Do you struggle to confess your sins to God right after you’ve fallen into sexual sin? Do you feel like you need to put yourself on probation after falling again and again, believing that God wants you to clean your act up before you approach him again? No matter what we might feel in the moment, humbly confessing our sin is the only solution for the sickness of sin. Today on the Harvest USA podcast, Caitlin McCaffrey unpacks Psalm 32, warning us against the dangers of suppressing our sins and sharing the great comfort, hope, and joy that follows honestly confessing our sins to God. Are you a woman struggling with sexual or relational sin? We offer targeted discipleship and biblical support groups for women in a supportive Christ-centered environment. Learn more: https://harvestusa.org/get-help-for-yourself/women/ Read the original article here ➡️ https://harvestusa.org/mind-the-gap-the-danger-of-delayed-confession/
How do I walk with my friend who's struggling with same-sex attraction? All men need brothers in Christ who help bear our burdens and “run the race” alongside us (Hebrews 12:1-2). How do we do this well for our brothers in Christ struggling with same-sex attraction? In today’s episode, Stephen Moss has three encouragements for men who want to walk as a brother in Christ to their friend struggling with same-sex attraction, painting a picture of what healthy Christian friendship looks like. Click here to read the original article on our website: https://harvestusa.org/being-a-brother-to-men-struggling-with-same-sex-attraction/
When you married your husband, you didn’t sign up for sexual sin and betrayal. But it happened. Suddenly you’re faced with suffering, confusion, and a chapter in your marriage story that you didn’t sign up for. Where do you turn? In today’s episode, Ellen Mary Dykas points your eyes to Jesus and his nearness to you in this unwanted chapter of your story. He is a refuge, a faithful bridegroom, and an eternal home. Whatever you think, feel, and believe, he is drawn to you with deep compassion. Sign up for our free video course Hope in Your Heartbreak: First Steps for Sexually Betrayed Wives: https://harvestusa.org/courses/hope-in-your-heartbreak/ Check out our ten session workbook for wives Jesus and Your Unwanted Journey: Wives Finding Comfort After Sexual Betrayal: https://harvestusa.org/curriculum/sexual-faithfulness-gospel-infused-practical-discipleship-for-women/ Click here to read the original article on our website: https://harvestusa.org/hurting-wives-jesus-is-with-you/
Building physical fitness requires training, exercise, and discipline, but how do we build “spiritual fitness.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8 tells us that while physical training is of some value, training in godliness is “is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” As you prepare for battle against sexual sin, you must train yourself in godliness. In today’s episode, Mark Sanders offers you five practical tips for building spiritual fitness as you face the battle ahead. Click to read the original article on our website: https://harvestusa.org/spiritual-fitness-for-the-battle-against-sexual-sin/
What is the opposite of sexual sin? What does real repentance from sexual sin look like? Many people wrestling with addiction think it simply means not giving in to temptation anymore. They focus on obedience to the prohibition…you shall not commit adultery. As Mark Sanders shows us in today’s episode, repentance from sexual sin goes further. Repentance puts on righteousness by practicing Christ-centered contentment, engaging in true worship, and living a life of love and service to others. Click to read the original article on our website: https://harvestusa.org/the-opposite-of-sexual-sin/
Sleepless nights and sexual temptation. Restlessness seems to cry out from every atom of our bodies, “Give me satiation, peace, comfort, freedom . . . rest!” Masturbation, pornography, sexual fantasy, and extramarital connections—all these expressions of sexual sin pull on our bodies and souls with a magnetic draw to answer such a cry. Yet in those moments of restlessness and sexual temptation, we have a superior Comforter and Sustainer. In today’s episode, Keith Seary shares a liturgy you can put into practice as you face restless nights of sexual temptation. Read the original article here: https://harvestusa.org/a-liturgy-of-rest-for-sleepless-nights-of-sexual-temptation/
Elevating people over God never ends well. When God doesn’t seem to be cutting it, men and women alike can turn to their relationships to feel good about themselves, imprisoning themselves in relational idolatry. Therefore it’s crucial to have God, people, and sex in their right places. The first commandment is a helpful guard rail toward this end. In today’s episode, Ellen Dykas reflects on the blessing of the first commandment as it speaks to our relationships. She diagnoses what relational idolatry might look like, what growth towards godliness in this area looks like, and how Jesus sets us free from toxic relational dynamics. Click here to read the original article: https://harvestusa.org/god-people-and-sex-in-their-right-places/#:~:text=Women%20and%20men%20alike%20wrestle,t%2C%20I%27m%20sunk.
“I don’t believe in God or the Bible anymore.” “You should love me as I am, as God does…unconditionally!” “Our relationship is FINISHED!” When your child says these words, it can deeply troubling. This is especially true for parents of a child who has turned his or her back on the Creator by adopting the falsehoods of LGBTQ+ thinking. But God’s Word remains unchanged, unassailable, and dependable. A solid ground for parents to stand on. In today’s episode, Joan McConnell offers biblical truths in response to the sayings above and reflects on why storing up these truths in your heart will keep you steady as you embrace the long journey of interceding for your wandering child. Click here to read the original article: https://harvestusa.org/parents-keep-gods-truth-on-speed-dial/
God wants us to remember. That’s why an “Ebenezer mindset” can help parents remember God’s character and work in seasons when their child is walking away from the Lord to embrace their own sinful sexual desires. In today’s episode, Joan McConnell offers the following four reasons having an Ebenezer mindset is important for this trying season. We need Ebenezers because we forget. We need Ebenezers because sometimes it’s hard to praise the Lord. We need Ebenezers because our God is sovereign. We need Ebenezers to share truth with others. Click here to read the original article on our website: https://harvestusa.org/parents-have-an-ebenezer-mindset/
Few topics create more discomfort for Christian parents than talking with their child about their struggle with masturbation. Yet, parents can’t afford to be silent about this issue. Children and teens struggling with masturbation need the loving counsel of their parents to point them to Jesus. Today Julie Lowe helps parents understand their child’s struggle with masturbation, offers practical tips they can use to help their child through this struggle, and outlines age appropriate ways to speak with them, whether they’re young children, preteens, or older teens. Read the article on our website here: https://harvestusa.org/how-can-parents-help-children-and-teens-struggling-with-masturbation/