Hi Kathy,*
For the past few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about a prophecy you read to me a while back which I believe was from Pastor Ralph Wilkerson. It was about “riots in the streets” of America that were coming. Have you seen the riots?
It seems that everywhere I go lately (including online communities like Facebook) someone is angrily expressing their opinions about Washington, Wall Street, Racism, the Tea Parties, etc. and, since last week, California. (Big surprise, do you know how many gays are in Hollywood and, the Mecca of homosexuality in America, the San Francisco area?)
I was in the shampoo isle of Wal-Mart the other day when two strangers started a conversation right behind me about the Democrates, health care, and the war. I just listened and only looked around when their voices began to raise and curse words went flying. They weren’t angry at each other or in disagreement, just ANGRY! Then, as suddenly as the conversation started, they quickly parted and continued on with their shopping. While leaving Wal-Mart I was walking past the nail salon when I heard a black woman loudly say, “Well, we voted for him so then let’s just shut up.”
Before I start stockpiling food and water, and buying guns (LOL!), I am trying to keep my soul and spirit very quiet so that I can hear God tell me how and what to pray (our only real “vote” and power for change.) I don’t want to lose focus on my center — my God, and I very reluctant to join in on the “riots.”
My thoughts have turned to Apostle Paul who lived in and was adversely affected by one of the most decadent and cruel government environments in history. Yet, he did not write a word about it in all his letters. Instead, he focused on the spiritual climate and needs of those he was sent to preach the Gospels to. He preached “Christ crucified” as the way and solution to man’s sins and needs. This is poignant for our times as well. Isn’t it sin that is at the root of our problems in America, not Obama or higher taxes?
I’m thinking this is only the beginning. In some ways that is good, in some ways that is bad. I am wondering will these “riots” finally turn our country towards God?? Or, is this just another secular humanistic effort which joins a cause like PETA or Cash for Haiti (another form of religion for the unbeliever, especially celebrities) to “do good,” feel good about ourselves and not feel vulnerable about our powerlessness. Hmmmm . . . What are you thinking?
Blessings, dr.helena
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.
Strike the Target! A Spiritual Warfare Manual for Greater Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health is featured at Inspirational House bookstores in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Go to: www.drhelenaonline.com/book for more information and to purchase a copy. Also available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com
Blessings, dr.helena
There are patterns, symptoms and consequences which indicate whether you have curses affecting your life. It is not complicated. As explained in Deuteronomy chapters 27 through 28, God made it very easy for His people to understand the pathway to blessings and the consequences of sin – curses.
For example, let’s take a look at someone who is a Christian, but they are struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Any type of addiction is idolatry (worship of other gods and idols) and a cause for a curse.
The addict may want to be free, but they can’t seem to get their head above the increasing whirlpool of crises, negative behaviors, and consequences that afflict them. As a result, they keep going back to their addictive substance for comfort and escape.
They need love and support from their friends and relatives, but no one trusts or wants to be around them. They have used up their personal support system with lies, broken promises, abandonment, and constant requests for money to support their habit.
They need a job, but cannot get past their cravings, hangovers, or irresponsible behaviors to hold down a job or complete schooling or training to acquire one. If they do somehow obtain a job, the paycheck is often so minimal that they cannot get ahead, and get out of the toxic relationships and environments.
The addict needs the professional help of a counselor and rehabilitation facility, but often do not have the resources. They spend their money on the wrong things at the wrong time to meet their emotional and physical deprivation instead, which leaves them even emptier.
Without the intervention of God at some point, the whirlpool gets more destructive and difficult to stop until there is nothing left of their lives to motivate them or sustain any hope of sobriety.
This is how a curse from addiction usually plays out in someone’s life, but not all indications of a curse are as obvious, nor does a curse reveal itself at a particular time as we would expect. A curse can be like a quietly ticking time bomb that can go on without being remedied for years.
Sometimes the indications are subtle like an absence of blessings such as many unanswered prayers, or something negative that you would not mind ignoring such as a trail of work or relationship failures. A curse can be the cause of your loveless marriage that you gave up on a long time ago, or something you have grown accustomed to living with such as a long-term illness, or generations of poverty in your family.
