Now these three
remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1Corinthians
13:13 NIV
|
Angie,
(November 26, 2009)
I
contacted you a couple years ago regarding my
soon-to-be husband who had a drinking problem. A
lot has happened since then…we did get married and
for awhile he seemed to do better… for awhile.
Jim even struck out on his own and bought out a
business and has been seeing success! But things
started spiraling downhill awhile ago to the point
where I was questioning my faith and God’s
“unwillingness” to help. Jim was changing
and so was I. Neither of us for the better.
Last week, I finally admitted to myself that my
husband was an alcoholic (previously, I would admit he
had a problem…but never admitted to anyone but
myself that he was an alcoholic) and that it was time
that I took responsibility for my actions as his
enabler. I journaled my thoughts and prayed
again for the strength to step back from his addiction
and be given the wisdom to know the difference between
enabling and being a supportive wife.
Sunday night, two days after my own admission, I got a
call at work from my husband asking for help. He
had hit his personal rock bottom. I was glad
that with all we’d been through that he still knew
he could count on me when the time came. I
picked Jim up and in tears he told me that he was an
alcoholic and he needed help with his recovery.
Yesterday morning, I remembered I had purchased your
book “The
Alcoholism Trap”. We sat down and read it
aloud to each other. Both of us found so much
comfort in your words and the bible verses. You
are right…only God can delivery Jim. And I
believe that God has been trying to tell him for some
time that he needed to make the change. But it
took Him to grab Jim by the scruff of the neck on
Sunday and say “Son! Enough!” for Jim to not
only hear but to listen to his Father. Thank you
so much for the strength in your words!
Jim attended an AA meeting yesterday at a local church
and will be attending another meeting tomorrow with a
good friend of ours from church he saw at that meeting
(we had no idea! It was such a God thing!).
We realized how much we enjoyed reading together when
we read your book, so I purchased a couples
devotional. I called our pastor and will be
meeting with him as a couple to help strengthen our
relationship with each other and with Christ because
without Him this isn’t possible.
I know the battle is not won and there is a long road
and lifetime commitment involved. But God is
here! And your book helped us to realize that.
Thank you, Angela! And God bless you and your
ministry! G.M
Angie,
Thank you. I purchased your book, "Love
the Women you Married" and read it three
times so far. Its very inspirational when you are in
the middle of a break up with your fiancée. I love
her and miss her dearly. I just purchased your other
book, "Love
the Man you Married" and hope to send it to
her. Sheeesh what a time to be going through. My pride
and selfishness ruled over the Lord's Wisdom. I've
learned through your book the importance of seeking
the Lord's wisdom in my life. I guess its up to the
Lord whether this relationship comes back together.
I've just given it to the Lord. D.P
Hi
Angie -
I
really enjoy reading your columns; they have provided
me with the strength that I need when feeling lonely
and weak.
S.L
Hi,
God bless you guys. I love this website so much. I'm a
newlywed and thank God I found a site that can serve
as a godly older woman in my life on how to be a godly
wife. Thank you guys so much. I was wondering if there
is anyone I can contact with prayer requests?
I have recently began to read
some of your articles through "The Vine". I
found them rather interesting, but mostly
inspirational. God Bless you for all that you do for
those who often need words of guidance and
encouragement. May God continue to use you as one of
his servants to continue teaching people how we should
live for our marriages in a world that is of us but
not in us. Blessed, E.
Dear Angie
Thanx for the good work you are doing to help us
sustain our marriages. Uganda Africa
I read your web page about living
with a cheating spouse, and it gave me hope. Please
help me to learn to pray so God will listen to me and
save my marriage. Love L.
Thank you for just listening and
not making me feel stupid. Yesterday was easier than
the day before, I cried only a little, I went to our
library and got some books to help me understand how
to pray better and how to open my heart to Gods word.
Again thank you, I am a member of your site now. You
really made a difference THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Angie! God bless you!
This article (Forgive and Love a Cheating Spouse)
really touched me and I am sure that this is the word
from God that I needed. I thank Him for using you. I
recently found out that my husband cheated on me. I
know that he loves me and I him. I realize that there
are several reasons, some that you've mentioned that
lead up to his ultimate act of actually having sex
with another woman. I have prayed and asked God for a
word; I've asked Him to show mr how to forgive my
husband. My prayer has been answered. I will not only
share this word with my husband but also with my
family and friends so that they may be able to
understand this situation. So that they will forgive
him too and will understand why I will not give up on
my marriage. God Bless You and again, thank you so
much!
I
have stumbled on a page on line you had on
another website...and i like it so much i went to your
site to see what other advice you can offer...and let
me tell you...god is smiling on you and your family for
all the help you have provided others...
J.
Angie,
Thank you so much for your time to answer. I have
re-read your article on "Forgiveness". It
truly an inspiration and a help. I am working on
trying to forgive. The road seems long but with
the Lords help I am confident I will get there. Thank
you for being such a blessing to many. If I have more
concerns I will e-mail you again. S.
Hello Angie,
Just to let you know that I have greatly benefited
from your articles on marriage. I must say it saved my
marriage of 30 years from going to the rocks. N.
