1. Focus A great marriage is made of a couple who are so into themselves. They focus on each other’s needs. They love each other tirelessly. They are best friends of themselves.
For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Isa 50:7 (KJV)
God will help, but you must set your face like a flint, which means to focus. Focusing on each other will help you to be faithful to each other in your marriage.
2. Forgive A fantastic marital journey is made up of two forgivers. In fact, there is such thing as advanced forgiveness. As couples, avoid bitterness like a plague. Runaway from strife and don’t touch it with a mile-long pole.
3. Forget Oh, you must learn to forgive the hurts of the past. Dear couples, help your spouse by not repeating what you promised you won’t do again. If you keep repeating a particular thing you promised not to do, you make it difficult for your spouse to forget.
Each reiteration of the act will be a painful reminder of that which has been buried.
Absolutely forgetting a thing is almost impossible, because that has to be a condition of amnesia, however, you can forget the pain that comes with it.
4. Forsake There are things to forsake as you move on in the marital journey. There are things your spouse does not like and which keep bringing conflicts from time to time. Forsake them, that is what growing is all about.
Don’t assume a fixated posture like you cannot change. It’s only God that changeth not, and you are not God.
You deal with the flesh. You put the body under. You remain disciplined. You get better by the day.
Good morning. God bless you.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am getting better by the day
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to dutifully focus on my spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Isa 50:7 (AMP)For the Lord God helps Me; therefore have I not been ashamed or confounded. Therefore have I set My face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Write out the word you are standing on
It’s a generationwhere husbands and wives are cheating on each other, even within the church. People have a lot of excuses why it had to happen.
It’s all sounding as if God has revised the scriptures and is now accommodating such lifestyles, but truthfully, the scripture remains the same. God still frowns at it!
The devil is a master strategist. From the very day you are married, he begins to plot and twist, all in a bid to bring you against your maker. You must do well not to slide into his slimy descent of deception.
As couples, you have to stay chaste and stay faithful no matter the pressures!
Have you found yourself where you ought not to? Here are three simple steps you can take to exit!
God wants you to exit, not try to edit the whole thing!
1. God Exit You have to settle with God first. Your relationship with Him which has been damaged as a result of disobedience has to be repaired. This is done with a genuinely repentant heart.
“But if we freely admit our sins when his light uncovers them, he will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and he will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1Jn 1:9, TPT)
God forgives!
However, you must make up your mind not to go back into that sin again.
After settling with God, the next is your spouse.
2. Spouse Exit This is the difficult part but very much necessary. You need that openness to demonstrate your honesty and resolve to change. Remember, however, that after disclosing it, you may be relieved, but for your spouse, a cycle of pain, and struggling with forgiveness just began. It might take a while to earn trust back. You must be careful not to break that fragile trust again.
3. Counsel Exit Here you need someone you are going to be accountable to who will also help you navigate the terrain of rebuilding trust and staying true to your resolve not to dabble into the murky waters of adultery again!
May God help you indeed!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I choose to cooperate with my spouse
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to cooperate with my spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1 John 1:9 (BBE)If we say openly that we have done wrong, he is upright and true to his word, giving us forgiveness of sins and making us clean from all evil.
I suppose you alreadyunderstand what I mean by the word “chamber.”I am not talking about lawyers! Smile…and this is for married couples. This is married couples’ devotionals. If you are single before I count three; Oya! 1…2…Pim!
There are some times that love is made in what we often refer to as a quickie. That is understandable. And it’s one type of doing it. And it’s cool.
However, if you want to make your wife happy and give her an earth-shaking big “O,” then you are going to spend some more time or longer time before the actual thing.
This is because it takes a longer time for her to be ready, in comparison to the man. The mistake an inexperienced husband often makes is to assume she is feeling the same way he feels.
But it’s entirely different for her. A lot of husbands don’t know why their wives are unexcited at it. An inexperienced husband is apt to think she doesn’t really love him. But contrary is the case.
