Get ready—2025 is going to be a year of miracles! Big things are coming and as believers, we must position ourselves to receive the blessings and prepare for the miracle ahead.
See what the Bible says:
Amos 9:13 (MSG) “Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree. “Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills.”
However, there must be some preparations before that can take place. No farmer plants a seed without first preparing the soil. Hence, part of this preparation is through GPPS—our covenant time of Prayer and Praise in 2025.
Praise is a powerful weapon and Prayer is another mighty tool. When combined, these two ignite heaven’s response!
Let’s look at Paul and Silas and see the impact of prayer and praise
Acts 16:25-26 (KJV) “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”
If one night of prayer and praise could deliver Paul and Silas, imagine what 365 days of intentional worship and intercession can do!
Every morning, we’ll come together for 30 minutes of heartfelt prayer and we’ll spend 30 minutes lifting our hearts in joyful praise each evening. Find all the details about GPPSHERE.
Have you been facing delays you can’t explain? Does it feel like your prayers go unanswered? Are you longing for breakthroughs that shake the very foundations of your challenges?
Then this is your time to step into something extraordinary. Join us as we launch into 2025 with GPPS and position yourself for the earth-shaking miracles you’ve been waiting for.
Your testimony is just around the corner.
Wishing you a blessed Sunday and don’t forget to attend church today!
As the year winds down, one of your greatest desires should be a fresh start in your relationship or marriage!
What the devil wants for you is to be crushed and unable to move, to give up and tap out!
However, God would always give a fresh start to as many as desired.
In God, our mistakes can be turned into miracles!
So, one of the things I would like to write to you this morning is to tell you that irrespective of the mistakes you have made in the past months, you should not give up on God or yourself.
There is a fresh start!
In the scriptures, one of God’s most loved humans disappointed God and got intertwined with a triple crime: adultery, deception, and Murder!
The deception was so much hilding to his jugular that it took God sending a prophet to point out the evil he had done!
But I like what he did in Psalm 51. The whole chapter was about David repenting of his evil deeds.
I loved what he said in Verse 10:
Psa 51:10 (MSG) God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
He asked God to make a fresh start in his life!
I am sure you haven’t murdered anyone yet, and even if you have done so through an abortion or abortions, all God wants is for you to turn around, and He would embrace you!
Lord, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life!
You shouldn’t import that chaos into the coming year!
In verse 6, he said,
Psa 51:6 (MSG) What you’re after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.
That is what God is after! Truth! Come plain with God as David did and ask for His mercy!
My God will come through for you in that relationship or marriage! He will give you a fresh start in Jesus’ name!
Building a marriage around Christ goes beyond just saying you love Jesus—it means making Him the foundation of every part of your relationship. A Christ-centered marriage involves both partners actively pursuing spiritual growth, individually and together, and aligning their actions with His teachings.
When Christ is at the center, you’re not simply trying to “make it work.” You’re striving to love, serve, and forgive each other as Jesus does, and this transforms your relationship. You become more patient, understanding, and better at communicating, even during tough moments (yes, even when household chores aren’t done).
Faith: The Secret Sauce of Marriage
Faith is the glue that keeps a marriage strong, especially when life gets tough. When both partners are following Christ, you’re tapping into a deeper purpose—you’re not just living for yourselves but for something bigger.
This doesn’t mean just going to church together (though that’s important too). It means making prayer a habit, encouraging each other in Scripture, and letting faith guide your decisions. Couples who make faith a priority often feel more connected, purposeful, and at peace. When challenges come—and they will—faith provides tools to handle them with grace.
Biblical Foundations for Marriage
Scripture has a lot to say about marriage. One famous passage, Ephesians 5:22-33, discusses how husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the church, and wives should respect their husbands. Before you roll your eyes, this is not about hierarchy but teamwork. Both partners submit to each other’s needs out of love. Sacrificial love is key (like doing the dishes even when you’re tired). Colossians 3:14 sums it up: “And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Love should be at the core of everything in your marriage.
The Power of Prayer in Marriage
Praying together is more than a checkbox on your spiritual to-do list. It’s a powerful way to invite God into your relationship. Praying with your spouse builds vulnerability and strengthens not only your relationship with each other but also your relationship with God.
When prayer becomes part of your daily routine—whether it’s before bed, over meals, or during tough times—you’ll notice the benefits. Communication improves, and there’s a sense of peace because God is part of the conversation. Even during arguments, stopping to pray can shift the atmosphere in a positive way.
