Forgiveness is one special gift we have graciously received from God. God instructs us to forgive ourselves and also extend forgiveness to others who offend us. Let’s see the dictionary meaning of forgiveness. I believe understanding what forgiveness is will help us in forgiving others. Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance towards a person who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.
This morning, we will look at 10 benefits of forgiveness in marriage.
Emotional Healing: Forgiveness and not holding onto past hurts and resentment heal emotions, promoting a healthy mindset and helping us move forward in marriage.
Promotes Healthy Communication: Couples are better able to communicate freely and openly, leading them to be more vulnerable with each other. Resentment blocks communication channels.
Improves Intimacy: Forgiveness breeds more intimacy, while unforgiveness breeds resentment, strife, grudges, and bitterness, all of which are intimacy blockers.
Better Understanding: There is better understanding when couples forgive, knowing that they are not perfect and are subject to making mistakes and hurting their spouse.
Resilience: Forgiveness strengthens the bond between couples. When forgiveness is genuine, their commitment to each other deepens, and they are able to face any challenges in the future.
Better Atmosphere: Forgiveness creates a loving atmosphere where unity and joy are present, and there’s no animosity and strife.
Marital Fulfillment: Forgiveness gives a sense of fulfillment in marriage where you feel loved and not judged.
Reduces Stress and Tension: Forgiveness will reduce the tension and stress caused by unforgiveness. Couples will enjoy a happier, freer, and more loving marriage.
Children are known to be better, healthier, smarter, and more emotionally stable when parents don’t have resentment towards each other.
Increases Empathy: Forgiveness helps couples to see things better from each other’s perspective and understand one another better, embracing their differences.
Overall, forgiveness helps couples live better, achieve more results as couples, and enables the Holy Spirit to work better in their midst.
Let’s see what the Bible says about forgiveness:
Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
God will strengthen us to walk in forgiveness in Jesus’ mighty name.
Relationship Goals: 4 Characteristics to Strive For
Let’s talk about what makes a relationship truly healthy and strong. Here are the top five characteristics of a healthy relationship, straight from the Bible:
Emotional Intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of and manage your own emotions, as well as empathize with and interact with others. It helps you navigate conflicts and challenges healthily and constructively.
Ultimately, it helps you to understand your partner more and relate with kindness instead of cruelty in the event of weaknesses.
According to Journal of Family Psychology, Couples with high emotional intelligence have a 50% lower chance of divorce
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
2. Keep Talking.
Communication is everything! Lovers are never muted. They keep talking, they have learned to disagree without being disagreeable and to be sweethearts regardless of opinions.
Couples who communicate effectively have a 70% higher chance of resolving conflicts successfully.
Gloria Copeland said “Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship. Without it, the relationship will die.”
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6)
3. Compromise and Flexibility.
Rigidity is the hallmark of fools. Listen to your partner. You are not a statue. Don´t be a dried fish, be fresh all the time and be malleable within a scriptural context.
No one gets their way all the time. Learn to compromise and be flexible in your relationship, finding solutions that work for both partners.
Oretha Hagin said, “Compromise is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and maturity.”
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (Romans 12:3)
4. Trust and Honesty
Trust is the glue that binds friends together and the thread that weaves lovers into a beautiful partnership.
Trust and honesty are essential in building a strong and healthy relationship. Be truthful and transparent in your interactions, and work to establish and maintain trust.
Don’t break trust continually, or else you have nothing to show for it after a while!
Kenneth Copeland said “Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Without trust, you have nothing.”
Trust will keep your relationship and marriage on track!
Pro 11:3 (MSG) The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.
This will help singles know what to look for and help couples know what to pray for concerning their spouses.
Lovebirds! Before you tie the knot, it’s essential to know about marriage. Here are the top ten things to know before saying “I do” – and we’re keeping it real with some scripture to back it up!
Communication is Key
Is your communication top-notch, or does your tongue cleave to the roof of your mouth when you are together? If you cannot bear your mind in their presence, don’t go ahead!
Are you already married, and you have this issue? Work on it, pray about it, and seek therapy! Things like that don’t improve on their own. Thankfully, Kisses and Huggs Club offers therapy!
Col 4:6 (MSG) Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
Marriage is a Partnership
Marriage is a 50/50 partnership, not a 100/0 dictatorship. Understand that compromise and teamwork are essential in navigating life’s challenges together.
If you can’t handle some imperfection, if you can’t forgive, if you have uncontrollable anger tantrums, don’t marry! Stay single! Two are meant to get better, not bitter!
Ecc 4:9 (MSG) It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth.
Independence is Important.
You are one flesh, but you have two personalities and two different minds! Marriage should not swallow your individuality, intellect, and reasoning. Love your wife, respect your husband but develop your career and support yourselves.
