Sally, a God-loving babe is single, sassy, smart and searching! She has many suitors, but she just can’t seem to decide what she should really go for. She knows God loves her and is assured of that, but she is yet to find the man that will truly love her. Who should one really go for? What is it that must not be negotiated?
Before saying “I do,” what should one do?
Before walking down the aisle with the loved one, the sweetheart, the fedora, the rose, the lily, what should one really look out for?
What should a man look for in a lady or what should a lady look for in a man?
This is our bone of contention this morning and we are going to have to crack it by the Holy Spirit.
In relationship and marriage decisions, there is something that should not be negotiated. This is what we are looking at this morning.
There is something that you should watch out for that if you cannot see, you should talk to your lower limbs and pick a race.
You cannot marry everybody or just anybody. In the scriptures, God is particular about where the children of Israel should marry from.
In the contemporary world of 2022 and beyond, what do you look for?
After being involved in ministry work and pastoring for over two decades, with countless experiences in counseling sessions, I can tell you a few things.
After being married for twenty-two years plus, my eyes have seen a little. I have listened to countless brides crying and agonizing over the phone over their regrettable choices in marriage. I have listened to mature men break down like little boys because of the frustration experienced from their wives.
In the world of relationships and marriage, all men are not equal or the same. There are men and there are mean men.
There are honest men who speak with integrity and there are froward men whose mouths speak deceit and lies.
To be continued tomorrow…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will not say I do to the wrong person
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, do the best for me
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY And Abraham gave ALL that he had unto Isaac. – Genesis 25:5 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Do well to share this devotional
9. God’s word will renew your mind and make you become a better person
Are you wondering how you make some changes especially concerning old habits that seemed ingrained in you and tattooed on your mind? God’s word is the way out. The word of God brings transformation. It can lift a man from the miry clay to the mountain top.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2 KJV)
10. God’s word will help you to know your rights in God and get the best in your relationship, marriage and home.
Finally, it is in God’s word that you get to know and discover your rights in God and lay claim on them. You are not to be overcome by sin again. The bond of iniquity ought not to have a hold on you again. Its power has been broken. Sin shall no longer lord it over you. You are no longer the sinner trying to be righteous, you are the righteous whom the devil is trying to trap.
The power of lack, insufficiency, and poverty has been broken in your life. You have all things in God right now. The power of sicknesses and diseases has been crushed in your life! That cancer has no place in your body. That arthritis is no longer your portion. That heart condition has been taken care of…all these truths and more are what belong to you as a child of God.
When you study God’s word and discover what He has done for you when his body hung on the cross, you will have the boldness to demand what belongs to you in God!
May God grant you more understanding!
I pray for you this morning, every tree in your life and destiny that my God has not planted, be uprooted now in Jesus name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am a student of the word
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask for the grace to stay with the word
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Josh 1:8[NET]This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful.
4 God’s word will become light and direction to help you choose as a single.
There is rigour in direction. Life is about decisions, but that is not all to it. Good life is about making the right decisions. The frailty of our human nature is overcome when we rely on God to lead us in our choice of marriage partner. ‘The Lord is my shepherd’ becomes a living story of our life when we embrace His word.
5. God’s word will bring stability to your relationship and marriage.
As you put God’s word in your heart, it will help your discernment in knowing the right people and the wrong ones. In a relationship or marriage, you need stability. You need God’s help to have a successful marriage. You need a wisdom from above that will not make your marriage follow the usual pattern of separations and divorce.
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure. (Isaiah 33:6 KJV)
6. God’s word will regulate and help maintain your relationship and marriage when you follow its principles.
Following the principles of God gleaned from His word will help to regulate your relationship or marriage from the hullabaloo of marital journey.
7. God’s word will help you to have peace of mind in that relationship or marriage
God’s word brings peace. It helps put the couple at rest and delivers them from cheating on each other. It helps the couple to be satisfied with each other, and saves them from the pits that the enemy might have dug on their paths.
8. God’s word will help you to raise your children
When you train a child in the way he should go in the principles and systems of God, he will not depart from those principles when he grows up.
Rather than worry about the overwhelming peer pressure that an average youth is exposed to, show that youth the ways of God and his or her destiny will be preserved.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am a student of the word.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, make me a word addict
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Put the above points to use
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3 KJV)
Here are ten things that God’s word will do for you.
