Thursday, March 28, 2013

Gay Marriage Rights in America!?!





OK... so I am a little slow.  I kept seeing all of these signs on Facebook and had no clue of what they all meant.  So I made a post and asked, "What does the red block with the two pink rectangles in the center mean? I've seen it twice today." 

The first reply said, "It's an equal sign meaning equality rights."  So again in my naivety I asked, "What kind of equal rights?"  The next response was, "Gay Marriage."  Then, I noticed all types of comments ranging from those trying to help me understand the sign, to those offering the alternative sign of the cross and of the anti-gay marriage symbol.

Then, I flipped to a friend's page where there was a heavy (really nasty) debate about what the Bible says about the gay lifestyle.  Some were claiming to be graduates of seminary who didn't see anything wrong with gay marriage; others were pastors using force and unpleasant wording claiming that God hates this lifestyle and that America better look out!

Sadly, both "ministers of the gospel" were missing the message of Christ altogether.  The word of God has been, and always will be, the standard for every civilization on earth.  Since there is only one true God who created heaven and earth, He is the author and judge of what is right and wrong among His creation.

So, as I am reading through this Facebook thread on my friends page, I notice a post made to my page from a childhood friend that includes an article based on "Judge not that ye be not judged." - Matthew 7:1.  So I read it! 

Having said this, I did agree with the writings of that author to a certain extent.  He makes a very good point about how Christians so often miss the mark in balancing their proclamation of faith. His article was long and detailed with scripture to prove his point about how we are to love all people.  On this point, I fully agree.  The problem with his article is that it pointed to loving the gay lifestyle. 

The truth is that God does love everyone!  He loves them so much that He wants them to repent of their sin, humble themselves and be born-again!  His grace covers us as we bow down and accept His righteousness in "exchange" for our sin.  Jesus died on the cross so that all could be saved.  This doesn't mean that all will believe, nor does it mean that all will repent of their sin(s). Surely, the gospel "is" good news! The Lord loves humanity so much that He doesn't want anyone to suffer the consequences nor the destruction of sin.  Sin leaves a guilty stain in the soul of mankind that can only by erased by the blood of Jesus.  This blood can only be applied through repentance.
   
There are so many Christians who are afraid to speak the truth on this issue... in love! Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." While many may try to twist the word of God to make it fit into their belief system, God knows their motive. He knows their deepest, hidden sin. His word is either a cornerstone or a stumbling block. My prayer is that "I" will grow to accept more and more of His word, His ways, His absolutes, His righteousness, His peace, and His grace each day that I live. What a waste for anyone to argue that God's word doesn't mean what it says. He wants all saved! He wants all to come to repentance! He wants all set free from the bondage of sin! Anyone who tries to hang onto their sin, while claiming the love of God, has missed the mark. It's not about rules. It's about a life that is FREE INDEED. If we say we love God, we should also love what He loves... and hate what He hates. God hates sin because sin hurts people!

So often, Christians either avoid controversial topics altogether, or they blurt out the facts without filtering them through the heart of God.  So getting back to the favorite verse that is used by those who want to keep their sin and claim God too... "Judge not lest you be judged" from Matthew 7.  Verse 5 tells us that we should first get the beam (or sin) out of our own eye before we attempt to cast the mote (or splinter - lesser sin) out of someone else's eye.  So Jesus wasn't telling Christians not to judge right from wrong, He was simply saying we should clean our own act up before we try to help someone else get cleaned up.

1 Corinthians 6:2
2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
 
1 Corinthians 11:31-32
31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
 
 
You see my friend, everything in the Lord's Kingdom needs to be handled with compassion, balance, love, power, authority, and yet with humility - all at the same time.  As Christians, we are simply saying... "I once was lost (like you), but now I am found!"  We are crying out to those living in darkness that the Lord has a peaceful, promised land of milk and honey (in this life - and in the life to come) for all of those who will lay down their pride, lay down their troubles, lay down their lusts, lay down their excuses... and run to Jesus
 
So, yes, Jesus died for all... the homosexual, the heterosexual, the Jew, the gentile, the Muslim, the Hindu, the black, the white, the Asian, the alcoholic, the drug addict, the murderer, the lazy, the workaholic, the poor, the rich...  And yes, His grace is sufficient to cover all sin.  His grace makes the vilest sinner white as snow.  He died for ALL.  But, my friend, His grace covers us when we humble ourselves and seek to know the truth, instead of seeking to make God's word fit into our truth.  That is when the miracle of salvation is obtainable!
 
