Pressures can come from different sources. Pressures can come from the devil, they can come from your friends, they can come from your environment, and they can come from within you.
Here are a few things to note about pressures.
1. Pressures come to everybody Everybody experiences one form of pressure at one point or the other. From the pews to the pulpit, from the laity to the clergy, from the janitor to the archbishop, from the person that got born again yesterday, to the one that has been in the faith for twenty years! As long as you are human, you will experience one form of pressure or the other.
The fact that pressures come to everybody is also an indication that tells you that you are not in that alone. There are no custom made pressures, and there is no pressure that you are facing that somebody, somewhere has not faced before.
Here is the scripture:
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV)
Even Jesus Christ had pressures! That is why the Bible says
We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all––all but the sin. (Hebrews 4:15 Message)
2. Nobody can put pressures on you unless you allow that person. Everybody that is putting pressures on you, be it sexual, physical or mental, you have allowed them one way or the other.One of the greatest gifts that God has given you is the gift of time. 24 hours that you live yesterday was time spent, but it was also a portion of your life that can’t be relived again. Those hours are gone into oblivion. The question is who have you given access to in your life, directly or indirectly?
Anybody you spend time with and listen to, you have just given them access into your life and permission to carry out whatever ulterior motives they had.
The moment you spend time with that unbeliever, you have just given him access to put pressures on you. The moment you go out on date with your boss who is married, you have just given him access to put pressure on you. The moment you report your spouse to your colleague or your boss at work, you have just given him or her permission to put pressures on you! The moment you keep spending time with that fellow all in the name of being taught tutorials, you have just given such a person access into your life.
I will show you more ways to handle pressures tomorrow.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am not under undue pressures. I have liberty in God.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask God to give you strength to say NO at the right times.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me:and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.(Genesis 39:12 KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Disconnect from people putting pressures on you
There are differenttypes, kinds, shades, and forms of trouble in life and of course, in marriage. Some of these troubles we face in marriage are due to our carelessness most of the time. While others are the devil wanting to stir up issues.
Whichever way, God has told us of how to handle troubles in His word.
I must admit that there are some troubles or challenges that are so bigger than us. There is no way we can come out of then successfully without God intervening.
King David even though he was God’s beloved Psalmist, faced different situations way bigger and stronger than he. The good news is that God brought him over them all.
At whatever season in our marriage, when trouble comes, not if they come, because they will surely come, if we are believers, we are assured victory.
Some challenges are spiritual and must be dealt with by engaging in spiritual warfare. Whether they are in-law issues, financial, child birth, barrenness, betrayal, infidelity issues, health issues or we just noticed some resistance on our way, or there are constant quarrels between us as couples that really has no basis, or any other attack on our marriage, it calls for spiritual warfare.
That is the time we should deal with and take charge of whatever trouble or strange oppressive spirit from the devil that wants to destroy our marriages.
We must know how to intercede for our marriage more than anything else. We fight on our knees.
The bible says
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:3 – 5 KJV
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 KJV
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 KJV
Our major work is to bind the wrong spirit behind such issues and loose the power of God. We come against the different spirits causing troubles for us and not allow us to enjoy peace, love and joy in our marriage.
Some problems are not with the 3rd party but within spouses. You have to learn to take charge and exercise authority over such anti-peace, anti-unity spirit. All they are after is to cause division, disunity, distress and fight in the marriage.
Also, praying for the eyes of the understanding of the other party is important.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:17 – 18 KJV
By the time you have engaged in spiritual warfare, God promised us victory over every trouble. The victory may not come the way we want. But victory is sure and peace will be restored into our marriage
God bless our marriage
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am not a careless spouse. I engage in battle for my family.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, open the eyes of my understanding.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 KJV
This morning we will be looking at the topic “Dealing With Those Who Cheated, Abused and Used You”
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: (2 Timothy 4:14 KJV)
Here wesee Paul extremely hurt by whatever Alexander the coppersmith has done. Judging from Paul’s tone, whatever harm Alexander has done is probably either towards him or towards the church of God.
Paul later said,
Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. (2 Timothy 4:15 KJV)
In Weymouth New Testament translation, it says,
Alexander the metal-worker showed bitter hostility towards me: the Lord will requite him according to his doings.
