how to let go of my past life

[christiana48]

I gave my life to Christ last fall. at first this walk was great its like i just instantly let everything go that i used to "worship" and i was fully living for God. but over time things are going backwards. sometimes i feel like i miss my old life. I used to know EVERYBODY literally lol and i was always VIP in clubs, i had the money and all the glory that comes with being extremely popular in college. when i was living that life i was at a different school but i had transferred before i gave my life to God. originally i transferred because i was tired of my fast life. and when i got to my new school and met this christian group Chi Alpha it was like God was talking to me through them telling me the He nudged me to make that decision. so giving my life to God was definitely the easy part. now i struggle with leaving my past behind, lately if i get on facebook, twitter, watch ceratin things on tv or listen to certain music it totally makes me miss my old life. ive also been struggling with pronography because ive been sort of using that as a replacement of some sort for sex. i just dnt know what to do i was happy in my old life but i found JOY in God. but somethings stopping me from believing that. ive thought about fasting from internet tv and secular music to see if that helps. any opinions? any books i could read along with my bible that would help??

 

[TheWingsOfWisdom]

I gave my life to Christ last fall. at first this walk was great its like i just instantly let everything go that i used to "worship" and i was fully living for God. but over time things are going backwards. sometimes i feel like i miss my old life. I used to know EVERYBODY literally lol and i was always VIP in clubs, i had the money and all the glory that comes with being extremely popular in college. when i was living that life i was at a different school but i had transferred before i gave my life to God. originally i transferred because i was tired of my fast life. and when i got to my new school and met this christian group Chi Alpha it was like God was talking to me through them telling me the He nudged me to make that decision. so giving my life to God was definitely the easy part. now i struggle with leaving my past behind, lately if i get on facebook, twitter, watch ceratin things on tv or listen to certain music it totally makes me miss my old life. ive also been struggling with pronography because ive been sort of using that as a replacement of some sort for sex. i just dnt know what to do i was happy in my old life but i found JOY in God. but somethings stopping me from believing that. ive thought about fasting from internet tv and secular music to see if that helps. any opinions? any books i could read along with my bible that would help??

There is no easy out. If there was I would take it.

 

[Sketcher]

If it's Facebook friends that make you stumble, hide their status updates. If it's a certain TV show, stop watching it. If it's music on a certain radio station, don't listen to it. If it's having the Internet itself, don't live with it if you are able to avoid it (I'm not )

Immerse yourself in Scripture. Dig into it, study it. Devote yourself to prayer. When the memories come back, instead of missing what you did, pray for the people you did that stuff with. Be devoted to your cell group (if that's what Chi Alpha is still calling them), concentrate on loving those people, and receive help from those you can rightly trust.

That's all you can do to help yourself that I can think of - do everything you can to engage God. He is deserving of your obedience and the devotion it takes to do all this.

 

[LWB]

Hi Christiana48,

When I committed my life to Christ, at first it was wonderful as well. However, I missed my old ways, and when temptation came, I returned like the proverbial dog. Returning to my old ways felt novel and excitingly forbidden. Like sneaking back home when everyone else was out.

But I remembered the grace I had been given and repented. My faith wasn't just some phase I could easily push aside. Then the peace of living for God returned, and everything was great. For awhile...

Then the longing for old ways returned, God seemed distant, and temptations came. I fell, exhausted myself in sin, desired to be right with God again, repented and continued my sanctification. Then the longing for old ways returned...

The peace I felt at repentance was like God transporting me on clouds thousands of miles to the destination I was to arrive at. But He would then return me back where I started.

I then realised what He wanted me to do. I had to start walking there, the long way!

19 years later, and I'm still walking. The confusion is gone, and the destination is now visible in the shimmering distance. My legs are rippling with muscles, and you know what? I've come to enjoy life on the road.

Don't give up Christiana48!

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

I gave my life to Christ last fall. at first this walk was great its like i just instantly let everything go that i used to "worship" and i was fully living for God. but over time things are going backwards. sometimes i feel like i miss my old life. I used to know EVERYBODY literally lol and i was always VIP in clubs, i had the money and all the glory that comes with being extremely popular in college. when i was living that life i was at a different school but i had transferred before i gave my life to God. originally i transferred because i was tired of my fast life. and when i got to my new school and met this christian group Chi Alpha it was like God was talking to me through them telling me the He nudged me to make that decision. so giving my life to God was definitely the easy part. now i struggle with leaving my past behind, lately if i get on facebook, twitter, watch ceratin things on tv or listen to certain music it totally makes me miss my old life. ive also been struggling with pronography because ive been sort of using that as a replacement of some sort for sex. i just dnt know what to do i was happy in my old life but i found JOY in God. but somethings stopping me from believing that. ive thought about fasting from internet tv and secular music to see if that helps. any opinions? any books i could read along with my bible that would help??

