Topic: Preventing Unpleasant Surprises [Open Heavens for Teens 10 March 2019]
Memorise: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
Read: Genesis 49:1-4
1 AND JACOB called for his sons and said, Gather yourselves together [around me], that I may tell you what shall befall you in the latter or last days.
2 Gather yourselves together and hear, you sons of Jacob; and hearken to Israel your father.
3 Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the beginning (the firstfruits) of my manly strength and vigor; [your birthright gave you] the preeminence in dignity and the preeminence in power.
4 But unstable and boiling over like water, you shall not excel and have the preeminence [of the firstborn], because you went to your father’s bed; you defiled it–he went to my couch!
Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 11-13, Mark 13:1-13
MESSAGE:
Restitution is a payment (could be in action or resources) made to someone for the damage or trouble caused. It implies that you admit that you have done wrong, you regret it and you are willing to right that wrong.
Restitution is very essential to make heaven. Our Bible text for today tells us how Jacob cursed his firstborn son Reuben who in the past had slept with one of his wives and hadn’t come to ask for forgiveness. Reuben was surprised that his father knew about it and never said anything. He probably felt he wasn’t angry with him but he was wrong. If Reuben had done the needful, he wouldn’t have encountered the unpleasant surprise he got at the end. This is why you need to be careful of the decisions you make today.
It is better not to make wrong decisions than to do and then have to make restitution.
Key Point:
Restitution is important if you want to make heaven.
1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for theres no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove the delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.
Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heaven 10 March 2019 – Victory without a Fight
1.Thank You, Father, for divine guidance, leading and direction, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, that dwells in me. (Click HERE for Open Heaven 9 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, have mercy upon me, don’t let me be destroyed along with those that You have marked for destruction, in Jesus’ name.
4.Father, please fight the battles of my life for me today, in Jesus’ name.
5.Father, may I find peace of mind and rest all around, in Jesus’ name.
6.Father, I trust you for the victory that I so desire over the enemies of my destiny today, in Jesus’ name.
7.Father, let me never join the multitude to do evil; give me the grace to stand for You and Your Kingdom, in the face of persecution, even, if I had to stand alone, in Jesus’ name.
8.Father, let my steps be divinely directed to where You have destined me to be; let me always be at the right place, at the right time, in Jesus’ name.
9.Father, give me divine insight, wisdom and revelation into Your Will, at all times; empower me never to take a step or do anything, outside Your Will, in Jesus’ name.
10.Father, by Your grace and mercy, please, take me to the place of my destiny fulfilment, in Jesus’ name.
11.Prince of Peace, let Your peace, that passes all human understanding, pervade all the length and breadth of Nigeria, where governorship and state Assembly elections are taking place, today; let there be no violence or bloodshed, in Jesus’ name.
12.Father, please, help me to live through today, without committing a single sin, in Jesus’ name.
13.Father, renew Your grace, strength and anointing, upon Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the general overseer of RCCG, in Jesus’ name.
14.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.
15.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.
16.Your Personal petitions. (Philippians 4:6)
17.In Jesus name I pray. (John 14:13-14; 15:16)
18.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 10 March 2019 – Victory without a Fight
Topic: Watch Your Language [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 10 March 2019]
In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent. – Proverbs 10:19, The Amplified Bible
We believers need to start watching our language! We need to quit throwing words around like they weren’t important and start using them like our lives depended on it–because, according to the Word of God, they do! (Proverbs 18:21).
Too many of us have what Proverbs 19:1 calls a perverted mouth. Having a perverted mouth means more than lying and using profanity. It means having a disobedient mouth. It means saying things that are out of line with the Word of God.
All of us have done that at one time or another. We’ll say, for instance, that we’re believing God for our healing and then we’ll turn right around to someone and make a statement like, “This pain is about to kill me!”
That’s perverted! It’s backwards from what God’s Word says.
“Oh well, Brother Copeland, I know I said that, but it’s not really what I meant.”
Listen, the world of the spirit doesn’t operate on what you mean. It operates on what you say. Mark 11:23 tells us that “whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”
Take note. That verse didn’t say you shall have whatsoever you mean. It says you’ll have what you say. It’s what you say that counts.
