One of the first and most important steps of marriage restoration is knowing that God wants us to stand for our marriages, and how to know that is one of the most common questions from new FAM Fellowship members. And even though I have very strong opinions about that, my opinions won’t help anyone but me when it comes time to do the hard work of standing for marriage restoration. That’s why we all have to find the answer to that for ourselves by studying the Bible, along with praying and fasting. There’s no way to adequately express or explain what happens in our spirits when we’re reading the Word of God and something we read REALLY speaks to us through the power of the Holy Spirit, and we receive supernaturally revealed knowledge and understanding of truth as only the Word of God provides.

So it’s important to KNOW that we’ve heard from God before embarking on the long and difficult journey to marriage restoration. The only way to have the grace, confidence and strength to endure through to victory is to have NO doubt that we can stand and rely on the promises found in God’s Word and that HE will complete the good work HE began in us when HE called us to stand against the world and the forces of hell for the restoration of our marriages and families. Once we’ve received that “word of knowledge’ and understanding through the revealed Word of God, NOTHING AND NO ONE can take it away from us, and NOTHING AND NO ONE can keep it from coming to pass, as long as we are faithful and obedient…and even many times when we’re not! God always has a way of bringing us back to His will and plan, even when we try to walk away from it. Remember, the grace God gives us to do His will and to be obedient to His Word only comes when we receive and understand the word He gives us, and the ONLY way that is done is through reading and STUDYING His Word. Then once we’ve heard from Him, we have to realize that it is GOD who will make it happen, and NOT us! In fact, the more we try to make things happen, the longer God takes to make them happen. If we have the ability to repair and restore our marriages, then we don’t need God and there’s no praise, honor, and glory in that for Him. So when Satan comes along, as he inevitably will, and tries to steal the seed of promise the Lord sowed into our spirit, or convince us that God can’t do it without a “little” help from us, or convince us that we must not have heard from God, because it’s taking SO long; proclaim and confess the following verses and tell Satan that he’s the father of lies! AND TRUST GOD…HE WILL DO IT!!!

Psalm 18:32 – It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 – The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Hebrews 11:11 – By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.

2 Corinthians 1:9 – Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

Hebrews 11:3 – By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Philippians 2:13 – for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Jeremiah 1:12 – The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

Psalm 57:2 – I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.

Ezekiel 12:25 – But I the LORD will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious house, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign LORD.’ “

These verses are very encouraging when we’re tired and want to give up or when Satan is trying to steal our victory. So memorize them and use the authority of God’s Word the next time the devil comes calling! I REALLY wish the Lord would just give me the ability and power to instantly help someone understand Him and how HE works, especially when I speak to men and women struggling so much with understanding the awesome power and faithfulness of God. But if we TRULY understood and believed everything the Lord promises, we’d start seeing the circumstances and state of our marriages from a totally different perspective and save ourselves so much heartache and distress! Yet, the truth is that the best lessons learned are the ones we learn the hard way, so I CONTINUALLY ask the Lord for the grace and wisdom to keep that in mind and that the refiner’s fire is necessary to transform all of us to the pure gold God desires. And the ONLY way that will ever be fully accomplished is through the power of His Word and the power behind it, which is God ALMIGHTY Himself. And what a wonderful and glorious reminder of that promise we have in 1. Isaiah 55:10-11, which says As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. In fact, the WHOLE chapter of Isaiah 55 is an awesome blessing and a great source of encouragement! So read it and memorize the above verses and be blessed and encouraged, because the ONLY power we have is that found in the Word of God and the power behind it; God, our Heavenly Father!

(Note from Linda: Be sure to read the response I posted the first thing in the morning after posting this!)

Well, God did it again! As regular visitors to the site and the FAM Fellowship members know, I just love the way God confirms our conversations and/or the messages He is trying to get across to us through the teachings, prophetic messages and/or devotionals of others. We’ve all seen it; when we hear a message or have a conversation with someone on a particular topic and then just about everything we hear immediately afterwards is on the exact same topic, even though the various sources seemingly have no connections with us or each other! Yet, the TRUTH is that there IS a supernatural connection through the power of the Holy Spirit! And God is ALWAYS so faithful to confirm what He wants us to understand by putting the same or similar messages on the hearts of others or even causing specific TV and radio broadcasts to air or replay at just the right time to confirm the matter at hand!! How awesome it is to know that God is so personally, intimately and actively involved in our lives and the amazing lengths He goes to to give us confirmation; which is quite often the encouragement we need just when we need it!

Well, today’s messages from Glenn Jackson perfectly coincided with yesterday’s Seeds Of Faith post (especially since they were sent yesterday–though I didn’t read them until today), which included an article posted by one of the FAM Fellowship members confirming recent discussions with several other fellowship members. So today’s message from Glenn Jackson is just more awesome confirmation of the article by Dr. Adrian Rogers used in yesterday’s SOF post, Jesus is the One to Believe In, and a very important message for all of us as we stand on the authority of God’s Word for the restoration of our marriages and families. In the end, we do have to make a choice to be of Christ’s kingdom or of the world, because we can NOT be both, and we can’t be a little like Christ and a little like the world. And even though this is a very difficult, tough and strong message, it is one we ignore at our own peril and the likely peril of our marriage restoration as well, because God is NOT going to bless or condone our behavior if we continue to fellowship with the world and choose the way of the world over the way of Jesus Christ—the narrow road according to what Jesus said in Matthew 7:14; But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. So here’s the first message of God’s ever so faithful confirmation from Glenn!

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The Life Of Faith And The Glorious Church – March 13th 2008
BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL SPIRITUAL WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING
….”for this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints
in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption; the forgiveness of sins”….
Colossians 1:9-14 NASB

It is so important for every believer to realize that God wants them in His “spiritual positioning” at all times, that is, the position that He has placed us in Christ in the Heavenly places. In the above passage of scripture we see clearly that we have been delivered from the “domain of darkness” – the domain of darkness being defined as the “world system” of Satan. We must have a revelation of the fact that God has not only delivered us from that domain of darkness, but He has “transferred” us into the “kingdom of His beloved Son”.
….”we know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the one who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil – and the evil one does not lay hold [get a grip] on him or touch “him”. We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world around us is under the power of the evil one”….1 John 5:18-19 Amplified Translation

It is also extremely important for each of us to realize the significance of these two verses. The fact that we are cleansed from our sin by the Blood of Jesus and, that, as we fill our hearts with God’s Word, then we are “protected”, and the evil one cannot “touch” us [influence our heart away from the “narrow path” of the Father’s perfect Will]. In verse 19 we see clearly that the Word states that the whole world around us is under the power of the Evil One. Therefore, if we are going to “fellowship” with the world and, thus, align our hearts in some way with Satan’s world system, then it means that in some way we are going to come under his “power”, and what this basically means is, we are going to “remain” in bondage to fear rather than operating in an absolute and steadfast faith.
….”And we [have seen and] know [positively] that the Son of God has “actually” come to this world and has given us understanding and insight progressively to perceive [recognize] and come to know better and more clearly Him who is true; and we are
in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This is the true God and life eternal”…. [vs. 20]