1. God’s word will clean up your past
It doesn’t matter what your past looked like, the word of God, anointed in and of itself, will wipe the slate clean for you! It is almost unbelievable and incredible to the human mind, but in one stroke of sacrifice, Jesus paid the price on your behalf. The past should never hold you to ransom again. You have been made free. The mistakes of yester-years can no longer bear its fangs at you today!
2. God’s word will birth hope for your future
After your past is forgiven and forgotten, the same word of God will birth hope in you. This hope is a necessary ingredient to help you receive the fullness of God. All of a sudden, light dawns on your heart and hope comes alive, that it is not over, after all.
3. God’s word will produce faith in your heart to conquer the world.
Faith comes by hearing God’s word. As you hear and read more of God’s word, faith will rise in you. Why is faith so important? It is with faith that you will wrought victory in God!
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4 KJV)
See it in Message Translation:
Every God–begotten person conquers the world’s ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. (1 John 5:4 Message)
Did you see that? Faith that comes through God’s word has the power to bring the world and its systems to its knees! Glory to God!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am a student of the word
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask for the grace to stay with the word
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Josh 1:8[NET]This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful.
Tonight wasn’t a good one for Angie. The sublimity of the night couldn’t reach her soul. The night was calm and rested, but the tranquility of the night was a far cry from the turbulence and storm raging in her heart. She has just been jilted, after offering several sexual escapades. The pain in her heart was deep, the lacerations within her elicited endless tears that cascaded down her powdery face, to the very foundation of her makeup.
Only one person can assuage the waters of agony meandering in her soul and that is her dad. She called him severally, but to no avail. She knew if she could just reach her dad, his deep words from his deep voice will lift her soul from the pit of regret.
In the same way, there is something God has given us that if we can just reach out to that in our moment of troubles, tests, and trials, we will always be bailed out. And that is God’s word!
God’s word is powerful. As a single or married couple, you should surround yourself with that word. Listen to tapes, read books, read it online, hear it in church, and by all means, keep feeding your inner man. Your success and stature in life are predicated on your studious habit of God’s word.
And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. (Joshua 1:8 Message)
Do you know that some of the frustrations that you are going through right now as a single or married couple can be terminated by God’s word? Do you know that some of the greatest questions in your heart right now can be answered when you read and study God’s word?
Do you know that some of the greatest puzzles and enigma in your heart can be dissolved by God’s word? Do you know some of the hidden things that seemed oblivious and far-fetched can be unraveled and brought to the fore by God’s word?
May God grant you more understanding!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am a student of the word. I do this one thing passionately.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask for the grace to do this one thing
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Josh 1:8[NET]This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Decide to do this one thing
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. Pro 12:4 (KJV)
Piety
A virtuous woman respects and serves God first by deepening her faith, attending church, and actively serving the community. She honors and obeys the will of God in all things.
Patience
A virtuous woman is patient. She knows that God’s timing is perfect and will not rush Him. When faced with difficult circumstances, she trusts that God has a plan and waits patiently to see what He will do.
Kindness
Kindness is an attribute of a virtuous woman. She cares for those who are hurting or in need without expecting anything in return. A virtuous woman is gentle and patient with others and doesn’t allow her emotions to control her actions, but instead she remains humble.
Humility
A virtuous woman is humble because she does not boast or brag about her accomplishments. She does not compare herself to others and she is generous with her praise and compliments.
A virtuous woman is careful to remember that it is not about her, but that she has been given gifts in order to make other people’s lives better.
Diligence
A virtuous woman is diligent. She is not lazy or wasteful, but she works hard and looks for ways to improve. This characteristic of a virtuous woman is one that can be seen in all over the scriptures.
Gratitude
A virtuous woman is grateful. She is thankful for the things she has and knows that all good things come from God. A virtuous woman doesn’t take anything for granted and she gives thanks to God for her everyday blessings. She is not petty and demanding.
Love
Love is one of the most important qualities of a virtuous woman. Many people think that love is a feeling, but it goes much deeper than that. Love requires patience, kindness, humility, diligence, and graciousness. A virtuous woman who loves deeply understands the meaning of sacrificial love and lives it out in her actions to those around her.
Conclusion
A virtuous woman is a woman who is virtuous in every way. She has many different traits that make her who she is.
She is kind to everyone and never gets angry, even if she is wronged. She is humble and doesn’t always need praise. She has a strong personality, but knows how to stay calm when it’s needed.