Unbroken personal, generational, civil and without a cause curses are generally distinguished by 1) negative circumstances and losses that seem to come one after another without any resolutions or answers to prayers and 2) draw us away from Christ and Biblical principles. Similar to Adam and Eve’s consequences for their disobedience, 3) a curse always results in some degree of distance from God and devastating loss.
The remedy is not complicated either. The best way to detect and deal with a curse is to acknowledge sin as the Scriptures teach us and quickly deal with our personal problems. Don’t ignore sin or your problems; they will not just go away! The on-going practice of confession and repentance is the remedy for a curse as it will purge your life of sin, cause the enemy to flee, and draw you closer to God and His many blessings which are waiting for you.
(Excerpts from Strike the Target! A Step-By-Step Spiritual Warfare Manual for Greater Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health)
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If you interested in learning more about spiritual warfare, order my book Strike the Target! A Step-By-Step Spiritual Warfare Manual for Greater Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health (428 pages, paperback, $22.99 donation includes shipping and handling*) by going to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com/book
My book reveals the tools necessary for those who are looking for an answer to their problems, want to achieve liberty from curses and demonic influences, and want to be spiritual warriors who help others attain victory. Offering the reader a proven step-by-step method of deliverance prayer counseling, an in-depth understanding of spiritual warfare, and the keys to living an “abundant life,” this manual answers both common and complex questions.
Visit my website at: http://www.drhelenaonline.com
Blessings, dr.helena
*All proceeds from the book go to Restoration Counseling Ministries to benefit those who would otherwise not be able to afford quality Christian counseling.
Hello and welcome back to my Blog!
If this is your first visit, please feel free to “look around.” Click on the tabs above or an item listed in the Blogroll below. I’m confident that you’ll find something interesting that will be helpful to you.
As promised, here is a compelling story about one woman’s deliverance that saved her life.
Blessings, dr.helena
(Name withheld to protect confidentiality.)
Since my divorce eight years ago, I desperately wanted to remarry. So much so that I entered into a relationship with an unbeliever. This created conflict within my soul and I was miserable. My willful disobedience removed me from God’s blessings and protection.
My life became more and more entangled with this man. He did not like the fact that I was a Christian and did not want to get married. I knew in my heart that I could not expect God to answer my prayers when I was being disobedient to His word.
I broke up with him and repented many times over for nearly three years, and then things began to go very wrong – an auto accident, problems with my finances and children, and illness. Even so, I foolishly decided to accompany this man to visit his family in Israel. I had hoped that by involving myself with his family and being the perfect companion, his heart would soften and that would move us closer towards marriage.
From the first day I stepped foot on Israeli soil, things went wrong. My desire to visit sites important to my faith was constantly met with opposition. My boyfriend’s family was demanding and difficult to accommodate. I began having stomach pains. The indigestion was so bad that I had to sit up in bed at night in order to sleep.
When I returning to the United States, I saw a doctor and two specialists, and even went to the emergency room because of the pain. I was given acid blockers which did not help me. X-rays were done, and an endoscopy was performed. The pain became worse, and I became emaciated. I was hungry, but could not eat. I could not get warm and I would lie in bed at night and shake, and had pains in my chest. I did not have health insurance, and as my health deteriorated, I was overwhelmed with fear as to how I would pay for health care.
Interestingly, the pain ended up centering in my chest around my heart. Even before leaving Israel to return to the United States, I was heartbroken. I knew there was no hope for this relationship.
I had tried to manipulate God into giving me what I wanted, not what He wanted for me. I did manage to go to the Mount of Beatitudes and felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is there that I read aloud the Scripture, “Blessed are the pure in heart…” and wept. I felt so much guilt. I was not modeling the faith that I professed to believe in. As sad and painful as it was to end this relationship, I knew it was time for me to return once and for all to the Lord.
I was in physical pain for five months. During this time, I repented and cried out to God. Dr. Helena prayed with me to the break the strongholds of curses on my life and for deliverance. We also prayed for miracles as I had no income and no money for a doctor. I continually claimed His word for healing. The passages from Psalm 103, Mark 5:34 and Psalm 107:20 were some of my favorites.
God directed me to a wonderful, caring doctor. He tested me for a rare parasite called Strongylloides (Notice the word “strong”! For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds . . .” 2 Corinthians 10:4)
I believe God gave the doctor a “supernatural” prompting to give me this test. (Thank you Lord!) He told me that he had only seen two cases of it in his career. This parasite first attacks the lungs and then gastrointestinal system. This had caused reflux and painful spasms in my chest.