John is saying here “we know”, in other words, we can see that God both desires us, and has made the provision for us, to come into an absolute and perfect conformity with the “mind of Christ” in order that we might see and perceive all things through the eyes of God.
….”Little children, keep yourselves from idols – false gods, [from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God] – from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life”…. [vs. 21]

In this verse we see the whole key to the renewing of our minds! As the believer puts God first in every aspect of their lives, and as they begin to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ [the Word of God], then the “process” of the renewing of the mind shall be greatly accelerated in their lives and they shall begin to understand “all things” in accordance with and through the mind of Christ. This is very, very important!
….”Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him”…. 1 John 2:15

As the child of God retains [maintains] the desire to fellowship with the world they are going to forsake fellowship with the Father and His Word – that intimate “ministering” to Him that He so desires from each of His children. So the reality of this matter is that if one desires to fellowship with the world then they do not truly desire to fellowship with the Father [and His Word]. We see clearly in James 4:4 that he who [heart] fellowships with the world makes himself an enemy of God. These things are “real”! For it is certain that God judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart, and if one allows themselves to remain in or to be lured by Satan to his “domain”, then it is looked upon by God as idolatry and rebellion against Him. Let us be those whose first and foremost desire is to flee from ALL unrighteousness in order that we might enter into the place wherein we are found to be righteously motivated in both word and deed – for this is the way of the Kingdom.

Related Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:6; 1 John 1:9; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Matthew 6:33

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And then the following message from Glenn also confirms several recent conversations, because it says exactly what we can look forward to when we choose God’s way over the way of the world; when we do there’s no doubt that we will indeed be blessed and encouraged! So read Glen’s message and know this is the glorious thing God will do for us when we follow Him and walk in His ways!
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EXHORTATIONS FROM THE FATHER
Reflections Of The Father’s Heart – March 13th 2008

The time has come, and now is, wherein I shall honor greatly in the sight of all men those who have been faithful in all things. Therefore prepare yourselves, My
beloved ones, by continuing to hearken diligently to the voice of My Spirit [Luke 16:10a].

Rejoice My beloved faithful ones! For My glory and My love and My salvation [fullness of] shall flow freely on your behalf in this most glorious hour. And I, by My power, shall exalt all those who have humbled themselves before Me through the many “lean”
years of “seeming” darkness and delay, and I shall set them on display as the stars above for all the nations of the earth to see. For they are My precious ones, and
they shall surely glorify Me to the greatest degree in all that they do and say – right to the end of the age!

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You can read and sign up to receive Glenn Jackson’s daily messages by email online at his website.

The following article was shared on the private websites by one of the FAM fellowship members…AND IT’S SO TRUE! And it is something the Lord has been speaking to me about recently as well. We have to stop being so afraid to call that which is wrong and sinful, wrong and sinful. We’re too often afraid of “offending” someone or we think we have to be “polite”. But when Jesus encountered that which was wrong, He spoke up and He did not hesitate to take action when something was amiss. And we need to be a lot more like Jesus in that regard; we are to have NO part in sinful lifestyles or think we can live in this world just like everyone else. As 2 Corinthians 6:14 says Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? Yet, just to get along, we often ignore the fact that light can’t fellowship with darkness, which is contrary to what Jesus taught us and we need to be willing to DO what He said and to live our lives to make a difference. My personal experience confirms that when we devote our lives to doing the good God has called us to do, we can be assured that we’ll never be happier and never more blessed, and we’ll love what we’re doing more than anything we’ve ever done before, and it will make a difference in the lives of others (Titus 3:8, 14). And it doesn’t matter what it is that the Lord specifically calls each of us to do; when we do it, we will have everything we seek, just like Jesus promised when He said to seek first His righteousness and His kingdom (Matthew 6:32-33)! Of course, we also have to remember this is about what WE do and it is NOT about trying to play Holy Spirit Junior for our spouses and others; the Holy Spirit can manage that very well without our help! But when we devote ourselves to doing good and all that God calls us to do and learn to delight in the Lord, we will indeed be blessed and encouraged beyond belief, because God will give us the desires of our hearts! Jesus is ALL we need!

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I thought this article had some really important things to consider; at least it gave me some things to think about. Blessings.
”Your Every Need Is Met” by Dr. Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding
Your Every Need Is Met

Meditation on Psalm 97:12
“Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” Psalm 97:12 KJV

Years ago, the Reader’s Digest published an article, which said that in order for a person to be happy and have fulfillment, three things were necessary.
First, they needed something to believe. Second, they needed someone to love. Third, they needed something worthwhile to do.

That’s true, but not because Reader’s Digest said it, but because God’s Word affirms it. There must be more to life than your next breath and your next step.
And all three of those needs are fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the One to believe in, He is the Someone to love, and His cause is the something worthwhile for you to do. Do you yearn for happiness? Every need can be met in your life through Jesus Christ.
Have you been spending your energies this past week trying to make yourself happy? How – the shopping mall? The ball park? The lake? There’s nothing wrong with these things if they are balanced by a life spent in prayer, in God’s Word, in serving others, or in evangelizing the lost. Make a commitment today to rededicate your life to God.
God’s design for happiness is within your reach. But it just may surprise you. The Blueprint for Happiness Greg Laurie, A NEW BEGINNING

We all buy into the premise that says when this or that happens, then I’ll be happy. You can spend your life chasing after “when/thens,” but you won’t reach peace that way. What has the power to help us view life as Paul did? Despite his horrendous circumstances, he chooses to focus on what he did have, instead of what he didn’t have. But how can we change? How can we break the “when/then syndrome?” “Contentment That Starts Today and Lasts Forever” Chip Ingram, LIVING ON THE EDGE

I need to underscore a foundational fact: God’s goal is not to make sure you’re happy. No matter how hard it is for you to believe this, it’s time to do so. Life is not about your being comfortable and happy and successful and pain free. It’s about becoming the man or woman God has called you to be. “It’s Not About You!” Chuck Swindoll, INSIGHT FOR LIVING
If people work to attain a certain level of prosperity, thinking then they will be happy, they quickly become accustomed to their prosperity, grow discontent, and start striving for the next level.”Monopoly: The Pursuit of More” Dr. David Jeremiah, TURNING POINT

Society has suffered terrible decay as the love of iniquity has trumped noble character. Sadly, what Western culture once regarded as virtuous and good has become almost unrecognizable. Take a few minutes to consider the importance of character, find its source, and commit yourself to the quest-the quest for character. “The Character Crisis” John MacArthur, GRACE TO YOU

May the Lord richly bless you!
The Oneplace.com Team
OnePlace.com

Listen for Life!

It’s exciting to see how many prophetic and devotional messages coming to us lately have been about restoration and how the Lord is moving supernaturally at this time to bring it about. So I want to share the following messages from Bill and Marsha Burns and Glenn Jackson today, which I know you’ll be blessed and encouraged to read…if you just believe and receive them!

