Dear Friend,  Dad taught on the subject, The Christian family, many years ago. In that series, he addressed the most important issues facing Christian families at that time. Who knew, that these many years later, the Christian family would still be under attack. It has been said that we need Dad’s message more now than ever. I have been ministering recently on a seemingly new message to the church, the ministry to orphans and widows, as God’s word teaches us. Widows are women whose husbands have died and orphans are children whose parents, for whatever reason, are not in the child’s life. In biblical times, the main cause of a child being orphaned was that their parents had died. The Bible reveals God’s attitude toward orphans and widows: that He cares very deeply for them. Our Heavenly Father commands us to protect and care for orphans and widows Psalm 82:3: "Defend the poor and fatherless. Do justice to the afflicted and needy."  Let’s ask ourselves, are we doing that? If not, there’s much that can and should be done. It’s our job, as children of God, to do something about the negative issues of life. Being a spectator is not an option. Unfortunately, one of the reasons for there being orphans and widows today is due to domestic violence in the home. Years ago, this was unheard of. Today, parents are beating and killing their children and their spouses. We hear about them in the nightly news all the time. It’s almost unimaginable that a parent would beat and kill their own spouse and children, but it happens, all too often. What’s the cause of domestic violence and what can a Christian do about it? Domestic violence is a choice on the part of the abuser, but certain underlying factors might contribute to a person’s propensity for abuse, including experiencing childhood trauma, holding certain belief systems about hierarchy and domination and witnessing domestic violence as a child. LOVE GIFT There’s a lot that can be done. Unlike the unsaved, we have God’s word to guide us. But it can’t if we don’t take the time to read and study it. We have churches and ministries everywhere, even online, that offer weekly services and Bible Studies, so there’s no excuse for not having a spiritual connection to God’s word. We must pray, not only in the understanding, but also in the Holy Spirit, AKA praying in the spirit or with other tongues. James 5:16: "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." God’s word can get you out of depression and turn your life around to something positive. This leads to you being more appreciative and understanding about your circumstances and not get so frustrated that you take your frustrations out on your family. Your family loves you, unconditionally. Don’t abuse them or their love for you. Be an example to them of a loving family member, one that doesn’t beat, abuse, or kill the family. Where do the urges to do harm to your family come from? Satan. How do we deal with him? James 4:7: "Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Now you have a roadmap to keep you from a domestic violence situation. Follow these tips and lead a more fulfilled life with a family that loves and adores you. Ephesians 5:22: "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything."  (Husbands, wives can’t do this if you’re not functioning as the spiritual head of your family.) Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. . ." If this message has blessed you, for your love gift of any amount, we will give you access to Dr. Betty’s “Wisdom From Above” series, our exclusive content on our On Demand Subscription service, that addresses how to deal with abuse and other issues concerning marriage. Please click the link below to access this series. Otherwise, if you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, please get help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Thank you for your ongoing, generous financial support of Ever Increasing Faith Ministries. I cannot reach those in need around the globe without you. As always, YOU are helping us to make it happen. In the Service of the King, Pastor Fred Price, Jr. PS: My wife and I are so thankful for your friendship and support. You can have everything His word says you can have, and we want to help you realize and enjoy God’s promises. Please continue to stand with us so that we can continue to minister to these and all kingdom causes concerning His children. Ever Increasing Faith Ministries   •   PO BOX 90000   •   LOS ANGELES, CA 90009   •   www.faithdome.org