Hi
I want to thank God for your obedience in sharing such
insightful truths about marriage. I am presently in the middle of a crisis wherein my
spouse cheated on me. I am devastated. I have committed myself to find out as
much as possible about forgiveness. I have found your materials to be "a word in due
season." I thank you for your sincerity. With
Love and Appreciation. M.
Thank you so much for all you do. You do more for God
than you do for your self and hope one day you will
come to Uganda and teach us more. Be blessed in all
you do. Pastor C. B.
Wow your piece on resentment was so powerful.
It really touched my heart. I am dealing with
a battle of resentment with my ex-boyfriend. I
feel resentment towards him that I am trying to let
go. I am getting over the hurt over the break
up of our relationship and your piece really touched
me. I just felt that I should share that with
you. Sincerely, K
Hi Angie,
Thank you for sending me your articles, I agree
with you 100%
that people don't like to hear the truth about not
getting divorce.
May the Lord Jesus give you the courage to speak
the truth and only the truth
in his mighty Word. Jesus bless you! R.
Dear Angie,
Thank you for the truths you have been e-mailing to
us. Gods way.
It was your e-mails that encouraged me to stay with my
husband.
Praise God he is home now and the Lord is bringing
healing in our lives
and our marriage. he is working and we attending the
church where the truth
of Gods Word is been thought and is setting us free.
God has plans and using him and me.
God is restoring my sons relationship with him.
Praise God they are working together.
With God all things are possible and that what I get
in your teachings
If the Lord leads pray for us.
Merry Christmas, Rusa
***************
After having a terrible argument with my wonderful husband this morning, and hearing things from his mouth that left me feeling deserted, I turned to FaithWriters unaware there was a section on marriage. O.K. God, I'm listening.
There were several articles appearing above yours, "Understanding Our Emotions". I read them but felt unfulfilled.
That's when I spotted "Understanding". You were able to hit the nail on the head in several ways. I haven't even finished reading the article but needed to tell you the peace that began to wash over me.
Congratulations on opening your heart to God and fulfilling a purpose He has for you through writing.I'm anxious to read more of your articles.
Thanks again! Be blessed and receive, M. B
~~~~~~
Dear Angie
Thank you. I recently confronted my husband of 5 years about his adulterous
affair. I needed guidance on forgiveness & how to get rid of the
anger, rage & hurt that the affair has caused within me. Your
article was very informative & helpful with many scriptures to keep in
my spiritual bank. Thank you for having the courage to write such an
unconventional newsletter. We live in unconventional times & it
helps to know that Christian material is available for all types of marital
problems.
L.K
-------------------------------------------
Hi Angie,
I just wanted to let you know that I'm amazed by the fact that I have
seen 2 different counselors over the past few years and one immediately
wanted to put me on anti-depressant medication (which I opted not to do) and
the other was steering me down the "do whatever it takes...everyone
will survive with or without one another" path. And the
advice you have given me me over just the past month is what is hitting home
and making sense! I even spent 4 days (24 hrs total) attending a long
weekend seminar about "waking up and finding yourself" and that
didn't even work.
I've read 3 of your newsletter articles found in
the Heaven Ministries website and can relate to and understand what you are
trying to teach people. The hard part is putting it all into real life play!
Just another little thank you to YOU!
Again, I'll keep in touch as progress is made and/or if I'm stuck and can't
move.
S
-------------------
Please pray for my family .. My brother is suffering from depression and panic
attacks. He is the bread winner at home helping to support our elderly
parents and disabled sister ... there are times that he can't go to work and
now his job is in jeopardy. Please pray for us he is under medical care but
its God's help that we (he) needs ... he calls out to God for help ... and
its so very hard to see him like this ... please, please pray for us. This
is affecting our whole family and I can see the fear and desperation in all
our faces ... please, hold us up in prayer.
God bless.
P.
---------------------------
Dear Angie,
I am an extremely independent woman and found this article to be amazing. (Re:
article on submission I was a teen bride and then remarried in my early
20's. That also failed. Now at 36, I am newly engaged and am in complete
agreement with every word that was spoken in your article!
For years I attempted to be 'equal' to my mate. It is
only recently that I fully understand the Devin meaning of Christ wanting to
have my helpmate lead and for us to go forth together. I know the reason it took
me so long was due to my upbringing, the horrible childhood and a past that
haunted me. I am very pleased to say the the Lord brought my fiancée and I together. He is God fearing, he wants to please me and
our Father, he will not 'abuse' the fact that I completely submit to him. I know
I can because I trust him with my life.
Again, I wish to thank you for such an outstanding
article.
God Bless,
T. B
Sacramento, CA
_______________
Dear Heaven Ministries
Please email me the password of this ebook and also pls help me to download it.
I downloaded 2 of the Heaven Ministries e-books already, but this one says
coming soon and its not downloadable. I'm just new to your site and very
interested to read this book.
Thank you,
Mr. E. T
_______________
Hi Angie or do people call you "A.J."?
How have you been? How is your son's
health? Hope you and your family had
a wonderful holiday. Things have definitely
improved on my end ... my attitude has changed for the better ... a lot is
credited to YOU! My latest problem is that I
have a very dear friend who I met through my daughter (our daughter's are best
friends and
have been for 6 years) that is dieing from
cancer. She's been battling C for 3 years now and it's recently traveled to
her brain and I don't know what to do. She
is well known throughout our community for her volunteer work and kind disposition. She is/was a neonatal nurse
at Loyola ... probably the most caring they ever had. Everyone wants to
help her and her family, but we don't know what
to do! I constantly offer to watch her 2 daughters so that she and her husband can enjoy an evening alone but I want
do do more. She is such a special and wonderful person, why does this have to happen to her?!?!?! I just
don't get it.
