Top 56 Valuable Lessons from the 56-Year Marriage of Joyce and Dave Meyer
Joyce and Dave Meyer have been married for over 56 years. In their Video, Talk It Out, they share candidly about the highs and lows of their journey together. Joyce notes early on in their 5-date courtship, they didn’t truly know each other. Yet through divine intervention, they found themselves bonded for life.
Based on this conversation with celebrated life coach and bestselling author Joyce Meyer and her husband Dave, here are some invaluable insights on how to build a strong, God-honoring marriage.
1. Joyce and Dave Meyer discuss the ups and downs of their early marriage and how their thinking has changed over the years.
2. Dave knew marriage was forever so he never thought about changing Joyce or leaving if things didn’t improve.
3. They had to learn about each other through experiences and God helped Dave deal with difficult situations. Over decades, Joyce and Dave Meyer learned to accept each other fully as God designed.
4. Dave applies relevant scriptures like Ephesians 5:28 to situations rather than dwelling on problems.
5. Joyce explains she came from a difficult childhood which manifested in erratic, emotionally volatile behaviors in their first years of marriage. She recalls giving Dave the silent treatment for weeks at a time when upset.
6. Dave remained steadfast, understanding where Joyce’s hurt originated while navigating ups and downs to learn about her. He displayed remarkable strength and commitment to their vows.
Common Mistakes in Marriage.
7. Trying to change your spouse instead of letting them be who they are. Realizing their unique qualities complement one another affirms God’s plan for oneness in marriage.
8. Joyce acknowledges trying to change Dave was misguided since transformation must come from within.
9. From the start, Dave viewed marriage as permanent, avoiding the “threat” mindset some have of changing or divorcing a spouse.
10. Focusing on what’s wrong with your spouse instead of what’s right is a common mistake.
11. Thinking you have to be happy for your spouse to be happy instead of each being responsible for their own happiness.
Handling Differences of Opinion.
12. It’s normal to have different opinions and likes in a marriage.
13. Compromise by allowing each person to decorate their own space.
14. It’s okay to disagree as long as you don’t think your spouse is wrong for having a different view.
15. Joyce recommends couples make a side-by-side list of each other’s positive and negative traits. For her and Dave, the good vastly outweighed the bad. By shifting mental focus to a spouse’s virtues, small flaws seem insignificant.
Dealing with Financial Disagreements.
16. Joyce and Dave Meyer advised that you talk through finances and goals before marriage to avoid surprises.
17. Needs can change over time so revisit financial agreements.
18. Understand each other’s perspectives and fears around money.
Dave’s Experience with Saving Money as a Youth.
19. Dave shares how he learned the value of saving money from a young age. He explains how at 16 years old, he saved one thousand dollars cutting grass and selling items to buy his first car.
20. Dave emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spending money on important goals.
Accepting Each Other as God Made Us.
21. Joyce and Dave Meyer are different. Dave is more logical while Joyce processes things verbally.
22. One frequent source of disagreement between spouses is having differing communication styles.
23. Joyce mentioned how she likes to verbally process situations by talking through all the angles, while Dave prefers a more direct, logical approach. It’s not that either way is wrong, but recognizing these distinctions is important. They’ve realized God made them this way and focusing on each other’s strengths has helped.
24. When Joyce was unhappy, Dave modeled finding joy regardless through stable faith.
25. As Christians, we are not to let others dictate our moods but lead by example. Joyce was inspired to mirror Dave’s contentment.
26. Misunderstandings often arise when partners don’t understand each other’s methods of thinking and reasoning through problems.
27. Surrender fully to God’s design for oneness. Appreciate differences as completing each other.
28. Apply biblical solutions in tough times, not human reasoning. Prioritize your spouse’s well-being through humility, patience, and consistent prayer.
We will continue with Part 2 of Top 56 Valuable Lessons from the 56-Year Marriage of Joyce and Dave Meyer tomorrow.
