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This blog will continue to stand for Christ in this day. It will only be used to show truth and expose the enemy. I will only write what God is speaking to me through his Word. The bible is already written, therefore, I only seek to inspire you to study it more! - G.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Broken Church Homes
Sure there are a few of these men who's wives have divorced them because they no longer want to be in the marriage. But I'm not talking about those scenarios, i'm talking about these Bishops and Pastors that are doing exactly what the Pharisees were doing in the Old Testament and that is, putting their wives away for convenience sake, or because they feel their family is not as important as their ministry!
It's a shame that many church denominations and networks are now accepting divorce legislation and not truly concerned about the family anymore. The backbone of God's church was built upon the family and he created the family way before there was ever ministry. And God NEVER called men away from their families to do ministry, so, what are these folks doing? They are putting their desire to be great, popularity, and money in front of their first God given responsibility, which is their family.
When a man is married to his church or a ministry, he loses interest in his wife and family. I have seen this done so much! They travel all around without their wives and get consumed in themselves. This causes problems for the wife and she feels she has to compete for her place. Some wives internalize the hurt and simply take a back seat while others are more forward about it and desire to fight for their place. The husband perceives this as a take over or "the devil" and he begins defending the ministry over his own wife. He begins to see his wife as an enemy of what he is doing, and she gets in the way of his desires. I'm not condoning this method, I'm just stating what usually happens. This almost always leads to adultery, emotional affairs, discontentment, and then divorce. When a man loses sight of his family for ministry, it compromises his ability to properly cover his wife and she is subject to all kinds of satanic attacks! As protector and provider, it is the man's job to watch and protect his family.
I am definitely being hard on the man, because the man is the head and responsible for his family. Sure there are exceptions! There are some women that just don't want to be married to a preacher and I get that. But more times than not, the man can change the home with his actions. If he be the head of his home, then he should be able to keep divorce from occurring in most cases. And if he is the head of God's house, then he must be able to defeat divorce or else it will plague his church. What your home is made of, your church will be made of as well according to scripture so, if you desire to divorce a woman, men in your church will develop like desires.
This is a plague people of God. Divorce is just as spiritual as consummating a marriage. When we don't take this seriously and we feel we can just get out of marriages without it having a permanent affect on others, then we are fooling ourselves. And if we call ourselves leaders in the body of Christ, how in the world are we going to EVER counsel, pray for, or heal other's marriages, when we cannot do that for our own? Beware people! If you desire to save your marriage, you can't follow a man that wants out of his!
Consider the children. Consider the vows you made. Consider the fact that whatever reason you are basing your divorce on will probably happen again in your next marriage because 9 out of 10 times, the person that wants the divorce will face most of the same issues in their next marriage. This is why it's best to look pass the faults of a person and forgive. Even if it's adultery, you should forgive. Adultery is NOT grounds for divorce. Jesus even said that if a man looks upon a woman and desires her, he has committed adultery, so if adultery is grounds for divorce, then every woman in America has biblical grounds? If you look at TV, Magazines, Movies, or Music Videos, you have probably committed adultery according to Christ's definition. If adultery is Biblical grounds for divorce, and a man is already guilty of adultery if he lusts on another woman, then his wife should have a right to divorce him. To deny this is to say that adultery of the mind is not as bad as adultery of the flesh. Jesus clearly taught that they were both equally sinful. This proves that this is not what Christ was teaching here.
Jesus was repeating the mosaic law but stated that it wasn't that way in the beginning. The word that Jesus used was fornication, not adultery, because in Moses time, adultery was punished by death and you would not have needed a bill of divorce if your spouse was dead! Fornication occurs prior to the marriage vows and if the woman defrauded herself and claimed to be a virgin and after the consummation was found not a virgin, you could divorce her! If this is not the proper translation of this, then Jesus would have said no more than the pharisees or Moses for that matter and every time we THINK outside of our spouse would be grounds for divorce! Anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness are usually the grounds that people divorce on and not fornication. When a person repents and turns from their errors, shouldn't we be the ones that forgive 70 times 70 according to Jesus' words? What if our husbands or wives commit murder? Is that grounds for divorce? What about drugs, or physical abuse? Are those grounds? Come on people, let's not try to pick and chose what we want to do here.
From the beginning marriage was suppose to be forever and we should fight for our marriages. Of course I'm not saying that you should put yourself in physical danger or you should not move on if you have been totally rejected and divorced by your spouse. But what I'm saying is fight for it if you want it! Don't give up if you want God to save it. If you have ever loved this person, you can love them again. If you have ever had happy times together, you can have them again. If we made vows together, who are we to say we married the wrong person? The devil can wreck a marriage just like he wrecked our lives before. But Jesus fixed our broken lives and he can repair our broken marriage as well right?
The bottom line is, fight for your marriage! I know men who's wives prayed them out off drugs, and saved their marriage. I know husbands who's wives got pregnant outside of the marriage and they stayed together and he is raising the child. I know wives who prayed their husbands out of other women's beds and they are happily married now. I know a man that was homosexual while in the church and married but God delivered him and HIS WIFE STAYED WITH HIM THROUGH IT ALL!! They are happily married now raising their children together. God can do anything but it's up to us to practice what we are preaching. Sadly, I know men that operate in God given gifts that require his power, yet God's power is not enough to save and restore their marriage? Something is wrong with that!
If God's power is able to operate through you and you are able to heal others physically and/or spiritually with God's power, why can't he do the same for your marriage?
Mark10:2-6,9, "And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female ... What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
In Jesus name,
1Tim. 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Tim. 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
In His Love,
G. Craige Lewis
80 comments:
Man of God I thank God for you..I thank you for allowing the Lord to use you for the exposure of the enemy. I thank you for the boldness you have in speaking thus saith the Lord. In the name of Jesus I speak continued covering over you, your family, your ministry and the whole body of Christ. May the Lord expand your territory and the territory of those around you that love Christ and are rightly aligned with Him. Your Sister in Christ..Erma Brown and in Jesus precious Name.
Amen! This word needs to be spread like wildfire!!!
Thank you for the word on "Broken Church Homes", I know that the spirit of God is moving in this area as of just yesterday, the Holy Spirit moved on me to repent to my husband again for all the things he did to me in our marriage, I repented because of the pain and hurt that was within the deep of my heart that only God could see, there was such a lightness over me after the move of the Holy Spirit, and you're right how can we as God's people minister in these areas if we have thrown in the towel? thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you, blessings to you
- frector said...
Amen, amen, and AMEN. God honors the marriage. When people make their vows it's not only to that person but it is to God. He honors that whether you are saved or lost. I'm fighting for my marriage because my husband is not saved. We've been together for 25 years. Most years were good. I'm still fighting because this is til death do us part.
If the man has totally left home then what would you propose? After 23 years of marriage, 7 children later, home, business and ministry together he moved out! Not only that he has a girlfriend whom he says he loves and asked me for the divorce! Have I prayed, yes I have. But clearly just as he has turned his back on us he has also turned his back on God!
We have 5 sons the oldest will be 24 and the younger is turning 18. My biggest fear is that now they will model unfaithfulness too.
I love my husband but this is emotional distress that I don't believe God would want me to continue to endure!
-- Mrs PA
This is so disheartening not only because everyone loses and suffers, especially if children are involved when divorce occurs, but this makes the power of Jesus appear weak, and we know that's far from the truth. When so called ministers divorce their wives and claim it's for the ministry sake, that's deception and the biggest lie to ever get out of hell. I have been married for 16 years now and my husband and I love eachother more and more each day, because we realize that it wasn't just our appearance that attracted us to one another, but God's predestined purposed that has joined us in fulfilling his will. God couldn't have given me any other man to work along side of. I don't care how much he make, how good he look, what his status is and how many degrees he may have. My husband and I are a team. We are not in competition, jealous or envious of what God is doing in our individual lives, because we know that it all works for the good of those who are called according to his purpose collectively. Until ministers understand that there is power when two people who are married worked together, they will continue to yoke themselves with other people who will always hinder what God is doing. There will never be real deliverance and healing in their service, because the are hooked up with people who can care less about God's vision, purpose or will. I thank God daily for my marriage and my husband. Marriage is a ministry all by itself, and no one and I do mean no one can care for the thiings of God until they learn to first take care their own hoousehold.