Any advice would be deeply appreciated ... as I
always value your thoughts.
S.C
------------------
Hello Angie,
God is good!
I'm thankful to you for sharing your encouraging words...by that I've learned so
many things, especially in my spiritual aspect, in so doing you are a blessing
to everybody.
Once again thank you and may God continue to shower you
His blessings and guide you always...
Respectfully Yours,
J.
-----------------------
Dear Miss ANGIE,
God is able!
Thank you so much for sending me an inspirational message. It helps me a lot in
strengthening my faith to the Lord.
God bless you more!!!!
-------------------
I would like to subscribe to your monthly newsletter. Thank you and more power.
God Bless!
--------------------
Dear Ma'am/Sir,
Christian greetings! I'm requesting that your kind and
gracious office please send my friend Christians newsletters entitled Detach
With Love, Forgiveness, Submission, More on Submission, and On Knowing
Ourselves. Please let us pray for him as well as he will get to know the
Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and that he may grow in God's saving
Knowledge. I'll be grateful with all my heart in your good office if you will
give attention to my letter and request. Thank you very much.
Very Truly Yours,
C.R.T
From Philippines
-----------------------
I would like to know more about marriage.
J.A.
-------------------------
Thank you and God Bless
K.
------------------------
God Bless!
C.A.
------------------------
Thank you for your newsletters!
R.C.
-------------------------
Pray for my wife and daughter, they went to Mexico. Thank you.
R.
--------------------------
Please send me newsletters on issues regarding marriage, and how would our
marriage become better.....
P.
-------------------------
I do appreciate this ministry. It is so encouraging in my daily walk with
Christ. I will keep you in my prayers in all your daily duties.
E.N.
--------------------------
Looking for some advice.
R.B.
-------------------------
Dear Miss Angie,
The love of God endures forever! I'm very grateful to be one of your
subscribers to your newsletter. I found very interesting and can help build up
my family and of course in my spiritual life as well. More power to you and God
bless us always.
Sincerely yours,
J.
---------------------------
Hello, This is S. I received your articles in my email from a good friend of
mine a few days ago. I must tell you that I just loved this article (communication) and, could
not stop from reading on!!!
I have always been interested in people relationships (who isn't???), and this
article really helped me to solidify certain beliefs that I kept inside but,
could not easily manifest in reality due to a lack of courage. I realize now
that in communicating my feelings in a calm manner with others in times of
frustration can really resolve my stress that I have been experiencing lately
these days. It will actually make my life easier.
Of course, the unconditional love I would require to carry out the communication
in the right way so that it will not result in arguments. Only thing that really
worries me is does this unconditional love thing really apply to dating
relationships? Not give all attitude but, to let the man know how I really
feel...wouldn't this usually sabotage the development of the relationship that
it may "scare off" the man???
Love in Christ
S.
--------------------------
Good afternoon.
Thank you very much for the Marriage Alive
Newsletter. I would like to inform
you of my new email address. Thank you and God bless you!
E.
---------------------------
Dear Angie,
God is good all the time! Hello Ma'am, I just want you to know that I am so
blessed and touched by your articles entitled "Forgiveness" and
"Knowing Yourself" it gave a big impact to my life. Will you please do
me a favor ma'am? Can you send a copy of those articles to my email address? I
want to print them out so that every time I feel upset I will read them and for
sure they will give me inspiration and to challenge me to go deeper in my
relationship towards my fellowship and most especially to our God. Hoping for your
kind and consideration.
Yours Truly,
J.
---------------------------------
Please send to me your free newsletters through my contact address. I really
appreciate your good job at Heaven Ministries. Please keep it up and do not
relent in your efforts to proclaim the good news. Our society really needs
it.
C.U.
---------------------------------
Thank you so much for the Marriage Alive Newsletters. We now have a better
understanding to be faithful to one another.
J & G. Q.
---------------------------------
Hi Angie!
My name is S.H. By reading your articles (e-book) I realize how much I lack
wisdom going into any relationship. But I am grateful to God that god is
preparing me as a better partner for the future relationship through your
ministry.
I see God already working out and testing out some of your principles in my
life, and I see god moving my life directing and guiding this special
relationship in my life right now.
I would love to read your articles and books, so please continue to educate
young people like myself and save us from further headaches.
God Bless!
S.
------------------------------
Thank you, Angie, for your prompt reply, I will be looking forward for the
next issue. I honestly love to write that one of my future goals is to publish
at least one book in my life. I am very excited that you are providing this
opportunity for me to participate in your publishing the newsletter!!! I was not
expecting such a blessing!
Excited,
-------------------------------
Dear Angie,
Thank you for your reply and thoughtful feedback! I once have sent you a
feedback on your article of Communication in relationships. I loved what I read!
I'll be more than happy to share my thoughts with other readers of your
newsletter!!!
S
--------------------------
I know it's a tough thing to practice, to have such loving patience, yet if
people can just let the thought seep through their minds, I feel that it may
help them to become more courageous to do so.