Have a life and have some hobbies, but ensure you also have hobbies that bring you together and foster your togetherness.
Dear ladies; run away from feminism; it’s from the pit of hell.
Respect is Non-Negotiable
Mutual respect is vital in a marriage. Treat each other with kindness, compassion, and understanding, even in difficult times. Especially for men, respect is such a major issue.
I usually tell ladies, if you can’t respect that man, don’t bother to marry him!
There you have it, dear singles and couples! By knowing these few things before saying “I do,” you’ll be better equipped to build a happy, healthy, and fulfilling marriage. Remember, marriage is a partnership, and with love, respect, and commitment, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
Complaining nonstop sucks the energy. Constant criticism without affirmations can quickly destroy the esteem of your partner, which might already be fragile.
Eph 4:29 (GW) Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you.
7. Financial disagreements.
Money stress can be so overwhelming. This can quickly escalate when one or both partners are financially undisciplined. Work with a budget and stay on the same page. Learn to trust God for your finances as well.
Php 4:19 (GW) My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.
8. No quality time together.
Relationships need a couple of times together to be at their best. Spend time and invest in quality time together. Pray together, and play together. Laugh and relax together and stop worrying unnecessarily.
Ecc 4:9-10 (GW) Two people are better than one because together, they have a good reward for their hard work. [10] If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is ⌞all⌟ alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up.
9. Lack of intimacy.
Not feeling close physically and emotionally strains things. Do not work against your intimacy through lies, deception, and insensitivity. Study your partner and make them happy as much as you can.
The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:3
10. Not resolving conflicts constructively.
Sweeping issues under the rug or fighting dirty poisons the vibe. Settle quarrels quickly. A good union is one of two forgivers. Avoid strife and don’t sulk continually.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
Top Ten Quarrel Triggers in Relationships and Marriages
Failing to communicate
Not making yourself clear, talking in “silence”, mumbling words and mono-syllable answers can often be the source of anger and irritation. Avoid them. Encourage one another daily… Hebrews 3:13a
Expecting mind reading
Use your words! Your fiancee or spouse is not the Holy Spirit who can pick up your thoughts. They are no magicians, so learn to use words! Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” Colossians 4:6
Leaving messes behind
Leaving your partner, to pick up socks, and clothes, clean the dishes, and attend to all you regularly scatter can be frustrating! Especially the sanguines, they seem anointed to scatter things and forget where they pick things from. It is now so frustrating if you are married, for example to a melancholy who is a perfectionist.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
Being on devices 24/7
Constantly on your phone and ignoring each other kills the vibe quickly, leaving the other person feeling neglected and insignificant. Put your phone aside and don’t degenerate to chatting with each other on the phone in the same house! How can you be married and lonely?
Psa 68:6 (GW) God places lonely people in families. He leads prisoners out of prison into productive lives, but rebellious people must live in an unproductive land.
Not splitting chores
Feeling like the only one doing the whole work in the house can bring bad vibes quickly and trigger unnecessary quarrels. Be hands-on together and nobody should be cooking alone while the other is on computer games, day in and day out! That would be unfair. Love wouldn’t operate that way! Find something to do to help out! Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10
This is an interesting topic, and I want everyone to go along with me. This is the topic of Steve Harvey’s best-selling book, and it is still very relevant today.
Basically, we will be looking at two aspects of this topic: 1. How to behave like a woman 2. We will be delving into a little bit of how men think. Women need to understand how men think in order to live successfully with them and be able to get the best of men.
First, let us deal with how a lady or a woman should act.
Let’s look at how God fashioned or created the woman.
Genesis 2:21-23 NIV [21] So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. [22] Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. [23] The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.”
Before the woman was created, she was needed to meet the particular needs of the man. She was created from the finest bone and smoothest bone of the man. She was made out of the man’s rib. The Bible says God put the man to sleep. There is a mystery about women that only God understands.
No wonder when the man woke up he could only explain, “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘Woman’.” I believe there is something about every woman that should make men go, “Wow.” The shape, style, posture, hips, face, smiles, hair, nose, nails, breast, and everything about the woman.
A woman is meant to be beautiful inside and outside. Somebody rightly said, “Women are created for hugs and kisses, to be pampered and cherished, not for punches.”
Here is a ten-point advice for singles and younger couples from a perspective of 20+ years of marriage:
Commit to lifelong faithfulness. Make your vows before God and keep them through thick and thin. Fidelity and loyalty are what will see married couples through in all seasons of life. Even as singles, beware of someone who is already cheating on you. They will not likely change
Be besties for life! A happy marriage is built on the foundation of a deep and abiding friendship. Make time each day to connect, laugh together, and be each other’s best friend. Don’t marry someone who is not a friend!