Now, in life, we will meet with a lot of people that will do us much evil. There will be several metal workers who want to use their metals on you! We will meet with a lot of people that will try to harm us.
We might have experienced deep hurts and wounds from those that jilted us. We might have gone through bitter experiences from people who used us and then dumped us. We might have encountered people that insulted our intelligence and tried to play smart on us. We might have been met people that promised heaven and earth and later abandoned us. We might have experienced the greatest levels of betrayals, wherein, the closest friend of ours betrayed us.
Those kinds of experiences are deep-seated, the hurts are strongly rooted, the bitterness breathes within, live magma, waiting for an opportunity of a volcanic eruption, to cause untold damage and harm.
In all of these, we must learn from Apostle Paul. We must learn to sheath the sword-like Apostle Paul did.
Yes, he was hurt, and he actually verbalized it when he said, “Alexander the coppersmith did me MUCH evil…”
No doubt he was hurt and must have gone through a very painful, heart-wrenching experience…but in all of these, he simply said,
“…the Lord reward him according to his work!”
In as much as this is not what the flesh wants to do, I believe this is the best attitude to take when you have been deeply hurt!
Commit the situation into God’s hands. Let God judge the matter! Let God fight for you. When God fights for you, you have the privilege of dealing with your enemy without lifting a finger and without bitterness, and God also compensates you! That is the beauty of it!
Did you see the classic film, “Woman thou art loosed” by Bishop T.D.Jakes?
That lady that was raped and had her innocence taken away at a tender age still ended in jail because she took laws into her hands by shooting the man that hurt her! The prison experience would probably get her bitter than ever!
But you can choose to let God handle it. When you allow God to judge the matter, you let go of the hurt in your heart and await a compensation that only God can bring.
I want you to hand it all over to God. The guy, the lady, the man, the woman, who did you much evil, hand it over to God. Don’t go on with any hurt! Let God reward them according to the works of their hands. That is when it is sweetest!
As you do that that, you will receive healing for every hurt and wound, and God will compensate you heavily! Were you abandoned? Thank God you knew him or her before marriage! If he didn’t go, how will the right person show up!
I pray for you this morning, God will compensate you heavily for every harm, hurt or evil in Jesus name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I refuse to be bitter
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to let go and forgive all who have hurt me
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Luke 6:28 KJV)
Today’s Focus: Prayers To Judge The Works of Darkness
Thanksgiving
Thank God for the victories He has granted you so far.
Luke 10:19 (NKJV) Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Nation/Church
Judge the works of darkness bringing chaos in your nation and the church
John 16:33 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Pastors/Parents/Mentors
Pray against the scheme of darkness against your pastors, parents and mentors
Hebrews 2:14 (NLT) Because God’s children are human beings-made of flesh and blood-the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
Finance
Judge the works of darkness against your finances; declare that you receive the power to get wealth
Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Family
Pray that the LORD rises over your family to judge the works of darkness.
Isaiah 42:13 (NKJV) The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies.
Warfare
Judge the works of darkness causing you to keep sinning.
1 John 3:8 (NLT) But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
Desire for the Month
Pray for your desires this month
Philippians 2:9-10 (NKJV) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
Psalm 91 Declaration
Psalm 91:7 (NKJV) A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.
Blood Declaration
By the Blood of Jesus I judge the works of darkness
John 6:55 (NKJV) For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.
Pray that you are strengthened to judge the works of darkness.
Romans 16:25 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time.
Healing
Declare healing over that sickness
Psalm 103:3 (NLT) He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
Favour/Mercy Today
Pray for God’s mercy today
2 John 1:3 (NLT) Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ-the Son of the Father-will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.
God ensures that there are many things in your life that you should be grateful for. So you must learn how to be grateful. God gave you loving and kind parents, a roof over your head, shoes on your feet, clothes to cover your body, food to eat and even a pet dog to play with. These are just some of the things you should be grateful to God for.
O house of Israel, bless and praise the Lord [with gratitude]; O house of Aaron, bless the Lord; Psalms 135:19 AMP.
Gratitude should be about looking around you and in your life to see the things that you are enjoying. Or the ones you have enjoyed in the past. This is one way to learn how to be grateful – by carefully looking around.
