Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 3) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 3)

Dear Reader,

I welcome you once again with great delight to this edition of Family Success, where the basic truths needed for success in your family life are delivered to you. This week, I will be teaching on ‘How to Manage Your Home’ and I know that by the end of this month, God will set a new fire in your home for a positive order in Jesus’ name.

The home, like any other organization needs to be managed. It has to be ruled and its affairs controlled and directed in order to find fulfillment and joy in it. A glorious home is not a product of wishes, fasting or prayer. It is only attained by operating in the wisdom of the most High God. It is not enough to build one, it has to be maintained and sustained also.

In home management, both the man and the woman have roles to play. Therefore, if any unpleasant situation arises both parties need to check if they are fulfilling their duties. Responsibility, they say, is the price for greatness. You must be ready to pay the price to get the prize. If the home is not handled and managed properly with guiding laws, it suffers calamities and tragedies. That is why I know that by the time we are through with this series, your struggle in your family life will be over in Jesus’ mighty name.

FOR THE MAN

Be A Leader in Your Home

The man is the principal figure in the family unit. God reckons with his position as head of the home and holds him responsible for any mishap that occurs in it. The man as the husband, is the God-ordained leader of the home and not an uncle, a friend or an in-law. He must, therefore, be ready to accept the responsibility of leadership. The Bible says, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body (Ephesians 5:23).

He should accept his fair share of the blame for the things that go wrong. For instance, when anything goes wrong in a moving vehicle, the person to blame is the driver. Likewise, the husband is the driver of the home and should be answerable, when things are not right. We see it illustrated in God’s Word when, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the Lord God called unto Adam first before Eve (Genesis 3:9). Adam, as the head of the home, was asked by God to explain the sudden failure in their home.

To lead means giving guidance by going first or in front. As a husband, your job is to ensure that rules that aim at the overall interest of the family are in place and are complied with by your own example. Some husbands don’t have any problem with setting the rules in the home, their problem is showing exemplary behaviour by being the first in obeying these rules. Please note that leadership by example is leadership indeed. I have never had a problem following my husband’s rules because he is always quick at showing the example of what he wants done in the home.

Husbands are under an obligation to lead their homes in the way of the Lord. Gods’ testimony about Abraham was, I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:19). Husband, what will be God’s testimony about you in your home? The Bible tells us that it was Adam that named Eve. Whatever you call your wife is what she will be to you. If you call her sweet, joy, peace or love that is what she will be to you. If you say she is stupid, wicked or idle, that is what she will be to you.

Just as in every human organization, there is need for one to assume the mantle of leadership in the home. Husband, don’t be a sellout to your wife.

Leadership is by no means a cheap task, it requires strength and courage. Wherever you go, that’s where your family goes. It is your responsibility to lead effectively and several things can help you do so:

• Be grounded in the Word of God. A sound knowledge of the Word will help you make sound and quality decisions.
• Pattern your leadership after the leadership of Jesus (1 Cor. 11:3)
• Lead tenderly, yet firmly and decisively.
• Let your decisions take into cognizance the welfare of your wife, children and other family members.
• Involve your wife in the decision-making process (be prepared to listen to her contributions and advice; but accept responsibility for the final decision).
• Be ready to accept blame for whatever goes wrong and be willing to give God all the glory for everything that goes right.

Accept responsibility for providing spiritual leadership for the family. Don’t leave your children and family to social institutions like the school, society or even the church to raise for you. Take time out to teach your family the Word of God, ensure that each member of the family is born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Also, take practical steps to ensure that each one is on the right path, by helping them discover their purpose (Genesis 18:19).

Lack of management in the home is a serious problem, which quite a number of families are facing today! In case you have abandoned your legitimate duty of leadership over your home, you have to repent now and allow God to give you a new life altogether. Allow Jesus Christ, the builder of all things, to come into your life and home to help you discharge your duty as the head of the home. If you would want to give Him that chance, 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 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.

Never Magnify the Devil by David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Never Magnify the Devil

Satan is a liar, a manipulator and an ex-employee of heaven where you and I now dwell.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

The devil’s ministry thrives on deception and falsehood. He takes advantage of people’s ignorance to deceive them; he gives what does not exist and makes you believe it exists.

Revelation 12:9a And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.

Without fear, the devil cannot attack you. The devil uses fear to gain access to people. If Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and you are a child of God, then you too are a lion. Even in its sleeping state, no animal can come close to the lion. As the Father has sent Jesus into the world, so has He sent you too; you are therefore not permitted to be in fear or behave anything less than Jesus.