You can start small: keep a prayer journal together, jotting down requests and praises, or set aside a time each day to pray for each other’s needs. It doesn’t need to be formal; God cares more about your heart than fancy words.
Forgiveness: The Key to a Healthy Marriage
Marriage is hard at times. There will be arguments, and mistakes will happen, but forgiveness is essential for a thriving relationship. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Imagine your spouse forgets something important, like how much you hate being late. Instead of staying mad all day, take a deep breath, talk it out, and forgive. Holding onto resentment only hurts the relationship. Forgiveness creates a safe space for both of you to grow, knowing you won’t be judged for mistakes.
Grace allows us to say, “I’m not perfect, but I’m trying.” When you approach your spouse with grace, you see them not as someone who must be flawless but as a partner, also growing and learning.
Trust and Communication: A Must
Trust and communication are essential in a Christ-centered marriage. Without these, your marriage is like a phone with a 1% battery—it won’t last long. Honest, open communication allows you to share thoughts, fears, and dreams without fear of judgment.
Practice active listening, which means listening without thinking of how you’ll respond. Tune in, reflect on what they’ve said, and validate their feelings. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Trust is built through loving, consistent actions—keeping promises, being reliable, and supporting each other during hard times.
Serving Each Other: Love in Action
At the core of marriage is service, modeled after Jesus’ servant leadership. In a Christ-centered marriage, both partners look for ways to serve one another daily. This doesn’t have to be grand gestures. It could be cleaning up after a long day or surprising your spouse with their favorite snack.
Small acts of service show your spouse you care, creating a cycle of love and appreciation. Both partners feel valued, fostering a deeper connection.
Facing Life’s Challenges Together
Life is full of ups and downs, and marriage is no different. But when your relationship is built on Christ, you have the ultimate support system. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” which is especially true in marriage.
When challenges come—whether financial stress, family issues, or deciding on vacation plans—facing them together through prayer and faith gives you strength, don’t shy away from tough conversations. Create a safe space for honesty and invite God into the process. He’s the ultimate counselor.
Building a Christ-Centered Family
If you’re starting or raising a family, creating a Christ-centered home is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. It’s not just about Sunday school but making faith part of everyday life. Simple things like family devotions, praying before meals, and discussing faith openly help create this environment.
Children learn more from your actions than your words. They’ll notice how you treat each other, navigate disagreements, and prioritize God. When they see Christ reflected in your marriage, they’re more likely to carry those values forward.
Final Thoughts
A Christ-centered marriage is a daily choice to grow together in faith. Keep praying, forgiving, and serving each other. Your marriage is a reflection of God’s love for the world, and that’s a beautiful thing.
So take a deep breath, grab your spouse, and live out that Christ-centered love—you’ve got this!
How to Set Relationship Goals That Strengthen Your Bond
Relationship goals are essentially shared objectives or desired outcomes that partners aim to achieve to foster a stronger, healthier bond. These goals can range from simple, everyday habits to profound life ambitions, and they serve as a roadmap for nurturing and sustaining a relationship. By establishing clear relationship goals, couples can work together towards common targets, ensuring both partners are aligned in terms of their aspirations and expectations.
Importantly, relationship goals can be categorized into short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term goals may include things like improving communication, spending more quality time together, or addressing immediate challenges within the relationship. These are typically more manageable and can be achieved relatively quickly. On the other hand, long-term goals might involve planning for the future, such as marriage, starting a family, or achieving financial stability together. These goals require more time, dedication, and mutual effort, reflecting a deeper commitment to the relationship.
Setting relationship goals is crucial as it helps partners grow both individually and as a couple. By pursuing personal development goals, each partner can enhance their own well-being and, in turn, contribute positively to the relationship. For example, a goal to improve one’s health or pursue a career ambition can lead to increased self-confidence and fulfillment. Simultaneously, working together towards shared goals strengthens the bond between partners, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
Moreover, relationship goals ensure that both partners are on the same page regarding their future together. Openly discussing and setting these goals can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. It helps establish a clear vision of where the relationship is headed, reinforcing a sense of purpose and commitment. When partners are clear about their mutual goals, they can navigate challenges more effectively, making decisions that support their long-term happiness and stability.
Types of Relationship Goals
Setting relationship goals can significantly enhance the quality and longevity of a partnership. These goals typically fall into categories such as emotional, financial, and lifestyle objectives. By outlining and working toward these various aspirations, couples can create a balanced and fulfilling relationship.
Emotional Goals aim to strengthen the emotional bond between partners. Examples include improving communication skills, actively listening to one another, and developing a conflict resolution strategy. These goals are essential for building trust and intimacy. For instance, a couple might set a goal of having a weekly ’emotional check-in’ where they discuss their feelings and concerns openly.