As far as God's judgment is concerned, Jesus came to make a way for us to escape God's righteous judgment.  He did not come to do away with God's righteous judgment.  There will come a day in which every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is not just Savior - but Lord!  Unfortunately, many who will be confessing His Lordship on that day will be doing so with great regret, because they held their own truth higher than God's righteous truth - while on earth.
 
As far as Christians not wanting to grant gay marriage as part of our constitutional rights, this is not because Christians are being narrow minded and unloving.  No, true Christians have a holy fear of God.  They understand that He is in control of nations.  They understand that God will judge a nation who turns their back on Him.  So, if you are gay and you are reading this, please know that the conflict is not with you as a person; it is with the standard that God has set for all people.  The United States of America is the most blessed nation on the earth because our country was built on Christian values.  When we, as a society, take God out of our government, out of our schools and out of our lives, His hand is lifted and we are left to defend ourselves against the devil, his horde of demons and the enemies of our nation- alone! 
 
So, my friend, please know that the over-all Christian concern (allthough not always voiced with humility) is not about your rights, the Christian concern is about your future; and in fact, the future of all American citizens... whether guilty or innocent.  When His judgment falls, the just and the unjust are caught in the storm.
 
My final word is this, Go loves you!  He wants you saved!  He wants you free from the bondage of sin!  He wants you to live a long, healthy life on this earth!  He wants you to live in eternity with Him forever and forever!

-Deborah Ross
www.DeborahRossMinistries.org
 
 
If you are gay and you are reading this article, please consider researching the following website for more on how to find this perfect peace and freedom in Christ Jesus.

http://www.sbministries.org/members/sbm 

Whether you are gay or straight... If you are not 100% sure that you are a born-again child of God, please click the link below to learn more about how YOU can know this God I speak about.

http://www.deborahrossministries.com/pages.asp?pageid=109507 
 


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Monday, March 11, 2013

CO-ED MARRIAGE BIBLE STUDY VIDEO WITH DEBORAH ROSS

This 1 hour video teaching is an unplugged co-ed marriage Bible study class from my Save It! Marriage Bible Study Series (Fall 2012). Includes: Taking Thoughts Captive... Motives... Trusting God... Family Order... Standing Strong... Submitting to Each Other... Love Never Fails.

Grab a cup of coffee and sit down to a time with the Lord as I encourage your faith today for a healthy marriage.



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Friday, March 1, 2013

SR Perspective - The Wordsmith Journal Magazine

Just Sayin....
Barbara Shelton



Several references in the Holy Bible pertain to “ears to hear” and the words “eyes to see.” The scripture that best describes this story is Ezekiel 12:2. “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.” This is Deborah’s story.  Deborah Ross has written a valuable book of compassionate Christian advice for failing marriages. She experienced numerous hardships and challenges in her personal life and bravely revealed brutal truths that her empty marriage brought her to a near mental breakdown, severe stress and temptations that might have lured her away from her strong intimacy with God and consequently – divorce.

To read more... CLICK THIS LINK

SR Perspective - The Wordsmith Journal Magazine


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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Is abuse an acceptable reason for divorce?

Answer: The Bible is silent on the issue of spousal abuse as a reason for divorce, although it is obvious that God expects us to love one another and to submit to one another in love (John 13:34, Ephesians 5:21). Physical violence is illegal and should not be tolerated by anyone. No one should have to live in an unsafe environment, whether it involves a family member, friend, employer, caregiver, or stranger. Physical abuse is against the law, and the authorities should be the first ones contacted if this occurs.


Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/abuse-divorce.html#ixzz2MJ03ewXB

Click Here to Read Article:  Is abuse an acceptable reason for divorce?