G. Craig Lewis I have given up on my marriage ten years ago due to my husband cheating on me and I felt alone in my marriage. I was not saved at the time and didn't know how to pray for him or me. My daughter was born and my husband didn't want the responsibility of being a father or husband anymore and I believe that's why he cheated and he knew I would leave. The devil had a plan to destroy my marriage because the devil was after our daughter. When I was married and our car had a flat tire a man who looked like a thug was the only person who stopped to help fixed the flat tire. This man told me something I would never forget that the Lord is going to use my daughter and that she has a spirit on her. After I divorced my husband for cheating, my daughter suffered the most, she was raped by a cousin because my daughter was in my aunt care while I was at work. Mr. Lewis if I had read this blog ten years ago I would have stayed with my husband, because my child would never been raped. God has given me the gift of dreams and before the rape happen God warned me of my cousin touching my daughter in a dream and I didn't believe it, so I walked around with this guilt until God healed me and my daughter. Thank G. Craig Lewis
Amen and amen! This nothing but th whole truth! I can say God gave me an answer 4 my mind battles wth my pastor who was having similar marital problms and they're now on th brink of divorcing. Its really sad!We will not be part of his church becoz we dnt want this spirit to jump onto our hepi marriage. We r now looking 4 a church, pls pray 4 us 2 find th rite place of worship! Pray 4 thm as well! God bless!
- woman_of_truth said...
Just like many Pastor's and saints are remarrying....and this shouldnt be. The bible says in Romans 7:1-3
1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
3So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Matt. 19 1And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
2And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
3The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
9And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
10His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
11But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
and there's many more scripture Luke and so forth, and in luke it says in the New King James Version sexual Immorality, but see that's the thing! well what is that?!!! Jesus didnt say that Jesus said fornication. so now you got another issue..and that's bible perversion...too many bible versions out and Pastors and saints are using. alot of times people miss doctrine because they move away from God with New adgendas...like the New King James..and the New world translation bible and so forth...bu see we dont talk about that, ...that it's a sin to add to God's word and take away...the bible says you error not knowing sctipture so with that said people need to get before God on a daily basis and keep away from this New church movement. I hold many psator to the word of God and they pervert the word with per-version- of bible they use and try to comnfuse the masses with Greek theology. God made his word plan that a fool will not error.
Pastor Lewis,this message is one of the best messages i have heard all week!!!!!! We dont have many pastors preaching this because their marriages are so out of order(multiple marriages,divorces,etc)you might need to do "truth behind divorces parts 1-20"lol!!!! but seriously, this message really helped me because not long ago, i was considering divorce,and it was for silly reasons.my husband is a good provider and he is a great father.He is not saved(i married him when i was backslidden) but i am still praying for him and allowing him to see my lifestyle(My belief in God,my character,my faithfulness,attitude,etc)i've had people,mostly women to tell me that my marriage is unequally yoked and that it will never work,so i might as well leave,but they have been married 3-4 times and their current marriage is messed up so i had to learn not to take advice from everybody,especially if they cant set a good example.I took vows,for better or worse,and that means that things might get rough but i promise to hang in there!!!!!!! im sorry that this comment is so long! God bless Ex ministries!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you very much man of God. I am facing a lot of problems in my marriage and as i read this massage my heart is filled with joy. This words has gave me new strength and am ready to fight.And I hope God will help me to win the battle.
Tina from Germany
- toe said...
yep, I have been shocked at the number of pastors that have been divorcing lately....all of sudden you go to their website and where their wives names were prominently placed in their biography--suddenly she is omitted or they mention nothing about marriage; it's just that they have two or three kids...I'm serious, check these websites--and nothing is mentioned about used to be married
how do you just delete that you had a divorce but you profusely and generously mention everything else you've done in your life for pages and pages--all your accomplishments.
Oh I get it, you delete it because it is a sign of failure--if it was okay, you would include it on your biography page..which shows that this act of divorce is a reproach to the person and the church--to be avoided at all costs, especially among ministers
Praise God for this Word. We rarely hear messages about Marriage and Divorce yet the family is in crisis in America. Divorce is not of God and he never implemented Divorce to be an option excepte for Fornication. We have many believers who are living in Adultery today because they have remarried 2, 3, 4 even 5 times thinking God is ok with it. I hate that this is the norm in Christianity when the Muslims believe and live by Death due us apart. Its time for these Celebrity Pastors to step up their game and stop focusing on nonsense while there are souls and families at risk
my husband and I are going through so much these past couple of years.
Please pray for our family because there are times I just want to run. I can't handle his anger issues and how it affects the children. The sad thing is that our children are also manifesting anger toward each other. I feel I am all alone at this. I know that there is no grounds for me to leave him but I am asking the Lord to help me. I know He has spoken to my husband but he just doesn't know what to do either....
I can relate to your devotion, My husband and I was in a church where ministry was 24/7. We both had jobs and was on several ministries as a couple, we did ministry together. We both were in school for ministry as well. We planned our entire life around ministry even our vacations. We also came so close to breaking up more times then I can count. But I prayed for my marriage throughout this time and the Lord keep my marriage together. During this time I witnessed a lot of marriage break-ups! I have to agree that God did not make ministry to break-up marriages and ministry had taken over our lives even though we spent a lot quantity time there was little quality time and we both were exhausted from spending so much time in church. Now that we are no longer there our marriage seemed to have been renewed. We both agreed to not let that happen again.
This word has given me hope in a time of hopelessness. Tears are welling up as I think of the struggle me and my wife are going through and how it seems there is no light at the end of this tunnel. it feels like Satan has specifically targeted my marriage and is throwing everything at it! But I am willing to fight tooth and nail for my marriage even though it seems pointless at times. Keep me in prayer please, and brother Craige I thank you for this word!!
This message is very timely. My wife and I have dearly beloved friends whom we are currently ministering too. Their marriage is in trouble. They recently served on a leadership team in a marriage ministry.
My wife and I have experienced the freedom and joy of breaking though selfish, child-like behavior in our own marriage. We share our experience and the Word of God with couples needing help. Not an "official ministry" - we just want God's people to be free!
God bless the Exministries team, please pray for my dear friends and for those of us they will allow to help them in their time of need. MESSAGE TO THE WISE: If your marriage is in trouble, drop your pride and pick up the phone for help. There are people out there that will help you.
Goodday, God hates divorce, Mal 2v16
- Andre from Cayman said...
Thanks for this blog G Criage. And continue
to speak the Word of God. This was very informing !
Pastor, I thank God for you and your words,the church today seems to be in a spirit of comprimise to please people, but we ought to make sure we are pleasing to God. I have been married to my husband for 20 years we have four childern and I can say that it has not been easy I have weathered adultery, illegitimate children and even verbal abuse, but I prayed because I believe every word that Jesus said, I can't tell you how many times I felt like giving up, but I just trusted God, I did not want my children to be in a situation of having another man over them and open them up to all types of sin and abuse. I prayed and God delivered my marriage,my husband and I are still together and God has blessed us richly. I hope that more true believers will wait on God and endure hardness as a good soldiers, for if we faint not we shall reap a harvest of blessings and hear our Lord and Saviour say well done thy good and faithful servant enter into the joy of the Lord.
I think a series called "The Truth Behind Divorce" is a great idea!
- Phoenix said...
God is the author of life, liberty, and the family,I believe marriage and the family is the foundation of civilization, the seedbed of virtue, and the wellspring of society.
Calvin Pillay - Cape Town, South Africa
Somebody answer me this...... And I'm being serious here. What if your husband likes children sexually? Also what if he wants to be a woman? What if in a sexless marriage, the primary sexual involvement is homosexual-like.
These are just A COUPLE things that I'm dealing with. I am afraid that I will be affected somehow. Taking me away from God? I am already full of hate and resentment. I am starting to have very hateful thoughts toward males in general as well.
- Disillusioned said...
