ALMOST
THREW
IT ALL
AWAY! Testimony of
LORNE H. MATTHEWS
It was worse than flushing $100 bills down a toilet. My destructive choices were worse than burning money. I was in a tender trap and it all FELT so good I knew it had to be of God! On the altar of my selfish emotions, I was burning my true wealth my family.
My 40th had arrived and not feeling that I had reached the success longed for, I concluded there was one hindering factor it had to be my wife, Jimmie Ruth. We had 18 years of marriage under our belt, but it was dull and boring. We didnt fight. There just wasnt any excitement to the relationship. Our family started using the hair styling services of a woman in our church. At her home shop on one occasion, I was alone for a haircut. As she completed her job, she gently caressed me. At this point, the fire of lust was lit. We met next day, determined to divorce our mates and continue this abundant life I had suddenly found! I reached out to a high profile Christian counselor who was convinced God was setting me free from the bondage of my marriage and giving me someone more suited to my needs. He encouraged me to move in with her and learn from her. He used Mark 10:29-30 to convince me. Her divorce was easily granted. However, I ran into a brick wall a wife who believed in covenant marriage until death parted us. She refused to cooperate or sign anything. I tried to convince her that I was committing adultery and she had Biblical grounds to divorce me. Jimmie Ruth had already studied the so-called Exception Clause in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. She concluded it was written to a Jewish culture who practiced betrothal. During the year of betrothal, if there was unfaithfulness, the betrothed could get a divorce. Joseph and Mary were such an example (Matthew 1:18-25). The Scriptures state: except it be for fornication (not adultery). Even though many Christians believe adultery is grounds for divorce, J.R. stood firm on her convictions that the covenant vows of marriage united us until one of us died.I blamed J.R. for my adultery. After all, if I could get a legal piece of paper in my hand, then it would cease to be adulteryor would it? (Mark. 10:11-12, Luke 16:18) The other woman and I moved in together and she told me she heard the voice of God. I now know it was a form of control and manipulation not God at all. The voice told us to move to Florida and we did! She often gave me prophetic messages, which surprisingly often came to pass. (Demons have power to imitate, so fulfillment of a prophesy is significant only if it agrees fully with the Word of God. Deuteronomy 13:1-5, II Thessalonians 2:9) She prophesied a millionaire would come and provide everything we needed for a new life, a new marriage and a new ministryand he came! In my hands he placed keys to a new car, keys to a condo on an exquisite golf course and keys to a church which I would pastor (in spite of my adultery). He financed television programs at a well known T.V. facility and I could include any woman I would choose to marry. But my wife continued faithful, praying a hedge of protection around me, trusting her God. The youngest daughter of this woman lived with us. Each night I would tuck her in bed, pray with her and played the role of a Christian father while committing adultery with her mother (INSANITY!). At the same time, I had forsaken my own two children, Mark and Melody. (such a man is worse than an infidel. I Timothy 5:8), II Timothy 3:1-7. One night this child prayed in Jesus name, make Jimmie Ruth so sick she will be willing to sign the divorce papers so we can be a family. Within hours, my wife, who had been in perfect health, was rushed into emergency surgery. Much of her intestines was removed and she was not expected to live through the night. But she still clung to her covenant promise until death parted us. The day following J.R.s surgery, this womans first-born son, also in perfect health, was rushed into a hospital across town from Jimmie Ruth. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The woman was convinced it was a demon from my wife. However she would not repent of her own sin (Revelation 2:18-23). After several months, this Godly young man died. She had prophesied I would one day adopt him his name would have been Jimmy Matthews (same as my wifes name)! The blinders covering the eyes of my spirit were removed.I knew it was all a lie. The curse was broken. I had to start obeying the Word of God, not just what felt good to me. My broken heart turned me toward Melody and her graduation (Malachi 4:5-6). She had lined our driveway with yellow ribbons to welcome me home. I went to my son Mark and asked him to forgive me. He gave me a casual sure and that sure has become more solid over these past many years. My wife was still standing where she had stood since we uttered those sacred vows on December 28th, 1962 - faithful to her covenant. I confessed, turned and forsook my SIN and received Gods mercy (Proverbs 28:13). On a cold winters day, I found the grave of that young man. Kneeling in the snow, I asked God why I wasnt dead. This boy was innocent I was guilty! Gods Word came to me: the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife. (I Corinthians 7:14). Jimmie Ruth and I did not have positive emotions but we started building our marriage by individually taking personal responsibility for our walk with God. We also made an investment of energy in right actions which will always lead to healed emotions over time. The process has been long and painful, but I can honestly say, the results are well worth the effort: my daily life swims in peace; the joyful sounds of happy, healthy grandchildren make my days complete; our son and daughter have chosen to forgive and love their daddy; I have a place called home (the same one I tried to throw away!) and that home is filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3-4). I have a wife who loves me in a way few men will ever be loved faithful, covenant love, willing even to DIE if necessary. AND I ALMOST THREW IT ALL AWAY! Precious ones, if such a fire consumes your life also turn to Jesus! See the pure fire in His eyes. Turn from your selfishness (2 Timothy 3:1-4). Receive the mercy and forgiveness Jesus Christ has provided when you confess and forsake your sin. Dont fool yourself; you cannot have both. One fire will destroy. The other fire will purify and give you true wealth. You will then know what perfect love is (1 John 4:17-18).
All have sinned Romans 3:23
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ Acts 16:31
Confess I John 1:9
Eternal Life Romans 6:23
Adoption John 1:12
Assurance I John 5:13
One Flesh Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31
No more twain Matt. 19:5,6; Mark 10:8-9
Law of Marriage Romans 7:2,3
Marriage is Honorable Hebrews 13:4
Love Your Wife Ephesians 5:25
Heirs With Your Wife I Peter 3:7
God hates divorce Malachi 2:16
PO Box 9133 Akron, OH 44305-0133
330-794-9195 FAX 330-794-9381
Email: mattlove@ix.netcom.com
http://www.christianet.com/matthews/index.htm
A special Thanks to Lorne & Jimmie Ruth Matthews for allowing me to post their testimony!