Now, I’m not suggesting you should be tied up in knots all the time worrying about what your next phrase might be. Just use the wisdom God has given you. Train your mouth to be obedient to His Word. Then, when you need it most, you’ll find that Word dwelling richly in you.
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
Topic: Taking Thoughts – Or Not [Andrew Wommack Devotional 10 March 2019]
Matthew 6:31, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
The Greek word used here for “thought” is “merimnao” and denotes “to be anxious or careful”. In this passage, as well as the parallel passage in Luke 12:22-32, Jesus is commanding us not to worry or be anxious about our material needs being met. It would be impossible to have no thought whatsoever about our physical needs. Even Jesus thought about His need for money to pay taxes (Mt. 17:24-27). We are simply not to be preoccupied with thinking about riches or spending our time worrying about necessities. These things will be added unto us as we seek first the Kingdom of God.
The way we take or receive an anxious thought is by speaking it. Doubtful thoughts will come, but we do not sin until we entertain them. According to this verse, speaking forth these thoughts is one way of entertaining them; therefore, don’t speak forth these negative thoughts.
It is imperative that we watch the words we say. Begin to speak words in faith that line up with God’s Word, then positive results will follow. If we speak words of doubt, we will eventually believe them and have the negative things that these words produce. There are no such things as “idle” words which will not work for or against us. Death or life is in the power of every word we speak (Prov. 18:21). Our words can be our most powerful weapon against the devil, or they can become a snare of the devil (Prov. 6:2).
Today watch your words. Speak only things that will express your faith, trust, and confidence in the Lord and not your fear about the situations you face.
This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).
Topic: Not Good Enough [Billy Graham Devotional 10 March 2019]
. . . not having mine own righteousness . . . — Philippians 3:9
People go through many doors which do not lead to the Kingdom of God. Some try the door of good works. They say, “I can get to heaven if I only do enough good things, because God will honor all the good things I do.” It’s wonderful to do good things, but we cannot do enough good things to satisfy God. God demands perfection, and we’re not perfect. If we’re going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we have to be absolutely perfect. You ask, “Well, how will I ever be perfect?” We need to be clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus. There is one door to the Kingdom and it’s Jesus. And we will never get to heaven unless we go His way.
Prayer for the day: Almighty God, there is nothing I can do to be worthy of Your love, and yet You have given me Jesus—my Savior and Lord!
Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.
Rhapsody of Realities 10 March 2019 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – He Requires Your Oblations—Not Donations
Topic: He Requires Your Oblations—Not Donations
For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things (Ezekiel 20:40).
There’s a difference between a donation and an oblation. When you give to the Lord, it’s an offering, an oblation; it’s called a holy giving and it’s a connection between you and your heavenly Father, different from donations. There’re endeavours to which we can make donations; we can donate to charity organizations, NGOs, and worthy causes, but when it comes to giving to God, it’s not a donation; your offerings, and tithes that you give to the Lord are oblations and must be hallowed in your heart, and given reverently.
This is important because how you deal with your giving determines the results you’re going to get from God. If you give as a donation, you get what a donation promises. You don’t donate to God; you give an offering to Him, because He is God. Your offering is a testimony that you recognize, and are honouring Him as God, and not as a man.
Sometimes, donations or contributions may be called for in the church. These could be for some church project or endeavour, and could be classified accordingly. Nonetheless, your tithes and offerings, like seed offerings, first-fruit offerings, etc., are not donations or contributions: they are oblations to the Lord. Remember, worshipping the Lord must be according to His prescribed order or else we lose the blessing promised. The word teaches that there are blessings connected with oblations. Donations and contributions have their blessings as well.
For example, if you give alms to the poor, that’s not an offering; it’s a loan to God (Proverbs 19:17); it has its blessings. An offering to God is very different. This understanding is important, because when you want to have maximum results from God, you have to do God’s things, God’s way.
PRAYER Dear heavenly Father, I worship you with my giving and oblations. I declare that I continually increase in the grace of giving, even as I abound in wisdom and understanding. Through my commitments, the furtherance of the Gospel is swift, and many lives are touched, all to the praise and glory of your Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: 2 Corinthians 9:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 1:3
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:27-52 & Numbers 27-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 21:33-46 & Exodus 19
Rhapsody of Realities 10th March 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.