Get a journal and daily write down the things you are grateful for. No day passes without a blessing from God. Find those blessings and write them down. Yes, write them down. That is how to be grateful.
Don’t just look at the big things only, note the little things too. God wants you to thank Him for both the big and small things because He made it possible. As big as our God is, He still does the little things. And you should learn how to be grateful no matter the ‘size’ of what God has done.
It’s better to write these things down as soon as they happen to you or at a convenient time for you. That way you don’t forget any.
May God give you a heart of gratitude always and help you find things to be thankful for daily. May He teach you how to be grateful in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer: Thank you Father for your daily blessings. I will always be grateful for your blessings.
Action Point: Find an unused notebook or a diary, label it “My Gratitude Journal” and start to write all that you are grateful for each day. Don’t look at a good thing that happens to you as small, include it in your journal.
Women geteasily hurt. And the husbands may not even be aware that they are hurt because their needs are miles apart.
Those are the times a husband asks his wife, “what is wrong?” She simply answers “Nothing!”She says nothing because she doesn’t feel good explaining that something so little gets her upset. Or she knows if she tries to explain, the husband might end up making her look like an idiot. So she keeps quiet.
What are examples of those little things that could upset your wife?
Here we go.
1. Don’t do things that make her uncomfortable sexually. Don’t embarrass her and don’t compare her with some past escapades.
2. Don’t ignore her when it comes to making important of financial decisions. Don’t leave her in the dark, keeping her guessing all the time.
3. Don’t compare her with others especially when it has to do with her appearance, weight or hairdo. Don’t go out of your way to appreciate and dote on other women while you completely ignore her.
4. Don’t do things that you have disallowed her from doing, making her feel like a little child who cannot think for herself.
5. Don’t ignore her when she is emotionally down or physically tired. Don’t say things like, “I am tired of you. When you get out of your nasty moods, let me know!”
6. Don’t hug and embrace other ladies endlessly while you don’t even hold her hands in public. Go out of your way and offer some PDA! Public Display of Affection!
7. Don’t leave her alone to do all the house chores while still expecting her to be an amazon in bed later in the night. That would be insensitive.
8. Don’t make her do all the pornographic antics and gymnastics you could have watched in the past, and then making her feel she is frigid if she couldn’t do such. Rather appreciate her for not having a dirty mind and understand that most things you watched were acted by professional prostitutes and men of depraved mind!
9. Don’t watch football all day and all night while refusing to let her watch her favorite programs. Don’t make her look like an idiot for her preference of programs. Join her to watch sometimes, and encourage her to join you as well.
10. Don’t forget or deliberately ignore her special days like birthdays and other anniversaries. That will hurt her. Rather go out of your way to set notifications so that you can surprise her on those special days.
May God grant more understanding
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am good spouse
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, bless our marriage
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Pro 5:18 (KJV) Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
There are two things in life that are so important and pertinent that if you can have them, you are good to go. They are two things you need in relationships, marriage and life. They are the two things you need at work, in your school, in your business and in every sphere of life.
The Presidents of nations will pay millions to get these two things and the common man will desperately search for them. What are these two things?
These two things have caused not a few to dabble into the occult and some other terrains that are dangerous.
People are willing to pay millions for these two things. Some die in their bid to get them and some even lose their lives when they fail to get it right. Some have committed suicide at their inability to have these two things.
Everyday of our lives, we are trying to answer these two questions. We make decisions based on our projections on these two things.
What are these two things?
1. Profitability or fruitfulness 2. Direction or Navigation
That is the summary of success in life. The young girl wants to know who to fall in love with. That’s direction. She also wants to know whether it will last or be fruitful and then lead to marriage. That’s profitability.
The young man wants to know which career to follow or business to do. That’s direction. He also wants to know whether it will eventually make him rich. That is profitability.
The minister of God wants to know what God will have him do. Is it a church or an itinerant ministry? That’s direction. He also wants to know whether the church will grow or the itinerant ministry will prevail. That is profitability.
And it goes on like that all through life. We are constantly tying to search and check. Will it prosper? Is it the right direction?
Life without a compass can be frustrating. One can be lost in the meandering paths of life without a navigation system. There is nothing as tiring as proceeding on a journey without direction. And after you have direction, what will I do when I get there? We are all in a race, so says Apostle Paul, but then to where? Speed in the wrong direction can be a tragedy of life.
