THE BEST SPIRITUAL WAY TO FIGHT TEMPTATION

[Gordon 7]

About 1% of people who come to a quitting forum are totally done with their habit. They will work 24 hours a day to fight it. They will read books, and articles, take notes, fill up journals, pray, and no matter how much it takes, they will do it.

But... most of us make up the 99% for a long time. We try a few new things to fight back, and then try something new when that first thing did not cause a miracle.

I am going on vacation for 7 days. This week consider finding 7 new habits that you will implement daily this week (and this year). Do everything and anything it takes to make these new things habits. Even if you fall on the day you do all of them, do all of them the next day.

Realize... daily Bible reading is a key to success. And prayer, and turning rapidly from lust etc. But, if you are still part of the 99% almost anything you try will not work at some point. Sure, the verses for quitting will help you fight off temptation real good. But, if you are part of the 99% it will be hard to make doing that a permanent habit.

The key point is, believe that your 7 new habits are changing you dramatically. No matter what happens believe that the 7 new habits will change your mind.

When I fell my last few times my mind was so changed that I literally thought, “I am ruining my week and probably my month by going back to this garbage.” But I still went back, and I felt really stupid about myself.
Consider praying: "Father, show me what You want me to do."

Success

But then finally, my new habits which led to my new thinking put me in the 1%.

 

[I@andothis]

I wrote a thread called how Jesus overcame temptation. But, within a few days, I was back to fighting temptation the way I like to fight it. I like to pray when I am tempted. Praying when you are tempted is a great idea. Keep doing that. But when you feel yourself starting to fall it might be a good idea to do exactly what Jesus did when he was tempted. Jesus fought temptation with the Word.

We struggle to quit because we either don't completely believe the Bible or because we don't know the Bible. Below are my top 40 list of Bible verses for quitting porn. I can guarantee you that I believe the Bible. So my problem is that I don't know these Bible verses the way I should.

Just look at the first verse. Darkness is code for no joy. A bit of short-term evil fun, but no joy. And when we don't truly repent, how great is the darkness. This verse pretty much says that lust and porn lead to depression. And if we keep bouncing back and forth between sin and Jesus we can still sometimes feel that darkness a week or two later.

We always talk about skills for quitting. Toughness is today's tip. Life beats us up again and we need to increase toughness to overcome P. Pray, “Father, take away my spirit of lust and help me to be tough."

I bring this up because we need to read the Bible, spend time in prayer and increase our skills and habits for quitting. But at the key moment of temptation, we fight back with the Bible exactly the way Jesus did. There is power in the Word. Print it out, try it, believe it.


TOP 40 VERSES FOR QUITTING

Matthew 6:22-23
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Romans 6:12 ESV
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

James 1:14-15
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Psalm 119:37
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Matthew 5:27-29
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.

Matthew 26:41 ESV
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Proverbs 6:25 ESV
Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;

Matthew 5:8 ESV
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 ESV
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

John 10:10 ESV /
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Psalm 101:3 ESV
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

Romans 6:16 ESV
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

2 Timothy 2:22 ESV
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Ephesians 5:5 ESV
For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 ESV
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;

1 John 2:16 ESV
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Hebrews 13:4 ESV /
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

Philippians 4:8 ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Colossians 3:1-10
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ...

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Job 31:1 ESV
“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?

John 14:15 ESV
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

1 Corinthians 6:13 ESV
“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

Galatians 5:1 ESV

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Gordon-
I can't thank you enough for creating some of the groundwork for me by providing all of these verses. If it's okay, I'd like to use these for myself and my recovery from PMO.

 

[Gordon 7]

Quitting addiction is like building a pyramid. We add a lot of great daily habits to form a strong foundation. Then we build higher and higher with more and more good habits. Finally, we add one last great habit at the top and we quit for good.

Consider praying: “Father, show me what habits I need to have every day.”

Obviously, this site has ideas for dozens of habits. So, if you study and pray, Almighty God might just start showing you a clearer path.

Build your pyramid with daily habits. When you keep at it, someday you will only be one habit away from the top.

 

[Gordon 7]

Gordon-
I can't thank you enough for creating some of the groundwork for me by providing all of these verses. If it's okay, I'd like to use these for myself and my recovery from PMO.

I would love it if everyone would use them. God bless.