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

God's Love & Glorious Salvation

This is my personal teaching notes from a message titled God's Love & Glorious Salvation.  Enjoy!



God’s Love & Glorious Salvation

BY: Deborah Ross
Open - PRAYER
GOD IS LOVE! 
It’s His Character. 
It’s His Nature.

In Hebrew:
(A)Alef = Strong Leader
(L)Lamed = Shepherd
AL = God - We say El
God is our Strong Leader and Our Shepherd.
El Shaddai
El Elyon
Elohim
El Roi

Greatest discovery for a soul = Realize that they are loved by God! 

Most important decision anyone will ever make = Accept God’s love for themselves in a personal way. 
God’s love comes to us by GRACE:

Ephesians 2:8 

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

GOD’S GRACE brings:  Undeserved Mercy; Forgiveness, Acceptance, Favor, Care, Help, Compassion, Tenderness, Patience, Comfort, Protection, and Provision.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

God’s love is called GRACE. 

Grace is getting what you don’t deserve… right standing with God and a pardon for sin!

Genesis 1:26-31

*Humans were created out of God’s love.
*God’s love gave human beings dominion over all the earth.

Did you know that the 10 commandments were given to us out of God’s love? (Exodus 20:1-17)

Why does God hate sin?
…Because sin hurts people. 

The bondage of SIN is the opposite of God’s love.

 WHAT IS SIN? –

·       transgression of divine law
·       any reprehensible or regrettable action, behavior, lapse, great fault or offense
·       any offence against a principle or standard
·       to do wrong or think evil:  Both in the inward state and habit of the soul, as well as in the outward conduct of the life, whether by omission or commission.

The soul that sins is always conscious that his sin is:

v vile and polluting
v that it justly deserves punishment, and calls down the righteous wrath of God.

Sin leaves us with two stains that cannot be removed except by the blood of Jesus: 

1.    guilt
2.    pollution

 Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The wages of SIN (death) requires blood to be spilt because the life is in the blood. 

Leviticus 17:11

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

GOD SAW THAT MANKIND CONSTANTLY SINNED. 

Romans 8:7 “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

OLD TESTAMENT - Blood of Bulls and Goats…

v could not fully satisfy God’s righteous judgment against sin. 

v could not adequately purge man’s conscious from the guilt of sin.

Isaiah 53:6  “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Isaiah 53 (entire) – Prophecy of God sending Jesus to be the final sacrifice for sin.

GOD KNEW THAT MANKIND WOULD NEED A STRONGER SACRIFICE to banish their guilty conscious – once and for all!
 
Guilty Conscious = one that has no faith to overcome the wages of sin

1 John 4:10

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 

Propitiation = to appease or make well disposed; also: atoning sacrifice
Appease = to bring to a state of peace, quiet, ease, calm, or contentment; pacify; soothe:
Disposed = to make fit or ready; prepare:

The Message Bible Translation of 1 John 4:7-10

“My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.”

A guilty conscious cannot believe God for forgiveness.  By putting our trust in Jesus Christ (who loved us enough to die for us), we free ourselves of our guilty conscious.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world (guilty conscious) worketh death.”

John 3:1-7 and 35-36 – Glorious Salvation!

GRACE has now given all who are born-again the power to stop sinning!

SALVATION

*Did you know that salvation is just a "saving cry" away? 
*Did you know that the word SALVATION means:  welfare; deliverance; victory; safety; prosperity; preservation; deliverance from the molestation of enemies; health; healing; save; saving; to make safe from; rescue; liberation; defend? 
*Did you know that our eternal salvation starts on this earth and continues forever? 

Jesus, Yeshua, "is" Salvation. 

He is God in the flesh who came to earth and dwelt among men living a sinless life.  Although He did no wrong, the enemies of God brutally beat Him, then publicly crucified Him by way of the cross on a hill called Golgotha.  Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, but three days later His body was not there, because God had raised Him from the dead.  Jesus conquered death, hell and the grave - once and for all.  The shed blood of Jesus satisfied all of God's requirements for the payment of humanity's sin.   

