So yesterday, I started teaching on this topic. I established the fact that romantic love is essential in relationships and it makes marriage exciting.
Kindly read yesterday’s devotional.
5 Ways to Grow Your Romantic Love.
Yesterday, we looked at:
Understand their love language and speak it.
It is the duty of everyone in a relationship to discover, understand, and then start speaking their partner’s love language.
In marriage, you keep on speaking and rediscovering your spouse’s love language over time and as occasion demands. Yesterday’s love language may not be today’s love language.
No love without giving
A gift is like a magic wand that brings favor. The Bible says good understanding procures favor. Understand the magic that gifts bring and use it to your advantage whether in relationships or marriage.
Today, we are looking at:
3. Express your love to your lover in creative ways.
Just yesterday, while my housekeeper was cleaning and clearing the house, I saw one of the love notes my husband wrote to me way back in 1996. It was so heart-warming. I handed it over to him, and he read it to me again.
So sweet. I felt loved all over again. I saw his heart and his love so genuine and pure.
There was nothing sexual about that love letter. It communicated his love to me, our future together based on God’s promise, and our love together in its purest form.
Of course, I kept the note and cherished it. A 28-year-old love letter, neat and fresh, just like it was written yesterday. It was neatly written on pink cardboard and designed. Talk about romantic love, that is what I mean. My husband is more romantic than I am, you can bet.
It was not expensive, just a cardboard and pen, but it was and is still so priceless. It means so much to me.
Those days we could not afford anything fanciful, not even a date at a restaurant, but our romantic love was intact. No one could have convinced us that we were not in love.
So, singles, be creative in expressing your love to one another without being sexual.
To our married folks, good romantic love in a relationship serves as a good foundation upon which to build and continue expressing your love to each other in very creative ways.
Your husband or your wife will still long for that romantic part of you. Never allow the busyness of being married to steal that aspect of your marriage. If it does, the marriage starts to nosedive. Remember, he/she is still that boy or that girl you fell in love with. To be continued tomorrow.
Many single ladies and guys are finding it difficult to know who the perfect will of God is for them. The guy is cool, and the ladies seem pleasant but is he/she the one God has in mind for me?
This is one of the questions that has bothered the singles ever since, at least those that fear the Lord.
Some other carnal believers just think, ‘I am the one marrying here not God, so let me choose what I like and I will be good’. Nothing is farther from the truth than this.
For us married folk, I used to think, but we have the Holy Spirit and He knows all things but why are we not led by Him all the time? Especially in our marital affairs.
The answer is in the state of our mind.
It is our privilege as born-again believers to be led by the Holy Spirit. That is what distinguishes us from unbelievers. That is our ‘X’ factor. And you know what, whether you are single or married, the Holy Spirit delights to lead us.
Romans 8:14 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
The problem is in the state of our minds. The Holy Spirit has information, wisdom, and strategies He wants to download to us, but our minds are too busy. He wants to tell us things, secrets about our spouses, about our intended partners.
We will however not be able to receive this leading because our minds are too busy. There is the normal state of mind, which is serene, calm and quiet. There is the abnormal state which is busy, filled with worries, evil thoughts, doubts, etc
God can only lead us in our relationship and marriage affairs if our mind is stayed on Him.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 AMPC You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
The Amplified Classic translation explains it well. God will only guard and guide us with His peace which is the umpire that tells us we are on the right track when choosing who we are to marry.
He will guide us with His peace when we know that the Holy Spirit is teaching us what to do in our marriage.
Our minds have to be stayed on the Word. We have to discipline our minds for it not to be wandering.
Our minds have to be focused on meditating on the word. If we want to enjoy the leading of the Holy Spirit, we have to actively keep our minds pondering, thinking, contemplating on His word, worship, and praying.
To know the voice of the Holy Spirit, we need to be ‘used’ to how He speaks.
Be disciplined with your mind. Think about what you are thinking about. Be quick to keep your mind stayed on the word. Keep your mind in worship, thinking of God’s goodness and His wondrous works. Plead the blood of Jesus on your mind to cleanse it from every dead works of unrighteousness.
Let your mind be free enough for the Holy Spirit to communicate with you and you being able to receive whatever He wants to say.
The other day, I was talking our first son and his best friend, and my question was “When are you guys getting married? Both of them just smiled and replied with an expression like, “Marriage? Who is thinking of that?” When I was my son’s age, I was already “toasting” Pastor Sophia!
Why do guys hesitate today? Why does it seem marriage is the last thing on their mind?
Let’s dive into this this morning.
The world today is a fast-paced world, where instant gratification is often a click away, but relationships and marriage seem to be following a different timeline!
This phenomenon has sparked curiosity and, at times, frustration among young ladies wanting to walk down the aisle. So, why are guys taking their sweet time to commit or walk down the aisle?
Did you miss yesterday’s devotional? Read it below!
The young man today is fiercely independent, valuing personal growth and career ambitions. Many young men are delaying marriage to focus on establishing themselves professionally and financially. This may nit be unconnected that there is “hunger” in the land! Building a career before building a home resonates strongly. For married couples, ensure there is a balance between you career and home! Family comes first!
2. Perfect Timing
The concept of “perfect timing” is another factor contributing to the delay. Guys are more attuned to the idea of timing in their lives, often waiting for the perfect moment when all stars align – career stability, emotional readiness, and finding the ideal partner. This pursuit of the perfect scenario can lead to postponements in making significant relationship milestones.
