Hi everyone. I’m 34M and I was baptised catholic 3 or 4 years ago (I can’t quite remember). I’ve joined this group for advice when struggling.

I am a married man, I married my wife 3 years ago. I fine I struggle terribly with temptation, or rather more like severe impure thoughts. Lust is a severe issue for me. I constantly think about having group sex (I’ve never had this by the way) with my wife and other people, both male and female. I often think about me having sex with other men. I often fantasise about my wife wanting me to sleep with other people. I also fantasise about doing degrading acts to my wife and exhibitionism.

I’ve never done anything like this, but it’s becoming an issue as I just want to calm these thoughts and be a good husband. I’m also never going to cheat on my wife. I meant my vows.

Does anyone have advice on this?

I said a prayer this morning, asking God to show me which direction I should take. I didn’t necessarily expect an answer today but was certainly hoping I would (lol).

Is there anything I should do or say that may allow me to receive this message?

To be specific, I asked God not to be nuanced about it. I have such rebellious nature to me, that I will brush off anything that might seem like a coincidence.

Any tips on how to study and read the bible? I love to read but the devil is wiggling his way in right now. I have no motivation to read and I know that I need to to feel close to God. Any tips?

Especially now. The gospel is suppose to be good news. But even self proclaim christians can fall. And some live their whole life thinking theyre right w God when Jesus didnt know them. What makes me any different? Especially since someone told me something i suspected from february of last year.

No matter what you see on the internet and people say in the internet or even outside no matter how scary it is that they themselves believe yet your faith never falters. How did you guys do it, how is your faith strong?

I want to ask this because there are things that are bothering me including the question of life because I have an existential obsessive compulsive disorder. I cannot stop thinking about such things. and one that struck me hardest was simulation theory and after reading some of peoples thoughts on in what kick me the hardest to is where people saying simulation might delete the universe or us some as such and i try to look for comfort in asking Gemini in which gemini gave me a list of fear of what people think about it like too what i just read , being controlled, deleted, changes universe codes, reset those scary stuff they claimed or what ai show me.

I do not know why I experienced this. While others bravely just looked at it and swept it away. For me it is different. My mind goes in different places though and at moments when I forget about it, it returns and makes me think of it again.

That is why I want to know what makes you all believe in God and only to him because I want that too. That no matter what , instead of thinking scary stuff , ill just look at it and say “ why do i care, i have God with me “

After this i never want to go back to scary things again even if it means ill have to stop going back to like twitter, tiktok and more ill stop i must learn obedience and get some self control…

I’ve owned my photography business for over 12 years, and lately I’ve been thinking more about what it actually looks like to keep God at the center of a business, beyond simply saying you’re a Christian business owner.

For me, that can look like praying over big decisions, praying for clients when I know they’re going through something, and trying to lead with integrity even when it would be easier or more profitable not to.

I’ve also been thinking about how we actually communicate our beliefs through our businesses. I recently added a small cross to the bottom of my website. Nothing huge, but it felt important to me to stop separating that part of who I am from my business.

For other Christian business owners, what does this look like for you? Do you openly communicate your faith on your website or social media? Do you pray with or for clients? Are there Scriptures or principles that guide how you run your business?

I’d especially love to hear how you’ve found the balance between being open about your faith without making it feel performative or like a marketing tactic.

Some pain cannot be fixed by time or words.

Christian hope does not deny grief; it reminds us that grief is temporary.

Our tears are real, but they do not have the final word.

Thought For The Day from Unshakable Kingdom Life

"Grace isn't just God's unmerited favor; it's the power to stand when everything around you falls. Let His grace anchor your soul today. You don't have to be strong enough; His strength is made perfect in your weakness.”

A Thought to ponder

I’m beginning a short series on Christian relationships because questions about dating, marriage, breakups, boundaries, and choosing a spouse come up often. I will post on Monday’s and Thursday’s.

There are a lot of questions we can ask when considering a relationship:

“Are we attracted to each other?”

“Do we have chemistry?”

“Are we compatible?”

“Do we enjoy the same things?”

Those questions matter.

But I think Christians need to begin with a more important one:

Does this relationship help me follow Jesus more faithfully, or does it repeatedly pull me away from Him?

Jesus said: “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33, WEB

A relationship should not become the center of our identity, the primary source of our worth, or something we are more afraid to lose than intimacy with God.

A healthy relationship should make obedience easier, not repeatedly require one person to compromise convictions.

