Topic: How to Pray Effectively [Joyce Meyer Devotional 20 March 2019]

[Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]. — John 14:14 (AMPC)

I reached a point in my prayer life where I felt frustrated, so I began to seek God about it. I wanted the assurance that my prayers were being effective. I wanted to have confidence that when I prayed, power was released to work in the situation I had prayed about. I wanted those things, but to be honest, I didn’t have that assurance or confidence.

Satan definitely wants to steal our confidence concerning prayer. Many people express the same frustrations that I felt. They pray, but all the while they’re wondering if they are being effective. What is wrong? I believe that we mistakenly think that we need to be perfect in order to have power in prayer, but we don’t. That is why we have been given the name of Jesus in which to pray!

When we pray in Jesus’ name, we are presenting to God the Father all that Jesus is, not what we are. Thankfully, I don’t pray in Joyce’s name; if I did I would never accomplish anything! The Holy Spirit helps us pray as we ought to, and the name of Jesus guarantees the answer!

Be bold in prayer because you have the name above every other name, and at the mention of that name, every knee must bow (see Philippians 2:10). Pray boldly, expecting results!

Prayer Starter: Thank You, Father, that I can come to You boldly in prayer, knowing that You love to hear from me. Increase my level of expectation and help me to make prayer an easy, simple, natural part of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

God’s View Concerning Marriage (Part 3) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: God’s View Concerning Marriage (Part 3)

Dear Reader,

We have seen so far in this series that God’s view for marriage is good and it is also to provide help for man. This week, I will be sharing with you on one of the most important instructions in the Bible for finding a mate. It is one you must have in marriage to build the foundation of the home with Christ. I am teaching on being Unequally Yoked.

A complete bond in marriage is based on the foundation that each partner is “equal” in their belief and vision for their life in Jesus Christ. God’s Word says: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).

In a bid to find the right partner, the Bible clearly states that there cannot be a successful relationship when both partners do not view things from the same spiritual perspective. No child of Christ can expect to find his or her perfect mate in a shrine or cult because light and darkness have nothing in common. The Believer and unbeliever each serve different masters.

Also Read: Dominion In Your Family Life (Part 3) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Some people try to flout this law. They think God wants to deprive them of what they like. No, He only wants what’s best for you. Too many, after it is too late, have discovered that they can’t bend God’s rules and expect to enjoy their marriages.

As a born-again child of God, look for one who is also a believer. Make sure that he (or she) understands what it means to have Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. No matter how appealing or suited you think he or she is, you are not to compromise this first and major rule or you will be signing in for heartache!

Some people have concluded that since they have waited for so long and have not got the right person to marry, they are ready to marry whoever comes, even unbelievers. Such people have forgotten that how long they have waited is not as important as how successful the marriage will be. Take, for instance, someone who is 30 years old before marriage and may probably live up to 90 years on earth. If such a person rushes into marriage with an unbeliever, it implies that he or she will have 60 years to live with an unbeliever.

Now, the journey before him or her after marriage is longer than the one he or she has gone through. Wisdom, therefore, demands that you seat down to think before rushing into a thing that will not last. God’s Word says:… None shall want her mate (Isaiah 34:16). If He says none shall want her mate, it means He has a mate for everyone. Remember, God cares about you and He cannot forget you; wait for His time.

A sister I know in church, who out of desperation got herself married to an unbeliever, found out too late how unwise her decision was. She was contemplating leaving home because they both were living like roommates. Although they were living in the same house, they were not speaking to each other. That is certainly not what marriage is all about. God has reserved something wonderful for you. Why not patiently wait and obediently follow through and you will get your desired partner in Jesus’ Name.

Someone may want to ask if one has been in courtship before conversion, should the courtship continue after the salvation of one of the parties or not? It is so simple. When one of the parties (or both of them) gets born again, the best thing to do immediately after conversion is to break the relationship. This is because the relationship started when both parties were unbelievers.

