Topic: Religious Pride Brings Dissension [Andrew Wommack Devotional 2 December 2018 ]

Mark 15:10 “For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”

The Jews were God’s chosen people and therefore, God’s representatives on earth. Yet, they lied and condemned an innocent man to death. Pilate could see that their real motivation for wanting Jesus dead was envy. They were doing all their religious works to be seen of men, and were upset that Jesus was getting more recognition than they were. If these Jews would have thought about what type of witness they were giving, even they would have known that their actions were not inspired by God.

We should remember that we are God’s witnesses on earth, or as Paul said, “We are epistles… known and read of all men” (2 Cor. 3:2). Judging our actions in the light of, “What kind of witness will this give to others?” will help us discern whether or not we are being led of God.

The chief priests had deceived themselves and other religious people into believing that they were condemning Jesus for godly reasons, but even an ungodly ruler like Pilate could see through their lies. Religious bondage blinds people to the truth even more than sin does.

These rulers wanted to retain their power and authority, so they fought against the power and authority of Jesus. This is still the same today. Men use doctrinal issues to disguise the real issue. The truth is that, “Only by pride cometh contention” (Prov. 13:10). People who love to have the preeminence (3 Jn. 9) are usually the instigators of persecution.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Andrew Wommack Daily Devotional

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: All He Requires [Billy Graham Devotional 2 December 2018]

Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? — John 11:40

If you are a young man or young woman hooked on dissent or despair, ready to split, then lend me your attention. My answer concerns your dreams, and the element in your make-up called “faith.” All that God requires of anyone in taking his first step toward Him and toward total self-fulfillment is faith—faith in His Word, that teaches that God loves you and that you were alienated from Him by sin, that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you, that when you make a personal surrender to Him as Lord and Savior, He can transform you from the inside out.

Prayer for the day: Your Word, heavenly Father, brings me hope and redemption through Jesus Christ—thrusts through the despondencies of life and says You love me!

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Billy Graham’s Daily Devotional HERE

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.

Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 4)

Dear Reader,

Last week, I showed you the duties of the husband in managing the home. Today, we will be looking at what God has to say about the woman, in relation to home management. As you connect to this truth, God’s purpose for your home will be accomplished in Jesus’ mighty name. The home is a very precious thing in the sight of the Lord. He has laid down principles in His Word for both the man and the woman to follow, if they must find joy and fulfillment in their home.

FOR THE WOMAN

Make Your Home A Loveable Place:

God created the home to be a unique place. The first home ever created was Eden and Eden means ‘delight’, ‘pleasure’ or ‘enjoyment’. It is a place with no substitute. The Bible describes this first home that the first couple, Adam and Eve had (the Garden of Eden) as having a river there, which symbolizes refreshing. From this, we can deduce that the home is meant to be a place of refreshing. The Word of God says, And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:18). God’s original intent is for the home to be a place of peace and quietness. Quietness, not in the sense of silence but of rest. You will agree with me that to a large extent, a woman determines the atmosphere of the home. If the home is to experience order, then the woman has the responsibility to:

Be Hospitable:

Hospitality means “cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests. Hospitality must be the rule of the game in your family. Always be ready to be a blessing to others, extend your hand to the needy, have an open heart and warm welcome to friends, relatives, especially strangers. Who knows, you may be entertaining angels unaware. The Bible says, Be not forgetful to entertain stranger: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

Ladies, mothers and women should take note of this. If you are irritable, untouchable or cannot accommodate people, or be a blessing to others in your home, you are not being hospitable. It can be seen in your actions, attitude and the way you address people. Your mere look at visitors can tell them if they are welcome or not. No matter how hospitable a man may be, if his wife is not hospitable, it will affect him negatively because the woman is the one people will always meet at home.

Abraham’s family is a very good example of a home of hospitality (Genesis 18:1-10). Hospitality terminated 26 years of barrenness in the life of Abraham and Sarah.

Feed the family with quality food:

The woman has the responsibility of preparing quality food for her household, not just waking up in the morning and dashing off to the office leaving everything for the house-help to do. That could be very risky. Proverbs 31 describes the virtuous woman as one that always ensures that the members of her household are adequately taken care of. It says, Who can find a virtuous woman she will do him good and not evil, she rises also while it yet night and giveth meat to her household (Proverbs 31:10,12,15). There is a popular adage that says, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Woman, your family is what they eat. If they are healthy it can be practically traced to their eating habits.

Also Read: Handling Family Challenges (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

It is not enough to feed members of family with food, you need to feed them right. Is the food they eat nutritious? Or do you give them just anything? Wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

In this day and age of processed foods and snacks (fast food), please secure the health of your family by feeding them with good food. Remember, “garbage in, garbage out.” Eve fed her husband; unfortunately, she fed him with poison instead of life. What are you feeding your family with?

Be Financially Accountable:

Financial rest does not only come when you are a millionaire, it comes by being a good money manager. As a woman of the house, you must have a financial plan or else you are creating room for financial pain. A wise man once said, “Pain is a sign of disorder.” It follows that to experience financial pain is a sign of disorder in your spending. You can prioritize your spending and maximize your income. You don’t need to put yourself into such pain getting into debt.

Compliment your Husband:

One other way to manage your home is by an often neglected key, and that is compliment. Every human being loves to be praised, either for what he has done or simply for who he is. The key is to locate the good qualities in your husband and members of your family and focus on them. Then, express your appreciation for those good qualities by the words of your mouth. Show appreciation for both small and great acts of kindness by your words and surprising little gifts that act as hobs in the love wheel of your family.

You need the help of God to do this assignment effectively. Giving your life to God through the Lord Jesus Christ, is the only way of getting the true help you desire to manage your home. So, if you are not yet born again, say this prayer with me: 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”

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.