My children have good friends. It is very simple. Your association matters a lot. The people you move with matter a lot. That’s just the truth of life.
The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 13:20 (NET)
It is the nature of man to always want to associate. God never made man live in isolation. No man can survive on his or her own. That is why your dad got married to your mum.
Same applies to your children. They always want to relate to the environment. As a matter of fact, it should be a source of concern for you if your child doesn’t relate with anyone. It should be a concern, really.
That being said, we ought to look out for the kind of association our children keep. Let them know they can be deliberate and intentional about it.
Also, as parents, we should pray for them and their choices. Your prayers go a long way. Don’t be a careless parent. Always declare ‘My children have good friends’ to yourself and over the lives of your children.
Children, you should move freely with others in your environment. Nobody is an island. You need people to advance. Never think you can survive alone.
Walk with wise friends. Move about with those who are wise.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
Do you want to suffer harm? I honestly do not think so. So choose your friends wisely and God will bless you. Amen
Declaration: My children walk with the wise, therefore they are wise. My children have good friends.
Prayer: Lord, make my children wiser in all their doings.
Action Plan: Choose your friends wisely and intentionally.
There are habits that are stubborn, resilient almost bothering on strongholds, that hold you by the jugular, breathing down on your neck, suffocating God’s blessings, and ruining the operations of God’s favour
These habits can be killing. You have read about it, you have heard sermons about it, you have prayed and fasted about it, yet this weakness or habit stands tall, cocky, and refusing to move an inch.
What do you do?
Samson found himself in this kind of addictive trap. He knew Delilah was from the enemy. He knew Delilah wanted to kill him. Yet, he played along and cooperated till he lost his life.
Samson that all of Philistines were scared of! Samson that used the jawbone of an ass to kill a thousand men! Samson that killed a lion with his bare hand!
How did Samson get to this point?
He cooperated with the enemy of his soul. He ignored that which clutched to his very soul. He underestimated the power of the enemy because of his past victories.
Samson knew Delilah was after his life, yet he could not disconnect from her. He knew Delilah wanted to kill him, yet he clung to her and would not let go. In the end, his eyes were gouged out and he had to ask for his own death.
How many things are we doing now that it looks as though we are cooperating with the enemy?
I am here to tell you by the power of the Holy Spirit, to let go of what doesn’t want to let you go!
That something is holding unto you will not be an excuse for holding on to that thing!
Let go.
It could be a boyfriend, a girlfriend, an affair, a habit, an addiction, a deception, or some lifestyle or any other works of the flesh… whatever it is, Let Go!
Then you can let God.
Good morning!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I receive grace to let go and let God.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, give me the grace to let go.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Isa 43:18(CEV)Forget what happened long ago! Don’t think about the past.
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.
Fear is bad. You must learn how to overcome fear. Fear is evil. Fear is from the devil. Fear has torment. Fear means False Evidence Appearing Real.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Tim 1:7 (NKJV)
Fear is bad. Fear is evil. Fear is from the devil. Fear has torment. Fear means False Evidence Appearing Real.
The good news is that God has not given us the spirit of fear. In God, we have something more than fear.
Rather than fear, God has given us the spirit of power, love and a sound mind. So you must learn how to overcome fear.
When you are scared, what do you do?
Pray!
Praying helps you to get an understanding of what to do or not to do. Prayer is a tool to help you understand what is happening and how to deal with it.
Never allow fear into your life. You must learn how to overcome fear.
Also, talk to your parents about your fear. Don’t internalize. Talk to your teachers as well. Always learn to open up.
The major thing is that you shouldn’t allow fear – any of your false expectations appearing real, to stop you from doing what you’re supposed to do.
Don’t allow fear stop you from achieving your dreams. You must learn how to overcome fear.
God doesn’t want you to have any form of fear and even if you do, He asks you to release them all to Him. He can carry them all and has the solution to solving them.
There are many tell-tale signs that will usually show that a lady doesn’t love you and will not likely marry you. Below I have listed some of them. If you find up to five of any of these in your lover, it’s time to sit down and talk and seek counsel.
