The Prophetic Meaning of Christ’s Birth: Understanding His Life, Death, and Sacrifice

The Prophetic Meaning of Christ’s Birth: Understanding His Life, Death, and Sacrifice

Teaching by Pst Dr. Joel Dabbas

How does it feel to know that you were born just to die? That your very existence was meant to be a sacrifice? I can only imagine what it must have been like for our Lord, Master, and Savior, Jesus Christ, as He walked on the surface of the earth.

His life was not about His own will, but about fulfilling the will of the Father who sent Him. In essence, His existence was not on His own terms, but on the Father’s.

It’s not hard to imagine that He occasionally perceived the agony of the cross. That emotional drain—can you even begin to fathom it? It must have crept up on Him from time to time, building up throughout His emotionally exhausting journey. At one point, during this rollercoaster of a life, He withdrew to a mountain where the spirits of ancient, righteous men—Moses and Elijah—appeared to encourage Him. The humanity of Christ is so profound that the revelation of His life draws us into deep encounters with the Lord.

James reminds us, "He was a man like us, tempted in every way, yet without sin." The frailty of man was in Him, but He allowed His spirit to override His flesh. This is a posture that many believers have yet to embrace, a reality many have not yet fully entered.

When Jesus was born, the prophecy of His life began to unfold instantly. And I want to tell you that from the very moment you entered into time, the prophecies of your life began to play out as well. The first visitors to Jesus were the wise men, and guess what? They brought gifts to the newborn King—Jesus, the Lord. These gifts weren’t just tokens of honor; they were prophetic symbols of the life He was meant to live.

The Three Gifts: Prophetic Symbols of Christ’s Life

1. Gold: The Kingly Ministry of Jesus: Gold symbolizes the kingly ministry of Jesus. In Isaiah 9:7, we see the prophecy of the Kingly and governmental ministry of Christ. His royalty and kingship are rooted in His divine nature and purpose. The gold the wise men brought to Him was a powerful acknowledgment of His authority as the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16).Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated His royal authority through miracles, teachings, and acts of compassion (Matthew 9:6-8). He reigns over our lives, offering hope, redemption, and transformation to all who submit to His lordship (Romans 14:17).As our King, Jesus intercedes on our behalf, mediating God’s grace and mercy (Hebrews 7:25). His kingly ministry empowers us to live as citizens of His Kingdom, marked by love, justice, and righteousness (John 18:36; Romans 5:17). Through faith in Him, we experience the riches of His kingdom, including forgiveness, peace, and eternal life (John 3:16; Matthew 6:33).As we acknowledge His royalty, we surrender to His lordship, allowing Him to reign in our hearts and lives (1 Timothy 6:15-16). In His kingship, we find our purpose, security, and hope (Psalm 2:12).

2. Frankincense: The Priestly Ministry of Jesus

The frankincense presented to Jesus symbolizes His priestly ministry. In ancient times, priests would burn incense as a symbol of worship to God. By offering this gift, the wise men were recognizing Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity.

As our High Priest, Jesus offers sacrifices of praise and intercession, providing us access to the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16). Through His priestly ministry, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that we have a compassionate High Priest who understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 2:17-18).

3. Myrrh: Symbolizing His Death, Burial, and Resurrection

The myrrh gifted to Jesus foreshadowed His death and burial, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice He would make for our redemption. Myrrh was used in ancient times for anointing and burial, indicating Jesus' willingness to lay down His life for humanity (John 19:39-40).

Through His sacrifice, Jesus provided forgiveness, healing, and restoration, demonstrating the depth of God’s love for us (Romans 5:8). The myrrh signifies the pouring out of His life, as described in Ephesians 5:2. It is a symbol of the fragrance of His sacrifice, which lingers in eternity.

For those in Christ, our own lives become a testament to His sacrifice, as we pour ourselves out in service to God, just as He did for us.

The Mystery of Christ’s Life in Philippians 2:5-8

Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV) reveals this mystery in simple yet profound terms:

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

Passion brought Jesus Christ to earth. Obedience kept Him moving and fulfilling the Father’s work, but it was humility that led Him to surrender to the death of the cross.

