Here is a ten-point advice for singles and younger couples from a perspective of 20+ years of marriage:
Commit to lifelong faithfulness. Make your vows before God and keep them through thick and thin. Fidelity and loyalty are what will see married couples through in all seasons of life. Even as singles, beware of someone who is already cheating on you. They will not likely change
Be besties for life! A happy marriage is built on the foundation of a deep and abiding friendship. Make time each day to connect, laugh together, and be each other’s best friend. Don’t marry someone who is not a friend!
Two are better than one…if one falls down, his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Communicate respectfully. Listen to understand each other, not just reply. Handle discussions and disagreements with care, respect and keep it like your lives depend on it.
Be flexible. No one always gets their way so meet halfway when you don’t see eye to eye. Focus on understanding each other, not being right.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Forgive and forget. Resentments poison relationships. When mistakes come up, go with mercy and leave the past in the past.
Pray together daily. God must be at the center of a Christian marriage for guidance, provision, and keeping you united in purpose.
Practice acts of service. Look for ways to lighten each other’s load through selflessness instead of entitlement. Consider your lover more important than self.
Be quick to affirm, slow to criticize. Appreciation and validation strengthen the bond between a husband and wife more than criticism ever can.
Manage money responsibly. Harmony in finances prevents stress and arguments. Agree on a budget, save for the future, and hold accountability.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation…which plunge them into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Enjoy each moment together. Even when busy, carve out time to connect, have fun and cherish this partnership as God’s gift. Cherish each other always.
1. Focus on developing your relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. As traditional as that may sound, never despise meetings in church.
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT): And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
2. Work on becoming the best version of yourself – mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Keep on developing capacity!
Romans 12:2 (NIV): Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
3. Guard your heart and steer clear of empty relationships, compare dating standards to God’s.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT): “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
4. Use dating apps prayerfully if desired but don’t obsess – connect in real life with wisdom and patience.
Proverbs 19:11 (NLT): Common sense is a fountain of life to those who embrace it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
5. Pray daily for your future spouse.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
For Couples:
6. Be particular about intimacy through meaningful conversations beyond daily logistics and make time for romantic exploring.
Song of Solomon 2:3-6 (NLT): Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. Strengthen me with raisins and refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
7. Protect your union from temptation and harmful influences that threaten oneness through social media, spending, or unwise friendships.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NLT): Avoid every kind of evil.
8. Communicate affection through generosity of word, action and non-sexual touch to foster deep bonding.
Ephesians 4:29-31 (NLT): Don’t use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. And do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed for the day of redemption. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.
9. Resolve conflicts respectfully through active listening, humility, repentance and compromise instead of aggressive reactions.
Proverbs 15:1 (NLT): A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
10. Pray together daily for vision, strength, and blessings upon your family
Eph 3:14 (MSG) My response is to get down on my knees before the Father,
Faith is essential for overcoming the challenges of the world
We must not allow deception or troubles to shake our faith
Maintaining faith protects us from the chaos around us
Listening to inspiring sermons repeatedly helped Pastor Jerry stay strong in his faith, even to the point of running around the hotel pool in excitement.
Remaining Focused on God’s Promises
God’s word contains promises to cover every area of our lives
We must stay anchored to these promises and not be distracted
The enemy wants to make us forget God’s promises for our lives
Pastor Jerry keeps a collection of his mentors’ sermons on his iPod to constantly renew his focus on God’s word.
Avoiding Worldly Distractions
Social media and negative news can be detrimental distractions
We must be discerning about what information we consume
Distractions make it harder for God’s word to take root in our hearts
Pastor Jerry avoids listening to preachers who spread lies and negativity, as he knows it can undermine his faith.
If we heed these three directives from the Lord – staying in faith, remaining focused on His promises, and avoiding worldly distractions – Pastor Jerry believes 2024 will be a year of progression, advancement, promotion, and the fulfillment of our highest expectations.
Progressing in Faith
Faith can grow and increase from one level to another, from “Faith to Faith”
The speaker shares how his ministry has experienced progression and growth over the years, breaking financial records each year
Remaining stagnant and not progressing is not God’s will, it is a “curse” to stay the same
Advancing in God’s Glory
Going from “glory to glory” means experiencing more of God’s manifested presence, power, and goodness.
This includes miracles, financial breakthroughs, and increased favor
God desires to fill our homes and lives with His glory, not just the church
Supernatural Increase
The speaker shares a testimony of a man who experienced a $12 million increase in the value of a forgotten stock, after the speaker prayed for supernatural increase.
This demonstrates how God can bring unexpected blessings and breakthroughs when we step out in faith.
The Biblical Definition of Glory
The first mention of “glory” in the Bible refers to Jacob’s acquisition of wealth and assets from his father-in-law Laban.
The glory of Joseph’s life was the prosperity and wealth he experienced as the second-in-command in Egypt.
The Bible teaches that we are to go from “faith to faith” and from “glory to glory” – meaning financial breakthrough and increasing levels of prosperity.
When Joseph’s brothers saw the glory of his position and wealth, they were amazed and instructed to tell their father about it.
