Ask Dr. Luauna

My mother goes to church and she is constantly lecturing me about my life. I am young, I just turned 21 all I want to do is have fun with my friends. I have my own job, my own car and my own apartment. She is always scaring me about partying in Tijuana and Hollywood. I am a good person and I believe in God. I wish my mom would leave me alone and let me enjoy myself. Signed, Girl Just Wants to Have Fun

Dear Girl Just Wants to Have Fun,

There are two different issues at work in your letter, the natural concern of a mother for her young daughter and for your spiritual well-being. As a mother of a son and daughter, I also cautioned my children about the dangers of the world. Parents are compelled by our God-given nurturing and love for our kids. As Christian mothers, we are also driven to our knees for the safety, protection of our children and grandchildren.

The world we live in today is not safe. I do not have room in this column to list the grave dangers all around, which are intensified in the party environments you mentioned. Just watching the news is enough to bring me to prayer for all young people. I cannot begin to tell you about the prayer requests and counseling sessions I hold with parents whose teenagers and young adults fall into harmful and addictive behavior, it started out as fun. From experience I can tell you I became a Christian in my early 20’s, your age. I saw with my own eyes the consequences of the “party” life on my family and friends all around. Alcoholism, drug addiction, unwanted children, suicide, depression, violence, financial problems, etc, this is not an exaggeration at all. My own husband was murdered when he went to a bar with his friends. There he met a married woman and went home with her. Her husband came home and caught them; my husband was assaulted and died. I was left a young widow and single mother.

I John 1:15-17, these verses caution believers in Christ not to love the world. Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus taught that we cannot say we are Christians with our lips and not mean it with our heart. Romans 10:9-10, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Many people claim to believe in God and Jesus, this verse clearly says the confession of our mouth must accompany our belief which should produce righteous behavior.

I am sure your mother loves you; she only has your best interest at heart for your safety and your spiritual well-being. You can have good, clean fun and serve the Lord with all your heart, the choice is yours for your life and your eternity. Please come to church, living for Jesus is an adventure and fun with no regrets!

• Radio program: Sundays @ 7 a.m.
o KPRZ AM 1210
• Church service: Sundays @ 10 a.m.
o A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain
o 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065
• Television program:
o Tuesdays @ 9 p.m.-Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23
o Wednesdays @ 5 p.m.-Time Warner Channel 19.
• Email: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org - I would love to hear from you.

I am a Christian, everywhere I go there is trouble all around me. My husband is always mad at me, my boss is always picking on me and my older children do not have any respect for me. Everything turns into an argument and I get so mad because nobody listens to me or will hear my side. Nobody ever tells me they are sorry and everybody treats me like I’m the plague. What is going on? Signed, Trouble All Around

Dear Trouble All Around,

I have seen this before and have lots of experience counseling these types of situations. I have found the best remedy is to speak the truth in love, what I am about to tell you is in love. Proverbs 16:16, “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” When we read God’s Word, if we will allow the Holy Spirit to see who we really are, only then can changes all around us be made. It starts with us.

Pride is very tricky and very destructive, Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride comes and blindness comes when we are unwilling to heed correction which can help us change. Proverbs 13:10, “By pride comes only contention, but with the well advised is wisdom.” The Apostle Paul tells us to not go to the mirror and then forget who we are, our own hearts left unattended can become deceitful. But if we will allow wise counsel to come to us by listening then we apply correction, we will increase in wisdom. There is hope to change the entire situation around you.

These scriptures explain so many things and are very effective when we apply them to every part of our lives. Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:33, “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.”

As Christians, our best example is Jesus himself. Philippians 2:1-4, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” This verse alone has the answer which will resolve every relationship problem you have described. Jesus does love us the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. Come to church so you can change, I will pray for you.

• Radio program: Sundays @ 7 a.m.
o KPRZ AM 1210
• Church service: Sundays @ 10 a.m.
o A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain
o 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065
• Television program:
o Tuesdays @ 9 p.m.-Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23
o Wednesdays @ 5 p.m.-Time Warner Channel 19.
• Email: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org - I would love to hear from you.

Dear Readers,

On December 27th, my Assistant heard the terrible news that her 17 year old niece died tragically in a car accident in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Another niece 6 years old was also in the car and was life-flighted to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. My Assistant has worked with me for over 20 years and her family is family to me. There was no question that I would accompany her to the funeral and be available to minister and help in any way I could.