John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Satan can only terrorize you when you are terrified.

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

All you need is faith not fear; it makes God step into your affairs. Sit with the word of God; when you know it, nothing will cause you to panic. The day you say no to fear is the day you walk away from demonic attacks.

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

People talk about the devil and their problems too much instead of talking about what God’s word said. Are you talking ABOUT the devil or are you talking TO him? Tell him “hey I am in charge here, flee!” and you will see yourself overcoming. Decree it and it shall come to pass.

Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

As a born again, your citizenship changes to that of heaven by faith. It is not when you die, then you go to heaven. When you become a born again, you become a heavenly citizen.

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

This means that what cannot happen to Jesus cannot happen to you.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Do not speak anyhow and magnify the devil; he capitalizes on the words we speak. You must always remember that through new birth, you are seated at the right hand of God in Christ Jesus! Never forget that!

God bless you

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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.

Topic: Never See Yourself As A Grasshopper [TREM Devotional 20 November 2018]

“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:33 KJV

Whatsoever God has declared concerning you will certainly come to pass. But you have a responsibility never to see yourself as a grasshopper. According to Numbers 13, Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land. And they came back with grapes that they couldn’t carry. The grapes were so heavy! They saw grapes and they also saw giants. But God said I have given you the land. My question is: Why didn’t God tell them about the giants? The giants ought not to be the object of their focus! In other words, see the grapes, don’t see the giants. See giants and you will become weak. Choose to see the grapes. See the milk and the honey.

Those of them who went in and were seeing giants came back and were saying that they were like grasshoppers. How dare you see yourself as grasshopper when God has already spoken? God has declared that the land is yours. Why then are you seeing giants? Two of them, Joshua and Caleb said we are well able to overcome them, because God is able to deliver them into our hands. They were the only people who saw themselves as giants. And they were the only people from that generation that made it into the Promised Land.

Beloved, I urge you today to always see what God has spoken concerning your life. Once you see it no devil can kill you until it is fulfilled. Tempest will rage, billows will toss high, sickness and diseases will come but you will overcome all of them. The reason why some of you are having challenges is that you are not seeing what God told you. You are not seeing what God has prepared for you? There is power in what you see concerning what God has spoken about you.

Further Reading: Numbers 13:25-33, 14:22.

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ezekiel 14-15; Evening- James 2

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 20 November 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Great Faith That Brings Manifestation

TOPIC: Great Faith That Brings Manifestation (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 20 November 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 17:48-51

MEMORY VERSE: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” –Hebrews 11:1

The MESSAGE:

David had no sword or gun, but he boasted in the Lord that he would cut off Goliath’s head and he did. Before God takes over anything or any battle on our behalf, He will first want to see our faith in action. Great faith is a kind of faith that is bigger than a mustard seed and not just as small as mustard seed. Faith is measurable in the sight of God, and we need to pray always. We do not pray as much as we should because we lack faith and those who claim they have faith, have the kind of faith that is small to carry the weight and strength of their prayer requests. Many only pray because others are praying and they never expect results from their prayers. Manifestations are the results of prayers, and there is a measure of faith that brings rapid manifestations.

In Mark 10:46-52, blind Bartimaeus just heard that Jesus was passing by. He never saw Him performing miracles. He only heard just as we do today, and he keyed into what he heard. Despite hindrances from people, his faith remained unshaken, and his great faith made Jesus stand still and attend to him. Jesus said to blind Bartimaeus, “Thy faith has made thee whole”.

You need faith to walk with God and more importantly, to access His expectations for your life. Seeking God diligently has a reward, and the more you seek Him, the greater would be your faith and your reward. This is the reason it took only a shout of expectation to bring down the walls of Jericho. Healing, divine security, overflowing blessing are some of the rewards of great faith. Great faith brings great expectation, and great expectation brings great manifestation.

Great faith is a condition for great manifestation. Therefore, it is pertinent that you depend on God’s resources, depend on God’s promises and depend on God’s track records and ability. God told Jeremiah, “Is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Your faith must be great and strong to prevent the devil from double crossing you. Overcome your laziness with divine active energy, then wait to see the products of prayer.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
THERE IS NO NEED PRAYING IF THERE IS NO FAITH IN YOUR HEART TO SUPPORT IT.

