Porn On The Brain

So... I promised I would go into depth on how the addiction cycle goes when it comes to porn. Here it is, as promised!

When a person does anything that feels good, that gives them sang pleasure (including eating), the brain builds a passageway linking the feeling of pleasure to that action.

When a person views pornography, extreme levels of the chemical dopamine are released. Dopamine is often referred to as the "pleasure chemical", as it is what creates the feeling of pleasure in the body (specifically the brain). These levels are way too high. The first time , the brain will just enjoy it and say "thank you". However, after a few times, the brain starts to rewire itself into thinking the high amount of dopamine is completely normal, which it isn't.

Now, while you think all you're doing is viewing something, that is quite wrong! While you're viewing porn, not only is a high amount of dopamine being released, but, as explained in the first paragraph, your brain is actually building a passageway linking pleasure to porn, which, in the future, will remind you to do it again. And that voice inside you saying "don't do it, don't do it" is getting smaller and smaller because this link is getting larger and larger. So not only is your brain hooked on the high amount of dopamine, but now it's hard to quit because there's hardly any voice inside you telling you you shouldn't do it.

Your brain now not only desires this feeling, it requires it. In fact, this process is the EXACT process that's going on in your brain if you're on meth. Both porn and meth act on the brain IN THE SAME WAY.

I guess that's all for now.

God Can Heal You

Are you at the end of your road? Have you hit a dead end? That's where the healing begins. Once you know and admit to God you're not going anywhere, the healing begins.

Things like pornography, drug use, alcohol, etc don't satisfy. They never did, and they never will. All they do is mess up your body. They trick your body into thinking that high amount of a chemical is completely normal.

Porn won't get you anywhere. In fact, it will drag you down. And if you let it, it will drag you so far down you will think you're hopeless. And if you're there right now, know this:

"You're never so far away I can't reach you." -God

If Jesus conquered the grave, don't you think He can take card of you? Don't you think He has the ability to bring you back so you can feel God again?

Nothing is impossible for God. And if you're at the end of your road and you know it, God is surely working in you right now. God is working in you, and He will never stop. He wants a closer relationship with you.

Give It To God.

Worried about something? Have something to hide? Here's a suggestion: just give it to God.

It may seem hard to do, but worry releases pressure, and prayer releases peace.

God created the universe. He knows the amount of hairs on your head. He already knows your sins, so come to Him ready to ask for His forgiveness. It doesn't matter what you've done of who you used to be. When you come to Christ, you are not defined by your past mistakes. Jesus Christ is the definition of you.

So don't hold back anything, just give all your worry to God. He's the perfect counselor. He is the ONLY perfect counselor, in fact. Talk to Him as if you were talking to a good friend.

Remember, worry releases pressure, but prayer releases peace.

Until the Whole World Hears,
Ryan

"If your eyes are on the storm, you wonder if I love you still, but if your eyes are on the cross, you know I always have and I always will."
-God

Stand For YourBeliefs!

So... I'm on Instagram, seeing a lot of pictures of people who are standing for their beliefs. As Christians, we believe the Bible, right? Let me put it this way: the Bible can't be taken as a buffet. You can't pick and choose what you want to believe from the Bible as you would at a buffet. It's all or nothing.

The Bible DOES INDEED say multiple times that marriage should be the way God intended it: between a man and a woman. And it is clear Jesus loved everybody when He was on Earth in human form. But He never said He supports gay marriage, and He never would if His first coming took place in this time period. He would, however, still love everybody just the same. And that's what we're commanded to do: to love one another. The Bible never says to love the way people choose to live their lives.

Now, don't get me wrong. I know I'm probably going to get a lot of hate comments. I'm not disabling them for this post. I want to see what people have to say.

I'm not a hater. I'm standing for my beliefs. Understand, if you do call me a hater, name calling and discriminating is exactly what you don't want done to you.

As Christians, we should stand for our beliefs, and those should be built on the Bible. The Bible tells us many times the world will always be against us. That's never gonna change. But we can share the gospel with others. We have been commanded to speak the truth. When we do speak truth, we show the world we truly love. The world has to understand, we're speaking the truth because we love them. And part of the truth is that gay marriage is, in fact, a sin. That's not opinion. It's fact, because it's found in the Bible in Genesis.

I've got a challenge for you: speak the truth this week! Stand for your beliefs!

Don't Fall In The Crack

Have you ever been at the place where you feel so good, like things are going really well, but then you fall back through the crack of loneliness, depression, and fear? You can easily be deceived when you are not walking close to God. The devil can and will deceive you every chance he gets. When things seem like they are going so well, don't let pride get in the way. Maybe you're a porn addict. I know where you are. I've been there, and it hurts. Just when you feel like you're doing so well, temptation enters, and you fall back into the seemingly endless cycle of days and nights on porn. Porn is the most widely available drug today. Yes, porn is a drug. In fact, it acts the EXACT SAME WAY as cocaine and meth acts on the brain. We'll go into more detail later. But for now, just know, you're not alone. There are other people your age dealing with it, no matter how young or old you are. And God is always with you. Even when you think no one is watching, guess who is?

God will always be with you, and He will walk right beside you as you struggle with breaking free from your addiction. He will never leave you. You may leave Him, but you will soon realise He's been right there, arms wide open, ready for you to run back to Him.

And Depression Kicked In...

Depression is common among a lot of people, including teens. There are many causes, but whatever the cause, it feels TERRIBLE. You just want to sleep to pass time.

We want you to know you are not alone. Some people on the R4C team have dealt with depression. We know what it's like.

Just hang in there. God loves you. Here's something you can remember:

If your eyes are on the storm, you'll wonder if I love you still, but if your eyes are on the cross, you'll know I always have and I always will.

---God

God knows your circumstance. He knows what you're going through. Even if it's just depression, seemingly for no reason, He knows what you're feeling. God is already there, standing at the end of your life. Everything will work together as a masterpiece if you just let go and give it to God. As Christians, something we must remember: the end is where we begin. When we reach the end of ourselves, we reach the beginning of a new life, given to Christ. And God will take the broken glass, and help you make a window, so you can see God more clearly.

The Future is Bright

I'll admit. I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life. I have a few ideas, but I'm unsure. I'm unsure about college. It's so expensive. My grades aren't so hot, so scholarships are slim. I do know a few things. I want a job that makes a lot of money. I want a nice house, and a few nice cars. Who doesn't? Hey, lets face it, I want a good looking wife too. :) Any ways, I still have these thoughts lingering in the back of my mind. I want to be successful. I want to do what I love. Here's news for you. God doesn't put dreams in our hearts for no reason. He plants these dreams in our heart to lead us on the right path to success, When you doubt that you may not land a good career, get a good scholarship, or think you cant move freely due to anxiety, depression, or addiction, just remember this verse.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This verse says it all. We should take refuge in this truth. No matter where you are in your journey with Christ, know this is true. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. It may feel like this is not true, because nothing is going in your favor. Just know, God loves you and he has a bright plan for your future.

There is a song I love. It is called Stronger by Mandisa. The Chorus says

"When the waves are taking you under
just hold on a little bit longer
he knows this is going to make you stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
things can only get better
believe me this is going to make you stronger"


Just know he has a great plan for you. Follow the dreams he plants in your heart, and know he is in control of your bright future.