Two are better than one…if one falls down, his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Communicate respectfully. Listen to understand each other, not just reply. Handle discussions and disagreements with care, respect and keep it like your lives depend on it.
Be flexible. No one always gets their way so meet halfway when you don’t see eye to eye. Focus on understanding each other, not being right.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Forgive and forget. Resentments poison relationships. When mistakes come up, go with mercy and leave the past in the past.
Pray together daily. God must be at the center of a Christian marriage for guidance, provision, and keeping you united in purpose.
Practice acts of service. Look for ways to lighten each other’s load through selflessness instead of entitlement. Consider your lover more important than self.
Be quick to affirm, slow to criticize. Appreciation and validation strengthen the bond between a husband and wife more than criticism ever can.
Manage money responsibly. Harmony in finances prevents stress and arguments. Agree on a budget, save for the future, and hold accountability.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation…which plunge them into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Enjoy each moment together. Even when busy, carve out time to connect, have fun and cherish this partnership as God’s gift. Cherish each other always.
1. Focus on developing your relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. As traditional as that may sound, never despise meetings in church.
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT): And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
2. Work on becoming the best version of yourself – mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Keep on developing capacity!
Romans 12:2 (NIV): Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
3. Guard your heart and steer clear of empty relationships, compare dating standards to God’s.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT): “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
4. Use dating apps prayerfully if desired but don’t obsess – connect in real life with wisdom and patience.
Proverbs 19:11 (NLT): Common sense is a fountain of life to those who embrace it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
5. Pray daily for your future spouse.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
For Couples:
6. Be particular about intimacy through meaningful conversations beyond daily logistics and make time for romantic exploring.
Song of Solomon 2:3-6 (NLT): Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. Strengthen me with raisins and refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
7. Protect your union from temptation and harmful influences that threaten oneness through social media, spending, or unwise friendships.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NLT): Avoid every kind of evil.
8. Communicate affection through generosity of word, action and non-sexual touch to foster deep bonding.
Ephesians 4:29-31 (NLT): Don’t use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. And do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed for the day of redemption. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.
9. Resolve conflicts respectfully through active listening, humility, repentance and compromise instead of aggressive reactions.
Proverbs 15:1 (NLT): A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
10. Pray together daily for vision, strength, and blessings upon your family
Eph 3:14 (MSG) My response is to get down on my knees before the Father,
Faith is essential for overcoming the challenges of the world
We must not allow deception or troubles to shake our faith
Maintaining faith protects us from the chaos around us
Listening to inspiring sermons repeatedly helped Pastor Jerry stay strong in his faith, even to the point of running around the hotel pool in excitement.
Remaining Focused on God’s Promises
God’s word contains promises to cover every area of our lives
We must stay anchored to these promises and not be distracted
The enemy wants to make us forget God’s promises for our lives
Pastor Jerry keeps a collection of his mentors’ sermons on his iPod to constantly renew his focus on God’s word.
Avoiding Worldly Distractions
Social media and negative news can be detrimental distractions
We must be discerning about what information we consume
Distractions make it harder for God’s word to take root in our hearts
Pastor Jerry avoids listening to preachers who spread lies and negativity, as he knows it can undermine his faith.
If we heed these three directives from the Lord – staying in faith, remaining focused on His promises, and avoiding worldly distractions – Pastor Jerry believes 2024 will be a year of progression, advancement, promotion, and the fulfillment of our highest expectations.
Progressing in Faith
Faith can grow and increase from one level to another, from “Faith to Faith”
The speaker shares how his ministry has experienced progression and growth over the years, breaking financial records each year
Remaining stagnant and not progressing is not God’s will, it is a “curse” to stay the same
Advancing in God’s Glory
Going from “glory to glory” means experiencing more of God’s manifested presence, power, and goodness.
This includes miracles, financial breakthroughs, and increased favor
God desires to fill our homes and lives with His glory, not just the church
Supernatural Increase
The speaker shares a testimony of a man who experienced a $12 million increase in the value of a forgotten stock, after the speaker prayed for supernatural increase.
This demonstrates how God can bring unexpected blessings and breakthroughs when we step out in faith.
The Biblical Definition of Glory
The first mention of “glory” in the Bible refers to Jacob’s acquisition of wealth and assets from his father-in-law Laban.
The glory of Joseph’s life was the prosperity and wealth he experienced as the second-in-command in Egypt.
The Bible teaches that we are to go from “faith to faith” and from “glory to glory” – meaning financial breakthrough and increasing levels of prosperity.
When Joseph’s brothers saw the glory of his position and wealth, they were amazed and instructed to tell their father about it.
Declaring Your Financial Glory
We must declare and decree our progression from “faith to faith” and “glory to glory” in order to experience it.
The Bible instructs us to “declare His glory among the nations” and to “decree a thing, and it shall be established.”