Make it exciting for her. Do not stick and be content being a missionary alone. Do something different, explore! Take a look at the scriptures:
“Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.”
(Pro 5:19, KJV)
God wants you to focus and enjoy your wife’s body!
Take a look at some other translations:
“Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose— don’t ever quit taking delight in her body. Never take her love for granted!”
(Pro 5:19, MSG)
“a loving doe and a graceful deer. Always let her breasts satisfy you. Always be intoxicated with her love.”
(Pro 5:19, GW)
I love that! Get intoxicated with your spouse! There is a blessing in doing just that! Have a great day!
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My name is Dunamis Okunowo. You can reach me for counseling via WhatsApp +234 802 3507395
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am satisfied with my spouse. I am thrilled by her love.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to focus on my spouse alone.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Prov 5:19 (AMP)Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant doe [tender, gentle, attractive] — let her bosom satisfy you at all times, and always be transported with delight in her love.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Spend more time in the chamber.
Mr and Mrs Ade have been marriedfor some years. They had a close family friend, the Andys. They were so close that they built their houses beside one another. They were each other’s best man.
Down the line, Mr. Ade developed some erectile dysfunction which he refused to disclose to his wife. That was the first mistake. He dealt with the embarrassment by coming home late to avoid, love making with his wife.
Mrs Ade had a shop in front of the house with those long recoiling metallic doors that had to be pulled up and down.
When she would close in the evening, she would call on her husband’s friend, Mr. Andy to help her.
And that was okay. Till Mrs. Andy traveled during her study leave for about three months.
Mrs. Ade and Mr Andy became close. He would come to help pull up the shop door but they would talk for some time. Their “talk” graduated to their very private life being shared and before they knew it, they had slept together.
It came slowly, but it happened.
Why would that happen?
Firstly, there was neglect from both sides.
Secondly, they started talking intimately.
Thirdly, it looked like friends helping out each other.
The event, nearly tore apart the two homes because it was eventually discovered.
Such things would be discovered eventually! Take note of that.
The Lessons?
Try as much as possible as a married person to avoid sharing intimate experiences with friends who are of the opposite sex. Such actions will stir up unnecessary emotions and because you are already friends, descending the road to compromise becomes really easy.
The problem usually begins when there is a communication lapse between any couple. Avoid this as much as possible. Every void you leave open in your attempt to “deal” or “fix” your spouse increases sexual vulnerability!
Be wise! Hold your spouse closely and forgive quickly.
My name is Dunamis Okunowo. Good morning.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will not neglect my spouse.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Pray that God will shield your spouse from the evils out there.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Psalms 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
I love the way our Easternbrothers usually refer to their wives. They will say “My Woman!”
Well, your wife is your woman. She is yours and no other. So you simply take care of her.
“Oh yeah, Pastor, I am taking care of her.’
“Have you really asked her and engaged her to know her definition of being cared for?
It may be way different from what you think.
What a woman interprets as care is often influenced by a lot of factors which may include background, parental upbringing, schools attended, church attended, personality type, temperament, past experiences, and so many other factors.
This is where communication becomes really important. Talk about how she wants to be taken care of.
For some wives, it’s to take them out to eat in some fancy restaurants.
For some, it’s to take them out to see a movie.
For some, it’s to buy a surprise gift.
For others, it’s to discuss the gift to be bought. For example, my wife doesn’t like surprises. She wants to know and be involved in whatever you want to do. Your own wife may be different.
For others, it’s to sit down and talk with them.
For some, it’s to write them a cheque.
For some, it’s to go on a dream vacation.
Whatever it is, ensure you pay the price in the place of pleasing and taking care of your wife.