Humility here is yieldedness plus sacrifice without self and anything standing in the way. If you must live in the fullness of God's will for your life you must surrender, yield and sacrifice your all unto Him.

What a life He gave, so that our living—both in time and eternity—would be filled with grace and glory.

Say this I am Christ's and He is mine

His life is in me and I show forth His fullness everywhere I go. Glory!!

Living Life God's Way: Unlocking Purpose, Impact, and Fulfillment in a Modern World

Living Life God's Way: Unlocking Purpose, Impact, and Fulfillment in a Modern World

By Joel Dabbas

Life is a divine gift from God. In Genesis 2:7, we read, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” This breath of life is not merely physical existence—it is a sacred trust, a precious gift from the Creator Himself. No matter how powerful, connected and inventive you are, you cannot self-generate life. It must be given to you by God.

God designed life with purpose and intention, and whenever humanity deviates from His design, it grieves His heart.

In the early chapters of Genesis, we see this clearly. God expressed regret for making man because humanity misused the life He gave (Genesis 6:6). Similarly, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) illustrates God's displeasure when people live contrary to His order and holiness. Today, many live in ways that seem aligned with modernism and "the world’s standards," but are these truly in harmony with God’s purpose?

Characteristics of Modern Life: A Reflection

Modern life, often praised for its convenience and connectedness, carries with it patterns and values that can lead us away from God’s design. Here are some prevalent characteristics:

1. Living Loud Without Substance

Many prioritize appearances and noise over meaningful, lasting impact. The Apostle Paul warns against superficiality, urging believers in 2 Corinthians 12:9 to depend on God’s grace rather than human strength or image.

2. Living to Impress Others

Seeking validation from the world rather than God causes us to build our identity on shifting sands. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:1-2 that seeking the approval of men over God is vain and unrewarding.

3. Prioritizing Material Possessions

The love of money and accumulation of wealth often becomes a false measure of success (1 Timothy 6:10). True contentment comes from God, not possessions.

4. Constant Connectivity but Lack of Presence

Technology connects us like never before but often at the expense of genuine human relationships. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers not to neglect gathering together, emphasizing the value of real community.

5. Valuing Instant Gratification

Impatience and the demand for immediate results conflict with God’s timing and purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

6. Struggling with Mental Health

The pressures of modern life have led to widespread anxiety and stress. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our anxieties to God in prayer for peace beyond understanding.

7. Influence of Social Media

Constant comparison with curated online lives often breeds dissatisfaction. Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by renewing our minds in God’s truth.

8. Neglecting Self-Care

Ignoring physical, emotional, and spiritual health weakens our ability to serve God fully. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for accordingly.

9. Living a Life of Wickedness

Many people today live in ways that defy God’s moral standards, engaging in sinful behaviors and lifestyles that bring harm to themselves and others. Psalm 1:1 warns, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” God’s heart is grieved when His gift of life is misused through wickedness, leading to destruction rather than flourishing. The call of Scripture is clear—to turn from wickedness and embrace righteousness (Ezekiel 18:30-32).

10. Living an Empty Life

There are many who live lives of utter void and emptiness—no real substance within them. Listen, in every man there is a void only God can fill. In attempts to fill this emptiness, people turn to destructive paths: some seek relief in drugs and become addicted; others seek fulfillment in unhealthy relationships and fall into sex addiction. Some chase money, which stirs wickedness in their hearts; others pursue power through politics and become tyrants. Many turn to metaphysical and diabolic things, becoming witches or agents of darkness.

But Jesus offers living water—true satisfaction that no worldly thing can give. As recorded in John 7:37-38 (KJV):
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

Isaiah also calls out to the thirsty in Isaiah 55:1-2 (NIV):
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."

Loneliness often disguises itself as emptiness. Joylessness is emptiness. Hopelessness is emptiness. Porn addiction is another manifestation of a void desperately seeking to be filled. I could go on naming them, but hear me, friend—Jesus can fill your void with His life. His presence satisfies the deepest hunger and quenches the fiercest thirst within your soul.