She always tries to do what is right and what she believes God wants her to do. She is diligent, diligent, diligent in all her work. She never gives up and always strives to be better.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am a virtuous woman.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, make me diligent in all I do.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Proverbs 31:26 (KJV) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. –Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)
What does a virtuous woman look like? What does she do, and how does someone know if they are one? A virtuous woman is the epitome of God’s will. She is patient and kind, humble, diligent, gracious and full of love.
A virtuous woman respects herself by using her talents for the good of others and not for self-glorification. She cares for those who are hurting or in need without expecting anything in return. A virtuous woman is a joy to be around because her faith in God is pure.
Find out more about what it means to be a virtuous woman with these 7 characteristics.
What is a virtuous woman?
A virtuous woman is a woman who is living according to God’s will. A virtuous woman respects herself and takes care of her body by not bringing harm to it. She does not abuse her body with drugs, alcohol, or sexual activity outside of marriage. A virtuous woman also respects her husband by caring for him and serving him in every way she knows how.
A virtuous woman cares for others by showing love and compassion. A virtuous woman is diligent in whatever she does and graciously helps others with patience and kindness. She is also humble enough to be teachable and humble enough to follow Jesus Christ, the one true God, as he leads the way into the future.
The seven characteristics of a virtuous woman
1. A virtuous woman is patient.
2. A virtuous woman is kind.
3. A virtuous woman is humble.
4. A virtuous woman is diligent.
5. A virtuous woman is gracious.
6. A virtuous woman is regulated by God’s love
7. A virtuous woman trusts in God and His will for her life every day.
These are what to look for in a virtuous lady!
To be continued tomorrow.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am a virtuous lady
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord Jesus, help me to put to use what I have learnt
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Prov 31:25 [TLB] She is a woman of strength and dignity and has no fear of old age.
Bode has always lived to impress other people. He has always compared himself to others, allowing other people’s lives and purposes to determine his own goals. He has never been true to himself. In no time, he had worn out himself and at the end of the day, he still lacked fulfillment.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV)
Why would the Bible say that falling into comparison trap is foolish?
1. You are unique
You are uniquely created. There are over seven billion people on planet earth and yet nobody else has an exact match of your fingerprints. As I write now, the world’s population is at 7.9 Billion!
You have been uniquely packaged for a specific assignment on earth. It is foolhardy then for one to compare himself with another.
2. You have different assignments
Everybody has a unique purpose to fulfill on earth. God told Jeremiah that
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV)
Your purpose precedes your creation. That is how powerful it can get! Everything you need on earth to fulfill your purpose was packaged into you while God is creating you. You are not inferior, you are gifted and you only need to discover it!
3. You have a different life span
Some people would have achieved so much by thirty that you are wondering how they are able to do so many things in a few years. But then before they are fifty, they are out of this world. Some people are great achievers too, just that they are latecomers. Their limelight begins when they are over forty or fifty! Stop comparing yourself with what others are doing, focus on God to help you do what you are supposed to do!
4. You will weary yourself
When you compare yourself, you will end up getting tired because you will be drawn to do what you are not gifted to do. You will want to impress others and you will soon get tired trying to do that!
5. You will be distracted
Comparison trap breaks your focus. It gets you on the wrong lane of purpose. It is a wasted and futile effort with no reward from God.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am focused
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord Jesus, help me to be focused
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV)
Betty is so frustrated in the relationships she had been involved with. She seems to have the knack for attracting the wrong people all the time. From deceivers to casanovas and then out-rightly wicked people, she kept having broken relationships. At a time, she began to think that there might be a curse lurking somewhere.
Andy had similar experiences in the hands of what he can only describe as strange women. They kept ripping him off, collecting his money, and eventually eloping just at the times commitments were about to be initiated. He didn’t know what to do again. He seems locked up in the pit of confusion with no flicker of light or hope?
Is there ever a way to know the right person as a child of God? Is there ever a way to avoid the wrong man or woman? Will God lead? If God leads, how? How can I be kept from ungodly people, deceivers, and liars?
Sometimes, you don’t even know which Pastor to talk to because there are so many charlatans who call themselves Pastors but will readily take advantage of naive ladies and end up abusing the abused! It’s pathetic and heart-rendering!
Let us get into the scripture to see some verses in answers to avoiding wrong people in relationships. The truth is that if you are able to avoid the wrong people, you will not waste time and resources on what will not eventually work. You will not be dissipating your energy on wasteful and useless relationships.