S.
--------------------------
Dear Angie,
Thank you for writing me. I'm doing great here in the Philippines
by god's grace and loving kindness. I praise and thank God. God less you all
through out. Reaching out with the love of Jesus.
C.
------------------------------------
Questions
from our readers
Question: I've been
married for 14 years (with spouse for over 20 years in total). Everything we do
revolves around
him and I feel I've been neglected for 12+ years as he spends way more time with
his friends than with me.
So I told him this and now he wants to be with me all the time, but I resent
that I had to tell him to spend
more time with me and now I could care less if we do anything together. Now what
do I do?
Please only respond to this email address.
Thank you.
Heaven Ministries reply:
Dear S.C,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your email. My family has been
visiting from out of town.
Back to your question. Many times, especially after being married for many
years, we find that we do go our own way and neglect each other in the simple
things of marriage, such as eating meals together or even having
daily chats of how our day went.
Sometimes what happens is we resent each other because
we have not spent any REAL time together. Friends and family, without realizing
it, take us away from our loved ones and so we must be careful of that.
Pretty soon we realize that we have not spent anytime with who really matters in
our life. And that is what happened with your husband.
It sounds to me from your email that your husband does
want to spend time with you and that he even missed being with you. But, you do
need to find a balance. The balance I am referring to is not spending every
minute
together, but spending quality time together that helps to enrich the marriage.
Simple things such as making sure that every meal is spent together, and having
a time every day where you can both talk about how your
day went.
Also, friends are okay to have, but they should never
come first in your marriage. Do you have friends that you both enjoy socializing
with?
Try to spend at least one day a week going out to a
movie, dancing or strolling your city with your husband alone. This is spending
quality time.
I do not want you to feel resentful for telling your
husband that you want to spend more time with him. This tells him that you love
him, which is something that we forget to say sometimes. Be honest with him and
let him
know that you do not need to be together every spare moment you have, but that
you would like to share more quality time with him. If you are doing something
that you both enjoy TOGETHER, you will be spending that quality
time that all marriages need. I hope that I answered your question. email
me again. I want to hear from you.
Angie Lewis
Question: This email is directed to A.J Lewis - author of doing
the cleanse article
I have read your article concerning the Psyllium Husk cleanse and wanted to know
if there is any maintenance after the 3 month cleanse? After the three months,
do you totally discontinue the drink or reduce the amount to a smaller portion?
Thanks,
L
Heaven Ministries reply:
Hello L! Thank you for your interest in
the Psyllium Husk cleanse. The cleanse program is only for the three months and
after that time, you may discontinue taking the Psyllium Husk drink.
If you are thinking about doing the cleanser, let me
know how you are doing. You may email me with your progress and any questions
you have at anytime.
In His Peace,
Angie Lewis
___________________
Hi, my name is M. L and I'm going through divorce it is a very
difficult situation. This is my second marriage and also for my husband and we
have being married for 19 months. He filed for divorce 3 months ago there is no
adultery both of us are Christians and we are commit to Jesus Christ. I do not
agree with the divorce but the church supports him. I have 3 children from my
first marriage and two live with us. He has also 3 children
one live with us and the other two with their mom. Since August he cut all
financial support and kick me and my children out from our house complain that I
do not have rights to be in the house and that I'm posses by demons.
I did not leave the house and he requested to the court to take me out from the
house our church protects him and the pastor toll me that I do not have any
rights to stay in the house and that my husband do not have any responsibility
with my children because they do not have my husband's blood (the blood of
Jesus was not enough) . My husband gives a lot of money to the church and
he is serving as a spiritual counsel in the altar and the
pastors know what he is doing and no one tells him anything.
I had court two days ago and I represented myself and
contrary to the church the commissioner toll my husband that since he did not
include the my children
in his petition for divorce he is going to include and is going to make sure
that they are protected (my husband in his file putted that there are no
children involve) and is very sad that a world court is more compassionate
than the ones that who represent the Lord. Also the commissioner gave me
four choices in the house issue
1 Sell my part to my husband
2 Buy his part
3 Sell the house
4 Split the house
I toll the commissioner that I need counsel and he gave me 15 days to go back
and respond my husband's petition for the divorce other wise he will be granted
with everything he is asking for. I do not know what to do I want to be obedient
to the Lord and I do not want the divorce responding is like agreeing with it. I
do not know if I should look for a attorney or not please, give me your advice
according to God's will for marriages.
Heaven Ministries Reply:
Hello M. L
There are two separate issues at work here.
One is the legalities of your situation.
The other your wanting to do the Lord's will.
About the legalities it just means what rights the
courts grant you as a citizen. But this has nothing to do with our Lord's
will and your response.
I don't know details and am not sure I would need to
know but what it comes down to is accepting the lord's will for your life.
You are not responsible for another persons actions and the Lord will not hold
it against you if you did not provoke it. The lord will not hold you responsible
for divorce if that is your concern about entering into the proceedings.
All that means is
that you are using the muscle of the state to do something.
As Christians we are to run from thieves and on the
other hand we are to suffer for His name's sake.
One has nothing to do with the other.
This teaching on marriage is tough to preach but in the
Lord's eyes you are not divorced from your "first" husband.
