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

 

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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

"Provoked Jealousy" a Spiritual Tool For Soul Winning And Spiritual Fervency 

Have you ever found yourself stirred into action—not by pressure or guilt—but by seeing someone else's passionate pursuit of God? Have you ever witnessed someone's devotion, discipline, or fire for the things of God, and thought to yourself, “If they can burn like that, what’s stopping me?”

I remember a season during my school days when my prayer life was growing cold. The usual fire I once carried was flickering low. But then, there was a brother—fervent, disciplined, consistent in the secret place. He wasn’t loud or showy, but his life radiated hunger for God. Every time I saw him praying, every time I heard about his spiritual disciplines, something inside me would leap. It wasn't envy in a fleshly sense—it was holy jealousy. I was stirred. I had to rise. I had to return to the altar.

This is not a strange phenomenon. In fact, it is deeply biblical.

Jealousy Can Be Holy

When we hear the word jealousy, we often associate it with sin—envy, covetousness, or insecurity. But Scripture reveals that jealousy can, in fact, be holy.

God Himself describes His nature as “jealous.” In Exodus 34:14, the Lord says:

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

God’s jealousy is not petty. It is a fierce, consuming passion to protect what is His.

In the same way, holy jealousy in the believer is a divine stirring—a fire awakened by the example of others, leading us into greater intimacy, obedience, and alignment with God.

Paul’s Strategy: Stirring to Emulation

The apostle Paul understood the power of holy jealousy and even strategized with it as a tool for soul winning. Look at what he wrote in Romans 11:13-14 (KJV):

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: [14] If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.”

Paul was saying, I’m going to carry out this ministry among the Gentiles with such excellence, such authenticity, such power, that even my fellow Jews—who have rejected the Gospel—will be stirred to emulation. In other words, “They’ll see what’s happening among the Gentiles and become spiritually jealous. And in that holy jealousy, some of them will be saved.”

What a strategy!

Your Walk With God Can Stir Others

There is a way to walk with God that ignites hunger in others. There is a way to serve, to pray, to study, to live righteously that doesn’t condemn others—but convicts them. It invites others into the same fire. Your consistent spiritual life can become a trumpet call, echoing into the hearts of the lukewarm, the dry, and the wandering.

Jesus put it this way:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Your light can provoke glory in others. Your discipline can provoke desire. Your passion can provoke pursuit. This is not self-promotion—it is kingdom influence.

Biblical Examples of Provoked Jealousy

• Elisha and Elijah: Elisha followed Elijah closely, and when he saw the mantle on his master, he desired it. That hunger was provoked by watching Elijah walk in power and intimacy with God. (2 Kings 2:9-14)

• David and the Mighty Men: David’s courage, integrity, and walk with God turned a band of distressed men into giant killers. His personal pursuit stirred others to rise into their own destinies. (1 Samuel 22:1-2)

• Jesus and His Disciples: The way Jesus prayed provoked His disciples to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1). His life stirred them to go deeper.

Call to Action 

This is a call to excellence in your spiritual life—not for applause or attention, but for awakening. People are watching—even when you think they aren’t. Some are discouraged, some are dry, some are doubtful. But one spark of genuine fire can set hearts ablaze again.

If you’re a leader, serve in such a way that young believers look at you and say, “I want to know God like that.”
If you’re a student, burn for God in a way that your peers are stirred to seek Him.
If you're in ministry, let your fruit provoke others to chase God, not fame.

Final Charge

Ask yourself today:

• Is my life provoking anyone toward God?

• Is my devotion stirring hunger in someone else?

• Am I burning brightly enough to ignite others?

If the answer is no, don’t feel condemned—get stirred. Get jealous. Get back into the fire. Someone is waiting to see what a life fully given to God looks like.

Because when we burn, others will come to watch us burn. And some… will catch the flame.

“If by any means I may provoke to emulation…” — Let that be your heart cry.

THE WILL OF GOD

THE WILL OF GOD: PLUGGING INTO DESTINY 

There is a direct connection between destiny fulfillment and the will of God. Accurately walking in the will of God is crucial for attaining and fulfilling one's destiny. Everything about you points to the will of God: First, God's desire to create you points to His will. Being alive points to His will for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Will of God

Question #1: What is the will of God?

The will of God refers to God's plan, purpose, and desire for humanity, the world, and individual lives. It encompasses His intentions, decrees, and decisions, which are often revealed through Scripture, prayer, and circumstances. God's will is sovereign, wise, and good, always seeking to bring about His glory and the best possible outcome for His people.

