Your personal temptations

[YYZ Skinhead]

Vic, thank you for posting that invaluable info. It's taking me a while to read and re-read it because ever since my mom died it has been difficult to read a lot of Scripture. I have to force myself to read verses that are God's instructions to me specifically (I believe God speaks to individuals through us reading and re-reading His Word). I used to love reading certain verses and chapters with my mom and I find myself avoiding those passages now because of the painful memories.

I can't read the post directly above this one because it will trigger another memory.

[Vic]

(12-30-2009 03:56 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote:  Vic, thank you for posting that invaluable info. It's taking me a while to read and re-read it because ever since my mom died it has been difficult to read a lot of Scripture. I have to force myself to read verses that are God's instructions to me specifically (I believe God speaks to individuals through us reading and re-reading His Word). I used to love reading certain verses and chapters with my mom and I find myself avoiding those passages now because of the painful memories.

I can't read the post directly above this one because it will trigger another memory.

Do you remember how many times you have struggled to read Scriptures. How many times we've talked about it. And how by printing the articles out, you were able to read my articles and the Scriptures. I think you should try doing that. You obviously are under much spiritual attack, because the devil does not want you to be free in Christ. He wants you on that merry-go-round of frustration and guilt and never feeling free, and always having those burdens of temptation for the old life. Be indignant about that. He thinks he can bother and interfere with what happens to you. He has no say about it.

Resist him LM. Resist the urge to not read the Scriptures. You need them. God will deliver you and you will have the peace that passes all understanding. You will have victory because of Jesus Christ already giving the victory. You know that when we belong to Christ, we are no longer the servant of sin or the devil.

LM, if there is one thing I know, I wrote that post for you. It's time to deal with the things that hold you back, that keep you captive. With Christ you can do this. We are praying for you, knowing that Christ will take you through all this and you will come out as gold. Remember I told you that Psalms are wonderful encouraging reads and you used to go read ones I mentioned on line. Try doing that too. I know the loss of your mom devastated you. And I know the pain you carry. But Scriptures tell us, Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will carry you through it all. And give the comfort you need. And the freedom. He knows everything you are feeling.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

[YYZ Skinhead]

You and your site (ministry) are a blessing from God, Vic. When you are in heaven He will show you how many souls you have led to Him so they could be saved by Him. For every one person who writes to you or posts here, God only knows how many who haven't written but have gotten saved through reading something on this site. As you told that false "rabbi", these pages are loaded with the Word of God and God promises that His Word won't come back void. Incidentally, I love Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

I was thinking precisely what you posted, that the devil is attacking me, but I was afraid to post it because it would come across as "the devil made me do it". Evil spirits like taking advantage of people who are suffering. For months I've kept getting a thought in my head, "is there a God?" Of course I know there is, but that thought is constantly popping up in my brain like every other day.

[Vic]

(12-30-2009 07:11 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote:  You and your site (ministry) are a blessing from God, Vic. When you are in heaven He will show you how many souls you have led to Him so they could be saved by Him. For every one person who writes to you or posts here, God only knows how many who haven't written but have gotten saved through reading something on this site. As you told that false "rabbi", these pages are loaded with the Word of God and God promises that His Word won't come back void. Incidentally, I love Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

I was thinking precisely what you posted, that the devil is attacking me, but I was afraid to post it because it would come across as "the devil made me do it". Evil spirits like taking advantage of people who are suffering. For months I've kept getting a thought in my head, "is there a God?" Of course I know there is, but that thought is constantly popping up in my brain like every other day.

Thank you, my friend. But you know, anyone who is helped or comes to Christ is because of Him. I am glad those things are in God's hands. I have always believed if just one person was helped, then all the time I have felt I should put in, has been worth it.

You know, saying you felt like the devil was attacking you is not the same as 'the devil made me do it. If we give in to a temptation proffered by the devil--because he is used to tempt us---is different than allowing that to turn to sin and go ahead and sin. That's our decision.

That said I was thinking about a couple more things. Each verse you read and reread becomes part of the arsenal we have for our defense. Meaning the Sword of the Spirit which follows us taking the shield of faith. So we believe Christ and we believe His Word and that is part of the faith He gives us. The Word is the sword and in that analogy, we swing it to cut down anything that is an attack.

So...lets talk resist the devil and he will flee. Resist is by making the decision to not sin-not give in to the temptation, whatever it is. Knowing that the battle is Christ's, but also knowing by making that decision to walk in faith and abide the Word of God, the devil will flee. He doesn't walk away, slither away quietly, he 'flees'.