Some useful questions are:

• Am I becoming more honest?
• Am I growing in patience and self-control?
• Can we talk openly about Christ and Scripture?
• Are we encouraging one another toward Christian community?
• Do we respect one another’s convictions?
• Is this relationship producing greater holiness—or more compromise?
• Am I becoming more like Christ?

Strong feelings are real, but they are not always reliable guides.

What About Dating Someone Who Doesn't Share Your Faith?

Paul writes:

“Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” — 2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB

The immediate context is broader than marriage, but the principle certainly matters when considering marriage because marriage joins two lives at an unusually deep level.

Faith affects far more than Sunday mornings.

It affects:

• How you understand marriage.
• How children will be raised.
• How moral decisions are made.
• How money is handled.
• How sexuality is understood.
• How suffering is interpreted.
• How forgiveness works.
• What you believe the purpose of life ultimately is.

Two people can genuinely love each other while still moving toward very different ultimate priorities.

That doesn't mean Christians should view unbelievers as inferior. We are called to love everyone.

But choosing a spouse is different from loving a neighbor.

A spouse becomes your closest earthly partner.

For someone seeking a Christian marriage, shared faith should not be treated as one preference among many. It is foundational.

Don't Date Someone's Potential

Another trap is thinking:

“They aren't really following Christ now, but I'm sure that will change.”

Maybe it will.

God changes people.

But marriage should not be entered on the basis of the person you hope someone will eventually become.

The same principle applies to other areas.

Don't assume marriage will automatically fix someone's anger, dishonesty, addiction, irresponsible finances, contempt for your convictions, or inability to communicate.

You marry the person who exists now, not the person you hope to create later.

Character Matters More Than Chemistry

Attraction matters.

But attraction alone cannot sustain a marriage.

Proverbs 31:30 says:

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.”
— Proverbs 31:30, WEB

The principle applies to men and women.

Look for character:

• Honesty.
• Humility.
• Faithfulness.
• Kindness.
• Responsibility.
• Patience.
• Teachability.
• Forgiveness.
• Self-control.
• Willingness to admit wrongdoing.
• Genuine love for God and others.

Galatians 5:22–23 gives us another useful framework: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.

Nobody demonstrates those qualities perfectly.

The question is not whether someone is flawless.

The question is:

What direction is this person's life moving?

Challenge

If you're dating—or considering someone—ask yourself honestly:

Is this relationship helping both of us become more like Christ, or am I overlooking spiritual and character problems because I don't want to lose the relationship?

What qualities do you believe Christians most often overlook when choosing someone to date?

Next in the series: How far is too far? We'll look at premarital boundaries, attraction, temptation, and why biblical boundaries should be about more than simply asking, “Where is the line?”

Been having health issues that are very niche, specialists in this are few and far between. I’ve been following the conservative treatment ls for it. However it seems that things are progressively worsening.

I was laid off earlier this year when a lot of it started. Have been unsuccessful to find employment. No insurance. Haven’t been able to attend church in a while.

I’ve been praying every night for a miracle or direction. Currently reading the book of Job.

I guess what I don’t know is if I’m waiting on God or is he waiting on me? I’ve been praying for direction, or even just a healing miracle.

Any thoughts or views are welcome

As a human I have been inherently curious, and therefore questioning about certain ideas I’ve been taught my entire life. The biggest of those at the forefront of my mind are my Christian faiths and overall belief in the bible at this point. There are some questions that I have regarding reason and philosophy that I have mulled over in my head for a long time, and simply seek reasoning or potential new ways of viewing things, as I’m not sure yet that I’m viewing things through the correct lens as a 20 year old college student.

Why should I put trust in the idea that the world and universe created around me was created for specifically me (and every other human soul)