 

[I@andothis]

Quitting addiction is like building a pyramid. We add a lot of great daily habits to form a strong foundation. Then we build higher and higher with more and more good habits. Finally, we add one last great habit at the top and we quit for good.

Consider praying: “Father, show me what habits I need to have every day.”

Obviously, this site has ideas for dozens of habits. So, if you study and pray, Almighty God might just start showing you a clearer path.

Build your pyramid with daily habits. When you keep at it, someday you will only be one habit away from the top.

Gordon-
You are absolutely correct in building good, and my point of view, biblical habits. For so long I gave up the good habits I had and traded them in for poor habits. I am realizing also, that if I am to succeed at becoming free from PMO, I must daily participate in these good habits -REGARDLESS OF HOW I FEEL! I have to "pull the weeds" and "start planting the flowers."

Thanks for your encouragement.

Day 8 - 7/3/2022 By the Grace of God

 

[Gordon 7]

Yesterday I wrote about building a pyramid of great new activities which will greatly assist you. But, the challenge is remembering to do them. You can try sticky notes on your mirror, phone alarms, accountability partners, notes on your desk or calendar. You can develop codes so that the whole world does not know what is going on: While working I wrote TAFS a zillion times, it means – Turn aggressively from sin.

When building your pyramid the base must be solid. Firstly, how to have a weak base.

You join 3 softball teams because you are going to be active so that you can quit. But... say you do that but you ignore working on turning aggressively from lust. This is why it is so wise to follow this daily process:

Repent fully, then pray: “Father, show me what to do.”

Joining 3 softball teams is a good idea. But doing that plus reminding yourself to turn from lust every inning is a great idea (I often prayed, “Father help me to turn aggressively from sin,” 20-25 times daily when I was tempted). With that addition, now you are building your base (Turning from lust) and building upwards in your pyramid.

Secondly, pray the “Show me” prayer because I don't know your past or present. God does. Over time He wants to give you special help for your special situation.

Thirdly, there is power in “To Do.” Doing everything we know to quit, then asking the Almighty what He wants you to do to quit = increased power. Asking the Almighty what He wants you to do in life = increased power. Turning aggressively from sin = increased power in your life.

Lastly, consider reading quitting articles every day with a piece of paper with a triangle on it. Write “Daily Habits” at the bottom of the triangle. As you study, put in vital information close to the base of your pyramid.

Over the next 30 days, see if you can “Do” the vital daily habits from the base of your pyramid every day.

 

[I@andothis]

Yesterday I wrote about building a pyramid of great new activities which will greatly assist you. But, the challenge is remembering to do them. You can try sticky notes on your mirror, phone alarms, accountability partners, notes on your desk or calendar. You can develop codes so that the whole world does not know what is going on: While working I wrote TAFS a zillion times, it means – Turn aggressively from sin.

When building your pyramid the base must be solid. Firstly, how to have a weak base.

You join 3 softball teams because you are going to be active so that you can quit. But... say you do that but you ignore working on turning aggressively from lust. This is why it is so wise to follow this daily process:

Repent fully, then pray: “Father, show me what to do.”

Joining 3 softball teams is a good idea. But doing that plus reminding yourself to turn from lust every inning is a great idea (I often prayed, “Father help me to turn aggressively from sin,” 20-25 times daily when I was tempted). With that addition, now you are building your base (Turning from lust) and building upwards in your pyramid.

Secondly, pray the “Show me” prayer because I don't know your past or present. God does. Over time He wants to give you special help for your special situation.

Thirdly, there is power in “To Do.” Doing everything we know to quit, then asking the Almighty what He wants you to do to quit = increased power. Asking the Almighty what He wants you to do in life = increased power. Turning aggressively from sin = increased power in your life.

Lastly, consider reading quitting articles every day with a piece of paper with a triangle on it. Write “Daily Habits” at the bottom of the triangle. As you study, put in vital information close to the base of your pyramid.

Over the next 30 days, see if you can “Do” the vital daily habits from the base of your pyramid every day.