Look at what that means>

flees G5343
φεύγω
pheugō
Thayer Definition:
1) to flee away, seek safety by flight
2) metaphorically to flee (to shun or avoid by flight) something abhorrent, especially vices
3) to be saved by flight, to escape safely out of danger
4) poetically, to flee away, vanish
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: apparently a primary verb

In other words, when we make a decision to not sin, to not give in---the devil

Think about that.

Now think if we resist him and by taking the whole armour of God onto us---we are able to stand, withstand and stand firm, unmoveable. I was thinking about this imagery.

stand G2476
ἵστημι
histēmi
Thayer Definition:
1) to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set
1a) to bid to stand by, [set up]
1a1) in the presence of others, in the midst, before judges, before members of the Sanhedrin
1a2) to place
1b) to make firm, fix establish
1b1) to cause a person or a thing to keep his or its place
1b2) to stand, be kept intact (of family, a kingdom), to escape in safety
1b3) to establish a thing, cause it to stand
1b3a) to uphold or sustain the authority or force of anything
1c) to set or place in a balance
1c1) to weigh: money to one (because in very early times before the introduction of coinage, the metals used to be weighed)
2) to stand
2a) to stand by or near
2a1) to stop, stand still, to stand immovable, stand firm
2a1a) of the foundation of a building
2b) to stand
2b1) continue safe and sound, stand unharmed, to stand ready or prepared
2b2) to be of a steadfast mind
2b3) of quality, one who does not hesitate, does not waiver
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: a prolonged form of a primary stao (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses)
Citing in TDNT: 7:638, 1082[/b]

Now think of standing firm in context of these verses:

Colossians 2:6-7 [b]As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Ephesians 3:14-21 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Think of a big tree rooted with deep roots, and it cannot be moved, or uprooted, no matter what comes.

Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

And the result of being rooted in Christ and standing firm in Him, using the shield of faith, and applying the Word of God?

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Hebrews 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Knowing Christ and His Word makes us stand fast and not be moved. Because it's about Him.

The Word of God is the Sword and every verse is part of the arsenal we have at our disposal to resist and eliminate the darts the enemy sends our way.

You said one of the thoughts that has been bothering you is, "is there a God"

So how do we deal with those annoying little popups on our computers. We have a program blocker that takes care of most of them and the ones that sneak through, we manually block them.

Same deal isn't it? Spiritually. Is there a God? Of course...and I know that Almighty God created the heavens and the earth and His love for me is beyond comprehension. I know He loved me so much He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins so I might be with Him for all eternity... oops...what was that doubting question to start with ....its gone...

Because the focus is on Christ. You need to use the defense of the Word of God.

Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

When you read and reread verses this is what you are starting do. And once it becomes not just head knowledge but heart knowledge---it keeps you from sinning.

LM, when you started this thread I believe it was because God has gotten you to the point of being tired of that repetitive stuff you listed. You want the peace and to get off the merry-go-round. That's where I was when I finally was able to have victory over that scenario. I didn't want it anymore. I didn't want to sin. I just didn't want to go through it anymore. So I didn't.

You asked how long God would let you keep going back to those temptations and falling for them. I do believe He wants you to let them go, if you haven't already. I believe He is saying To day, deal with it. Just like I had to dump the ouijii board and other junk I had, I think He is calling you to take a huge step forward and get rid of those things of the occult and physical things that cause you to sin.

You know the occult inside out and backwards. You can spot it in things in a minute. You have known it since a child. And you know how evil and destructive it is. And how against Christ it is. And I believe you want to fully live for Jesus Christ. And I do believe God is wanting you to get rid of the tarot cards, porn and other things that are used to try to lure you into sinning. Look at it all, as Christ does. Allow Him to deal with these things with you.

No one can surround themselves with things that are temptation and resist all the time. It's like waving a red flag in front of a raging bull. Our flesh says yes, even when we are saying no. As Paul described. Getting rid of those physical things doesn't mean you won't be tempted. But I suspect if you do get rid of them, God is going to do an amazing change in what is allowed to tempt you. And I suspect God is going to give you a deep sense of freedom and peace that you have never had before.

I was just reminded of a testimony of a guy who smoked a pack a day. One day he was feelign quite guilty about it. He said he had been praying about it, and then one day he simply went and put the pack in the garbage and God graciously removed all desire for them from that moment on. It isn't always like that when dealing with these difficult things. But, I am praying that God would remove those desires from you and they would be replaced with the desire to thirst after His Word, and you would no longer have any difficulty reading it. After all, He calls us to have it, so it is not in His will to keep us from it. That's the enemy that does that.

Run the race my friend. Press toward the high calling of Christ. You have the victory in Christ already. You just need to claim it.

