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I know what it is to be addicted to pornography. For years I was in bondage to it. I tried so many times in my own strength to overcome it, but I always failed. Then one day, while I was looking at pornography, the Spirit of God spoke to me and said that if Christ came back at that moment, that I would go to hell. That word really shook me up and made me understand how seriously God takes sin. God is jealous for our time and affections. Christ is coming back for a pure bride. He’s given us a weapon, the Word of God. That is how we overcome any temptation to sin. All people are tempted. Even Christ was tempted. He didn’t sin and we don’t have to either. Here are some verses that I use to overcome temptation.

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Psalm 101:3

I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

Job 31:1

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1 Corinthians 9:27

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:5

I could list dozens of other scriptures that have helped me, but that will get you started. If you are addicted to pornography or anything else evil, take heart! God wants to set you free by you realizing the power of your choices. If you say NO to a bad temptation, then you will be on your way to victory. Say YES to godly influences found in the Bible, the Word of God. It definitely takes the WHOLE heart to overcome in this world, but be of good cheer, Christ has overcome the world. When we walk in His footsteps, we overcome the world too.

God has a way of doing things that is usually contrary to how man would do it. There are answers to life’s questions in the Bible, the Word of God. All we need is a humble heart to receive the blessings that God has prepared for each of us. God doesn’t say much about borrowing in His Word, but even if He says it just one time, it behooves us to listen to what He has to say and obey it from the heart.

For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.

Deuteronomy 15:6

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

Deuteronomy 28:12

God told His people Israel that He would bless them if they listen to His voice. Our obedience to God’s Word is required before God can bless us. When we obey God, it opens the windows of heaven and God pours out a blessing. He seeks for the man or woman that will do what He commands in His Word. Concerning money, God has said “thou shalt not borrow”.

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

So now it’s clear why God didn’t want Israel to borrow. He wanted to bless them, not put them into bondage! Debt of any kind is bondage. Christ came so that you would have life and life more abundant.

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Matthew 5:42

God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). If you are in debt to others, how can you be a giver? God wants us to be generous to others, because He is generous! He wants to give financially through you! The first step is to get out of debt.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Instead of going further into debt, it’s time to make a stand and say “No More!”. It’s time to have a monthly budget so you can see where your money is truly going. God will help, but He helps us as we take accountability for our actions. There are 2 books I recommend by Dave Ramsey. They are Financial Peace and The Total Money Makeover. Both are excellent and will guide you on a path to becoming debt-free! Remember the Word of God, “Thou shalt not borrow”. If you purpose to get out of debt, God will be on your side as you obey Him in all things.

I’ve been struggling with losing weight. I decided to take a look at what I’m putting in my body. It was common for me to eat out at fast food restaurants and to supplement that with snacks from the gas station across the street. Not only was that unhealthy, but it was draining my bank account. There is a price to pay for the convenience of fast food, financially, physically and spiritually.

I decided to limit my diet to $150 per month. This forces me to cut out all unnecessary expenditures and to buy cheap food at the grocery store. So for the past month I’ve been eating small meals at home, usually twice a day. This has primarily been:

• Eggs
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Sandwiches
• Pasta
• Ramen
• Cheap fruit (grapes, bananas, apples, oranges, grapefruit)

I haven’t gotten sick of this diet yet. It’s helpful to remember that a large percentage of the world eats a simple diet. We are spoiled with all the options we have in America. This also has contributed to all the health problems that we endure. I’m looking for simplicity. I’ll listen to my body and make changes to my diet, if necessary.

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Philippians 3:18-19

I don’t want my belly to be my god anymore. A good Christian is a self disciplined Christian.

Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Ecclesiastes 10:17

God never designed us to feast on physical food. We were made to feast on the spiritual food, God’s Word. We can’t get fat on that!

So to summarize, I’ve decided to eat a simple diet to the glory of God. I’ve stopped drinking pop because when I drink it, it makes me feel bad. I will eat for strength and not for drunkenness. I will be a good steward of the money God gives me. If you are looking to change your life for the better, then I challenge you to join me on my quest. God bless you as you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.