When the people in the temple spoke of God’s glory in harmony, miracles and breakthroughs occurred.
Speaking positive confessions about your financial future and declaring that 2024 will be a year of advancement and promotion.
The Promise of Future Glory
God promises to bestow grace, favor, and “future glory” upon those who walk uprightly.
No matter how much glory or prosperity you have experienced thus far, there is more “future glory” headed your way.
Believing that God has even greater financial blessings and breakthroughs in store for your life in the days ahead.
Unlocking the Secrets of Financial Glory: Jerry Savelle’s Last Sermon Part 1
This devotional captures Jerry Savelle’s final sermon, before his transition, where he reflects on his 55-year ministry and the powerful moves of God he has witnessed over the years. Savelle shares stories of his early encounters with influential figures like Lester Sumrall and Oral Roberts, and how their ministries and teachings impacted his own spiritual journey.
NB. All words in italics are my own words.
Lifelong Pursuit of God’s Presence
Savelle had a deep hunger for experiencing the move of God, even from a young age. Dear singles, it is never too early to obey God all the way. Don´t wait till you are married.
He sought out mentors like Lester Sumrall and Oral Roberts to learn from their experiences and anointings. Singles and Couples, who is your mentor?
Savelle’s desire was to be in the center of what God was doing, to be a catalyst for revival and miracles. Do you have a desire to be at the center of God´s will?
He shared his experience of watching Oral Roberts’ crusades on 16mm film, which left him deeply impacted and hungry for more of God’s power.
Reflections on the Charismatic Movement
Savelle witnessed the rise of the charismatic movement in the 1960s and 70s, with powerful ministries and revivals.
He recounts how his wife Carolyn grew up in a Pentecostal church, exposed to healing evangelists and the move of the Spirit. It is important to pay attention to the spiritual history of your intended spouse!
Savelle himself came to know the Lord during this time and was eager to immerse himself in the charismatic experiences he had missed out on earlier
He shared his relationship with Pastor Jack Moore, the great healing evangelist who had ministered in his church.
Embracing the Call to Ministry
Savelle shares how he initially resisted the call to preach, like Lester Sumrall, but ultimately surrendered to God’s plan for his life.
He recounts how Oral Roberts reached out to him, recognizing Savelle’s anointing and calling him to develop a relationship. Divine relationships are so important in your journey.
Savelle’s ministry spanned over 55 years, during which he witnessed and participated in numerous moves of God.
He shared his experience of leading the Jesus Revolution on Pismo Beach, where hundreds were saved and baptized in the Pacific Ocean.
Jerry Savelle’s final sermon is a powerful testament to his lifelong pursuit of God’s presence and the anointing to see revival and miracles. His stories of encountering influential figures like Lester Sumrall and Oral Roberts, and his own experiences of witnessing the charismatic movement, have left a deep impact on his ministry and spiritual legacy.
Savelle’s unwavering desire to be in the center of God’s move, and to be a catalyst for it, is an inspiring example for all who seek to walk in the fullness of God’s power and purpose.
The Mystery About Intimacy Part 2 – Rev. Funke Felix-Adejumo
Continued from yesterday
Anatomy of Marriage: Understanding the Differences Between Men and Women . Men and women think differently – men think deeper while women think faster.
Women use both hemispheres of the brain, allowing them to multitask, while men use one side at a time.
This leads to differences in how they approach and respond to various situations.
Example: A woman can juggle multiple tasks like answering the phone, comforting a crying baby, and tending to the stove, while a man may struggle to do more than one thing at a time.
Understanding Women.
Women are more emotionally driven and require consistent emotional support from their partners.
Women are “multipliers” – they tend to magnify whatever is given to them, whether positive or negative.
Women respond better to words of affirmation and public displays of affection.
Women have a stronger memory for details compared to men.
Example: A wife may feel emotionally unfulfilled if her husband does not regularly express his love and appreciation for her. This can lead to resentment and conflict in the marriage.
Understanding Men.
Men are more rational and logical in their thinking.
Men are less easily persuaded and need more evidence to be convinced.
Men tend to be more egotistical and protective of their egos.
Men are often risk-takers and prefer fewer words.
Men dislike nagging and prefer to be recognized for their achievements.
Example: A husband may be satisfied after a brief intimate encounter, while his wife still desires more intimacy and connection.
Differences in Intimacy Life.
A man’s intimacy life is like a “piece of paper that catches fire” – it’s quick and intense
A woman’s intimacy life is like “charcoal” – it takes time and effort to ignite and sustain.
This is why a woman may feel unsatisfied if her partner finishes too quickly.
Interconnected Life
A woman’s life is not compartmentalized like a man’s – everything is interconnected
If a woman has unresolved issues or past trauma, it can affect her intimate intimacy in marriage.