Gordon-
You present some great analogies, the pyramid, and softball teams. If I'm understanding you correctly, I think I hear you say, "I can join all the teams in the world and try to build the highest pyramid but I have to move beyond "good intentions" and create specific habits that will aggressively help me with my recovery. I have to daily turn those good intentions into some type of action that will continue to move me forward. When creating these action plans I also have to plan for the future when stress is high and I feel like I'm at my lowest." As I write this response, I keep thinking about putting on the Full Armor of God. The armor is there for the taking/using but it's up to me to actually put it on and then use it in the manner which God intended.

Today is Day 9 and I have been diligent to post every day to Reboot Nation and YourBrainRebalanced. I have started a daily devotion entitled, "Just Breathe: Hope and Help for those drowning in the pain of Addiction." There were some complications with the first AP that I was emailing and I don't know if that will continue to work out. I might have found a different AP on the other website but we've not be able to really start emailing yet, most likely because of the 4th of July. I am also being consistent with my ReMojo Journal.

Thank you again and I'm praying for you as well.

Day 9 - 7/4/2022

 

[Gordon 7]

Today I am going to use this parable in regards to how satan tricks us into p again. Verse 19 says some hear the message but don't understand it.

I have heard/read every chapter in Matthew a few hundred times. Why? So that I understand it better.

People say wrong things about the Bible every minute. But... they don't fool me. I know what it says. I often listened to 3-4 chapters daily on CD on my way to or from work. Twenty years ago I knew the Scripture but I did not understand it. But... over the years I listened read and submitted to scripture. And at some point, I started to understand it (a bit anyway).

Today, I value daily scripture reading as vital.

Verse 21 says, “They have no root.” Many come to this site, but some fail to make it a daily habit to read a few articles every day. Instead, visit daily no matter what. Try to implement new ideas into your day. Practice positive addictions. That is how you grow your root deep.

Verse 22 writes about how the thorns choke the Word. We want more money or things. We have problems.

Always be aware that satan will use money, things, problems, or anything else to sink you. But when we have daily habits of prayer, fighting sin and addictions, and Bible study, they take us away from the thorns and point us back towards Christ again.

Consider praying: “Father, show me what thorns I am allowing to grow.”

If this is a problem consider memorizing verse 22: But the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

America says, “The one with the most money and toys wins.” Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Lastly, verse 23 writes about a person who hears, understands, and follows Christ producing a huge crop.

When you become that person, problems get way smaller. Joy gets way bigger. Self-control starts to be real. Problems start to be solved. For the original article click
https://forum.nofap.com/index.php?threads/rock-or-clay.327893/

 

[I@andothis]

I really like what Gordon 7 had to say and the scripture he provided. Gordon, way to go, and could biblical content.

So, last night I started to experience a lot of fear which eventually led to an even higher level of anxiety. I listened to a few lessons from ReMojo to re-focus my attention. It took a little while and the fear and anxiety gradually went away and I was able to have a better night when going to sleep.

This morning when writing in my journal I took another "good" step in the right direction and wrote down the following verses:
1. Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
While in the midst of the hurricane of PMO I had forgotten that my Heavenly Father has "plans" for me. He has actually thought about my life in detail and created a direction for me to go. When I follow God's plan for my life, then, and only then, can God's plan be activated. My Heavenly Father's plans for me are, "...plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future." Satan's PMO spiral of death plan only brought anger, frustration, shame, guilt, fear, and embarrassment. Those are plans to destroy me, and you, while God's plans are to lift me up so I can be free.
2. Isaish 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
This verse tells me that there is absolutely no reason to be fearful. Essentially, God's got this. Each new day as I submit to Him through my daily devotions, prayer, and worship, My Heavenly Father will strengthen me, He will help me, and He will uphold me with His righteous right hand. My Heavenly Father cares enough about me to be with me in the midst of my PMO struggle and strengthen me each new day. How cool is that?
2. 1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
This is such an impactful verse for me. In Jeremiah 29 I learned that God has a plan for me - God is giving me something, a new plan/life. In Isaiah 41 I learned that God is with me, strengthening me - God is giving me help, and hope, and I am being held up by my Heavenly Father's own hand. Now, in 1 Peter God says I get to give Him something, my anxieties. Wait! That doesn't seem fair. God is giving me so much just so I can be with Him and all I have to offer Him is my anxieties. That's not an even trade if you ask me. But, wait. What is the reason God is in agreement with this uneven trade? Again, it's rather simple, 1 Peter 5:7 continues to say, "... because He cares for you." God cares for little ole me, and you. Really, if you think about it, there is no other reason God wants to be in my life. He does not want to manipulate me, to does not want to strongarm me. He does not want my money (I don't have any anyway, lol). The verse just simply says, "...because He cares for you." Period. No if's, and's, or buts about it. God cares for me - and you.