Medications killed the parasite and I was slowly able to eat again. I returned to a normal weight, and the painful spasms were eased. I am still healing. Praise God!
I had accumulated almost $20,000 in medical bills, but God pitied me and showered me with His loving kindness. The doctor performed the endoscopy for a nominal fee and the thousands I owed to the hospital were mostly written off to charity. I even received an unexpected tax refund that helped pay for tests and procedures I had charged to credit cards! Talk about God’s love exceeding your wildest expectation . . . I had hit rock bottom, but God mercifully and powerfully delivered me.
I savor every day of walking in health, enjoying my family and friends, and the blessings I have been given, instead of longing for more. Now, I have more than enough. “As for God His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30).
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If you interested in learning more about spiritual warfare, order my book “Strike the Target! A Step-By-Step Spiritual Warfare Manual for Greater Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health” (404 pages, Paperback, $22.99 includes shipping and handling*) by going to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com/book
My book reveals the tools necessary for those who are looking for an answer to their problems, want to achieve liberty from curses and demonic influences, and want to be spiritual warriors who help others attain victory. Offering the reader a proven step-by-step method of deliverance prayer counseling, an in-depth understanding of spiritual warfare, and the keys to living an “abundant life,” this manual answers both common and complex questions.
Visit my website at: http://www.drhelenaonline.com
Blessings, dr.helena
*All proceeds from the book go to Restoration Counseling Ministries to benefit those who would otherwise not be able to afford quality Christian counseling.
Hello! Welcome to my blog!
Yes, you heard me talk about for a long, long time and, well (drum roll), it’s finally published! My new book, “Strike the Target! A Spiritual Warfare Manual for Greater Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health” is hot off the press, and I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Now, if you’re new to my counseling ministry and blog you may be thinking, “Oh no, not another spiritual warfare book!” Or, perhaps, you’re wondering what does counseling have to do with spiritual warfare? But, before you draw any conclusions please let me tell you why I wrote this book.
My initial introduction to the ministry of deliverance began in my childhood while attending services in various churches. Throughout the years, I observed many deliverance ministers. On occasion, they would use dramatic demonstrations which would humiliate the afflicted, frighten bystanders and, sometimes, dishonor the Lord. It seemed that the inventory of possible types of demons was innumerable. Confused and overwhelmed, these recipients of deliverance often wondered if they would ever be demon-free!
Despite my own misgivings, I couldn’t ignore the fact that during His ministry on earth, Jesus, delievered many hurting, lost and sick people from demonic control and influences. Still I questioned, if this truely is a Biblical tool for greater freedom, healing and spiritual growth, and if God desires that we be delivered from evil spirits, then why would He make it so baffling and complicated?
So I began (with a great deal of prayer) to research and apply the Biblical priniciples of spiritual warfare in my counseling ministry and personally. In the last seven years, I discovered that we can specifically aim the mighty spiritual warfare weapons of faith, the Word, and prayer to strike a fatal blow to the enemy and his destructive works in our lives that contribute to addiction, depression, divorce and fear, just to name a few.
In the process, I wrote a book offering the reader a proven and simple step-by-step method of deliverance prayer counseling, in-depth understanding of spiritual warfare and keys to living an “abundant life.” One of my primary goals was to see how deliverance could be more practical, accurate and systematic (without squelching the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power) and less dramatic, haphazard and, dare I say it, . . . creepy!
I hope you will find it interesting and enlightening, but mostly I hope you will benefit from reading my book by improving the aim of your prayers to win back spiritual territories in your life and for the Kingdom of God.
To order* your copy go to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com/book.html Thank you!
Still not convinced that you should read another spiritual warfare book? Check back in a week or so. I’ll have a compelling story to share with you about one woman’s deliverance which helped save her life.
Blessings, dr.helena
To visit my website go to: http://www.drhelenaonline.com
*All proceeds from the book go to Restoration Counseling Ministries to benefit those who would otherwise not be able to afford quality Christian counseling.
