so, I'm into porn

[Michael Leon]

i've told my wife, close friend and family that i've been struggling with this issue. only my friend actually had a real conversation about it with me.

my wife found some traces of it, and was disappointed although, i've been told her about it. right now, im at the point where its completely stopped my spiritual growth. i havent been reading the Word as i was a week ago, i stopped listening to gospel music and ive just been feeling awful and alone. i cant have a real talk about with my wife because she's not able to handle too heavy of situations. not being mean, but she just cant right now and i need to get it off my chest. I know i have a problem! i dont want to look at it anymore, i dont want to look at women and lust anymore, and i sure dont want to keep cheating my wife out of her rightful affection and attention from me. so, i'm asking complete strangers to pray for me. please.

if i dont stop now, im really going to die with this sin and i dont want that. ive come too far now to stop here. so, if you dont mind please keep this soul in mind. thank you.

[phkrause]

Will add you to our pray list Michael.

[Woody]

Good for your to get it out Michael. That is a huge step. It's a huge task - but with your good start - you can do it.

For sure you are on the top of my prayer list.

[teresaq]

I imagine you are feeling completely overwhelmed, maybe hopeless/ utterly helpless?

I've been there, if you are. Somehow God sees me through it and makes me a little stronger each time I feel that way.

I also have issues I have been struggling with...I think its all about learning how to commune with God, to turn to Him, not just to beg him to take this away from you, but to tell him how you feel, to seek His Presence, to try to learn how to be friends with Him, to learn to be in gratitude. Maybe listening to some hymn you like over and over trying to let the words imprint your brain?

[John317]

i've told my wife, close friend and family that i've been struggling with this issue. ....

if i dont stop now, im really going to die with this sin and i dont want that. ive come too far now to stop here. so, if you dont mind please keep this soul in mind. thank you.

There's hope in Jesus, Michael. He knows your struggles and is with you in them. He will empower you to resist and overcome all known sin in your life. I also was deep into porn and other sexual addictions for a very long time, so I know from experience how Jesus gives us freedom from those habits.

If you send me your mailing address (by Private Message), I will send you (without cost to you) a book that my father wrote which has helped thousands of people. It is called You Can Be Free, by "Vaughn Allen."

Never give up praying and having hope in Jesus.

You are doing exactly the right thing by appealing for people to pray for you, because none of us can overcome these sins on our own. We need the prayers of the church.

[Woody]

There's nothing wrong with the old saying and song "one day at a time". How are you doing TODAY Michael? Hang in there buddy.

[Gail]

Thanks for sharing this heart burden. Bringing it out is the first step to reducing its power. As you see, you have many here who will support you in this spiritual battle you are waging.

I thank you also that you are desiring freedom! Christ came to give deliverance to the captives- there is hope for healing and power for the battle!

Will add you to my prayer journal for ongoing angel vigilance and help from the Holy Spirit.

Please keep us updated! (((( Michael ))))

[olger]

feel free to email me at gerry@wriapplications.com

rejoice always,

G

[Stan]

One of the biggest problems with porn, is that it gives a totally unrealistic view of what women are. Those who view it often end up thinking that all women like instant casual sex with those they have no desire to see again and they end up doing sexual things that are not common to most women. Wives need to feel special to a man sexually, and porn robs them of that.

Men end up being disappointed with their spouses, it just causes so many problems of relationships that might never get fixed.

Porn is not the only thing that distorts what relationships should be, but it is a major one.

Just my two cents.

[Gail]

One of the biggest problems with porn, is that it gives a totally unrealistic view of what women are. Those who view it often end up thinking that all women like instant casual sex with those they have no desire to see again and they end up doing sexual things that are not common to most women. Wives need to feel special to a man sexually, and porn robs them of that.

Men end up being disappointed with their spouses, it just causes so many problems of relationships that might never get fixed.

Porn is not the only thing that distorts what relationships should be, but it is a major one.

Just my two cents.

Hear, hear!!

[olger]

Amen-Stan

[Michael Leon]

i thank you all for the support and prayers. this isnt a new issue to me, but im just really sick of dealing with it. but, "one day at a time." i know that God is working with me. i dont just want it gone, i want to despise it.

i know my triggers; like stress and loneliness but it still seems impossible at times to control. then i think "what if i have kids, and they get into it?" that thought just kills me.

and it really does sells lies to the viewer and i have expected and asked my wife to do some things that i know she wouldnt be comfortable doing. my thing is, i spent so many years with females who were the same as i was. i got use to that lifestyle, and now everything is so different. i quit smoking and drinking and the Lord took away cursing from me but this one seems to have stronger grip. and i'll be honest, i love the female form. its beautiful. but still, im sick of having to look at myself knowing i just cheated on my wife in my heart. and the only thing that seems to calm it at times is to do it again. how do people stay content?

im sorry for just babbling like that. it just really helps being honest about it to people without shame. thank you all, again, for your prayers and words of encouragement. knowing that someone is praying on my behalf means so much. and i will keep you all in mine heart and prayers too.