This is not to say that it is impossible for God to bring them together again. If you are a serious child of God serving the Lord sincerely and in truth, He will guide you.

Since old things are passed away and all have become new at salvation, that kind of courtship should be done away with. Such individuals were in the kingdom of darkness when the relationship started, but now that one or both are saved, there is a translation into the kingdom of the Lord Jesus, which is a new kingdom altogether. There ought not to be any carry-over from the old kingdom to the new one.

In case you are out there reading this material today and you claim to be born again, you still engage in fornication, you better stop it before it stops you. Fornication is a sin against your own body. It is you opening yourself spirit, soul and body for the devil to come in and destroy you. Health-wise, spiritually and also mentally, you are damaging your system. Please don’t do it. Marriage is for life. You have all the time you want with your spouse under a legal and spiritual covering.

If you have offended God in this area, don’t lose hope. God is a merciful Father. If you confess your sins and forsake them, He will cleanse you from unrighteousness. This is what being born again is all about. If you want to be born again, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 21 March 2019 – Now that you have been Regenerated

TOPIC: Now that you have been Regenerated

READ: 1 Peter 1:13-25 King James Version (KJV)

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

THE MESSAGE:

How will you feel if you saw a Governor or President eating boiled corn along the street or a Professor eating mangoes in the market? Of course, that will be quite embarrassing! This is because different positions require specific behaviours from their role incumbents. Similarly, todays passage outlines biblical requirements for those who have been called unto a new life in Christ.

The Bible reminds us about the nature of He who has called us (verse 15&17). He is holy and impartial in judgment. This realization should make us holy in speech and conduct (verse 21). We are also to remember that we are chosen (verse 24), powerfully and supernaturally redeemed (verse 18) and purchased and regenerated by an ever living word of God (verse 19). This means that we have a new life, free from the bondages of sin, demonic oppressions, ancestral curses, evil habits and weaknesses.

We are also reminded about God’s future plan concerning the rapture (verse 13). Hence, we are to continually focus our thoughts on the Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This will make us to live in obedience to the word of God and desist from the entanglements of the world.

These expected behaviours should characterise our lives as we await the return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, help me to live out a regenerated life to those around me.

Click HERE to read previous messages

TOPIC: Submission [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 24 March 2019]

MEMORY VERSE: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;” – 1 Peter 2:13 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 24 March 2019 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 24 March 2019)

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

God instituted certain authorities to coordinate various affairs on His behalf on earth (Rom. 13:1-2). Everyone is expected to submit to the governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17). Servants must submit to their masters (Col. 3:22; 1 Peter 2:18-21). Wives must submit in all their meekness to their husbands (Col. 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6). Children must submit to their parents (Exodus 20:12; Eph. 6:1-3). Ultimately, all of God’s creations (including authorities) must submit to God. Psalm 72:11; Isaiah 66:23.

OUTLINES

1. WHY SUBMIT?
2. CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION

1. WHY SUBMIT?

Some people submit to authorities for diverse reasons ranging from personal gain, eye service, etc. However, reasons for Godly submission include the following

1. God commanded it. Rom. 13:1-2; Heb. 13:17.
2. It is an act of obedience and honour to God. Mark 14:36.
3. To present ourselves as good examples. Phil. 2:5-9.
4. To obtain grace from God. James 4:6.
5. It establishes our lifting. 1 Peter 5:6.
6. It ensures the believer’s victory. James 4:7.

2. CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION

Rebellion is the opposite of submission and it is an act of insubordination or resistance to constituted authorities which could be motivated by pride, envy, hatred, etc. Rebellion comes with grave consequences. These include:

1. Demolition (either temporary or permanent) Nebuchadnezzar was proud and he lived like a beast in the field for seven years. Daniel 4:30-33.
2. Loss of authority and position. Vashti discountenanced her husband, the king and lost her position to Esther. Esther 1:11-12; 2:1-4
3. Destruction. Pharaoh consistently disdained God and he perished together with His army in the Red Sea. Exodus 14:26-28: Psalm 135:8-9.
4. Loss of destiny. Samson waved away the instructions of his parents and his life and destiny was cut short. Judges 14:1-3; 16;20-21.
5. Ultimately death. Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebelled against the authority of God and were buried alive. Numbers 26:9-10; 1 Samuel 2:22; 4:10-11.