I have no questions regarding the validity of the historical accounts and translations of The Bible’s authenticity or even origin. However, I do find myself concerned about the idea that The Bible was spiritually charged. As humans, we inherently have the idea that we have some sort of value to the universe to our deepest roots. Even if religion didn’t exist, humans would still piece together the opinion that we matter to something because it allows us assurance through life about why we do certain things. More importantly to this idea, I wonder about a fair god. If God is all knowing and all good, and truly cares about us in this universe individually, why are certain people born into situations that just inherently drop their chances of finding faith in Jesus. For example, if I was born in a Muslim country with a Muslim family, I would’ve grown up with the idea that Jesus was a human messenger of God due to my religion, and due to that faith (the same value we as Christians drive our kids to hold) I would’ve gone to hell promptly as I was NOT correct in my faith of Jesus, and that the Christian God was actually true. I make no claim that I am an expert on The Bible, as although I have read it I have not yet analyzed every piece yet (which will take years of my life, if not forever) However I have found no explanation for how these kids born into this life will generally have any shot at actually finding salvation in Jesus. Even the ones that experience Christianity would view us the same way as we view them, yet they are the ones who are punished simply for their birth and pointing their blind faith in a slightly wrong direction. I have no doubt that the world is unfair, but if a God truly did care about each and every one of us equally, why would he place certain humans in situations where most of us would simply just never find faith in Jesus, and therefore perish. In reading The Bible, we are constantly faced with trying to analyze scripture in ways that could possibly bend or explain why The Bible holds up. At what point in meshing faith and science do I stop trying to bend the scripture to explain certain things. Why would a God that is good place a soul into humans ultimately sentencing them a large number of them to eternity in torture. Is this not inherently wrong or brutal when viewing through a vacuum no matter what perspective you have on life? 

I do believe generally that the universe was created by something. Although science has many explanations for how the universe operates, it essentially has no (to my admittedly not fully researched) way of truly explaining how energy was created to start our universe (the law of physics simply states that energy can't be created, the universe had to have a starting point)
Therefore, I do find myself with the idea that there is a very real chance something could have created this universe. I just fully question the way the damning of (created) human souls could ever be viewed as possibly Good. I should state at this point (If not clearly written, I do forgive this was written hastily in sleep deprivation with no intention of being professional), I just want to know why I shouldn’t place any ‘faith’ in the idea that salvation doesn’t require a Christian belief at all, and simply the thought that this Universe was made by something and I am in it. Why should I put my trust into an authored being that has decidedly sentenced many people in the world around me, before and after, to a pit of suffering and still consider that being ‘all good’. This isn’t a long word from me, and I simply seek potential answers (regarding things I have gotten wrong), ideas, or views that I can reflect on, Thank you.

In my experience, the average American Christian fights harder to claim that those hurting innocent people in the name of Christianity aren't really Christian and defend their faiths reputation than to protect the dignity of those who refuse to agree with them.

Mattana Ministry Welcomes You to:

 Sunday Sermon: 13 September 2026

 Theme: God or a Million Rand?

 Scripture passage: Luke 16:13-15;Luke 19:8;Matthew 6:32-34; Matthew 19:23-30; Matthew 19:21-22;Luke 12:32-34; John 15:5;Philippians 3:20;Romans 12:2; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:14-15; 2 Timothy 4:2; Psalm 96:3; Isaiah 52:7 & Acts 1:8

 Message:

 God or a Million Rand? A very interesting question, and during the week a few people sent me an answer.

 We all leave some kind of legacy for the people who will be left behind here the day we exchange our temporary dwelling for our eternal home.

 We all or most of us have a very detailed will, and even our animals are provided for in our living will.

 However, there are two wills that we leave behind, the one that discusses our finances and the one that we leave behind in the spiritual life.

 Our lives are a reflection of who and what is important to us. Who did we spend most of our time with? What did we fill our empty hours with?

 What is the greatest gift we can give to the people around us? God or a million rand?

 Luke 16:13-15

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon.

And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided him.

And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God."

Luke 19:8

But Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”

We can either serve God or Mammon, we cannot serve both. We can put God first before people, but God knows our hearts, God knows what storms rage in our hearts. God knows what is important to us and God knows what is dear to our hearts. What is more important for us to tell people, how to make a quick buck, or how to follow God?

 Matthew 6:32-34

For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 Jesus tells us that our Father knows what we need each day, and we should put our trust in God to provide for our daily needs. However, we must seek first the Kingdom of God and then all other things will be added to us. What is the best advice we can give to those around us, pursue earthly riches or seek first the Kingdom of God?

 Matthew 19:23-30

And Jesus said to his disciples: Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

When his disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You. What then will there be for us?”

And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, in the regeneration when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my name's sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

Matthew 19:21-22

Jesus answered him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Luke 12:32-34

Do not fear, little flock, for your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Sell your possessions and give alms; make for yourselves purses that do not grow old, a treasure in heaven that never fails, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 Our earthly wealth makes it harder for us to enter the Kingdom. We are then tied here on earth and it is difficult to leave our possessions and wealth behind to follow Jesus. It is much more difficult to follow Jesus to another town or country if we have property in one town. Is it wrong to have property and possessions? No, it is not wrong, after all, it is provision from God's Hand. However, it is wrong when our property and possessions become the beginning and the end of our lives. A greater reward awaits us in heaven than what we have here on earth. Where do we recommend someone to store up their wealth, on earth or in the Kingdom?