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)

Our faith is what we have that will keep us from falling away, we struggle with sin, I struggle with sin, Christians struggle, it is part of the walk of faith. But also we do not have to live in defeat either, I am learning this myself, I also have and still do struggle with pornography as you have. Sometimes the sin in me seems so strong, but I have noticed when it is strong my faith is weak. If I let myself get discouraged instead of looking to my Saviour, I stumble.

If my faith is strong the flesh, sin in me, is weak. So I believe like the bible says that if we strengthen our spirit and not our flesh we can be strong in the Lord and not live in failure. It is a work in progress, I struggle, I doubt, I desire evil things, but what keeps me in my walk with Christ is His love for me. How could I ever forsake Him when He has done so much for me? He suffered for me, He bled for me and for you, His love is what I desire more than anything. His peace I long for, His grace is what I live for. What I want more than anything is to experience that love more fully.

The reality is, is that we are sinful creatures with a inward bent toward evil. Without the Lords mercy it would be hopeless, but He is faithful, He loves us and if we truly believe the promises in the Bible to us than we can live in victory over sin. Victory is what the Lord wants for us more than we do.

One book that I have been reading lately and that drove me to my knees is "The Holiness of God" by R.C. Sproul, I think it would help you in your walk and anything by C.S. Lewis but specifically "Mere Christianity". Also I have a website that has helped me, it is: A search index of inspirational biblical teaching, help and encouragement for born again Christians: Theologically sound spiritual resources exalting the Lord Jesus Christ

Just don't give up and turn back, Jesus deserves better than that, His blood is worthy of all the effort we can give. One more thing, nothing in this world will satisfy like the Lord Jesus, you can try and find happiness in alcohol, drugs, sex and nothing will ever fulfill that longing in your heart but God. The pleasures of this world will try and deceive you and make you worship them but they are not worthy of that worship. The love that we in no way deserve ,the holy love of the Consuming Fire that is our God, He calls us into a intimate and holy relationship with himself, come discover this holy love Christiana, You will find peace and freedom and love in Jesus Christ, God bless you, your brother in Christ, Joshua.


He will not relent until your heart is completely Hishttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3spvQYlB-I

 

[singpeace]

Dear Christiana,

You make perfect sense because it is human nature to desire sin. We struggle with our natural tendencies all our lives. All Christians at some point notice their faith is weak, their insight is dull, and their desire to serve God is faded while sin and unrighteousness have become more appealing.

God meant for you to be here; He has a message for you:


The Dilemma:

1. Spirit is dull; Assurance seems gone; desire for God has faded.

2. Giving in to temptation; unable to see clearly, rolling backward.


Trigger:

Satan slipped into your presence and set up camp. He intends to lure you slowly back toward a life of sin.


Solution:

1. Get busy doing good works for God, and your works will cause your Faith to come alive in you. (James 2:17) Faith without good works is dead.

2. Your Faith will cause your Assurance in Salvation to come alive again.(Hebrews 11:1) Faith makes assurance come to life.

3. Humble yourself before God and resist Satan. (James 4:7) Humble yourself before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

It's so simple, and your part is so minute - because He loves you so and is merciful.

Father, give Christianna eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that breaks under the weight of your Conviction. Compel her, Holy Spirit to simply do some good works for the Lord. I thank you for your promises, Lord. Deliver my sister and cause her walk to be straight and narrow. Make her mind steady and her faith steadfast in Jesus name. Amen.

 

[Crosssword]

maybe this song will cheer you up

[youtube]PuDzAQriQP0[/youtube]

 

[SharonL]

As I sit here looking out my window at all the snow and asking God what can I say to help you and the Lord put on my heart that our lives are like the snow - when the SUN is hidden by the clouds the snow falls freely but when the SUN comes back out the snow melts away - Jesus is the same - when the clouds (the enemy) covers our lives we freely sin without remorse - but when the SON shines on our lives - the sin melts away and we can again see the LIGHT.

Fighting for that JOY is worth it - it is a daily battle - you must be determined and put the enemy under your feet until he knows you mean it and the temptation will not be so strong. At the moment the enemy knows you will give in if he sticks around long enough. At the first moment he appears you must see yourself as Jesus sees you - forgiven. Fight for every minute of peace that you can find - let the JOY of the Lord shine upon your face until those around you will see what you have and want it for themselves. At the moment you can look in the mirror and be very proud of the person you have become, hand in hand with Jesus and the Holy Spirit guiding you each step of the way.