I don't know if I will ever be able to fully understand God's Grace and what exactly it means as it's applied to my life, but I ask for it every day

Day 11 - 7/6/2022

 

[Gordon 7]

Great points.

 

[Gordon 7]

A decent percentage of our joy depends on what we look at. Satan knows this and he will attack with his temptations for short-term fun. How do we react to his attack? We copy what Jesus did, that's how. Jesus' response to satans attack was to say, “Get thee behind me satan.” We can say that, and we can say, “You want my life filled with destruction for the week and the month. I am not buying what you are selling this time.”

Then, while we watch TV, satan will present his temptation and tell you to think, “I want this more than anything.” But instead, we quote to him:

Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” And you immediately run from the sin.

Then you are out and about on a hot summer day. Satan tells you how spectacular that woman is (who is not wearing close to enough clothing). But, following Jesus' example we quote to him:

Colossians 3:5 ESV Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

Put to death. Ouch. I need to do that.

Idolatry... lust... I hope not.

Websters say idolatry is an immoderate attachment or devotion to something. Noooooooo.

I don't think looking is a good idea anymore.


That's how it works. The more verses we quote, the more we come to our senses. For the full article click https://forum.nofap.com/index.php?threads/how-jesus-overcame-temptation.321738/

 

[Gordon 7]

Today I was working on my poison Ivy again. I started eight years ago, but I did not know I needed to dig out the root. I have spent countless hours working on it, spraying it, digging at it, but... the root is 15-18 inches deep, and I just have never solved the problem. Two years ago my brother said, “Just dig it out.” I did dig a lot of it out last summer, but, I never got to the bottom of the two vines with the deepest roots.

I am not highly skilled at getting rid of it.

Overcoming lust is often very deep-rooted. Anyone who reads my last 8 articles might say, “Wow, you are recommending a lot of change. This is a lot of work.”

Back to the Poison Ivy. My brother just dug the root out and he was done. I used the easy method. I fiddled around with the Ivy a lot. I tried quick fixes. I bought special poison Ivy spray. But... I still have not dug up the root. Now it does not seem easier. The Ivy is still flourishing.

If you just read my last 12 articles you realize that it is a lot of work to dig lust out. But really there are just two choices in your approach. First, you can work at it, try quick fixes, and give it your best shot. Or, you can do a lot of work and change and dig out the root.

It takes 66 days on average to form a new habit or quit an old habit. The best way to quit old habits is to form new habits to replace them. When you dig out the root it is still going to take a while. 60 days if your habit is not so severe. Maybe 90 days or longer if it is severe. Maybe even years longer.

But, when you dig out the root, the habit is dead.

Secondly, I am 60 years old. I promise you that you can't even imagine the destruction that lust will cost you. The list of things it affects is endless.

Tomorrow I am starting on a digging spree with poison ivy. I guess I have two choices. I can fiddle around with it again this year, or... I can change, develop new habits, put in the work, and dig until every last deep root is dug out.

 

[I@andothis]

Today I was working on my poison Ivy again. I started eight years ago, but I did not know I needed to dig out the root. I have spent countless hours working on it, spraying it, digging at it, but... the root is 15-18 inches deep, and I just have never solved the problem. Two years ago my brother said, “Just dig it out.” I did dig a lot of it out last summer, but, I never got to the bottom of the two vines with the deepest roots.

I am not highly skilled at getting rid of it.

Overcoming lust is often very deep-rooted. Anyone who reads my last 8 articles might say, “Wow, you are recommending a lot of change. This is a lot of work.”

Back to the Poison Ivy. My brother just dug the root out and he was done. I used the easy method. I fiddled around with the Ivy a lot. I tried quick fixes. I bought special poison Ivy spray. But... I still have not dug up the root. Now it does not seem easier. The Ivy is still flourishing.

If you just read my last 12 articles you realize that it is a lot of work to dig lust out. But really there are just two choices in your approach. First, you can work at it, try quick fixes, and give it your best shot. Or, you can do a lot of work and change and dig out the root.