Financial Goals are another critical aspect of a relationship. These can range from saving for a joint purchase like a house or car, to creating a shared budget and financial plan. Financial security is fundamental for reducing stress and achieving long-term stability. A practical example could be setting a goal to save a certain amount of money each month towards a shared dream like a vacation or an investment.
Lifestyle Goals focus on the day-to-day life and shared experiences of a couple. This could involve planning regular date nights, engaging in new hobbies together, or prioritizing fitness and health activities as a duo. These goals help couples enjoy shared moments and experiences, which in turn, deepen their connection. For example, a couple might decide to cook a new recipe together every week or go on a monthly hike.
It is important to balance individual aspirations with joint goals to maintain a harmonious relationship. Each partner should have the space to pursue personal interests and ambitions while also working towards common objectives. This equilibrium nurtures mutual support and respect, essential ingredients in a thriving partnership.
Steps to Setting Effective Relationship Goals
Setting effective relationship goals is paramount for fostering a healthy and thriving partnership. The first step involves engaging in open and honest communication. This creates a foundation of trust and allows each partner to express their desires, expectations, and concerns. Open dialogue ensures that both parties are on the same page and committed to working towards common objectives.
Once communication channels are firmly established, couples should identify and prioritize goals based on mutual interests. This involves understanding what is important to both individuals and aligning those interests to create a unified vision. It is crucial to ensure that the goals set are balanced and cater to both partners’ needs, fostering a sense of equality and shared purpose.
Utilizing the SMART framework is an effective strategy for setting clear and actionable relationship goals.
Specific goals are well-defined and detailed, reducing ambiguity.
Measurable objectives allow couples to track their progress and stay motivated.
Goals should be Achievable, ensuring that they are realistic and attainable given the couple’s resources and circumstances.
They should also be Relevant, meaning that the goals align with the couple’s overarching values and long-term aspirations.
Finally, Time-bound goals have a clear deadline, providing a sense of urgency and helping partners stay focused.
Regularly reviewing progress is essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring that goals remain relevant. Couples should schedule periodic check-ins to discuss their achievements, address any challenges that have arisen, and adjust their goals as necessary. This continuous assessment helps to keep the relationship dynamic and responsive to changing needs.
Overcoming common obstacles that arise while setting goals is a critical aspect of the process. Potential challenges include conflicting priorities, lack of time, and differing levels of commitment. To navigate these issues, couples can implement strategies such as setting incremental goals, maintaining flexibility in their approach, and seeking external support from a therapist or counselor if needed. By addressing these challenges proactively, couples can enhance their ability to set and achieve meaningful relationship goals.
The Importance of Relationship Goals
Relationship goals hold a significant place in the overall health and success of any partnership. Establishing clear objectives within a relationship fosters mutual respect as both individuals strive towards common aspirations. Through shared goals, couples can cultivate a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and viewpoints, thereby enhancing overall compatibility and connection. This common ground helps build a foundation of trust and commitment, essential for long-term stability.
Another vital aspect of having clear relationship goals is their positive influence on conflict resolution. When partners have defined objectives, they can navigate disagreements more effectively by focusing on shared targets rather than individual frustrations. This approach not only mitigates the intensity of conflicts but also fosters a problem-solving attitude, enabling couples to address issues constructively.
Personal growth is another significant benefit derived from setting relationship goals. By working towards mutual ambitions, couples encourage each other to develop and improve, both individually and collectively. This growth nurtures a nurturing environment where each partner feels supported in their personal endeavors, ultimately enriching the relationship.
Furthermore, relationship goals play a crucial role in maintaining a strong emotional bond. Consistent efforts toward achieving set goals help sustain the excitement and engagement in the relationship. These milestones act as reminders of shared experiences and victories, reinforcing the emotional connection between partners.
Overall, setting relationship goals is a fundamental practice that brings a multitude of benefits, from improved conflict resolution to fostering a robust emotional connection. It empowers couples to forge a path of shared growth, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment.
Five Ways Technology Can Strengthen Your Relationship and Marriage
1. Enhanced Communication
In today’s digital age, technology has transformed how couples communicate. Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger enable real-time, continuous connection, crucial for couples, especially those in long-distance relationships. These platforms help bridge physical gaps, providing a vital link that reduces feelings of loneliness.