1. She will take from you and not give; there will be no mutual giving of a gift 2. She will not introduce you to her Pastor. 3. She will easily snap at you, shut you down, and even scream at you as occasion demands. 4. She will not pray about you or about the relationship. 5. She is comfortable not speaking with you for many days. 6. She shows her preferences for other guys and endlessly compares you to other guys. 7. She is only momentarily happy with you when you buy her stuff 8. She allows you to do all the pursuing without making any efforts to reciprocate 9. She embarrasses you in the presence of her friends 10. She lets you know that she is managing you and that you are not her type. 11. There will be disregard and disrespect 12. If a lady is not interested in you, it will show in her value system towards you. 13. It will manifest in disregard for your person and principles. 14. It will show in her utter disrespect for you. 15. She will deliberately ignore your preferences. 16. She will despise your wisdom and won’t care a hoot about what happens. 17. She will see your missed calls and will not make an effort to call back. 18. She will annoyingly ignore your calls and not pick them. 19. She will not introduce you to her friends or parents. 20. She will show that she is not proud of you and all you represent.
The above are signs that she is disenfranchised from you and only holding on because of some favor she is getting from you or using you as an emotional fill-in-the-gap.
I pray that God will grant you more understanding and give you divine direction as to know the right decisions to take in your relationships.
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CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am not oblivious to the tell-tale signs. My eyes are open.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Pray that God will deliver you from the person that will not marry you.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1 Cor 13:5 (AMP)It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Review your relationship based on the above and be sure the person will marry you.
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.
My God will save! There is this confidence the psalmist speaks with every now and then. Such confidence is what we can learn and emulate.
But I will call upon the Lord to save me-and he will.
Ps 55:16 (TLB)
Did you just see that confidence from the Psalmist? It’s amazing. And you too should have it. My God will save!
No matter how deep seated the trouble may be, just tell yourself all I need is about 10-15 minutes of prayers to God.
The psalmist said he will call upon God to save. He was so sure that God will not only hear, He will answer and do his bidding.
Another lesson here is that we should realize God answers prayers. My God will save. In another part of the scriptures, the psalmist said;
I pray to you, and you answer from your sacred hill.
Ps 3:4 (CEV)
What is that issue you have been trusting God for for months?
Is it about your school results?
Is it about your parents?
Is it about your friends or their families?
Call upon God for salvation and he will save. My God will save!
Your part is to pray, God’s part is to answer and He sure will!
Like someone once noted; if there is a man to pray, there is a God to answer.
Parents, lets encourage our children to always pray to God. They should be taught how to grow their faith by petitioning God from time to time as need arises.
Let’s not wait till they become teenagers before training them.
I still remember my wedding day. It was twenty-two years ago, in the city under the rock! The service was long, and the sermon was boring.
I can tell you what happens in a long service on a wedding day! The couples have left in their mind, and a major part of the crowd have left in reality, on their way to reception to wait for the main item of the day. A lot of people are not as concerned about the marriage as they are concerned about not missing the wedding “Jollof” rice!
By the time the church folks are getting to the reception venue, another set of crowds are already waiting! Those ones don’t attend church service. They are not interested in the church’s blessing.
This is why the family of couples usually gets bouncers!
The bouncers would keep unwanted visitors away! The bouncers are usually hefty-looking guys, muscular and well built to send fear to intruders!
In the same vein, God has given you bouncers to keep you from falling in love with intruders!
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Php 4:7 (KJV)
This bouncer is called the peace of God. Look at what it says; shall keep your hearts!
You don’t want your heart broken? This peace is the bouncer! You don’t want your heart violated and you end up being cheated? The peace of God is the bouncer!
Now take a look at the Amplified version.
And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding SHALL GARRISON AND MOUNT GUARD over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Php 4:7 (AMPC)
Garrison Mount guard.
This peace is like an army barrack keeping you secured from marital bandits and kidnappers! This peace wades off attacks like divorce, adultery, strife, and so on!
How do you find this peace? It comes when God has spoken. It is absent when you are about to make a mistake. Follow this peace. Follow this bouncer and you will avoid a lot of mistakes in your marital endeavor!
Be blessed this morning, as always!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I follow the peace of God.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, lead me by your peace.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Phil 4:7 (TLB)If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Do you have peace about that decision?
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.
What are you saying to your friends? What are you saying to your colleagues? What are you saying to your parents? Speaking the right words is very important in life.
What are you saying to your neighbors? What are you saying to those around you?
A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
Proverbs 12:14 MEV
Words are important to both genders, hence the need to use them wisely. The way you speak to those around you goes a long way. Speaking the right words is very important in life. How will you feel if someone constantly tears you apart with the words coming out of his/her mouth? Conversely, how will you feel if someone constantly encourages you with his/her words?
It has been observed that correcting children lovingly goes a long way to boost their ego.
Parents are advised and encouraged to use good words on their wards. Speaking positive words will help boost their confidence and increase their esteem.