11. Life Lived in Confusion

We are living in a time where confusion has become the order of the day. Many are walking through life with no sense of direction, clarity, or identity. One of the highest heights of this confusion is when people begin to question even their God-given identity, including their sexual identity. The enemy has sown deep deception, and many are trapped in an identity crisis—unsure of who they are, why they exist, or where they are going.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” If confusion reigns, then it's not from God—it’s a sign of disorder and disconnection from His truth.

When people don't know who they are in God, they are vulnerable to every ideology, trend, or lie that society promotes. They redefine themselves based on culture rather than their Creator. But hear me: only the One who made you has the right to define you.

Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Your identity was crafted with intentionality. God doesn't make mistakes.

This confusion also leads to misdirection in purpose, relationships, and even eternity. Many are chasing after titles, roles, and lifestyles that God never assigned to them—all because they don’t know who they are in Him.

Confusion is not freedom—it is bondage dressed in modern language.
But Jesus said in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

God’s Design for Living: The Path to Fulfillment and Legacy

God’s plan for life goes beyond mere survival or success by worldly standards. It is a call to live intentionally, fully, and with eternal impact.

I. Live for His Glory

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our highest purpose is to honor God in all we do. This means making choices that reflect His character, showcasing His goodness to the world.

II. Live for Destiny

Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Each life has a divine destiny. Seeking God’s guidance daily aligns us with His perfect plan.

III. Live for Impact

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Living for impact means serving others with love and compassion, influencing lives positively.

IV. Life as a Blessing

Existence as a blessing is God's desire for man. Genesis 12:2 (KJV) says "and thou shalt be a blessing" God desires that you live as a blessing not as a negative lesson.

James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Life itself is a blessing. Living in gratitude not only honors God but opens our hearts to bless others generously.

V. Live in Obedience

“If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is a demonstration of our love and trust in God. It is through living according to His Word that we find true freedom and peace.

VI. Live with Integrity

Proverbs 10:9 declares, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” Integrity is the foundation for a life that stands firm through trials and earns respect and trust.

VII. Live with Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” A thankful heart transforms our perspective and keeps us focused on God’s faithfulness.

VIII. Live in Community

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to encourage one another and remain connected in fellowship for mutual growth.

Embracing God’s Design for 100% Performance in Time and Eternity

Life is too precious and too brief to settle for mediocrity. You were created for excellence, destined to make a lasting impact. Your dreams are seeds of a glorious future—plant them in faith, nurture them with prayer and action, and watch God bring them to fruition.

One of the most powerful steps you can take is to accept Jesus Christ and live in Him. Galatians 2:20 declares, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This transformation redefines your identity and purpose. When you surrender to Jesus, your life is turned around from the inside out—empowered by His Spirit to live in alignment with God’s perfect plan.

By living in alignment with God’s design, you tap into a source of fulfillment and purpose that transcends the temporary and touches eternity. Your life becomes a testimony of His love and power—a legacy that honors Him and blesses generations.

Conclusion:
Choose today to live life God’s way. Embrace His purpose, walk in obedience, and live with gratitude and integrity. In doing so, you unlock the fullness of life—a life rich in meaning, impact, and divine fulfillment.

How to Discern God's Voice by Its Sound: A Powerful Guide to Spiritual Discernment

How to Discern God's Voice by Its Sound: A Powerful Guide to Spiritual Discernment

A Strange Way to Know God is Speaking

From The Teaching Ministry of Pastor Dr. Joel Dabbas 

One unusual but powerful way to know God is speaking to you is by the sound of the voice or message.

This is not only about the audible tone, but also the nature, weight, and effect of the voice.
Everything has a sound — and every sound reveals its source.

This is a deep and interesting way to look at discernment. This is a powerful spiritual wisdom but also very practical way of identifying the “voice” of God by its “sound,” which is not just about literal hearing but about the tone, weight, and nature of what is spoken.

To decipher the sound of God's voice you must grow in discernment.

“Sound” can mean the nature or quality of a voice or message — its tone, essence, and effect.

• Sound reveals source.

• Every speaker has a signature “sound,” even beyond words.

🔊 What is Sound?

Sound is more than vibration or words.
It is the signature of the speaker.