God gave me a scripture that answers with all finality what I have been discussing with you this morning. Direction and Profitability!
Here is the scripture.
Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. (Isaiah 48:17 KJV)
This scripture nailed it all.
I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit – Profitability.
I am the Lord thy God which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go – Direction.
In studying some of these words in Hebrew from where they are translated, I saw some beautiful truths.
The word “teacheth” is “lamad” and it means amongst other things, “to diligently and expertly instruct” Do you believe God is an expert enough to teach you in your relationship, marriage, career, business and so on?
And then, the word that interested me most and caused an explosion of revelation within me is this. The word “Profit” is “yaal” and it means to “properly ascend,” to be “valuable” and “useful”
I know you have ascended a little in life, but we are talking about “to properly ascend!” God is about to expertly and diligently instruct you to properly ascend and to be valuable and useful!
And then He says He will lead you in the way to go. The right man to get married to, the right lady to go after, the business to choose and the career to settle with.
Get ready as God teaches you to profit and also leads you in the way to go! When you have these two things; success is inevitable!
I see God teaching you and leading you! It is difficult in the natural realm to have these two together. A good teacher may not know how to lead. A good leader may not know how to teach. But in God, we have both! You will succeed. God will lead you. He will teach you. You will no longer be confused! The light of God dawns upon your soul right now.
From this morning, you know what to do and where to go. You will no longer draw a blank, God is your teacher and you leader. From this morning, you will no longer be lost in the maze and turns of life that leads nowhere, you will have direction and you will profit! Why? God said so! Go ahead and speak that into your life!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am led and taught by God.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Pray that God will lead you to your right partner.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Isa 48:17 (BBE) The Lord who takes up your cause, the Holy One of Israel, says, I am the Lord your God, who is teaching you for your profit, guiding you by the way in which you are to go.
Today’s Focus: Prayers For The Manifest Power of God
Thanksgiving
Thank God for His wonders in your life.
Exodus 15:11 (KJV) Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Nation/Church
Declare the manifest power of God over your nation and church
Romans 1:16 (KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Pastors/Parents/Mentors
Pray that the power of Christ’s resurrection will make a way for your pastors, parents and mentors.
Philippians 3:10 (KJV) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Finance
Pray for the manifest power of God in your finances
Philippians 4:19 (KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Family
Pray for God’s intervention in the area of marriage
Ephesians 6:10 (KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Warfare
Declare that the manifest power of God is against the works of the enemy in your life.
Exodus 15:6 (KJV) Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Desire for the Month
Pray for your desires this month
Exodus 33:14 (KJV) And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Psalm 91 Declaration
Psalms 91:5 (KJV) Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Blood Declaration
By the Blood of Jesus you experience the manifest power of God
Matthew 26:28 (KJV) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Ephesians 1:17 (KJV) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Healing
Declare the manifest power of God over your health
Exodus 15:26 (KJV) And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Favour/Mercy Today
Pray for God’s mercy to reveal the manifest power of God in your life.
Exodus 15:13 (KJV) Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
This morning we will be considering the topic “Can I Change My Spouse?” This is a question that has been in the minds of many married couples.
Mr. And Mrs. Scott have been married for five years and both of them are frustrated. They are both born again, God loving and loved each other passionately. But over the years, that love seemed to have waned. The love they once had seemed to have evaporated into the thin air. The butterflies that used to congregate into the love shape within their tummies seemed to have gone on vacation.
The eyeballs of Mrs Scott that used to engender a rush of adrenalin in her husband seemed the very source of irritation now. From, “I just love your eyeballs, they are heavenly,” It is now, “Please, stop looking at me irritatingly like that!”
The broad shoulders of Mr. Scott that weakens the knees of his wife as she admires him, does nothing to her now. In fact, she thinks, he is too wide chested! Does he think they sell “chests” on earth when he was being created?
What happened?
Well, The Scotts embarked on a journey to change each other shortly after their wedding. They constantly sang the song into each other’s ears.
“You need to change.” “You are the problem in this house.” “If only you can change.”
