Question:
For a long time now, i've had a problem with mastubation. I really do want to stop, and at one point i've gone about a month without falling into this temptation (which is a all time high for me). But lately i've falling into temptation so many times. I really do want to stop. I wanna be .... pure. I think that if i stop this then my life would be so much better. I don't want to talk to my pastor because he's so formal in the way he speaks that when you're talking him it's like he's reading a research paper to you so i'd kinda feel awkward. Also, he like makes you go into real bad guilt trip. I mean, i understand that we should be guilty but he's pastor and he should be compassionate at the same time. And to me, reading the WOrd doesn't help either. The word to me, seems like someone just "uninspiredly" wrote it. So i can't feel the presence of God when i read it. I really need some help.
I guess a big reason that I fall into this temptation is because maybe i'm straying away from God. I feel disconnected from him MANY MANY times. It's hard to feel God. At my first retreat, GOd's presence was ALL over me. I felt good and happy. I wanna feel that again. Please any advice?
oh, another reason I don't read the bible much is because it's so boring... (sorry) So i recently switched from the NIV version to The Message. Now i just need the motivation to open the book and read.
Please give me your Harshest advice
Answer:
how often do you read your bible? believe it or not, it does make a difference.... also guilt is from satan, conviction is from Christ...
Answer:
I dont see a reason for harsh advice, you obviously know that its wrong and that its destroying your relationship with God, and not to be cliche but admitting it is the first step.I would recomend going to an elder person that you trust who is rooted in Gods word andspeak with them about it, and get their counseling.But on your side of things, I would say just stay away from circumstances that could lead to your falling.Be praying when your tempted.And be in Gods Word.
Answer:
Originally Posted by anonymoussir
I guess a big reason that I fall into this temptation is because maybe i'm straying away from God. I feel disconnected from him MANY MANY times. It's hard to feel God. At my first retreat, GOd's presence was ALL over me. I felt good and happy. I wanna feel that again. Please any advice?

Just an observation, but in my opinion, retreats/motivational talks etc. tend to be very emotional. You can feel so motivated and on fire for God (I know...I've been to retreats and stuff). However, I think it's important to realize that a relationship with God will not always have the "happy/warm fuzzies" associated with it.

You can take comfort/peace/joy in the fact that you are a redeemed creation of God's, and that He's always beside you, showing you the way to go, steadying you when you are weak, and even helping you up and cleaning you off when you fall. That my friend, is a true reason for a joy that will last beyond the warm fuzzy feelings at a retreat.

Just a couple of closing thoughts. I'm not bashing retreats. They can be very encouraging, but I think it's important to realize that the encouraging things you hear will often take work on your part in your own life.

Also, praying and reading God's word is always beneficial. If His Word seems to be ineffective, it's not a problem with the Word, it's an issue with the reader.

Finally, if you're getting back into reading your Bible (like me), I would encouarge you to read an epistle (like Romans or Timothy), and to set small goals. Don't feel compelled to read the Bible in a year, or read 2 chapters a day...or whatever. Try just reading chapter (or even 1/2 a chapter!). Then stop and mediate on what you just read. What is God trying to tell you in what you just read?

As you do this, I'll bet that you'll want to read more as you start seeing more and more personal applications to what you read!

And keep in mind, a great relationship with God will take work and time over your entire life. You won't ever come to a point in this earthly life where you can truly say "There's no way I can improve my relationship with God anymore! I am perfect in every way!". Only when we get to Heaven will we have the relationship with God that he intended for us.

Hope this helps,
-T
Answer:
I wrote this, it may help you understand the nature of our struggles with sin. It was written in microsoft word, so it may not be properly formatted in other programs.
http://home.insightbb.com/~cookiesch...all_of_God.doc
Answer:
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