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Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin

The Trumpet by Bill Burns — March 11, 2008:
The order that I have begun to manifest in your life shall come to a completion in this season. Watch and be amazed that this order that I bring forth will bring you to a time of new beginnings and will elevate you and allow you to move to new spiritual heights. The order of My Kingdom will bring you into My purposes on the new plateau, the place of habitation in the Spirit where the waters run deep, still and pure; they will flow and be a source of life to you and carry you into the fullness of My purposes. I am doing a new thing, and I am speaking of it to you in this day.

You will be astounded at My goodness in the months ahead. You will be delighted as I give you wisdom. Renew yourself in faith and come up to a place of believing in Me absolutely. As you do, I will be one with you and cause you to be aware of My love for you, and you will indeed receive the blessings of this season. I am the Lord God and no one, no devil can withhold the presence of My power and the gift that I give to My people, says the Lord.

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns — March 11, 2008:
Come into the rest of My presence and in the assurance that the flow of My Spirit will carry you. You do not have to strive to fulfill My plans and purposes, for you cannot accomplish My will by the works of the flesh. What I have purposed will come to pass in due season. Yours is only to yield to the Spirit’s gentle nudges that will keep you on course. Let Me show you the way and bring you along in perfect process, says the Lord.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

You can read messages from Bill and Marsha Burns and others on the Spirit Of Prophecy website and you can sign up to receive their messages by email at this link.

EXHORTATIONS FROM THE FATHER
Reflections Of The Father’s Heart March 11th 2008
You are on the “fast track” to the fullness of destiny.
Not much longer, My beloved ones.

You can read this message from Glenn Jackson online, and you can sign up to receive his daily messages and read other messages from him online at this link.

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

I was sharing with the folks at the recovery center last week about how God is the Restorer. He restores those things that the enemy steals from us- abundant life,
health, relationships, our sanity, our joy, etc. One of the ladies told me that she was really blessed to hear that because she never knew that. She had never heard the message that the Lord is a God of restoration.

It’s the job of the enemy to keep us ignorant to the truth. He doesn’t want us to know about the Lord’s blessings, His provision, His healing, His power and so on. He will try to blind us to the truth. He will lie to us and deceive us by telling us that it’s not for us, it’s not for today, God doesn’t really mean what He says, you aren’t worthy– lie after lie after lie. He doesn’t want you to know what God’s promises are- much less receive them for yourself. Just like my sweet little friend at the recovery center- he made sure she never knew about the work of restoration because she needs it’s so badly. The devil stole so much from her through drug and alcohol abuse then he lied to her and told her that what she lost because of her addiction is gone forever. (He tries to conceal the truth to take away our hope.)

This morning God has wonderful promises with your name on them. The enemy doesn’t want you to know what they are and he doesn’t want you to receive them. But they
are for you. You are God’s child. He has promised to restore to you everything the locust, the cankerworm, the palmer worm and the caterpillar has destroyed. He has made a covenant of healing with you. He has promised to meet all your need. He said He would restore your soul when you are weary, give you peace that passes understanding, joy that is your strength, restore your zeal, renew your love for Him, quench your thirst and fill your hunger. Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy. God will restore that which you have lost– He knows where to find it and how to give it back to you.. or give you better.

Have a great day. God is the restorer!

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell, and available online and sent by email free of charge for the asking from About the Master’s Business Ministry, Inc.

So please feel free to call Lorraine at (601) 833-5278 or E-mail her at mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
And you can visit her on the web at MastersBusiness.org.

How exciting it was to read a truly wonderful and totally God glorifying praise testimony posted on the private website today by one of our newer FAM Fellowship members. When he joined the fellowship about five weeks ago, he had done just about everything he could to virtually make the restoration of his marriage a total impossibility. He was headed for mediation in two days in divorce proceedings he had initiated and a custody hearing was scheduled for three days after that. Needless to say, his wife was very angry with him, because he had custody of their little ones and he was intent on keeping her from seeing them, and not at all inclined to make any kind of shared custody arrangements. But the following are excerpts from the praise report he posted after their mediation:
“We went through mediation today, and we were scheduled for a custody hearing in three days. But I have been fasting for almost three days now, and the results of the mediation were surprisingly positive. I found myself in the meeting repeatedly saying to myself “Just let go. Just let go.” and just staring out the window, while making one of the biggest decisions in my life. And suddenly a counter proposal idea popped into my head. I have to guard myself from reading too much into it and getting too excited, but my wife agreed to alternating weeks with the kids and agreed to reduce the child support during a time of temporary custody. And I’m so happy about that. One of the things I’ve been told is that we are to guard and cover our spouse’s nakedness; not unlike Noah’s encounter with one of his sons. And I had prayed and prayed for us not to “have to” go to the hearing, because we both would have ended up hurting each other and scarring the relationship so badly that it might be until I’m about 80 before we’d have a chance again. I have custody and was trying to figure out how to let my wife have access to the kids…. And the mediator told me that the main reason she was still so angry was because of the kids, so this gives her at least one reason to start letting go of the anger. Yay God! … I am so thankful for the site founder contacting me the other day; it was just in the nick of time. If she hadn’t done that, I would have gone ahead and pressed hard for full custody of the kids and would have ended up tarnishing my wife’s reputation so badly that it would probably never recover…and I know you’re all saying Amen!”

Naturally, I did my best to convince him to drop the divorce proceedings altogether; pointing out that what he was doing was totally inconsistent with someone seeking marriage restoration, and that he was in fact making the restoration of his marriage extremely unlikely. Even though he listened and obviously received a lot of what I shared in our first conversation and the two that followed the next day and just before the mediation meeting, he wasn’t quite ready to go that far; until the Lord went to work on him and convinced him otherwise! But a couple of weeks ago, he shared how the Lord put it on his heart to totally drop EVERYTHING in the courts, which he did IMMEDIATELY! And he’s shared many testimonies of how the Lord has proven faithful over the past weeks every time He’s prayed and sought His will and guidance through fasting. And even though it’s been a struggle, he has truly humbled himself before his wife and under the mighty hand of God; confirming the power and promise of 1 Peter 5:5-6, which says Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. And being ever true to His Word, the Lord is indeed lifting him up! And today, he posted an awesome praise testimony sharing how he has continued to pray and seek the Lord through fasting and how faithfully the Lord has blessed and rewarded his obedience. His wife has gone from previously barely even looking at him or speaking to him when they exchanged the kids to actually telling him this past weekend that she still loves him and that she will consider coming home, but that there are some things she wants him to work on before doing so (like anger management and control issues, which he agrees were all fair and reasonable requests)! What a HUGE and SUDDEN breakthrough…AND ALL BECAUSE OF HIS HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD, PARTICULARLY IN PRAYER AND FASTING!

