Tag: redemption

Breaking the Chains of Gold: Overcoming Satan’s Material Mirage

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Dear God,

Today I felt the pull again.

You know what I’m talking about—that tug in my heart when I saw someone online unboxing their designer shoes, or when I passed by the display window with the newest iPhone glowing like it was made of light from Heaven itself (spoiler: it’s not). It’s that tiny whisper that says, “If only you had that, you’d feel more complete.”

But today… I confronted it.

Not with bitterness. Not with shame. But with truth. With Scripture. With love. And with the awareness that materialism is a trap that tries to take what God has already given me—peace, joy, and identity—and exchange it for plastic, fabric, and pixels.

So this entry is both a reminder for myself and maybe a word for anyone who might read this one day: Materialism is a temptation, but it is not stronger than the God who lives in us.

The Debate: Is Wanting More Always Wrong?

Let me be clear—owning things isn’t a sin. The problem isn’t the things—it’s the thirst.

It’s when desire becomes dependence.
It’s when convenience becomes coveting.
It’s when God’s provision isn’t “enough” anymore because the world’s glitter looks more appealing than His glory.

I’ve heard the argument before:

“What’s wrong with wanting nice things? God wants us to prosper!”

And yes, that’s partly true—God is a God of abundance (John 10:10). But His definition of abundance isn’t luxury; it’s life. His blessings are meant to be tools, not idols.

Luke 12:15 cuts right to it:

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

So, no—it’s not wrong to have things. But it is dangerous to let things have us.

The Emotional Weight of Always Wanting More

Materialism feeds on dissatisfaction.

It thrives in a heart that’s forgotten to say, “Thank You, Lord.”

Have you noticed how quickly joy fades after buying something new?

That dopamine hit? That little rush? It’s fleeting. The shoes get scuffed. The phone gets outdated. The couch gets coffee stains.

But the lie lingers: “Next time, next thing—then you’ll be happy.”

That cycle is exhausting. And sadly, it’s so easy to fall into it—even as a Christian.

But God didn’t call us to strive endlessly for more. He called us to rest in Him.

1 Timothy 6:6–8 says:

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

That verse is a whole sermon. Everything I “own” is temporary. But my relationship with Jesus? That’s eternal. That’s treasure.

How I’m Choosing to Fight Back

I won’t pretend it’s easy. Fighting materialism in a culture built on it is like trying to stay dry in the rain without an umbrella. But God gave us a few:

1. Gratitude is My Umbrella

I try every day to thank God for what I already have. Not just the “big” stuff like shelter or food (though those are HUGE blessings!), but the little things:

  • Clean water
  • My morning coffee
  • A call from my mom
  • The way the sky looked today

Gratitude turns the volume down on materialism. It reminds my soul, “God is already enough.”

2. I Set Boundaries With My Spending

I’ve made a budget. I actually pray over it. (I know that sounds nerdy, but it works!)

Each month I ask God to help me steward what He’s given me wisely. I don’t spend money just because I feel bored, sad, or “less than.” I ask myself, “Is this purchase trying to fix an emotional or spiritual hole?”

Because only Jesus can do that.

Proverbs 21:20 reminds me:

“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”

A fool gulps. A wise woman prays, plans, and pauses.

3. I Focus On Eternal Investments

You know what feels better than buying something new? Giving something away.

I’ve found so much joy in donating clothes, blessing someone with a meal, or tithing to my church. It’s a quiet kind of thrill—the kind that lasts.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19–21:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

My heart belongs in Heaven. So that’s where I want my investments to go.

A Gentle Confrontation for My Fellow Christians

With love—and I mean real, Christ-like love—I want to challenge anyone who feels that ache to constantly buy, upgrade, or show off:

Ask yourself: Why am I doing this?

  • Is it to impress someone?
  • Is it because you’re bored?
  • Is it because something inside feels empty?

Be honest. Not harsh, but honest. Honesty is where healing begins.

And remember: The world teaches us to collect. Jesus teaches us to connect.

With people. With Him. With purpose.

A Prayer for the Material-Weary Soul

Heavenly Father,

You know how easy it is to get caught up in wanting more. We’re surrounded by messages telling us we need to buy, upgrade, and consume. But You call us to something higher—a life of contentment, generosity, and joy in You.

Please guard my heart from the lie that things will make me happy. Teach me to be grateful. Teach me to budget with wisdom. And teach me to invest in what really matters—people, purpose, and Your presence.

Forgive me when I fall into temptation. And help me walk in the freedom You promised.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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You are not what you own.
You are not behind if you don’t have the “latest.”
You are not less valuable if your car isn’t new or your home isn’t Pinterest-perfect.

You are loved by a God who gave everything—not so you could have more stuff, but so you could have life.

I’m choosing that life every day. And even when it’s hard… it’s worth it.