(10)When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; (11)Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: (12)To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; (13) Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; (14)Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; (15)Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: (16)To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; (17)Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.(18) For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.(19)None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. (20)That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. – Pro 2:10-20 KJV
In verses 10 and 11, the Bible says that you will be protected and preserved from falling into the wrong hands.
Verse 12 says ‘it will deliver you from the evil man.’ This means wisdom and knowledge will help you not to say YES to the wrong man.
Message translation of verse 12 says,
‘They’ll keep you from making wrong turns, or following the bad directions.’
That is very profound. It will keep you from making emotional decisions.
Message translation of verse 14 says it will deliver you from ‘These losers who make a game of evil and throw parties to celebrate perversity’ That is, you will be kept away from men that are out to deceive you.
Message translation of verse 15 says it will deliver you from people that are ‘Traveling paths that go nowhere, wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.’ That is, you will be kept away from jobless, visionless, directionless men. This is how to avoid wrong men.
Further down in verse 16, the Bible says ‘To deliver thee from the strange woman!’ This is awesome. You don’t want to get involved with a strange woman. Solomon married strange women and they turned his heart away from God.
Whether you are a man or woman, you are protected. But notice it all boils down to the fact that wisdom must enter your heart and knowledge must be pleasant to your soul. Go after wisdom. Stay in church and learn. Buy books and study.
The key to all this seems to be in verse 10, …when wisdom enters your heart. If wisdom can only enter my heart, I can avoid evil men and strange women. I can be kept from time and resources-wasting relationships.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will go after wisdom. I will locate the right person
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY O Lord, help me locate the right person
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY And here’s why: GOD gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. (Pro 2:6 MSG)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Start searching for knowledge of God’s word now.
It really doesn’t have to be expensive if you are not buoyant, but you should trust God for constant supplies.
There is a large part of the brain that is dedicated to shiny things in ladies.
In men, it is gadgets, anything that looks like a box, phones, cars, sound systems and so on. But in women, it is anything shiny, shoes, bags, jewelries and the likes.
If you don’t agree, buy her one and see how she will grin from ear to ear.
4. Give her time and attention
Hear what she is saying and what she is not saying.
Do not allow communication to die.
Keep talking no matter what.
If you are not in the same city, make sure you contact each other daily unless you are working in a medieval forest where there are no communication networks.
Otherwise, you have no excuse that you are so “busy” and you cannot call.
I really will not agree that a man can be so busy and cannot steal out five minutes out of twenty-four hours to be in touch with the one he professes to love.
If he forgets to call from time to time, it is either he loves another wherever he is or he is deliberately developing cold feet towards the relationship.
If a man loves you, his heart will be with you and he will stay in touch no matter what.
If he has not called you in three weeks, you are the only one in love, he is not.
It can really be painful to be in love with one who is not in love with you. It is a time waster and you should not waste your time on such.
So, time and attention are very important to a man.
I pray that God will grant you more wisdom on this topic in Jesus name!
A shout to all our partners, God will continue to honor you in Jesus name! Be blessed!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My lover is very happy with me. I do things that please him/her.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, teach me how to make my partner happy.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Tell him/her how much you love them
Your fiancee will sense your genuine love for her when you pray for her from the depths of your heart.
She will feel well taken care of and her assurance that the future will be great will increase.
Every lady is looking for a man that they know will be there for them spiritually. It is only carnal minded ladies that don’t care a hoot about the man’s spirituality.
You cannot place your spiritual responsibility on your loved one, but at least, you can be inspired by each other’s faith.
It is beautiful when you dedicate time of courtship for the spirituals and not just for carnality and fun all the way.
Thank God for Cinemas and movies, but what about some fasting and prayers as well?
Thank God for the Ice cream and the burgers, but what about some christian books on marriage to read and discuss as well?
2. Take her out
As spiritual as she may be, she wants to be taken out and sweet nonsense whispered into her ears. She finds that very romantic.
As much as she likes to take confessions, she also want to hear you confess your love for her.
As much as she wants you to share scriptures with her, she also wants to share pop-corn and drink with you while at the cinema.
There must be a balance here. One must not be sacrificed for the other and you have to learn to create a balance.
There is a time for fasting and prayers towards your wedding. There is a time for taking a walk and telling her how much you love her.
There is a time for speaking in tongues together. There is a time for holding the tongue and listen to her speak.
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My lover is very happy with me. I do things that please him/her.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, teach me how to make my partner happy.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Tell him/her how much you love them
Yesterday, we identified two steps to breaking delay and stagnation.