Declaring Your Financial Glory
We must declare and decree our progression from “faith to faith” and “glory to glory” in order to experience it.
The Bible instructs us to “declare His glory among the nations” and to “decree a thing, and it shall be established.”
When the people in the temple spoke of God’s glory in harmony, miracles and breakthroughs occurred.
Speaking positive confessions about your financial future and declaring that 2024 will be a year of advancement and promotion.
The Promise of Future Glory
God promises to bestow grace, favor, and “future glory” upon those who walk uprightly.
No matter how much glory or prosperity you have experienced thus far, there is more “future glory” headed your way.
Believing that God has even greater financial blessings and breakthroughs in store for your life in the days ahead.
Unlocking the Secrets of Financial Glory: Jerry Savelle’s Last Sermon Part 1
This devotional captures Jerry Savelle’s final sermon, before his transition, where he reflects on his 55-year ministry and the powerful moves of God he has witnessed over the years. Savelle shares stories of his early encounters with influential figures like Lester Sumrall and Oral Roberts, and how their ministries and teachings impacted his own spiritual journey.
NB. All words in italics are my own words.
Lifelong Pursuit of God’s Presence
Savelle had a deep hunger for experiencing the move of God, even from a young age. Dear singles, it is never too early to obey God all the way. Don´t wait till you are married.
He sought out mentors like Lester Sumrall and Oral Roberts to learn from their experiences and anointings. Singles and Couples, who is your mentor?
Savelle’s desire was to be in the center of what God was doing, to be a catalyst for revival and miracles. Do you have a desire to be at the center of God´s will?
He shared his experience of watching Oral Roberts’ crusades on 16mm film, which left him deeply impacted and hungry for more of God’s power.
Reflections on the Charismatic Movement
Savelle witnessed the rise of the charismatic movement in the 1960s and 70s, with powerful ministries and revivals.
He recounts how his wife Carolyn grew up in a Pentecostal church, exposed to healing evangelists and the move of the Spirit. It is important to pay attention to the spiritual history of your intended spouse!
Savelle himself came to know the Lord during this time and was eager to immerse himself in the charismatic experiences he had missed out on earlier
He shared his relationship with Pastor Jack Moore, the great healing evangelist who had ministered in his church.
Embracing the Call to Ministry
Savelle shares how he initially resisted the call to preach, like Lester Sumrall, but ultimately surrendered to God’s plan for his life.
He recounts how Oral Roberts reached out to him, recognizing Savelle’s anointing and calling him to develop a relationship. Divine relationships are so important in your journey.
Savelle’s ministry spanned over 55 years, during which he witnessed and participated in numerous moves of God.
He shared his experience of leading the Jesus Revolution on Pismo Beach, where hundreds were saved and baptized in the Pacific Ocean.
Jerry Savelle’s final sermon is a powerful testament to his lifelong pursuit of God’s presence and the anointing to see revival and miracles. His stories of encountering influential figures like Lester Sumrall and Oral Roberts, and his own experiences of witnessing the charismatic movement, have left a deep impact on his ministry and spiritual legacy.
Savelle’s unwavering desire to be in the center of God’s move, and to be a catalyst for it, is an inspiring example for all who seek to walk in the fullness of God’s power and purpose.
The Mystery About Intimacy Part 2 – Rev. Funke Felix-Adejumo
Continued from yesterday
Anatomy of Marriage: Understanding the Differences Between Men and Women . Men and women think differently – men think deeper while women think faster.
Women use both hemispheres of the brain, allowing them to multitask, while men use one side at a time.
This leads to differences in how they approach and respond to various situations.
Example: A woman can juggle multiple tasks like answering the phone, comforting a crying baby, and tending to the stove, while a man may struggle to do more than one thing at a time.
Understanding Women.
Women are more emotionally driven and require consistent emotional support from their partners.
Women are “multipliers” – they tend to magnify whatever is given to them, whether positive or negative.
Women respond better to words of affirmation and public displays of affection.
Women have a stronger memory for details compared to men.
Example: A wife may feel emotionally unfulfilled if her husband does not regularly express his love and appreciation for her. This can lead to resentment and conflict in the marriage.
Understanding Men.
Men are more rational and logical in their thinking.
Men are less easily persuaded and need more evidence to be convinced.
Men tend to be more egotistical and protective of their egos.
Men are often risk-takers and prefer fewer words.
Men dislike nagging and prefer to be recognized for their achievements.
Example: A husband may be satisfied after a brief intimate encounter, while his wife still desires more intimacy and connection.
Differences in Intimacy Life.
A man’s intimacy life is like a “piece of paper that catches fire” – it’s quick and intense
A woman’s intimacy life is like “charcoal” – it takes time and effort to ignite and sustain.
This is why a woman may feel unsatisfied if her partner finishes too quickly.
Interconnected Life
A woman’s life is not compartmentalized like a man’s – everything is interconnected
If a woman has unresolved issues or past trauma, it can affect her intimate intimacy in marriage.
Men need to be patient and understanding of their wife’s emotional and psychological needs.
Example: A wife who has been previously raped may struggle with intimacy and have a negative perception of intimacy, which can impact her marriage.
