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,
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 1 – Rev. Funke Felix-Adejumo
Have you ever wondered about the secrets and mysteries surrounding intimacy? Get ready to discover an enlightening perspective that will open your eyes and help you understand the true purpose of intimacy. In this article, we will delve into the teachings of Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo and explore the deeper aspects of this fascinating topic.
Introduction.
Welcome to a fascinating journey into the mysteries of intimacy! Yes, this topic is often avoided or superficially addressed, but today we’re going beyond appearances to discover the depth and richness hidden behind this divine gift.
Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo, a powerful and respected voice in the body of Christ will guide us through this delicate yet crucial topic. Prepare for your eyes to be opened to a new understanding of intimacy and how it can enrich your life in ways you’ve never imagined before.
The Divine Purpose of Intimacy.
According to Reverend Funke, intimacy is not just a physical act but a profound expression of the union between two souls. God, in His infinite wisdom, created intimacy as a gift to humanity but with a much higher purpose than mere pleasure.
Intimacy and Connection. Intimacy is the means through which two individuals can connect on a deeper level, strengthening the emotional and spiritual bonds that unite them. It is a way to express love, trust, and vulnerability.
Procreation. While intimacy can be a source of pleasure, its primary purpose is procreation. God designed intimacy so that humans can bring new life into the world and fulfill their calling to be fruitful and multiply.
Marital Unity. Intimacy should be reserved for the context of marriage, where two individuals come together in a sacred covenant before God. It is within this framework that intimacy achieves its fullest meaning and potential.
Holiness and Purity. Intimacy is not something dirty or sinful but an expression of the holiness and purity that God desires for His children. When practiced according to divine principles, intimacy becomes a blessing and a reflection of God’s glory.
We will go deeper tomorrow and continue with Part 2
I used to feel that my thoughts were harmless and not toxic since they remained in my realm of thoughts. I believed I wasn’t doing anybody harm – not my marriage, my situation, and of course, not myself.
I was deceived and didn’t consider my thoughts ‘all that bad’, but I will admit they were far from positive, beautiful, and empowering. I beat myself down most of the time, thinking about the gloomy side of things and life.
Those thoughts controlled me and my actions, and I was a very gloomy person, discouraged, and not achieving my goals. The question I want to ask us this morning is, what are your thought patterns about yourself and your marriage and relationship?
“As a man thinketh, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7)
You are what you have been thinking about. Your marriage is as strong as your thoughts about it. Your relationship will be as strong as the thoughts you entertain.
You might be saying, “I don’t think of pornography, masturbation, fornication, or lustful thoughts. What about negative, evil thoughts?”
Proverbs 12:20 KJV [20] Deceit is in the heart of those who imagine evil: But to the counselors of peace is joy.
From this scripture, those who fill their hearts with evil, negative thoughts will be deceived.
God calls rebellion against Him and His word “evil”. That’s what He told the Israelites. What are you thinking about yourself, your partner, your spouse, your relationship, and your marriage?
You have to be disciplined enough to carefully choose your thoughts and not allow the devil to just dump any thoughts on your mind. I used to feel and think I was helpless about my thoughts, but I know better now. I thought that whatever thoughts came into my mind, I had to dwell on them. On the contrary, we are empowered to resist any thought that doesn’t benefit us.
We have to be strong enough to stand up to the devil and reject any negative thoughts. The Bible calls it ‘casting down’; this paints a picture of taking those negative thoughts and slamming them down. It’s a conscious, deliberate, and decisive effort in dealing with thoughts that seek to keep us down.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) [5] casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
A negative pattern of thinking becomes a stronghold when the devil makes it our regular pattern or way of thinking. Remember not to allow negative thinking patterns to fester in your mind towards your partner or spouse. Fill your mind with empowering thoughts.
See the scripture in Philippians 4:8 of what the Lord calls right thoughts. He alone knows how best we should function because He created us.
Philippians 4:8 KJV [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
We need to study each of these words in other translations because the battlefield is the mind. When we win in our minds, we win in life. Let your thoughts about your relationship and marriage be good thoughts, and you will eat the fruits thereof.
