Prudent Family Life (Part 2) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Prudent Family Life (Part 2)

Dear Reader,

Last week, I taught on prudence in financial matters. This week, I will be exploring the topic: Creative Thinking.

Creative thinking means looking at something in a new way. The Scripture says: I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions (Proverbs 8:12) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). God’s Word declares that you have a sound mind. Thus, with that, you do not have to watch things go from bad to worse in your home; but, rather, from good to best. For instance, you can invent sound ways to get out of financial hardship. I have heard some women say, “My husband does not give me enough money for the upkeep of the house.” Then if you ask the man, he says, “What can I do? I am not getting enough from my job,” or “Business was bad last month.”

God’s intention is for you to enjoy a blissful family. You might have been faced with diverse challenges but it is not God’s will for your family. The truth is that you can change that ugly situation into an enviable one today. Before the year ends, you need to sit down and think of a way out.

According to A A Allen, “Before one can walk as Christ walked, and talk as He talked, he must first begin to think as Christ thought.” ―

Believers have a double advantage over the unbelievers, because we are created in the image of God with ingenious potentials, we also have the gift of a sound mind (the mind of Christ). 1 Corinthians 2:16 says: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. However, to be creative, you must be ready to:

1. Take a step

You must be ready to take a step that will involve using your sound mind to create honest alternative means of livelihood. Husbands you have to stir up that mind that Christ has given you. No godly man should be found sitting at home saying he has no job! Your responsibility is to create something that will yield profit for you. That is why I often say, marriage is not for the jobless. It is for those who know what it takes to make marriage work. The Scripture says: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Wives, if you are waiting until the money your husband gives you is enough to meet all your needs, you will wait endlessly! You have the mind of Christ; so be creative!

Also Read: Making Quality Decisions (Part 3) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Don’t you know that it is not necessarily the soup with the most expensive ingredients that is the most delicious? Sit down and think! “With what I have, how can I get the best food for my family?” Now, creativity does not only help you use what you have, it compels you to innovate new things even from old things. For example, the food that has stayed overnight does not have to be thrown away; you can turn it into another meal. Moreover, clothes, and even pieces of furniture can be re-sprayed or refurbished with new fabrics. The woman has a great role to play in determining the way the home looks. I pray that if you are a woman, you will rise up to the task and put your sound mind to use.

2. Stop complaining: My husband usually says that complaining will only end up complicating your matters. Can you imagine Jesus Christ complaining that He has no job? Impossible! Jesus, the wisdom of God, always knew what to do. Now you have the mind of Christ, so sit down and think of a way out! Create a job for yourself! Unfortunately, a complainer will always remain at the same spot, because his/her complaints will not allow for productivity. Moreover, one who complains will always see something wrong, not working, or even not good enough; instead of finding ways to get things done and ways to turn their marital trials to marital triumphs. May you be delivered from the spirit of complaining.

3. Stir your mind with God’s Word: As you read His Word, it stirs up your dead mind, opening you up to divine ideas. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work. (Exodus 35:35) God’s Word carries creative power. His Word is an eye opener; makes you see what others don’t see and hear what others don’t hear, thereby putting you ahead. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)

You must be determined to keep the destiny of your family alive. Do not wait for life to deliver to you what it wants. You must make up your mind that by your hands, you will make your marriage count according to God’s purpose for it. So, understand that a marriage instituted without the couples working will end up in a mirage!

To have the mind of Christ, you need to invite Jesus into your life. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: 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.

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 17 October 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Praise: A Deliverance Tool

TOPIC — Praise: A Deliverance Tool (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 17 October 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 20:20-22

MEMORY VERSE: “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” – Acts 16:25

The MESSAGE:

There are so many deliverance tools that are available and that God uses. Many of them are found in the Old Testament. They are still operational today and will still be used till the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is one tool that many of us have neglected, and do not even think about when it comes to issue of deliverance. This is the tool of praise. Information got to Jehoshaphat that other neighbouring kings have formed an alliance and were coming to fight him and his people. He became very afraid but reminded God of His power and deeds in the past, and how He drove out their enemies and handed over the land to them. Then, the Spirit of God came upon Jehaziel and he prophesied that the battle was the Lord’s. The king and his people bowed unto the Lord and praised Him with a loud voice, singing unto the Lord, praising Him before the army with the song, “Praise the Lord for His mercy endureth forever.”

Beloved, the army only praised God. The power of praise came down and the Lord laid an ambush against all the enemies that came against Judah. All the enemies in their multitude destroyed themselves by themselves. Praise is a powerful tool for deliverance. Also, Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Rather than weeping, they began to praise God inside the prison and the power of praise descended and suddenly there was a great earthquake. The foundation of the prison was shaken, all the doors of the prison were thrown open and every one’s bands were loosed. Eventually, the unbeliever-jailer gave his life to Christ. Beloved, rise up today and praise the Lord, and you shall see His good works. Any bondage in your life and career shall be loosened, and all yokes shall break; poverty shall give way, and power to prosper beyond your imagination shall locate you, in Jesus’ name. Cultivate this habit and the Lord shall visit you and deliver you.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
WE HAVE NO POWER TO CHOOSE OUR BATTLES, BUT WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHOOSE OUR WEAPONS.