My journey through this particular valley culminated about two years ago. Throughout eight years before that I gradually came to head up several ministries in my church. Those, the various leadership meetings and a full-time job kept me away from home a lot. This created a lot of room for the enemy to work between me and my wife, and he did. What was the most disturbing about all of it was that he used what were supposed to be men of God. Men I fellowshipped with were trying to get with my wife and she started an affair with the pastor of another church! She says it never became physical but I believe that was due to lack of opportunity because I know he was trying. When I brought all this to my pastor, he seemed more concerned with who was going to take over my duties since he assumed I was already a "victim of the enemy". I saved my marriage by letting her know that she was extremely important to me and that I was willing to forsake all others if she was willing to do the same. I left that church believing I could no longer trust the leadership there but I've not been a steady member of another church since. I have forsaken the fellowship of the "saints". There is poison in the church, sometimes coming right from the pulpit. How many times has that other pastor, from his position of authority, helped destroy a marriage because he had the opportunity to sample another man's wife? And doesn't his congregation deserve to know the character of the man who is filtering the Word they receive at least once a week?
Thank God for this blog. I was divorced against my will in 2004. My daughters have had to deal with another man in the home. Yes, he is a Pastor of a church. He was married before intruding into my marriage. Nevertheless, I still advocate marriage. No I don't believe in multi-marriages although many people want to advise me to remarry. I'm under Grace with this situation. You don't have to get remarried to fill voids in your life. That's where God steps in and give you that Peace beyond Understanding. It is a struggle sometimes. I can faithfully say that the last person I was intimately involved was my ex-wife. Not easy but possible with God's help. Maybe there should be a series "The Truth Behind Divorce".
I have been physically,emotionally,verbally,and sexually abused by my husband we both committed adultery,and my husband continues to abandon my children and me. Minister Lewis how do I continue on with this marriage. I have five children. My three younger ones are his, and to make matters worse he said he will only take care of him. I have filed for divorce our final hearing is in september. I pray, i fast, i just don't know. ..we suppose to be going to marriage counseling, but my husband left the house last week and did not go to counseling. I have been suffering in my marriage for six years and we have only been married for six years...please pray for me.
- markdonna7 said...
G. Cragie I don't know what to say am speechless it's amaze me. this is true, surly God is using u for His glory I will always remember u in my prays. Am in Ghana and it happening here in my country. G. Cragie may God bless u for allowing Him to use u, may He protect ur family, ur Ministry and People around u, may He also give u more wisdom, more insight, more love, more boldness. God we thank You for G. Cragie Lewis's life.
- Kauchema said...
I would like to choose a dvd teaching to buy. I have not found your store.
I placed your link on my facebook page. I pray others are being blessed like I am.
Thanks for your consistency.
- Queen Wiggins said...
Man of God, while reading your blog, the Holy Spirit pierced my heart because I was thinking about divorcing my husband while waiting on permission or a Word from the Lord. As I was reading I heard the Holy Spirit say call your husband and tell him that you love him. Well I was about to text him and the Holy Spirit said you call him because words are more powerful then a text! He was shocked and speechless and thought something was wrong with me! Lol! Wow! I'm in awe of the Lord how he uses different avenues to answer our prayers! I know my daddy God has all power and you've just strengthened me in my resolve to pray my husband right with the Lord! Bless you a thousand times in Jesus name!! Evangelist Q. Wiggins
I don't typically read the comments but I couldn't help it this time. I'm thankful for your post. I am learning during our trial that I have need of patience, that God is requireing me to forgive and trust HIM. I don't have a lot of advice right now... all I can say is OBEY God... we can't go wrong with that.
- HaPalat Yeshiah said...
G. Craig I am experiencing aomething quite peculiar with the black male society. Maybe this can be confirmed by others. (or maybe its just me) but what I am seeing is a carnal (social) influence steering the black male away from the black women.
I am seeing men and women who are enslaved by living up to the social norms of main-stream American culture. (A CULTURE THAT DOES NOT BELONG TO US)
I've seen reports on women killin gtheir kids to live up to the social status, or to be accepted by this social status. I am seeing men brainwashed by media and social norms to view black women as a certain (SUB)type if they don't possess mainstream qualities.
What ever happened to not being a copy. What ever happened to sacrifice and truth? What ever happen to subdueing the flesh and investing time or self-respect?
What ever happened to through thick and through thin?
My idea is that the fall comes when the black men does not know who he is and chooses to compromise his identity and allow his mentality to be enslaved by the hype of main-stream society.
(Bring em' back home, to reality, to oneness, to our own people)
I hear you and agree. What do you do if God sends warnings to wait and not marry someone who is unevenly yoked? He didn't put the two together. Is it fine to put it assunder then? She was rebellious as a teen to her parents and toward me as husband. She was a stumbling block for me as a father when I was teaching responsibility to the children and didn't go to church. She often gave problems when I took the kids to church. I know that God works thru people. People were saying to not marry her. I couldn't hear it at the time because I was hurting from a previous break up. I was in such emotional pain, I couldn't hear or think clearly. So, I still seek God for deliverance. I want to please God in the right marriage, with who He joins me to.
Praise God for this message it should be preached from the roof tops, cry aloud and spare not. The word of God is being misused, as someone already said if God is Creator, Omnipotent, Omniscient, can do exceeding etc why can he not save a marriage no matter what, its all for His Glory and our faithfulness to Him. He gave us authority over the devil, to establish His ways upon the earth, why do people look for ways out. My husband is unsaved as we were married some time before I heard the voice of God, our children are grown and this woman feels that gives her grounds to fornicate with my husband. But I come against every plan of satan for he is a liar. Does not matter how old your children are, til death do us part. I have been through so much but I am coming against satan by praying and taking authority. I am looking beyond my husbands faults and seeing his needs this will glorify God and minister to others who are broken as i am but believing God. Yes, there should be Truth Behind Divorce it is so needed to inform people of satans plan.Remember God will heal and comfort, he wounds and he heals, kills and give life, having done all to stand, stand on God word for many are called and few chosen are we walking the narrow road? Its no longer about us, take up your cross and deny yourselves for this is to glorify God, He will strengthen us and manifest his word to minister to a dying world. My heart goes out to all who are hurting I feel your pain, rejection, betrayal,etc but God is on your side if you remain faitful, hold on he will come thru for he cannot lie. As long as its not physical abuse and even then God can deliver the abuser. Believe God, he is more than able. This will bring an annointing satan has been to brazen for too long. Amen and God Bless. Anonymous.
I know the pain that many are going through because of adultery and feelings of hurt towards the other woman. But remember, God knows the pain when we spiritually fornicate against him. God is healing me and allowing me to pray for the other woman as sin has a cascading effect, what has she been through, look beyond her faults, we must pray for our enemies, do good, bless and curse not, i know, believe me, that its not easy but God will do it in us. Let the blood of Jesus penetrate our hearts and minds as we yield to him, he is able to keep us faultless and blameless, he will not suffer our foot to be moved. I am no fool, i am not allowing my husband to walk over me, this world will say you are running after a man, but when you are saved you trust in the word of God not mans 'Selfish' ways. May God watch over your family and preserve you from the attacks satan may try to throw at your marriage but you know that Ps 91 is a powerful prayer for you. Amen
Amen! this is exactly what i needed to be taught! thanks
- MELVIN DAVIDS said...
All i can say thank God for you pastor...Me and my family are praying for you...We've purchased all your dvd's AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO...here in South Africa East London. My sons life, who is currently doing his music degree in Austin Texas was completely changed because of your messages.It is not easy for many christians to understand the times the times that we are living in is so evil, because they became so *NUMM* in their spirit its just business as usual in their churches...SO SAD. The thruth will set us FREE... CONTINUE NEVER STOP PS.GRAIG...WE ARE SPREADING THE WORD THIS SIDE WITH ALOT OF REJECTION,BUT ITS ALL PART OF THE PACKAGE...!!!YES FAMILY...TARGET NUMBER ONE!!!
Wow! I have yet to be married, im patiently waiting and since reading the comments, im grieved about what many married people/ christians are dealing with in their marriages. I ask this question to everyone, looking back to before you were married was there something in particular that you now see that was maybe telling you to not marry the individual u married, like a warning sign? How did you know that were marrying the right person, the one God chose for your life?
Lord, I pray that you deliver each marriage and give them Joy in their marriage as well as forgiveness, bless each marriage to be healed, and full of love for you and each other and their kids. Keep them all safe, In Jesus Name Amen!