Top 10 Secrets Of Rising To The Top In Marriage with Dr. Becky Enenche
Introduction
If you want a successful marriage that stands the test of time, this article is for you. Many marriages struggle or fail because the vital roles of God, the husband, and the wife’s submission are not properly understood. In this piece, I will explain the secrets to rising to the top in marriage by exploring the God factor, the husband’s role, and what submission from the wife truly means.
The God Factor
It is no secret that God must be at the center of any marriage that hopes to thrive. God is the one who gives dignity and blessing to a marital relationship. He is the one who gives color and meaning to what marriage represents. Rising To The Top In Marriage Is possible with God.
The Bible tells us that “favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.” This shows us that the greatest quality a wife can have is the fear of God, and the same applies to the husband. When both partners put God first in their marriage, it lays the foundation for success. Here are Top 10 Secrets Of Rising To The Top In Marriage
1. God must be at the center.
The very first secret of Rising To The Top In Marriage is realization that God instituted the marriage institution, so He must be at the center for it to fulfill His purpose.
Why must we put God at the center?
a. Putting God at the center eliminates distrust that comes from defiled relationships. Premarital sex erodes love, trust, respect and leads to affairs.
b. God gives direction for the roles of the man and woman, so obeying His word on these roles helps the marriage.
c. A God-centered marriage receives blessings, dignity, and favor from above.
For Rising To The Top In Marriage to be realized, every husband and wife must ensure God is the number one priority in their home. Their relationship with Him must come before anything or anyone else.
Dr. Becky Enenche highlights that the man’s singular assignment as far as a successful marriage is concerned is to love his wife. This is rooted in Ephesians 5 verse 25 which instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. What a tall order that is! There are 5 key ways for a man to love his wife.
2. Be Patient:
Patience is another top secret of Rising To The Top In Marriage. As the weaker vessel, a wife needs patience, understanding, and accommodation from her husband. Rushing her or having unrealistic expectations will breed resentment.
3. Be Kind:
This means taking care of her needs, being considerate of her feelings, opening doors, and generally making her feel cherished through actions.
4. Do Not Insist on Your Own Rights:
A loving husband will be willing to yield his rights or ways sometimes for the good of his wife and family unity.
5. Do Not Be Rude or Arrogant:
Speaking to one’s wife, especially in public, in a demeaning way destroys her dignity and the respect a husband is meant to command. Rising To The Top In Marriage cannot be realized if either spouse is rude and arrogant.
6. Praise Your Wife:
Loving words, compliments, and affirmations are like water for a wife’s soul. They help her to respect and cheerfully submit to her husband.
When a man fully embraces these 5 points, he sets himself and his wife up for success in marriage. But it is a two-way street – the wife also has a role to play.
A wife’s singular assignment in marriage is submission to her husband. This is rooted in Ephesians 5 verse 22 which instructs wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. Submission is often misunderstood in today’s society but is vital for a thriving marriage. Here are 4 key aspects of a wife’s biblical submission.
7. Depend on Your Husband:
Look to him for provision, protection, and leadership. This allows him to fulfill his role joyfully. That way, Rising To The Top In Marriage will not be far-fetched.
8. Adapt Yourself to Your Husband:
Be flexible in your ways and accommodate his preferences sometimes to keep peace in the home.
9. Respect Your Husband:
Honor, admire, and hold him in high regard as the head of the home. Respect strengthens a man’s leadership. Respect is a secret of Rising To The Top In Marriage.
10. Praise Your Husband:
As with the husband praising his wife, a wife who makes her man feel valued through words of affirmation and encouragement empowers him.
When a wife embraces these 4 principles of submission, it creates an environment where her husband can love her as Christ loved the church. In turn, this releases blessings in the home. A submissive wife is a barometer for a successful, happy marriage.
Conclusion
In summary, the secrets to rising to the top in marriage are ensuring God is at the center, the husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church, and the wife submits to her husband’s leadership as unto the Lord. When both partners understand and fulfill their God-ordained roles, it creates an ideal environment for a thriving marriage full of joy, peace, and blessings from above.
Some may object that submission seems like oppression. However, as outlined, biblical submission is not about control but about each partner serving the other. It allows both to fulfill their full potential.