Let’s continue…
Step 3: Change Your Actions
The third step is to change your actions. This may seem simple, but it’s important.
If you want to be in a different place in life, then you need to take action and do something about it. If you want something different from your life, then maybe it’s time to do something differently too.
It can be easy to fall into the routine of doing the same things over and over again, but that isn’t going to make your dreams come true. You have to start doing something different in order for anything else to happen.
Take some time today and write down what you want from your life, both professionally and personally. What are your goals? What would make you happy? And commit yourself now to taking some time each day to work on reaching them.
Step 4: Build a Better Future for Yourself
The fourth step for breaking the yokes of delay and stagnation is to build a better future for yourself. When you’re facing difficulty in your current situation, it can be hard to imagine a better future. But with a little creativity and imagination, you can start building that better future right now.
For example, if your job is unsatisfying or you aren’t getting paid enough, see what opportunities are out there in other fields. You could research different careers that appeal to you and see which one would be the best fit. Maybe you’ve always loved social work or writing? Or maybe this opportunity will open an entirely new door for you.
The point is that by building a better future for yourself, you’ll have more power over your life. And when we have more control over our lives, we tend to feel happier and more satisfied with our current situation.
Conclusion;
The way you think, what you do, and what you create now will determine your future.
You can break the yokes of delay and stagnation and create a better future for yourself. If you feel like you are stuck, stuck, stuck and can’t get out, it is time to take action and break through. Get restless!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY No more delays. My wedding is happening soonest.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY I bind the spirit of delay in my life in Jesus name.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? – Isaiah 29:17 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Start preparing for your marriage now.
It’s possible you have been waiting for certain things to happen. You may be waiting for your business to take off, waiting for that next big raise, or waiting for a new job. It can be easy to get stuck in a rut of disappointment, and it can seem like the only way out is to wait for something better to come along. But what if there was a different way? What if you could break the yokes of delay and stagnation by making small changes in your life?
Delay is a yoke. Stagnation is a yoke. That looks like a bad news! But you know what? There is also good news! The yoke of delay and stagnation can be broken!
Let’s take a look at the scriptures.
And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. – Gen 27:40 (KJV)
Take a look at The Message Translation.
You’ll live by your sword, hand-to-mouth, and you’ll serve your brother. But when you can’t take it any more you’ll break loose and run free. – Gen 27:40 (MSG)
What steps do you take to break off these yokes?
Step 1: Get restless. Be angry.
Get to the point when you can’t take it anymore. When you get to this point, you are getting ready to break loose from the yokes of delay and stagnation.
Recognize the problem. The first step to breaking the yokes of delay and stagnation is recognizing you have a problem. The first step to solving your problem is admitting that it exists.
Recognizing what’s holding you back from success can be a difficult process, but it’s necessary if you want to move forward.
Step 2: Identify Your Thoughts and Beliefs
One of the most important steps to breaking the yokes of delay and stagnation is identifying your thoughts and beliefs.
What are you thinking? How are you feeling? What do you think about this situation? Noticing what your thoughts and beliefs are can help you change the way you approach your situation.
Sometimes, when things don’t work out, we make it seem like it’s because of something that someone else did or didn’t do. But really, it came down to how we were thinking.
If we want to break the yokes of delay and stagnation, one thing we can start with is noticing our thoughts. Once you identify what your thoughts are, it may be easier to change them into something more empowering.
For example: “I’m a failure because I haven’t reached my goal yet” becomes “I’m doing everything I can to reach my goals.” This could be just enough to break free from the negative thought pattern that’s keeping us stuck in our rut!
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY No more delays. My wedding is happening soonest.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY I bind the spirit of delay in my life in Jesus name.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? – Isaiah 29:17 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Start preparing for your marriage now.
Today, every form of delays, stagnation, unrealized dreams, dashed hopes, they are destroyed in Jesus name!
I really don’t care if they originated from family lineage or if there is any family curse, what I know is that they are broken in Jesus name!
Now, listen to me, God will not punish you with delay that never seems to end. When you make mistakes and and bring self imposed delays, the moment you run back to God, He forgives and forgets!
There are times that God allows delays as well in order to accomplish His purpose, but listen to me, delay is not denial.
God will not bring delays in marriage till you have crossed menopause! That is not God because He cannot contradict Himself! He already said you should be fruitful.
Now, no delay is permitted to be everlasting in your life. A delay that God allows because of your disobedience or stubbornness is always for A WHILE once you repent!