 

[Peripatetic]

Hello, and welcome to the forum! Your life seems to be at a bit of a crossroads. We tend to idealize our old lives and sinful nature. The problem is that worldly pleasure is only temporary, and eventually leads you down a path of discontent, depression, and loss. Why? Because all of the partying, money, and popularity doesn't fill the void that is built into us. The space in our being for God. That's why so many athletes, actors, and famous people are in rehab and downward spirals. No matter how much you get, you want more. Only God can give us true peace and joy. It takes some patience though.

I would not suggest doing radical things like giving up secular music or TV. This can lead to patterns of guilt and self-condemnation. Just try to lead a balanced life. Follow your conscience, and don't expect it to all happen overnight. Sometimes the Holy Spirit needs to work more gradually.

 

[razeontherock]

Hi to the OP! I see you have many great responses telling you that what you are experiencing is something we ALL go through, in one way or another. You are learning the way of the Cross: to take it up daily and follow Him.

So I'm just here as one more, in the cloud of witnesses that surrounds you

Perhaps this picture will help you? Like the children of Israel, you just came out of Egypt with a glorious Salvation. Like them, you have a trek through a hot dry desert, and it is natural to look back craving Egypt's cucumbers and onions. (Not much nutritional value and may cause indigestion, but it has some flavor)

How many of them died when they murmured and complained against the Lord? How long did it take them to finally enter into the Promised Land, once they had their hearts set to obey? 3 DAYS

A couple quotes from that leader that brought them in:

"choose ye this day whom ye will serve." (Joshua 24:15)

"Be strong and of a good courage" Commanded 3x in Joshua chapter 1

 

[papaJP]

I gave my life to Christ last fall. at first this walk was great its like i just instantly let everything go that i used to "worship" and i was fully living for God. but over time things are going backwards. sometimes i feel like i miss my old life. I used to know EVERYBODY literally lol and i was always VIP in clubs, i had the money and all the glory that comes with being extremely popular in college. when i was living that life i was at a different school but i had transferred before i gave my life to God. originally i transferred because i was tired of my fast life. and when i got to my new school and met this christian group Chi Alpha it was like God was talking to me through them telling me the He nudged me to make that decision. so giving my life to God was definitely the easy part. now i struggle with leaving my past behind, lately if i get on facebook, twitter, watch ceratin things on tv or listen to certain music it totally makes me miss my old life. ive also been struggling with pronography because ive been sort of using that as a replacement of some sort for sex. i just dnt know what to do i was happy in my old life but i found JOY in God. but somethings stopping me from believing that. ive thought about fasting from internet tv and secular music to see if that helps. any opinions? any books i could read along with my bible that would help??

_________________________________________________________

You need to crucify all of the things of the world that tempt you.
Get rid of the things you name like facebook, twitter and tv or music.

To help addicts it is only accomplished if they remove the things from their addicted life experiences and those who were friends that were involved in the addicted behavior.

You may need support from deep true Christians who can pray with and over you. However you must remove all those things that are attractive to the old life style.

 

[heron]

1. Get busy doing good works for God, and your works will cause your Faith to come alive in you. (James 2:17) Faith without good works is dead.

Start thinking about what you want to accomplish, what God would want to do through you, and how you want to serve. Set a goal or at least an ideal.

If you're only thinking of what you can't do, it doesn't get you anywhere... shouldn'ts pull backward, and should's propel forward.

What do you wish a powerful Christian would look like? Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, Jim Elliot, CS Lewis... they all took different approaches to live out their faith.

Start holding yourself to the power that God placed within you.

Your pre-Christian strength seemed to be connecting people, and you knew how to get favor and hold onto it. You probably got a rush from social situations, and that is part of what you miss.

Having spent some time away, sorting out, you can start rebuilding the good parts and leaving out the destructive parts. Think of the last few months as a necessary phase to start structuring your Christian life the way you believe it needs to be lived out.

 

[If Not For Grace]

There is no easy out. If there was I would take it.

Me too!

But think about this? Did you think Satan would just give up w/o a fight? Well Guess again, What grows in you is what you feed. Wisdom does now what will be best in the long run.

Replace bad habits w/good ones. You must kill the enemy completely & show no mercy. This is a mistake many people have me (me included) & it will cost you later to show mercy to "sin". But what costs you nothing is to look for things that can give you joy, & make habits of these things.

Want to give up porn? Try working (for free) at an AID's clinic. Realize sex is not made to be a dirty unfeeling thing. It's meant to be inclusive of love. Sex w/o love is just another form of mastrubation, and that's about as satisfying as living off doughnuts for the rest of your life.