As I read his testimony this afternoon, I was struck by how many of our “new” fellowship members have recently experienced dramatic changes in their relationships with their spouses, and I couldn’t help noting that there must be some reason, which I believe the Lord revealed to me. Just as the Parable of the Sower teaches, I believe it is their willingness and eagerness to DO what they’re learning about what God instructs us to do as we stand on the authority of His Word for the restoration of our marriages and families. They have been eagerly receiving the Word sown into their hearts and lives and it’s been falling on good ground and producing a great harvest (a href=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%204:1-20%20;&version=31;>Mark 4:1-20)!

Last Sunday, my pastor made a reference to a verse we have probably all read and heard countless times before; but somehow it just never registered the same way it did when I heard it again that time. James 4:17 says Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. And when I read this young man’s testimony today, I realized that we all too easily slide into a routine of NOT DOING what God’s Word tells us to do, and that is sin; which we are ALL guilty of. So as I pondered why so many “new” members are experiencing so many positive changes in their lives and in the restoration of their marriages and families, I remembered James 4:17 and realized that their love of the Lord has not grown cold and they have not become weary in well doing! Revelation 2:3-5 warns us about the danger of letting our love grow cold; it says You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Our new members who have seen the Lord moving so mightily on their behalf are doing the things we all did at first; they have a contagious zeal for the Lord and they eagerly soak up His Word like sponges. He consumes their hearts and thoughts and He is uppermost in their lives; they are putting Him first and seeing God’s supernatural power released to work in their marriages and lives! Yet, unlike the zeal and excitement that’s so obvious in the attitudes of some of our newest members, some of our members who have been around for a while have indeed become indifferent and weary in doing good, of which Galatians 6:9 says; Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. So perhaps those of us who have grown laps in doing the things we did in the beginning need to pray according to Psalm 51:12, which says Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. And we have to remember that when we know the good we aught to do and don’t do it, God sees that as sin, and sin ALWAYS separates us from God; so having good intentions just isn’t good enough for Him. And having good intentions doesn’t get the results we all desire and need for the restoration of our marriages, because the ONLY way to get God’s results is to Do THINGS GOD’S WAY, which means putting the WHOLE counsel of God’s Word into practice in our lives. And when we do, we will most definitely be blessed and encouraged and we will in due time see the restoration of our marriages and families!

One of the questions most often asked when men and women standing for marriage restoration first come to the realization that the Bible instructs us to let our spouses go when they want to leave is just how to DO that. And despite having a basic understanding of what it means, it hasn’t always been one of the easiest things to explain. But when I read Lorraine Ezell’s Coffee Break devotional yesterday morning, the Lord showed me just how simple the answer to that question really is! So for anyone still struggling to let your spouse go, just put God first. It really is that easy and that simple. And to the extent we are able to do that, we will succeed in letting our spouses go and release the divine supernatural power of God to work on our behalf for the restoration of our marriages.

However, one of the most difficult aspects of letting our spouses go when they want to depart is understanding how that makes sense, much less works, when we’re supposed to be standing for the restoration of our marriages; because there naturally appear to be competing and conflicting objectives in attempting to do that. But we find a perfect illustration of that in the story of Abraham putting Isaac on the alter and raising his own hand to kill him even though God had promised to establish His covenant with him through Isaac, as we see in Genesis 1819, which says Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And then Genesis 21:12 even says But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. So just imagine the conflict that was going on in Abrahams heart, mind and spirit when God instructed him to literally kill the very son He had promised and very specifically told him through whom his descendents would be reckoned. In the exact same way, God instructs us to let our spouses go (being willing to sacrifice them), even though that seems totally contrary to our marriages being restored as His Word promises. Yet when we realize that God asked Abraham to put Isaac on the alter as a test, it’s easier to understand the kingdom principle of letting our spouses leave in order to move the hand of God to bring them back. And when we read Genesis 22:1-18, it’s clear that when it came right down to it, no matter the cost and no matter how difficult and painful, Abraham chose to put God first. He chose to put His faith and confidence in the power and promise of God’s Word above his limited ability to understand exactly what God had instructed him to do; much less why. He chose being obedient to God over the concerns he must have had about what others thought of what he was doing, particularly his beloved son! In the end, Abraham knew that being disobedient to God just wasn’t an option, so He put his love, faith, confidence and being obedient to God above EVERYTHING else—HE PUT GOD FIRST! And that’s exactly what God wants us to do now! As with Abraham, letting our spouses go and living in peace when they want to leave, as we stand on the authority of God’s Word for the full and complete restoration of our marriages, and families is a test. And the way we choose to respond to the test will not only affect us, but just as with Abraham and Isaac, it will have a very significant impact on the lives of many generations to come. So let’s focus on putting God first and pass the faith test!

And another important message we learn as we read Genesis 22:7-8 about Abraham being obedient and following through with God’s instructions to sacrifice his son, is that Abraham was sure that God would provide an alternative; yet he was prepared to do as God had instructed even if He didn’t. But Abraham fully EXPECTED God to make provision and fulfill His promise, which is confirmed by the word of his testimony in Genesis 22:5. And Abraham gave voice to that expectation and he did not give voice to fear or any doubt he might have had. And in the same way, God wants us to EXPECT Him to hear and answer our prayers and that He will ALWAYS do WHATEVER it takes to insure that His Word NEVER returns void; that it ALWAYS accomplishes that for which He sent it (Isaiah 46:10-11 and Isaiah 55:10-11)!

And since none of us really have a clue what God will do later today, much less tomorrow or at any time in the future, we have to keep our focus on today and what God is calling us to do right here and right now. And He ALWAYS has something He wants us to do for HIS kingdom, for His purpose and for His glory. And one of the things God wants us to do in this time of testing is to learn how to be the wives and husbands He created and always intended us to be and to be prepared when our spouses return. And the sooner we concentrate a whole lot more on finding out what God wants us to do and how we can DO it, the sooner we are likely to see things change in terms of the restoration of our marriages and families. But we can’t try to put God in a box and get all caught up in when or how, because then our focus is again shifted back to ourselves, our spouses and the restoration of our marriages and we are not putting God and His purpose for our lives first. So instead of worrying about how to let our spouses go, we should just concentrate on HOW to put God FIRST in our lives, and then everything else will fall into place just as it should. Remember, Jesus told us to love God with ALL of our hearts, ALL of our minds, ALL of our souls, and ALL of our strength, and said that’s the greatest commandment of all ( Mark 12:29-31). Well, that sure sounds like putting God first and it sure doesn’t leave any room for ANYTHING else! All is ALL, and anything we do less than that is unacceptable to God. And we can not love God without obeying Him, as revealed in these verses). And as difficult as it may be to understand and DO, God tells us that when an unbelieving spouse leaves, we are to let them go and live in peace; for how do we know we won’t save them ( 1 Corinthians 7:15-16). And there’s NO way we’ll ever be able to do that without being totally rooted and grounded in our walk and relationship with the Lord and His Word. He is the vine and we are the branches and apart from Him we can do NOTHING, but when we are in right relationship with Jesus, we can and will bear much fruit (John 15:5)! And there’s no greater way to be blessed and encouraged than putting God first! So here’s Lorraine’s great devotional from yesterday.