A demonic delay seeks to become everlasting! There seems to be no end in sight. It brings ridicule to you and your God!
Now, I declare, the backbone of every demonic delay is broken in your life in Jesus name!
Delay in getting jobs, ten years after graduation, enduring hunger and borrowing all over the place is not God.
Delay in getting married, with every relationship ending in shambles is not God, unless you are living in habitual sins and disobedience. You have to refuse every demonic delays with every fiber of your being!
Delay is for a while!
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. – Hebrews 10:37
Waiting for a spouse should be a while, not all your youthful life! You have to rebel against such trend from within you. Get restless and break the yoke.
Take a look at the Message Translation:
It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute. – Hebrews 10:37 (MSG)
I prophesy over you as God’s servant, your desired spouse is showing up this year in Jesus name!
I forbid broken promises in your life this year! No more teary eyes and lonely nights in Jesus name!
Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? – Isaiah 29:17 (KJV)
It is for a little while! Don’t allow the devil to tell you that your Lebanon will not become a fruitful field!
Go ahead and speak in tongues a while now.
The Message Translations says
And then before you know it, and without you having anything to do with it, Wasted Lebanon will be transformed into lush gardens, and Mount Carmel reforested. – Isaiah 29:17 (MSG)
This year, before you know it, and without you having to run from pillar to post, God will intervene in your situation in Jesus name!
For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; [7] And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. – Haggai 2:6-7 (KJV)
Yes! Your desire will come in a little while.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. – 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)
From today, you are not permitted to suffer unnecessarily.
The tears are dried off your face supernaturally this morning in Jesus name!
I curse every delay in your life today!
The Message Translation says
The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. – 1 Peter 5:10 (MSG)
That situation is not forever. Don’t accept any lie from the devil.
That delay has an expiry day, and today is the expiry day!
Let hope come alive, let faith come to your heart now.
You have suffered a while, now I prophesy unto you according to 1 Peter 5:10,
God will perfect all that concerns you from today!
God will establish you from today!
God will strengthen you from today!
God will SETTLE you from today in Jesus name!
No more delays! No more, not me!
So shall it be for you!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY No more delays. My wedding is happening soonest.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY I bind the spirit of delay in my life in Jesus name.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? – Isaiah 29:17 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Start preparing for your marriage now.
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. – Rom 5:2
Your faith is what gives you access to His empowering and sustaining grace. Do not for any reason slide into unbelief. Stay strong in God.
Your wedding will come soon.
Do not lose faith!
That baby is coming! Do not lose faith!
Stay in the word to keep your faith strong always
Faith calls those things which be not as though they are. Faith does deny the fact but superimposes the truth upon facts. And you know what, truth is superior to fact.
Your faith will move mountains. With faith, you will please God and you can get anything done!
5. Refuse to stop giving
Finally, do not stop giving. This is important.
When you stop giving, you tamper with your harvest.
Every time God asks you to give, He has a harvest in mind.
Be faithful in tithing, first-fruit offerings, love offerings, honouring your man of God, giving to the poor, kingdom investments, and partnering with a God-given vision.
Giving is a covenant connector. Giving shows money does not have you. Giving demonstrate your heart for God
All these levels of giving have covenant purposes they fulfill in your life.
Wherever your money is not involved, your heart is not there.
There are sacrificial givings that render curses and everlasting problems irrelevant!
Your refusal to stop giving has something to do with your harvesting on a constant basis.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
May God grant you more understanding!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I receive strength to do it God’s way
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Pray that you will not grow weary
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Put what you’ve learnt into use
There is a connection between joy and marital fulfillment. The joy of the Lord in your heart is a connection point for God to do His will in your life.
Jesus said
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. -1Jn 1:4
Your joy is not full because something good happens to you, rather it gets filled because you constantly behold that which has been written.
Your marital life has been documented. It has been written. As you behold the word daily and constantly, God will cause your joy to be full.
Never allow the devil to steal your joy. Refuse to get depressed. Stay joyful!
2. Refuse to fear
Fear is a tool in the hand of the devil to control you and keep you bound.
There are people who fear and dread marriage, so they couldn’t find a spouse.
There are people who dread child delivery, so pregnancy eludes them.
Fear is not just a feeling, fear is a spirit!
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. -2Ti 1:7
If fear is a spirit, then its operations are spiritual. It affects a lot of things spiritually. It determines a lot in the spiritual realm.
Do not fear is an admonition you will find in the scriptures over three hundred times.
Refuse that fear, because what you fear happens eventually.