What is beauty? Think of things you find beautiful. I mean really serene. There's way more to it than T&A. Think of sunsets, beaches, blue skies. You have to work at finding what is real. That's what God is about-real. Think about something lasting FOREVER.

Find out what you are good at? I bet you have not even thought about the talents you have or the ones you might develop. What makes you happy? Get busy. Boredom leads to doom. Make a list & work toward something, rather than worry about running from something like the past? The past is over & done & even God can not change it. Look to the future, rather than worry about the past. Enjoy music if you like, learn to play an instrument, not every song has to be Amazing Grace, but that's sure a nice tune, don't you think?

 

[Harry3142]

christiana48-

Put your hands on your own chest and try to push yourself across the room. If you're like most of us, your body will more than offset your attempts. It's the same principle with our spiritual lives. If we attempt to force our own lives to conform to what God would have us do, then our old nature will more than offset our attempts. So instead of trusting ourselves to do battle against who we once were, we trust the Holy Spirit to do the fighting, while we follow behind him:

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:16-26,NIV)

I call this passage 'The Christians Code of Conduct'. But when we look at it closely, we come to the realization that it is God's Spirit who is doing battle against our sinful nature, not we ourselves.

In the first paragraph of this passage it is clear as to who is actually doing the fighting. God's Spirit is himself battling against our sinful nature. There's a reason for this, and that reason is his ability to accomplsih what we cannot, namely, subdue our own natural state. We don't engage our sinful nature in battle; that's not our place. We stay behind the Spirit, walking in his steps, as he engages our sinful nature in battle. He goes in front of us, leading us. He is not behind us, pushing us.

The second paragraph gives us a list of what an 'act of the sinful nature' is. But notice how many of those acts aren't acts at all. Instead, they're the feelings and emotions which culminate in the performance of sinful acts. This is not a list of Do's and Don't's; far from it. It's a list of what lies at the very core of the sinful nature. And that core is what the Spirit is fighting against.

As well as fighting against our natural state, we find in the third paragraph that the Spirit brings with him a new spiritual state. But just as our successfully defeating the sinful nature is totally dependent on the work of the Spirit, even so the new spiritual state we acquire is also a result of the work of the Spirit. He implants the 9 'fruit' inside us. What we do is accept this gift, just as we accepted the gift of salvation. We have been given the spiritual equivalent of a heart transplant.

Notice that one of those fruits is patience. This applies not just to your interrelationships with others, but also to your own spiritual growth. Have patience with yourself. You're in God's hands now, and he has a firm grip.

God bless, and welcome to the forum-

 

[GodIsGreat2me]

christiana48-

Put your hands on your own chest and try to push yourself across the room. If you're like most of us, your body will more than offset your attempts. It's the same principle with our spiritual lives. If we attempt to force our own lives to conform to what God would have us do, then our old nature will more than offset our attempts. So instead of trusting ourselves to do battle against who we once were, we trust the Holy Spirit to do the fighting, while we follow behind him:

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:16-26,NIV)

I call this passage 'The Christians Code of Conduct'. But when we look at it closely, we come to the realization that it is God's Spirit who is doing battle against our sinful nature, not we ourselves.

In the first paragraph of this passage it is clear as to who is actually doing the fighting. God's Spirit is himself battling against our sinful nature. There's a reason for this, and that reason is his ability to accomplsih what we cannot, namely, subdue our own natural state. We don't engage our sinful nature in battle; that's not our place. We stay behind the Spirit, walking in his steps, as he engages our sinful nature in battle. He goes in front of us, leading us. He is not behind us, pushing us.

The second paragraph gives us a list of what an 'act of the sinful nature' is. But notice how many of those acts aren't acts at all. Instead, they're the feelings and emotions which culminate in the performance of sinful acts. This is not a list of Do's and Don't's; far from it. It's a list of what lies at the very core of the sinful nature. And that core is what the Spirit is fighting against.

As well as fighting against our natural state, we find in the third paragraph that the Spirit brings with him a new spiritual state. But just as our successfully defeating the sinful nature is totally dependent on the work of the Spirit, even so the new spiritual state we acquire is also a result of the work of the Spirit. He implants the 9 'fruit' inside us. What we do is accept this gift, just as we accepted the gift of salvation. We have been given the spiritual equivalent of a heart transplant.

Notice that one of those fruits is patience. This applies not just to your interrelationships with others, but also to your own spiritual growth. Have patience with yourself. You're in God's hands now, and he has a firm grip.

God bless, and welcome to the forum-

What if they do not have the Holy Spirit?

What do they do then?