May God enable us to be good spouses to our loved ones.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I know how to take care of my wife.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask for divine wisdom to take care of your wife
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Matt 19:16 (AMP) So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Ask your wife what taking care of her means to her
Words flew in the air likemissiles, accompanied with fire in their tails, landing like piercing swords in their souls, tearing apart and causing untold agony in the inner crevices of their souls. Like angry puppies, they bellowed at each other while their little daughter cried because she could not understand why “strong” daddy and “cute” mummy were screaming at each other vociferously! The veins stood up on his temple and her veins breathed hard from her neck. Then there was a knock on the door, and only then did they come back to their senses.
Words spoken in anger are debilitating as they are dangerous! Sadly, the words cannot be retrieved, they have gone into the belly of the sea within the soul, waiting to be retrieved for fresh scenes of provocation in the nearest future.
I want to show you a scriptural panacea for managing anger as couples.
The first rule is to ensure that both of you don’t get angry at the same time.
The second rule is that you must respond to anger or angry words with soft answer. If you can do this, you will minimize animosity in your home! Take a look
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Pro 15:1 KJV
Take a look at what it says in the Message translation
A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.
Pro 15:1 (MSG)
Anger is a bomb! But you can defuse it. It is better to turn away wrath in your marriage with soft answers than to prove a point that ‘you are the son of your father’ or that you are the ‘man in the house.’
Does that mean that I should play the “fool” when I am being provoked? Yes! You will soon discover that you are wise and not a fool.
When you learn this, you will give the Holy Spirit a chance to help you at such times.
Good morning!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I control my tongue. I do not speak irrationally.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to speak lovingly to my spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.Pro 15:1 KJV
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Watch the tone of your voice during communication.
Mr. and Mrs. George are two of a kind. They both have short fuses. They get angry so easily and frequently. As a result, they live in cycles of quarrels and strife. Before the last quarrel was settled, two fresh ones have started. As a result, they never really get to enjoy their married life. They were both swimming in the slimy waters of strife and perpetual bitterness and their arrogance blinded them to what they were missing with that posture.
Their prayers remained largely unanswered. Their peculiarity was that both of them were getting angry at the same time. Two guys were like that in the scriptures. They were eventually scattered.
Simeon and Levi are two of a kind, ready to fight at the drop of a hat. I don’t want anything to do with their vendettas, want no part in their bitter feuds; They kill men in fits of temper, slash oxen on a whim. A curse on their uncontrolled anger, on their indiscriminate wrath. I’ll throw them out with the trash; I’ll shred and scatter them like confetti throughout Israel.
Gen 49:5-7 (MSG)
That would be the end, scattered. Usually, these quick expressions of anger are a result of unresolved issues. This is why it is good and healthy to talk about issues troubling you and not sweep them under the carpet.
Nothing is swept under the carpet really, they only go into the depth of the belly, like magma within the crust of the earth, breathing, hot, and mad, waiting for an appropriate provocation to explode in a volcanic eruption.
As couples, ensure both of you do not get angry at the SAME TIME!
In fits of anger, poor judgment results, twisted conclusions are reached and very regrettable words are spoken.
When your spouse is angry, try and control yourself as much as you can so that the event in question is not escalated unnecessarily.
May God grant you more wisdom!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am not controlled by anger
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to control my emotions.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Genesis 49:5-7(KJV)Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Go through the devotional again and make plans.
It’s a sad reality today that adultery is right in the church. Professing believers, deacons and even pastors are flagrantly indulging in adulterous escapades, resulting in unnecessary and unprecedented headaches and agony in families.
An affair is more or less a sexual relationship, romantic friendship, or passionate attachment between two people without the knowledge of the other spouse.
Nobody is totally exempt from adultery. This morning, I am going to attempt to identify a few causes why couples often resort to cheating and unfaithfulness. This is not an attempt to justify this obviously sinful act, but to help us identify areas we might need to pay attention to.
1. The Needs of the Couple The couple usually will have different needs. Emotional and sexual needs particularly. When these are not met, the person would indirectly seek to meet those needs outside of matrimony. You see, those needs are valid and every couple should strive to meet their emotional and sexual needs. Meeting sexual needs reduces vulnerability to a large extent.