Using harsh words when correcting children could negatively impact them. When necessary, let’s use complimentary words.
Learning to say thank you to our children when they run errands for us will go a long way to help their esteem. Yes, speak right words. Speaking the right words is very important in life.
Complimentary words make them happy and leave them beaming with a smile, eager to face the next task.
Prayer: Lord, help me to speak good words only.
Action plan: Learn to speak positive words; speaking the right words is very important in life.
Declaration: My children grow in the way of the Lord and they are encouraged by the positive words I speak towards them. My words nurture them and cause them to grow well and in the LORD. Amen
As they walked down the aisle, Kunle holding his bride, and their faces punctuated with laughter and sheer joy. Betty and Kunle are finally getting married and both of them were so happy.
They had looked forward to this day. Preparations were in top gear as they pumped millions into ensuring the day was glorious. They left no stone unturned, and both of them even borrowed some money for the D-Day. The day was colourful, and people went home belly-full. Everybody eat to their satisfaction as they hired the best caterer in town.
By the time they arrived at the honeymoon venue, they were both exhausted. And now, a new chapter of their life begins.
That day was super and that was it. The wedding was over and marriage began. Reality sets in. Few weeks after the wedding, the pressures showed up in their numbers and with the pressures are different scenarios.
My point this morning? We all put in a lot of preparation and resources into one day often at the detriment of the real thing. We spend millions on feeding guests while we cannot spend a couple of thousands required to take a good marriage counseling.
Here are a few things to note
1. Do not overstretch yourself because of a one-day event. It is foolishness to borrow and feed people while you spend the next six months in debt and are unable to feed yourselves properly.
2. Work more at the comfort of your spouse after the wedding. Some couples will sit on some golden beautiful settee on their wedding days and then arrange plastic chairs in the living room afterward. Who are we really trying to impress?
3. You and your intended spouse should draw a budget and work within the budget. Agree on how you want the day to look and prioritize your home after the wedding
4. Lastly, do not allow folk in the family to draw you into unnecessary spending. Be wise. Be circumspect.
I pray God to grant you more understanding
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am wise and circumspect.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask for divine wisdom to plan your wedding
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.”
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
You can overcome sin little children. This is what you should always have in your mind as you carry out your daily activities. Now what is the definition of sin?
Sin is the barrier that disrupts you from accessing God’s throne and His presence as you should. It is that one thing that blocks you from being with your heavenly Father.
In the old testament, the bible records that the temple had a place called the Holy of Holies where there was a veil covering it, but only the high priest could enter after he had undergone some cleansing rituals.
“But only the high priest could go into the second room, and he did that only once a year. He could never enter the inner room without taking blood with him. He offered that blood to God for himself and for the people’s sins…”
Heb.9:7 ICB.
After sinning, the enemy suggests to a person that God can never forgive, thereby encouraging them to run away from God.
If you allow the enemy to tell you that your shortcomings are so huge or terrible and that God can never forgive you, then you don’t know your God.
Your God is more than able to forgive your sins. He wants nothing more than to forgive you so that the two of you can be in a loving relationship constantly.
Never allow the enemy or anyone to tell you that God can’t ever forgive you. He gave Jesus for you. Jesus that was sinless to die for your sins that you may be called His son or daughter.
Prayer point: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for granting me access to the Holy of Holies. I am glad that God will always forgive my sins. Sin will not overcome me. I will not hide in shame. Amen.
Action Plan: Stay away from all forms of sin
Declaration: God will forgive me of my sins. I will not hide in shame.
There are a few things every lady wants from her man. I will attempt to write about a few of them this morning.
Every lady wants a romantic playmate
A lady loves a guy who makes her laugh and who has endless romantic ideas. It’s cool to be a serious person, but you can’t be serious all the time! It’s not even good for your health! In an already tense environment, you must devise ways to keep her calm and laughing. She looks forward to a man that can help her unwind without compromising.
Every lady wants a spiritual guy It goes without saying that every lady wants a prayerful man, who can be a spiritual covering! They need someone who is romantic and who can also explain the book of Romans!
They want some who can spend, but who is also spent for God!
Every lady wants a guide She wants someone who can advice, not one that will adversely crush her spirit. She wants someone who can point the way, who will provide navigation for the family eventually. You see, the eyes are located in the head, and since the man is the head, he is supposed to provide the compass for the family.
4. Every lady wants a truthful man Every lady is looking for a man of integrity. Men who will say something and stand by it. Our generation is filled with too many insincere people! O Lord, give me a spouse that will be truthful.