Our lord Jesus Christ never granted the right to
divorce. This is a fiction that man has invented to suit his own lusts.
See the scriptures about "what God has put together let not man
separate"
Also where Apostle Paul says "if the unbelieving
spouse leaves, you are not bound" meaning you don't have to chase after him
but you are not divorced
either.
In this case he says he is a believer but is not acting
like one. In any case you are not lawfully married to this man in the Lord's
eyes even though you may have the approval of the court and or society.
I would say to handle your affairs in as peaceful
manner as possible and since this man has gone to the courts and has the backing
of his church you are not going to change his mind.
Only take what rightfully belongs to you. You may
need to pray about this, and also pray for this man that he may treat you in a
favorable manner with peace and kindness. If you respond with love you may
be surprised and if not at least you did what our Lord requires of us, and that
is to respond
with love.
Try to reconcile with your first husband. If it
doesn't seem possible pray for him. Pray for acceptance of the Lord's will for you and your
family.
Make preparations to be on your own without this man.
I appreciate very much your willingness to stay married
to this man but I am not sure as to the details as far as whether or not your
marriage was lawful in the eyes of the Lord.
In His Peace and Love,
Heaven Ministries
_________________
Question:
Dear Advice,
I'm five and a half month pregnant and soon I'm gonna have to
stop my regular job as a nurse to take care of the new baby. Do you know of a
work at home job that can help me generate an income while I'm taking at least 3
months off, to help with my husband's salary?
Heaven Ministries reply:
Hi. Thank you for writing.
You're on the right track by wanting to stay at home with your new baby. While I
don't know of a work at home job for you at this time, I do want to stress how
important it is to not let that fact change your position in any way.
Staying at home with your baby is and should be first on your priority list in
our opinion. From a scriptural point of view.
There are things that you can do and start thinking about that will help you in
one way or another. Start thinking in terms of what you can do for
yourself and your family to save money. As you may have heard a penny
saved is a penny earned and we believe that self reliance is reliance on God.
Perhaps you can let some of your God given talents out of hibernation so to
speak, in the sense that you can renew your sense of creativity and find a way
where there appears to be no way. After all, faith is hope of things
unseen. So I'm asking you to go on faith.
At the same time, it would be a good idea to try to fellowship and stay in
contact with other like minded stay at home moms and or families for help and
support.
In the meantime you could still keep your eyes and ears open for stay at home
work opportunities, but be careful as there are a lot of scams out there.
It would be preferable if you put the word out in your community about the
skills you have that you can use to assist them with from your own home.
I really don't want to get too long here although I have quite a bit more that I
could share with you on this but I will cut my stay before wearing out my
welcome, since I don't really know you or where your talents and interests lie.
In Jesus' name
Angie Lewis
_________________
Dear Advice:
My family has been undergoing witch attacks from our upstairs neighbor for more
than 2 years now. We have been ceaselessly praying for protection and
relief, but the attacks continue. What the Lord has so far given us is the
endurance to bear them and get on with our daily life. We do not want to
move to another house (that's what our neighbor wants, due to unprovoked envy)
because we do not want to make them feel they've won. Apparently, they've
been doing this to previous tenants of the unit we live in, probably to other
tenants as well, who choose to remain silent. Please counsel us on how to
effectively fight this witchcraft through God's help. My wife, Prima, and
daughter, Donna, are already members of the Christian Gospel Center, while I'm
still preparing myself to join the church. Thank you and God bless.
M. G
16 Jan 2004
Heaven Ministry reply
Dear M. G family,
This is an unusual prayer request. I would like to ask you, are your
neighbors upstairs actually doing anything physical to harm you and your family?
Or... are they just trying to scare you? Have you tired talking with your
neighbors to see why they might feel envious?
I can understand how frustrating this may be. Realize
this and believe it: God's goodness and light overpower the darkness. The
darkness and all things associated with it, like witchcraft does not hold a
candle to the LIVING, SPIRITUAL God. Keep up with your faith in the Lord and He
will watch over your family.
You can also try writing a note to them, explain that they are wasting their
time on your family, since you live in Christ's Love and Faith. Add a few of
your own touches, but nicely to the effect that you are not moving. Do not be mean or say anything derogatory about them. Tell them, "right now this
is where God has planted us and we are not moving." Explain to them about
the ALL POWERFUL GOD in whom you reside.
Sign the note with God Bless and may the spirit of
Jesus come into your life. Slip the note under the door.
In the meantime, do a little spiritual work of your
own. Play gospel and hymns so they can hear it. Sing loud and dance, praising
the Lord and do this especially when they are trying to scare you. Say the
Lord's prayer real loud several times.
Please keep me informed. I would like to know any
changes.
God Bless you and your family with the mighty power of Jesus Christ, our Lord
and Savior!
Angie Lewis
Question:
Hi, Angie~ Happy New Year!!!
