The internet

Proverbs 6:27 says "Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?"

When I was still in high school, one job I had was mowing my neighbor's lawn. It was in his shed that I discovered the first pornographic magazines I had ever seen. Curiosity and teenage lust led to quite a thorough review of the material. I'm guessing that nearly all the men on this list (and perhaps the women as well) can think of similar incidents from their childhood. But we live in such a different world these days. With the advent and proliferation of the internet, we no longer have to go digging around in the neighbor's shed to find awfully graphic images. So this week, we are praying about the internet. Specifically, we are praying for the following:

1. There are many adults, even Christian adults, who are addicted to internet pornography. We are praying that they find the strength in Christ to shake that addiction. Perhaps you are the accountability partner for someone in this situation. Or perhaps you are in this situation yourself. There are great Christian resources out there to help.
2. We are praying for our kids. First that we as parents are able to adequately buffer them from pornographic content on the web. And second, that if they do become exposed to such stuff, that it doesn't have the destructive, addictive affect it can have on people.
3. That parents everywhere are modeling appropriate behavior and accountability. It's been said that more is caught then taught. Said another way - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Our children are much more likely to fall into this trap if they see us in it. Let's show our children what healthy relationships look like and let's show our children how to cherish and respect the wonderful mystery that is the opposite sex. We owe it to the future spouses of our sons to not let them buy into the preposterous female stereotype portrayed in pornography.

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;". 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob