You have to learn to make better financial decisions as a child. Let me share a little of my childhood story with you.
From time to time, especially during the Yuletide, whatever financial gift I got went back to my parents. I remember my parents taking any financial gift I received from me with the promise of keeping it for me. Well, I never got my money back. I always forgot to ask. How do you even ask about such money?
Making good financial decisions highly impacts how you view and spend money.
The following questions will help you make better decisions financially.
Do you always spend all the money you receive?
Did you read books on financial education?
What do you know about money?
Do you buy everything you want because the money is available?
Did you buy everything you wanted as the desire came to you?
How much did you spend on things?
Do you see yourself as greedy?
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:10.
Hope these questions helped you assess the financial decisions you have been making. These are also questions to guide you on reviewing your financial goals this month.
The reviews are meant to point you towards the dangers of reckless sending and not to judge you.
May the Lord grant you the right perspective about money. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the favour to spend and save wisely. Help me to make better financial decisions in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Action point: Reflect on these questions and truthfully start to make changes. God bless you.
Declaration: I make better financial decisions in this new month.
Bones are so important in the body that it cuts across the entire body mass. They are everywhere, even inside the ears! And the bones in the body are so important that any anomaly in it is the beginning of a slow death. May our bones remain strong!
Bones! You don’t see them, but they hold the entire frame of the homo sapien in place. Without bones, the man will collapse, unable to move an inch. Without bones, mobility will cease, and productivity will be grounded, so much so that any anomaly is often referred to as a disability.
Then the flesh! That is what you get to see. It is the pulchritude, the outer beauty, the color, the complexion, and the outer glory!
Adam exclaimed and said in Genesis
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Gen 2:23 (KJV)
Wow! That was revelatory!
Bone of my bones first! That is, in seeking a spouse, it is not just about the flesh, which is the outward beauty. It is not just about the rotundity of the backside or the massiveness of that which dangles below the cleavage. All that is flesh!
But the order is bones first. The flesh is important as well because it is in order to be attracted. However, if it is all about the flesh alone, you are in an obvious error.
The bone of your bones talks of the inner frame, the character, the power within, the integrity, and the forthrightness that makes up the essence in a man or woman. It deals with honesty, virtue, and values, not just the lips, the hips, and the tips alone.
Go beyond outward beauty. Check the God in him or her. Check the values. Then you can say you are dealing not just with the flesh of your flesh, but with both bone of your bones and flesh of your flesh.
Selah!
We started our fast yesterday. Find more details HERE
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will marry the bone of my bone and the flesh of my flesh
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to get it right martially.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Gen 2:23(CEV)and the man exclaimed, “Here is someone like me! She is part of my body, my own flesh and bones. She came from me, a man. So I will name her Woman!”
It is often said that a friend in need is a friend indeed. The value of friendship is known in hard and tough times. Nothing is as soothing as when a friend speaks to you in your down moments. When his or her words are like cold water to a thirsty soul.
If the effect of a friend could be that felt, how much more is the effect of a spouse. Of course, our spouse is supposed to be our best friend with who we are vulnerable, with who we can share the joy and the privilege of being naked and not ashamed.
I think every spouse should ask themselves this question. “Am I a friend to my spouse?” “Can my spouse confidently say, he/she can find a friend in me?” “Does my spouse find me easy to talk with?”
Every spouse should ask these soul-searching questions and try to find answers to these questions.
It is easier to point accusing fingers at your spouse. Quit playing the blame game and face reality, walk and work together.
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Amos 3:3 KJV
Come in agreement with each other. Forgive every hurt and pain. For marriage is where we hurt deeply.
Some spouses are so hurt they vowed never to forgive. If you have any knotty situation, talk things over with your mentors. Sometimes, the issues in marriage require the authority of someone higher than you. Just a word, a prayer or a prophetic utterance can solve such issues.
Some people have destroyed their marriage because of staying on their viewpoint of being right. In marriage, it is not always about who is right or wrong, but our willingness to allow God’s purpose to be done.
Jesus, our model didn’t insist on being right. He willingly suffered for us, the righteous for the unrighteous. He loved us while we were yet sinners and died for us so we can be made sons of God.
The mandate on our marriage must be fulfilled. Let’s get over all forms of bitterness, malice, and unforgiveness. These are toxic to our being best of friends with our spouse.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 KJV
This scripture is very profound. You must show yourself friendly to have your spouse as your friend.