Moreover, video calling platforms such as Zoom and Skype offer a more intimate communication experience, allowing couples to see each other’s facial expressions and body language. This visual interaction fosters better understanding and empathy, deepening emotional bonds and making conversations more meaningful.
Digital communication tools also offer various channels to keep couples connected. A quick text can share day-to-day updates, while video calls can be reserved for more in-depth conversations. This flexibility allows partners to choose the best medium for their needs, helping to maintain a strong connection. Furthermore, regular communication through these tools builds trust and understanding. Sharing daily experiences and future plans contributes to a more transparent and supportive relationship.
While technology should complement rather than replace face-to-face interactions, its ability to facilitate communication is undeniable. By leveraging instant messaging and video calling, couples can stay connected, nurture trust, and foster a deeper understanding, ultimately strengthening their relationship.
2. Creating Shared Experiences
Technology also enables couples to share experiences, even when they are apart. Online platforms offer various virtual activities that can help maintain and strengthen relationships over long distances.
Virtual Games: Gaming platforms provide numerous opportunities for couples to play together, whether through casual puzzle games or immersive role-playing adventures. Playing together promotes communication, teamwork, and understanding, making it a fun and engaging way to bond.
Movie Nights: Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ allow for synchronized viewing, letting couples enjoy movie nights together even when they’re apart. There are apps that offer chat features, enabling couples to discuss the movie in real-time, creating a shared experience that mimics an in-person movie night.
Incorporating these virtual activities into daily routines helps couples create unique experiences that bridge physical gaps, enhancing emotional connections. Whether through gaming, movie nights, or virtual travel, these shared activities strengthen bonds and foster a sense of togetherness.
3. Managing Responsibilities
Balancing household responsibilities can be stressful, but technology offers tools to help manage daily tasks efficiently. Digital calendars, task management apps, and smart home devices streamline these processes, promoting collaboration and reducing stress.
Digital Calendars: By syncing digital calendars, couples can coordinate schedules, share important events, and avoid conflicts. This level of coordination ensures both partners are aligned with daily and weekly plans.
Task Management Apps: Apps like Trello, Asana, and Todoist allow couples to create shared task lists, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities. This transparency reduces misunderstandings and ensures tasks are completed, fostering teamwork and mutual respect.
By efficiently managing household responsibilities with technology, couples can reduce stress and focus on spending quality time together. This collaborative approach nurtures understanding and strengthens relationships, allowing couples to enjoy more meaningful moments.
4. Enhancing Emotional Bonds
Technology offers various tools designed to help couples deepen emotional connections and grow together. These apps and platforms encourage reflection, communication, and mindfulness, fostering stronger relationships.
Relationship Coaching Apps: Provide professional guidance and tailored advice through goal-setting, progress tracking, and communication exercises. These resources help couples navigate conflicts, build stronger partnerships, and enhance relationship skills.
Journaling Apps: Allow partners to document thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a secure environment. Shared journaling can improve communication, providing insights into each other’s emotional landscapes. Reflecting on shared experiences helps couples identify patterns, celebrate milestones, and address areas for improvement.
These technological tools not only facilitate effective communication but also encourage couples to invest time in nurturing their relationships. Whether through professional guidance, or reflective journaling, these resources enhance emotional bonds and foster lasting, meaningful connections.
5. Maintaining Intimacy
In modern relationships, technology can play a key role in maintaining intimacy. Various apps and platforms offer creative ways to keep the romance alive and strengthen emotional connections.
Date Night Apps: Apps that suggest personalized date ideas based on shared interests can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable experience. These tools help couples continually rediscover each other, keeping the relationship dynamic.
Virtual Reality (VR): For couples in long-distance relationships, VR experiences offer a way to engage in shared activities and simulate real-world interactions, creating a sense of presence despite the distance. These immersive experiences nurture the relationship, offering a new way to stay connected.
Balancing Digital and Real-World Interactions: While technology can enhance intimacy, it’s important to balance digital interactions with real-world moments. Scheduling offline time, such as tech-free dinners or weekend getaways, ensures that the relationship remains grounded in reality. This balance creates a healthy synergy, reinforcing the relationship from multiple angles.
Technology offers numerous opportunities to maintain and even enhance intimacy in relationships. By blending digital interactions with meaningful, real-world moments, couples can foster a deeply connected and robust partnership.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, technology provides an array of tools that can help couples strengthen their relationships and marriage. From enhancing communication and creating shared experiences to managing responsibilities and deepening emotional bonds, these technological resources offer innovative ways to connect and grow together. By embracing these tools wisely, couples can navigate challenges, maintain intimacy, and build a resilient, fulfilling partnership.