2. Retaliatory Adultery Some people dabble into adultery simply because they wanted to retaliate or show their spouse that they can sort themselves out. This usually happens as a result of deep-seated offense or bitterness.
The sad part is that the reason for adultery does not extricate the consequences of it. As the scripture noted;
Adultery is a brainless act, soul-destroying, self-destructive; [33] Expect a bloody nose, a black eye, and a reputation ruined for good. Pro 6:32-33 (MSG)
3. Wounded and Injured Ego The reality is that some men go into adultery just to simply repair or mend an injured or wounded ego!Wives, massage your husband’s ego! This is very important!
This is not to say that wives are responsible for unfaithfulness in men. A man who has a bad heart will cheat, injured ego or not. However, we should not be careless in some of these areas.
God bless you. Have a fantastic day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I love my spouse the God kind of way
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, teach me how to love
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1 Cor 13:4 (AMP)Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Go through the devotional again and make adjustments
Choleric wives are energeticand creative. They never run out of ideas. They are full of boundless energy and they cannot sit in one place. Properly channeled, nurtured, and encouraged, they can fit into the energetic virtuous man described in the book of Proverbs
They are very independent, and they can act like they don’t need their husbands for anything.
She is productive, has the capacity to have several businesses running at the same time and she will usually climb to the zenith of her career if she chooses.
All these can come at a price to pay, however. The husband of the choleric woman is usually calm and cool. He is most probably of the opposite temperament, reserved and extremely laid back, almost translating into laziness.
This makes the choleric wife cranky most time because she can’t understand why her husband is so slow and demotivated.
But in reality, that slow, laid-back husband is often the backbone and encourager of the choleric wife especially when she is down and she cannot meet her goals in time.
The choleric woman is also bossy, almost looking like she is the one running the home in terms of decision-making. She needs to honor and respect her husband in this regard.
The husband of the choleric wife must be secured and allow his wife to function maximally with all her unending ideas that she never seems to run out of.
The husband must always remain calm, a hot-tempered husband cannot survive with a full-blooded choleric wife. That marriage will crash really fast. The husband has to be patient and lovingly teach his wife how to take life easy.
As they grow together lovingly, they will come to even understand themselves the more and understand why they act the way they do.
May God grant you both more understanding in Jesus name.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I love my spouse passionately.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask for the grace to be a submissive spouse.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1 Cor 7:2 (GNT) But because there is so much immorality, every man should have his own wife, and every woman should have her own husband.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Read a book on temperaments
There is a habit that is so unhealthy for any marriage. Do all you can to avoid it like a plague! It’s called Nagging!
One of the persons you should respect when he is offering marital advice is King Solomon. You will never be able to break his record. With a thousand women in his harem, no living human being has been able to break that record.
He was simply in a class of his own when it comes to women. He had them all and he would know a lot about them.
So he gave a piece of advice in the book of Proverbs.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the HOUSETOP, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Pro 21:9 (KJV)
The Message Translation puts it this way:
Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.
Pro 21:9 (MSG)
So, nagging can make a man relocate from his bedroom to the penthouse!
But that was in verse 9.
Suddenly in verse 19, like someone just hit with a revelation or who just woke up from slumber, he said
It is better to dwell in the WILDERNESS, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Pro 21:19 (KJV)
He must have remembered another one of his wives!
Here, he says nagging from an angry woman will not only drive a man to a penthouse but to a desert, a wilderness!
Nagging can be irritating and frustrating. The Message Translation says here
A nagging spouse is like the drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet;
Pro 27:15 (MSG)
If most men were sincere, they would tell you they often keep late at night and stay longer at work to avoid the nagging that might be waiting at home!
A wise wife will refrain from nagging!
Let me conclude by giving you a Dictionary definition of nagging
Adjective; continually faultfinding, complaining, or petulant: persistently recurring; unrelenting:
May God grant you more understanding!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will cooperate with my spouse at all times.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Pray to God for a patient spirit.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Prov 21:9 (AMP) It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop [on the flat oriental roof, exposed to all kinds of weather] than in a house shared with a nagging, quarrelsome, and faultfinding woman.
This morning, I bring you a word from the Lord. It’s a three-pronged blessing for you! Receive those prophetic words and believe them for you and your family. Every time God wants to bless you, He sends His word. Get ready to receive those words this morning!
Here is the first one:
1. The Blessing of your Progeny
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
Psa 144:12 (KJV)
Your sons and daughters are going to be blessed. They will not be cut short in the midst of their days. They will be healthy. They will grow up in their prime. Your daughter will be as cornerstones, that is polished.
They will not be troublesome or be strange children.
2. The Blessing Of Provision
That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:
Psa 144:13 (KJV)
You will not lack. Insufficiency will not be your ally. Your garners will be full. There will be an increase and constant supply. Everything you lay your hands upon, you will prosper therein. This week, God will initiate a non-ending event that will translate into a long-lasting provision for you in Jesus name.
3. The Blessing of Protection
That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
Psa 144:14 (KJV)
You will be shielded. No evil will befall you. God will surround you. Even in this time of insecurity that pervades our milieu, God will protect and shield you. You will not be a victim of the times. He will make you a victor at all times. Victory will be your portion at all times.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I believe and I receive these words.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Pray those words into your family.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Ps 144:12(MSG) Make our sons in their prime like sturdy oak trees, Our daughters as shapely and bright as fields of wildflowers.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Pray those words into your marriage
There is somethingabout that which comes from within. The pulchritude is that which is seen, but is often a total departure from the true reflection within. And yet the reality is that the external alone cannot be used to conclude on the entity. Adam saw bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh, not just flesh alone!
Dwelling on the flesh, the externals alone is a gross mistake in decoding the personality. What makes a person includes the deep things, the values, the happenstances in the realm of the mind and events that go in in the heart.
Those who have placed the pulchritude above the inner character have been known to regret it later. Outward beauty have been known to be a complete contradiction to the ugliness that can flow like a polluted river from within.
It is to this intent that the scripture advises
Let your true beauty come from your inner personality, not a focus on the external. For lasting beauty comes from a gentle and peaceful spirit, which is precious in God’s sight and is much more important than the outward adornment of elaborate hair, jewelry, and fine clothes.
1Pe 3:3-4 (TPT)
Even though this is talking to women, same applies to men.
There is a beauty that must come from your inner personality, and this is what defines who you are. This is what people live with, which may be different from what they see initially.
There can be outward beauty and inner ugliness.
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful face on an empty head.
Pro 11:22 (MSG)
A beautiful face on an empty head adds nothing of value at the end of the day.
Make up, powders and so on are cool, but beyond that, ensure you are beautiful within as well, It will help your marriage a lot.
Have a great day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am beautiful in and out.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Pray for wisdom for your marriage.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1 Peter 3:3-4 (MSG)What matters is not your outer appearance — the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes — but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY List your strengths and weaknesses.
Women are interestingly influential. Ok, the man is the head of the house, agreed, but the woman wields a lot of influence in the home.
Satan wanted to get to man, he went through the woman. He knew if he could get the woman to eat the fruit, the rest is history with the man, and that was exactly what happened. We see this in Genesis 3:6
When the Woman saw that the tree looked like good eating and realized what she would get out of it—she’d know everything!—she took and ate the fruit and then gave some to her husband, and he ate.
Gen 3:6 (MSG)
Look at that scripture!
She gave some to Adam and he simply ate it! No question, no resistance, no objection. He ate it in love!
The woman is influential!
So much is the influence a wife wields over her husband that the scripture even says a wife can influence her husband without even saying a word!
Let’s take a look at it.
1Pe 3:1 (TPT) And now let me speak to the wives. Be devoted to your own husbands, so that even if some of them do not obey the Word of God, your kind conduct may win them over without you saying a thing.
That is instructive! Without a word. How true can this be? Without saying a word. Can you begin to see that you don’t need to talk too much till your husband feels completely nagged.
You can be a woman of few words and yet of tremendous influence.
As a wife, decide to be a good wife by influencing your husband in a good way. Job’s wife was a bad wife, she asked her husband to curse God and die. Thank God he never listened.
Decide today and watch how that will impact your marriage massively.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I make a positive impact on my spouse.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to influence my spouse positively.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1 Peter 3:1 (AMP) IN LIKE manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Study the bible reading for the day
This One Thing Will Always Birth Crises In Marriage
I have counseledhundreds of couples in the last twenty-two years. Marriage has always been and will always work. There are things you do and it is guaranteed that the marriage will work. There are things you ignore and it is sure that crises will emanate.
There is one sure thing if undone, will always birth crisis every time. This has to do with accountability.
Ever met anyone who does not want to be accountable and doesn’t want to talk to mentors? At the root of this is Pride! This is accentuated in the scriptures.
Let’s take a look at the scriptures
Wisdom opens your heart to receive wise counsel, but pride closes your ears to advice and gives birth to only quarrels and strife.
Pro 13:10 (TPT)
How do you know a wise couple? They are open to wise counsel. You see, there are issues that will come up in marriage that will be beyond you. God forbid that you have nobody to talk to!
Many a couple’s heart are closed to counsel and this is not good because they are only operating by what they know and the reality is that what they know is limited. Limited by their age and experiences.
It is wisdom then, to open yourselves to counsel because God will surround you with at least one person who has wisdom to help in whatever imbroglio you might have found yourselves.
That scripture says pride closes the ears to advice and shockingly, pride also gives birth to quarrels and strife.
Is your marriage riddled with strife and quarrels? Then find out if you have not made statements like “You must not discuss me with a third party!”
Yes, you must not discuss your issues all over the place, but you should have at least one person who serves as mentor or pastor you should talk to. And this person shouldn’t be either of your parents in any way. They will always be biased.
Have a great day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My marriage will work.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, give me the needed wisdom to build my marriage
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Prov 13:10 (AMP) Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife, But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel
Andy and Sandy were so much in love in their courtship days. They were the quintessential campus love birds. Their love was palpable. Their eyes shone in ecstasy at the thoughts of each other. Barely can thirty minutes go without getting in touch for one thing or another. They looked forward to the wedding and they knew it was going to be so blissful.
The wedding happened and life began to happen. Differences emanated from nowhere and screamed at their love story. A love story filled with laughter and flowers, with dimples without pimples, soon became a love song punctuated with moods, cries, and tales of regrets.
What really happened?
They both brought their invisible baggages into the marriage. Baggages collide with luggages. These baggages were filled with junks and emotional dirts accumulated over the years growing up from abuses, negative words spoken, attacks and misconceptions that have been fed to them.
After the wedding, emotional baggages, sexual baggages, physical baggages and even spiritual baggages are brought to the table.
They now begin to deal with these, and sometimes for years, some of the contents of the baggages have not been revealed. Howbeit, the consequences of the baggages contents begin to take a toll on the couple, opened or closed.
Every anomaly and inconsistent behavior in marriage is drawing strength from that bag.
It is for this reason Jesus made one of the most powerful statements ever.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:28 (KJV)
Instead of carrying the bags around and messing up relationships, go to Jesus and let Him give you rest.
I love the Passion Translation:
“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.
Mat 11:28 (TPT)
Have a great day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I lay down all baggages at the foot of the cross.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask the Saviour to help you.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Matt 11:28 (MSG) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
The ambitious early men were too focused to be distracted. Their project was clear. They were going to build the tallest building in the world. Whatever technology existed at the time, God Himself attested to the fact that they will succeed.
and he said, “Now then, these are all one people and they speak one language; this is just the beginning of what they are going to do. Soon they will be able to do anything they want!
