Television has been a hinderance to me. God revealed how much media programming was able to influence my belief system. It basically tells you what to believe about marriage, romance, sex, relationships, etc. The catch is that you may not realize that you are being influenced until God reveals it you. For example, there is a message of materialism. Not only will you be tempted with the latest greatest devices. But the ads will tell you why you deserve to have it. Makeover shows tell you how you are not good enough because you do not spend $200 on a pair of jeans. Makeover shows also tell you that you are not good enough unless certain things we can do for ourselves are done by professionals. Other TV shows depict the kind of lifestyle that we should have - whether it is sleeping around with everybody, being married 10 times, being neglectful parents, or living in a fabulous crib with 10 cars parked out front. People are now resorting to being on TV to solve problems, whether it is Divorce Court or Super Nanny. The nanny shows tell you you are a bad parent if you spank your child, whereas the bible tells you to spare not the rod. I believe there should be a national week dedicated to turning the television off. I can testify as to the difficulty of fasting from television - that is when you realize what kind of hold it has on you. I can also testify to the difference it makes in your life when you cleanse yourself of its influence.
--Aundrea Baker
<mailto:abaker@thewaybiblefellowship.org>

My hat is off to you, Aundrea Baker! I can identify with your analogy of the TV scenario. Thank you for sharing your testimony. I think we, as Christians should share our struggles and accomplishments. It might serve to be a blessing to someone else. Just this week I had several channels removed from my TV programming. Happily the bill is noticeably lower. However, the judge shows are a definite hindrance for me. I found myself watching episodes that I’d watched previously. The negative energy generated by my daily commitment to these shows are overeating, complacency and time wasted. It saddens me to think that I spend a half hour in devotion and prayer and several hours watching judge shows. This divine revelation brought me to making a choice. “I will turn that negative into a positive by spending that time in prayer, devotion and reading the Word.
Sister A.

I’ve learned during the early times in my walk with the Lord “If I would just give it up; I could have it all!” Through the divine revelation of the Word of God; I have discovered how to let go of my plans (will) for my life and follow the path where God is leading me. Not to say that there aren’t any difficult times in this journey but in the midst of each storm, God comforts me and continuously meet my needs. It is an awesome and awakening experience to witness all things (good, bad & ugly) working together for my good as a result of seeking after the blessings of the Lord.
One of my greatest past hindrances was the cry of my heart. I have always desired to be married to a “TRUE” man of God; tender but yet strong, exemplifying the characteristics of Christ. I never actively sought after a man but my heart longed for my “one and only” true love. Boy was I missing it! I was absolutely miserable!!! I was focused on something totally out of season….. I later discovered that I had to give it up; gain a greater desire for Jesus, which has brought fourth peace, joy, contentment, patience etc. And guess what? I’m 38-years-old, still single and full of joy….My heart deeply longs after God….I’ve learned to embrace where God has me in each season of my life, which alleviates misery caused by hindrances or my own desires (will). In other words; if you give up your “own self” will, which brings forth hindrances and submit your way unto the Lord; you can have all the eternal blessing of God! The eternal blessings of the Lord make you rich and add no sorrow. There are many areas in my life where I have had to “give it up!” and continue to do so. It would not be possible for me to know exactly what to “give up” if I did not practice self deliverance….It is the Holy Spirit who shines in the light to expels darkness…..He reveals all things…it’s up to us to rid ourselves of the heavy weights that so easily beset us and to run this race with patience.

--D. Baker
<mailto:dbaker1968@cox.net>

I have tried to figure out what my hinderance to God might be and I can only come up with "me". I have not fully and completely trusted that He would do the things that He promised. I think it's because like all others, I want the things I need right away. I feel torn about it because God has proven to me over and over that He is faithful and just. He has shown me that no matter how I feel when I am depressed that He will continue to be everything and more to me. I have repented to Him and as I write this I feel a renewing of my spirit. I know that I am a patient person, I am just praying that I became a more understanding person, when He says "wait".
Rosetta
--rosetta
<mailto:rrrharm@yahoo.com>