This is S! I am asking for your prayers so that I can overcome this
addiction... I've had several heartbreaks over the failed relationships
which never blossomed into marriage yet, have always been brought up by the
man I date in each relationship in the past. The issue that would break up the
relationship generally is due to pre-marital sex--that I am unwilling have a
fear to go that far before the marriage) and the men want this that even if they
would respect my wishes and don't force me into doing anything else, they'd be
looking for other girls to get involved... This would cause the
separations in general... I fear to get involved in an exclusive relationship,
in which I do my best to love and care for my boyfriend in a balanced manner,
for I'd get afraid
that he, too, will flee from me due to this issue... In my last relationship, I
tried to communicate with my previous bf in regards to my beliefs and, where I
am coming from. But, he wound up abandoning the relationship at 4th month
mark, by stop calling and responding to my
calls... I've read so many relationship books that I do not act
desperate... do not call the guy persistently, etc. Then, my addiction
came about--I started calling Psychics... There were many times that they have
predicted things to unfold very accurately that I was amazed, and I became a
regular caller in regards to my relationships--how he may be thinking, feeling,
how he will act, what will happen, will he come around???, etc...
I am very ashamed about this and have tried to stop myself from calling for
several months but eventually repeat the same habit... I've lost so much money
on this as well... I logically know that this is very foolish thing to
do as an intellectual person who has gained many people's respect in what I do
and, overall, as a Christian, who also has participated in missions...
After reading your Jan. issue on Spiritual life as a
Christian, I have decided to email you, with my unresolved issue. I've started
Q.T every night, reading His Word, and praying to God... Yet,
I am just so tired of my heartaches over the failed relationships and my
stupidity in this addiction of Psychic callings... Would you pray
for me??? Would you have any advice for me??? Exhausted, S...
Heaven Ministries Reply:
Hi S.
It's good to hear from you. I just want you to know that I understand your
frustration totally and completely.
You have already taken the first step in the right direction by making this
inquiry. Let me explain:
Remember when Abraham and Sarah laughed at God when he told them he would give
them child. They thought they were too old (over 100) and to our carnal minds they were. But God did just that (gave them child at that
age) but not before Abraham and Sarah took matters in their own hands first.
The good thing is that you recognize your weakness in your frustration at events
not turning out as you would want them to. The other side of the coin is that we
as followers of Christ need to be mindful of the culture around us. We as
followers of Christ are in a tight spot. We want to do the Lord's will but the culture does not cooperate.
We must learn to wait on him. Wait for his will and purpose.
Is there something in your life that is making you feel pressured for an
outcome? For example, some (Christian) women feel they are getting too old
if they haven't found a suitable mate by the age of 21.
Are you sure that "dating" is God's will for you? I personally
don't think it is. "dating" is the mindset of this culture and it
appears from what you state that is the brick wall you keep running into. When
God answers our prayers would we be open to his suggestions? Or would we laugh like
Abraham and Sarah and then take matters into our own hands?
You are blessed with the strength of God through your willingness to stay a
virgin until you are married. It will truly be a very lucky and blessed man who
will eventually win your heart. Stay strong, S. God knows your troubles and will not give you more than you can handle.
We must seek the Truth for our answers. Fortune tellers and Psychics are false
interpretations of what is Truth and Wisdom. They know their job well and that
is why many things seem to be accurate, but it is an illusion to keep you coming back for more. What is True is already in your heart...you said
that you know it is foolish...and so there lies your answer. Your Spirit within
you (Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ) has given you the answer.
Don't give up hope on EVER finding the right person for you in your life. Wait
on Him for His will and purpose for you. Keep seeking Truth and what you
believe--God is with you every step of the way. We here at Heaven Ministries are praying for you. Email me back if you want, I am here for you.
In Christ's Love and Peace, Hope and Happiness,
Angie Lewis
______________________
Question: I would deeply appreciate some advice,
and tips on saving my marriage. I could lose the very person who means the world
to me. Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU!
Heaven Ministries Reply:
I would love to give you any advice I can from the foundation of Jesus Christ.
In so doing, I am sending you the latest, Marriage Alive Newsletter, which
Heaven Ministries publishes once a month. You did not go into detail on the
problems that you may be having in your marriage, and so at this point I would
not know what kind of advice I could give you. Except, that to allow the Love of
Jesus Christ to fill your heart and from your heart direct your marriage
accordingly. I hope that this particular newsletter will bring you some
understanding and wisdom into any area of your life.
God Bless! I hope to hear from you again.
A.J Lewis
------------------
Question: There are sins that I love, and I try to
give them up but I just can't do it. Will God count me as an enemy even
though I try and fail? Will he send me to hell even though I am sorry for my
sins, but I keep going back to them.? Thank you, A
Heaven Ministries reply:
Dear A,
When we sin and we know it to be wrong, we have a choice to choose the right
path, which is of God or the wrong path, which is not of God, and the sinful
nature of man. We all sin - even great Christian's sin. But we do need to have
more faith and Trust in God so we do not continue in the sin. Also, many times a
person does fall into sin through the associations they keep. Once they stop
associating with certain crowds and people, the temptation to sin passes
away.
If you have a hard time giving up a particular sin, I would venture to say it is
because your heart is not with the Lord as it should be. In other words, When we
continue to sin when we know that it is wrong, we are not ready in our hearts to
give it up. It is a war between the flesh and the spirit within you. You must
really want to stop sinning and plead to God to give you the strength to not be
tempted into the sin again. God knows your heart and He hears your cries.
Hang in there. Keep praying so your weakness can be flung out the window for
good! If you would like to talk about this more, please do not hesitate to email me, I
will be here for you.
God Bless!