It takes 66 days on average to form a new habit or quit an old habit. The best way to quit old habits is to form new habits to replace them. When you dig out the root it is still going to take a while. 60 days if your habit is not so severe. Maybe 90 days or longer if it is severe. Maybe even years longer.

But, when you dig out the root, the habit is dead.

Secondly, I am 60 years old. I promise you that you can't even imagine the destruction that lust will cost you. The list of things it affects is endless.

Tomorrow I am starting on a digging spree with poison ivy. I guess I have two choices. I can fiddle around with it again this year, or... I can change, develop new habits, put in the work, and dig until every last deep root is dug out.

Gordon-
I really like your poison ivy journey and how it relates to the deep-rooted issues that we deal with on a daily basis. It is so on point about what goes on in our lives about lust, temptation, and then acting out in some way. While reading your post I thought of the phrase we use sometimes, "Just nip it in the bud." I'm sure there are many horticultural applications for that phrase but for this post, I liken it to what you stated of just "...spraying it, digging at it, but..."

After reading my daily devotion for today I then came out to Reboot to catch up on the various posts I'm following, and also, to add to my journal. Your post and my daily devotion fit together so well. The premise for my devotion is the need to forgive those people in our lives that have hurt us. If we do not resolve those issues then we (I/me) essentially choose to carry that hurt, thus affecting our current daily life. There have been many nights where I purposefully choose to replay the negative tapes in my head of how other people have hurt me. Those mental games eventually led me to say to myself, "Those people hurt me, therefore, I deserve to spend a few hours of PMO. After reading my devotion and then your post, it looks like I have some digging to do.

Can I be honest? I'm feeling a little bipolar on this one. On one side of the digging argument, I fully understand the need and reasons to dig out the deep roots of bitterness I have for these people that have hurt me. I need to forgive them and stop carrying around that baggage of things that were said to me and done to me, 10-15 years ago. The other side of the digging argument is the mental tapes running in my head that say, "They hurt me! They don't deserve forgiveness. It's not fair what they did or said to me. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Forgiving these people, and then more importantly, intentionally choosing to NOT replay the tapes in my head will be a huge challenge for me. I need to do some digging this week and like your poison ivy journey, I need to go deep on this one. Wondering if you happen to have any type of heavy equipment, like a bulldozer I can borrow? lol I'll share a verse from my devotional in just a moment, but I also want to share the little bit I know about forgiveness.

When you forgive someone else for the things they did to you, it really has no effect on that other person. However, forgiving another person has a huge impact on your own/my own life. It sets me free from those old events and puts them under the blood of Christ and at the foot of the cross.

Here's my "digging" verse for this week:
Colossians 3:13 - Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Thank you Gordon once again. May you have a blessed week and you continue on your victory journey.

Day 15 - 7/10/2022 - Zero PMO

 

[Gordon 7]

Lately, I have been close to being obedient to scripture. Close to doing God's will. But when I live this way, frustration increases and motivation decreases.

I need to memorize Psalm 16:11 ESV

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

When we decide to be fully dedicated the Bible says: Psalm 32:8 ESV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Life is great when we insist on the straight path. When we do that, God shows us what “to do.”

Consider praying: “Father, help me to be a fire burning for you.”

When we sell ourselves out to be a burning fire for God, He instructs us, He counsels us. Psalm 16:11 starts to become true for us.

The Feb. 26th article and this article give us a lot of keys for finding joy. Consider filling out your pyramid for quitting with some of these ideas. Because the best ideas for quitting are sometimes the ones that show us how to experience God's pleasures.

 

[I@andothis]

Lately, I have been close to being obedient to scripture. Close to doing God's will. But when I live this way, frustration increases and motivation decreases.

I need to memorize Psalm 16:11 ESV

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

When we decide to be fully dedicated the Bible says: Psalm 32:8 ESV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Life is great when we insist on the straight path. When we do that, God shows us what “to do.”

Consider praying: “Father, help me to be a fire burning for you.”

When we sell ourselves out to be a burning fire for God, He instructs us, He counsels us. Psalm 16:11 starts to become true for us.

The Feb. 26th article and this article give us a lot of keys for finding joy. Consider filling out your pyramid for quitting with some of these ideas. Because the best ideas for quitting are sometimes the ones that show us how to experience God's pleasures.

