Topic: God’s Approval [Joyce Meyer Devotional 13 November 2018]

And they answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus [as your personal Savior and entrust yourself to Him] and you will be saved, you and your household [if they also believe].” — Acts 16:31 (AMP)

There is an epidemic of insecurity in our society today. Many people are insecure and feel bad about themselves, which steals their joy and causes major problems in all their relationships.

I know the effect insecurity can have on lives because I experienced it myself. Those who have been hurt badly through abuse or severe rejection, as I have, often seek the approval of others to try to overcome their feelings of rejection and low self-esteem.

They suffer from those feelings and use the addiction of approval to try to remove the pain. They are miserable if anyone seems to not approve of them in any way or for any reason, and they are anxious about the disapproval until they feel they are once again accepted. They may do almost anything to gain the approval they feel they have lost—even things their conscience tells them are wrong.

For example, if a person is met with disapproval when she declines an invitation, she might change her plans and accept the invitation just to gain approval. She compromises herself for the sake of feeling approved.

Prayer Starter: Lord, it’s true that You are the only one whom I need to please. Today, help me to not compromise myself or be a slave to pleasing others, no matter what I feel. I seek Your favor alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

Clear Principles For A Blissful Marriage (Part 1) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Clear Principles For A Blissful Marriage (Part 1)

Dear Reader,

I count it a great privilege to share God’s Word with you through this medium. It is my prayer that as you apply the series of teachings that you will be receiving this month, they shall bring a positive change in your life and marriage in Jesus’ name.

Some people get troubled when they read materials like this, probably because they have been living together with their partners without payment of dowry, or having a formal engagement or public Christian wedding. This is not a holy union. So, many couples have been living together for years and even have children without a proper marriage. Instead of feeling or living in condemnation, you need to make things right today. In case you are not legally married and you fall into this category, without delay go and make things right by paying the dowry. Go and legalize your union. You can do this simply by going to the court for a court wedding. Then look for a minister of the gospel to bless your union.

Also Read: Prudent Family Life (Part 2) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Time never corrects an error! An error yesterday remains an error today, except it is corrected. You can make wrong right! Many people pass through a lot of difficulties in their marriage today because of a wrong foundation. I have seen women being driven out of their homes at the death of their husbands, because their union was “illegal”. The woman has no voice, because she has no legal backing. Wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecclesiastes 10: 10).

I remember a woman I counselled some time ago. She had been going through a tough time in her home and was ready to call it quit. To top it up, she had no child. When I interviewed her closely, I discovered that there were a lot of loopholes in her marriage. Her dowry was not paid, and there was nothing legally binding herself and the man together as husband and wife. No court wedding, no church wedding! Both of them just started living together!

I counselled her to ensure that the dowry was paid, legal papers signed in the court of law, and their union blessed by a minister of the gospel. The next time I saw her, she was over-joyed and full of testimonies. To the glory of God, today all is well with that marriage. To crown it all, she was also expecting a baby as at that time!

A good example of a proper marriage is recorded in Genesis. It clearly shows us how a formal wedding should be conducted. Adam did not just rise up to find Eve wandering about in another part of the garden, and decided to take her home to start living together as husband and wife. The Word of God says, And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man (Genesis 2:22). Take note of the word, ‘brought her unto the man’. God was the one Who brought the woman to the man. Since marriage is the basis for a successful family, then you need to be first married to enjoy a successful family life. If the foundation of your marriage is not built on the instructions of the Word of God, there is no way you will have a fulfilled family life. It is important therefore, go and pay the dowry, if it has not been paid. This is scriptural.

There is another account in the scriptures of how a typical wedding and all that is required should be done. The Word of God says, And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men. And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them (Genesis 24:58-60). A parental blessing is very important in a marriage covenant. It cannot be ruled out. There is something about the blessings your parents pronounce on you that stick on you until all their good wishes are established in your life. From the above scripture, Abraham’s servant did not just grab Rebekah and disappeared with her. Due procedures were properly followed and the blessings of her parent became a practical reality in her life.