Well, they never changed. And that is the reality you will always meet and see in marriage. When you expect your spouse to change overnight, you will be heavily disappointed. When either spouse is an unbeliever, that is another thing entirely. Change in that sense is possible and can be anytime. But when we talk about habits, attitudes, and behavioral patterns it can take a while. Take note of these few points.
1. Patience You will need to exercise patience! It takes a while. Let’s assume your spouse was twenty five years old by the time you got married.It means that he or she has been formed into a certain mold for twenty five years.
Coming into marriage and expecting a quick change because your sermonized or lectured him or her will not make a change in a few days. If you keep expecting a quick change, you may be disappointed.
1Co 13:4 (CEV) Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud…
I think in marriages, you always get to understand that virtue called “long-suffering!”
2. Don’t lecture or sermonize Your lectures and long talks does nothing at the end of the day.It only turns you into a nag, a domineering spouse and an impatient spouse. Between a husband and a wife, one will talk more than the other. Don’t ever make the mistake thinking your ability to package words is effective on your spouse. It is even much more annoying and irritatingly hilarious if your spouse is a phlegmatic who doesn’t want trouble. He or she will allow you to talk and talk, and then will promise you there is change, only so that you can stop talking! Only to do the very thing you’ve been talking about!
You feel like escaping from the marriage, but sorry, you are hooked already! Trust God that things will get better.
3. Pray rather than talk and talk Your most effective and sure way to create any change is to pray.Take it to God and stop wearing yourself out. Try and think about it, you’ve been complaining about something for seven years, yet no change! And you keep complaining! Don’t you think in seven years, your spouse has disconnected himself or herself from your complaints? He or she has mastered the art of closing the gate of his heart, you are only talk to the ears! It does nothing and it would do nothing! Pray about it!
4. Get back Into dating mode You used to love yourselves! What happened? You used to overlook and ignore some things you are bitterly complaining about now. You need to get back into that romantic mode and love each other again rather that thinking your spouse is the problem of your family!
1Co 13:7 (CEV) Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
Be supportive, be hopeful and trust again. Cast your cares unto Jesus and stop focusing in the flaws of your spouse. Get back into appreciating him or her in the area of strength.
I pray that God will help you need and send the very help you need in Jesus name.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am patient
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be love my spouse again
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1Co 13:7 (GW) Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up.
Gratitude means to declare that you acknowledge something good that you received. It could be a gift or help. How to practice gratitude as a child is what we wish to look at today.
I will exalt You, my God, O King, And [with gratitude and submissive wonder] I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Psalms 145:1 AMP
The psalmist in the above verse is showing this gratitude to God by writing Him a poem to say how grateful he was. That is how to practice gratitude.
Look at this second verse:
Remember [with gratitude] His marvelous deeds which He has done, His miracles and the judgments from His mouth, 1 Chronicles 16:12 AMP
Now the writer here is saying that we should remember with gratitude what God has done for us. You have to just learn how to practice gratitude as a child.
When people show ungratefulness it’s because they forget about what people or God has done for them. They believe that they have never received anything good in their lives. They refuse to say thank you. They refuse to praise God.
When you appreciate people for the good things they do for you, it’s a sign of gratitude. Rather than focus on what you didn’t get, be grateful for the ones you have. Yes, that is how to practice gratitude.
Saying thank you to God every time He blesses you gladdens His heart and He will bless you more.
For the next few days we will look at ways on how to practice gratitude to God and others.
You will also learn how to find things to be grateful for.
May your gratitude always go before God as a sweet smelling aroma in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Prayer: Father, I am grateful for the spirit of showing gratitude at all times. Teach me how to practice gratitude. Thank You dear Father in Jesus name. Amen.
Action point: Look for an empty notebook or jotter to start writing down things you are going to be grateful for as we continue the series.
If you are a member of KHC, get ready to move! Yes, I hear the Spirit of God say, in areas of your lives where things have been static and stagnant, there is about to be a rumbling, and a movement that will turn every captivity around and put an end to disappointments!
Let’s take a look at this scripture that the Lord woke me up with.
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. (Exodus 14:13 KJV)
Moses was asking the people to stand still here. And some of you have stood still for a while.
You have fasted. You have prayed. You have done all you know to do. Things have stood still for a while. The man was not forthcoming. You couldn’t seem to find the right lady. The business has not been buoyant. Currency that is meant to flow stood still. Admission to higher institutions seemed pending.