When submission is embraced with a pure heart, it leads to a marriage where both partners truly become one flesh.
For those struggling in their marriage, I strongly recommend focusing on the God factor, having the husband study what it means to love like Christ, and the wife learning about joyful biblical submission. Make these secrets a daily reality and watch as your marriage is transformed and rises to new heights.
In closing, if you want your marriage to stand the test of time, put God first, love your spouse sacrificially, and learn to submit to one another through service. Apply these secrets and you will reap an abundant, blessed marriage that will be the envy of those around you.
Unlock 10 Secrets of Biblical Courtship and Marriage with Dr. David Ogbueli
This devotional is from a teaching originally done by Dr. David Ogbueli in a YouTube video titled Biblical Courtship and Marriage.
Many struggle with relationships failing to last. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how much wisdom is packed into the Bible’s approach to courtship and marriage? It’s like a well-designed blueprint for building a solid foundation, and let me tell you, that foundation is crucial when it comes to weathering life’s storms together.
What are The Two Stages of Biblical Courtship and Marriage?
1. First Stage. Engagement
Engagement in the biblical sense wasn’t just a fancy way of saying “We’re dating.” Nope, it was a brief period where the couple obtained consent from the woman’s family, kind of like a formal “courting” phase. Once that consent was given, it was time to move on to the next stage: marriage.
2. Second Stage. Marriage
Marriage represented the legal and covenant union between a man and woman. Speaking of marriage, this wasn’t just a casual “let’s make it official” kind of deal. It was a full-blown covenant union between a man and woman, complete with ceremonies and celebrations with both families. Talk about making a commitment, right? That is the second stage of Biblical Courtship and Marriage.
Let’s talk about Understanding Engagement in Scripture.
3. The Example of Rebekah and Isaac
Remember the story of Rebekah and Isaac? When Abraham’s servant went searching for a wife for Isaac, Rebekah showed she was game, and the servant then asked her family for permission. Boom, that’s the engagement process right there. This is a clear example of Biblical Courtship and Marriage.
4. The Example of Mary and Joseph
How about Mary and Joseph? According to Matthew 1:19, they were already betrothed (engaged) when Mary became pregnant. Joseph was ready to “divorce her quietly” because he thought she had been unfaithful. That just goes to show how serious engagement was back then – it was basically like being married already.
What are the Factors to Consider During Engagement?
5. Inquiring About Family Backgrounds
When it comes to Biblical Courtship and Marriage, It was important to inquire about each other’s family backgrounds, values, and relationships. After all, you’re not just marrying the person; you’re marrying into their whole family dynamic.
6. Checking Spiritual Values and Upbringing.
Checking in on spiritual values and upbringing was also crucial. You wanted to make sure you and your potential spouse were on the same page when it came to following Christ and living out biblical truth. It’s not just about what someone says; it’s about the fruit they bear.
7. Moving From Engagement to Marriage
Once consent and compatibility were established, it was time to move from engagement to marriage without delay. Dragging things out too long risked forming unhealthy attachments or behaviors that weren’t exactly in line with Christian commitment. With God’s guidance and some wise counsel, a couple could discern when they were ready to tie the knot.
How Do We Apply Biblical Courtship and Marriage Principles for Lasting Marriages?
8. The Importance of Parental Guidance
Following God’s blueprint for relationships helps build marriages that stand. parental guidance is key. Having that accountability and wisdom from the get-go helps ensure you’re making a decision based on character and calling, not just fleeting emotions.
9. Building on Shared Faith
When you and your spouse are united in following Christ, you’ve got a solid spiritual and moral foundation to weather any storm that comes your way. Marrying someone who doesn’t share your faith can lead to growing apart over time as your worldviews diverge.
10. Recommendation
That’s why I wholeheartedly recommend following the Biblical Courtship and Marriage model of brief engagement and parental guidance when it comes to relationships. It’s all about open communication, accountability, and making sure you’re compatible in the ways that truly matter – shared faith, values, and a commitment to putting Christ at the center of your union. Let’s be real, emotions come and go, but a marriage built on the solid rock of Christ? That’s a union that can withstand anything life throws your way, all while bringing glory to God.