Some years ago, I shared this truth at one of our women conventions. A couple who had been living together for almost 10 years without being properly married, had three children, and the lady’s parents refused to consent to their marriage. They decided to make peace and do the right thing. They had been up and down financially over the years. They invested so much and yet had very little in return. They were very zealous for the things of God, they are covenant practitioners, and yet there was nothing to show for it. They met the lady’s family, paid the dowry, went to church and had their union blessed by one of the pastors.

Soon after, great business doors opened for them. Their lives took a new turn. They began to enjoy all manner of favours, they built their own house, and even bought a Mercedes Benz car, all by the simple act of making wrong right of their union. Your own testimony will be the next!

It is also very important in your marriage covenant to acknowledge the place of a holy Christian wedding. The Word of God says, And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man (Genesis 2:22). In this verse of scripture, we see God’s practical involvement in the institution of marriage. He gave Eve out to Adam. It is therefore, unsafe for you to go into marriage without God. This will definitely attract the attacks of the devil. You shall not be a victim in Jesus’ name!

God is your Father, and only a bastard would desire to go outside his father’s house to get married. The presence of God makes all the difference in a man’s life. Don’t go about without carrying the presence of God, it is dangerous!

You also need a proper legal documentation of your union. This is a point of contact to remind God that you have fulfilled all righteousness concerning your marriage, and therefore, the enemy must not have access into your family.

You need the grace of God to redress the wrong in your marriage. You can say this prayer and be born again: 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.

ANOINTING SERVICE – 11TH NOVEMBER 2018
ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S): PSALM 62:11
MESSAGE TOPIC: THE POWER OF GOD
BY: DR. PAUL ENENCHE

SERVICE OBJECTIVES:
1. Understanding the power of God
2. Understanding key facts about the power of God
3. Understanding the necessity of the power of God
4. Understanding the secrets of His power

The power of God is one of the most prized possessions any human being can have on the earth; power with God is key to power on earth (Gen. 32:28)
The power of God is an invaluable asset on man’s journey on earth
The power of God is key to dominion on earth (Gen. 1:28)
The power of God is an asset of unquantifiable worth
If you are on the run today or threatened and shaking, it means power is lacking
The power of God makes us to escape existence as a victim on the earth
Power with God equals power in life; powerlessness is a tragedy

WHAT THE POWER OF GOD REFERS TO:
1. The power of God refers to the strength and might of God
It refers to the energy and forcefulness of God

2. The power of God refers to the ability and capability of God
When you know God’s power you do not underestimate His ability

3. The power of God refers to the possibilities and potentialities of God
What God can do and can’t do is defined by God’s power
It refers to the full extent of His possibilities and potentialities

Also Read: Be Exempted From Evil by David Ibiyeomie

4. The power of God refers to the rule and authority of God
The power of God refers to the dominion of God, the sovereignty of God, the in-chargeness of God, the government, the rules, regulations and restrictions of God

5. The power of God refers to the influence and impact of God (Prov. 16:7; 21:1)
God is about to influence things, people, situations in your favour by His power and influence

6. The power of God refers to the weightiness and heaviness of God

FACTS ABOUT THE POWER OF GOD:
1. The power of God is supreme (Ps. 62:11; Matt. 28:18)
The types of power on earth are:
1a. Political power
1b. Military power
1c. occultic power
1d. Intellectual power
1e. Physical power
1f. Financial power
All these powers pale in comparison to the power of God
The power of God is superior all other powers any day!

2. The power of God is limitless (Jer. 32:27, 17)
The power of God knows no boundaries or limitations
In God, answers come before questions (Jer. 32:27, 17)
The answer to your questions was available before the question arose

3. The power of God is consistent (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8)
The power of God does not diminish in strength or intensity (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8)
The power of God is likened to the sun – it rises without failing and burns without burning out
We serve a weariless, tireless and limitless God!

4. The power of God is universal (Acts 10:34-35; 1:8)
The power of God is universal in applicability

5. The power of God is durable (Eccl. 3:14; John 8:32,36; 1Pet. 3:13)
The power of God produces results that last both on the lives of people and on the nation
Don’t be afraid for your future; if it is God that has done it for you, it MUST last!