Living Without Lies: A Christian’s Duty to Speak Truth

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

I can feel the Lord’s presence, and it comforts me more than I can explain. My heart is full, but there’s also this lingering conviction I can’t ignore. God has been pressing something on me all day, through my quiet time this morning, my conversation with a friend over coffee, and even during that awkward moment at work when I laughed at something I knew I shouldn’t have. I think I’m finally understanding: God is calling me to a deeper honesty. Not just the absence of lying… but full, raw, truthfulness—in all things.

I don’t know why it hit so hard this morning. Maybe because I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty honest person. I don’t steal, I don’t tell outrageous lies, I don’t deceive people—at least not on purpose. But honesty isn’t just about not lying, is it?

It’s about integrity. Transparency. Vulnerability.
And I think I’ve been cutting corners with all three.

Ephesians 4:25:
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

That verse wouldn’t let go of me. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a command. If I’m part of Your body, if I represent Christ, then I don’t have the option to hide behind half-truths, people-pleasing, or pretending I’m okay when I’m not. You’ve commanded me—not recommended—to speak truthfully.

I think about how often I smile and say “I’m good” when I’m not. How I keep things from my family so they won’t worry. Or how I try to clean myself up emotionally before I come to You in prayer, like I need to get my act together first. But that’s not what You want, is it?

You want me real. And raw. Even messy.

Prayer:
God, forgive me for the ways I’ve hidden behind niceties or avoided uncomfortable truths. I want to be honest—with You, with the people I love, and even with myself. Thank You that I don’t have to pretend with You. You already know me inside out (Psalm 139:1-4). Help me walk in truth, even when it costs me pride or comfort. Amen.

I think the hardest thing for me right now is being honest with myself about where I’m still growing. About the areas I try to gloss over or rationalize. Like how I sometimes water down conversations about You when I’m around people who don’t believe. Or when I make excuses for not spending time in the Word because I’m “too tired” when really, I just don’t feel like facing conviction.

But You’ve reminded me over and over again: Honesty is the foundation of relationship.
You can’t have intimacy with someone you’re constantly trying to impress or hide from.

That’s why being honest with GOD matters so much. Because if I can’t be truthful my creator… how could I ever expect to be truthful with others about God’s presence in my life?

I remembered what David wrote in Psalm 51:6:
“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.”

Truth in the inward parts. That’s deep.
That’s not just honesty in what I say—it’s honesty in how I live. Honesty in my motivations. In my worship. In my repentance.

And the amazing part is… when I bring that truth to You, You don’t reject me. You refine me. You heal me.

Prayer:
Jesus, You are the Truth (John 14:6). Make me like You. Let truth dwell so deeply in me that it transforms how I live and love. Guard my mouth from deceit. Teach me to love truth even when it’s hard. Give me courage to speak it in love to others (Ephesians 4:15), and grace when others speak truth to me. Amen.

I talked to Sarah about this over coffee today. She admitted she’s been struggling too—especially with how hard it is to be honest with non-Christian friends about what we believe. It’s tempting to soften the edges of the gospel to make it more palatable. But You didn’t call us to be popular, Lord. You called us to be faithful.

Proverbs 12:22 says:
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

I want to be someone You delight in. Not someone who plays it safe or dances around truth to avoid awkwardness.

I think about how Jesus spoke truth everywhere He went. And not just comfortable truth. He called out hypocrisy. He told people to repent. He even challenged His closest friends when they were out of line. And yet, people still followed Him—because He was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). I want that balance in my own life.

I don’t want to be harsh or self-righteous. But I don’t want to be lukewarm or vague either. The world doesn’t need another nice girl who’s too scared to talk about Jesus. The world needs light. The world needs truth. The world needs You.

So Lord, help me to be honest—really honest—about who You are, what You’ve done in my life, and what it means to follow You. Let my testimony be filled with truth, even if it’s messy. Even if it’s awkward. Even if it makes people uncomfortable. Because the truth is the only thing that can set people free (John 8:32).

Prayer:
God, give me holy boldness. Make me brave enough to be honest when I share the gospel. Help me love people enough to tell them the truth, even if it costs me something. Fill my heart with compassion, not compromise. Let my life point to You in truth and love. Amen.

I can’t believe how much God has shown me today. God never stops pursuing my heart. And even when God corrects me, it feels like love. Thank You for being so patient with me Lord. Thank You for caring more about my soul than my comfort.

I know this journey won’t be easy. There will be moments I’ll want to shrink back or stay quiet. But I also know God promised to be with me.

Isaiah 41:10 says:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

That’s all I need to keep walking in truth.
The Lord will strengthen me.
God helps me.
God holds me up.

So here I am, Lord.
All of me.
The good, the messy, the in-between.

No pretending. No performing.
Just me.
Just truth.
Just Yours.

Final Prayer:
God, thank You for calling me to truth—not to shame me, but to free me. Thank You that honesty leads to healing, intimacy, and growth. Make me a woman of integrity. A woman of Your Word. A woman unafraid of truth because I know who holds it. Use my honesty to glorify You and to point others to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Thank you, Lord.
I love You more than anything.
And today… I love You with honesty.

Parenthood, Not Gay Pride: Children Deserve a Mom and Dad

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

I’m so mad I can barely think straight. I don’t even want to write right now, but I feel like I have to. If I don’t pour this out to God, I might explode.

Everywhere I turn — social media, news, even some churches — they’re pushing this idea that any kind of family is okay. That love is love. That it doesn’t matter if a child has a mom and a dad, or two dads, or two moms, or who even knows what else. And I know I’m supposed to be kind and tolerant, but when I see God’s design being flipped upside down, it stirs something in me that I can’t ignore.

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I feel alone sometimes in what I believe. Like if I open my mouth and say what’s on my heart, I’ll be labeled a bigot or hateful. But I’m not hateful. I care. That’s why it makes me so angry — because kids are being robbed of something sacred. They need both a mother and a father. That’s how God made it.

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” – Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

I believe this down to my bones. God made man and woman on purpose. It wasn’t random. It was intentional. Masculinity and femininity reflect different aspects of God’s character. And a child raised by both a mom and a dad gets the chance to learn from both — to be nurtured and challenged, comforted and protected. That balance matters.

—

Lord, I’m angry right now. But underneath that anger is grief. I feel like the world is calling evil good and good evil. Please help me respond with both truth and grace. Give me boldness, but also wisdom. Don’t let my frustration become sin. Help me speak Your truth in love.

—

Today I saw a video of two men adopting a baby. The comments were full of applause — people calling them brave, calling it beautiful. I couldn’t help but feel sick to my stomach. Not because I hate them — I don’t. I actually feel sad for them. But also sad for the baby. That child will never know the warmth of a mother’s embrace. And we’re supposed to just smile and say “love is love”? I can’t.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness…” – Isaiah 5:20

I want to scream. I want to ask people — don’t you see what’s happening? This isn’t just about opinions. This is about children’s lives. This is about foundational truths. This is about God’s order being traded in for chaos.

But when I speak up, I get told I’m judgmental. That Jesus would accept everyone. And yes, He did welcome everyone, but He also told them to go and sin no more. He never compromised truth just to keep the peace.

—

Jesus, help me love like You. You never backed down from truth, and You never stopped loving. That’s the kind of boldness I want — one rooted in Your Spirit. I don’t want to be self-righteous, but I also refuse to go silent. Give me courage to speak when it’s uncomfortable. Help me stand for children and for Your design, even if the world hates me for it.

—

I don’t hate gay people. I don’t wish them harm. But I’m tired of being forced to say that their version of family is equal to what God created. It’s not. I won’t pretend that it is. Not because I’m mean — but because I believe God’s way is best.

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife’?” – Matthew 19:4-5

Jesus said that. Not Paul, not Moses — Jesus. That’s all the confirmation I need. Marriage is between a man and a woman. And children deserve to grow up under that covenant, not some modern substitute.

—

God, I confess that I’ve been afraid to talk about this. I don’t want to lose friends. I don’t want to be mocked or misunderstood. But I also don’t want to betray You by going silent. Please give me strength. Let my convictions come from Your Word, not my emotions. And let my emotions be sanctified by truth.

—

I think part of my anger comes from fear, if I’m honest. I wonder what kind of world I’ll raise my future children in. Will they be taught that biology doesn’t matter? That two dads are the same as a mom and a dad? That feelings define reality?

It terrifies me. I don’t want my kids growing up in a world that erases God’s fingerprints from creation.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

But how can we train children in the way of the Lord if we’re teaching them lies from the start? That their mother is optional? That their father is replaceable? God help us.

—

Father, protect the next generation. Raise up moms and dads who will fight for their families, who will model Your love, who won’t compromise. And for those children who grow up without both parents, bring healing. Be their Father. Be their hope. But let us never stop upholding Your design, even when culture tries to rewrite it.

—

I cried earlier. Just sat in my car and cried because I feel so heavy with this. I don’t want to be angry. I want to be hopeful. But I can’t pretend everything’s fine when it’s not.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10

That’s what keeps me going. Jesus came to restore what was broken. That includes families. That includes our culture. That includes me.

—

Jesus, bring revival. Let truth rise up again in this land. Let churches stop watering down Your Word just to avoid controversy. Let us not be ashamed of the gospel — not in our homes, not in public, not anywhere. Help me love fiercely, but also stand firmly. You are truth, and I won’t trade You for comfort.

—

I’m still angry. But I think now I’m also a little more grounded. I needed this time with God. I needed to write this all down — the fire, the fear, the frustration. I may be 24, but I feel like I’ve lived a lifetime already trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t want truth.

But I still believe. I still trust His plan. And I will not stay silent.