The question is some of us don’t even know to be friends. We must aim at being friends with our spouses. I believe the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth and revelation will help us if we ask Him to.
Some ways to being friends with your spouse
1. Maintaining the right attitude and positive disposition is important. 2. Kind words and loving words. Every human being responds to love. 3. Believing the best of each other. 4. Being fun to be with. 5. Not pointing attention to the weak areas of your spouse. 6. Encouraging our spouse. 7. Avoiding criticism, accusation, and blaming. 8. Being very understanding.
These are few tips for being there for your spouse.
God help us indeed.
May God bless our marriage!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My marriage is blessed.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to be there for my spouse always.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Prov 18:24 (CEV)Some friends don’t help, but a true friend is closer than your own family.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Be friends with your spouse
Another area to review this year is your academics. Not doing well in school is a slap to your Christianity, so you must strive to make better academic decisions.
Do you know we are meant to top our classes?
Deut 28:13 (NKJV)And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.
That’s the dominion mandate. That’s God’s original intent for you. One who is not spiritual ought not to be ahead in your class. You ought to call the shots! Therefore you must learn to make great academic decisions.
Reflect on the following questions;
How well did you perform in examinations and tests at school?
Did you understand all you were taught in class?
Did you seek clarification at any point?
How well did you pay attention in class?
How much time did you spend studying and reading? (this so much reflects the quality of the academic decisions you are making)
Did it have any impact on your grades?
How many times did you ask for someone to help you with your lessons?
Did you join a study group?
Did it have any effect on your grades?
What effects did it make on your grades?
How many hours did you spend watching movies or playing games instead of studying?
These are just some guidelines that will point you towards making great academic decisions – knowing what to continue, stop, or start doing. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. So take an inventory and make your decisions afterward.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your help with my academics. I am deeply grateful for your assistance.
Action point: Make better academic decisions – make a list of what worked for you and what didn’t. Plan to improve on what worked and stop what didn’t work.
Declaration: I take inventory of my life and make the necessary adjustments.
There is a plan of heaven this month on your life! It’s good news! Get ready!
One of the most joyful events among humanity is the birthing of a new baby! How beautiful can it be? Especially, when the parents have been trusting and waiting for a while! The arrival of the baby elicits a joy that knows no bounds, an excitement that goes really deep and an ecstasy beyond what any drug can offer!
All because of what? The birthing of a new baby!
I love Septembers! Forget about the wild belief of “ember” months! I choose to disregard that! It’s going to be a September To Remember! I choose to believe the report of the Lord.
September is that month that signifies the 9th month, when gestation period is complete and the baby has no choice, but to come forth!
May I announce to you, with a trumpet laid to my mouth this morning, that this month will be a September to Remember!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
A few days back, while in the bathroom, God spoke to me on this. And this is why we are embarking on a month-long fast beginning from today!
Wouldn’t you rather join us!
It’s a fast that God Himself called. And when God calls for a fast, He has some goodies in stock for you and I.
God said you are about to birth that which you have been carrying!
The reason you have not given birth is because there is no strength!
And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
Isa 37:3 (KJV)
And that is why we are fasting. To provide strength to give birth to that greatness, that increase, that advancement, and whatever pregnancy you have been carrying!
From the 1st of September, we will be waiting on God daily. You can break your fast daily from 2 pm. Prayer points will be available every day on our website here. I pray that it will be a September to Remember for you in Jesus name.
There will be two prayers sessions daily, morning and evening.
Morning prayer will be by 5.30 am and 6.00 am, (online) while evening prayers will be on-site at Shouts of Grace Center, Ibadan.
Evening prayers wily 6.00 pm but on-site at Shouts of Grace Center, Joke Plaza, Beside Trans Amusement Park, Bodija-Ui Road, Ibadan.
If you are outside Ibadan or Nigeria, join for prayers online at any of indicated handles above! Prayer points will also be available on the site daily.
This month, God will answer you!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am bringing forth
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to bring forth
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY They said to him, “Hezekiah says, ‘This is a black day. We’re in crisis. We’re like pregnant women without even the strength to have a baby! Isaiah 37:3 MSG
Before we cantalk of keeping love ablaze, we have to talk of couples living true to their covenant responsibilities.
First, we should know that our marriages have certain mandate in the heart of God to fulfill.
And here’s a second offense: You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don’t get what you want from God. Do you know why? Simple. Because God was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you’ve broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife. God, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that’s what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don’t cheat on your spouse. Malachi 2:13 – 15 MSG
Let’s see how the scripture goes in the Amplified version.