Men need to be patient and understanding of their wife’s emotional and psychological needs.
Example: A wife who has been previously raped may struggle with intimacy and have a negative perception of intimacy, which can impact her marriage.
The Mystery About Intimacy Part 1 – Rev. Funke Felix-Adejumo
Have you ever wondered about the secrets and mysteries surrounding intimacy? Get ready to discover an enlightening perspective that will open your eyes and help you understand the true purpose of intimacy. In this article, we will delve into the teachings of Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo and explore the deeper aspects of this fascinating topic.
Introduction.
Welcome to a fascinating journey into the mysteries of intimacy! Yes, this topic is often avoided or superficially addressed, but today we’re going beyond appearances to discover the depth and richness hidden behind this divine gift.
Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo, a powerful and respected voice in the body of Christ will guide us through this delicate yet crucial topic. Prepare for your eyes to be opened to a new understanding of intimacy and how it can enrich your life in ways you’ve never imagined before.
The Divine Purpose of Intimacy.
According to Reverend Funke, intimacy is not just a physical act but a profound expression of the union between two souls. God, in His infinite wisdom, created intimacy as a gift to humanity but with a much higher purpose than mere pleasure.
Intimacy and Connection. Intimacy is the means through which two individuals can connect on a deeper level, strengthening the emotional and spiritual bonds that unite them. It is a way to express love, trust, and vulnerability.
Procreation. While intimacy can be a source of pleasure, its primary purpose is procreation. God designed intimacy so that humans can bring new life into the world and fulfill their calling to be fruitful and multiply.
Marital Unity. Intimacy should be reserved for the context of marriage, where two individuals come together in a sacred covenant before God. It is within this framework that intimacy achieves its fullest meaning and potential.
Holiness and Purity. Intimacy is not something dirty or sinful but an expression of the holiness and purity that God desires for His children. When practiced according to divine principles, intimacy becomes a blessing and a reflection of God’s glory.
We will go deeper tomorrow and continue with Part 2
Consistency In Prayer – Apostle Arome Osayi Part 2
My personal journey took a dramatic turn when a close encounter with death unfolded right in my own quarters. A fellow student, lifeless, was brought to my doorstep, marking the beginning of a miraculous but complex chapter in my faith journey. Through fervent prayer, the young man was revived, only to pass away years later, leaving us with more questions and a community skeptical of our faith.
This sequence of events, coupled with a grievous betrayal after years of dedicated ministry, brought me to a critical realization: our understanding of God’s authority and timing is fundamental to our walk with Him. It was a painful but necessary lesson in the sovereignty of God—a lesson that taught me to align with His will rather than attempt to bend His timeline to fit my expectations.
The Power Within: Activating God’s Authority and Anointing
Our encounters with darkness, both spiritual and physical, underscored the necessity of divine power in our ministry. From confronting serpents on construction sites to facing opposition in our evangelistic efforts, it became evident that authority and power are essential for kingdom advancement.
This understanding led us to a deeper revelation of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives. While many believers experience the Spirit’s presence, few transition to operating in the power that the Holy Spirit bestows. This power, as Jesus promised, is not only for casting out demons or performing miracles but for overcoming the daily challenges that believers face, asserting dominion over territories assigned to us by God.
The Journey to Activation
The path to activating this divine power involves understanding the relationship between the Spirit and power. The Spirit of God within us is meant to manifest as power through us, enabling us to fulfill our God-given mandates.
However, this activation is not automatic. It requires a conscious effort to align with God’s will, understanding the spirit we operate from, and committing to a life that reflects His character. It’s about stewardship of the divine gifts entrusted to us, ensuring that our actions and ministry align with the nature of God’s Spirit.
Kingdom Mandate: Governance Through Spiritual Authority
The ultimate goal of receiving the Holy Spirit’s power is to establish God’s kingdom on Earth. Every believer is anointed to exercise dominion over a specific territory—be it a geographical area, a sphere of influence, or a sector of society. Understanding this mandate is crucial for every kingdom functionary.
As we navigate the complexities of life and ministry, the chronos and kairos of God remind us that our journey is uniquely ordained. Our breakthroughs, challenges, and seasons of waiting are all under His authority. This realization compels us to trust in His timing, submit to His will, and actively engage in the spiritual processes that prepare us for the manifestation of His power.
Conclusion: The Call to Faithfulness and Power
The story that began on a remote campus in Benue State extends far beyond its geographical confines. It’s a call to believers everywhere to embrace the fullness of God’s Spirit, to understand the depth of His authority, and to actively engage in the kingdom mandate with power and conviction.
