Topic: Have a Glad Heart [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Sunday August 19, 2018]

From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hands shall come back to him [as a harvest]. — Proverbs 12:14 (AMPC)

I used to live with an ongoing sense of dread until I asked God to show me what was wrong. He spoke the words “evil forebodings,” and then showed me His Word concerning this subject: “All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]” (Proverb 15:15 AMPC).

Anxious thoughts make the day evil. If you expect to have a dismal day, you will be unpleasant yourself. Evil forebodings ruin the day, but faith makes the heart glad and brings miraculous results. If you want to have a good day, raise your expectations to be in line with God’s Word.

Prayer Starter: Father, You have good things planned for my day. Help me to actively expect Your goodness in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

Open Heavens 20 August 2018 Monday Daily Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye – Bed Undefiled II

Memorise: “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”- 1 Peter 3:7

Read: Malachi 2:13-17 (KJV)

13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

Bible in One Year: Psalm 36-39, Matthew 23:1-28

Open Heavens 20 August 2018 Monday MESSAGE:

Apart from sexual infidelity, one other way of defiling the matrimonial bed is through domestic violence. This can come from the man or woman. God hates violence generally, but particularly despises it in marriage, and for this reason, He said in Malachi 2:16:

“For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”

The breakdown of affection between married couples is a highly emotional issues with God, so much so that in today’s Bible reading, the tears, weeping and crying emanating from the agony of broken marriages made Him disregard the people’s worship, as we see in Malachi 2:13:

“And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.”

Many people don’t know that domestic violence, particularly among married couples, is a great hindrance and stumbling block to their spiritual growth and blessing. This is the reason why the Holy Spirit sent these words to the Church in 1 Peter 3:7, saying:

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

Violence, wife battering, husband battering and the like directly offend the Almighty God. I have on many occasions told the story of a man whose only daughter was maltreated by her husband. This man hated his son-in-law so much that his hatred made him terribly sick. It was not until he forgave his son-in-law that he was able to recover from his sickness. This is how much domestic violence can destroy lives and families. Husbands, you are inviting the wrath of God upon your life when you maltreat the redeemed daughter of Zion you are privileged to have as wife. Note that in Malachi 2:16, when expressing how much He hates divorce and domestic violence, God used the Name He uses in combat. Therefore, stop defiling your bed with violence against your spouse, either physical violence or verbal violence. Wives should learn to submit to their husbands, irrespective of what the world thinks about this (Ephesians 5:22-23). Beloved, the truth is that unless we allow Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, to come into our marriages, the expected peace may continue to elude us. Therefore, I appeal to you to raise an altar of submission and corporate worship to the Lord Jesus Christ in your home, and you will begin to experience peace and prosperity in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Open Heavens 20 August 2018 Monday

Go to God in repentance for any form of violence you have introduced into your home.

Also Read: Open Heavens 19 August 2018 – Bed Undefiled I

Open Heavens 20 August 2018 Monday Hymn 17: God, Give Us Christian Homes

1. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,
Homes where the Master’s will is sought,
Homes crowned with beauty Your love has wrought;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

2. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the father is true and strong,
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong,
Homes that are joyous with love and song;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

3. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the mother, in caring quest,
Strives to show others Your way is best,
Homes where the Lord is an honored guest;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

4. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so,
Homes where the altar fires burn and glow;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

Open Heavens 20 August 2018 Monday 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 August 2018.

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 — Love: A Principal Ingredient in Marriage (Part 2)

Dear Reader,

Marriage is one of God’s most wonderful gifts to mankind. It is a treasure worth working on, cherishing and sustaining. His instructions are as valid today as ever. To follow them is to make the honorable, godly choice. No shame comes from following God’s instructions—only beneficial and lasting rewards. Last week, we saw God’s involvement in the journey of love and marriage. This week, we will be looking at Love as the First Principle of Marriage.

Marriage is a “holy estate” instituted by God, who created man and woman as equals. The man and the woman complement each other. Love is the first principle of marriage; the husband is to sacrifice himself for his wife, and the wife submits herself to her husband.

Love is the cement that holds the marriage union together. If you are not in love with your spouse, there is nothing to bind the relationship together. Love is the master key to a lasting marriage. Entering into marriage without love is coming into the world without a heart. Some men are not really in love, but they are only in a sexual relationship.

Love is the first or foundation principle in marriage. But what kind of love? Not sex. Sex in marriage is a good thing, but it’s not the “love” that makes a marriage strong. Not romance. Romance in marriage is a good thing, but it’s not the “love” on which a marriage is founded. There is a far greater love. This is the sacrificial and selfless love.

Jesus Christ demonstrated how to show true love. He exemplified God’s love for mankind. He showed true love through His focus on self-sacrifice, the seeking of the well-being and benefit of others at one’s own expense. That is true love!

Hebrews 3:4 says: For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

Since God built marriage, He has created all that it would take to make it work. Man on his own part needs to abide by God’s principle and implement His plan. God has said: Husbands, love your wives, and to the woman He said: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husband (Ephesians 5:25 and 22).

In its essence, love is not just words or feelings, but love is a decision expressed in deeds.

Love is not focused on the benefit to the giver, but is focused on the benefit to the recipient. Unconditional love does not say, “I’ll love you if you do this or that,” or “I’ll love you on the condition that I get this or that from you,” rather it says, “I want the highest good for you no matter if it doesn’t benefit me.” When both parties in a marriage demonstrate this kind of love, a very strong foundation is laid that will stand the tests of time.

The God-type of love is unconditional. Jesus loved the Church when there was no Church yet. He died for the wicked man; His love was not as a result of our love for Him. He loved us so much, He paid the greatest price any one could ever pay; He laid down His life. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16).

Are you willing to accept the love of God today? Then surrender your life to Christ. You surrender your life to God by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. 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.