John 16:27

Jesus said:  “For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me (Jesus), and have believed that I (Jesus) came out from God.”
 
Alef = Strong Leader
Bet = Family
Ab = Father
God our Father is a Strong Leader of His children.
Abba = Daddy

Romans 8:31-39 – Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love!

Prayer.

Call to Salvation.

If you want to be BORN-AGAIN…


If you want God’s…

Undeserved Mercy
Forgiveness
Acceptance
Favor
Care
Help
Compassion
Comfort
Protection
Provision
Salvation

ü Pray the prayer above

If you know that you have repented of your sins already and that you are blood bought child of the King, but the devil has been tormenting you with lies saying…

    v You’re not worthy

v God is mad at you

v God can’t use you


 If you need prayer…



Friday, October 12, 2012

When I Surrendered, God Showed Up as my Defender!

 
Isaiah 57:15
 
"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." - KJV
 
Isaiah 51:22
 
"This is what your Sovereign Lord says your God, who defends his people: “See, I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again." - NIV
 
 
 
Proverbs 23:10-11
 
"Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you." - NIV
 

Did you know that God's love has the power to bring everyone who suffers heartache, pain, injustice or even indecision to a place of glorious VICTORY?  When breakthrough finally becomes a  reality, the course of our lives is dramatically changed for His glory! 

I really think "surrender" is the key that unlocks the door to the working of God's Word. So many times I've witnessed Christian's who try to manipulate God through crafty prayer and fearful denial, all in an effort to try and force God's will. While I do believe that we should "stand" on God's promises in the face of adversity (Ephesians 6:13), I also believe that our "standing on God's Word" should be done with a pure heart of humility that is willing to accept God's pathway to wholeness - regardless of our preference. (Have you ever noticed that God rarely unfolds things in our time... or in our way?)


Psalm 37:5 -

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." - KJV

The Lord is good and it is His good pleasure to bless His children (Luke 12:32). Our response to His love should be that of "trust". When we fully trust someone, we have no need to manipulate them; instead, we rest in their desire to act toward our best interest. God's Word promises us that He will bring those things to pass that we deeply hope for. Not the selfish things of this world, rather: the hidden treasures of our hearts, our destiny, the purpose of our existence, the wholeness of our families, and the salvation of our souls. Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17), so there is no need to fret over the haunting "what ifs"; those strongholds (thoughts) that try to persuade us to take control of our situation - instead of relinquishing everything to God once we've done all we know to do.

Learning to surrender requires a "leap of faith"; one that is anchored in the knowledge of God's character. We cannot expect to know God's character unless we are, first, willing to spend time reading His Word. In addition, we must be willing to fellowship with His people by going to church regularly and we must communicate with Him on a daily basis through a prayer life that is more eager to "listen" than it is to "speak".

Time and time again, scripture reveals how God moves when His servants were obedient to His "rhema word" of instruction concerning the dilemma of their moment. I'm talking about a "NOW" word; a word that is specifically for us at our moment of crisis. The Lord does not want us to live on yesterday's Word.  He does not want us to live off of someone else's word either.  Rather, He wants us to follow His leading - step by step - as we walk through unknown doors of "choice" and "circumstance" in our everyday lives. While He does give us a free will to choose any door of life that seems good at the time, He also tells us - in His Word - that He is knocking on the door of life (Revelation 3:20), encouraging us to choose the path of surrender that He has prepared for us. This is the best path. This is the path to victory.


Deuteronomy 30:19-20 -

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." - KJV

One of my favorite scriptures is Deuteronomy 30:19-20. This verse really sums up the Christian journey as God prescribes the pathway to victory according to His perfect will. As we "choose" to follow after peace by surrendering our will to His, the heavens open up, as the natural is overcome by the supernatural. The glorious wonders of the Kingdom of God are made manifest as we stand in awe at the evidence of our breakthrough. As darkness gives way to light and our breakthrough becomes a reality, God's glory is revealed. This is where our tests become our testimonies. This is where our faith becomes substance (Hebrews 11:1).