Once again, Elder Lewis, you have shared the uncut truth; may the Lord bless you real good. As shared in an earlier comment, I believe newer versions of the Bible tend to "lighten things up" for folks-so they can do what they want to do. (I'm KJV all day!) God's ways are not always comfortable, but they are always right. Let us honor one another in ALL relationships, and love as God loves us. Please keep telling the truth, Mary
Ha Palat Yeshiah, I agree with you and I am seeing the same thing. Black men are being drawn to women of other races and drawn away from black women by images seen on TV or the on the movie screen. And now the black woman is being led to men of other races and away from the black men by the same media influences. This is done for a reason, to destroy the future of the black family. I hear black men say that they can't stand black women and black women say they can't stand black men. We as a people need to turn the TV OFF, turn the RADIO OFF,and stop going to see these STUPID MOVIES because the information there is designed to distract and confuse us. WAKE UP BLACK AMERICA!
Another subject that the devil is having a field day with is this thing about being happy.
There is nothing wrong with being happy. But christian's must learn to be happy in Christ. Not to depend on another person to be happy. Not even your spouse. Because if you do, you have turned that person into a god. This is one of the reasons why there is so much divorce in the body of Christ.
Christians must realize that a part of bearing good fruit is the influence that we have on other people, especially the next generation (our children). Christ didn't teach that the ultimate thing for the christian life is to be happy. Christians must realize that in this fallen world that we live in will not be perfect until Christ returns. So the thing to do is to depend on Christ (faith in Him and His word) to endure all things with Him as our strength.
It's so bad now that some Christians treat the word of God like it's a fantasy that is not real. This is a sad sign, of a lack of faith in God by alot of christians. Sometimes christians need to stop and think while going through a hard trial, is to believe that if I can believe and trust God to help me to get saved and stay saved, then I can trust God to help me to overcome any problems that life throws at me.
God lets the trials come to stretchen and build up our faith in Him, thereby when we pass a test, we are bearing good fruit, because people learn from each other by observation (watching each other) in different life satuations. God knows this. It's so subtle. We must not get caught up and slowly end up thinking like the world. This is what Satan wants, he is so sneaky and so skillful in tricking christians into doing what he wants them to do. To destroy their personal TESTimony as a christian. How many non-christians have been discouraged to not be a christian from watching too many christians being careless and sloppy with their christian walk ? Only God knows. Now stop and think and realize that, when christians struggle through marriage, and stay married, that it is saying something to the world. Christians are suppose to be a witness for Christ using His word and also by our actions. Remember "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS" God Blesses those who OBEY and DO His Word. It's not always easy, but the Benefits are priceless. Nothing can beat the Blessings of God on your life. Even when This christian life gets hard. This is for married couples: The word of God says; That you are not really loving when it is easy to love. You are only really loving when it is hard to love. Then you are really loving like a true child of God. Some of the comments on this Blog is proof that someone is really living and obeying the word of God, know matter how hard it is. This is what God is looking for in His Children (the body of Christ). To believe in Him and His Word, no matter what. (Now Thats real Faith in God). To those who are enduring through Christ by Faith in God; "More Power to you in Christ". Pastor G. Craige, Keep up the Good Fight of Faith.
Scripture About being Happy in Christ (God).
James 1:12 Blessed [Happy] is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Proverbs 8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed (happy) are they that keep my ways.
Psalms 128:1 Blessed (Happy) is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in his ways.
alms 119:2 Blessed (Happy) are they that keep his testimonies (words), and that seek him with the whole heart.
Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed (Happy) is the man that fears the LORD, that delights greatly in his commandments (words).
Psalms 106:3 Blessed (Happy) are they that keep judgment, and he that does righteousness at all times.
Psalms 84:5 Blessed (Happy) is the man whose strength is in thee; . . .
Psalms 40:4 Blessed (happy) is that man that makes the LORD his trust, and respects not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed (happy) is the man that trusts in him.
Psalms 33:12 Blessed (Happy) is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.
Psalms 32:1 Blessed (Happy) is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalms 2:12 Blessed (Happy) are all they that put their trust in him.
Proverbs 16:20 .. Whoso trusts in the LORD, happy is he.
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.
Psalms 144:15 ... Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
Psalms 33:12 Blessed (Happy) is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.
John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
I Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
I Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: . . .
Matthew 5:6 Blessed [Happy] are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed [Happy] are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed [Happy] are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:11 Blessed [Happy] are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed [Happy] are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
This is for the person who is yet to be married. Even if God chooses a husband or wife in christian marriages, that marriarge can still come against alot of satans attacks cos he comes to steal, kill and destroy. Remember God says he didnt come to make peace but enmity in families, if mother, father etc forsakes us he wil take care of us. Satan may try to decieve you by making you (THINK) that God didnt put you together if you have problems, both partners need to be vigilante and have a relationship with God, be obedient and let the mind of Christ be within (christian marriages). When a marriage is brought together by God its the relationship/connection with God that keeps that marriage alive because God is a spirit. Its Gods spirit that keeps things in order, maybe some marriages have problems because the relationship of one or both may not be as it should be with God? or maybe satan is attacking or God is trying to strengthen that marriage as problems can also make it stronger. God said think it not strange concerning these fiery trials which is to try you, so expect these things, but remember we overcome by the blood of our testimonies and we will come forth as pure gold. Be prepared for anything and draw nigh to God. I am a worship leader and worship is a powerful tool against satan, remember Jehosaphat in 2Chr 20, the apostles in prison etc. God said in ALL things rejoice and give thanks especially when it seems dark, but Jesus is light. Revival will begin if we trust God and do as Romans says, many will be delivered, remember Jesus came to preserve us from sin, but only if we cover ourselves in His blood, dont let his death be in vain. Cry out to God, He is nigh unto those who are of a broken and contrite heart, he will take care of you until He works things out. When we trust Him it increases our faith, if we dont we wont get through the worse to come. The songs says 'This Test is your storm, but it wont be long go through, and hold on....' We must build upon the rock. I know some do not have the faith of others especially babes in the Lord, but the trials will build on what we have and in these last days we will mature quicker than we think. I havent got where i am without pain, trials, sacrifice etc. But God will restore what the canker worms, locusts and catterpillars have eaten if we are faithful. It hasnt been easy for me so i do not speak as though its all a piece of cake, i am not perfect as yet, but to ecourage you with what God is doing in me through my own pain but i have had to apply these things. Remember Paul says, he rejoiced in his infirmities so the power of God could rest upon him for when he is weak he is made strong. We have to pray, pray, pray etc and do, to let the perfect love of God saturate our hearts as satan is after it. I pray that those who are not yet married will take the time to know God and seek his purpose for marriage and love God with all your hearts and minds for this is the first commandment. God Bless you and family Craig Lewis.
- Irvine individual therapist said...
OMG. You got the best ever post. Gorgeous. I surely follow you on. Astonished to read the no of divorcing couples. Marriage works by loving the right person enough to make the right choices as you do so.
We have to keep in mind that a man / woman born into this world is born into trouble. No one suffered more than the LORD Himself, when He left the riches of glory, to die the most horrific death ever know to mankind. Not just His suffering physically, but the fact that He was / is God who died for all our sins. We ought to arm ourselves that just as He suffered, so should we. When we suffer for Him, like Him, we abide in Him. The apostles who testified for Him suffered. Many saints were cast before the lions and brutally beaten for His name's sake. Not to make light of anyone's situation because divorce and bad marriages are tough. But as we suffer we need to rest in Him. God loves us more than we could ever love ourselves, despite the push of the world's doctrine of evil teaching us to love "us". God loves our children way more than we could ever think our love for them. When Paul was beaten and thrown into prison, He completely turned to His Master. He said in 2 Cor 11 "Three times I have been beaten with Roman rods, once I have been stoned, three times I have been shipwrecked, once for full four and twenty hours I was floating on the open sea." Yet this same man encourages us (at least me) when he said in Philippian 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." See...It's not the bad marriage, the children on drugs, the unfaithful spouse that is the conclusion of the matter, but our attituide toward the LORD that really matters. You could pray and pray and pray that God would restore as you see restoration, but you have to keep on living right and doing right for Jesus. We must learn that God is more concerned with our holiness, our life before Him, than he is our happiness. I'm quite sure Paul was not happy about the beatings he suffere, but there was a contentment he had in the LORD. I'm sure Jesus experienced excruciating pain when he was flogged and crucified, but He endured it because of the will of His Father. We need to be content and endure. God promised to take care of His people. Use these times of trials and get closer and closet to Him by studying His Word, praying without ceasing and offering up your life to Him as a sacrifice.
u so said a mouthful. Amen. im goin thru problems n my marriage an left not knowin wat to do anymore we wanna stay together but things are not workin. i wish we could talk to u its a shame we cant go the ppl n our church if we did our biz would b n the street so fast its a shame. i was thinkn bout divorce but not wantn to go thru it. i asked God to let me no wat to do an a friend called me was telln me about this man name craig lewis an was telln me things about the devil n the music today. i sed imma google him an guess wat his first blog i seen bout marriage n divorce. God works n mysterious ways....
