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Key Bible Verse: If we are living in the light of God's presence … Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin (1 John 1:7). Bonus Reading:1 John 1:5–9

Mowing a neighbor's lawn in Denver, Colorado, on that summer day in 1967, I was still an innocent preteen. But then I caught sight of a couple of weathered copies of Playboy in the bushes bordering the lawn. I'd heard about the magazine but never before seen one. My heart racing, I opened the magazine and there, staring out from the pages, was my first naked woman. I looked around to make sure no one was watching, then scanned every inch of those magazines.

Satan's fishing expedition was successful that day. I took his bait, hook, line, and sinker.

I struggled alone with this addiction for 17 years until 1994, when I received Jesus into my life. Although the temptations were no less intense, I no longer struggled alone. I attended a Promise Keepers event and learned the importance of dispelling the darkness of sin by bringing it into the light.

I joined a men's accountability group and shared my struggles. I wasn't alone; each man in the group had also struggled with pornography for years. With our sin out in the light, we all battled together and, through Christ's strength, became victorious.

—Rod Nichols, pastor

Thought to Apply: He that will play with Satan's bait will quickly be taken by Satan's hook.

—Thomas Brooks (English nonconformist preacher)

My Response: To bring my sin into the light, I'll consider sharing it with other men who struggle.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, you created me with sexual impulses. To avoid abusing them, I desperately need to submit to Your power.

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