Kenny Kopta
Feb 26, 2025
"Walking Under God’s Covering"
Kindling the Word: “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a man who lacks self-control.” — Proverbs 25:28
Stoking the Spirit: Men, we were created to lead, protect, and walk in the strength of God. But too often, we let our impulses dictate our actions—I know I’ve been there. What about you? Are you trapped in a thought or circumstance?
We tell ourselves, “I couldn’t control myself,” but the truth is, we didn’t control ourselves. Every decision we make carries weight—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
There was a man named Esau who traded his future for a moment. In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau came in from the field exhausted and hungry. His brother Jacob offered him a bowl of stew in exchange for his birthright—the blessing and inheritance that was rightfully his. Without thinking, Esau gave in. He felt like he was starving, but in reality, he let his temporary desire rob him of a lifelong blessing.
How many times do we, like Esau, trade our future for a fleeting moment? How often do we let desire, anger, or pride control us, instead of submitting to God?
The world teaches us that manhood is about doing what we want—satisfying our cravings and indulging in the moment. We then get trapped in emotional impulses when we cave into these cravings. But Godly manhood is about standing firm in integrity and doing what is right, even when it’s hard. You might say, 'That is hard, and you don’t understand the hell I am going through,' and we medicate ourselves by justifying that we are victims, giving into excuses.
Romans 6:1-4 reminds us that we are no longer slaves to sin:
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Through Christ, we have been given the power to resist temptation and walk in newness of life. So the question we need to ask ourselves is this: Are we men ruled by our impulses, or are we men led by the Spirit?
This connection reinforces that choosing self-control isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about stepping into the new identity we’ve been given in Christ.
Fireside Reflection:
When we give in to impulse, we:
Lose trust – Our word means nothing if our actions don’t back it up.
Invite the enemy in – When we step outside God’s design, we open the door for Satan’s influence (John 10:10).
Carry the weight alone – Instead of walking under God’s covering, we bear the full burden of our choices.
But here’s the good news: Self-control isn’t just about saying “no” to sin; it’s about saying “yes” to God’s best.
Embers of Challenge: Take a hard look at your life. Are you ruling over your desires, or are they ruling over you? Where have you let your walls break down?
What are the areas where you struggle with impulse—lust, anger, pride, laziness, greed?
How have those choices affected your relationships, trust, and spiritual walk?
Are you willing to surrender control and ask God to build your strength?
Ignited for Action:
Identify your triggers – When are you most vulnerable to impulsive choices? Recognize them before they control you.
Strengthen your mind with Scripture – Jesus fought temptation with the Word (Matthew 4:1-11). Do the same.
Lean on your brothers – Surround yourself with men who will hold you accountable and challenge you to walk in integrity.
Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” You can’t win this battle alone—you need God’s power.
Fireside180 Connection: We are not meant to fight this battle alone. Fireside180 is a ring of fire—a place where we sharpen one another and call each other to higher standards. If you’ve been struggling with self-control, open up to a trusted brother. Let’s walk in this together.
Fanning the Flames in Prayer: Father, I confess the areas where I have let my impulses rule me instead of submitting to You. Strengthen me to walk in self-control, to guard my heart, and to make choices that honor You. Surround me with men who will challenge and encourage me. I don’t want to live like Esau, trading my future for a fleeting moment. I want to walk in Your power and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keeping the Fire Burning (Weekly Memory Verse): “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16