Great Post. Family is at Gods Heart..We must Guard what is the most precious Gift God Gave to Man: The Gift of Relationship!!!
My Brother in Christ, This writing was truly SPIRIT LED! You could not express God's heart so clearly except it be for the HOLY GHOST! Thank you for having the courage to say what needs to be said. The Body of Christ is LOST on so many levels and we have abandoned the TRUTHS found in God's Word. The Word of God is the tool by which Christians should measure all things. However, we have set up idols in our hearts and allowed mere men to become God to us. Woe unto us on the day of reckoning. There is not ONE MAN upon the earth who is QUALIFIED to take God's place in our lives. We must stop worshiping MEN and OBEY what is written in the Word. This is why our "churches" are so jacked up... We've left our first love - JESUS! If Pastors would FOLLOW God's Word, we could again have wholesome families and thus wholesome churches. Thank you G. Craige for your voice in the last and evil day and I will continue to pray for you. Do not worry about the attacks from men, because when a man's ways PLEASE the LORD, He makes even his ENEMIES to be at peace with him. God Bless, Minister Cathy
Saints of God, we are still anointed with God's Spirit, even when it gets hard and obey God anyway (This is God's anointing on you when you obey - dispite your feelings). Feelings come and go. Happy feelings come and go, but the Joy of the Lord is when we choose to rely on God's strength, no matter how we feel at any given moment or situation. Then with alittle more patience, we will begin to see the Goodness of God manifesting in our life, because of being obedient. This is something that sounds very simple... The word of God says Basically to keep on forgiving, no matter how many times someone offenses you. When Satan hit us like a flood, the Spirit of God will put up a standing (Standard) against him. The standard is God's word, in which we must stand on, daily. (God is trying to let us know that this is our Safety Zone). This is suppose to help a christian keep their sanity, throughout their whole life, when we keep tapping into God's way and His will, no matter how we may feel in any given life situation. Christ didn't bring out alot of trivial stuff about life, He just gives us simple advice and a guide line in how to trust Him in all things. (This is the type of faith God is talking about). Even thought it gets hard at times, we must keep learning to trust Him like a little Child. (This is when His anointing is strongest in us His Children). For Paul said when he is weak, he is strong. Why did Paul say that? It's because he had finally at some point in his walk in trusting Christ in all things, he realized that no matter how he felt in different challenging situations, that when he kept his flesh under control,that God stepped in and worked things out, when he learned to stop letting his flesh get in the way. Christ doesn't want christians to get caught up in how crazy a situation might get at times, but to learn to simply trust and lean on Him to work things out in spite of the maddness (the Wrench)the devil might throw into the good workings of a christian marriage. Relationships are not about what you can get from each other. It's about the good that you can bring and give to a relationship. Here is one of God's secrets about relationships; It's really not so much about giving tanglible things. (It's ok, but should not be necessary to feel loved by your spouse - Each other should really be the gift, Just like Christ - Salvation - Deliverence - Free from Bondage is a gift from God) Suppose something happens to where you don't have money to buy gifts, then what - Your love for each other must not be shallow & Weak. It must be a Godly Love - Something thats built upon Christ, then it will Last until death). It's also more about being pleasant to be around and live with. (This is when the Spirit of God is first in a christian marriage). So if your spouse gets out of the Spirit of God (into the Flesh), you stay in the Spirit of God. And hopefully your spouse will do the same for you when you get into the flesh and say or do something you shouldn't do. (This a part of working towards a Godly perfection, until He returns).
We must not get caught not doing this when Christ returns.
Christians in marriage must keeping on loving each other enough to keep on forgiving each other. (remember, GOD IS LOVE)This is God way - sounds simple doesn't it. But this is God's way. LOVE (GOD) CONQUERS ALL things. The more we trust Him, the easier it gets to keep on trusting Him. Nothing Good comes easy. Just look at all of the good that has happened in your life. It didn't come easy. More challenges, more trusting in God until he comes back to take us home. This is the life of a christian. ITS BETTER TO SUFFER WITH CHRIST IN YOUR LIFE, THAN TO SUFFER WITHOUT HIM IN YOUR LIFE. The benefits are a whole lot better, for now and for later when we end up in paradise with Christ. GOD BLESS - Forever.
I understand that every marriage has issues but what do you do when every single day is a struggle? If you are truly with the right person, should EVERY DAY be a fight? You can pray and pray, but if the person doesn't WANT to change is God going to force them?! He doesn't force us to do anything. I couple of years ago or maybe.even months ago, I would have read this and been filled with hope. But I guess living almost a decade in a cycle of perpetual frustration, disappointment, and hurt has snuffed out any hope of this marital flame being rekindled. What if it just isn't meant to be? If two people are willing to work on the.issues and come to a.compromise, yes. But what can u do with unwilling? Smh....we as women are relational and when our relationships are bad, it affects every other facet of our lives. I don't know. Maybe I am wrong but I am just tired of living like this. And how is God being glorified when two people are miserable but trying to just survive in a farce of a marriage......what is the point? Just for the sake of staying together? It still isn't modeling what God intended marriage to be. Stay in the HOPES that God will change it?! I don't know. It all sounds good in theory, but when you live it day to day, it doesn't feel a cut and dry.
Dear Craig, May the good Lord who shines light in darkness forever shine His gracious light upon you and you family.
To all my brothers and sisters, I want to encourage you with these two stories both which are true. I know a woman who had a husband that wasn't born again, he abused her, in all ways you can imagine. He was a DJ and would leave home on Tuesday and return the next Monday. Sometimes in changed clothes which implied he had places to change from. He would return and insult, beat, abuse this woman. She would cry herself to sleep every single day, but one thing she did was pray, not with anger but that God would visit her man. Obviously he was going out with a few ladies who would boldly approach this dear lady and tell her of their randevous, all she did was pray. to cut the long story short, eventually most the ladies that were going out with this man cut him off abruptly, he started losing taste and a crave for alcohol. One day he was in the living room watching tele, he flicked through the channels and landed on this one tv programme, someone was teaching live and he had a word of knowledge about this very man, he thought ...ah!! it cant be me...till the preacher said to him...stand up you man...and he reluctantly did. the power of God slammed him on the floor, he was pleading for mercy...he was all in tears and repenting. By the time the wife returned from work, he was on his knees begging for forgiveness both from God and her. She too knelt down in tears and thanking God told the husband, I hold nothing against you, it was the enemy. A few days after that, one of the women that had feelings decided to have him back, so she went to their house not knowing the development that had happened a few days ago.She said, when she got to the house, it was surrounded by a peculiar fire and she couldn't even knock on the door. She too God allowed her to live and tell her story. The man is now a pastor ministering in power. I havn't met many men of God who love the word like this man. So humble and caring to many.PLease,please.....it's the devils trick, dont let go of what you love too dear. Even when they err, maintain them to God in prayer and He alone will prove to you His awesome deliverence power. Remain blessed. Luv y'all. ..In His grip!!
Minister in Manchester England.