Gen 11:6 (GNB)
God said nothing will be impossible for them because of the oneness in their speech and language. God knew what to do to stop their ambition. He tampered with their speech.
Come, we’ll go down and garble their speech so they won’t understand each other.” Then GOD scattered them from there all over the world. And they had to quit building the city.
Gen 11:7-8 (MSG)
The resultant effect of their garbled speech is that they could no longer understand themselves, then a scattering and then they quit building.
This is quite instructive and interesting.
O yes, in marriage, there will be little quarrels and disagreement here and there. You know what? Keep on talking. Papa Kenneth Hagin said learn to disagree without being disagreeable!
Do not allow strife in your marriage. When you stop talking as a result of hurt, your speech has been garbled and you will soon be unable to build anything. Now, this is the plan of the devil. He wants you scattered. He doesn’t want you to build anything. He doesn’t want you to do anything meaningful together. Ensure you don’t cooperate with him anyway.
Keep on talking. Don’t hurt too deep. Be a quick forgiver. Laugh a lot. Enjoy yourself as couples and do not allow anybody to pour “stones” into your “Garri!
Have a blessed day with your spouse!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I do not give place to the devil. I keep on talking with my spouse.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Pray that you are sensitive to your spouse.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Gen 11:6 (HCSB)The LORD said, “If they have begun to do this as one people all having the same language, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.
The race is never to the swift. The battle is not to the strong. We are only helped of God.
This is not to disregard the significance of labour, for there is dignity in labour. However, and at the end of the day, the realization sinks, that it is all by the help of God.
Let’s take a look at the scripture this morning.
He also installed the latest in military technology on the towers and corners of Jerusalem for shooting arrows and hurling stones. He became well known for all this—a famous king. Everything seemed to go his way. But then the strength and success went to his head. Arrogant and proud, he fell. One day, contemptuous of GOD, he walked into The Temple of GOD like he owned it and took over, burning incense on the Incense Altar.
2Ch 26:15-16 (MSG)
This man was marvelously helped. He had everything going his way. But then, he became proud, and the strength and success went to his head. He took God for granted and wanted to perform roles meant only for priests.
The result was a disenfranchisement that isolated him.
They confronted Uzziah: “You must not, you cannot do this, Uzziah—only the Aaronite priests, especially consecrated for the work, are permitted to burn incense. Get out of God’s Temple; you are unfaithful and a disgrace!” But Uzziah, censer in hand, was already in the middle of doing it and angrily rebuffed the priests. He lost his temper; angry words were exchanged—and then, even as they quarreled, a skin disease appeared on his forehead.
26:18-19 (MSG)
The disease never left him.
Uzziah had his skin disease for the rest of his life and had to live in quarantine; he was not permitted to set foot in The Temple of GOD. His son Jotham, who managed the royal palace, took over the government of the country.
2Ch 26:21 (MSG)
The lesson here? Do not open the door for pride in your life. Do not make the mistake of going into extramarital relationships because you now have some money and some success in your business. Such steps only end in tears.
Stay humble, Stay close to God. Stay faithful to your spouse.
May God grant more understanding!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am marvelously helped of God.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Pray for the help of God in your marriage
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 2 Chron 26:15 (ERV)In Jerusalem, Uzziah made machines that were invented by clever men. These machines were put on the towers and corner walls. They shot arrows and large rocks. Uzziah became famous. People knew his name in far away places. He had much help and became a powerful king.
This Is What Happens To Couples Who Don’t Cooperate
The home was hot, and yet it was really cold outside. Sad miens, sadistic motions, palpitating hearts resulting from acute bitterness serenaded the house. Music has disappeared from their hearts and in its place is a dirge composing itself.
Mr. and Mrs. Jebolade are at it again. The usual bickering have ensued. This will lead to unending quarrels, exchange of bitter words, reclusion into their shells, and eventually strife and animosity that will last for days.