Open Heaven 10 March 2019 Sunday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Victory without a Fight
Topic: Victory without a Fight (Open Heaven 10 March 2019)
Memorise: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”- Romans 12:19
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:22-27 (KJV)
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.
27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
Bible in One Year: Romans 9-10, Isaiah 59
Open Heaven 10 March 2019 Sunday MESSAGE:
There is a reason and a great blessing for living life with the attitude that the Holy Spirit recommends in today’s memory verse. Without a doubt, victory won after tough fight is sweet. The Israelites experienced this when they encountered the Amalekites in Exodus 17:8-15. The Amalekites waged war against the Israelites and Moses commission Joshua to fight them, but not without the help of the Lord of Hosts. While Joshua led the physical fight, Moses, assisted by Aaron and Hur, handled the spiritual fight in prayers. In the end, the battle was won to the glory of God. As sweet as this victory was, there is another type of victory that is even sweeter – victory obtained without a fight! Victory in which the victor did not need to fight can only happen when God is involved. A great example is found in today’s Bible reading, when three powerful kings gathered against King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. A Levite named Jahaziel, moved by the Holy Spirit told the people that they need not fight in the battle ahead, because the battle was not theirs but God’s (2 Chronicles 20:14-17). In this instance, the Lord Himself was set to do battle with the enemies of His people. The good news is that what Jehoshaphat and his people experienced is still possible in the life of God’s children today. However, for this to happen there is one factor that must be in place, which Jehoshaphat proclaimed in 2 Chronicles 20:20, saying:
“…Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”
Beloved, if you want victory without a fight, you must believe that God is more than able to fight your battles for you and demonstrate this faith by letting Him take charge of your battles. Some of us insist on fighting for ourselves and are yet defeated on daily basis. Some people asked me why I don’t fight those who are maliciously working against me. I told them that I have no strength of my own to fight, and so I have handed over to God. Sometimes when God deals with such people, I end up begging Him to have mercy on them. Vengeance is God’s prerogative, and we must not usurp His divine will if we would make Him happy. As the Lord o Hosts, He specializes in fighting the most terrible of battles. His faithfulness will not allow Him renege on His promise to fight on your behalf. So, trust Him for the victory that you so desire over the enemies of your destiny today. You will obtain victory without a fight as the Lord goes to battle for you.
Open Heaven 10 March 2019 Sunday Prayer Point:
Father, please fight the battles of my life for me today, and give me rest all around.
Open Heaven 10 March 2019 Sunday Hymn 13: I Am A Victor
1.Yes, I know I am a victor
For the Bible tells me so
God made me more than a conqueror
Much stronger than all my foes
CHORUS:
Jesus loves me and I love Him
Together we rule the world
Christ with me I will overcome
By His Blood, His Name, His Word
2.Yes, I know I am a victor
Stronger than demons I am
To Satan I am a terror
I am free, o yes, I am
3.Yes, I know I am a victor
Stronger than lack, poverty
All my needs Jesus provides for
I have life abundantly
4.Yes, I know I am a victor
Barrenness no more indeed
Fruitful is the God I live for
All my dreams shall be fulfilled
5.Yes, I know I am a victor
By His strength I shall succeed
No more loss and no more failure
Glory to glory proceed
6.Yes, I know I am a victor
No more sorrow, no despair
Jesus Christ is my own Succour
Tomorrow is joy and cheer
7.Yes, I know I am a victor
Very soon I’ll reign with Him
His promise is my sure anchor
He’s coming to take me home
8.Jesus loves me and I love Him
We rule this world together
As He is so right now I am
Hear me shout Halleluyah
9.Jesus loves me Halleluyah
Hear me shout Halleluyah
Halleluyah, Halleluyah
Glory be to God on high
Open Heaven 10 March 2019 Sunday Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven 10 March 2019 Sunday Daily Devotional.
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
There are parts of leadership you won’t read on a job description when they are telling you about the place you will work. There are traits of a leader which are unseen – often unknown. These traits have to be tested and you won’t know the traits are there until the test is complete, but these traits are what prove a leader to be a great leader. I like to call the “backside of leadership.”