But I love the next statement!
“…for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.”
The failure you saw in the past months, you will see them no more!
The disappointments you saw in the past months, you will see them no more!
The abandonment, the jilting experiences, you will see them no more!
The strings of tragedies, the premature loss of loved ones, you will see them no more!
The reality of poverty and lack intertwined, you will see them no more!
The depression and despondency, the literal emotional upheavals, you will see them no more!
The rejection, the seemingly trail of curses, you will see them no more!
The delay, the disfavor, the loss of opportunities, you will see them no more!
Look at the next verse:
The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:14 KJV)
You see, this year, God will fight for you! That is why He is saying Press forth! You want to ask, how will I press forth? Where are the resources? How will I do it? God says, keep shut your mouth and stop asking questions of doubt, I have got your back covered! Glory to God!
And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: (Exodus 14:15 KJV)
Here God said, Look Moses, the people have stood still for a while, stop crying to me, take some action! Press forth! Go forward! Stop complaining and making doubtful statements, move!
Message translation says “…order them to get moving!”
I come in the name of the Lord and by the Spirit of God this morning and proclaim to all KHCites, “Get moving!” There is divine energy to move right now!
But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. (Exodus 14:16 KJV)
Press forth this year! You will go on dry ground. The ground will not swallow you. This year, you will not slip under the ground. The ground has been solidified for you! The ground of marriage, the ground of business, the ground of academic achievement, the ground of professional careers, have been made ready for you!
Get moving this year. Write that book. Publish that material. Start that business. Start that blog! Press forth! Get married! Begin the idea!
The sea has been divided for you. The hindrances have been disgraced. The obstructions have been divided. The sea has been “unsead” That courtship that is almost becoming everlasting because of funds, you are about to press forth because God will supernaturally provide!
Get ready this year to Press forth!
Press forth into your destiny. Press forth into God’s plan for your life! I come with a trumpet in my mouth this morning, and I blow upon all KHCites, PRESS FORTH!
Quit looking back. The sinful and oppressive lifestyles of Egypt, should be relinquished. No more frolicking with demons of iniquity! No more locked in the false embrace of a guy or lady, no more covered with the sheets of sexual perversion, it is a new day!
It is a new day for you! Press forth!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am pressing forth this month! No more disappointments!
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, I receive energy to press forth in Jesus name
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut! ” (Exodus 14:14 Message)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Write down areas where you need to look beyond disappointments and press forth!
Thank God for the deliverance He has given you and your family in the past.
1 Corinthians 1:4, NKJV I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,
Nation/Church
Pray that God will bring deliverance to your nation and the church
Isaiah 60:10, TPT Foreigners will rebuild your walls and their kings will serve you. Even though I punished you in my anger, I will restore you in my gracious favor and show you my tender compassion.
Pastors/Parents/Mentors
Pray that the labour of your pastors, parents and mentors will not fade away.
1 Peter 5:4, KJV And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Finance
Pray for deliverance in your finances
Philippians 4:19 (KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Family
Declare that God brings deliverance to your family
Isaiah 54:17, CEV Weapons made to attack you won’t be successful; words spoken against you won’t hurt at all. My servants, Jerusalem is yours! I, the LORD, promise to bless you with victory.
Warfare
Declare that God takes over every battle raging in your life
2 Chronicles 20:15b, KJV Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Desire for the Month
Pray for your desires this month
Obadiah 1:17, KJV But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
Psalm 91 Declaration
Psalm 91:3, KJV Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Blood Declaration
By the Blood of Jesus you have deliverance
Exodus 12:13b, KJV and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Pray that God would grant you the wisdom required for deliverance
Ephesians 1:17, GNT and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him.
Healing
Declare healing over that sickness
Jeremiah 17:14, NLT O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!
Favour/Mercy Today
Pray for God’s mercy to bring you favour today
Psalms 102:13 KJV Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
Part of beingsincere and being open and transparent in marriage is being able to express yourself without feeling ashamed. This is why we are considering the topic Don’t Be Afraid of Being Needy In Marriage”
I know this could be difficult to do. I have been there before. My husband is a full-blown-blooded choleric. And clerics are very expressive and opinionated. They could be very blunt and believe why should they be diplomatic? In fact, the blunter the better. They are not apologetic at all.