Yet you ask, Why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the covenant made at your marriage] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your marriage vows]. Malachi 2:14 AMPC
So God takes our marriage vows seriously.
Our marriage vows is not just some cute words spoken on our wedding day, it is a promise before God and then to our spouse.
It is this understanding that will help us to see the reason why love must be kept ablaze.
It is a life long work. We have to keep at it at good times and not so good times.
A man of God said, and I quote, “In Covenant of marriage, get it right. Marriage is one area of vulnerability in the Covenant. Don’t allow the arrow of the enemy to pierce you there. Get it right. If the arrow of the enemy pierces you in marriage, you will be struggling to sustain the Covenant”.
If we don’t understand the covenant of marriage, the devil will cause alot of struggles for us in life. Love is not the only ingredient needed in marriage. It’s like cooking a meal. You need a combination of many ingredients in the right proportions, to make a good meal and the skills of the person cooking.
Let’s take a look at what love is from Gods view point
Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7 AMP
We need to remind ourselves often that we are called to love one another for God is love. We are born of God so we have Gods nature in us. We just have to be conscious of it and walk in it. We have to respond to the nature of God that we carry.
Our aim should be to love. The bible says we should love our enemies how much more our spouses. We are to consciously and intentionally love our spouse.
This is what we have been called to.
May God help us in Jesus name.
God bless our marriage
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My marriage will work in Jesus name.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help us to do things that will draw us closer to each other.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Yet you ask, Why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the covenant made at your marriage] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your marriage vows]. Malachi 2:14 AMPC
Do you think you are making better spiritual decisions? Your spirit man is the most important part of your life. Many people take care of other aspects and leave out the spirit man. This ought not to be so.
“The Holy Spirit is the one who gives life, that which is of the natural realm is of no help. The words I speak to you are Spirit and life. But there are still some of you who won’t believe.”
John 6:63 TPT
Your spiritual life is very important to your advancement in life. It’s on it that all other aspects of your life fall in or out of place. Therefore you must ensure that you always make better spiritual decisions.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
John 6:63 KJV
The flesh profits nothing. There is no gain in the flesh, so your spiritual
In reviewing your spiritual life, so that you can make better spiritual decisions, ask yourself the following questions
How prayerful was I? How consistent was I in the place of prayers? Did I participate in any fasting programme?
Was I attending Sunday school regularly? Did I read my bible daily? Was I faithful with my offerings and tithe?
These are just some questions that can guide you in making better spiritual decisions in this new month and beyond.
Have you seen couples married for over 15 years? One thing that strikes you is that they begin to look alike. There’s just something that makes them closer and begins to look alike. Well, it’s not a fast and hard rule that couples who have been together for years should look alike.
I guess that is the reason why the bible says, the two shall become one flesh. I guess they truly become one flesh in the real sense of the word. The truth is that, if you want to remain close and knitted together, there are some things you should be doing on a regular basis. It keeps you together.
I would try and mention 10 of those things. You can add up to this list but just make sure in your own relationship you have found what it is that draws you closer to each other.
1. Eat together on one plate or on the dinner table. This may not be suitable for every couple. Some may not like it, but this has helped keep couples together.
2. Go to church together in the same car. It may be a time of bonding for couples who may have been busy throughout the week and have more than 1 car.
3. Go to the same church and have the same pastor and mentor. They hear and drink from the same spiritual source and hear the same instructions about fasting, giving which normally could cause discord in marriage.
4. Have same friends, go to the same functions and ceremonies together. Couples stay closer when they unwind together by having the same friends and attend parties together.
5. They sleep in the same room on the same bed. Couples are known to look alike the more they sleep together and share the same room.
6. They have regular intercourse together. This is known to bind them together and is the real thing that makes them get closer and look alike.
7. They Laugh, dance, sing and play games together. The more couples recreate together, the more the bond between them gets stronger.
8. They overcome their challenges together. When couples face problems and pass through challenging situations together, it draws them closer to each other.
9. When couples bathe together. It is a form of being naked and not ashamed, it draws couples together.
10. Study their bibles together and pray together. When couples do spiritual activities together they tend to grow fond of each other and grow to look alike.
It is like the triangle of marriage. God is at the tip or top, husband and wife are at the two sides. The more they go after God, the closer they become. The more they draw away from God, the more they grow apart.
Make God or godly principles your priority and you will grow closer as a couple.