6. The power of God is unfailing (Isa. 43:13; 14:27)

THE NECESSITY OF POWER:
1. To initiate motion (Acts 10:38; 1 Sam. 10:1-3)
Life will remain in stagnation until power is deployed
You need power to overcome delay
Where God is involved, you must go forth
satan = sat; God = GO
Unction is for motion

2. To facilitate action (Acts 10:38; 1 Kings 18:46)
Unction is the fuel for action
To facilitate action means to fuel productivity

3. To activate function (Acts 10:38; 1 Sam. 10:1, 5-6; 16:13, 17)
To activate function refers to the release of potentials; you don’t know what you are capable of doing until you encounter power!
The power of God does not only release your potential, it uncovers it!

4. To actualise intention (Acts 10:38)
Nothing frustrates good intention like powerlessness

5. To terminate oppression (Acts 10:38; Isa. 10:27)
It takes power to defeat oppression
The power of God is available to delete your affliction and that of those around your life
Every death looking for you shall return back to those who sent it!

6. To realise destination (Acts 10:38)

THE SECRETS OF POWER:
1. Passion for God’s Presence (Acts 10:38; 1 Kings 17:1; Ex. 3:1-3; Ps. 63:1-2)
The Presence of God is the address of Power!
Where you hang around determines what hangs on you
Company affects content and character
You cannot be powerless if you are not godless

2. Compassion for the needy (Acts 10:38; Matt. 14:14; Gen. 40:5-6)
Compassion compels unction
Heart for people equals power with God

3. Aversion for oppression (Acts 10:38; 1 Sam. 17:24-26)

PRAYERS
Father, fill my heart with hatred for oppression and compassion for the needy, oh Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

Father, draw me closer to You, closer in intimacy to You, in Jesus’ Name.

ANOINTING FOCUS:
Unction for motion and to function

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
– Every spell of delay and spirit of stagnation, today that yoke is broken!
– Any other yoke in your life that is a reason of concern, by reason of the anointing, that yoke is broken!
– By reason of the Anointing, whatever is not planted by God in your life is uprooted!
– Every financial captivity is broken!
– Everything that is not working, by reason of the Anointing, they shall work!
– Your life shall move forward and your potentials are released
– Every agenda of satanic wickedness in your life is arrested!
– Anything the unction of God can do that you desire in your life, it is done right now!
– Anything the devil used to cover your destiny, today it scatters by fire!
– Everything God has placed in your life that is being frustrated by other powers, the power of God will collapse them and cause you to fulfil your purpose in Jesus’ Name
– Every evil report packaged by the devil for you is returned back to hell
– I decree death to every killer and their sponsors; you are preserved in Jesus’ Name!

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche

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.

Topic: No Parasites or Loafers [Teens Open Heavens 13 November 2018]

Memorise: And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 3:9

Read: John 15:1-2 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 4-6, Hebrews 10:1-23

MESSAGE:

God’s army is an extremely disciplined one with a defined order, structure and government; every recruit must be aware of this. The first thing to note here is that the Commander-in-Chief of the heavenly army is highly intolerant of parasites. Parasites are those who want to enjoy the benefits of the kingdom without contributing their quota. They like the rights and privileges, but fail to be committed to the obligations. According to John 15:1-2, such parasites will be forcefully taken out. Similarly, there is no place for loafers – those who claim to be part of the army but are not ready to make a commitment to the Commander-in-Chief.

Are you a child of God and you are doing nothing for the advancement of the Kingdom? You are a loafer. A loafer gives more of his/her time to move about and engage in activities that are unimportant and unprofitable. Are you a parasite or a loafer? God does not tolerate parasites and loafers in His army.

Prayer Point: Pray that God will increase your commitment and dedication to kingdom assignments.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 5:

1. Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before!
Christ, the Royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See His banners go!

Chorus
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before!

2. At the Sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!

3. Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
All one body we
One in hope and doctrine,
One in charity.

4. Onward, then, ye people,
Join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song;
Glory, praise and honour,
Unto Christ the King;
This, through countless ages
Men and angels sing.

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.