Things to note about God's will:

a. The Will of God Opposes the Will of Men and the Devil

The will of God often contradicts the plans and desires of men and the devil. This opposition can be seen in Scripture, where God's plans frequently clash with human intentions (1 John 2:16-17, James 4:7).

b. The Will of God Does Not Appease Human Desires

God's will is not centered around pleasing human senses or desires but rather around glorifying His name. This means that following God's will might require self-denial and surrendering personal interests (John 8:50, 1 Corinthians 10:31).

c. The Will of God Challenges the Status Quo

Following God's will often requires change and stepping out of one's comfort zone. It challenges the status quo, pushing individuals to grow and trust in God's sovereignty (2 Corinthians 5:17, Matthew 16:24).

d. The Will of God Provides Direction and Increases Faith

Walking in God's will gives direction and purpose, strengthening faith as individuals see God's plans unfold in their lives (Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 10:17).

e. God's will is always good

Jeremiah 29:11 "The thoughts that are think towards you are thoughts of good and not of evil..."

God is good so His will for you is good. Jesus said that "If you, then, though you are earthly fathers, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:11 (NIV). Read it again but focus on "how much more " Read it loud again "how much more my Father in heaven." 

Question #2: Does His will have dimensions?

Yes, God's will has different dimensions or aspects. These can include:

- God's sovereign will: His overall plan and purpose for humanity and the world.

- God's revealed will: His commands, laws, and principles revealed in Scripture.

- God's specific will: His unique plan and purpose for individual lives.

- God's permissive will: What God allows to happen, even if it's not His ideal or desired outcome.

Question #3: Are there other types of wills?

In addition to God's will, there are other types of wills mentioned in Scripture:

A. The Will of Flesh

The will of flesh refers to human desires, passions, and impulses driven by sinful nature (Romans 7:18, Galatians 5:16-17).

B. The Will of Man

The will of man represents human decision-making, choices, and intentions, which can be influenced by various factors, including God, Satan, and personal desires (Proverbs 16:9, Jeremiah 10:23).

C. The Will of the Devil

The will of the devil encompasses Satan's plans, intentions, and desires, which are opposed to God's will and seek to lead people away from God (1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:11-12).

Question #4: Can God's will be changed?

This is a complex question, and the answer is nuanced. While God's sovereign will is unchanging and immutable (Psalm 33:11, Isaiah 46:10), His specific will for individual lives can be influenced by human prayers, choices, and obedience.

Practical Steps to Walking in God's Will

One of the prime reasons many struggle to walk in God's will is that they don't involve God in all areas of their life. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Trust in God is the bedrock for finding His will. 

 

Here are some practical steps to help you walk in God's will:

I. Involve God in All Areas of Your Life

One of the errors I have seen many believers walk in consistently is what I call "the error of selective engagement." There areas of their lives that they feel they need God and other areas that they can handle without Him. Don't just seek God's will for major decisions; involve Him in every aspect of your life.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Seek Him in everything. David's success story is seen in that, he always sought for God's heart in everything. And never forget this the more you seek His heart in everything the more you see Him in everything.

II. Increase Your Word Base

The more you read the word of God, the more you'll understand His thoughts and will. Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

III. Prayer

Jesus showed us the connection between prayer and God's will when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Lord not my will but Your will be done."

In the Lord's prayer Jesus taught that one aspect of prayer that we must consistently engage is asking that God's will "be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).  

 

Prayer places demand on heaven to reveal God's will in your life

I often pray in this regard and you might also want to pray same

"Father, I refuse to be out of alignment with Your will. 

• Lord by mercy this year and the next year's and phase of my life, career and ministry help me not to go out of Your will. 

• I receive grace to walk in Your will every single moment.

•  Every association that will lure me out of Your will, I reject now in Jesus name."

Prayer supplies you with energy to function in the will of God.

IV. Intimacy with the Holy Spirit

"For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)

The more connected you are with the Holy Spirit who is The Custodian and Password into the heart of the Father. The Holy Spirit is the revealer of God's will. The Holy Ghost is the Pathway into the deep things of God.

As you cultivate deeper intimacy with Him, you'll gain a deeper understanding of God's plans and purposes; and will be well furnished with the knowledge of His will (John 16:13-15).

Communication is a vital aspect of intimacy so what I always do is this I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to me the will of God for my life, ministry and any other area of life. I want you to do it too. He is the Revealer of all things and the Chancellor of eternal wisdom, He will show you.

V. Practice Hearing God

God can speak to you through various means, including Scripture, prayer, and circumstances. Practice listening to His voice and responding in obedience (Psalm 85:8, Isaiah 50:4-5).

Two ways to practice this are:

• Quiet time 

• Deep Worship 

• Practice the act of listening to Him through your spirit and through your soul (your mind) by submerging it in His presence.

After worshipping God deeply and profusely I often just lay quiet before the Lord and ask Him to talk to me. "I want to hear You Lord. Your baby wants to hear You." I will lie down there with a genuine desire and hunger to hear Him talk to me. If you do this you are building spiritual reception.

VI. Prophetic Associations

Surround yourself with people who are in tune with God's will. Prophetic relationships can provide guidance, encouragement, and support as you seek to fulfill God's plan for your life (Proverbs 11:14, 1 Corinthians 12:28).

VII. Surrender and Obedience

Walking in God's will requires surrender and obedience. Be willing to let go of your own desires and plans, and instead, follow God's leading (Romans 12:1-2, Luke 9:23-25).