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Pro 20:6 (KJV)
Truthfulness is a legacy to leave for the children, and the children will eventually gravitate towards what they can see in their father.
Never cope with an impulsive and unrepentant lair. If you marry such, you might have to endure it for a lifetime. Whoever refuses to change now is not planning to change anytime soon.
5. Every lady wants a man who will allow them to be who they are. Nobody wants to be caged! She wants a man that will not be insecure as to limit her greatness. She wants a man that will give her wings to fly and help her fulfill all God has called her to do.
6. Every lady wants a man who is loaded in the pocket Ladies want to be comfortable and they want a man who can take care of them. Nobody wants to get involved with a liability! Every man should work! You may be out of job, but never be out of work. No lady wants to afflict her life with a perpetually lazy man! Get working!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I know how to show love to my partner.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to speak lovingly to my partner
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? Pro 20:6 KJV
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Show love to your spouse today
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.
Have you lost an item before, how did you feel? Now imagine a little child misplacing an item. The chances of finding it is very slim; but God promises restoration for children.
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Joel 2:25 (KJV)
This is one of God’s promises we can lay claims on. The promise of restoration!
The Lord is promising us total restoration. He has said we will find all we’ve ever lost.
So go to God with ‘Father to son’ important gesture and sort it once and for all.
We should daily read this scripture to our kids, so that they can understand the supernatural aspect available in God.
Declaration: My children enjoy divine restoration. They understand the supernatural. Amen
This is Part 2. I started writing on this topic yesterday. This morning, I will conclude. If you missed the first part, you can read it HERE
6. Don’t hold your lover in unforgiving mode. I learnt from my dad how to forgive quickly. He doesn’t know how to get bitter, and that has prolonged his life. You need that attitude in your relationship or marriage. You have to learn to lovingly overlook mistakes and errors and not be unnecessarily judgmental.
7. Do not feed your weaknesses Your strength is to provide needed balance in your marriage so that your strength will cover for her weaknesses and vice versa. Deliberately avoid feeding each other’s weaknesses. That way, you will grow faster.
8. Do not correct to hurt or in anger. Let affirmations be the landing place for your corrections. Learn how to correct in love!
O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.
Jer 10:24 (KJV)
This is how God corrects and this is what we need to imbibe as well.
9. Do not lead your lover into sin You are the greatest influence on your lover. Most of the time, he or she will do what you want or what you approve of. Do not lead each other or encourage each other into iniquity. Be circumspect.
10. Do not ignore the wisdom of mentors and superiors. God will usually surround you with mentors and pastors that can help you out in your marital journey. Ignoring them could be at your peril. The wisdom you will need in navigating the path of a successful courtship and eventually marriage is usually domiciled in your mentors around you.
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Pro 20:5 (KJV)
Good morning.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I know the things to do to make my lover feel loved
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, teach me the things I need to know.
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 plans.
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.
Most times, we need to be reminded not just what to do, but what not to do in a relationship that will lead to marriage. God is clear in His word regarding the Don’ts. It is your ability to stay within the parameters of God’s word that will guarantee a great relationship that will lead to a wedding. Here are those things you need to pay attention to.
1. Do not stop praying for each other Hear this again and again, in addition to working on your relationship, you are going to need a lot of prayers. You are going to need that spiritual energy to sustain the relationship. The devil doesn’t want you to get married! He is going to do everything possible to throw tantrums and bring confusion into the relationship. When you pray constantly, you will not enter into his temptation and traps!
2. Do not ignore each other Stay in touch through calls and chats. If there is someone not to ignore, it’s your loved one! Ignoring each other will open the door for the devil to feed your souls with assumptions; and assumptions are the lowest forms of knowledge.
3. Do not stop buying gifts for each other. Gifts should not be one sided. There is nowhere in the scripture where it says it is the destiny of guys to buy gifts while the ladies collect. It should be mutual. You will always be creative with giving gifts to the one you really love.
4. Do not stop sharing spiritual truths. Talk to each other from time to time about your dealings with God. Whatever God is sharing with you in your personal closet, share the same with your spouse. This will enable you to be on the same page. In the coming days when you forget, your spouse is the one that will remind you.
5. Do not discourage each other Don’t wear each other out with criticism and discouraging words. Do not disparage each other. Rather, invest in each other’s esteem and build yourselves up in God. Say good words and prophesy unto yourselves! It works!
I will stop here today and continue tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I know the things to do to make my lover feel loved
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, teach me the things I need to know.
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 plans.