Sound is the texture of a person's voice. The texture of a person also refers to the weight of their spiritual state and level.
It carries the character, essence, and spirit of whoever is speaking.

Sound conveys the heart and vibration of the personality. It produces the effect of their dimensions.
It conveys their life and their fire.

It is the quality of the impressions it stirs up in you.

Just like a musician can be recognized by their style without seeing their face, you can discern the voice of God by its “sound.”

🗣️ The Sound of Men

When men speak, their sound carries:

• Human reasoning

• Personal interests

• Appeals to logic

• Emotional weight (fear, excitement, pride, etc.)

• Limitations and imperfection

• Inconsistency and bias

It feels natural, familiar, and often mixed with self.

😈 The Sound of the Devil

• It often brings fear, condemnation, accusation, or confusion

• It pushes you to act hastily or desperately

• It twists truth subtly, like in Genesis 3: “Did God really say?”

The sound is usually dark, heavy, or manipulative.
When the devil speaks, the sound is:

• Manipulative, deceptive, and twisted

• Heavy with fear, condemnation, or confusion

• Urgent but without peace, pushing you to act rashly

It may mimic truth but lacks holiness — and draws you away from God.

🌱 The Sound of Other Created Things

Sometimes nature, circumstances, or even our own desires “speak” to us. These sounds:

• Are neutral or instinct-driven

• Don’t carry deep conviction or holiness

• Can mislead if elevated above God’s voice

Circumstances, nature, and even your own desires may be loud or distracting — but they lack eternal weight or divine purity.

✝️ The Sound of God

God’s sound is unique. It is:

• Pure — free from manipulation or error

• Peaceful — even when convicting

• Authoritative but gentle — full of love and certainty

• Holy — it draws you closer, not away

• Aligned with Scripture — never contradicting His Word

It goes beyond logic.

It carries a sense of eternity. Like in 1 Kings 19:12, it is often the “still small voice” — steady, clear, and unlike any other.

God speaks in a very personal way. This is because He carries full authority — His words are alive and intimate. The enemy cannot personalize his words.

God speaks truth — the enemy speaks only facts. This often confuses our human spirit, because we easily fraternize with facts, which seem true to us.

God speaks of the future — the enemy speaks only of the present and the past. He communicates based on established realities or what will soon be, but he cannot speak to the future.

God speaks to melt and build; the enemy speaks to melt and break down.

God speaks by speaking things into reality (e.g., “Let there be light”). The enemy cannot speak into reality.

When God is speaking to you, you can literally feel the substance of the things you don’t have coming alive inside you. For example, if you are poor and God speaks of wealth and supply, instantly inside you, you will feel the reality rise up in your heart. Then you stand up to enforce its reality.

Some people leave it at the spiritual level and don’t get the evidence — and if they do get it, it’s only by mercy or established will.

🗝️ In Simple Words:

• Men sound human.

• The devil sounds deceptive and oppressive.

• Other things sound neutral or circumstantial.

• God sounds holy, peaceful, pure, and sure.

God's voice carries a weight of love and truth.
It is peaceful, certain, and eternal.

 

“God’s voice doesn’t just speak — it creates, transforms, and draws you in.”
— Pastor Dr. Joel Dabbas

The more time you spend with God, the more familiar His sound becomes. His voice doesn’t just speak — it creates, transforms, and draws you into His eternal reality.

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Angels in the Bible: Their Roles, Functions, and Purpose

ANGELS

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

Introduction:

Angels are often viewed as mystical beings, but the Bible reveals they are real, active participants in God’s Kingdom. From guiding us to protecting us, angels serve a vital role in our spiritual journey. In this post, I’ll share insights into their purpose, how they’re named, and how they work in our lives. I pray this encourages you to recognize the angels God has placed around you.

One of the principles of God that is now common among men is christening (giving names). But christening is not merely a human custom — it is a spiritual order and dimension God first brought man into.

In Genesis 2:19, the Bible records that God brought all that He had created to man to see what he would call them. The first expression of divine wisdom in a man was in how he called things.