CONCLUSION: There is no authority that is without the knowledge of God (Rom. 13:1). Believers in Christ must therefore see submission to every authority as service to God.

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention 3 reasons believers must submit to authority.
2. Identity some Bible characters that rebelled and the consequences of their actions.

For Further Reading: 1 Samuel 15:23; Colossians 3:24; Galatians 6:9; Malachi 1:6.

ASSIGNMENT: Find out the penalties for failing to submit the following authorities.

i. Family/Parental Authority

ii. Pastor’s Authority

iii. Lecturers/Teachers Authority

iv. Traffic Authority

v. Tax Authority

vi. Court injunction/directive

vii. Immigration law

viii. God’s Commandment

ix. Holy Spirit directive

x. Electricity Regulations

Also Read: RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 17 March 2019, Lesson 29

RCCG Sunday School 24 March 2019 HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   O how I love Thee well,
   I am happy, it makes me glad
   To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
   Both young and old will sing Thy song,
   We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Christ was Thy first teacher,
   The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
   Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   This testimony is sure,
   That God, the Father Almighty,
   Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Though the sun be so bright,
   Or if the clouds black with rain,
   I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   I rejoice to see Thee,
   Will thou pass over me today?
   Without my being blest?

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 24 March 2019 Lesson 30 – Submission

TOPIC: Submission

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to submit to the ordinance of man for he Lord’s sake. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 24 March 2019 HYMN)

MEMORY VERSE: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;” – 1 Peter 2:13 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 24 March 2019 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 24 March 2019)

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

God instituted certain authorities to coordinate various affairs on His behalf on earth (Rom. 13:1-2). Everyone is expected to submit to the governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17). Servants must submit to their masters (Col. 3:22; 1 Peter 2:18-21). Wives must submit in all their meekness to their husbands (Col. 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6). Children must submit to their parents (Exodus 20:12; Eph. 6:1-3). Ultimately, all of God’s creations (including authorities) must submit to God. Psalm 72:11; Isaiah 66:23.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Peter 2:13-17-“FEAR GOD, HONOUR MEN”

The four-fold instructions in 1 Peter 2:17 is suffix for this lesson without ambiguities:

i. Honour all men. 1 Peter 2:17a.

ii. Love the brotherhood. 1 Peter 2:17b.

iii. Fear God. 1 Peter 2:17c.

iv. Honour the king. 1 Peter 2:17d.

v. Verse 14 added “Governor” to it. 1 Peter 2:14a.

vi. It is honourable to believers to honour the authority because God positioned them and they deserve our respect. Verse 14.

vii. Ignorance of foolish men will not be accepted before God as a reason not to obey the authority. Verse 15, but rather, believer’s obedience will encourage others who may wish to prove stubborn to do that which is right. Verse 15.

viii. Believers are God’s servants and we must behave so. 1 Peter 2:16.

2 LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: WHY SUBMIT

i. Teacher should find out what the students understand by the term, “authority, ordinance of man, power, constitution,” etc.

ii. Teacher should explain to students, as indicated below, why Christians should submit to authorities:

a. God commanded it. Rom. 13:1-2; Heb. 13:17.

b. It is an act of obedience and honour to God. Mark 14:36.

c. To present ourselves as good examples. Phil. 2:5-9.

d. To obtain grace from God. James 4:6.

e. It establishes our lifting. 1 Peter 5:6.

f. It ensures the believer’s victory. James 4:7.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why do you think people suit to authorities (political, educational, religious, and local authorities) on eye-service basis? Is this good?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION

Teacher should explain rebellion as:

i. Act of insubordination or resistance to constituted authorities.