Angie Lewis
Heaven Ministries
----------------
Question: Hello my name is C.S and my wife
and I are separated but plan on getting back together in the next 2 weeks. I
have rededicated my life to JESUS and finding peace through all of this. One of
my problems is when my wife was growing up she had a bad experience with a
church and now considers them all to be the same. This is not the first time
this has happened to us. It keeps repeating on and on and I know I will not be
fixed till God is in the center of our relationship. We have 2 daughters, 20
months and a 4 month old. I would like for you to pray for us cause I am a firm
believer in prayer warriors. Anything else you can suggest, please email
me.
Heaven Ministries reply:
Acknowledge that God is the author of your marriage and Jesus Christ is the
foundation. There is a lot of pull on marriages from different angles and
so it is a good idea to stay away from these.
Concentrate on your responsibilities. These are to love your wife as Christ
loved his followers. Christ said: "What God has put together let not
man separate."
Take care of your wife and children and protect your family from outside
interference from the will of the lord which is outlined above.
I don't know particulars of your situation other than what you wrote but from
what you wrote I would say, acknowledge your wife's concern, it is not
unreasonable, and actually she is not alone in her experience. Try to
fellowship with people you know, as opposed to strangers in a "church"
Proverbs say "tell me who you run around with and I'll tell you who
you are" Try to find families that believe in married until death and
fellowship at each other's homes. We refer to this as "home
churching".
The road is narrow that leads to the kingdom. You know where the wide
road leads.
Christ's peace upon your household.
The minister
Heaven Ministries
----------------------
Question: Dear Angie, Thank you for replying so soon.
My question is how do I keep a marriage alive when I have been separated
10 years as my husband is in Prison in mainland. He has another 10 years to do. I am in Hawaii we don’t see each other
for years on end. No contact. Feel single, can’ t remember what marriage
is. Kids hurt. I hurt & ache all time from missing him. My flesh is torn. I don’t know if I can wait another 10 years.
I have prayed & stood & held on for life. My husband keeps telling me to move on.
he does not understand how I can wait. Lost all my family & friends nearly over this
marriage.
Help! any wisdom would be appreciated.
Y.
Heaven Ministries reply:
Dear Y.
Your husband is a very lucky man! I believe that God
has given you the strength you need to continue on with what you are
doing--waiting for your husband's return. In the eyes of the Lord, you are doing
the right thing. In the eyes of your friends and family, they do not see it that
way. They do not really understand what marriage is and what it stands for. You
obviously still love your husband and that gives you even more reason to wait
for his return. What I think you need is encouragement from others because
you are not getting that from your families and friends, and I am sorry about
this.
Ten-years is a long time to wait when you look at it from the viewpoint of the
culture. But in the eyes of the Lord 10-years is just a another day.
Continue on with the love you have for your husband, remembering him through
photo's and good times that you have shared. I will pray for you and for God to
give you the strength you need to carry on with peace and hope for you and your
children. God is your guiding light!
Angie Lewis
Heaven Ministries
-----------------------------
Question: Me and my wife have been married for 20 yrs. About 3 weeks ago she stopped showing me affection.
I'm not talking about sex. I confronted her about it and she said everything is bothering her.
Her dad has Lou Gehrigs disease and her mother makes her feel guilty when we go away for a weekend She also said
she doesn't know if she has the right kind of love for me anymore. She also said she has been harboring pain for 20 years funny she
didn't show it. She goes to church every Sunday I have going back lately. I have never cheated on her and I told her I will not cheat. any
Ideas?
Heaven Ministries Reply: You sound like a very concerned husband We need
more of those in the world. Apparently your wife is harboring resentment from past issues
and they are obviously mounting up within her. Your wife needs an outlet for ridding her
emotional issues. Possibly she needs to forgive those who have hurt her. After she can forgive
she can learn to set boundaries for herself so not to allow others to hurt her again.
She obviously doesn’t tell you when she feels hurt or disrespected, since she has been unhappy
for 20 years. Because I do see that you are concerned about your wife, how sad. This is not
your fault. Put bluntly, your wife has done this to herself by not telling others what
her
boundaries are, such as her mother, friends and even you.
Also, from what I am understanding in your post, she is feeling burdened by her parents health
issues and feels it is her responsibility to take care of them in their old age. Your wife is
a people pleaser kind of person and doesn't want to let anyone down. (most
people are pleasers) That is why she feels guilty when away from her ailing parents. People pleasers
tend to mask their true feelings and instead
harbor unpleasant feelings Later. Harboring negative feelings turn into resentment and bitterness.
Another issue: We are to honor our mother and dad, we should do the best we can to
assist them in their older years and especially if they are really needing it.
This is something that you will need to talk about with your wife. Maybe she
feels that you do not want the burden of her parents?? You did not tell me your
feelings about this issue, so I am only speculating.
Your wife can be happy again and so can you. But your wife has to be willing to make an effort on
her part. You said that she goes to Church and that you have started going too.
Obviously she is either keeping quiet about her feelings or the church is unable
to help her. Do you have any other spiritual outlets, such as bible study,
or singing and praising to the Lord that you can do at home? Both of these
initiated by you in the home on a consistent basis will really help both of you
connecting spiritually with God. It is when we are bonded with Him that we can
humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness, and His wisdom and love to guide our
lives. Your wife is calling out, but she is not calling out to God. Help
her to call out to God.
