while imprisoned, served his fellow prisoners and interpreted their dreams.

It’s a test: Will you show up and help others when you’re struggling? Remember, you’re not giving out of your lack but from what Jesus has given you.

7. Silence from God

Lastly, experiencing silence from God can be a test.

Jesus was tested in the wilderness during a period of isolation and silence, with only the voices of Satan. Sometimes, when God is “silent,” it’s because the test is in progress (Matthew 4:1-2).

When God is silent, remember everything He’s taught you prior. The silence is not abandonment but a test.

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**By Pastor Vladimir Savchuk / Photo by Louis Bauer at Pexels

10 Ways to Revere God’s Holiness

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Revering God’s holiness is essential to our faith. It means recognising His absolute purity, majesty, and separateness from sin and responding with deep respect, love, and obedience. The Bible repeatedly calls us to honour God’s holiness, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16, which says:

“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

But how do we practically revere God’s holiness in our daily lives? Here are some ways we can do this:

1. Worship Him in Spirit and Truth

True worship comes from the heart. Jesus said in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and His worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” Revering God’s holiness means approaching Him with sincerity, humility, and devotion. Worship should not be mechanical or ritualistic but should flow from an understanding of His greatness.

  • Approach God with sincerity, humility, and a heart devoted to Him (John 4:24).
  • Praise and adore Him through prayer, song, and thanksgiving.

2. Live in Obedience to His Word

Reverence for God is demonstrated through obedience. John 14:15 says, “If you love Me, keep My commands.” Obeying His Word means aligning our lives with His teachings, striving to live a life set apart from sin, and seeking to reflect His righteousness in our actions.

  • Follow His commandments and teachings (John 14:15).
  • Strive to live a holy life, set apart from sin (1 Peter 1:15-16).

3. Approach Him with Reverence in Prayer

Prayer is an intimate conversation with God, but it must also be approached with awe and reverence. Jesus taught us to begin our prayers by acknowledging God’s holiness: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9).

  • Pray with awe and respect, acknowledging His greatness (Matthew 6:9).
  • Seek His will rather than simply presenting our own desires.

4. Honour His Name

God’s name is sacred, and we must be careful in how we use it. Exodus 20:7 commands, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” Using His name with reverence means avoiding careless speech and ensuring that our words reflect our deep respect for Him.

  • Speak of God with reverence, avoiding casual or disrespectful use of His name (Exodus 20:7).
  • Let our words reflect His holiness in all situations.

5. Study and Meditate on His Word

Spending time in Scripture helps us understand who God is and deepens our reverence for Him. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” By regularly reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible, we develop a greater appreciation for His holiness and guidance in our lives.

  • Spend time reading and meditating on Scripture to know Him better (Psalm 119:11).
  • Apply biblical truths to our daily lives.

6. Repent and Seek Purity

Holiness and sin cannot coexist. 1 John 1:9 assures us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” A heart that truly reveres God seeks purity, repents of sin, and desires to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

  • Confess and turn away from sin, striving for purity of heart (1 John 1:9).
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to transform us into Christ’s image.

7. Fear the Lord in a Healthy Way

The Bible speaks of the “fear of the Lord” as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is not terror but deep respect, recognising God’s power, authority, and justice. A healthy fear of God leads us to honour Him, avoid sin, and seek His will in all we do.

  • Have a deep respect for God’s authority, justice, and power (Proverbs 9:10).
  • Recognise that He is both loving and just.

8. Set Apart Time for God

Honouring God’s holiness means prioritising time with Him. Observing a time of rest and worship, such as the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-10), helps us focus on Him without distractions. Personal moments of prayer, reflection, and communion with God also strengthen our reverence for Him.

  • Dedicate time for personal worship, reflection, and communion with Him.
  • Observe a Sabbath rest to focus on God’s presence (Exodus 20:8-10).

9. Honour Him in Our Daily Conduct

Revering God’s holiness should be evident in our actions, not just our words. Colossians 3:12 encourages us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Our daily conduct should reflect Christ’s love, demonstrating to the world that we serve a holy God.

  • Show love, kindness, and humility as a reflection of His holiness (Colossians 3:12).
  • Let our actions and choices align with His righteousness.

10. Lead Others to Know His Holiness

A life that truly reveres God naturally points others to Him. Sharing the Gospel, encouraging faith in others, and fostering a culture of reverence in our homes and communities are ways to honour His holiness. We should strive to be examples of godly living, inspiring others to seek and worship Him.

  • Share the Gospel and help others grow in their faith.
  • Encourage a culture of reverence in our homes, churches, and communities.

Conclusion

Revering God’s holiness is not just about external actions but about cultivating a heart that genuinely honours Him. Worship, obedience, prayer, repentance, and daily living all play a part in demonstrating our reverence. As we grow in our understanding of His holiness, we draw closer to Him and reflect His glory to the world.

May God give us the grace to truly honour and revere His holiness in all we do!

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** Photo by Alex Andrews at Pexels

When God’s Truth Gets Compromised

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Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And clever in their own sight! ~ Isaiah 5:20-24

The connection between rejecting God’s revealed truth and the widespread moral and spiritual failures within the Church is profound. This issue goes beyond cases of abuse or leadership compromise; it strikes at the heart of how the Church perceives and proclaims the authority of God.