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Tomorrow by Lorraine Ezell

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34

Don’t misinterpret this verse and think that we are not suppose to think about tomorrow at all. We are told to occupy until He comes–raise our families, do our work, live life. If I am planning on taking a trip tomorrow, I have to “think” about the trip ahead of time and make sure that I have my clothes washed and ironed and packed for the trip. If a student has a test tomorrow, they have to make sure they have studied and are prepared to pass the test. If a business man has a presentation to make next week, he needs to be working today to make sure he is ready to present it when the time comes.

The word “thought” means- anxious, worry, fretful. We are told not to “worry” about tomorrow. Don’t be fretful, or fearful, don’t worry when there is no food in the
cabinets today about what you are going to eat tomorrow. Don’t be anxious about what may come your way tomorrow because of where you are today.

Sandwiched between verse 31-“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”–and verse 34 is the key to not being worried or anxious–“(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

When you are tempted to be anxious about tomorrow, remember that you have a heavenly Father who is watching over you. Remember that He loves you and will take care of you. Remember that He already sees tomorrow and makes provision for it. Also, don’t seek after your needs– seek Him. Make seeking Him your priority. Put Him first-first in your time, in your work, in your home, in your thoughts, in your heart, in all you do.

There is something you have to do about tomorrow: don’t worry or be anxious, remember that God sees tomorrow, just keep your heart set on seeking Him, and give Him first place in your life.

Have a great day. Don’t worry about tomorrow- remember God and seek Him above everything else.

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell and it’s sent by email free of charge for the asking from About the Master’s Business Ministry, Inc.

So please feel free to call Lorraine at (601) 833-5278 or E-mail her at mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
And you can visit her on the web at MastersBusiness.org.

WOW! What an awesome Small Straws message from Marsha Burns today! And it’s certainly no surprise or coincidence that it’s PERFECTLY timed to confirm many recent conversations with FAM members; it’s got to be a huge blessing to them just to know that God is so intimately involved in their lives that He confirmed this message at a time when they really needed to be reminded!

As I read Marsha’s message this morning, I was really struck by it’s timing and how simple and powerful it is; especially for everyone standing for marriage restoration, because it encompasses so many of the verses revealing some of the most important biblical principles of faith and marriage restoration! The following are just a few of the passages of scripture that flooded my mind as I read this wonderful message—and they’re all passages we refer to all the time:

Matthew 6:32-34 – For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Psalm 37:4-6 – Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

John 15:5 (NKJV) – “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

John 8:31-32 (NKJV) – Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

1. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) – You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1 Peter 5:6-8 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

John 10:10 (NKJV) – The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

James 4:7 – Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Matthew 22:36-38 – “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

Ephesians 6:12-18 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Proverbs 21:30 – There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

Romans 8:28-33 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.

And I’m sure there are many more passages of scripture summed up in today’s Small Straws message, so read it and be blessed and encouraged as you give everything to the Lord and put all of your hope, trust and confidence in Him! He will never leave you or forsake you (just check out these passages)!

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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns — March 5, 2008: Beloved, refuse to allow your thoughts to stray from the place of abiding in Me — pure and undefiled by worry. This abiding only comes when you seek Me first. I know all that you need, and I will indeed provide if you will keep your priorities straight both inwardly and outwardly. Know that the enemy of your soul will do all he can to get you to obsess about your circumstances and the problems that you face; his aim is to cause you to lean on the arm of flesh instead of trusting Me to bring you through by the power of My strong, right hand, says the Lord. Resist temptation!
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.
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You can read the Small Straws messages online and sign up to receive them by email on the Spirit of Prophecy website, which I highly recommend.

The following message was posted on the ladies’ private site on the same day as the message shared from the men’s site in yesterday’s Seeds Of Faith post. And it’s interesting to note that even though neither member knew what the other had written, they were writing messages that perfectly coincided with each other. Since this praise report truly expresses what it means to let go and how God then begins to work supernaturally in our hearts, lives and marriages, I requested permission to share it here as well. And if there’s anyone reading this awesome testimony who has not yet reached the point of surrendering EVERYTHING to God, I hope this member’s experience will encourage you to do so, because you will then truly be blessed and encouraged; you will have peace that passes all understanding and you will release the supernatural power of God to work on your behalf and to change your heart!

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Welcome to all the new ladies. I pray for your encouragement in the Lord and for the peace that passes all understanding to be with you while we go through the restoration process. I tried not to be long winded but just wanted to share how far I have come since coming to this ministry.

I have learned that healing and learning truly begins when we let go of our spouses. Believe me, this was very hard for me to do, let alone understand. For months and months, I just could not get it. I would always try to understand the what, why and how of all the things that my husband did or said. It would send me on a roller coaster ride and my mind would be spinning around in circles. I had no peace at all. I was placing my husband first and foremost in everything. I had been placing my husband before God for a long time, and I was consumed with my husband and restoration. I also became a master spy. But all that did was hurt me even more.

I had made a lot of mistakes during our marriage and God was showing me the areas where I needed to work on – every area. (LOL!) But I had a hard time forgiving myself, even though God had forgiven me and was feeling a lot of guilt. I was a mess!!

Well, the last straw came during Christmas season. I found out that my husband and the NCP went to his hometown for the holidays. I found that out by prying…spying – there I go again. That hurt me deeply. And I could not go on like that any longer. My kids were at my mom’s and I was home alone. I had to let go and give the whole marriage circumstance to God. I fell on my face before the Lord and cried out to Him. For three days I cried out and prayed to the Lord. Well I tell you, God healed my heart. The ache I had in my belly all the time; waking up, going to sleep, off and on all day was finally gone. I started to feel peace and joy in my soul that was put there by the Lord. I began to read the Word with more understanding and the words of the bible touched me and enlighten me and I knew it was healing to my soul and marrow to my bones. I started attending church and my praise and worship was taken to a higher level. The Word entered my heart! The peace that passes all understanding was falling over me. How sweet Jesus is! How awesome our God is! I have learned to Trust in the Lord with all my heart and NOT lean to my own understanding. It took a long time for this to happen, and there are still times when I have to take my thoughts captive, but I can do this now; I know that I know that the Lord is there for us always! When I am weak, the Lord strength is able to make me strong. I know that Jesus is the center of my joy and I can rest in Him and He will give me peace.

Since my healing, my new awakening in the Lord, my interactions with my spouse have increased – usually initiated by him. Lots of events have occurred, but the interaction between us has been improving. I also see how God has my husband’s heart in His hand, because sometimes my husband says one thing, but the next minute he does another. I use to try and figure it out, but I know the Lord has it in His mighty, awesome hands. I am trusting and believing in the promises of God.

I pray that everyone here will become closer to God and receive his amazing peace, joy and love. Release your spouse to God and watch God take control and WOW!! Amen!!!