[Woody]

We all need support Michael - just for varying reasons.

What I've learned in my life is that there really is not much that "I" can do. My only victories in life come from the one who GAVE me life - Jesus.

Some of us have to serve Jesus as sinners. He gives us kind of a thorn in the flesh. So - in whatever victory you get - Praise Him. And in whatever victories He doesn't give you - just continue to praise Him and bless Him.

[teresaq]

im sorry for just babbling like that. it just really helps being honest about it to people without shame.

There is something about pulling something out and exposing it, "to the light" as it were. It has always worked for me. Broken the power for some reason. I think it is when we struggle with something alone it has more power than we do. But when I have confessed to someone I trust, who will neither preach at or condemn me, nor make it OK, the power is broken.

But admitting a problem to someone who wants to "help" me...I walk away worse off than before.

[Pockey]

I'll be praying too.

This may help any addiction:

Many are inquiring, "How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?" You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.

Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.

Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith.

Steps To Christ Ch 5

It's like two dogs in your backyard. One is the spirit, one is the flesh. At some point those two dogs will fight. Feed and nourish one dog (the spirit) through daily devotions, daily prayer, and starve the other dog (the flesh), so when they fight, the spirit will defeat the flesh.

Must die daily.

[teresaq]

I'll be praying too.

This may help any addiction:

but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.

Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.

Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith.

Steps To Christ Ch 5

So simple. Just give our wills to God. We may not see immediate results, but that is only because the Lord leads as we are able. We are not robots and the Lord does not treat us as such...tho I suspect we often wish He would...

[Ellen]

I will pray for you and your wife. Do something special for her, it can help.

[Michael Leon]

Today was communion. It was so wonderful getting cleansed, and I know that the struggle isnt over but now i have a burst of energy and resolve that will continue to lead me to fight. thank you all for your words of encouragement and prayers. i couldnt remember all who posted and petitioned on my behalf but i also prayed, today, for your homes, struggles and that you all continue to be uplifted.

Sid, that was totally true and thank you for posting it. I gave God my will again and I'm so thankful that He is faithful. continue to keep me and my home in prayer as i will you and yours. and thank you all for being so kind and loving and not judging nor excusing my sin.

[Woody]

[phkrause]

Will continue to bring up to the Lord in pray. You and your family.

[Overaged]

I sure dont want to keep cheating my wife out of her rightful affection and attention from me. so, i'm asking complete strangers to pray for me. please.

if i dont stop now, im really going to die with this sin and i dont want that. ive come too far now to stop here. so, if you dont mind please keep this soul in mind. thank you.

I will be glad to pray for you & your family as well. It is encouraging to see the Spirit working on hearts and reforming lives. Just recognizing there is a problem, and really wanting help is the first, and biggest step. Please let us know how things are going when you can.

[LifeHiscost]

if i dont stop now, im really going to die with this sin and i dont want that. ive come too far now to stop here. so, if you dont mind please keep this soul in mind. thank you.

A few things, Michael Leon, that come to my mind. One proves beyond the shadow of a doubt the Holy Spirit is stuggling along side of you for the victory of deliverance. It is reflected in your willingness to recognize that you cannot

help yourself.

"“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing]."John 15:6 NKJV

Many of us take a lifetime before we recognize that reality. You've already admitted it openly.

Even though some of us may have undergone what appears to be exactly the same thing, it is good to remember we are each unique individuals and just because one can give us personal testimony of their victory, it may increase your faith but not necessarily develop the same way. Don't lose heart.

I'm satisfied that if the enemy of souls can make it easy to succumb to evil, the Sovereign Lord can make it easier to be victorious. And will in the time you and He get together for that purpose

I can remember when the reading of salacious material was just one thing I was stumbling over. The last time I remember it being a major effort on my part was when I stopped while riding a motor bike, to pick up what appeared to me to be a pornographic novel.

In the process I can remember thinking to myself, "Is this what I really want to do?" My answer to myself and Jesus was no. I can remember picking up the book, which actually felt like it weighed 50 pounds, struggled to get it over to the side rail of the bridge that I was stopped on and dropped it to the river that was below.

To this day, while the flesh tempts, I know it isn't the temptation that is the sin. It is the commission. And while I use to wear sinful behaviour as a garment, now I see the promise fulfilled---

"I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one."

John 17:15 NLT

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Many people are praying for you, Michael Leon. You can be sure, many have accepted these two promises.

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."James 5:15 NLT

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."Colossians 1:26 NKJV

We are praying for you, Michael, and your family.

God blesses!

[Overaged]

yes, we sure are!