I just finished watching the following two video Sermons given by a most anointed and compassionate pastor, Tim Conway here on SermonIndex. They deal with sexual sin.
Interestingly, I don't have an issue with sexual sin BUT I've been praying and praying for the Lord to take away my interest (my "addiction" even) of TV entertainment. Even though it is PG and totally "safe" entertainment that does not involve lust, I still seem to crave it. My prayers remained unanswered until now.
With His hand guiding me to Tim Conway, I was finally able to get some insight into my "safe" addiction and it may help others if I share.
Bottom line: God doesn't rip out of our minds all the weeds we have growing there. This preacher very strongly said, quoting "if your right eye offend thee, pluck it out and throw it away...it is better that the eye be plucked out than your whole body go to hell."
God is saying through the wonderful teaching of Jesus in Matthew (5 I believe) that WE have to weed our own gardens. Tim firmly added that we don't weed our gardens of our own power, but in the Spirit, crying out to God for help. We then press forward, utilizing our free will and aligning it with God's will, knowing our ultimate desire is to know Him ABOVE ALL ELSE.
Lord, I pray, help us move out of our hedonistic ways..(if you should share my addiction). Help us not have to have "entertainment" per se, and the self-gratification that implies. Let us only be entertained by You, dear Lord, and not look for ways to escape our heart and soul's ultimate desire---to know You. Help us utilize our time as You would have us utilize it. When the time comes for me to cry "Lord, Lord, I cast out demons in Your name" I don't ever want to hear our Lord and Savior say, "I never knew you."
And thank You, dear Lord for leading me to these sermons and Tim Conway's compassionate teaching. I thank You, Lord, that you turned these talks into messages that deal with ANY stronghold we might have.
Live Pure Free from Pornography and Lustful Thoughts by Tim Conway.
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/myvideo/photo.php?lid=1847
Sexual Immorality and Pornography by Tim Conway.
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/myvideo/photo.php?lid=2600