This was a tragedy of devastating proportion, not only for the family also for the High School, friends and the entire city. After nine days, two memorial services and visitations at the hospital, we experienced the brokenness of mourning, the shock of a young life ending abruptly and the urgency for healing and recovery for the surviving little girl. I also saw the peace of God and a comfort from the Lord flood the atmosphere otherwise overtaken by sadness, ruin and death. As I have experienced this before, I wanted to write to you a message to declare to you, there is hope and comfort during the trials of life.

I watch the local news and hear awful stories like this which tear families apart and pierce the hearts of mothers and fathers with unbearable pain. I am burdened more than ever before to pray. If you have experienced any of the storms of life and need help to find peace and comfort, I want to share a few scriptures. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

I also want to let you know you are more than welcome to come to our Prayer Mountain and spend time with the Lord. It is a peaceful setting to get alone with God, He is only a prayer away. You can come for an overnight stay or day visit. We also have Morning Prayer, Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. I always say, <strong>“When you are hardest hit, you must not quit!” Jesus loves you and so do I.

Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065, Sundays at 10 am. Our television program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23 and Wednesdays on Time Warner at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 19. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org

Dear Readers,

The year is coming to an end and we have gotten through the hustles and bustles, the demands that pressed on us throughout the whole year. A New Year 2012 is just around the corner. What really counts in our life? Is it fame, success, worldly goals, fortune, how much money we have in the bank, how much money we don’t have in the bank, the economy? I think not. I want to encourage you to take a close look at what you’ve done last year and see what really counted for eternity. In the New Year let’s make a difference for Christ.

I think about the scripture, the story of the beggar and the rich man, both men died, Luke 16:19-31. The beggar ended up in the bosom of Abraham, the rich man ended up in an unpleasant place, yet the rich man had the ability to look up and see the poor man. The poor man was comforted and in peace while the rich man was broken, hurting and tormented. His riches could not comfort him in that unpleasant place. Proverbs 11:4, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Shall we not make this next year a year of working towards His righteousness? Of course, not seeking the righteousness of man, but seeking the righteousness of Christ. For when we seek Christ’s righteousness there is great reward. Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and they are safe.” Proverbs 15:29, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” Can we walk in the unrighteous world’s ways and still hold the righteousness of God in our heart? We must make a decision to let go of the things of this world. Let our hearts and our minds be focused only on an eternal perspective. Matthew 16:26, “What is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his very own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

This year is ending and we cannot change what has been done but in the New Year we can change, so let us press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, Philippians 3:14. At the end of each man’s life, there is only one thing that counts, what have we done with the life that God has granted us? You are important, let’s make the difference in the New Year, God bless you! Have a great New Year.

Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065, Sundays at 10 am. Our television program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23 and Wednesdays on Time Warner at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 19. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org

I have a hard situation. My wife left me a year ago, I have five children and she moved in with another man. She seems so broken and so confused, one minute she said she wants to come home and the next minute she doesn’t. One minute she says she loves me and the next minute she doesn’t. I’m trying to create a “Merry Christmas” for my kids but my heart is not very merry. I do not want a divorce. Signed, I Need a Miracle.

Dear I Need a Miracle,

First of all, I want to say I am so sorry for all that you and your kids are going through. This is no easy trial and I thank God that we serve a miracle working God. I know it is not easy to smile on the outside, set an arena of happiness for your children through this Christmas season when your heart feels like it has been torn to pieces on the inside. In the Bible there is a story about King David, a mighty warrior, who was so broken, he wept and his bed was filled with tears, Psalm 6:6. There is another scripture which says, God holds our tears in a bottle, Psalm 56:8. In such times of brokenness, we must lean, depend, and trust God to bring us through this overwhelming tunnel of darkness. We may not realize, but in our weakness, God is our strength. Some problems, we cannot fix in the natural, we must have faith and ask God in prayer to bring His perfect will. Your children, right now, they need you and I commend you for thinking of them first.

I understand that you don’t want to divorce and I have seen many families restored from this type of situation. At the same time, I have seen great men and women come out of this situation with a divorce and God restored their lives. No one can give you the perfect answer. Strength and wisdom can only come from above. The Bible is filled with amazing stories of heartache, rejection, turmoil and brokenness which were healed. When Jesus comes on the scene and touches the heart of man, He can change the whole situation. Know that you are special, an amazing man indeed and Jesus loves you. Let’s pray and ask Jesus to come into your heart first, repeat this prayer, “Jesus, I am unable to fix my entire situation and I need you. First, forgive me of my sins, come into my heart, be my Lord and my Savior. I put my children, my wife and my life in the palm of your Hand. Help me, in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.” I will be praying for you and your family. This Christmas, wake your kids up and come to church, know that Jesus loves you.

Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065, Sundays at 10 am. Our television program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23 and Wednesdays on Time Warner at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 19. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org

Dear Readers,

It has been almost 33 years since I received Christ as my Savior. Christmas began to mean more to me when I personally experienced the life-changing love of Jesus. I was lost, broken and hurting deep within and Jesus rescued me. Matthew 1:23, “Behold the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated God with us.” This scripture is so powerful. God came to be with us, to make Himself real instead of the picture of a distant, angry Creator. He is a loving Father who came to seek and save the lost. Many people are hurting, broken inside and some even contemplating suicide during this time of year. It is more important than ever to reach out to others with the love of Jesus, to let them know there are answers for their life and healing for their broken hearts.

The babe born in the manger came with a Divine purpose spelled out in this verse: Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” So many around us are searching for peace from the turmoil of life, anxiety and fear of the future, the Bible promises in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” He is still touching hearts and changing lives today. Maybe you need this kind of touch from the Lord. He is waiting for you to help you not just during a season but everyday of your life. If you would like to receive Christ as your Savior, repeat this prayer with all your heart, “Jesus, I believe you died on the cross, I believe you rose from the dead. I ask you to forgive my wrongs and I surrender my life to you. Help me to understand and experience your peace, in Jesus name, Amen.” I said a simple prayer like this one and Jesus changed my whole life. He is the only reason for the Christmas season, Merry Christmas!

Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065, Sundays at 10 am. Our television program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23 and Wednesdays on Time Warner at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 19. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org

I’m surrounded by Christmas advertising; sales, commercials featuring the newest, “hottest” items. I’m overwhelmed with invitations to parties for work, friends and with family which always turn into drunk fests. I can’t tell anyone, especially my kids, I don’t have any money. I am embarrassed and stressed out, how can I make it through the holidays? Signed, Worried About Christmas

Dear Worried About Christmas,

You can make it through the holidays. Every year, the emphasis for the holidays is increasingly shifted away from the true meaning of Christmas and is evident by the very things you described in your question. Many years ago, I discovered the spirit of Christmas is found in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. His goal was to bring peace, joy and forgiveness through his death on the Cross.

Matthew 1:20-21, “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

It is easy to get caught up in the buying presents and “commercial” side of Christmas, the result is only emptiness, stress, and debt even when the novelty of the gifts fades fast. Your hope is to experience the love of Christ, invite Jesus into your life. Let me lead you to Christ right now, repeat this prayer with all your heart, “Jesus, I acknowledge that I am empty and I have done wrong in my life. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day. I don’t understand it all, I ask you to help me, forgive me, come into my heart, be me my Lord and Savior. Help me to know the true meaning of Christmas. I lay this burden that I am carrying at your feet. Help me to know you and give me strength to make it through this holiday with the right perspective, in Jesus name, Amen.” Now, if you have a Bible, start in the New Testament reading the Book of John. Please find yourself a good, Bible believing church that will help you grow in your new walk with the Lord. He will take the heavy burdens off of your shoulders. You can then find a peace which is unexplainable and a joy from the Lord. When I received Jesus over 32 years ago, I taught my children the true meaning of Christmas which is the only valuable gift the whole world needs.

Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065, Sundays at 10 am. Our television program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23 and Wednesdays on Time Warner at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 19. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org

I pray and pray, it doesn’t work. Someone told me I have to go to church; I don’t want to go to church. I love Jesus, I was raised in church I think God loves me just the way I am. What do you think? Signed, It Doesn’t Work

