The Craving is More Than the Sexual Activity

In the shadows of human desire, a battle rages that has ensnared men since the dawn of time. The Bible reveals a sobering truth: A man under the wrath of God commits adultery. This isn’t merely a lapse in judgment; it’s a manifestation of a heart estranged from its Creator. Romans 1:18 warns, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” Drawing from my book, Bedding Ishtar, we understand that adultery is no isolated act—it’s a communion with a spiritual force. This ancient demon lures men into the seduction of destruction. Yet, there’s hope: recognizing this truth opens the door to divine deliverance.

Adultery isn’t the cause of a fallen heart; it is the revelation of it.

The principle is clear: Adultery isn’t the cause of a fallen heart; it is the revelation of it. As Jesus taught in Mark 7:21-23, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery… All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” The act of adultery unveils a heart that has traded worship of God for worship of self or counterfeit gods. In Bedding Ishtar, this is framed as mingling with the spirit of Ishtar, the ancient goddess of sensuality and war, who seduces and destroys. This isn’t about mere physical temptation but a spiritual rebellion that demands a deeper solution than self-discipline. Motivationally, this shifts our focus: You’re not just fighting a behavior; you’re reclaiming your heart for God.

The Practice: Understanding the Spiritual Battle

The Need Beyond the Act

The hunger driving sexual sin is far greater than physical desire—it’s a spiritual void crying for fulfillment. In Bedding Ishtar, I emphasize that men don’t merely stumble into sin; a misplaced thirst draws them for significance and intimacy, which only God can satisfy. The craving isn’t for sex, it’s for satisfaction. The attraction is for affection. Psalm 63:1 declares, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” When we seek satisfaction in fleeting pleasures, we invite the spirit of Ishtar to fill the void meant for God. The motivational call is clear: Redirect your deepest longings to the One who created you, and find a wellspring of life that no counterfeit can match.

The Descent of Sexual Sin

Unchecked, this spiritual hunger pulls men into a downward spiral, as outlined in Romans 1:24-28, where God “gave them up” to their lusts as a form of judgment. This descent, vividly described in Bedding Ishtar, mirrors the gravitational pull of sin, leading to ever-darkening expressions of rebellion:

• Adultery: The betrayal of covenant vows, as seen in David’s sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), fractures families and souls. Proverbs 6:26 warns, “For a prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.” It’s the first step, revealing a heart already drifting.
• Fornication (Pornography): The spirit of Ishtar thrives in modern pornography, which is a demonic altar where men sacrifice their dignity. Matthew 5:28 equates lustful looks with adultery, and porn’s accessibility amplifies this, warping perceptions and enslaving minds.
• Homosexuality: Romans 1:26-27 describes this as a further step in rejecting God’s design for sexuality. While culture may normalize it, Scripture calls us to compassionately uphold God’s order, offering freedom through Christ’s transformative power.
• Transgenderism: This reflects a rebellion against God’s created order (Genesis 1:27). The pursuit of self-defined identity, rather than God-given identity, leads to inner turmoil, as I write in Bedding Ishtar, where Ishtar’s deception distorts truth.
• Pedophilia: A horrific violation of innocence, condemned in Leviticus 18:6-23, this represents sin’s predatory nature. It’s a stark warning of where unchecked desires lead.
• Bestiality: The ultimate perversion, blending violence and sex (Leviticus 20:15-16), this defies God’s creation order entirely, reducing men to mere beasts under Ishtar’s dominion.

This progression isn’t just a moral slide; it’s a spiritual surrender to a force that seeks to “reduce men to mere bread.” Yet, this descent is also a call to action: You can break free by confronting the spiritual root.

Sexual Sin as Judgment

The Bible reveals a chilling truth: Sexual sin is itself a form of judgment. Romans 1:24 states, “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves.” When we reject God, He allows us to face the consequences of our choices, not out of cruelty, but to awaken us. In Bedding Ishtar, I argue that pornography and other sexual sins aren’t just personal failings—they’re entanglements with a demonic spirit that thrives on human weakness. This isn’t meant to shame but to motivate: Recognizing sin as judgment is the first step toward repentance and restoration.

Recognizing sin as judgment is the first step toward repentance and restoration.

Turning the Heart

The hope of my book, Bedding Ishtar, lies in deliverance, not discipline. Holiness isn’t achieved through willpower but through surrender to God’s transformative grace. No man can discipline himself into holiness. Here’s how to turn your heart:

• Repent with Purpose: 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret.” Acknowledge your sin, not as a mere mistake, but as a spiritual rebellion. Turn to God with a heart ready for change.
• Seek Deliverance: As Kennedy stresses, overcoming Ishtar requires divine intervention. Pray as David did in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Seek God’s power to break spiritual strongholds.
• Build Godly Agreement: In our prior discussions, I’ve emphasized the power of agreement over mere accountability. Matthew 18:19 promises, “If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Surround yourself with brothers who pray in unity, reinforcing your resolve to conquer sin.
• Immerse in Truth: Psalm 119:11 declares, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Let Scripture reshape your desires, countering Ishtar’s lies with God’s truth.
• Flee Temptation: Joseph’s example in Genesis 39:12—running from Potiphar’s wife—shows the power of decisive action. Install filters, set boundaries, and pursue holiness proactively.

The motivational climax is this: You’re not fighting for perfection but for freedom that comes with purity. 1 Corinthians 6:11 proclaims, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The spirit of Ishtar may have slain thousands, but Christ’s victory is greater. Join the 45-Day Challenge at FivestarMan.com to start this journey with practical steps and community support.

In conclusion, the revelation of a fallen heart through sexual sin isn’t your defeat—it’s your opportunity. Like the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), you can return to the Father’s embrace. The spirit of Ishtar may tempt, but the Spirit of God transforms. Turn your heart today, and step into the abundant life Christ promises.

Get your copy of Bedding Ishtar now.