Conclusion
So, my friend, as you navigate the world of relationships and marriage, remember to make wisdom your guide. Don’t just go with your feelings; seek counsel, prioritize character and conviction, and build on a foundation of shared faith. When you do that, you’ll be setting yourself up for a marriage that not only lasts but also reflects the incredible love and commitment of our Heavenly Father. I hope you have learnt one or two things about Biblical Courtship and Marriage.
18 Blueprints for a Successful Marriage and Home Part 2 by Bishop Oyedepo.
We continue from where we left off yesterday.
8. Protect Your Home from Unauthorized Discussions.
Satan knows the best way to infiltrate is through our vulnerabilities. We must guard our hearts and minds, as well as protect our families, from having private counsel with those who could mislead or misinform.
Only by focusing on Jesus can we avoid being led astray down dangerous paths that end up destroying what God wants to build.
9. Satan, Liar and Deceiver.
Satan is introduced in the Bible as a deceiver, not a man of strength. He is against a Successful Marriage and home. His power comes from deception, not might. We must recognize him for who he truly is – a liar who seeks to trick us through half-truths and distortions of God’s word. To avoid giving Satan access, we must educate ourselves on the strategies he commonly uses. Some of his devices mentioned in the Bible include sowing discord, temptation of the flesh, and accusations against believers. Studying God’s word and growing in spiritual discernment equip us to recognize Satan’s tactics and not fall for his tricks.
10. Satan Seeks to Gain Advantage Through Ignorance.
Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 2 verse 11 that we should not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, lest he gain an advantage over us. Unless we are conversant in his tricks and tactics, the enemy will succeed in deceiving us. Knowledge is key to not allowing Satan’s entrance. We must understand how he operates so we aren’t caught unaware by his schemes. In a successful marriage, the couple is sensitive.
11. Love Your Spouse As Christ Loves the Church.
A foundational way to keep Satan out is by following Christ’s example of sacrificial love for our spouse. When we put our partner’s needs above our own desires, prioritizing understanding and kindness, it creates an environment Satan cannot penetrate. Your marriage and home becomes a haven.
12. Submit to One Another in Reverence for Christ.
Another one of the blueprints for a successful marriage and home is submission. Bishop Oyedepo highlighted the importance of mutual submission according to Ephesians 5. By humbly yielding to one another out of respect for Jesus, it fosters an atmosphere of peace, unity, and care that protects the home from Satan’s schemes.
13. Living Out God’s Design for Marriage.
God created marriage to reflect Christ’s love for the church. Living this out daily through small acts of service, communication, and time together provides the foundation Satan cannot gain entry over.
14. Dealing With an Unsaved Spouse.
For those with unbelieving partners, Bishop Oyedepo advised continuing to love unconditionally as Christ did, while being a light that points to Jesus. With patience and prayer, God can use a faithful spouse’s example to soften their companion’s heart over time. Your marriage and home can be glorious.
15. Standing United as a Family.
When spouses present a united front and make their marriage and home a priority through quality time together, it sends a message to Satan that he is not welcome. Discord and division give him an opening to sow temptation, but unity slams the door in his face.
16. Praying For and Encouraging Your Spouse.
Lifting each other through prayer is vital and also a Successful Marriage secret. When spouses cover one another before God’s throne daily, interceding for protection and blessing, it forms a hedge of protection around the home that demons cannot penetrate. Positive words of affirmation and compassion also strengthen the resolve to resist Satan’s attacks.
17. Resolving Conflict Biblically.
Disagreements will inevitably arise, but Bishop Oyedepo stressed addressing them according to Matthew 18, through gentle confrontation and then involving authority figures if needed. Refusing to let the sun go down on anger prevents the devil from gaining a foothold in division. thereby saving your marriage and home.
18. Filling Your Home With Love.
Making your marriage and home a place of acceptance, forgiveness, and fun keeps Satan at bay. Laughter, inside jokes, and making memories together form an impenetrable shield of protection. Filling your water pots with love and kindness starves the accuser of any opportunities.