(This was shared on the private website by one of the FAM Fellowship members Friday, and since it is an important message for all of us as we stand for the restoration of our marriages, I want to share it here as well. So be blessed and encouraged, and remember that Jesus told us that if we love Him, we will obey Him…SO TRUST AND OBEY!)

The following devotion from Glen Jackson today really touched me and made me think. As I continue to walk in obedience to His Word, my faith just keeps getting stronger and stronger. My prayer for all of you is that you will saturate yourselves in the Word; gaining knowledge and understanding that leads to wisdom, as you pray, trust and believe in Him for the restoration of your marriage. God is so faithful and good to meet us where we are and take us to where He wants us to be. He is there for you every step of the way and nothing you are going through is a surprise to Him. He has it all covered! Blessings. (I did add some emphasis at times!)

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THE LIFE OF FAITH AND THE GLORIOUS CHURCH – FEBRUARY 29th

“I AM WRITING THESE THINGS TO YOU, THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN”

….”My little children, I am writing these things to you, that you may not sin”….

1 John 2:1a NASB

In the above portion of scripture the apostle John is writing to the Church, and he is nearing the end of his ministry. He has had many great years of service to the Lord and to the Church and he is reflecting on some things, and as he reflects on these things we begin to see the importance of, and gain a deeper revelation of, the things that are so important to the Father’s heart. Right from the start we must realize that God’s Word and the Holy Spirit are there to lead us into ALL truth, and guide us on the straight and narrow path of His perfect will for our lives – in order that we might not remain under the power of sin and, thus, live lives that are pleasing to Him.

….”and if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”….

1 John 2:1b NASB

Here we are put in remembrance of the precious Blood of Jesus for the remission of our sins. In the previous chapter the apostle John talks of how that Blood “cleanses us from all sin” and how as we “confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.

“IF YOU LOVE ME, YOU WILL KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS”

….”And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His Word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked”….
1 John 2:2-6 NASB

There are some important principles in this passage which we must look at.

Jesus said:

….”If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”,

and again

….”He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me, and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love Him, and will disclose Myself to him.” …”If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love him and We will come to him and make our abode with him”….

John 14:15, 21, 23 NASB

From this portion of God’s Word we can see clearly that we must take our obedience to the Father and His Word as the only measuring stick of our love towards Him. The degree that we obey God is the degree that we love Him, and to the degree that we love God and have His love shed abroad in our hearts, it is to that degree we are able to “truly” love others with His love. These are very basic truths, but it is so important for every one of us to have these things revealed to our heart to a continually greater degree by the Holy Spirit – in order that we are not deceived by the lies of the Evil One. As we draw near to the Word of God and obey His commandments, we will have the assurance that our “motives” are pure and that our heart is clean before the Father at ALL times – thus allowing us to be pure vessels of His love and truth to all who cross our path.

ABSOLUTE SURRENDER

The Word of God states in verse 5 that:

….”whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected”….

We need to have a deep revelation of the love of the Father, for it is in truly knowing Him – and having His love shed abroad in our heart – that causes (empowers) us to walk in obedience, and most importantly, to have a constant desire to do “only” His will for our lives. That, of course, is the measure of the “absolute surrender” to which we are called: the laying down of our own lives (the self-life) in order to do all to the greatest glory of God. This is precisely why the apostle John writes in verse 6:

….”The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked”….

As who walked? As Jesus walked in the earth!

Jesus said:

….”I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear I judge; and My judgement is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me”….

John 5:30 NASB

Everything Jesus did while He was in the earth He did in obedience to the Father’s Word – through the power of the Holy Spirit. And so we too, if we desire to live the true Christian life and operate in the fullness of what God has provided for us, must walk in the same manner in which Jesus walked, that is, to live the life of the “Cross” – being obedient to every command of the Father at ALL times.

In verse 7 the apostle John is refreshing the memories of those in the Church as he writes:

….”Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. On the other hand I am writing a new commandment to you which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining”….
1 John 2:7-8 NASB

As we continue on into the deeper things of the Kingdom, and our minds are constantly being renewed by the Word of God [through the power of the Holy Spirit] the darkness [or veil] that was there before no longer remains, and we begin to be “enabled” to see ALL things through the eyes of God, and come to the place of truly understanding the deepest thoughts and purposes of the tender, loving heart of the Father. This glorious knowledge of His holy character is the catalyst to abiding in a pure and ever-increasing love – both towards God and towards all those who cross our path.

Related Scriptures: Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 1:9; Romans 12:1-2;

Glenn H. Jackson
P.O. Box 1032
Kremmling, CO 80459

You can read Glenn’s messages online or sign up to receive them by email at www.jtlmin.com.
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It’s always so exciting to see how the Lord works in the lives of FAM Fellowship members to demonstrate His never ending power and faithfulness to confirm and uphold His Word, as we’ve all been especially blessed to witness in the past few weeks. So without exception, there’s nothing more significant we can do to insure and even hasten the restoration of our covenant marriages than truly understanding the importance of knowing what the Bible says and then learning to really put our faith and confidence in the authority of God’s Word as we stand on it for the restoration of our marriages and families. And there’s only one thing the Bible very specifically tells men and women to do when their spouses want to leave, and that’s found in 1 Corinthians 7:15-16 (NASB), which says Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? And even though it’s not the topic of this post, I hesitate to ever share this passage of scripture without pointing out that God is NOT saying that means we’re free to abandon the covenant of our marriages as many Christian leaders and preachers teach and even promote today. And we know that because Paul wrote this in the context of the previous five verses, all titled Keep Your Marriage Vows, which say Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. So it’s hard to read the plain, straight forward, clear and concise meaning of those verses and then conclude that God is saying that we are free to remarry if our spouses leave us. And to put an even stronger emphasis on that point, Paul concluded his instruction concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage in verses 39 and 40 of the same chapter by saying A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment—and I think I also have the Spirit of God. And Paul restated the same thing again in Romans 7:1-3.

Therefore, based on the written Word of God, it’s difficult to understand and accept the allowances many Christians now make for divorce and remarriage, especially when the only possible exception found in God’s written Word (and we can’t dismiss or ignore that either as many also like to do) is what Jesus said in Matthew 19:8-9, which says Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” But that’s discussed in a lot more detail elsewhere on this site and not meant to be the main point of today’s post or to suggest that God doesn’t want us to stand for our marriages even when our spouses have committed adultery as most of them have, especially since we know God hates divorce and always calls us to forgiveness and to seek peace. And when God calls us to a higher level of faith to stand for the restoration of our marriages even after adultery, divorce and remarriage, He isn’t going to change His mind and we aren’t likely to find peace or happiness if we try to walk away from that call, as I can attest to very personally.