Let us be like wine, improving with time, as we submit to God’s processes and prepare for the activation of His power in our lives. May we journey with God, not on our terms, but in absolute surrender to His timeline and divine authority, trusting that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Consistency In Prayer – Apostle Arome Osayi Part 1
In our devotionals, we will be bringing to you words from men of God that is blessing the body of Christ. Today, we look at one of the messages of Apostle Arome Osayi. Be blessed.
In the heart of Benue State, nestled amidst the wilderness of a remote city, a group of young believers gathered on a university campus, experiencing an extraordinary encounter with the divine. It was here, far removed from the glamor of city life, that the Lord spoke, heralding a mighty move of the Spirit that would sweep through the terrain, altering the course of history for the community and its people. This is a story of prophecy, faith, and the indomitable power of God, a narrative that unfolds the layers of divine timing, authority, and the manifestation of God’s kingdom on Earth.
The Prophetic Onset
Among us was a lady, profoundly gifted in prophecy, whose utterances were both a mystery and a revelation. She spoke of things so intimate and hidden that only a divine whisper could have unveiled them. Her prophecies were clear: a significant movement led by the youth was on the horizon, a movement that would challenge the dark forces entrenched in the land and usher in a new era for Christianity in the region.
This land, long surrendered to witchcraft and necromancy, was about to witness an extraordinary shift. Ministers of the gospel had fallen prey to the sinister shadows that lurked, their promising ministries cut short by unexplained tragedies. It was a cycle of spiritual resurgence and suppression, with each loss plunging the community deeper into despair.
The Importance of Consistency
Amidst this struggle, our prayer group on campus embraced a motto that underscored the essence of our fight: “In consistency lies the power.” We had witnessed firsthand the darkness that descended upon the land following the demise of a minister, a darkness so thick, it stifled hope and dimmed the light of faith.
The recurring cycles of death on campus, the wavering faith of many, and the challenge to the gospel’s credibility in the face of tragedy posed questions too profound for any human answer. It was in these moments of utter helplessness that we learned the hard truth about divine timing and authority.
Understanding Divine Timing and Authority
The Lord’s response to our cries and intercessions was a lesson in humility and trust. He revealed that the chronos and kairos—times and seasons—are under His sovereign authority. This revelation shifted our perspective on prayer and the will of God. Despite our fervent prayers and acts of faith, we understood that God’s plans are not subject to our timelines or expectations.
I used to feel that my thoughts were harmless and not toxic since they remained in my realm of thoughts. I believed I wasn’t doing anybody harm – not my marriage, my situation, and of course, not myself.
I was deceived and didn’t consider my thoughts ‘all that bad’, but I will admit they were far from positive, beautiful, and empowering. I beat myself down most of the time, thinking about the gloomy side of things and life.
Those thoughts controlled me and my actions, and I was a very gloomy person, discouraged, and not achieving my goals. The question I want to ask us this morning is, what are your thought patterns about yourself and your marriage and relationship?
“As a man thinketh, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7)
You are what you have been thinking about. Your marriage is as strong as your thoughts about it. Your relationship will be as strong as the thoughts you entertain.
You might be saying, “I don’t think of pornography, masturbation, fornication, or lustful thoughts. What about negative, evil thoughts?”
Proverbs 12:20 KJV [20] Deceit is in the heart of those who imagine evil: But to the counselors of peace is joy.
From this scripture, those who fill their hearts with evil, negative thoughts will be deceived.
God calls rebellion against Him and His word “evil”. That’s what He told the Israelites. What are you thinking about yourself, your partner, your spouse, your relationship, and your marriage?
You have to be disciplined enough to carefully choose your thoughts and not allow the devil to just dump any thoughts on your mind. I used to feel and think I was helpless about my thoughts, but I know better now. I thought that whatever thoughts came into my mind, I had to dwell on them. On the contrary, we are empowered to resist any thought that doesn’t benefit us.
We have to be strong enough to stand up to the devil and reject any negative thoughts. The Bible calls it ‘casting down’; this paints a picture of taking those negative thoughts and slamming them down. It’s a conscious, deliberate, and decisive effort in dealing with thoughts that seek to keep us down.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) [5] casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
A negative pattern of thinking becomes a stronghold when the devil makes it our regular pattern or way of thinking. Remember not to allow negative thinking patterns to fester in your mind towards your partner or spouse. Fill your mind with empowering thoughts.
See the scripture in Philippians 4:8 of what the Lord calls right thoughts. He alone knows how best we should function because He created us.
Philippians 4:8 KJV [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
We need to study each of these words in other translations because the battlefield is the mind. When we win in our minds, we win in life. Let your thoughts about your relationship and marriage be good thoughts, and you will eat the fruits thereof.
One of the sure ways to understand that special lady in your life is to seek to understand her maker.
Nobody understands a product like the manufacturer of that product.
Nobody, no human being will ever understand her like God would.