Conclusion. By understanding Satan’s tactics, equipping yourself with biblical knowledge, and living out God’s design for marriage, you can send the demons attacking your marriage and home fleeing. Make protecting your family through Christ-centered unity and love a daily priority. Though spiritual battles will come, focus on filling your water pots with God’s love so Satan finds no entrance. Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Blueprints for a Successful Marriage and Home by Bishop Oyedepo.
Before we dive into today’s devotional, I want to wish you a happy new month! God bless you massively! This month, God has given us a word! You will SING a NEW SONG! I’m expecting your testimonies!
The enemy has targeted the family as his number one priority to attack and prevent a Successful Marriage and Home. Bishop Oyedepo shares in his YouTube video titled “How To Build A Successful Home” how to protect your home through the power of God’s Word and have it overflowing with miracles instead of darkness.
1. The Enemy’s Target: The Family.
As we learn from Genesis, Satan was personally introduced as soon as the first family was established by God. His very first activity on earth was directed towards destroying this family unit. Satan appeared immediately after God had concluded the first marriage between Adam and Eve.
Satan knew that the family was central to God’s plan and purpose. By attacking the home, he could undermine what God was establishing. Even today, the home remains one of Satan’s top priorities to infiltrate and dismantle. Whether it is causing strife between husbands and wives or turning children away from their parents, Satan will do anything to wreck God’s design for families.
2. Jesus’ Counter: Establishing Joy at a Wedding.
In direct contrast, the first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding in Cana to save the celebration. Jesus appeared where Satan had sought to destroy, in the context of marriage and family.
By turning water into wine, Jesus brought joy to the newlywed couple on what should have been a happy occasion. He established that his mandate was to give life abundantly. Just as Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came so that we may have life more plentifully.
This miracle sets the stage for Jesus to undo all of Satan’s works. It showed his heart was for restoring families and taking away any shame that the enemy tried to bring. Wherever Satan brought sorrow, Jesus promises joy instead. Jesus showed His support for a Successful Marriage and Home.
3. Do Whatever God Tells You To Do.
Bishop Oyedepo highlights the servants’ obedience as the key to Jesus performing miracles. When he told them to fill the water pots, they did so fully without question. This is one of the blueprints of a Successful Marriage and Home.
If we want to see miracles in our homes, we must do whatever God says – not half-heartedly, but to the fullest extent. When His Word calls us to honor our spouse, forgive easily, or put our kids first – we must obey without limit. Full obedience unlocks God’s power.
4. Fill the “Water Pots” with the Word.
The servants were filling the pots with water, but the passage likens the water to God’s Word. When we fill our minds and homes with scripture, speaking it over our situations, we position ourselves for miracles.
God’s Word has the power to transform every area, just as the water became wine. Make time each day to read the Bible and pray its truths over your family and you will enjoy a Successful Marriage and Home.
5. Miracles Will Be the Result.
When the servants obeyed Jesus fully by filling the pots to the brim with water, the scripture says he then told them to draw some out and take it to the governor of the feast. And when the ruler tasted it, he declared it the best wine of all – even though it had just been turned from water moments before.
In the same way, when we obey God’s Word completely for our families and homes, miracles will be the inevitable result. Where there was lack, abundance will come. Trouble will turn to triumph. And what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good beyond what we could ask or think.
Through obedience, our families can be transformed from average to excellent – far surpassing what people expect. So make the choice today to do all that God instructs for your home. Miracles will follow!
6. Avoid Strife.
Bishop Oyedepo noted that Satan works by spreading unauthorized information to cause strife. But God’s people have a distinct advantage – we are called to walk in the light of His Word. To have a Successful Marriage and Home you have to avoid strafe!
7. Walk in the Word and Hear God, Not Men.
When gossip, rumors, or doubts come our way, the Bible instructs us to test everything and hold fast to what is good. We must determine if a message lines up with Scripture or comes from an ungodly source meant to deceive. By hearing God’s voice above all others, no weapon formed against our home can prosper (Isaiah 54:17). His truth protects us from the enemy’s schemes. We will stop here today and continue tomorrow.