The other story is about me. Prior to our getting married, my fiance and I made commitments to each other, that whatever happened we wouldn't let the other down. On the eave of our wedding day, we checked in to a clinic as was required by law to have blood tests of dangerous sicknesses such as HIV, and many more. At around 17:10, we received a call from the clinic and the other person on the fone said they wanted to talk to us. So we went there, we were told I tested positive for HIV. I grit ma teeth, felt sick, and immediately got a fever..probably due to the shock. I turned around and told my fiance...am so sorry, the wedding is off. But when she was looking at me, she had a smile on her face, all she told me was .."NOTHING CHANGES." the wedding is on. I wasn't buying it, what would her parents say? My parents would never allow me to go ahead with the wedding with such news. She wasn't at all disappointed or scared...I WAS TOO DEATH!! we went to our senior pastor, who was heart roken too. I told him the wedding is off...he just said its not a one man's decision this, he turned and asked her...What do you think? Again with a smile she just said, the wedding goes on as planned. I couldn't believe it. We decided there and then no one gets to know about it. The wedding went on well and we took a flight form Africa to England. I decided we were not to have children, she just said I will give many children and the devil won't have a thing to do about it. The eleventh hour came, I was fidgiting with protedtion....she told me as long as I was her husband, nothing the devil had planned would come to fruition. I insisted, and she din't fight me, but in the course......ladies and gentlemen.....it broke!! I felt terrible....my mind was racing, fearing the worst. After a few months, My wife was acting funny, so we checked into hospital only to find out she was four months pregnant. we had blood tests and still came back i was positive but what shocked us even more was she was NEGATIVE!! YES I SAID NEGATIVE.She was told she will never be able to breastfeed her children for fear of transmitting the disease.....she did anyway!
Ladies and gentlemen as i write this, we have FOUR (4) BEAUTIFUL GIRLS...and the family is strong. I was on medication for some time but even that the Lord has delivered me from it. Am more healthier without meds than when I was on them. My wife is still NEGATIVE and am believing for the confirmation of my testimony. If we had aborted this marriage, who knows where I would be by now? OK now you need to heed this....I doesn't mean that everyone ha to do what we did. You seriously need to check your faith and be sure God is in the matter. And if He is in it.....no DEMON FROM HELL can wreck it.
I remain in His service. I luv you all.
In His grip!!
Minister in Manchester, England.
This is in response to the Anonymous comment at 10:40 on this blog...
On what is being said in a spiritual sense is only theory to all christians in their christian experience until they have enough interventions from God to see how much they can really trust Him to help them come out victorious in their personal trials. It's good that you are seeking God for answers. Everyones situation is unique in itself. Myself and many many loving christians do empathize with your struggles and frustrations. The word of God says; in 1 Cor. 7:28 "But if you do marry, you have not sinned;..., But those who marry will face many troubles in this life,... This is something that Paul said, to try to get christian couples to understand if they may want to get married. What Paul understood is that Satan hates marriage, especially a christian marriage.
Christians can't blame the devil for everything, but Satan is a part of a lot of the troubles in a lot of christian marriages. The thing is, is to know what part is our fault and what part the devil is doing to throw a wrench in the unity of a christian marriage. Ask your spouse to pray for God to help your marriage. If you get a negative response and your spouse acts like you are talking crazy for asking him to pray that God will work in both of you, to help your marriage to get better, he might be backsliden (not saved anymore - and just hiding it). Sometimes the more mature one in a christian marriage has to learn to hold their peace to keep the conflict down to a minimum.
My Pastor has been married for 8 years, and he and his wife found out that they both had to learn how to live together, on a daily basis. He and I learn from each other in how to handle different issues that come up in marriage. One thing that he learned from me is how I submit to my wife in doing my part to keep harmony in our marriage, and how my wife deals with my imperfections to help keep harmony in our marriage also. A lot of christians often have a hard time submitting to each other. This is something that has to be done on purpose, just to make any christian marriage work. Love is something that is done on purpose also. Christ said to love each other, to submit to each other, and to be patience with each other. No christian marriage is perfect. Don't let anyone fool you, not by a long shot. But through trusting Christ, and daily reading God's word, and some prayer time, God will strengthen you to overcome what you are dealing with, and help you both to grow in the areas where you need to grow for a better marriage. You might have gotten along good before you got married. But many couples find out that they have to learn how to live together. God must have something great for you and your husbands future. Marriage is really about two people learning how to love each other God's way, not our way. Our way is full of imperfections. But Gods way is perfect. This is why all christian marriages has a chance to work, inspite of us or the devil. Look at the testimony of many other christian marriages that are simular to yours that has gotten a break through from God. Some were even worse than yours and they still got a break through, and God saved their marriage. God bless you my sister in the Lord. Hang in there. Help from God is on the way. I been married for 30 years, and me and my wife both know what it means to be patience with each other. It's not always easy living with the same person for years. That's why God's word gives instructions and wisdom for dealing people. One last thing; Talk to mature christians with whom you can trust to help you and your husband. It's seems like you and your husband are a young couple. I'm a veteran in marriage only because of God's love, grace, and mercy on me and my wife. May God keep Blessing you and strengthen you.
- Encourger said...
Yes man of God I totally agree with fight for what is right to keep both men and women out of the gripps of the enemy because he is satan,that is walking around seeking whom he may devour but pray for our homes,churches and communities with outceasing because truly that is a burden from all 53 commentsour hearts bleed but lets lead by precept and example forgive to be healed women and men alike there is no gender when it comes to the spirit of error. God bless you
Pastor G.c Lewis
- Encourger said...
- Tim Kurtz said...
Powerful. I have sadly watched ministry couples separate and continue to oversee their ministry. One couple literally continue as co-pastors and are in the process of divorce. When will we stop this foolishness! G. Craig Lewis, I appreciate your work.
Man of God, I have been following you for a short time. I thank God for your insight, your willingness to speak the truth in love and letting God spirit flow through you. I have one question, what if a man deceived a woman into marrying him, she helps him get his finances together, she almost loses her home because he will not give money to take care of the home, he uses his money on liquor and drugs, she asks him to leave the home because he is verbally abusive to her and her daughter and then he begins to be physically abusive to her. She now has a terminal illness and he is not abusing her physically, but says very hurtful things to her referring to how she looks and he wish she would die. I am speaking about my sister. I have been trying to give her godly counsel and I have never told her to leave him, but I was so angry about how he was treating her, I began to hate him. I asked
God to forgive me and to help me to love him the way he does, but I do not want to talk about him when she speaks of the things he does and says. What should she do. Spiritually she is beat down and she's trying to hold on. I hate to see her that way and I keep praying that God will continue to help her. He has helped her to be able to afford to keep her home and pay her bill with her disability check. He has left her three times and each time he leaves he never pays anything. She just recently found out that he has been saving his money. A lot. Please help! J..
Pastor Craige,as black people we are really in trouble.You address serious issues in your sermons and am so thankful for that.Sometimes i feel like we shall wind up being sold as slaves again if we continue with this foolishness. In your next series you will address Babyblon and the role it still has to play even to this day in devil worship,while you at it Pastor may you please Explain what race Nimrod was.Black people need to start understanding were we went south and became disobedient to God.Hot 97 does not have the answer to our problems,neither does the White House,Don't even mention B.E.T clearly what do they know? apart from messing up the minds of our race and children.sometimes i wipe for the future of the black race.
Are people using the "except fornication" clause to justify getting remarried?
Jesus was answering the question based on the Jewish law. that was the only reason for someone to divorce because they were NOT MARRIED but in the process. As you can state in the beginning of Matthew--that Mary was called Joseph's wife before their marriage and Joesph was going to put her away for FORNICATION. No one who is married commits fornication. Its called ADULTERY.
I thought I had justification for divorce. But I don't. Even if ther person CHEATED. A married woman will be bound to her husband until death and if he or she is remarried they are in ADULTERY.
There are marriage standers all over the world. If you are married and struggling. seek the holy spirit to guide you on the matter. He will lead you the truth.
These are some websites that believe in Marriage and Remarriage of the Lord Jesus Christ of your remarriage of your Covenant spouse (If you are divorced)
Rejoice Ministries.com
Andrea McGee
- jackon said...
Please don't stop doing what God called you to do. You are the reason my family came out of darkness and is now in a chuch home that teaches the truth. Yes Lord in Gary , In with Pastor D. Hunter. you two sound just alike and I love God for using you both I hope you can visit us soon because we need more education on Hip hop pls contact us. 219 588 1930 you will be galdly received. God Bless you and your family Anthony Jackson
- Laws of attractions said...
Informative and detailed post!! Thank you !!
- nevender said...
Hi, I would like to understand something. Mark 10:29-30 says
"So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[e] or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life."