Gordon-
I always appreciate your insight and sharing. It is very encouraging for me. Thank you.

Today, when reading my devotion I came across Colossians 2:7 and immediately thought of your poison ivy story. Here is the verse, "Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

For many of us on this journey, we have to pull out the poison ivy/weeds. Often pulling out the weeds can be very difficult. We have to first identify the weed, figure out if it's more important to keep it or get rid of it, begin the process of digging it up, and then try to figure out what to replace it with. This week I am making an intentional decision to work on forgiving those people in my life that have hurt me by what they have said to me or done to me. I'm choosing to let go of the resentment, bitterness, and anger I've held on to for 10-15 years. Sunday, I identified the fact that I need to work on this - I identified the weed. Yesterday, I fully understood that it is more important for me to deal with these hurt feelings than to allow them to hang around my neck like a millstone. Then I began the digging process of making a list to identify these people and how they hurt me. Today, I will begin the process of writing out a letter to each one and put it in the mail. So, I've done, and am going through the process of digging up the resentment weed and now I am choosing to replace it by "...letting my life be built on Him." As I continue this weed-pulling process I am eagerly looking forward to seeing how my faith in Christ will grow stronger in truth, and how much more I will be "thankful" for the things God has given me.

There are two things you said in your last post that has stood out to me. The first is, "I need..." This is a purposeful statement that says I am choosing to move forward. The second is "Life is great when we insist..." I like that. I think there is a passive insisting and an assertive insisting. The passive insisting, for me, is when I just gave up and let the problems of life overtake me. I felt like a dead jellyfish that had been washed up on the beach and I passively insisted on bringing PMO into my life. Your statement goes on to say, "...when we insist on the straight path." For me, that is aggressively insisting on changing my habits so that God can show me what His good and perfect will for my life is.

Last verse for the day... "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

My blessings to you Gordon and keep up the good fight.

Day 17 - 7/12/2022 Zero PMO By the Grace of God

 

[Gordon 7]

Mark Shaw wrote in his great book “The heart of addiction:”

“Physical addiction occurs when you repeatedly satisfy a natural appetite and desire with a temporary pleasure until you become the servant of the temporary object of pleasure rather than its master. You can use the temporarily pleasurable substance to escape, but in reality, you find that you are enslaved rather than free. Addiction is a trap that lets you think that you will be “free” when you really become a “slave.”

Romans 6:16 “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

19 I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.”

Many are put off by my “We need to go to war with all sin” sayings. But... we are either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness.

Secondly, yesterday I got a bit sloppy with my TV viewing. Although I did not “fall” my joy level fell.

Today I am going to be aggressive about turning from lust. Praying in advance of any tempting situations and practicing turning aggressively from temptation.

Consider praying: “Father, help me to turn aggressively from lust” as many times as it takes to keep stable.

Consider praying: “Father, show me how being a slave to righteousness is a key to my joy.”

Memorize Romans 6:16. We will be a slave to either sin or a slave to obedience. Please choose the choice that God recommends.
For the full article click https://forum.nofap.com/index.php?threads/the-bible-says.328125/

Gordon-
I always appreciate your insight and sharing. It is very encouraging for me. Thank you.

Today, when reading my devotion I came across Colossians 2:7 and immediately thought of your poison ivy story. Here is the verse, "Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

For many of us on this journey, we have to pull out the poison ivy/weeds. Often pulling out the weeds can be very difficult. We have to first identify the weed, figure out if it's more important to keep it or get rid of it, begin the process of digging it up, and then try to figure out what to replace it with. This week I am making an intentional decision to work on forgiving those people in my life that have hurt me by what they have said to me or done to me. I'm choosing to let go of the resentment, bitterness, and anger I've held on to for 10-15 years. Sunday, I identified the fact that I need to work on this - I identified the weed. Yesterday, I fully understood that it is more important for me to deal with these hurt feelings than to allow them to hang around my neck like a millstone. Then I began the digging process of making a list to identify these people and how they hurt me. Today, I will begin the process of writing out a letter to each one and put it in the mail. So, I've done, and am going through the process of digging up the resentment weed and now I am choosing to replace it by "...letting my life be built on Him." As I continue this weed-pulling process I am eagerly looking forward to seeing how my faith in Christ will grow stronger in truth, and how much more I will be "thankful" for the things God has given me.