Man named things on three levels:

1. As prophecy — what the thing is destined to become. (Genesis 2:19)

2. As its use and function — what the thing is designed to do. (Genesis 1:26-28)

3. As its appreciation — how the thing is admired or valued. (Genesis 2:19)

I believe these (and more) are the reasons behind the naming of angelic beings.

The Names of Angels

The first time the name Michael is mentioned in the Bible, it was not the name of an angel but of a man — and it is a Hebrew name. (Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21) When the angel Gabriel introduced himself to Daniel, he also used a Hebrew name. (Daniel 8:16, Daniel 9:21) This does not necessarily mean their names were translated into Hebrew — it could mean that heavenly beings have names understandable within our human languages.

I won’t be surprised if heavenly angels bear names similar to our local dialects — names like Ojochene, Adewale, Sim, Ugo, and so on. Sounds funny, right?

A friend’s mother once had a dream where she met an angel who introduced herself as Agatha. It was her first time hearing of an angel with that name.

Most times in Scripture, the names of angels are hidden because humans have a tendency to idolize beings or things. Great care is taken before a name of an angel is revealed. (Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9) Yet it is good for a believer to regard the activities of angels around them, while not idolizing them or making a big deal out of it.

The last-day Church will work closely with angels. (Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 22:9)

The Form of Angels (Gender, Appearance, and Disguises)

Angels do not have a sustained, static gender. In the heavenly realm, their form is glorious and unimaginable. (Daniel 10:5-6; Ezekiel 1:4-28; Revelation 4:6-8) But in the earthly realm, their appearance is either as male or female, depending on how God sends them to be perceived.

Most angelic appearances in the Bible are in the form of males. (Luke 1:11-13, 26-30; Matthew 28:5-7) However, angels are not bound by a fixed appearance and can appear in a variety of forms to align with the perception of the person they are sent to. God can send them in female form too, especially when that will help someone trust their presence.

For example, a woman who was captured to be killed for ritual sacrifice prayed for God’s mercy. In the dead of night, a glowing female appeared, called her name, broke her chains, and opened the locked cage. The angel also freed another woman in captivity. They followed her for hours through the forest until they reached a highway at dawn — then she vanished. It was only then they realized it was an angel.

Had the angel appeared as a man, they might have been suspicious. This shows that the form an angel takes often relates to how we would perceive and receive them.

Angels can appear in different skin colors, adapting to the cultural context of the individual they are sent to help. This flexibility ensures that the angel’s message is received with trust and understanding, free from cultural biases.

Angels can even serve as powerful decoy entities, appearing in diverse forms or disguises to fulfill God’s purpose in ways that humans might not expect. They can show up in familiar forms—such as a loved one or someone who speaks the same language—to ensure that their presence is understood and accepted.

For example, a person may encounter an angel who appears as a dark-skinned individual or a light-skinned figure, depending on the cultural background or personal experiences of the one receiving the visitation. This doesn't alter the angel's divine mission; it simply helps the individual perceive the angel in a way that makes the encounter more relatable and trustworthy.

This flexibility in appearance—whether male or female, of different skin colors, or even disguised—reflects how God meets us where we are, adapting His divine messengers to the needs of the people they are sent to help.

The Functions of Angels

Angels have myriads of functions. Their primary function is to worship God and act on His word. (Revelation 4:8; Hebrews 1:6)

But they also serve the people of God. Serving you may include:

• Fighting battles (Daniel 10:13, 21)

• Opening closed doors (Acts 5:19)

• Breaking down obstacles (2 Kings 19:35)

• Preserving and protecting you (Psalm 91:11-12)

• Directing and guiding you (Acts 8:26)

• Helping and strengthening you (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43)

There are angels for breakthrough, angels of good speed, angels of favor, angels of glory, and angels of announcement (those who announce your ministry, business, or calling to the world). (Luke 1:11-13, 26-30; Daniel 9:21-23)

The Language of Angels

Angelic beings have a heavenly language unknown to man, but they have the ability to communicate in the local language you understand. They can speak English, Idoma, Ibibio, Zulu, French, Igala, Arabic, Chinese — whatever you understand, they can communicate it to you. (1 Corinthians 13:1; Acts 2:4-11)

Personal Angels

You may have heard people say, “The angel that works with me.” Abraham said that often. (Genesis 24:7, 40) Isaac echoed, “The angel who worked with my father Abraham works with me also.” (Genesis 31:11-13)

There are angels that work with individuals, with ministries, with businesses, and with specific callings. (Exodus 23:20-22; Acts 12:7-10; 1 Kings 19:5-7)

Final Thoughts

Angels are not mystical beings far away from us. They are Kingdom realities for genuine Kingdom people to enjoy.