And since Mark 10:11-12 says He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”; and Luke 16:18 says “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery., that means God must mean something other than getting on with our lives and marrying someone else when He tells us to let our spouses leave when they want to. And since we know God is the same yesterday, today and forever, the best way to find out more about what God means is to look at similar situations in the Bible and what they teach us about God’s character and nature, and the way He works, as well as how biblical characters acted and responded in similar situations. And two of the most applicable situations demonstrating the same supernatural power God brings to bear on our spouses when they leave (IF we let them leave and do our best to live in peace) are found in the story of Hosea and Gomer in Hosea 2, and in The Parable of the Lost (Prodigal Son, as found in Luke 15. Both of these passages of scripture illustrate how God uses his supernatural power to bring our spouses home when we just let them go and put our faith and confidence in Him to do what His Word promises He will do. And they teach us so much about how He will pursue them and how all of heaven will rejoice when they come to their senses and return home where they belong. But we can’t fully rely on the supernatural power of God to work in our situations as long as we’re being disobedient and trying to hang onto our spouses and continue trying to manage or manipulate them and their lives IN ANY WAY, because that’s a definite indication to God that we DON’T take Him at His Word and trust Him to do supernaturally what we are absolutely powerless to do in the natural.

As is always the case, and total confirmation of the power revealed in Revelation 12:9-12, one of the best ways to overcome the works of the devil and illustrate God’s power and faithfulness to watch over and perform His Word is to hear how He has done that in the lives of others. And even though there are SO many testimonies of how the Lord has been doing that in our midst lately, I just want to share two of the most recent and dramatic we’ve seen in the past few weeks and days.

Two ladies in the fellowship have very similar situations and we’ve all been absolutely amazed to see how their husband’s lives and circumstances always seem to coincide with each other. For instance, they both had court appearances on the same day and they both were evicted from the homes they shared with NCPs (non-covenant persons) at the same time. They both had their cars repossessed at the same time and they both lost and got jobs at the same time (with quite a bit of time in between). And they both continually try to involve their wives in the dramas always going on in their lives by sharing all of the details with them. And they’ve both seen their lives continue to go from bad to worse and it’s been a challenge for their wives to witness how low they seem to go as they walk further and further away from the values they used to have and the relationships they once had with the Lord. And these ladies are not the only ones seeing the same things happening in the lives of their spouses. But one of the ladies recently discovered that some serious addictions were a factor in her husband’s life, so I sought the advice of someone I know who is involved in Celebrate Recovery (a Christian twelve step program) and was reminded to caution her about being co-dependent. And that really struck a cord in my own spirit, because it was just total confirmation of the Lord’s instructions to us to let our spouses go when they want to leave. And the Lord showed me how allowing themselves to be so embroiled in the drama of their spouses lives was not really letting them go. So I suggested that they stop engaging in conversations with their spouses about the messes their lives were in; that they should tell them that they knew they would figure out what was best for their lives, and that they (wives) had to come to terms with the fact that they (husbands) were where they wanted to be and then do what they (wives) needed to do to get on with their lives to make the best of their situations for them and their children. Both wives have young children and they were both stay-at-home moms and their husbands both had their own construction businesses when they left home, which they both lost in short order. And neither husband paid any kind of child support at all when they left. One wife lost her home and everything and had to move with her three children into her parents’ home and the other would have been out on the streets if not for the support of various non-profit organizations (she was pregnant when her husband left and therefore didn’t qualify for most of the housing assistance normally available because she couldn’t work or go to school while pregnant).

It’s been interesting to see how that change of mindset affected both ladies, because they really started focusing more on what they needed to do for the sake of their children and figuring out how to best improve their lives and become more independent of their husbands. Of course, they were never rude, unkind or disrespectful to their husbands. In fact, they just affirmed to their husbands that they were finally doing what they had been telling them to do all along. BUT what happened next is truly amazing and something that ONLY God could do; and what awesome confirmation of how He works to bring His Word to pass when we walk in faith and obedience and put our trust in God and the power and promise of His Word!

Several months ago, the lady who lived with her parents was blessed to get into an assisted housing program and she and her kids ended up in a very nice and spacious three bedroom apartment. She got a new job at a daycare center, which took care of the child care issues facing many young moms when it comes to working to support themselves. But she had to rely on her husband to help pay the expenses. He was the one with the addiction issues and didn’t keep up the support for more than two months, which is just about when we discussed doing what she had to do to take care of herself and the kids and to stop focusing on her husband’s problems. She ended up getting a great job (and it practically fell in her lap, so that’s another huge praise report!) that enabled her to pay for her expenses, including child care, and then this month her child care vouchers came through and she’s doing great financially. Well, all of that was a huge change in her life and attitude, which her husband responded to very positively and quickly, and he recently told her that he’s very seriously thinking about coming home! He’s spending a lot of time with her and the kids again and it’s clear that he is totally smitten with his wife again! But he’s still having a problem figuring out how to break things off with the NCP, so she just keeps telling him she’s sure he will figure all of that out and changes the subject. And now he’s been spending a lot of time away from the NCP; going out of town with family for the weekend and spending several nights in a row with a friend. So it will be a huge surprise if he isn’t home very soon! Her testimony of how the Lord has blessed her and her family and looked out for and provided for her every need is just so awesome and leaves absolutely no doubt who has orchestrated it all!

Then the other lady was faced with some difficult decisions because the source of support for her housing was no longer available. But right at that time, a housing program she had expressed an interest in months earlier contacted her to let her know they had a place available. There were some conditions required for participation in the program that seemed to be problematic in terms of standing for her marriage, but she explained what she had to do to her husband and was surprised with how well he reacted. And that was after she too had told him that she had to accept the choices he had made and accept that he was where he wanted to be; and that it was time for her to focus on doing what she had to do for herself and the kids. Prior to that time, he would often call and subject her to tirades of anger when he was with the NCP, which she started telling him she wasn’t going to do anymore; that they could discuss whatever the matter was when he was calmer. And after just a couple of times, he got the message and stopped talking to her like that when he’s with the NCP, which he almost always is since she won’t let him out of her sight. And just as she was about to be evicted, she found out that she was accepted and will be able to move into a new apartment with extremely low rent! God often waits right up to the last minute, but He’s NEVER too late! And when she told her husband that she would be moving and some of the terms she had to agree to, he took it surprisingly well. But he called her later to tell her that he hadn’t been able to sleep for a couple of weeks, because even though everything seems to be going great with him and the NCP, he can’t help feeling that he’s not where he’s supposed to be!!! And after practically ignoring his new baby since his birth, he told her that he’s really feeling drawn to his son now too! And he also told her he doesn’t know how to have the conversation he needs to have with the NCP about what’s going on, even though he thinks she already senses it. So he’s confused and wondering why that’s happening, because it doesn’t make any sense to him! But his wife assured him that she knew he would make the right decisions when the time was right for him to make them. Of course, we know what’s going on, because it was two weeks ago that his wife asked the Lord to put it in his heart where he belonged and to confirm to her that He was doing that. And it was the next day that I told her that the other lady’s husband had said he was very seriously thinking about coming home! So she told me about her prayer then and how she considered that confirmation since we always joke about how the two husbands always seem to be on the same path! And so it seems they are again; praise the Lord, because we know that’s a path right back to their wives and families!