PROPHETIC WORD:
You shall praise God today and all yokes shall break by the power of praise.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Father, I thank You for keeping me alive to praise You today, in the name of Jesus.
2. As I praise God today, and henceforth, you the spirit of fear tormenting me, die, in Jesus’ name.
3. Thou demons of fear, assigned to torment my life and my family in the dream, by the power of praise, die, in Jesus’ name.

EVENING
4. O Lord, my Father, by the power of praise, release Your angels of warfare to destroy every enemy of my peace, in Jesus’ name.
5. Every group of powers and demons encompassed around my life, by the power of praise, be ambushed by the angels of God, in Jesus’ name.
6. Power of God, visit the camp of my enemies as I praise God now and destroy them, in Jesus’ name.
7. Power to praise and worship God, come upon me, in the name of Jesus.

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: Which Surprise Pack? [Teens Open Heavens 17 October 2018]

Memorise: Behold therefore the goodness and the severity of God: on them which fell severity; but towards thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shall be cut off. Romans 11:22

Read: Romans 11:17-24 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Isaiah 62-64, 1 Thessalonians 5

MESSAGE:

Our God is called Wonderful. He is loaded with awe-causing events both good and bad and distributes these to people, depending on whether they are friends or foes. He revealed Himself to the Israelites and the Egyptians as the Wonderful, only that each saw His wonders from two different ends.

God’s goodness is released from His positive wonder packs, while His judgements come from the negative wonder packs. Are you a believer? You qualify for pleasant surprise packs from the Wonderful. But if you do not sustain your righteous standing and daily make Him happy, He may show you another aspect of His surprises; judgement.

Key Point: You are the one to determine which surprise package will come to you by your own works, thoughts and desires.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 8

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

3. To all life thou givest to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.

4. Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render; o help us to see;
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.

5. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

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.

Topic: Grace Will Overrule For You [TREM 17 October 2018 Daily Devotional]

“For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of Grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ”. Romans 5:17

Success in life is not about your qualification. It is about what God does for you. It is not about your works and efforts. It is about the finished work of Christ. The Grace of God reminds you that as you go out there, don’t think you are alone. The whole of heaven is behind you and there is no way you can fail. Failure has been deleted from the dictionary of a believer because of Grace.

Abraham saw himself as a failure. He was already retiring. But God said to him, your life is starting now. God attached his own name to Abram, that is why the name became Abraham. In other words, Abraham, whether you like it or not, you are not going to die a failure. I will attach my name to your name and barrenness will disappear.

We must receive Grace as a revelation and expect it to work for us. Not because of us but because of Him. That is why we always use Apostolic Benediction at the end of every service. May the grace our Lord Jesus Christ…In other words, when you are going out, know that you are carrying something that the devil has no answer for. It is called Grace. They said that your name should not be there. Grace says put his name there. If his name has not entered there, then no other name will be there.

Every challenge answers to grace. Your present situation will bow to grace. Grace will overrule for you. Isaac sowed in a land of famine, in the same land where everyone was running from, and grace said to Isaac because you sowed, I will change the whole land for your sake. He reaped an hundred fold in the same year because grace changed the entire soil. Grace will change your situation. Grace will overrule for you.

Further reading: Genesis 17:1-8; Genesis 26: 12-16; Romans 5:1-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 50-52; Evening- 1 Thessalonians 5

“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.

Topic: The Prayer and the Chain Saw [Our Daily Bread 17 October 2018 Devotional]

Read: Nehemiah 1, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 50–52; 1 Thessalonians 5

Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant. Nehemiah 1:11

I respect my Aunt Gladys’s intrepid spirit, even if that very spirit concerns me sometimes. The source of my concern came in the form of news she shared in an email: “I cut down a walnut tree yesterday.”

You must understand that my chainsaw-wielding aunt is seventy-six years old! The tree had grown up behind her garage. When the roots threatened to burst through the concrete, she knew it had to go. But she did tell us, “I always pray before I tackle a job like that.”

While serving as butler to the king of Persia during the time of Israel’s exile, Nehemiah heard news concerning the people who had returned to Jerusalem. Some work needed to be done. “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3). The broken walls left them vulnerable to attack by enemies. Nehemiah had compassion for his people and wanted to get involved. But prayer came first, especially since a new king had written a letter to stop the building efforts in Jerusalem (see Ezra 4). Nehemiah prayed for his people (Nehemiah 1:5–10), and then asked God for help before requesting permission from the king to leave (v. 11).

Is prayer your response? It’s always the best way to face any task or trial in life.

Prayer: Father, Your Holy Spirit reminds us to pray first. Today, we commit to doing so as Your Spirit prompts us.

Make prayer a first priority, instead of a last resort.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Linda Washington [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Separation From The Crowd [Seeds of Destiny 17 October 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2 Corinthians 6:17.