The Importance of God’s Design for Marriage

Marriage is not merely a social construct; it is a sacred institution established by God to symbolize the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31–32). This covenant reflects God’s character, His faithfulness, and His love for humanity. When leaders reject or distort God’s design for marriage, they are not only undermining biblical teaching—they are denying the authority of the Creator Himself.

When a leader aligns with ideologies that contradict God’s revealed pattern for life and sexuality, they are no longer serving the God they are ordained to represent. By accepting cultural redefinitions of marriage and affirming practices contrary to Scripture, they openly reject God’s authority over creation and dismiss His character as good, wise, and loving.

The Assumption:

• If God’s design for marriage is no longer ‘good,’ then God Himself cannot be good, but that is a lie. Psalm 145:9 states, “The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”

• If God’s definition of marriage is labeled ‘offensive’ or ‘homophobic,’ then God is cast as a dictator rather than a loving Creator, but that is a lie. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

• If God’s Word is dismissed as irrelevant in modern society, the Church does not lose its foundation or witness, as this claim is a lie. The gates of hell will not prevail against the true Church, which is not confined to manmade denominations but is the community of faithful believers (Matthew 16:18). Scripture, such as Hebrews 4:12, affirms that God’s Word is alive, active, and transformative, reaching the depths of human nature and exposing truth.

When Church leaders publicly reject the biblical definition of marriage, they reject Christ Himself. This is not a small error; it is a profound act of betrayal. Leadership in the Church requires not just personal faith but a commitment to defend and proclaim the truth of God’s Word, no matter the cultural pressures.

The Connection to Abuse and Cover-Ups

This rejection of God’s authority is deeply connected to the Church’s failure to address abuse. The same leaders who abandon biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality are often the ones who prioritize institutional reputation over justice and truth. Both failures stem from a desire to appease societal trends or maintain power rather than honor God and protect His flock.

The many abuse cases demonstrates the disastrous consequences of this approach. When leaders fail to bring sin into the light, they betray victims, misrepresent Christ, and erode trust in the Church. The attempt to cover up abuse is not merely a failure of human judgment—it is a rejection of the gospel’s call to repentance, justice, and restoration.

Cultural Capitulation Harms the Gospel

The broader cultural capitulation to ideologies around marriage, gender, and sexuality has only deepened the Church’s crisis. By aligning itself with these movements, the Church sends a message that God’s Word is outdated or incorrect. This not only leads Christians astray but gives secular ideologies the power to infiltrate and reshape the Church’s teaching.

For instance, under compromised leadership:

• Children are taught unbiblical ideologies in schools, often endorsed by Church policies.

• Faithful Christians are ostracized for upholding Scripture, losing jobs and reputations.

• Sinful behaviors are affirmed, leaving many under the false impression that they are in right standing with God.

These failures have eternal consequences. Scripture warns that those who live unrepentantly in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). Leaders who affirm sin or fail to call for repentance are complicit in leading others away from salvation.

Rejecting Christ Through Compromise

The rejection of God’s design for marriage is not a mere doctrinal misstep; it is a rejection of Christ Himself. The Archbishop of Canterbury, and leaders like him, disqualify themselves from spiritual leadership by their blatant denial of foundational truths.

The Bible makes clear that leaders will be judged more strictly by God because their actions and words influence others, they have a big responsibility. They’re supposed to guide others toward God and live as good examples. If they lead people the wrong way, they’re held accountable for that (James 3:1). Matthew 7:15–20 warns us to watch out for leaders who seem good on the outside but don’t actually live in a way that honors God. Jesus says you can tell who they really are by their “fruit.”

If a leader’s actions show compromise, dishonesty and cause spiritual harm, they’re not following Jesus faithfully. In fact, they’re going against Him, no matter what they claim. This kind of behavior is “anti-Christ,” opposing what Jesus stands for. When the fruit of leadership is compromise, deceit and confusion, it is evidence of a failure to remain faithful to Christ.

In short: Leaders have a heavy responsibility to lead well. If their actions don’t match their words and they cause harm instead of helping, again, it shows they aren’t being faithful to Christ. That’s why we need to be careful and pay attention to what kind of “fruit” their leadership produces.

This is not a minor issue. Leaders who reject biblical truth about marriage, sexuality, or holiness cannot effectively shepherd God’s people. They have aligned themselves with a worldview that is “at enmity with God” (James 4:4).

A Call to Repentance and Reform

The solution to these intertwined issues—abuse cover-ups and doctrinal compromise—lies in repentance and a return to biblical faithfulness. The Church must:

1. Appoint leaders who are born-again, Spirit-filled, and uncompromising in their commitment to Scripture.

2. Hold leaders accountable to God’s standards, not human traditions or cultural pressures.

3. Confront sin openly and pursue justice for victims, trusting in God’s power to restore and heal.

The Church must reject the temptation to conform to societal ideologies and instead boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel. As Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).

True freedom—freedom from sin, deception, and spiritual harm—comes only through faithfulness to Christ. Leaders who reject this truth and lead others astray bring judgment upon themselves and harm the Church’s witness.

Let us pray for a revival of truth and faithfulness within the Church. May God raise up leaders who will honor His Word, protect His people, and restore the Church’s commitment to the gospel. Only through His grace can the Church be cleansed and renewed.

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***Based on CEO Andrea Williams article at Christian Concern / Photo by Lil Artsy at Pexels