How do I keep my mind on HIM?

[buttuh]

Hi all,

I notice that I do pretty well on days where I regularly seek God throughout the day. I managed to not smoke, being in a good mood, productive at work, not get yelled at by my wife and so on. All that comes to an abrubt end once I get on a good streak. As my mind start to wander, things like pornography and smoking start to dominate me once again and I don't even care for it. Then it comes in full circle when I am standing in a shower thinking to myself what a wreck I am.

So what I want to hear from you guys is what are the things that help you stay consistent in term of seeking God all the time, day after day? Did you go through cycles like I have been when you first started? What were some of the things that you went through? What helped you and vice versa?

I'm really sick of being lukewarm. I know that I need God, but I just can't seem to convince myself of that fact day in and day out. Talk to me.

Evan

 

[PETE_]

There is a great little book that has really helped me in a similar area. It is not copyrighted and can be downloaded for free as a small book.

The Practice Of The Presence Of God
[FONT=Verdana, sans serif]Conversations and Letters
of Brother Lawrencehttp://www.practicegodspresence.com/...nce/index.html[/FONT]


In this small book, through letters and conversations, Brother Lawrence simply and beautifully explains how to continually walk with God - not from the head but from the heart. Brother Lawrence left the gift of a way of life available to anyone who seeks to know God's peace and presence; that anyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can practice -anywhere, anytime. Brother Lawrence also left the gift of a direct approach to living in God's presence that is as practical today as it was three hundred years ago.

 

[buttuh]

Printed that just now, thanks.

 

[PETE_]

I hope it helps you as much as it has, and continues to, help me.

 

[tapero]

Hi,

Listening to Christian music helps because God says to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Always talking to Him like your doing, and being in the word. Ask for a new thirst for the word. Singing to God is really worshipful. I pray you the best walk ever in Christ.

 

[Anti Existance]

The meaning of life is to love and help others, since we live in a world of darkness and hatred, i try to pour as much droplets of love and help in this world as i possibly can.

I already love everyone and everything unconditionally, and i still slip and hate someone every now and then.

What matters to me is that i know i am not perfect, its probably impossible, but you try to strive to be as perfect as possible, so yeah you might slip and think about porno or sigarettes, but it isn't winning or losing that battle which is the most important, if you don't give up and keep on trying not to sin even if you lose and sin, you will still be a winner and that is the most important thing. Remember persistance is the key to succes. So don't give up, even if you do fall.

You see life is like a mine-field, try to avoid as many mines as possible, and get in one piece across the finish line.

 

[EIChief]

Hi all,

I notice that I do pretty well on days where I regularly seek God throughout the day. I managed to not smoke, being in a good mood, productive at work, not get yelled at by my wife and so on. All that comes to an abrubt end once I get on a good streak. As my mind start to wander, things like pornography and smoking start to dominate me once again and I don't even care for it. Then it comes in full circle when I am standing in a shower thinking to myself what a wreck I am.

So what I want to hear from you guys is what are the things that help you stay consistent in term of seeking God all the time, day after day? Did you go through cycles like I have been when you first started? What were some of the things that you went through? What helped you and vice versa?

I'm really sick of being lukewarm. I know that I need God, but I just can't seem to convince myself of that fact day in and day out. Talk to me.

Evan

This is life for many of us my friend. Sure, the more you grow in your faith the less distractions will come your way, but they will never completely go away.

The best advice I have seen on this issue is to understand when your mind begins to slip, and catch it before it is too late. Have things readily available around you that can take your mind away from the temptation.

When you want to smoke, pick up the Bible instead of the cigarretes. When you want to look at pornography turn on Christian music or pop in a sermon tape.

You will never be perfect, and there will be times that you will fall, but the idea is to keep those times as far and few between as possible until temptation is suppressed as much as humanly possible

God Bless

 

[buttuh]

This is a short autobiography, told to me by my pastor. I pretty much have it memorized in my head. It helps me a great deal every time I read the story over and over in my head. I'll share it with you guys in case you haven't heard it already.

Autobiography in
Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson
I
I walk down the street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost... I am helpless,
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
II
I walk down the same street,
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
III
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in... it's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
V
I walk down another street.

 

[StarryEyes]

The song "Be Thou My Vision" helps me. It helps to keep you focused on what's most important.. I suggest you look up the lyrics and/or learn the song. God bless!!

Amy

 

[Jdmessenger]

God promised that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.... Set aside prayer time, soak in His presence, read the Word, give thanks, worship and praise, repent of your sins and ask His forgiveness, surrender yourself to God and lay all your burdens at the cross. Don't go at it alone and in your strength, put your hope in God, He knows your struggles. Seek a prayer partner and stay in accountability. When two or more are gathered in His Name, He is in the midst..

God will help you, ask him for wisdom and guidance...
He is faithful... Also, if you feel you really have an addiction or problem that is excessive, seek Christian counseling or prayer for deliverance.