 

[Bain_Adaneth]

I gave my life to Christ last fall. at first this walk was great its like i just instantly let everything go that i used to "worship" and i was fully living for God. but over time things are going backwards. sometimes i feel like i miss my old life. I used to know EVERYBODY literally lol and i was always VIP in clubs, i had the money and all the glory that comes with being extremely popular in college. when i was living that life i was at a different school but i had transferred before i gave my life to God. originally i transferred because i was tired of my fast life. and when i got to my new school and met this christian group Chi Alpha it was like God was talking to me through them telling me the He nudged me to make that decision. so giving my life to God was definitely the easy part. now i struggle with leaving my past behind, lately if i get on facebook, twitter, watch ceratin things on tv or listen to certain music it totally makes me miss my old life. ive also been struggling with pronography because ive been sort of using that as a replacement of some sort for sex. i just dnt know what to do i was happy in my old life but i found JOY in God. but somethings stopping me from believing that. ive thought about fasting from internet tv and secular music to see if that helps. any opinions? any books i could read along with my bible that would help??

You will never loose temptation. Temptation is everywhere, but the closer your walk with God is, the more you’ll be blind to them. And sooner or later, you’ll feel like they don’t exist, but they’re always there. That is why Paul said that it is a battle between the flesh and the spirit all the time. From the time you get up to the time you sleep, you may be inflicted with temptations. So refuse to put yourself in a position or place where you KNOW you will be tempted. That is part of your duty to keep yourself clean for God. Worship God, and walk in the Spirit, doing all that God has commanded us to do, and keep in His Word. The more you walk the Spirit, the less likely you are to follow the lusts of the flesh. So be intuned to God’s words and work daily….that way, you won’t stumble all the time in your sin. And repent and ask for forgiveness…

Many years passed and I though that my temptations were gone…but the month I left my former church, everything hit again, and I felt as if I was back to the beginning.
The Christian walk is difficult, but with God, it is always possible. No burden is left, Jesus Christ has taken it all! And we’ve already obtained salvation…just need to live it through, and tell those who haven’t obtained salvation. So they too can know God.
Remember that every sin you commit, God is watching…that’ll help too.


And remember how life was without God. Jesus Christ is the most precious thing you can ever receive. That old life was a lie from the Devil. Your friends are still in that lifestyle. It is up to you to walk the path of righteousness and submit to God....and walk with Him so that others can see, and believe that He has made a work in YOu.


Then they will believe that indeed something in you has changed. Money, success, power....all are what humans desire...and in pride they will Fall. These are what Satan wants us to focus on, Not God.



You must fight....there are many Christians today fighting that same fight....and God has already won, but daily we are still struggling the flesh against the Spirit. Walk in the Spirit and in the Word of God, so that you will not fulfill the lusts of your flesh. Money, fame, the pursuit of the American Dream....they will all fade away, but Eternal Life is forever....


a good reminder is all the famous stars....everything they've worked so hard for.....and in their death bed, they can take nothing with them. Their wealth, passed on to someone else, they're houses empty, and their trophies rusting....

 

[DoveGirl]

Hi dear one. I, too, am a new Christian. I find when I think of things that used to get me in trouble, I stop what I am doing and pray for everyone in the world who has the same dilemma.

I think someone suggested praying for others in the same situation. I find that helps. It is like a red flag for us, to remind us to stop what we're doing... and yet you're not saying, "I'm bad and need to pray for myself."
It's helped me.

DoveGirl

 

[If Not For Grace]

So I say, live by the Spirit

Maybe that could be put in more (FLBW)"practical" terms.

 

[SnappleX]

MANY people struggle with these very problems. once you have grown so accustomed to this fast lifestyle it is hard to back out of it instantly. I am in the same position and it has been hard. Try making a new group of Christian friends, pick up some new/healthy hobbies to occupy your time...

Think about ETERNAL LIFE with JESUS!!
The blessings available to the Christian are of infinite worth. Paul declares he was chosen to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). These blessings are available only to those who have been obedient to the gospel of Christ--to those who are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
and:
Christian can be assured of the promise of the Lord that he will never leave nor forsake his child (Hebrews 13:5).

Being a Christian is NOT easy! And maybe you see now that you have changed your lifestyle the true meaning of Colossians 2:8 ! When I removed myself from my life of sin and turned my will and life over to Jesus Christ, he showed me a new way to live and enjoy life!!! I soon realized that I truely am not "OF THIS WORLD" once I disassociated myself from my old circle of friends!

Hope this helped!
-- SnappleX

 

[visionary]

It might help to have new things to immerse yourself in the new life.... even think about being part of a ministry to build, teach, volunteer help... which will take you out of the old ways and learning what it is to think and do for others less fortunate...