How does this fit in with family being the backbone of ministry? I need to understand.
There is a difference between Marriage and Wedding
- ricky earle said...
Great word brother. Stay humble please. Am enjoying your writings from Calgary, Canada
- Gabriel said...
Thank you, Brother Craig, for reminding folks on how daddies are still needed for girls to mature into ladies and boys to grow into men
And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free (The Word Of God) may the Good LORD help us all in JESUS name Amen!!! GOD bless EX-MINISTRIES!
- Phone sex said...
Beautifully reasoned and well written but what impresses me the most is the respect with which you address the concerns of this parent. Well done!
We definitely need to wake up. Things are going seriously wrong in the church- the glory is gone and most of us are just sitting by. I am not yet married and I find myself with a fear of marriage that I never had as a teenager. This cannot be God's will. I plan to just hide myself in God and make sure that I am walking right with Him. Brothers and Sisters, we have to press on, "not as fools, but as wise".
- Killing Idols said...
What a lot of people don't realize is that its the spiritual adultery and divorce that leads to the natural adultery and divorce. The greek word apostasia is the root of the words "falling away" and "divorce." The reason there's so much divorce is just to reflect that we have fallen away from God!
Sister don't give up. You can win this. Your husband is under a strong demonic influence and cannot help himself but you can and must help him for both your sakes. Hating men wont cut it so here's what you do : 1. Decide that you will FIGHT for your husband/marriage, 2. Locate a serious church with a spiritually sound pastor and attach yourself to it for spiritual and emotional support and 3. Go into spiritual warfare and keep at it FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES to get your home healed. No short cuts or quick fixes will Work. The choice is yours ma'am and the Lord help you as you choose your next course of action.
The joy of the Lord is your strength my brother. I cannot begin to imagine how you must feel each time these thoughts cross your mind. I believe that God can restore your family because the Bible says that nothing is impossible to them that believe. Just be ready to forgive your spouse when the time comes...yea that's a lot to ask, I know but someone hung up on a cross for you and picked up all YOUR garbage. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. From OBI.
- David G. said...
Wow...Why do "spiritual" pastors/preachers resist God?...This is such a powerful word...If all preachers and pastors would let God use them like this, then our Christian people would live so abundantly...There would be a clear difference between the world and God's people!..Brother Lewis...you have answered God's call, and He is speaking that word to you....Keep on going my brother...Prayers going out for you!
- Sam said...
I agree in prayer with this post, through and through. I'm going to share it with my fiancee, as I believe it will strengthen our commitment together
Thanks for posting, it should be placed in ALL churches that say they know and serve the Lord. More Bible prophecy being fulfilled.
The Holy Spirit led me to this Post and every word you wrote is what he told me about my situation ! I will continue to pray and read the word in order to Stop the enermy from attacking my marriage ! I will continue to believe in the blood of Jesus ,the blood will make my marriage perfect. I know God has Given me this Marriage. I will not let the enermy Talk me into leaving .Amen
- Irish for GOD is Grace said...
Anyone reading this must wonder where you get the the guts to say such things , in a world that is totally against this type of thinking . But this strength is there for all us of THE FAITH . ACTS 3:16 The first 12 and last 12 words hit you Pastor to a t . I know I flatter you quite a bit . But I'm not seeking a job , don't want to move to TX , we got heat and hate in GA . It's just that all my life I've been waiting for someone to speak the truth . Keep Preaching !
I stumbled on this post just a few month after the original posting. At that time my wife of almost 11 years moved out and in with her sister. Everything at that time in my life was being blessed except my marriage. It seemed that as I grew closer to God I grew further from my wife. There I was looking at my 3 and 1 yr old asking me when was mommy coming home. Not wanting to see them in pain and not wanting wanting to bear the pain of healing a marriage I was torn. I laid in the bed (our bed) struggling with what do with myself after putting the children to sleep. Up on the Internet I searched to see what the preacher that exposed the truth behind hip-hop had to say about divorce I stumbled on this post. That was some time in September 2011. Like some of the other commenters the words resonated with what I knew in my heart although I sought desperately God's permission for divorce. It never came! I will spare the details but today by God's grace we are growing closer to God and together in our 14 year of marriage. To God be the Glory.
Amen and Amen,The LORD Bless you,and All of you even Pastor Craig I wouldlike to come to his Church some day.....


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Jeff Giles
The Four HorsemenHD
IMDb: 3.4
118 min
Four high school football stars enlist in the Marines to serve their country in Iraq. Unfortunately, they don't all return home. The ones that do ...
Country: Canada
Actor: Mark O'Brien, Curtis Morgan, Nick Abraham, Natalie Roy, Joanna Douglas, Jordan Brown, Zan Calabretta, Jeff Giles, Eddie Della Siepe, Paul Sturino, Robert Paluzzi, David Planche, Robert Calwell, Philippe Buckland, Anita de Yonge

subset: commoncrawl


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U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
Federal Agency to Discuss Settlement of Koreatown Sexual Harassment Case, Anti-Discrimination Training for Korean Employers
LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will announce and discuss its enhanced outreach and enforcement efforts in the Korean-American community in Southern California at a Los Angeles news conference on July 1. As part of that effort, the EEOC will announce the settlement of a sexual harassment case filed against a Korean restaurant in the Koreatown community of Los Angeles.
Further, the EEOC will discuss its upcoming free training for Korean and Korean-American employers regarding federal laws against discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. The training, to be conducted in Korean, is an element of the EEOC's recent efforts to reach out to the Korean community. The press conference and the training will be held at the Korean-American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) in Koreatown.
WHAT: EEOC news conference to announce anti-discrimination activities in the Korean community, including a successful sexual harassment settlement and free EEOC training for Korean employers on federal laws against employment discrimination and sexual harassment
WHEN: Thursday, July 1, 2010 10:00 am PST
WHERE: Korean-American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) 981 S. Western Avenue, Conference Hall Los Angeles, CA 90006
WHO: Olophius E. Perry, District Director, EEOC Los Angeles District Office
Anna Y. Park, Regional Attorney, EEOC Los Angeles District Office
Patricia A. Kane, Enforcement Manager, EEOC Los Angeles District Office
Hyunwook Kim, Enforcement Investigator, EEOC Los Angeles District Office (* Mr. Kim will speak in Korean.)
Christine Park-Gonzalez, Program Analyst, EEOC Los Angeles District Office Representative from the Korean-American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA)
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination. Further information is available at www.eeoc.gov.


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Danny and Baez
Danny and Baez investigate a homicide in which Baez's estranged brother, a former drug addict, is the lead suspect. Meanwhile, Frank learns one of his most highly decorated officers, a German Shepherd in the K9 unit, is being accused of police brutality, and Henry investigates the widow of a former NYPD pal who might have had a hand in her husband's death, on BLUE BLOODS. Marisa Ramirez as Maria Baez, Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan, Kirk Acevedo guest stars as Baez's brother, Javi "Tic-Tac" Baez.Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/CBS ©2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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B Street Theatre Extends COMPLETE & UNFINISHED thru March 3
B Street extends nationally acclaimed comedian Jack Gallagher's smash hit show Complete and Unfinished for one week.In his newest one-man autobiographical play, Gallagher explores his life through the lens of his search for 'home' and love of music. Audiences have been treated to an irresistible mix of Jack Gallagher's famous insightful humor as well as new revelations from his life and career since the show's opening in mid-January. Now, thanks to Sacramento's overwhelmingly positive response to Gallagher's latest theatrical offering, B Street will remount the show in its entirety on the B3 Stage after it closes on the Mainstage this February.
Complete and Unfinished is Jack Gallagher's fifth such autobiographical play to date and fourth to premiere at B Street after Just the Guy (2002), What He Left (2006), and A Different Kind of Cool (2010). Gallagher has enjoyed a long, successful career as a comedian, actor, writer, and host entertaining audiences across the country. The B Street Theatre is happy to give Sacramento audiences another chance to catch Jack Gallagher's satisfying, humorous new play in its intimate B3 space.
Co-directed by Buck Busfield and Jerry R. Montoya, the cast features Jack Gallagher and the creative team includes scenic designer Catherine Frye, lighting designer Ron Madonia and stage manager Tony Poston.