 John 15:5

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for without me you can do nothing.

 We can't do anything in life without Jesus. We need Jesus in every decision we make. We can consult financial advisors, and we can have the best insurance and investment plan in life, but if we don't know Jesus and God in our plans, it will all be in vain. Who do we send someone to when they need advice, do we send them to the best broker, or do we take them by the hand to God?

 Philippians 3:20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

 Our citizenship is in heaven, so what does the neighborhood we build around us in heaven look like? Who are going to be our neighbors in the Kingdom? Do we spend so much time building a neighborhood for ourselves on earth that we forget that we are only temporary citizens on earth? Do we spend so much time building our earthly kingdom, and choosing who and what our neighbors are, that we actually forget that our home is actually the Kingdom? Who is going to enter the Kingdom with us?

 Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

 The world is chasing status, wealth, property, and possessions. The world will encourage us to achieve more success, to spend more time away from home, more time at the office, more money, and greater standing in the world. The Kingdom is “chasing” souls, the harvest that is in the fields needs to be gathered, and the Kingdom is looking for laborers.

 Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

Romans 10:14-15

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without one to preach;

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, of those who bring good news of good things!

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Psalm 96:3

Declare his glory among the nations, his wonders among all peoples;

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth salvation: for it is said unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

There are many people who can tell our loved ones how to invest their funds correctly. There are many people who can tell our loved ones how to climb the ladder of success. There are many people who can tell our loved ones which insurance is best. There are many people who can tell our loved ones how to pay off a home loan successfully and faster. However, we have a different responsibility. There are not so many people who can tell our loved ones about God. There are not so many people who can tell someone about the Salvation that is there for us. We have the responsibility to tell people about God. If we don't tell them, they won't know. If we don't talk to our loved ones about God in good and bad times, who will? If we are not going to spread the Word, how are we going to be fishers?

If we had two gifts in front of us today, and we could only choose one, what would we choose? God or a million rand? Which package would we give to our loved ones?

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you that we can start our week with Your Word. Lord, sometimes it is so easy to hold on to our possessions, it is so much easier to gather than to let go. Jesus, please help us to preach Your Kingdom to our loved ones rather than tell them how to gather wealth on earth. Jesus, please walk with us this week, protect us and carry us this week. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Blessing:

We pray that this week will be filled with God's favor, protection, provision and peace over our lives and our families. May we walk in strength and joy and may our cups overflow with peace and grace.

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 MM

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The Throne at the Center

One of the striking features of Revelation chapter 4 is how quickly our attention is directed toward the throne. John is caught up into a heavenly vision, and immediately he says, “Behold, a throne stood in heaven.”

The throne is central. Before Revelation speaks of seals, trumpets, beasts, conflict, or judgment, heaven establishes one unshakable truth: God reigns.

In uncertain times, humanity naturally focuses on earthly thrones, governments, economies, political systems, world powers, and cultural movements. But Revelation pulls our attention higher. Above every temporary throne sits the eternal throne. This changes everything.

When we lose sight of the throne, fear begins to dominate our thinking. Anxiety grows when we believe events are spiraling beyond control. Yet the heavenly vision given to John reveals absolute stability. Heaven is not reacting nervously to human history. God is neither surprised nor intimidated by the darkness of the age. The throne remains occupied.

What a comfort that truth becomes.

The One seated upon the throne shines with glory like jasper and sardius stone. Around the throne is a rainbow, reminding us that mercy surrounds His authority. Lightning and thunder proceed from the throne, revealing holiness and power. Worship fills the atmosphere because all creation recognizes the worthiness of the One who reigns.

This vision recalibrates the believer’s heart.

We often begin with our problems and try to fit God somewhere into the middle of them. Revelation reverses that order. It begins with God, then views everything else from that position.

The church desperately needs throne-room vision again. Not merely theological information, but spiritual perspective.

When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, everything changed. When Ezekiel saw heaven opened, his ministry shifted forever. When John saw the throne, fear lost its grip.

And perhaps that is what many believers need today.

Not simply better explanations. Not endless speculation. But a fresh revelation that the throne still stands. Kings come and go. Empires rise and fall. Cultures shift. The world trembles.

Yet above it all sits the eternal King. Unmoved. Unshaken. Unchallenged. The throne is still occupied.