-----------------------------------
Question: I have made my wife's life miserable because
I have an addiction to porn, at first I did not want to admit it, but I now
realize that I have to let it go to save my marriage. My spouse has not left me
yet...but I know that she is at the point where she wants to go away. I can't
live without her and I realize that a slave cannot have two masters...I chose my
wife so what can I do to rebuild my marriage? Please help save my marriage.
F.
Heaven Ministries reply:
You state you let it go but you did not state whether you are letting it go
because you got caught or because you admit to doing wrong in the site of God
and asked Jesus Christ to forgive you and help you stay out of wrong thinking.
This is the first step.
Lust is not conducive to a proper loving family environment. You have
broken the trust bond and this takes time to rebuild. Do not expect overnight
results. Your wife will need time to heal her hurt and come to
understand that you and she are not perfect and not infallible and that you
can work through things together to rebuild the trust and the love.
There are often times underlying issues to a problem. It is my hope and
prayer you will work though them together. That is the lord's will.
The minister.
Heaven Ministries
---------------------------------------
Question:
Hi Angie!
I am struggling with every relationships because I have a hard time forgiving people who have done me wrong. I do
want to forgive but because I have a hard time forgetting the incidents: therefore, I have a hard time letting go the
past. People do not understand me why I can not forgive them sooner....
I am fasting today so that God can intervene in my life so that I may not struggle in this particular area anymore.
I need some time off and cool down before returning to the person when I am ready to talk about my emotions
objectively. But most of the times most people are not very patient with me. I was wondering if this is biblical way of
resolving differences. This is the only way I know how to resolve differences with people. and some people are
pressuring me to change so drastically. I feel so unwelcome and unloved by this particular crowd.
Do you have any word of advice? Please be in prayer for me. Thanks, S.
H.
Heaven Ministries reply:
Forgiveness isn’t always an easy thing to do. Especially if we have been wounded and hurt by others.
Forgiveness comes from the deep inner psyche of our being. I like to call it our spiritual selves. Just
saying sorry to someone doesn’t free us from the emotions we are feeling.
Sometimes when we are new at learning to forgive others it is easiest to confront that person and explain
to them that you are hurting and would like to forgive them. Even if in your heart you haven’t forgiven
them, you will be on the right track, knowing that you DO WANT to forgive. Look at it like a kind of
training. It’s like when we forget to pray or are too busy to pray, it’s harder to get back in that mode of
praying. The same goes for learning to forgive, it’s an act that we all need to learn to do, not just for the
person we are forgiving but for ourselves. Usually after we practice forgiving,
we actually DO forgive.
People aren’t always nice, not even our friends or loved ones, it could be that they are hurting too, this is
why learning to forgive is so important for our inner being to be free and happy. Once you have truly
forgiven others, your friends will see a change in you. But it’s not your friends who changed you, but
yourself.
Forgiving someone frees us from resentment and bitterness. I think from reading your letter that the
pressure you are feeling is your pent up emotions rearing to come out, but you’re not sure
how to get it all
out. Past issues can literally make ourselves feel unloved and unwanted. Sometimes, too, people treat us
the way we feel about ourselves. If we don’t feel good about ourselves others will notice that and treat us
accordingly, whether it’s criticizing or putting us down in front of others. I don’t think it’s in a malicious
way, but to make themselves feel better, So remember that!
When we don’t forgive someone when we have been hurt. we tend to hold on to it and that is why the
past events have been creeping up on you. The more people that have wronged us the more bitter and
resentful we feel towards them. People, such as your friends see that you are frustrated with your
emotions and that is why you feel they are trying to change you. But. S. H., no one can change you,
the more they try to change you, the more pressure you will feel. The only person who can change you is
yourself. We do this through the Lord our God. we absolutely need to put our
Trust and Faith in God and He will give us the strength we need to forgive
and love others.
I believe your heart is in the right place. You want to forgive, but don’t think that you can. Know in your
heart that you are a special person for who you are and that your friends can’t change you. Pray for God
to help release your pent up resentment and let the past go. God will help you forgive others, when He
knows that you are ready to let the past go and forgive. When you do this, you will have already changed
for yourself by the freeing of your wounded spirit. Your friends will notice that your self esteem is intact and
they will in return treat you with the respect you deserve.
Forgiveness takes courage. Sometimes we just need to let down our wounded pride and forgive.
Thank God that He has given us a part of himself (Holy Spirit) to be forgiven
and forgive others.
Please keep me informed on how you are doing. I want to hear from you again.
I am praying for you and for God to intervene in your troubles.
Angie Lewis
Heaven Ministries
--------------------------------------
Question: How do I receive your newsletter? Do I
just visit your website? Thanks again and have a wonderful weekend!
S.
Heaven Ministries Reply:
When the next newsletter is published, which will
be in the next couple of weeks I will send it to your email address. If you want
to read previous newsletters go back to the Heaven Ministries web site and on
the left menu you will see the newsletter archives. Use your new user name
and password for viewing. I will be publishing your thoughts in the next
newsletter.
---------------
For those who would like to subscribe to the Heaven Ministries Newsletter, you may subscribe
here.
In God's Light!
Angie Lewis
Heaven Ministries
----------------------
|