Questions

While I do not want to underestimate that you are in bondage to a full blown addiction, I do want to say that often times we are blinded by the power that we hold in just doing some simple things that Jesus commanded.    Now mind you– they are so simple that people often get mad and say “there is no way…”  but Jesus said that with Him, all things are possible.   Why would He tell us how to do (or not do) something if it were not possible?    So.  Here goes.

When you’ve tried everything else, try stopping.  😉

1. Remove that which besets you.    Is it your smart phone?   Get rid of it.   Is it your lap top or home computer?  Get rid of it.   What?  You can’t do that?  Or you won’t do that?   Will you find every excuse as to why you can’t or do you want freedom enough to go to the extreme… at least for a little while to begin making new and righteous habits.

2. Accountability.   Are you using it or utilizing it?  Two totally different things.   If you have “tried” accountability with someone(s) and it’s not working then you’re not doing it right.  Suggestion:  read OPEN or go through the OPEN workshop.

3. Serve others.    Get outside of yourself and your situation and find ways to serve others.   Serving others takes us out of isolation and puts us in a “doing” mode which is better than too much time on our hands.

4. Spend time in prayer and in the Word daily.   Especially when you don’t feel like it.

5. Seek out like-minded community– consider X3groups or a Celebrate Recovery group.

Lastly- keep short accounts with God and be good to yourself by setting yourself up for a win.   Looking for workarounds or loopholes is only setting yourself up for failure.

Best wishes

How can a dream be a sin?  It happens when you are not awake.   You are not choosing this- it is the body’s natural release.   We do not believe it is sin.

In addition to the hundreds of blogs written by others who once struggled like you do,  there are interactive areas of the site where you can release some of what you are carrying around in an effort to dump the guilt and shame.  Check out the Confessions and the Letters area of the site.

In addition, here are some other recommended resources:

Groups:

Celebrate Recovery:  CR is free and is an international program with groups that meet in cities worldwide. CR is a program designed to help those struggling with hurts, hang-ups, and habits by showing them the loving power of Jesus Christ through the recovery process.

X3groups:   While there is a fee for X3groups it is minimal compared to other options out there and we would not be doing our job if we didn’t at least point you to this viable resource. X3groups is Accountability with real, live groups. Until now, we have always aimed to start accountability conversations and relationships, but we have never seen a model before that we could sustain without being there in person.  Groups are for those who are 18+

Workshops:

X3pure: If you are struggling with pornography or sexual addictions, the X3pure workshop is perfect for you. While it is not free, many have had their churches, or a loved one help them with the cost.  If you are a student with a .edu email address we can provide partial scholarships. Private, online, and effective, the X3pure program can help you end the downward spiral of shame and alienation.15 video lessons with companion workbook that contains 15 workbook lessons.

Counseling:

Christian Care Counselors:  Find a counselor in your area. The Christian Care Network (CCN), is a national referral network of state licensed, certified, and/or properly credentialed Christian counselors offering care that is distinctively Christian and clinically excellent.

Like-Ministries Free Resources:

Heart Support Community Join the online community of Heart Support where your story is unique but your struggle is not.

Setting Captives Free:  Setting Captives Free is a non-denominational ministry which teaches the biblical principles of freedom in Jesus Christ. Some free resources are available.

God Over Porn: God Over Porn seeks to reach those bound by sexual sin and pornography addiction, fostering a community of men and women that expresses love, grace, and hope to one another through online group support, bible studies, workshops, and the Isaiah 61 Project (Prison Ministry). God over porn offers free text messages of encouragement that you can opt into.