The extension runsFebruary 26th-March 3rd 2013, with show times Tuesday thru Friday at 7pm, Saturday 4pm & 8pm, Sunday at 1pm. Performances play the B Street Theatre B3 Stage, 2727 B St., Sacramento. Cost: $23-$35, $5 Student Rush, $10 Preview tickets. For more information, call (916) 443-5300 or visit www.bstreettheatre.org.
B Street Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre company producing primarily new work for adults, families and children. The two-theatre playhouse on B Street in Midtown Sacramento is home to the Mainstage Series, B3 Series and Family Series, each created to feature intimate, quality theatre for audiences year-round. Recognized as one of Northern California's top professional theatres, B Street Theatre has produced more than 100 new plays, 60 of which are world, national, West Coast or regional premieres.
B Street Theatre was originally founded in 1986 for the purpose of bringing the excitement of live performance to children through the B Street Theatre School Tour. This educational outreach program serves over 200,000 students in Northern California annually.
Other B Street Theatre programs include the B Street Theatre Family Series and Family Series Student Matinees (for school field trips), the B3 Series, B Street Acting Conservatory and Studio for Young People, and the B Street Theatre Internship program for pre-professional/post-college training. B Street Theatre has produced over 250 professional productions since 1986.
More information at www.bstreettheatre.org.


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When our Ann All began researching questions to ask BI vendors, she was surprised that after a little prodding they produced some great questions, ones she'd want to ask any potential BI vendor before she got up from the table. Several of them offered clever suggestions on how to move past generic questions to more specific ones that should yield more accurate answers. You should definitely read her full blog post on the topic.
For instance, instead of asking "what kind of support can I expect from you?" Barney Finucane, an analyst at The BI Verdict, a vendor-independent BI product selection service, suggested companies should ask vendors if you can look at their technical and support Web sites. This will give you "a good idea of what they might be doing wrong" as well as what they do right, he told Ann.
In another angle on service, Forrester Research analyst Boris Evelson told Ann it's important to ask about a vendor's ability to help you with your overall BI strategies, not just implementing BI products. Why? "Any problems will likely involve integration, support, organizational structure and/or underlying business processes rather than technology. Only experienced consultants can help with those kinds of problems," he said. It's true that technology tunnel vision can derail BI initiatives -- and plenty of other technology projects as well.
Related Topics : Business Intelligence Vendors, Data Quality, Data Warehousing, Key Performance Indicators, Knowledge Management
Businesses are adopting bots to enhance business practices, in everything from procurement to marketing to sales to recruiting. ... More >>
Watson continuously learns from previous interactions, gaining in value and knowledge over time. Learn how companies are harnessing that AI power to create and improve products and services. ... More >>
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Jacquie Stalnaker's boyfriend drove her to an abortion clinic with a gun on the floor of the car. He told her their baby would die that day, or that both she and the baby would. When she came out of the clinic afterward, he was nowhere to be found and she never saw him again. She collapsed on the street, lost half the blood in her body, and subsequently survived recurring stage-four uterine cancer and a 25-pound tumor.
She had aborted the only child she would ever conceive, and she lived with her secret for decades.
But now this former Miss West Virginia, former national spokeswoman for the American Heart Association and current executive director for Ignatius Productions is Silent No More, and she is an invited speaker at today's West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco.
"It took me 22 years to be able to speak out about it," said Stalnaker, a former Elkins resident who now lives in Birmingham, Ala. She is a regional coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. "Now I talk about it everywhere I go."
The eighth annual Walk for Life West Coast will begin at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center Plaza, when Georgette Forney, co-founder of Silent No More, and 14 women and men who are part of the campaign will share their testimonies.
Stalnaker will be one of the speakers at a rally today, before the group takes part in an awareness walk.
"What we often say is that experience trumps rhetoric," said Forney, a Pennsylvania resident. "People can talk about the right to choose but it is time to hear about the real consequences of the choice. We also want others who are hurting after abortion to know they are not alone, help is available. That is why we are Silent No More."
Since the launch of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign in 2003, 4,845 women and men have shared their testimonies publicly at more than 865 gatherings in 48 states and 10 countries. Raising awareness about the hurtful aftermath of abortion and the help that is available to cope with the pain are two of the campaign's goals.
The Silent No More Awareness Campaign is a joint project of Anglicans for Life and Priests for Life. More information is available at http://www.silentnomoreawareness.org/.


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The Week In Music: Who's The Scariest Of Them All?
They will rock you, they will shock you, and sometimes they will scare you. As a further testament that some musicians are just scary being themselves, Billboard has released the results of its top 10 scariest musicians poll in time for Halloween. Coming in at No. 10 is the Demon himself, Kiss' Gene Simmons. We don't know what's scarier about Simmons, his knack for spewing out gobs of blood from his mouth, or his relationship with his dog, Snippy. At No. 9 are Insane Clowne Posse, with their painted-on faces being enough reason to never hire a clown for your birthday party ever again. Metal group GWAR checks in at No. 8, even though they may qualify as more humorous than scary with their action-figure-looking ensembles. In an odd twist to the list, Odd Future's Tyler, The Creator makes the list at No. 7. Why? Watch this, but be careful, it might drive you yonkers. King of horror rock Rob Zombie digs through the ditches to come in at No. 6; the boa constrictor-friendly Alice Cooper appears at No. 5; the Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne owns the No. 4 spot; and metal's masked crusaders Slipknot scream in at No. 3. So who battled it out for the top spot? The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga, and the Antichrist Superstar, Marilyn Manson. Who do you think is scariest? View the results here and let us know your thoughts below. And if she hasn't scared you away yet, make sure to catch Lady Gaga's performance on "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!" on Nov. 30 on CBS.
If you consider yourself a music superfan, chances are you have loads of paraphernalia sporting the name of your favorite band or artist. But if there's one day out of the year when you can take that extra leap and dress as your favorite artist, it's Halloween. So who are some of the top costume choices? According to The New York Times, pop songstresses Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj are hot options for Halloween this year. If you're looking to trick-or-treat to the tune of "Born This Way," all you need is a fitted black blazer with (really big) shoulder pads and a bodysuit or hot pants to wear underneath (real pants are optional). To complete the costume, add a black sequin halter top, fishnet stockings, Gaga-ready black stilettos, and, if you don't have strikingly long bright blonde hair already, get yourself a wig. If you're looking to go the Pink Friday route on Halloween, bubble-gum pink lipstick and turquoise eye shadow are the quickest ways to get recognized as Minaj. You don't have to look far for the hip-hop star's famed pink hair; you can purchase a signature pink 'do from Minaj's website. As for other music-related costume ideas? You can go as a California gurl á la Katy Perry (watch out for those popsicle sticks though), Gaga's alter ego Jo Calderone or you can try a spray tan and short dress and pillage for candy as Snooki.
It turns out LMFAO's megahit "Party Rock Anthem" doubles as a Halloween party anthem. With a seizure-inducing light show and singing pumpkins, a house in Riverside, Calif., is getting its spooky on to the sounds of the biggest party hit of the season. Apparently, last year the house haunted the neighborhood to the tune of old standby "Monster Mash," so this year marks a true step forward — you know, one of those very slow, awkward zombie steps. For anyone wondering whether this is really just a house on the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot, the occasional car driving by should prove its authenticity. But for all you trick-or-treaters, no word on what sort of party-rocking candy the owners are giving out. Maybe rock candy?
Don't have any plans for the spookiest day of all? Well, if you have 24 hours to spare, you can listen to a new song by the Flaming Lips. The band, whose frontman Wayne Coyne has been known to bounce along a crowd encased in a bubble, have launched a website that will stream the song "7 Skies H3" on Halloween for 24 hours straight. The site currently features a countdown to the beginning of the stream, which kicks off at midnight sharp on Oct. 31, and a skull with a USB cable looped through it. We're hoping to see this skull come alive when the music begins.
Looking for more music to get you into the Halloween spirit? Check out our scary music feature here, or take a ride with Zombie in the "Dragula."
Adele's "Someone Like You" is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Rihanna's "We Found Love" featuring Calvin Harris is tops on the iTunes singles chart.
Any news we've missed? Comment below.
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Last Week In Music. Click on "The Week In Music" tag below for links to other GRAMMY News stories in this series.