SURRENDERING ALL is the secret ingredient of the soul that gives FUEL TO OUR FAITH. While surrendering our will to His is in direct contrast to our fleshly nature, it is the only sure way to walk in the spirit. We are told that true worshippers must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). As our spirit surrenders to His, He ushers us into His perfect will; a place of wholeness and victory. While He probably won't allow our breakthroughs to manifest on our timetable, I can assure you that He will not be too late! His timing and His way is always perfect. He is continually standing with open arms, inviting us to leap into His bosom.

What do YOU need to surrender, today? I pray that you will be able to free-fall into the arms of Jesus, as you "truly" trust Him with every aspect of your life. He will not disappoint you. Trust Him, today, with whatever it is that has caused you pain, unforgiveness, hardship, grief, or emptiness. He wants to take that part of your life and exchange it for His victory, His blessings, His comfort, and His wholeness.

Psalm 9:10 -
 
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." - KJV

In Christ,
Deborah Ross
Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.
Strengthening Families; Encouraging Faith; Preaching the Gospel

I love hearing from you!








Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Marriage or Divorce?


 

Dealing with Unfaithfulness

Dear Child of God:

I get emails and phone calls all the time from those suffering in marital hardships who are looking for hope in their seemingly bleak situation. The question below is one that I received by email and I'd like to share it with all of you as a Remnant Woman writes the following...

Question:
How do you stand for a marriage when your husband just uses you and cares nothing about you? Especially when you show them unconditional love and they know you are standing so they use that to their advantage. What kind of self respect can you have for yourself to allow yourself to be used like that? Especially when your husband is sleeping with other people and telling them lies about you? Wouldn't God want you to be free to move on and live a new life? My husband isn't sorry for what he has done.

My Reply:
My heart breaks for you. I know it is very difficult to live, day-to-day, with a broken heart that bleeds, because of betrayal from your spouse.

I will offer you this one Biblical escape from your torment, but I must also add that this is not necessarily God's best. In Matthew 19 Jesus tells the Pharisees that divorce is permitted in the case of adultery; but, He also adds that divorce is permitted because of the "hardness of our hearts." Even if you divorce your spouse, you must still forgive him (or her)... I mean truly forgive. Remember, God sees the heart. While others may not be able to see the bitterness that can be tucked away in a person's soul for many years (even a lifetime) - God sees it all.

As one who has overcome marital adversity, it is my conclusion that if I must forgive my husband, I'd rather fight for his salvation (aiming to win the whole prize: our marriage, his salvation, and my clean heart) than to face the arduous task of trying to truly forgive after a bitter divorce.

God will use us as vessels of Himself as we stand in the gap for those who are lost and living in darkness. Your spouse is obviously lost and living in darkness. While it is very painful to love someone who is unlovable, we are also told that learning to love our enemies is what makes us more like Christ (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Luke 6:35).

1 Corinthians 13:8 says that "Love Never Fails." While praying for your spouse, be sure to mix your faith with your Christ-like actions.  It is important to speak the truth about God's Word and and the truth about sin... but not in a nagging way.  Sweeping things under the rug is not going to make it go away.

In addition, you'll need to live as an example of Christ before your mate's eyes.  Most importantly, you must forgive. God will soften the heart of your spouse as you create fertile ground for your miracle through your obedience to the Holy Spirit. It is not a quick fix. You will need to ask yourself many times over if you can withstand the challenge of this spiritual warfare, knowing that the devil will not back down easily.

As you ask the Holy Spirit for His daily guidance and protection, while placing yourself in the strong hand of God, He will take care of you; guiding you step by step through the process of this dark valley. God is all-knowing and all-powerful. He knows exactly what it will take for your husband /wife to surrender and repent of their sins. God will use you as a vessel of light as you completely surrender to His pathway to wholeness for your family. Most importantly, you'll need to trust that your faith in God's Word will bring forth the promise of a restored marriage with a born-again spouse.

Many people come to the conclusion that someone will never change and so they give up the fight. I like to say, how long would you believe for the salvation of your child? How long would you commit to being the parent of your child if they were in rebellion and sinning against you? Is your husband any more disposable than your child?