So, the beginning of the journey is when the man develops a conscious relationship with God.
When you are rooted in God’s love, God will now cause His love to be shed abroad in your hearts.
As you begin to understand the breadth, the length and the depth and height of this love, this will give you a wisdom that surpasses every effort in trying to understand her, and you will know how to do the right things that will unlock her creativity and make her feel loved.
Eph 3:17-19 (KJV) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; [19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
2. Understand the Needs she has
Her needs are specialized and peculiar.
They are different from your own needs.
From spiritual needs to physically needs and emotional needs, you have to find out!
You will immediately discover her preferences that what excites you on Television doesn’t not tickle her fancy! Find out and seek to meet those needs!
3. Understand the Language she speaks
Her language is like her password. It could be gifts, words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch or acts of service.
You don’t communicate to her on your own terms but on her own terms.
Find out her definition of “romantic” and go after that.
The definition of the word “romantic” is not what you find in a dictionary, but there is a dictionary in her mind with its own definition like no other, authored by her, and you have to find a way to retrieve that dictionary and check the definition which would often be different from what you think.
4. Understand the pressures she faces
She usually has pressures. Most times, she is not even seeking for those pressures to be taken away, because they are often necessities of life.
She just wants to know that there is somebody who understands what she is going though.
Many years ago, my wife explained this to me.
She was pouring her hearts to me, and expounding her pressures and at a point I burst out;
“Hey! I am not the Holy Spirit. I cannot take these things away!”
“And then she looked at me with that her angelic face that often makes my heart to race, and said,
“I know you are not the Holy Spirit. I am not asking you to solve these issues, I only want to have a feeling somebody understands what I am going through!
Wow! That is what that lady in your life wants! An understanding heart.
And that takes the pressures off the pressures!
She just wants an understanding, loving and caring man!
Unfortunately, most times, single ladies look for this in wrong places and often fall into the hands of men who are only looking for sexual gratification.
If you are a single lady, make your needs known to God and never offer your body in exchange for some care that will vaporise the next minute!
Wait for the process of meeting that right man who will love you appropriately and will take care of you!
May God grant you strength in your inner man to cooperate with God. So, I will stop here this morning.
Ultimately, pray for wisdom from God to help you be a good lover to your fiancée or spouse in very specific ways.
The Holy Spirit teaches us all things, so he would offer you some ideas.
I pray that God will give you wisdom in Jesus name!
Sandy’s face contorted in pain as she strolled alone, her face an exact picture of the rush of confused emotions that gripped her soul.
How could this ever happen to me? She queried a non-existent companion.
Her pain had been triggered by a huge financial loss in her business and had been exacerbated by the sudden break up of a promising relationship. The guy simply eloped with another babe, no explanation!
Sure, this is not supposed to happen to me. She queried again, loudly as if her invisible companion caused it all.
She looked up and screamed, God, why?
Many of us are in Sandy’s shoes, probably even going through something worse, where it feels as though “God has lost it over one’s life!”
Some are going through intense times in their marriages and homes. From dealing with an irresponsible spouse to health issues and financial pressures. The list is endless.
Are you at that place where it feels as though you are abandoned and God isn’t looking at your side?
I have been there several times. My wife ahs been there several times.
At such time, the first thing you need is an assurance in your heart from God.
I want to share with you the assurance God gave me in one of such times.
Jer 29:11 (MSG) I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Wow!
That is huge. God says He knows what He is doing!
He is not confused about your life!
He has it all planned out! He will take care of you and He will not abandon you!
Stay on this word, study it, meditate on it, pray on it and you will see light begin to shine in that darkness!
I pray for you, to receive God’s intervention today in Jesus’ name!
It is good when we view our marriage and relationship like a garden. When you hear “garden,” what comes to your mind? A beautiful picture of a well-tended piece of land, beautiful and colorful flowers, with fragrance and no weeds. Apart from the fact that when you see a garden, you know that someone or some people have been responsible, consistently working. There are three elements I want us to look at in considering the marriage and relationship as a garden.
Pulling out weeds
Planting Seeds
Killing the snakes
Let me explain in detail what I mean.
1. Pulling weeds
Every garden has a tendency for weeds to grow in them if left untended. Weeds are bad habits, human bad habits such as poor communication, lack of commitment, threatening with divorce or breaking up, lack of respect, use of negative words like ‘never’, ‘always’, not actively listening to our spouse or partner, lack of understanding each other and the list goes on.
Whatever will cause our relationship and marriage not to blossom and thrive are weeds. They need to be pulled out. This takes consistent, conscious, and deliberate efforts on our part to pull the weeds out. As the saying goes, the grass is always greener on the other side but someone is tilling the ground and wetting the grass.