God bless your marriage
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY As couples, we grow closer as the day goes by.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help us to do things that will draw us closer to each other.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Gen 2:25 ‘And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.”
There are several gateways to a man’s spirit. These gateways are like large open doors through which good or bad spirits can access our inner man. I believe it is to this intent that the scripture says:
Pro 4:23 (KJV) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
The heart has to be kept with security systems that would prevent unsolicited access into your heart. The gateways in every man include the mouth gate, the eye gate, the ear gate, and nose gate.
This morning, I want to say a few words as it relates to the eye gate and relationships.
The Bible actually talks a lot about being cautious with what we see. One such scripture can be found in:
Job 31:1 (KJV) I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Job had to come to a point in his life and he realized his eyes are going to get him into serious trouble. So he dealt with his eyes in order to deal with his thoughts. His eye gate was feeding his thought life and those thoughts were far from healthy.
He knew if he was going to be okay, he had to make decisions. And that is what you will need to do too, you will need to make decisions!
Jesus even elaborated more here:
Mat 5:28 (KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Just having a deliberate lustful look, Jesus said it’s the same as an adulterous sin.
What do you do?
You see, the first look is not always a sin or any trouble. It is the second, third and perpetual look that becomes the problem. It’s when you start thinking on or meditating on an unhealthy sight that issues begin to rear their heads. The solution is simple, like Job, you must make a decision and deliberately refuse to look at whatever is going to feed your weaknesses.
I pray that today will be a great day in your life, even as you make those decisions.
Be blessed!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am deliberate with what I see
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask for the grace not to feed your weakness.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Job 31:1 (MSG)”I made a solemn pact with myself never to undress a girl with my eyes.
As the month comes to an end, it’s a good idea to review how you spent it. Doing this helps you make better decisions in life. It also helps you know what you have accomplished in different areas of your life and how to improve.
Imagine just living life without improving. These improvements can only happen when you have periodic reviews of your life and time spent.
The review can come weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or yearly, so that you can examine yourself and make better decisions.
Ps 90:12 (NIV)Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
A heart of wisdom is only possible when you number your days aright. This is achieved with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t think only adults do this. You will reach adulthood someday and developing this habit early will positively impact your life. Not only does it show how well you fared, but it also helps you plan ahead for the new month. By so doing, you make better decisions and move forward in your life.
Look at the way message translation puts it.
Ps 90:12 (MSG) Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!
When you take proper inventory of several segments of your life, you will know how to live well.
Make it a habit to take a review of your life from time to time, and then take better decisions from the review.
Tomorrow we will look at how to do this in every area of your life. Don’t miss it!
God bless!
Prayer: Lord, guide me as I take stock of this month. Help me see where I need to improve on in the coming month, and help me to be sincere enough to accept it. Help me make better decisions LORD. Amen.
Action point: List out areas of your life and start to review them. Tell your friends about it too. Involve your parents too, so they help out.
Declaration: God helps me to take stock of my life in Jesus name.
Opposite, they say, will always attract. That has been found to be true, always and at all times. God is a God of varieties. God’s own way of ensuring that you don’t get so bored in marriage is that opposite will attract.
The reason you fell in love most of the time is because there is something you saw that you don’t have.
God in His wisdom, sovereignty and divine love, intends that your spouse will have strength in the area where you have weaknesses, and you will have strength in the area where your spouse has weaknesses.
The strengths versus weaknesses tango will then create a balance, so that the children can be properly and emotionally developed.
Won’t it really be very odd for husband and wife to have same weaknesses?
So opposite will attract. Your lover will reason and think differently from you, mostly.
These opposites that attract, however, will also now be the very thing that will cause irritations when the love euphoria dies down.
It is at this point that most relationships get broken, because they did not understand why they have been so different, without knowing that the very difference is what they need to create a beautiful balance and be able to have a matured marital experience.
So, do not despise your differences in any way, rather celebrate those differences because that is what will bring balance into the relationship and eventually your marriage.
The opposite ways will definitely bring different opinions, reasonings and conclusions, but you must be matured enough not to mute your spouse but rather create an enabling environment for expressions in the relationship and marriage.
Work on your strengths by maximizing them. Work on your weaknesses by minimizing them!
May God grant you more understanding.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am different. I am unique. I am special.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to accept the fact that we are made to be different.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Study a book on temperament to know why you are different
Its possible to enjoy your marriage. In marriage, there are pressures. Pressures of raising a family, of taking care of your spouse, of taking care of the children, of paying bills, and many more. All these are coupled with pressures from work and career. If one is not careful, marriage will be one strenuous, stressful and tiring adventure.