Dear Dr. Helena,
My 18 year old son sometimes comes home drunk after being out with his friends. I have threatened to kick him out of the house if he doesn’t stop, but it only works for about a week or so. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you, Karla
Setting boundaries (which include consequences for noncompliance) can be very effective in helping teens achieve and maintain sobriety, but the boundaries must be reasonable and age appropriate. For example, if your son does not have a car and a way of supporting himself, then kicking him out of your home is just setting him up to fail. Unreasonable boundaries send a counterproductive message. He will most likely think that you really don’t care about him.
Avoid setting yourself up for failure as well. If you’re going to set a boundary, it MUST be something that you will and are able to follow through with without hesitation or regrets.
At the same time, (and here’s the balancing act in dealing with teens) be a little flexible. If he protests, let him negotiate a few changes, but do not eliminate the consequences. Teens need room to become adults. If you can engage him in a conversation about the problem, your relationship with your son is more likely to stay intake. He needs to know that you care more about him than the rules.
How about giving him some options such as counseling (that he pays all or half of otherwise it won’t be valuable enough to him) or a weekly visit to a 12-step group? Help him find a group that is appropriate and go with him to the first few meetings. These kinds of boundaries can be a wake-up call especially when he meets some of the members and hears the stories of those who are recovering from addiction.
If he agrees, make a firm agreement with him that has a starting and an ending date. Cover all your bases so that he fully understands the problem and where he stands, and reward him for compliance. Healthy boundaries take a little extra work, but it is worth it.
Blessings, dr.helena
Year after year people make the same three New Year’s resolutions:
1) Develop a closer relationship with a spouse, children, family members, friends or God.
2) Be healthier by losing weight, exercising, overcoming depression/anxiety or quitting bad habits.
3) Enjoy life more and progress by going back to school, getting a new job, paying off debt or discovering God’s purposes.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? How are you doing with those resolutions so far?
If you’re struggle to keep the same resolutions year after year it may mean that you need help from an experienced counselor for the breakthrough you want.
Don’t go it alone! Compassionate and confidential counseling which is Christ-centered can help you accomplish your goals to meet your personal and spiritual needs for 2010. To help you make your goals and dreams a reality in 2010 (and not a do-over in 2011!), here is my special offer for new clients:
3 individual counseling sessions for a donation of $99.00
3 marriage counseling sessions for a donation of $149.00
Please call (561-744-2011) or email me (drhelena@drhelenaonline.com) today to set up your appointment. Thank you!
Blessings, dr.helena
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 NIV).
Many of you have had a very “eventful” 2009 (not to mention 2008!) filled with unexpected and difficult changes, disappointments, and losses. Some of the biggest losses were financial and relational. The financial losses we can eventually overcome, but the loss of or breach in a relationship is harder to recuperate from.
This is the time to start a fresh, new year without the emotional and spiritual baggage of the last one. How is that possible? First, you’ll need to fully grasp the reality that you can never change what has happened.
Then, make a CHOICE to stop bringing to mind and mulling over those negative memories, thoughts and feelings from the past. It goes without saying, that if you’re not thinking about negative events in the past, you’ll also be able to stop talking about them as well.
If you do this you will be amazed to see how it will actually change the course of your life. New relationships and opportunities will open up as you are able to move forward without the hinderances, fears and short-sightedness of negative thinking.
(Tip: You may need to forgive yourself and others to keep from “reseeding” negative thoughts and feelings into your future.)
Remember, that although the past is something you can never change, you can leave it all behind you and look forward to a more peaceful and joyful 2010.
Blessings & Happy New Year, dr.helena
The impossibility of a virgin conceiving a child.
The impossibility of God being born, no less through a human.
The impossibility of a man being fully human, yet fully God.
The impossibility of a carpenter’s son being The Messiah.
The impossibility of a humble servant being The King.
The impossibility of the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame walking.
The impossibility of the captive being set free, the broken made whole.
The impossibility of the sick made well, the hungry fed, the wounded healed.
The impossibility of the dead being raised from the grave.
The impossibility of being “born again.”
The impossibility of faithfulness triumphing over the power of all evil.
The impossibility of the most loving being the most hated.
The impossibility of a man willing to lay down His life for others.
The impossibility of forgiveness for the unforgivable.
The impossibility of a Savior who takes away the sins of the entire world.
Do you have an impossible circumstance in your life today? Rejoice, this
is the season of possibilities!
“FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD” (Luke 1:37 NIV).
Praying that you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Very Blessed
New Year!
Blessings, dr.helena