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. – Job 3:25
3. Refuse to compromise
The pressure to compromise is real and constant.
The devil wants you compromising a hundred times per hour if possible. He knows that compromise short-circuits the power of God in your life.
Sin and compromise without repentance give the devil the legal ground to afflict you. Habitual sins opens the door to the hordes of hell to wreck havoc.
The power of sin is broken, and the scripture declares that
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. – Rom 6:14
Iniquity has been conquered, it has no longer a tyrannical rule over your destiny, it is a choice! And you must choose right!
Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, Go and sin no more. His voice is still reverberating across generations and it remains unchanged!
Do not be like Esau who preferred a temporary fix over a permanent blessing. Do not make yourself an enemy of God because of five minutes of lust expressed.
Do not cut off yourself from God’s favour and benevolence because of pacifying your flesh.
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I receive strength to do it God’s way
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, help me to live above sin
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. – Rom 6:14
The concluding part of this interesting story will be the different decisions these couples have to make.
Until you take responsibility and make decisions, whatever situation you were in remains the same or gets worse. To enjoy your marriage and live with love and understanding with your spouse is a decision every couple would have to make at one point in time or another.
The success of your marriage is in your hands and it’s a personal adventure. The success of your marriage is not dependent on past, present, or future status; it is dependent on your personal decision to make it work.
Marriage is not a 50-50 thing, it’s a 100 – 100 thing, where the wife is ready to fulfill her part 100% and the husband ready to fulfill 100%.
Husbands, don’t love your wife because she respects you. You love her because Jesus Christ commands you so. Love is an unconditional commitment that ensures the object of our love is fully satisfied.
The same thing with wives, you don’t submit and respect because he loves you, you submit because you are committed to obeying God’s word.
Having said all these, here are practical decisions these couples have to make.
1. Learn to respect your spouse no matter under whatever circumstances. Honor each other as covenant partners so that you can enjoy God’s blessing.
2. Never compare yourselves with other couples. You are unique as a couple. Walk out your own uniqueness and stick with it.
3. Never allow other people’s opinions to influence the way you treat your spouse especially if the influence is negative.
4. It is just smart to have godly mentors you can talk about your marital issues with. Your mentors give counsel, instructions, and encouragements to avoid unnecessary pitfalls in your marriage.
5. What you don’t appreciate, depreciates. Learn to appreciate each other always, appreciate your little efforts.
6. Don’t take each other’s happiness for granted. Sow into each other’s happiness tank.
7. Learn to have memorable moments together. Create fun and spice it up with laughter as often as possible.
8. Make God and His word your final authority as regards every area of your life. Let God be your common focus.
9. Celebrate things your spouse consider important. Don’t down-talk what they celebrate.
10. Be kind and generous to each other. Give yourselves money, time, attention, and affection.
11. Watch your attitudes, body language, voice tone, and actions. They all matter in building a lasting loving marriage.
12. You cannot be selfish. Love gives and puts the other first.
13. Never try to outsmart your spouse. You are a team, work together as such.
14. Learn to be quick to forgive. Marriage is for two quick forgivers.
15. Learn conflict resolution and communication skills, they are lifelines for your marriage.
God bless our homes and marriages in Jesus name.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will respect my partner at all times
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord Jesus, lead me to the rightful person for me
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY After all, we don’t want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief – we’re not oblivious to his sly ways! (2Co 2:11 MSG)
“I should not ask for respect right, but you can be asking for Ice cream and jewelry all the time, right? That was how you never allow me to touch you, always forming holiness!”
“So, you want to touch us before marriage, abi? So that you can taste us and sample us and then back out?”
“We are wiser now!” Pastor Dunamis said no wedding, no sex!”
“Is that even possible in this age? One man said? That pastor must be wicked”
“It is you who want to desecrate us that are wicked.” I love my pastor!”
Why did we allow these men to join us in this journey,” one woman said, getting tired already.
Her husband heard that and screamed, “You too? I have been waiting for you to speak since. We will meet at home.”
“Which home? Are we married?”
“Eh! These ones are sinners o, they are tasting something without getting married!”
“Was he not the one that convinced me that we would do our white wedding after we have sex just once and then the next thing was that my tummy shot out?”
Did you miss out on yesterday’s devotional, we’ve got you covered. Kindly go HERE. For KHC video Devotionals, kindly go HERE
“Kai! Wicked man!” Another woman said.
“But you didn’t tell them that you were begging me to marry you and you packed your things into my house before the wedding!”