Enjoy the ministry of angels from today! (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:14)

If you’ve been blessed by this post, please feel free to share it with others. 

For More Information About Dr. Joel Dabbas

Dr. Joel Dabbas is a passionate believer and teacher with a heart for equipping the body of Christ through biblical truths and spiritual insights. His teachings focus on understanding God’s Word and applying it to our daily lives, particularly in areas of spiritual warfare, angels, and divine protection.

To learn more about Dr. Dabbas and his ministry, please visit www.dabbasjoel.blogapot.com or follow him on https://www.facebook.com/share/1Aa5qSK5Hu/ for regular updates and teachings.

How To Marry Well and Right: Biblical Keys to Lasting Love - Dr. Joel Dabbas

 

MARRY WELL AND RIGHT

By Dr. Joel Dabbas 

Let me begin with a piece of advice: "Marry well!"
Marriage is not just about love and ceremonies; it is about destiny. The person you marry will either add to your life or subtract from it. That is why choosing the right person is one of the greatest decisions you will ever make.

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." — Proverbs 18:22
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?" — 2 Corinthians 6:14

The Weight of Marriage

Many trivialize marriage, but marriage is a rounded relationship—and that is why the symbol used to seal it is a ring. A ring has no point; it is wholly together, continuous, and unbroken.

Marriage is a legal bond between two people. It binds you together spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, and physically.

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." — Ephesians 5:31
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." — Mark 10:9

There is also a transfer of ancestral authority in marriage. For example, when a prince marries a lady who is not a princess, as soon as they tie the knot, she becomes royalty. As simple as this may seem, there are many spiritual, mental, and physical exchanges and connections that occur in marriage. That is why you must never joke about who you marry.

Marriage is meant to last a lifetime; it is unlike any other relationship. You can break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend and move on, but not so in marriage. In marriage, it is not called a "breakup"—it is called a divorce. The root meaning of divorce implies that two entities were forcibly hewn apart. There is no such thing as a mild marital separation—it always comes with pain, regret, and heartbreak. Sometimes, it can even claim lives and shatter destinies.

Why You Must Marry Well and Right

I. Destiny is at Stake

If you have any destiny to fulfill at all, you must take the issue of marrying right very seriously.

"Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" — Amos 3:3

II. Dreams are at Stake

There are spouses who are dream eaters and killers. They inhibit the manifestation of your dreams.
Many great people never emerged because they married the wrong person.

"Bad company corrupts good character." — 1 Corinthians 15:33
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." — Proverbs 14:1

III. Who You Marry Determines a Lot of Outcomes in Your Life

Your choice of a life partner will influence almost every major aspect of your life—positively or negatively.

IV. Who You Marry Affects Your Growth in Life and Destiny

The right person pushes you forward. The wrong person holds you back.

How to Marry Well and Right

1. Let Both Your Physical and Spiritual Eyes Go to Work!
   Don’t be blinded by appearance alone. Look deeply and discern wisely.

   "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." — 1 Samuel 16:7b

2. Watch and Pray!
   Be alert spiritually and sensitive in prayer as you seek direction.

   "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." — Matthew 26:41

3. Engage the Power of Wisdom
   Don’t rush. Get counsel. Be guided by wisdom.

   "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." — James 1:5
   "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." — Proverbs 15:22

4. Connect with the Holy Ghost
   The Holy Spirit knows the heart of everyone. His guidance is priceless.

   "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth." — John 16:13

5. Ask for Favour
   Beauty will attract people to you, but favour will draw the right person to you.

   "For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield." — Psalm 5:12

Signposts That You Married Right

These signs apply both to the married and those dating or intending to marry:

1. A Right Partner Gives You Peace and Strength

The right partner brings peace, not chaos—strength, not stress.