By following these practical steps, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's will and walk in obedience to His plans and purposes. Remember, God's will is sovereign, wise, and good, and He desires to guide you into a fulfilling and purposeful life.

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THE BIRTH WORTH THANKING FOR

THE BIRTH WORTH THANKING FOR

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us reflect on the significance of this event and why it should evoke a deep sense of gratitude and thanksgiving in our hearts.

The Biblical Account

Luke 2:36-38 KJV

"And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; [37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. [38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

Why Thanksgiving is Integral to Celebrating Jesus' Birth

From our anchor text, it is clear that the birth of Jesus triggered a reaction of thanksgiving. Anna's spontaneous and sporadic outburst of thanksgiving upon seeing Jesus demonstrates the impact and reaction His birth should have on us today.

That Christ is born in you and that you are born again should keep you in a continuous realm of thanksgiving. Here are some reasons why:

1. Jesus' birth is a gift that deserves our gratitude: "For unto us a Child is born and unto us a Son is given." Isaiah 9:6. 

We should thank God for the incredible gift of Jesus.

2. The joy of Jesus' birth fills our hearts with thankfulness: "There is joy over a sinner who repents" (Luke 15:7). 

The joy of Jesus' birth should overflow into thanksgiving.

3. We thank God for forgiveness and the salvation of our soul that Jesus' birth made possible: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake and remembers your sins no more."

4. Jesus' birth demonstrates God's love, which we can't help but thank Him for: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

5. We thank God for adopting us into His family through Jesus: "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons" (Galatians 4:4-5).

6. We express gratitude for the fulfillment of prophecy and God's faithfulness: "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus" (Luke 1:31).

7. Jesus' birth gives us hope, and we thank God for that hope: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

8. The Birth of Jesus brought us eternal peace with God, it is worth thanking God For Peace: Ephesians 2:14-18, John 16:33.

9. The Birth of Jesus gave us victory over the works of the devil: "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). This is indeed worth thanking God for.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us not forget the significance of this event and the reasons we have to be thankful. May our hearts be filled with gratitude and may our thanksgiving be a continuous expression of our love and appreciation for God's gift of Jesus Christ.

The Birth, the Rise, and the Uprising that Followed

 The Birth, the Rise, and the Uprising that Followed

(The Teaching Ministry of Dr. Joel Dabbas)

Scripture:

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

—Luke 1:35-37 (KJV)

In this message, I want to highlight some key things that the birth of Jesus stirred in the world.

The Birth of Jesus Stirred:

I. The Rise of Great Men

Because Jesus was to be born, there was a necessity for the birth of a man named John.

Who was John?

John was not just a forerunner of Jesus; he was a great man in his own right. Jesus, in defining who John was, said: “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

(Matthew 11:11 KJV).

I believe that in this season, there are many "Johns" being birthed into the Kingdom—men and women whose voices will send shockwaves into the camp of the enemy, into politics, and every sphere of life. John was, above all, a kingdom voice.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, we are also witnessing the rise of great people, and you are a part of it.

II. The Rise of Wise Men

The birth of Jesus also stirred the rise of wise men.

Wisdom is the ability to discern what is true, right, and lasting. The opposite of wisdom is foolishness, which is marked by a lack of discernment. Eve was deceived because she lacked discernment.

Characteristics of These Wise Men:

A. Embracing a Lifelong Journey of Learning and Growth

The wise men were open to learning about Jesus without hesitation or doubt. It takes a childlike heart to truly know God.

B. Having a Thirst for Exploration

The wise men exhibited a deep hunger and thirst for discovery. Their journey from the East to find Jesus required great commitment. A wise person has an insatiable desire to seek Jesus.

C. Obeying Divine Instruction

The wise men embarked on their journey because God instructed them to do so. When King Herod asked them to return and reveal the location of the newborn King, they chose to obey God rather than man, returning by another route. This is a powerful example of kingdom wisdom—obedience to God, no matter the cost.

III. The Quaking of Wicked Kings and Rulers

The birth of Jesus also caused a stir in the kingdom of darkness. King Herod was the first to rise in opposition, and in his attempt to destroy Jesus, he enacted the ministry of the devil—killing and destroying innocent infants, bringing sorrow and devastation to families.

Beloved, the reason all hell is unleashed and wickedness increases is that the enemy seeks to terrify people into abandoning God and forsaking Jesus.

But there is a rise of true kingdom men and women—those who are wise enough, anointed enough, and bold enough to raise God’s banner high, no matter the cost. Glory to God!

Conclusion

The birth of Jesus sparked a profound chain of events—ushering in the rise of great men and women, wise in the ways of God, and causing the forces of darkness to tremble. As we celebrate Christmas, let us recognize the stirring that this event continues to cause in our lives and in the world. Let us also rise, as wise and anointed kingdom people, to fulfill the purpose for which we were born.

About Dr. Joel Dabbas 

Passionate about the kingdom and revival. Desires to see men on fire for Jesus. Anointed by God with the teaching and healing grace he passionately carries as he ministers everywhere the Lord leads him to.

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