Thought For The Day: Conformity is the foundation for uniformity of calamity; to flow with the crowd is to be lost in the crowd.

Sometime ago, I heard the story of a high ranking Christian officer in the Nigerian army. One day, other officers were organizing a party and this high-ranking Christian Officer was invited to be part of it. In the course of the preparation, this Christian officer asked his fellow officers if alcohol would be served in the party and the other officers answered in the affirmative. Then he said, “If alcohol would be served, then I won’t be involved and my money would not be part of it.” Then after some deliberations, they said, “What is the use of even serving alcohol in the first place? We will not serve alcohol in the party. There is no need.’ They told the Christian officer. So, the Christian officer responded, ‘In that case, I will attend the party.’

The lesson from this story is: only one man changed the order of a major event because of solidity of Godly character. You too can change the sinful opinion or attitude of an overwhelming majority with your Godly character if you refuse to join them or compromise.

Beloved, your separation from the crowd guarantees your safety in life. Conformity is the foundation for uniformity of calamity; if you conform to the world, the same calamity that confronts the world will befall you. To flow with the crowd is to be lost in the crowd. That shall not be your portion in Jesus’ Name.

To be the best, you must be yourself. The desire to be like somebody is the reason for so many nobodies. You cannot make a difference in your generation until you are clearly different.

My counsel is, make up your mind to be different from other people.

Remember This: Conformity is the foundation for uniformity of calamity; to flow with the crowd is to be lost in the crowd.

Assignments:
1. Avoid the wrong company.
2. Determine to be clearly different for God wherever you find yourself.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask for mercy in any area I might have conformed to the world. I receive the grace to standout for Christ even in the midst of confrontations and contradictions Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: HINDRANCES TO A PURPOSEFUL LIFE

Quote: The voice of the person you listen to determines how you will end. To camp with the rest, is to end like the rest. Culled from 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 30:1 to 31:26, 1 Timothy 2:1 to 15, Psalm 87:1 to 7, Proverbs 25:18 to 19

Amazing Fact: Lizards are born dumb and remain like that till they die.

Today In History: 17/10/1904, Bank of Italy (Bank of America) opened its doors

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

Today’s devotional 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: The Escape Route [DCLM Daily Manna 17 October 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Matthew 11:20-30 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest“ (Matthew 11:28).

MESSAGE:

Practical experiences during childhood reveals that, it isn’t all the threats or lies aimed at creating fear in the child that are real. Most times, an inquisitive child soon discovers that nothing like the foretold consequences happens. This often emboldens him/her to flout other instructions believing that there would be no serious adverse consequence after all.

This same scenario, no doubt, plays itself out in the attitude of most people concerning the stern warning of Christ to the religious, carefree and impenitent of the dire consequences of their sinful lifestyle. We need to understand that God is not a man. His words will ever be true and He has appointed a day for judgment of evil men and women. Many justify their rebellion against God on the grounds that many church leaders and religious people commit sin without any consequence.

The Scripture describes the unfortunate condition thus: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11). It should, however, be noted that no sinner will go unpunished, because on the judgment day, God will not be swayed by money, emotion or any other factor.

The sure way of escape is repentance and faith in Christ as revealed through the solemn invitation in our text. Those who reject the invitation of Christ to repentance today will one day face the sordid reality of judgment in hell. Be wise to repent by acknowledging, confessing and forsaking your sins so that heaven can rejoice over you too. Pray for pardon.

Thought For The Day: The wheel of God’s judgment may drive slowly, but it is imminent.

Bible Reading In One Year: Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9

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.

Kenneth & Gloria Copeland Devotional 17 October 2018 – Living the Love Life

Topic: Living the Love Life [17 October 2018]

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

We often think of “laying down your life” for someone else in terms of dying. That’s what Jesus did. He loved us so much He laid down His life by dying in our place so that we could live.

But now, He’s asked us to lay down our lives in a different way. He’s asked us to show our love, not by dying for others, but by living for them.

Exactly what does that mean?

Sometimes it means giving our lives by spending time in prayer for someone. Other times it means giving of ourselves with love and understanding. Many times it means laying down our own selfish desires in order to meet the needs of another.

Romans 15:1 puts it this way, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

When you lay down your life, you live to please God instead of yourself. You let your life be guided by His love. If love leads you to the person next door, you follow. When love calls you to intercede for someone in need, you yield.

Commit yourself today to lay down your own life—and take up the love life. Say:

“Father, in Jesus’ Name, I see from Your Word that You were willing to give of Yourself, in the person of Your Son, for all men. I understand that because Jesus is Lord of my life, I, too, am called to give myself to others. I choose to accept that calling today.

“I’ll give of my time. I’ll give of Your love in me. I’ll be strong and lift up those who are weak. I’m willing to be available to be used of You so that those around me might experience the abundant life You have provided.

“You have loved me, Lord, with the greatest love there is. I count it a privilege now to share that love with others. I thank You for it in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22-26, Galatians 6:1-3

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional Here’’

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.