"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." — Proverbs 21:9
"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace." — Psalm 29:11

2. A Right Partner Helps You Grow

Some people are lost in the ocean of wrong relationships. They lose their identity, vision, dreams, and enthusiasm.
But the right person doesn’t kill your dreams—they nurture them.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Love is patient, love is kind... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

3. A Right Partner Secures the Next Generation

Marriage is a bridge to the next generation, especially when children are involved. The kind of person you marry will directly affect who your children become.

Marriage is for those who are willing to cover and support each other. Children thrive under the covering of parents who, despite challenges, work hand in hand to keep the family bond intact.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6
"The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." — Proverbs 20:7

Final Thoughts

Choose wisely. Marry well. Marry right. Your future depends on it.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." — Proverbs 3:6

 

📂 You can download the file directly using this link: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QvafxAySCo036ASBTwojmkCOi6nhxzSp/view?usp=drivesdk

Accurate Prayer Points: A Guide to Effective Prayer

Accurate Prayer Points: A Guide to Effective Prayer

Written by Pastor Dr. Joel Dabbas 

In this season, many believers and ministries are fasting and praying, seeking God’s guidance and intervention. But as we engage in prayer, it's important to remember one crucial aspect: the accuracy of our prayer points. The Lord’s prayer itself was birthed from a request that we can learn a lot from: "Lord, teach us how to pray." This simple yet profound request reveals that knowing how to pray is as important as knowing what to pray.

1. Start with the Request: "Teach Us How to Pray"

The first and most fundamental prayer point is to ask the Lord to teach you how to pray. The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us how to pray," and it was after this request that He taught them how to pray and what to pray for. This teaches us that in prayer, the Holy Spirit is the one who guides and instructs us on what to pray. Therefore, before we even start, we must ask God to show us the prayer points, and then, with His guidance, pray them.

Prayer is not just about bringing our personal requests to God but aligning our will with His. It brings God's kingdom and will from heaven to earth, communicating His will and purpose. Prayer doesn’t create God's will, but it channels and aligns us with what He is already doing in heaven.

2. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer

When we pray, it is important to understand that we may not always know what to pray for. But this is where the Holy Spirit helps us. In Romans 8:26, we read:

"Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

This means that prayer is a tool for us to understand the mind of the Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we get insight into what God's will is on any matter. And so, before we pray, we must ask the Spirit for the prayer points, knowing that He will help us articulate them accurately.

3. Three Instances of God’s Accurate Prayer Points

In scripture, we find several instances where what the Lord instructed His followers to pray for wasn’t what we might have naturally prayed for. Let’s take a look at three such examples:

a. Praying for the Harvest

In Luke 10:2, Jesus said:

"The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

If we were to follow a common prayer point, we might pray, "Lord, send us more laborers!" But the real issue wasn’t the quantity of laborers; it was their focus. The Lord's prayer point was not to pray for more laborers, but to redirect those already laboring to focus on His harvest. So, a more accurate prayer would be:

"Lord, send laborers who are currently outside Your harvest into Your harvest, for the laborers are few in the field that is truly Yours."

b. Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

The Apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord three times for his thorn in the flesh to be removed. However, the Lord’s answer wasn’t a "yes" to his request. Instead, God said:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Paul’s prayer point was for the thorn to depart, but God’s accurate response was to highlight His grace and strength, not the removal of the thorn. This led Paul to shift his prayer and attitude, boasting in his weaknesses because they allowed God’s power to rest upon him. His prayer and confession now focused on embracing the power of Christ through weakness.

c. Peter’s Sifting by Satan

When Jesus spoke to Peter in Luke 22:31-32, He said:

"Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

The typical prayer might be to ask for protection from Satan’s sifting techniques. But Jesus didn’t pray that Satan would stop his attack. Instead, He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. This teaches us that faith is the crucial element in spiritual warfare, not a focus on the enemy.