PROPHETIC WORD:
Divine fertilizer shall come upon your faith, and it shall germinate into great faith.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Association of demons, gathered against my faith in God, roast by fire, in the name of Jesus.
2. Every satanic decision, taken against my faith in God, be nullified, in the name of Jesus.
3. Every satanic parasite, feeding on my faith in God and increasing the weed of fear in my life, die by fire, in Jesus’ name.

EVENING
4. Every incantation and ritual, working against my destiny, die, in the name of Jesus.
5. Garment of poverty, I throw you into the flames of God, catch fire, in Jesus’ name.
6. Darkness over my life, disappear, light of God cover me, in the name of Jesus.
7. Anything good and any opportunity I have lost due to lack of faith, be restored by fire, in Jesus’ name.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

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.

Topic: Graceful Response to Offenders [DCLM Daily Manna 20 November 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Matthew 17:22-27 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee” (Matthew 17:27).

MESSAGE:

The contemporary world is a pervasive one, full of offences orchestrated by Satan and his cohorts. Christ Jesus who is the Master and Governor of the whole universe, had warned His disciples that offences must come, but woe to that person through whom they are meted out. The Christian position on offences, like our Lord remarked in the text, is that the believer should not allow it become a working tool in Satan’s hands. We must avoid it.

The believer should be circumspect in every situation and ensure that he does not encourage any strife between his neighbour and himself at home, workplace or business centre, on the street or anywhere. The Lord has called us unto peace. He exemplified it in spite of the numerous avowed enemies that ganged up against Him during His earthly ministry.

Taking a non-vengeful stance in our relationship with others does not mean we are to become a jelly-fish, ready to compromise with offenders in all situations. Never at all! Christ our Lord was resolute in His pursuit of God’s will for His life and ministry. He never allowed His detractors to undo Him from God’s purpose. We must prayerfully and wisely pursue peace with offenders. God will provide us the needed grace and wisdom to know when to answer fools according to their folly and when not to answer them.

However, we are in a permissive world of offences. All we need is grace and wisdom to live with the challenges life presents and be determined to overcome in all things, until we receive the royal welcome from the Master at the pearly gates of heaven.

Thought For The Day: To enjoy peace and spiritual health, be peaceful to all especially offenders.

Bible Reading In One Year: Acts 11-12

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

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.

Open Heaven 20 November 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye – Great Expectations

Topic: Great Expectations (Open Heaven 20 November 2018)

Memorise: “For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.”- Psalm 9:18

Read: Mark 5:24-29 (KJV)

24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 17-18, Luke 24:13-35

Open Heaven 20 November 2018 Tuesday MESSAGE:

It is amazing that some people go to the house of God without any expectation. Believe me sincerely, there are regular attendees of church services who for a very long time have conditioned themselves to be onlookers. They listen to fantastic testimonies and applaud the testifiers. They even help to spread the news of the great things God is doing in their churches, but they never experience any miracle themselves because they have no expectation at all, to talk less of great expectations. You will not be numbered among such people in Jesus’ Name. As the poor in spirit, God assures believers that their expectations will be realised. Psalm 9:18 says:

“For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.”

Nevertheless, only the poor who have expectations can have a better future, because their expectations will come to pass. The good news for you today is that your expected miracle is nearer to you than you can ever imagine.

Today’s Bible reading narrates the story of a woman with great expectations. She had been plagued with the issue of blood for twelve years and had spent all that she had on medication to no avail. When she heard that the Great Physician was in her neighborhood, she pressed through the crowd to meet Him with great expectations of miraculous healing. She expected and believed that Jesus would do for her what the physicians could not do, and so she found her way to Jesus and touched the hem of His garment. Mark 5:29 tells us the result of her great expectations:

“And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.”

Beloved, what do you expect from the Lord today? How great is your expectation? Trust in the Lord like this woman did, and just as her expectation did not fail, your expectation will not perish. This was also the testimony of the lame man at the gate of the temple (Acts 3:1-8). The Bible says he had expectations, but as God would have it, he got more than he bargained for. Indeed, his expectation was the foundation for the miracle he experienced. Acts 3:5 says:

“And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.”

Are you expecting something from the Lord today? In Proverbs 23:17-18, the Lord says to you:

“17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.”

Open Heaven 20 November 2018 Tuesday Prayer Point:

Father, please don’t let my great expectation be cut short in Jesus’ Name.

Also Read: Open Heaven 19 November 2018 – Look and Live

Open Heaven 20 November 2018 Tuesday Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Open Heaven 20 November 2018 Tuesday 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 20 November 2018 Tuesday 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.