March is National Women’s History Month, a time when Americans celebrate and reflect upon the contributions women have brought to our country’s history. As we honor the many women who have advanced our nation, it seems only fitting that we take time to recognize women who made a powerful impact through sharing the gospel of Christ and proclaiming faith throughout the past few centuries.
Some years ago, I posted on “Reasons Young Leaders Shy Away from Established Churches.” Since publishing that post, though, I’ve seen more and more young leaders actually seek out established churches to lead. Here’s what they tell me when I ask about their renewed interest:
PRESERVATION & POWER COMMUNION SERVICE – 6TH MARCH 2019 ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S): ISAIAH 65:8 MESSAGE TOPIC: PRESERVED BY THE BLESSING
SERVICE OBJECTIVES:
Understanding the preservation power of the Blessing of God
Understanding how the Blessing preserves
The Blessing of God is far beyond material supplies.
The Blessing of God is the combination of Divine provision with Divine protection.
The Blessing of God is the combination of supernatural prosperity with supernatural security.
SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE PRESERVED BY THE BLESSING:
Noah (Gen. 9:1-2) The Blessing of God guaranteed the preservation of Noah and his family.
Abraham (Gen. 20:3; 14:14-16) The Blessing of God on Abraham both preserved him and gave him victory in battle.
Isaac (Gen. 26:16, 22) The Blessing of God made Isaac irresistible, unstoppable and mightier than the enemy. The Blessing is not just a wish; the Blessing is a force that makes you irresistible.
Jacob (Gen. 31:40-42) The Blessing of God preserved Jacob from destruction while he served Laban.
Job (Job 1:9-10; 3:25) The Blessing of God was behind the preservation of Job and his family before fear arrived. If the Blessing of God is upon your life, you are not a wastable material or a finishable commodity. Don’t joke with a person that carries the Blessing
HOW THE BLESSING PRESERVES THE BLESSED:
The Blessing establishes the fear and dread of the Lord upon the life of the Blessed (Gen. 9:1-2; 35:5)
The Blessing establishes a supernatural shield or hedge of defence around the life of the Blessed (Job 1:10)
The Blessing establishes the rebuke of the Lord against the enemy on the life of the Blessed (Isa. 65:8; Ps. 105:13-15)
There is a rebuke of the Lord programmed against the devil on your life ‘Destroy him not for a blessing is in him’
The Blessing positions rescue or deliverance angels around the life of the Blessed (Gen. 48:15-16; 32:1)
You are not permitted as a blessed person to face evil by yourself
When a genuine child of God is in motion, he is not alone
The Blessing attracts the direct confrontation of the Lord towards the offenders of the Blessed (Gen. 20:3; 31:24)
HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE PRESERVATION POWER OF THE BLESSING:
Be firmly rooted in the Covenant of the Blessing (Gen. 12:2-3)
Be an addicted covenant practitioner
When you plug into the Blessing Covenant, there are things you don’t beg for anymore
Live in the consciousness of the benefits of the Blessing Covenant (Gen. 48:16; 2Kings 6:17; Num. 13:33; Eccl. 8:1)
What is working against you is not as important as what is working for you
The problem is not what is working against you but your ignorance of what is working for you
The devil is aware of what you are aware of – he can smell both fear and doubt from a distance
The way you see yourself is the way the devil sees you (Num. 13:33)
Completely avoid existence in fear (Job 1:10; 3:25)
The fear of witches is the beginning of wretchedness; the fear of wizards is the beginning of wastage;
The fear of idols is the beginning of dullness
What you fear determines how you fare
PRAYER Father, I come before You today; I receive the grace to be firmly rooted in the Covenant of the Blessing, the grace to be fully aware of the benefits of the Covenant at all times, and I refuse fear at all times. I receive the Blessing covenant, in Jesus’ Name.
COMMUNION FOCUS (ISAIAH 65:8):
The Blessing of preservation; by this communion, the seal of preservation is placed on your life; the fear and dread of the Lord shall be established around your life; the hedge of Divine protection is established around your life; every devil looking for you shall receive the rebuke of the Lord; the angels of preservation shall be established around your life; everyone who won’t let you rest shall receive a physical visitation of Jehovah in the dream of the night!