[YYZ Skinhead]

I know people have been praying for me because today I was able to go through my "default" porn directory and get rid of the porn (there's a lot of ordinary stuff in that same folder). I had gotten rid of some of it over the last few days but there were a bunch of video clips I wanted to hold on to because I liked looking at the guy in them. I got rid of them this morning. I think God gave me an "epiphany" because the thoughts came into my head, "When I look at this guy naked I am lusting after him" and "it's forbidden to watch anyone have sex, to whom I am not married". I started to watch one video when I clicked on it but I didn't watch all of it. Once I got rid of a big bunch of them it was easier to get rid of the rest. Freed up a lot of space on HAL 8,999, too.

[Vic]

(01-10-2010 03:13 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote:  I know people have been praying for me because today I was able to go through my "default" porn directory and get rid of the porn (there's a lot of ordinary stuff in that same folder). I had gotten rid of some of it over the last few days but there were a bunch of video clips I wanted to hold on to because I liked looking at the guy in them. I got rid of them this morning. I think God gave me an "epiphany" because the thoughts came into my head, "When I look at this guy naked I am lusting after him" and "it's forbidden to watch anyone have sex, to whom I am not married". I started to watch one video when I clicked on it but I didn't watch all of it. Once I got rid of a big bunch of them it was easier to get rid of the rest. Freed up a lot of space on HAL 8,999, too.

I am so proud of you LM. Yes people have been praying and I know God has been at work, but you writing this is the most wonderful news. What a huge step for you. Keep going my friend as God leads. And let Him clean out all the things that can hinder you. And then you are going to run the race in a whole new way.

Praising God for your desire to please Him and His grace to follow through on these important steps. Praising HIm also for answered prayer.

[Rose of Shushan]

YYZ that is just awesome!!!
what great news YYZ!

I think that by holding onto various items and stuff on your PC you were still not totally ready to part with all the things that held you bound.And that in itself kept you bound so to speak.Like Lot's wife who looked back.
In getting rid of all this stuff,(and I know it cannot have been easy!!) its like youve come to the point where you really mean business.Prior to this a part of you was still holding,deep down, on to the stuff that had you bound even though your mind knew it was wrong. While we of ourselves dont have the strength and ability many times to address it on our own ,what we have to do,like Vic said is resist.And really really want the sin/sins out of the way.And that is when God steps in.God never forces us into anything and can only try and make us aware of how its affecting us.There comes a time where we want to much to be free of the sins and what they lead to.A time that we hit rock bottom so to speak and really want out and acknowlege we ourselves cant do it.
Its so encouraging to read your post on this! Will continue praying and thank you so much for sharing all of this.I'm sure many people have been as encouraged as I have reading the posts in this thread.

[YYZ Skinhead]

Thank you for praying for me. I feel as though an addiction monkey has been lifted off my back.

[YYZ Skinhead]

This is going to sound very odd, but after I deleted the porn I had a "vision" of some big object detaching itself from my back and shoulders and flying out of my room through a wall. When I say I have a vision, I don't mean a prophecy. It's difficult to describe to people who have not been heavily into the occult/Paganism. A metaphorical image just popped into my head. I write poetry and I tend to think in metaphors. Years ago I had another "vision" of looking at a porn site and seeing a door into hell or at least into the demonic realm. I ought to have paid heed to that "vision" when it happened.
Again, thank all of you for praying for me.
P.S. I love those little dancing guys (and girls), especially the choir.

[Vic]

(01-11-2010 12:01 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote:  This is going to sound very odd, but after I deleted the porn I had a "vision" of some big object detaching itself from my back and shoulders and flying out of my room through a wall. When I say I have a vision, I don't mean a prophecy. It's difficult to describe to people who have not been heavily into the occult/Paganism. A metaphorical image just popped into my head. I write poetry and I tend to think in metaphors. Years ago I had another "vision" of looking at a porn site and seeing a door into hell or at least into the demonic realm. I ought to have paid heed to that "vision" when it happened.
Again, thank all of you for praying for me.
P.S. I love those little dancing guys (and girls), especially the choir.

I knew God would give you a real sense of freedom and deliverance from all those things that have so burdened you and controlled you. That it felt like something physically removed from you is not really an uncommon sense. Although the thing flying out might not be as common. But you have been so involved with the occult to be aware of being delivered from it is so important and as I said, such a huge step. God has really done an amazing thing in your life. I hope you have dealt with all the other occult things and articles that you know Christ does not want you to focus on.

I knew He would deliver you and give you a sense of freedom that you have not had before.

Now you need to dig in and know the battle really is His. If you ever feel temptation for those things---resist and the devil You are going to see such a difference in your life I believe.