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Key Bible Verse: They have forsaken me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns!Jeremiah 2:13.Bonus Reading:John 4:7-15

Alex came to me to confess his struggle with internet pornography and get help. It had become a growing part of his world, though he loved his wife and kids and held a leadership role in our church. As he shared his plight, I silently prayed for wisdom. We could take steps to limit his internet access and set up accountability. But if that were all, no inner transformation would occur. When Alex finished, I asked, "Do you wonder what God thinks of you?"

"How should I know?" he reacted. "You're the pastor!" Then, after a pause, he quietly added, "I guess not much."

As Alex listened, I painted a picture of his value to God and the realities Christ has placed in him as a result of the new covenant. Realities deeper in his soul than any desire to look at porn. I offered to walk with him, as together we'd seek to understand the pull of porn. But we'd explore a larger vision of inner transformation, drawing him away from cracked cisterns and leading him to living water.

We've been in that process now for several years. At times the pornography still tempts, but there's a growing likeness to Christ in Alex.

—Jim Kallam Jr. in Risking Church

My Response: How could I move beyond building fences to re-centering my desires?

Thought to Apply: God is waiting eagerly to respond with strength to each little act of self-control … And his children shall be filled if they will only hunger and thirst after what he offers.—Richard Halloway (British minister)

Adapted from Risking Church (WaterBrook, 2003) by permission.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

I've tried, Lord, to shut out sinful compulsions, but what I really need is an intense hunger for You that will crowd all that out.

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