In my own thinking as a phlegmatic, everything has to be with diplomacy. You have to think of not hurting the other person even if it means you get hurt instead. You have to be apologetic and so on.
My husband is of the opinion that if he needs anything he will ask. Jokingly or straightforward, he will ask. He believes there is nothing he should not be able to ask his wife especially Jeru trip(*winks). He is never ashamed.
I had to learn to ask and not be ashamed that I am needy.
Recently, I saw our Caucasian dog do this and the Holy Spirit ministered to me that it’s so easy to ask for what you want.
Shame is a sign you are not naked and transparent with your spouse yet.
Our huge dog, whenever you are outside will come to you, make sure you notice him and then lie down very close to you expecting that you use your leg to rub him. He shows pleasure and if you remove your leg he will use his own legs to touch you. A non-verbal way of saying “don’t stop”.
We as couples should always learn to ask politely and courteously from our spouse. Don’t let the unfavorable answer of our spouses discourage us. Just ask. It is either he/she says Yes, No, or some other time.
We all are needy, in one way or another. Where I am strong my husband is weak and he is strong where I am weak. God created it so. We need one another, but we have the responsibility of making our needs known.
Don’t be too egoistic and don’t be ashamed of your needs. God already knows you are needy. Don’t also try to be humble unnecessarily by sacrificing your needs. Talk about your needs as a woman. Talk about your needs as a man, which includes jeru trip, intimacy, affection, time out even the need to be pampered.
Let’s be expressive even if we have to learn it.
God bless your marriage
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I put God first place in my life
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, empower me to do thy will, at all times
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (1 Peter 3:7 KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Decide to sow a good seed into her today!
One of the greatest challenges that a man will face is how to care of his wife. This is not because a man is reluctant to do so, but simply because the definition of care in a man’s brain is sometimes exact opposite of how a lady defines care. I am not talking about when you’ve just fallen in love. Mostly at that time, your eyes are not open to reality then. At the times when you’ve just fallen in love, everything he does is okay and everything she does is okay!
A woman sees C-A-R-E as availability, attention and some good money! A man often sees C-A-R-E as money, money and money, and that is where the problem is?
Didn’t I just send you money? How can you say I don’t care? Didn’t I just send you to Dubai? You see, a woman that truly loves you doesn’t mind going to Dubai, but she doesn’t want to go alone! She wants to go with you!
I know there are some women who see C-A-R-E as money, money and money! This isn’t a genuine love, and at the end of the day, they are still frustrated despite the money because the real need is never met!
This is the bane of ladies who are of marriageable age, but refuse to love and be loved appropriately because of some man who is giving them money or who rents an apartment for them somewhere.
You call them big girls, but they are really small inside! The big girls are not the ones spending some ill-gotten money that they accumulated from using their bodies as a commodity; the big girls are the ones who refuse to compromise in the face of provocation, who decides to stand up for God!
If you are engaged to a lady who never asks for your time and attention but only wants you to send her money, you should really be worried! She is probably getting the emotional fulfillment somewhere else and you are just a tool in her hands, to get money!
On the other hand, if a lady never stresses you for money but only asks that you call regularly and be there for her, she really loves you! Though, there could be an extreme of this as well, when the lady in question is overly needy because of past experiences and self-esteem issues.
So how do you take care of lady? Be there for her. Take care of her by spending time with her. But, I have to provide for her, so I am busy and I have to be away! Yes, but you have to create time out of no time, to be available for her. May you not get the money and then lose her!
You need to understand that it is a need of hers! Initially she might not complain because the money is always there, but after a while, she would rather let you have her than the money having her.
Why do you think some rich women get depressed? Haven’t you seen ladies living in palatial mansions who are so unhappy and depressed?
Money answereth all things…that it can answer!
Like it is often said, can money buy sleep? Nay, it may buy waterbed, not sleep!
Can money buy a good heart, nay, it may get a beautiful face, not necessarily a good heart. One of the worst things that can happen to a man is a stunningly beautiful face sitting on an evil heart! Conversely, one of the greatest tragedies that can happen to a woman is a stupendously rich man and a handsome face sitting on an abusive, egocentric and violent man!