God does not want any to perish. He wants everyone to become a born-again Child of God. God does not want any marriage to end in divorce. He wants all families to remain whole. Knowing this, you can pray with confidence, knowing that God is on your side. The waiting and the suffering is not fun, but it is what every Christian goes through at some point or another - in some area of their faith.

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

When we suffer for righteousness sake, God works out things in our own lives that, perhaps, we didn't even know needed attention. He molds us and shapes us to be more like Himself as we surrender our will, to His. Though our surrender may be extremely painful for a season, we don't do it as one who has no hope. Instead, we do it knowing that God is faithful and He will not make us ashamed in the end.

We cannot change our spouse, but God can... and He wants to! I want to encourage you to pray the Women's Marriage Prayer, daily.  (Marriage Prayer for Men) Also, I currently have my audio message of Faith, Forgiveness, Future posted at the bottom of this blog that you can freely listen to for encouragement - right from your computer. My teaching series of Root Digger, Not a Rug Sweeper (available on my web-site) is another valuable tool of encouragement that will help you during this season of pain. Finally, I have a new book titled, Healing a Broken Marriage: Love Never Fails . I highly recommend these resources, as they may prove vital to the outcome of your journey.

Again, you are ultimately the only one who can decide how to handle your situation. Divorce is permitted... but, it is not necessarily the best way. Ask the Lord to show you what to do - day by day - and He will. He loves you AND He loves your husband. He wants each of you born-again and set free from the bondage of sin.

Romans 5

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
______________________
Then, another Remnant Woman writes...

As a "seasoned Christian," I actually pray for God's refining fires however, when they come in by way of infidelity I find that I fail the test every time. When I found out about the last incident, that happened between my husband and my brother's wife, I thought I would lose my mind. I shut down in every area of life and depression took over. I felt like a lousy Christian because I was consumed by grief. I felt like the Lord would never be able to use me again. I had always been committed to my family in spite of the infidelities, however, this one had crossed the family lines. What made matters worse was she had just lost her mother to cancer the same month I found out and had gained all the other family members sympathy in spite of her indiscretion. I was told to just "drop it and forgive and forget." There would be no accountability, how was I to handle that? I was at the end of my rope, I just couldn't take anymore of anything. The pain inside was unbearable, so much so that I began cutting on myself just to relieve it! What kind of Christian cuts herself to relieve pain when she should be turning to Jesus for comfort and healing? The joy of the Lord is supposed to be my strength! I began to doubt my own salvation. Then the tears of remorse began to wash over me as I remembered the day I was saved and baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit. There was no denying that to be true. Then the guilt of conviction kicked in, that I had abused my own vessel, God's temple, making me feel worse. Oh, would this merry-go-round of emotion, grief, and conviction ever stop? What was I missing in the lesson that I had to endure the pain of infidelity a fifth time? What are you trying to teach me Lord? I prayed, "Lord, please send me a teacher who will make it all make sense. Surround me with your "spirit-filled" people that will gently walk me through this trial so that I can be victorious this time." This is where your book found it's way into my hands and I rejoiced and cried as I read it. I said to myself, "This woman has the answers I seek Lord! She has Your wisdom Lord. Your Word is in her mouth and you have taken her on a similar journey and she has come out victorious!" Truly, Deborah, had it not been for your book, I would still be spinning on the merry-go-round in darkness trying to find the off switch. Thank you for shining your light through my darkness so I could "find" and "hit" the off switch! You gave me clarity where I could only see darkness. Glory be to God and may He bless your ministry ten thousand fold!
_________________________
 
Final Words from Deborah:
 
 
To God be the Glory for every marriage restored, every broken heart mended, and every tormented mind that receives the peace of God.

This blog entry is a re-post from 2009 with some editing.  This topic seems to be the most popular title to date.  I am believing for your marriage restoration.  Remember, God has a remedy for those trapped in an unequally yoked marriage... glorious salvation for all.
In Christ,
Deborah Ross
Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.
Strengthening Families; Encouraging Faith; Preaching the Gospel