ANOINTING FOCUS (PSALM 105:14-15):
This anointing is a seal of Divine preservation on your head; every agenda of the enemy regarding you and your family is arrested; you shall live and fulfil your days; by reason of this anointing, you are confirmed untouchable! Anywhere they call you in the spirit realm, they shall see fire!
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
God is about to place something on your life that is going to terrorize the powers of hell!
From this moment, God will cause you to see that you are not alone
Because of you, some people will have an encounter with your Maker that will cause them to be careful with you
This month of Blessing and prosperity in the greater glory shall favour you and resources from the north, south, east and west shall locate you
The above MESSAGE was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
God’s Perspective of Marriage By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Topic: God’s Perspective of Marriage
Dear Reader,
Welcome to another glorious month! Right from creation, God demonstrated His interest in and the value placed on the marriage and family, by being practically involved in its institution. He carefully put it together step by step. He put man into sleep, made a woman and presented her to man. Therefore, giving the impression that marriage is divine. That is why, this month, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, I will be looking at God’s Perspective of Marriage.
Whether you are married or intending to get married soon, as you follow this teaching with concentration, God will open your eyes to the truth that will exempt you from the heartaches and sorrows that others experience in marriage.
God’s view of marriage is different from that of man. God’s Word says: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).
God instituted marriage after He finished His work. God’s Word says: He …saw everything that He had made, and, behold it was very good (Genesis 1:31). God is good and nothing less than good proceeds from Him. If marriage is evil, God would not have initiated it. This week, I will be sharing with you on one of the ways God views marriage.
Marriage is Good
God’s view about marriage is that it is GOOD and it is to be enjoyed. God’s view is contrary to man’s view on marriage. Some people say, “Marriage is a necessary evil.” Others introduce a state of irony into this holy institution. They contend that the married are looking for a way of escape, while the unmarried are eager to get into it. This assertion is borne out of man’s philosophy and the experience of those who have not found fulfilment in marriage. But neither philosophy nor experience is the truth; God’s Word is.
A woman once came to my husband for counselling one day and she began by making a sweeping statement that every home has its own peculiar problem. My husband had to cut in to correct her and pointed out that there are exceptions. Having problems in the home is not the rule. That you are sick, for instance, does not mean that everybody else is sick. The fact that some people experience problems, defeat and failure in marriage does not mean that everybody else is having similar experiences. No experience is as strong as the Word of God; rather, all experiences should be judged in the light of the Word. Any experience that is contrary to the Word of God should be thrown away. Marriage is what the Word says it is. It is good!
God intends that believers’ homes be a heaven-on-earth, where they can enjoy the kingdom of God and the abundance it has to offer.
There are always two concepts or views on every issue of life – God’s and man’s. The two are always ever contrary to each other. The individual is expected to choose whether to accept God’s concept or man’s concept. God’s concept will always bring fulfilment when followed, while man’s concept will lead to a disastrous end.
This assertion is true of marriage, too. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than man’s, and His perceptions are perfect. It is by accepting and walking by God’s own concept that one can find fulfilment in life.
Buttressing the fact that marriage is good, Paul says: Marriage is honourable in all… (Hebrews 13:4). If marriage is evil, it cannot at the same time be honourable. Since it is honourable, it cannot be evil. James also says that: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).
Scripturally, marriage is good! It is the use to which some put it that paints a deceptive picture of evil. Whatever man’s concept you have heard about marriage put it aside and believe what the Bible says about marriage because this is the only authentic view. Ever before I got married, I already discovered and accepted God’s concept of marriage, at the expense of man’s concept, which has captured many men and it is working for me. To the glory of God, I am not only enjoying the goodness in marriage, I am also moving towards perfection in it. You can enjoy it also because the same God is rich unto all and He is no respecter of persons!
Marriage is good and not what your unbeliever friend said it is. Many people believe the ideas of men more than the Word of God, and it is a spiritual law that what you believe affects what you experience. It is a spiritual law that it shall be unto you, according to your faith.
God’s grace is the carrier of salvation. If you respond to it today, you will escape the distress, which most couples are facing. If you desire to be born-again, say this prayer of faith: 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 to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo” https://flatimes.com/category/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.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