ii. Rebellion could be motivated by pride, envy, hatred etc.

iii. Teacher should explain the consequences of rebellion as stated below:

a. Demolition (either temporary or permanent) Nebuchadnezzar was proud and he lived like a beast in the field for seven years. Daniel 4:30-33.

b. Loss of authority and position. Vashti discountenanced her husband, the king and lost her position to Esther. Esther 1:11-12; 2:1-4

c. Destruction. Pharaoh consistently disdained God and he perished together with His army in the Red Sea. Exodus 14:26-28: Psalm 135:8-9.

d. Loss of destiny. Samson waved away the instructions of his parents and his life and destiny was cut short. Judges 14:1-3; 16;20-21.

e. Ultimately death. Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebelled against the authority of God and were buried alive. Numbers 26:9-10; 1 Samuel 2:22; 4:10-11.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the consequences of rebelling against governmental rules and regulations?

SUMMARY: Believers must be humble enough to submit to authorities.

CONCLUSION: There is no authority that is without the knowledge of God (Rom. 13:1). Believers in Christ must therefore see submission to every authority as service to God.

EVALUATION: Mention 4 reasons for submitting to authority and 4 penalties for failure to do so.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help us to submit to authorities.

ASSIGNMENT: Find out the penalties for failing to submit the following authorities.

i. Family/Parental Authority

ii. Pastor’s Authority

iii. Lecturers/Teachers Authority

iv. Traffic Authority

v. Tax Authority

vi. Court injunction/directive

vii. Immigration law

viii. God’s Commandment

ix. Holy Spirit directive

x. Electricity Regulations

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

NOTE:Flatimes.com EMPLOYS EVERYONE TO PURCHASE THE HARD COPY TO SUPPORT RCCG EDUCATION (SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT). THE SOFT COPY (ONLINE) IS JUST TO HELP EASY ACCESS. GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU DO SO.

RCCG Sunday School 24 March 2019 HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   O how I love Thee well,
   I am happy, it makes me glad
   To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
   Both young and old will sing Thy song,
   We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Christ was Thy first teacher,
   The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
   Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   This testimony is sure,
   That God, the Father Almighty,
   Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Though the sun be so bright,
   Or if the clouds black with rain,
   I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   I rejoice to see Thee,
   Will thou pass over me today?
   Without my being blest?

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heaven 21 March 2019 – Toying With Sin?

1.Thank You, Father, for the salvation of my soul from eternal destruction, through the blood of Jesus that was shed at Calvary. (Click HERE for Open Heaven 21 March 2019)

2.Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus name.

3.Father, please, empower me to live above sin, and all the activities of the flesh, in Jesus name.

4.Father, help me to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, and as I do, let every attempt and effort of Satan to recapture me be frustrated, in Jesus name.

5.Father, let every plan of the devil to reduce me to the level of shame and mockery, to sing sacred songs on satanic altar, be scattered, in Jesus name.

6.Father, let me never use this my mouth that I have used in praising You, to praise Satan or any idol, in Jesus name.

7.Father, arise, and destroy every strange practice in Your church, that conforms to the ways of the world, in Jesus name.

8.Father, help us, never to lower Your standard, or destroy our own uniqueness, in the name of making the gospel appeal to the world, in Jesus name.

9.Father, please, help me to live through today, without committing a single sin, in Jesus name.

10.Thank You Father, for the abundance of Your grace upon Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye; please, uphold him till the end, in Jesus name.

11.Father, bless Your son, that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus name.

12.Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.

13.Your Personal petitions. (Philippians 4:6)

14.In Jesus name I pray. (John 14:13-14; 15:16)

15.Thank you Father for answered prayers. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

Kindly, purchase your own hard copy or online version of the Open Heavens devotional & buy for your friends too, as a potent evangelism tool. God bless you, as you sow, into Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s book Ministry, in Jesus name.

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heaven 21 March 2019 – Toying With Sin?