2. Plant the Seeds
Seeds are what I call the good habits. Those things we want to see in our relationship and marriage. It is not just good enough to pull out the weeds; we should be proactive and intentional about planting good seeds. Seeds of what we do to our partner in a relationship and spouse in marriage.
We should not just do bad stuff to our partner and spouse but we should do good stuff to our partner. Being kind, being tender and gentle, showing each other respect, being thoughtful, loving our partner, forgiveness, not counting scores, treating each other with thoughtfulness, taking time to understand your spouse or partner. We can always add to this list.
3. Kill the snakes
Sometimes we do all the right things in a relationship and in marriage but things still go wrong. The relationship still breaks and the marriage still ends up in divorce. The snakes are ‘spiritual problems or issues’. There are not just weeds and seeds but there are also snakes. These are the dangerous intruders from the enemy of our relationship and marriage. They seek to steal, kill, and destroy.
We don’t pull out the snakes; we kill them. Some of us are not aware of the existence of snakes in our relationship and marriage. We need to be aware of them and arm ourselves with the right weapons of God’s word, prayer, and an understanding of our authority in Christ Jesus and the finished work of the cross.
I spoke along this line in church yesterday and I will just admonish us with this, I hope it blesses someone!
The scripture makes it clear as believers, we will face God one day and give an account of our lives, and how we lived on this side of the world.
We are not to live irresponsibly!
We are to conduct our lives and live as though we will give account because we will SURELY give account!
In what areas are we going to give account? Find it below in a simple presentation I used in church yesterday.
These seven areas are what you should pay attention to. It seems to cover every part of our lives. What this means is that we will give an account of all areas of our lives!
Words Spoken
Actions and Deeds
Thoughts and Intentions
How We Use Our Resources
How We Treat Others
Response to God’s Revelation
Our Spiritual Influence on Others
Not just our words, but also our actions and deeds, and even our intentions are going to be examined!
Bringing that to our relationships and marriages, how we relate with our spouses, and our thoughts towards them are all going to be examined, and we will give account.
We all know how emotional affairs begin from the thought realm. Well, we will give an account of our thoughts and intentions!
Heb 4:13 (KJV) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
With this realization, it is important we love fully and with a focus on our spouses because a day of reckoning is coming.
Who wants to stand before the Lord of Lords and be stammering and be found wanting? Certainly not me. What about you?
Treat your husband well. Treat your wife well. Be nice. Stay faithful. Love with focus. May God help us all.
Connection Between Individual Progress and Marital Success
Growth signifies life. Stagnant water stinks. If you are not growing, you are dying. It is high time we prioritize our individual growth journey if we desire to see growth in our relationships and marriages. Everyone is born a clean slate, naive. As we begin to take our personal growth seriously, we start to develop skills and mature in who we are.
A lot of crises in relationships and marriages are due to knowledge gaps between couples. We don’t have to make any effort to grow chronologically. All we need for such growth is food, all other things being equal. However, the growth that leads to transformational change is not automatic. It requires effort, consistency, and sacrifices.
I told a friend the other day that I wondered what I had been doing all my younger years when I had time. There is so much to learn in every aspect of our lives that it seems 24 hours is not enough. If you are not growing, you cannot be excused. You have to make efforts and plan to grow.
The Bible says in Genesis 2:24:
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
There is a leaving, a cleaving, and becoming one flesh. All these processes require learning, unlearning, and relearning. It takes personal growth to know what you are “leaving” to “cleave” to, and you have to know the part you have to play in the process of becoming one flesh.
Your relationship or marriage cannot grow beyond the level of personal growth of the individuals in the relationship or marriage. Ask yourself this question: how many books have I read on relationships? As married couples, what books have you read about the different aspects of marriage?
To succeed in your relationship or marriage, you must take the issue of developing yourself seriously. There are different ways you can learn. You can learn through mentors, through experience, by asking questions, but the most effective and cheapest way to learn is by reading books. Books contain the experiences of others encapsulated in the pages, so you don’t repeat the mistakes they have made in the past.
There are so many aspects of your relationship and marriage that you need to personally grow in for the health of your union to emerge. If you prioritize personal growth, there will be some fights that will be eliminated from your relationship and marriage.
Genesis 1:27 states:
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
God created us distinctly different by purpose, on purpose, and for a purpose. If the purpose of something is not known, abuse is inevitable. Our purpose in relationships and marriages has to be discovered through a personal growth journey. Nobody can do that for us. The growth has to be personal; the man has to grow as much as the woman.
Make a quality decision today to prioritize personal growth for the well-being of your relationship and marriage. The more you know, the better for your relationship and marriage. For example, knowing the differences between men and women is fundamental to how you relate to one another. It affects almost every aspect of our relationships and marriages, including communication, decision-making, and understanding yourselves as partners.
I urge you this morning, keep learning and never stop growing.