After wedding, ask married couples, three will be more responsibilities, but this also makes you to sit up and harness every grace and opportunities available to take care of your family!
I will stop here today! Watch out for the second part tomorrow!
We live in a world of constant noise – pings from social media, pressure to keep up with the latest trends, and an unrelenting expectation to be everything to everyone. It’s easy to get lost in that chaos, losing sight of who we truly are. Whether you’re single or married, there’s one prayer that strikes a chord deep within: “Lord, Deliver Me From Me.”
Psa 139:23 (MSG) Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about;
We’ve all been there, staring at our reflection, wondering why we can’t just be a little more like this or a little less like that. In our pursuit of perfection, we become our own harshest critics and biggest roadblocks. But here’s a liberating truth: It’s okay not to have it all figured out. It’s okay to be a work in progress, constantly evolving and growing.
For the singles out there, society often makes it seem like you’re on a ticking clock, that you need to have your life mapped out with a fairy-tale ending. But guess what? Your worth isn’t tied to your relationship status. Your journey is uniquely yours, and it’s not a race against anyone else. Praying “Lord, deliver me from me” is a powerful way to let go of those self-imposed pressures and anxieties. It’s about asking God to help you embrace your singleness as a season of growth, discovery, and self-love. Being single isn’t a waiting room for happiness; it’s a chapter where you get to write the rules, discover your passions, and build an unshakable relationship with yourself and God.
Now’s your golden chance to dive into what makes you tick, explore new hobbies, and figure out your dreams – just you, no plus one needed. Use this solo time to get tight with God, finding out who you are in His eyes, which is pretty amazing and so much bigger than just being someone’s other half. Don’t just solo it; build your tribe of friends, family, and mentors – these connections are priceless. Got goals? Now’s the time to chase them down, whether it’s your career or learning something new. And most importantly, take care of your heart and mind, and find joy in your own company.
For the married folks, this prayer is equally potent. Marriage is a beautiful dance of togetherness and individuality, but it’s easy to lose yourself in the duo. “Lord, deliver me from me” is a heartfelt plea to maintain your essence while being an integral part of a union. It’s about asking for the grace to grow together without losing sight of who you are as individuals. It’s a prayer for patience, understanding, and the strength to be your partner’s ally, not their adversary. Remember, your marriage is as unique as a fingerprint, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Embrace your journey, with all its twists and turns, and know that it’s okay to be imperfectly perfect.
Just because you’re hooked doesn’t mean you vanish into the “we” – keep that awesome “you” shining bright. Picture your marriage like a bike ride; you both get to steer and enjoy the view. Living with your lover means patience is your new best friend. Think of your spouse as your co-conspirator in this adventure of life, not the opponent you need to outwit or outlast. Embrace the one-of-a-kind life you two are living together, and enjoy it!
Whether you’re single or married, young or old, the prayer “Lord, Deliver Me From Me” is a powerful reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles. It’s an acknowledgment that sometimes, the person we need to be delivered from is ourselves. So, let’s take a deep breath and step into this journey with open hearts. Let’s be kind to ourselves, embrace our flaws, and celebrate our victories, no matter how small. After all, life isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting the One who does. Remember, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, learning, growing, and finding our way. And in those moments when you feel overwhelmed, just whisper that simple yet profound prayer, “Lord, Deliver Me From Me,” and watch as peace fills your heart and guides your steps.
If all singles and married couples can master these 5 points, there will be fewer issues in their relationships. These are just the basic things; if you walk with the Holy Spirit, He will tell you how to tailor things to meet your specific needs in time.
He is the best companion ever in relationships and marriage. He knows what you and your partner need and knows exactly what wisdom to use and how to navigate the complex issues and nature of your relationship and marriage.
Here are the 5 tips:
Master communication.
As a single, have conversations that reveal your true self and encourage the other person to do the same. Your conversations are for connection, not just surface talk. For married couples, keep communication lines open and honest. Share your feelings, dreams, and fears without reservations. Your conversations are to deepen your connection, ensuring both of you feel heard and understood.
Understand yourself
As a single, be clear on who you are and what you want. What makes you happy. Be clear about your non-negotiable. This clarity will help you in finding and keeping the one person with whom you can truly do life together. As a couple, keep growing. Personal growth is essential to the health of your marriage. Also, encourage each other’s ambitions and passions.
Handle Conflicts Smartly
As singles, know that disagreements are a part of your journey. If conflict arises, tackle it with maturity and understanding, knowing that it’s not about winning the argument but respecting your differences. As couples, see disagreements as a means to get to know each other better. Work at solving conflicts to benefit the relationship and not just the individual.
Cherish and value your independence.
As a single, embrace and enjoy your single life, pursue your passions and interests, have friends outside your relationship. As couples, maintain personal interests and do things you enjoy. This contributes to a more healthy and vibrant relationship, which allows both partners to bring fresh experiences and insights into the marriage.
Align your goals.
As a single, nurture the vision you share together for the future, whatever it is. Being on the same wavelength can prevent a lot of heartache eventually. As a couple, constantly check if your goals and dreams are still in sync. As you grow, so do your dreams. Ensuring that you are still heading in the same direction strengthens your bond and makes your journey together fulfilling and exciting.