“Is that what you would say? You are an ingrate, upon all the pot of stews I cooked for you with my money.”
“Your money? What about the laptop and the iPhone X I bought for you when I saw you were using an android?”
“Say it and let everybody hear now, shameless man! iPhone X nonsense that was always freezing when other men were buying Pro Max for their wives!”
“By the way, my wife changes her phones every month and I take care of the bill.” Another man said.
“Who wants the phones?” His wife replied.
“I want you! Today, you are in Japan, tomorrow, you are in China, I never knew I was getting married to the traveling secretary of the astronauts.”
They ranted on and on….and in the end, stopped their journey and turned back home.
They discovered that what one wife wants was already another woman’s problem and what the other doesn’t want is exactly what another is praying for.
They had to make decisions.
Tomorrow, we will be looking at the decisions they took.
Don’t miss it.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will respect my partner at all times
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord Jesus, lead me to the rightful person for me
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY After all, we don’t want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief – we’re not oblivious to his sly ways! (2Co 2:11 MSG)
Once upon a time, in the far far land of love city, the international association of fiancées and wives went to meet the king.
Their mission is to report the men folk for all their insensitivities and their logical ways of thinking which more than not has culminated into more confusion in relationships and marriage.
As they were going, the men folk heard about their plans. They quickly assembled themselves, ran after them and joined them in the ambitious journey.
There were arguments all through.
“You are so insensitive,” the women said.
“You are too serious for us, we want playmates.” The men replied.
“You never spend time with us, another lady bursted out, pointing particularly at her husband.”
“Where do we get the time to spend with you, when you keep asking for money everyday as we are the Central Bank? Won’t we go to work?” One newly married man said.
His wife, disappointed on hearing that retorted, “Ah you too, so you can talk? Was that what you promised me when you were begging and wooing me?”
“My fiancé called off our wedding plans three weeks to the wedding!” One young lady said.
“It is not only men that do that! One man said. Look at me, my wife-to-be left me for another man because I don’t have a car. But as I am looking at you, we can come together since we are victims of the same thing!” The man concluded, trying to seize the moment.
“I m sorry, you are not fine, you are not very tall, you have not even bought a car!” The lady replied.
“Is it wedding you want or car? I have three cars.” Another married man said.
His wife overheard him and shouted, “Ah, Mr Zerubbabel, touch any of my three cars and see if I would not tear you apart!”
The man felt embarrassed. But his friend replied the woman,
“But the cars were given to you as a gift by my friend, and technically, they are his cars!”
She does the hand sign, Dhooooor! Technically ko, Technology ni!”
“These women do not even respect us again,” one twenty-four year old guy said.
“Shut up there, you are not married, you are asking for respect.” His fiancee said.
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will respect my partner at all times.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord Jesus, help me to respect my partner always
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Love and respect your partner.
A person who is emotionally unavailable would want to start a relationship in a rather too fast way.
Hours after meeting, he is already laying the sheets on the bed. Hours after meeting each other, she is already giving you body language that she is all for the take!
The guy feels lucky that he just met a sexually willing babe. Well, he just met a confused soul who wants to use him to deaden the pain in her heart.
A guy who is not really in love and has no emotional connection often times just wants the jeru trip. He is not emotionally available.
What you need to know is that for a relationship to work properly, there needs to be a development flow. But when you try to bypass the natural rhythm of intimacy, there will be relationship chaos!
An emotionally unavailable person wants the sexual phase of the relationship to happen quickly, but we all know that this is a phase that God wants to be reserved till the time of marriage.
I am going to stop here this morning, but before I go, a word for the married.
Did you miss out on yesterday’s devotional, we’ve got you covered. Kindly go HERE. For KHC video Devotionals, kindly go HERE
In marriage, make sure nothing steals times of intimacy building between the two of you. Never allow any other person apart from your spouse into your emotional space!
Your emotional space is only for your spouse and any other person is an “alien” that will do damage to your heart. Block out every emotional opening and space to colleagues, boss, friends, and even your pastors! Let all the emotional space be taken by your spouse only!
That is how to be on safe ground!
May God grant more understanding in Jesus name!
I pray for all who might just be going through the process of emotional healing, I ask that God will touch your heart and grant you the grace to forgive and let go in Jesus name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will not be a wreck to my lover
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be emotionally stable
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Rom 14:17(MSG) God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness’ sake. It’s what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Heal from the past before moving to the next