4. Key Principles for Accurate Prayer

As we continue to pray, here are four essential things to keep in mind:

1. God’s Current Status in Manifestation
   Always remember God's current dimension or status in manifestation. In the case of the harvest, Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest. Never undermine His Lordship in prayer or warfare.

2. The Sufficiency of His Grace and Strength
   Do not undermine the sufficiency of His grace. Paul’s lesson is clear: God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and His grace is enough.

3. Focus on Faith, Not the Enemy
   The most important thing to God is that your faith should not fail. It’s not about fighting Satan but standing firm in your faith, knowing that the victory has already been won.

4. Ask God to Teach You How to Pray
   Your first prayer point should always be to ask the Lord to teach you how to pray. Once you’ve received His guidance, pray what He instructs you to pray.

Conclusion: Aligning Our Prayers with God’s Will

In this season of fasting and prayer, let's make sure that our prayers are not merely based on what we want but are in alignment with what God is already doing. By asking the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers and focusing on God's will, we can ensure that our prayers are accurate and effective, bringing God's kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.

Let’s remember: The most powerful prayers are those that are rooted in God’s will and expressed through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Land Will Not Devour You: The Spirit of Caleb in a Consuming World

The Land Will Not Devour You

“The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there.”
— Numbers 13:32

Some people didn’t fall because of failure.
They didn’t stumble because of sin.
They were swallowed—by the very place they chose to dwell.

It wasn’t an event. It was an environment.

They were devoured by the city they moved to, the culture they adapted to, the system they submitted to. It wasn't immediate. It was gradual. The same way erosion eats away at a foundation—slow, silent, and steady.

Devoured by the Location

The truth is sobering:
Some people went under not because they were weak, but because their surroundings were stronger than they expected.

• Some were overwhelmed by the harshness—the grind, the pressure, the never-ending demands of city life.
• Others were drowned in comfort—lulled into passivity by convenience, status, and distraction.

“The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof.”
— Numbers 13:32 (KJV)

This verse doesn’t just speak of ancient Canaan.
It speaks of today’s environments—cities, industries, communities, digital spaces. Places that, if we are not discerning, can consume more than we realize.

People lost more than time.
They lost vision, dreams, calling, faith, zeal, purpose, consecration.
The land ate them up.

Not Everyone Is Devoured

The good news?

Not everyone gets consumed.

There is a kind of person who walks into the same land, faces the same giants, sees the same terrain—and yet comes out victorious.

That person carries what Scripture calls “the spirit of Caleb.”

Caleb silenced the people and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
— Numbers 13:30

He wasn’t ignorant of the risk. He just wasn’t intimidated by it. Caleb had a city-taker mindset—an overcoming spirit. Where others saw threat, he saw territory. Where others saw giants, he saw opportunity.

He walked the same land… but he walked it with faith, authority, and obedience.

“From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the town in the gorge, even as far as Gilead, not one town was too strong for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them.”
— Deuteronomy 2:36

How to Know If the Land Is Eating You

It’s easy to miss when it’s happening. Here are a few signs the land is trying to devour you:

• You no longer dream the way you used to.
• Your convictions are blurry.
• You feel spiritually dull, numb, or indifferent.
• You’re surviving, but you’re not subduing.
• You’ve stopped building… and started drifting.

But here’s the truth:
You were not called to be consumed.
You were called to take ground.

The Spirit of Caleb Is Still Alive

Maybe the land has been difficult.
Maybe your environment has tried to wear you down.
But hear this clearly:

The land will not devour you.

Not if you remember Who sent you.
Not if you walk in obedience.
Not if you carry the spirit of Caleb.
Not if you fight to keep your vision, your calling, and your fire alive.

You were made for more than survival.
You were made for victory.

Reflection Questions

1. Has your environment strengthened you—or drained you?
2. Have you adjusted to survive—or are you advancing to take ground?
3. What do you need to reclaim that the land tried to steal?

Final Thought

Sometimes it’s not about leaving the place.
It’s about changing your posture in the place.

Because you weren’t sent to blend in.
You were sent to take cities.

“Not one town was too strong for us. The Lord our God gave us all of them.”
— Deuteronomy 2:36