His money buys your body, your mouth and your mind! You can’t even think for yourself, that is not marriage! Sadly this is where a lot of ladies find themselves! A lady called me sometimes ago weeping profusely; that she has all the money but she cannot spend! She was living in a prison!
It is for this reason that when you are talking of a relationship or marriage with a person, the most singular important factor is God’s choice for you!
And then some people will come up with some funny ideas like; what if God gives me somebody I don’t love? What you don’t know is that God is not man, that arithmetic or geometry will never be.
That God will lead you to somebody you hate all your life? It never happens like that! You will always love what God offers because He gives you the best! Yes, initially you may not cooperate with God’s plan because of selfishness and greed, but when you come to embrace God’s plan, you will see the wisdom of God, and you will be full of praises to God!
Only God knows the man or woman that will last the whole journey with you. Only God knows the one that will pack his or her load along the way. Only God knows the one that might pull the trigger on you five years later. Only God knows the one that wouldn’t mind using you for some ritual… because God looks into the heart…while you are looking at the bank account and the face! You see why it is important you follow God’s direction?
What if you are already married and you feel you made a mistake? Stay there and correct that mistake, with prayers, good attitudes, wisdom and a lot of maturity, God can heal your marriage and make it good!
May God help us all!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am not confused. I am being led of God
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord lead me into that place by your side.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalms 5:3 KJV)
In today’s article, we would be examining how children can pray, as seen in the Bible. The bible is full of so many power-packed prayers from ordinary people like you and me, who faced one issue or another at different times in bible history.
It’s a reservoir of prayers said out of fear, pain, and loneliness. Some were faced with destruction and had to cry out for help. Some more said prayers out of confusion, hopelessness, and despair. Prayers for mercy, deliverance, and strength are found in the bible, said by people who were faced with huge challenges. And in these stories we see how children can pray.
Sometimes, God can lead you to a particular book, chapter, and verse in the bible as a guide to pray with. When directed to read from the bible, obey. That way, you get to know what God wants to teach or tell you about that burning issue in your mind.
David praised and worshipped God a lot in the psalms. His prayers also showed that he too had fears and prayed about them. He had hope in God to save him from all his enemies. And the Bible records that God gave him victory over all his enemies. Reading these life stories, you learn how children can pray.
When he was afraid, lost, and unsure of what to do –“Later David prayed to the Lord. David said,
“Should I go up to any of the cities of Judah? The lord said to David, “Go”. David asked, “Where should I go?” The Lord answered, “To Hebron”. 1 Sam. 2:1 ICB
As you learn how children can pray, include reading and meditation from the bible. God bless you as you do so. Amen
Prayer: Lord, as you lead me to read the bible, help me to grasp the meaning of what I read. Help me meditate on these readings so I can learn how to pray. Amen.
Action point: Read some Psalms of David. Note the different ways he prayed for help, forgiveness, and other things.
Declaration: Prayer is the master key, so I use it well.
Today’s Focus: Prayers For The Manifest Presence Of God
Thanksgiving
Thank God for making His manifest Presence available to you.
Isaiah 37:16 (KJV) O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.
Nation/Church
Pray for God’s manifest Presence to bring joy and peace to your nation and the church
Isaiah 55:12 (KJV) For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Pastors/Parents/Mentors
Pray for God to bless your pastors, parents and mentors
Isaiah 55:13 (KJV) Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Finance
Declare that the manifest Presence of God brings you abundant supply
Philippians 4:19 (AMP) And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Family
Declare salvation over your family
Deuteronomy 1:33 (KJV) Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.
Warfare
Come against schemes of the devil to rob you of God’s manifest Presence
Exodus 15:3 (KJV) The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Desire for the Month
Pray for your desires this month
Exodus 33:14 (KJV) And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Psalm 91 Declaration
Psalms 91:1 (KJV) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Blood Declaration
By the Blood of Jesus I have God’s manifest Presence
Revelation 12:11 (KJV) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Pray that the manifest Presence of God will encompass you, causing His love to flow ceaselessly through you
Philippians 1:9 (KJV) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Healing
Declare healing over that sickness
Malachi 4:2 (KJV) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Favour/Mercy Today
Pray for God’s mercy through His manifest Presence
Psalms 119:41 (KJV) Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