Dear It Doesn’t Work,

First of all, I want to let you know prayer does work. I’m sure you have knowledge of Christ since you were raised in church, I say with all respect, could it be possible that you know the plan but you don’t know the Man? John 15:1, Jesus shares about Him being the True Vine and we are His branches. If a branch is cut off from the vine, then it loses all of its nutrients, water and life which keep it growing. In time, the branch will die. A Bible preaching church is very important for every believer. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Naturally, your faith may dwindle without church and without that good fellowship of your brothers and sisters in the Lord who help groom your life to grow deeper in Christ. When we understand, as the branches, we are to be connected to Jesus Christ who gets His nourishment from the Root, the Root being our Heavenly Father who through Jesus brings life and fruitfulness to our lives. If we are not fruitful in Christ, we must ask ourselves have we cut ourselves off from the Vine? Are we trying to get our own strength and our own power from within ourselves? Like any branch which is cut off, although it may stay green for a little while, eventually it shrivels up, dies and bears no fruit at all. Jesus loves you and you are important to Him. The devil is a liar, he has lied to you and has made you believe that we need don’t need each other, there is no such thing. We are accountable to one another and we need each other. The Bible does say sometimes prayers are not answered because of disobedience.

John 15:4-5, “Abide in Me and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” With that being said, wouldn’t now be a good time for you to be grafted back into the Vine? Jesus loves you and is waiting to embrace you, strengthen you and answer your prayers.

Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065, Sundays at 10 am. Our television program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23 and Wednesdays on Time Warner at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 19. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org

Dear Readers,

Many people ask me, “Why hasn’t God answered my prayers?” Prayer is effective when we understand our position. God created the universe; He is the Redeemer and the Creator. He created the heavens and the earth, all things on the earth and under the sea. He created man out of the dust of the earth; He created, and breathed life into our nostrils so we became a living being.

Since man was created by God, (your position) our life is not our own, but His. The Creator owns everything He has created. Although man rebelled against God, He sent Jesus to shed His blood and go to the Cross to purchase all who will believe, repent and walk by faith. God Almighty is the purchaser and owns all that He has purchased. Therefore, I am a two-fold possession of God by creation and redemption.

I have no sovereign power over myself, my life, my present, or my future. My Heavenly Father has absolute power and right over me. Hence, I will lead a life of absolute obedience and submission, following every direction He gives me (instead of telling God what to do). Pray and know your position. Not my will Lord, but Your will, lead me Lord, for your way is perfect.

When we understand our position with God:
• We confess our faith and determine right action before God.
• Then God can promote us.
• We then can have total devotion to God.
• We get rid of human-centered thoughts, and commit our ways completely to our
Heavenly Father.
• By committing our life completely to Him, we confess that God decided our
present, and future and what is good or bad for us.
• This becomes a place of humility and dedication to GOD.
• We confess He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep:
• God is a good Shepherd; one thing we have to know is the sheep belong to the
Shepherd and the Shepherd is owner of His sheep.
• The Shepherd has the responsibility and the right to lead; He takes care of, feeds,
raises, and protects His sheep.
• The sheep should follow and lean on the Shepherd for total care and protection.

Psalm 23:1-6, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This whole Psalm is so powerful, it shows us that King David, a mighty warrior knew his true position and by allowing God to be His shepherd there was absolute reassurance that no matter what he went through, God was going to take care of everything: his needs, comfort, peace of mind, protection from His enemies, eternal life and so much more. Your great Shepherd wants to lead you into His perfect pleasing will, let go and let God this holiday season.

Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065, Sundays at 10 am. Our television program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23 and Wednesdays on Time Warner at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 19. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org

Dear Readers,

There are so many little things I am grateful for, many we probably do not even think about unless we are no longer able to enjoy them, let us count our blessings: eyes with which we can see the beauty of God’s creation, watching the changing color of trees in the fall, the light as it dawns with each sunrise and fades with each orange sunset, or watching your baby take their first step. We may rarely notice the distinct songs we hear with our ears including the song of the crickets at night, poplar trees whose leaves when blown by the wind create their unique sound, the sound of the crashing waves of the sea against the rocky shore, or hearing your child utter their first word, “mama,” or “dadda”.

Let’s thank God for the little things.

What about our sense of smell? The fresh, clean smell after a rain fall, your favorite perfume or cologne, the smell of your clean towel as it comes out of the dryer, or the wonderful smell of your baby after they’ve had their bath and been powdered. Your mouth which gives you the ability to sing a melody, to whisper softly, “I love you,” “Happy Birthday,” “You are special,” to speak life-giving words of edification and exhortation.

Let’s thank God for the little things.

Your hand with all it’s fingers to grip and hold a coffee cup, to reach out to give someone a hug and helping hand in their time of need, to pick up your baby when they fall from their first step. There are so many little things to value, to appreciate and not take for granted. Let us count our blessings, great and small.

I Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA 92065, Sundays at 10 am. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@atouchfromabove.org