There are two things you said in your last post that has stood out to me. The first is, "I need..." This is a purposeful statement that says I am choosing to move forward. The second is "Life is great when we insist..." I like that. I think there is a passive insisting and an assertive insisting. The passive insisting, for me, is when I just gave up and let the problems of life overtake me. I felt like a dead jellyfish that had been washed up on the beach and I passively insisted on bringing PMO into my life. Your statement goes on to say, "...when we insist on the straight path." For me, that is aggressively insisting on changing my habits so that God can show me what His good and perfect will for my life is.

Last verse for the day... "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

My blessings to you Gordon and keep up the good fight.

Day 17 - 7/12/2022 Zero PMO By the Grace of God

We can all learn from how you "surgically" identified things that keep you from God's joy and keep you in the muck. Then you replaced those things with great things. Great advice.

 

[Gordon 7]

90% of our problems come from either – not enough passion for God's will, (David always had a huge passion), or from not running from sin like Joseph habitually did.

Prayer increases our passion and Bible verses teach us to be ready to run like Joseph. When we add passion to a habit of running from lust, we might just change the world as Joseph did.
For the full article click https://forum.nofap.com/index.php?forums/christian-fapstronauts-forum.49/

 

[Gordon 7]

It is wise to reset often during the day. Many start their day with Bible study and prayer and a commitment to turn from lust. But at some “change” in the day, determination starts to slide. One key to success is to know when or where those changes happen. Often things like going home, starting to watch TV, or even going on lunch break can be where things change.

One example is – you finish your work, eat supper, and... you have nothing you want to do. At a major point like this, a full reset is vital.

A full reset is reading one chapter from the New Testament. 5-15 minutes of prayer and 3-4 verses for quitting. If needed, repentance is part of this process.

At some points, you may only have time for a partial reset. You might only have time for a couple of verses, and a minute or two of prayer. But whichever reset is needed, it is important because bad thoughts bring darkness into our lives. Scripture and prayer turn the light back on in our lives.

Obviously, a reset is different from the technique needed for all-out temptation. But, if you identify times in your day where your resistance starts to fade, a reset can really help.

Repentance plus reset gets our light shining brightly. In that condition, it is much easier to look at your list of activities and to be okay with doing them.

Consider writing down the times where resets might be helpful all week.

Plan – execute the plan – stay in the light.

 

[Gordon 7]

Kevin Halloran wrote: “We need to take our fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil seriously. A good athlete studies his opponents on film and replays his own defeats, trying to find moments of weakness he can learn from and strengthen.

We should be as crafty as we can in formulating strategies to fight acting out on lust. Brainstorm what lies you have believed and counter them with the truth. Analyze your life and common times you are susceptible to temptation, and structure your life in a way that allows you to fight back. In Christ, you are not a slave to sin but have everything you need for living a godly life and overcoming temptation.”

Analyze when you believe satan's lies. Write down times of the day/night when temptation increases, places where it increases, and situations where it increases.

Lastly analyze whether you need to stop doing something, or simply plan a reset to get through the issue safely.

Finally, please trust me about the destruction lust brings. It's a lot. Therefore... spend extra time adding quitting articles to your Google Docs or Word file this week. Study the good ones, pray over them, and start using them to build new habits in your life. That is how you change from living for short bursts of pleasure, and start to exchange it for increasing long-term (and short-term) joy.

 

[Gordon 7]

I am planning a new collection of verses. The verses for quitting have a lot of the best verses for a lust habit, but there are plenty more great verses out there.

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

We all want what this verse says, and this verse is great for fighting sin habits. To pursue righteousness, and make this verse come to life, consider making a list of verses about righteousness and meditating on them. Next, do the same thing with verses about love. Next, see how many days it takes for God's promise of life, prosperity and honor to happen. Next, add power verse number two.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

Secondly, pray: “Father, show you me the way that I should go.” When we are willing to do what God wants us to do, there is tremendous power in this prayer.

Here is a list of exciting verses:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:11-16 KJV

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Collossians 3:1-3

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1 Peter 3:10-13 KJV

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:5

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; John 14:15-17 KJV

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6