Both of them would feel they were right and would insist on their rights. As they continue in this cat and mouse tantrums, they are actually losing a lot in their marriage without knowing. They are limiting God from blessing them in fullness.
The scriptures says
Psa 78:40-42 (KJV) How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.
Continually provoking God, grieving Him with your refusal to forgive each other is like tempting God and limiting Him from blessing you.
Discarding the marital vows you said and recited on your wedding day because of some disagreement or differences is tempting God and limiting Him in your marriage.
In marriage, it takes your agreement from both sides for anything to work. The devil knows this, so he tampers with your agreement, just to stop the flow of the blessing. You have to be wise, therefore, to ensure that the devil is kept at bay in your marriage.
It’s something deliberate that both of you have to do. You work at your marriage and trust God for the best by simply cooperating with each other. Full cooperation with each other!
I pray and declare that your marriage is blessed!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My marriage is blessed in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to cooperate with my spouse.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Ps 78:41 (ERV)Again and again they tested his patience. They really hurt the Holy One of Israel.
Life is a journeythat is taken on the road of words. Your words literally will pave way for you to take in life. Wrong words will dig dangerous potholes into the road of life. Negative words will create mirages that look real but offered nothing at the end of the day.
Particularly, the scriptures opined that it is with words that you will bring out the best in your spouse
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water BY THE WORD, [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Eph 5:25-27 (KJV)
Just like Jesus, you are to speak what you want to see and not what you are seeing. There is a huge difference.
Here are some statements you should avoid saying to your spouse
1. This marriage will never work 2. I hate you will all my heart 3. I will leave you eventually and marry someone else 4. You are such a negative force in my life 5. Since we met, it has been one problem or the other and I know that is what it will be forever 6. One day, I know our marriage will be over 7. I know this is never going to lead to anything meaningful 8. I regret the day I met you 9. There is bad luck hovering around you 10. There is a curse following you and it is affecting me
Avoid any statement that looks like the above. As you begin to train your mouth, your life will come into alignment with God.
I pray that God takes every storm out of your marriage.
I honor you.
Have a great day.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My words are seasoned with salt.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to speak the right words.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Colossians 4:6 (NLT): “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Watch what you are saying to your spouse
He is all over you. His love seems to know no bounds. He has boundless ideas complemented with accompanying energy on different ways to please you and make you happy.
His thoughts seem merged with yours, functioning in amazing synchrony that amazes everybody.
Looks like you were made for each other from heaven. Mere thinking about him, your heart goes into a loving palpitation and begins to skip.
It looked like a forever happily after kind of love script whose plot is from God Himself.
You wondered how you deserved so much love from an individual. Butterflies spread their wings in abundance in your tummy, causing colors of love to emanate from your dimples.
It looked so good…until YOU GOT MARRIED
What? What happened to all the flowers, and all the romantic ideas? The poet in him died after wedding. The romantic voice went coarse. The hugs vaporized. The loving voice that shook you to your marrows was still shaking you, but now in fear and trepidation.
Why Lord?
The reality is that marriage is a lot of work.
Wooing each other ought not to stop. It should continue and even intensify.
For this reason a man is to leave his father and his mother and lovingly hold to his wife, since the two have become joined as one flesh.
Eph 5:31 (TPT)
If the sparks have disappeared from your love life as married couples, you need to go back in time and learn from your single selves!
Ever wondered why your wife no longer smiles and all the sparkles disappeared from her mien? It’s because what you used to do that excited her are no longer there.
Ever wondered why your husband who used to be sweet and all of a sudden he has grown unfriendly and get angry easily and sometimes with little provocation? It’s because he can no longer sense respect from you.
Bot husband and wife should get back to what they used to do, and you will see fresh wine poured into your marital cup, bringing fresh sweetness into your lives.
My name is Dunamis Okunowo
Be blessed.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My marriage is blessed.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask for wisdom to run your marriage.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