The reason for sharing so much detail, and there’s SO much more that could be shared, is to make the point that God just wants us to do what His Word instructs us to do, and that when we do, He will do supernaturally what we can’t possibly do! But His supernatural power is only released to act on our behalf in the restoration of our marriages when we stop trying to bring it about in the natural or continue to look at our situations instead of relying on His power and faithfulness! When we come to the place of finally letting our spouses go and focusing on what God has for our lives NOW, we will se God work supernaturally to do what “appears” absolutely impossible! And He appears to respond quickly too, because these ladies have been standing for their marriages for over one and a half years and one year respectively, and just as soon as they ACTED on letting their spouses go, God went into action and SUPERNATURALLY brought about the changes they have so longed to see in the natural! So when we focus on releasing our spouses to the Lord when they leave, and rely on His supernatural power to bring about the restoration of our marriages and families, there’s absolutely no doubt that we will indeed be blessed and encouraged, because what God has done for one, He will do for all; He is no respector of persons!

Since my all time favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28, I loved today’s Coffee Break devotional from Lorraine Ezell! When we truly take God at His Word, we will have total faith and confidence that no matter what we see or hear; no matter what happens to us, God will work it together for our good because we love Him and are called according to HIS purpose! So I love and really appreciate the simple and practical applications Lorraine used today to make that very important point to all of us as we stand on the power and promise of God’s Word for the restoration of our marriages and families! God is NOT a liar and there’s ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that can thwart or stand against the power and authority of His Word, and His Word says that He will work ALL THINGS to our good when we love Him and are standing according to the power and promise of His Word…PERIOD…END OF DISCUSSION! So read today’s powerful message, A Catalyst
, from Lorraine and be blessed and encouraged!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Yesterday my daughter called me and she was very upset. She had a need that had to be met right then and the door had closed on the only source that could help her. I told her that she was going to have to trust the Lord and not let this upset or discourage her. I then reminded her of the Lord’s faithfulness to her in every situation that she has gone through. I also reminded her of the times she had been in similar situations and how the Lord had always– even when it looked hopeless- come through for her. The long and short of the story– within the hour the Lord had opened up another door and it was so much better than the one she thought she needed to help her.

This morning I don’t know what you are facing. You may have a pressing need. Your source of help and support may have fallen through. The door that you thought was
the one that you needed may have closed. You may be discouraged over the situation. But let me remind you that God has come through for you in the past, in other times when you faced difficulties, in times that there seemed to be no hope. He has always made a way; He has always been faithful. Like I told my daughter, He is the Lord who does not change. If He did it for you in the past, He will do it for you again now. Trust in His faithfulness. Take a moment to remember what He has already done for you. Think about the times in the past when He came through for you. Let it encourage and renew your faith to believe Him to do it again.

Have a great day. Trust Him to come through for you today like He always has in the past.

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell and it’s sent by email free of charge for the asking from About the Master’s Business Ministry, Inc.

So please feel free to call Lorraine at (601) 833-5278 or E-mail her at mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
And you can visit her on the web at MastersBusiness.org.

The following testimony was posted on the private website yesterday, and it really is an awesome and encouraging example of just how GOD can work to change our spouses and draw them into right relationship with Him through the power of the Holy Spirit! Everyone standing for marriage restoration should be very encouraged by it, because this is such a powerful example of HOW God works and WHY He does NOT need our help! He’s more than capable of speaking to our spouses, and as this FAM Fellowship member shared, this happened when it appears that no one was praying for her (though we don’t know that for sure), so just imagine what God will do when we are praying for our spouses and standing on the power and promise of His Word. In addition, here’s a link to today’s “Life of Faith” message from Glenn Jackson about REVELATION KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S AUTHORITY [WORD], which this testimony reminds me of. It’s VERY long, but really worth the time to read and study. When people hear from God, that’s all it takes to totally and radically change their lives and ways, so let’s focus on praying for our spouses to hear the voice of God and be compelled by the authority of God’s Word just as this young woman was. Be blessed and encouraged!

*****
I want to share an awesome testimony we heard from a woman at church Sunday night. She is in her late twenties with a history of sexual promiscuity that began when she was 14 years old. She grew up in a single parent household after her mother divorced her abusive, alcoholic father and she said that she tried to use sex to fill the void left from not having her father around. And she said she used sex to manipulate men to get what she wanted and that she didn’t feel much guilt, because she really didn’t know any better.
But she knew something wasn’t right and she didn’t have peace about what she was doing.

That continued until she was in her early twenties and met a man who treated her differently from any one she had been with before. He didn’t want anything from her; he just wanted to be with her for who she was. And that was hard for her to believe. But she ended up getting pregnant by him, so they got married. Then she reverted back to her previous activity and cheated on him repeatedly in their first years of marriage. That’s when she first started feeling guilty, because she knew her husband loved her.

Now, here comes the powerful part of the story and the reason I’m sharing it. I wish I knew the husband’s side of the story, but I don’t at this point. Anyway, she was overcome with a feeling” that what she was missing in her life was a relationship with God; and that was just out of the blue!! God is awesome!! So she and her husband began attending church and enrolled in a class for “New Christians” a couple of years ago. Their marriage has been restored and they now have a ten month old little girl in addition to their six year old son.

She went on to say that their marriage was still in the healing stage and that there are obviously trust issues, but God is healing all the wounds as time goes by. God is now the center of their individual lives and of their marriage. Now, if God will heal this marriage and this woman without any prayer or standing on the Word of God, how much more is He going to do for us who are asking, seeking, and believing in His mighty works.

Not only is this a huge “God glorifying” story; it is another example of God’s perfect timing to encourage and support me personally in my stand for my marriage. We all know the more we minister and witness God’s Word, the more Satan is going to come after us. So be alert to that and know that God is our strength and the battle is not ours. Time and time again, God is right there at the right time to defeat the enemy. So expect Him to fight for you and expect Him to deliver on His promises as given to us in His Word. Blessings.

Since the Faith And Marriage websites have been online for two years and the publicly licensed program currently running the site has undergone numerous revisions and upgrades, we need to update the site to remain functional and take advantage of many new features now available, but not supported by the version of WordPress we are currently using. The programmer who initially designed the site had to make numerous modifications to customize the program for our needs, but he’s no longer available to assist with these updates. So we need the assistance of a programmer to make these changes and have received a very reasonable estimate of approximately $420.00 to $700.00 to make the desired changes. That’s based on the programmer’s non-profit rate and depends on the amount of time it will require.

Therefore, we’re asking regular visitors to our site to prayerfully consider contributing to the FAMM Website Fund, which you can do by clicking on the following PayPal button:

And we thank you in advance for your generosity and support of FAM Ministries and pray and expect the Lord to richly bless you for sowing a financial seed and partnering with us as we encourage men and women worldwide to stand on the power and promise of God’s Word for the restoration of their marriages and families.

Thank You & Godd Bless You!