It is deliberately then, that you have to decide to live life to the fullest. You just have to make up your mind that in the midst of all the pressures, there will be pleasures. It is a decision to remain joyful irrespective of whatever situation you might be going through. You simply make up your mind to defuse pressures with laughter, for laughter doeth well like medicine
Pro 17:22 (MSG) A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
Having a depressing disposition, unhappy tendencies, habitual despondency, uncontrollably bad moods are enough to leave the bones tired.
Since you have to cook anyway, why not decide to cook while enjoying yourself
Since you are going to wash the car, decide to wash while having a nice time.
Since the kids would always be around and going nowhere, enjoy yourselves and let them enjoy themselves too.
Doing things grumbling, complaining, and being unhappy in marriage is self-punishment. Decide to enjoy yourselves as a couple. Satisfy each other right into the bedroom!
I pray for your marriage, God will help you indeed in Jesus name. At every point of pressure, God will bring succor, His healing balm, and restore you in Jesus name.
Your marriage is blessed!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I choose to enjoy my marriage
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, take away every foolishness from our home
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Php 1:9 (KJV)And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
You must learn to be courageous little ones. Sometimes you might feel afraid to do something because you are afraid of failing or being mocked, but the verse below tells you to do otherwise.
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Fear is part of life, but it is not supposed to stop us from doing what we are supposed to do. Especially as children of God. So be courageous little ones!
God doesn’t want us to be afraid of anything because, according to the verse above, He is with us all the way.
This was what he told Joshua when the children of Israel were going out to tackle an enemy. He told them not to be afraid. They believed Him and went out to battle. Guess what happened? They came back victorious. This teaches us courage; so I say again ‘be courageous little ones.’
Joshua 1:7-9 (ESV)Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Be courageous little ones. May the Lord give you victory and eliminate every spirit of fear in you. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, give me a spirit that is bold and courageous in You. Help me conquer mountains in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Action plan: Bring every one of your fears before God. Ask Him to show you what to do and obey His instructions.
What do you do when things seem tough? There are times when everything just seems okay. Life is just good. You look at your bank account and smile. There are cars in the garage. The children are doing well, nice school. Your spouse is just so nice. The money keeps rolling into your account. No stress.
During weekends you have all the time with your family. During holidays, you and the family get to travel out of the country.
Your wife comes home on time, prepares a good meal. Your house is really yours and it is fine. It has all things set. The generator, fridge, freezer, microwave oven, dishwasher, washing machine, everything is set.
You look around and you are so grateful and fulfilled, not asking for anything. This looks like that perfect life everybody prays for. Everything is just working right. You have no prayer points except that God should bless your friends and neighbors.
Well, many of us are not there yet. In fact, many are still far from there. Many are at the stage where they are trusting God, praying to God for one thing or another, where they don’t have it all together. In fact, they are at the opposite of life is good.
At such times, one has to hold on, be patient, Be thankful and grateful, keep at what you know works, and give God praise. Be a God praiser. Of all the things that would have made you complain, praise God instead.
Turn it into a praise report. Let your voice be loud and clear in praises. It is when joy withers that prosperity and testimony withers.
When as a married couple, your home seems like nothing is happening. It’s time to turn on the volume of your praise and thanksgiving.
Jesus got to the tomb of Lazarus, he was met with an impossible situation. He gave thanks and rejoiced. In the feeding of the 4,000 where he only had a lad’s supper, he gave thanks.
When the going gets rough, it’s time to get to thanks and praise. You have enough to complain about. Things are not working but give thanks. When you give thanks, things will begin to open up and yield their abundance.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I give thanks, no matter what happens.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, let me see that despite every thing you can work a miracle of provision
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Php 4:19 (KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Be thankful. Be praise-ful
The art of giving is one that every parent should teach the child. Giving is a core part of our Christian faith and God desires we do it. Seun kept frowning all the way home. He was missing his white sneakers already and kept picturing them on Sunday’s feet; his best sneakers. He had saved to buy them.
There is a type of giving that is sacrificial. Giving we do that is very dear to us. We take something very precious to us and give it to someone who really needs it urgently. This is an aspect in the art of giving.
You don’t give because there is an extra one available somewhere. There is none somewhere. You are not even expecting another one to surface instantly. You give the only one you have and learn to live without that thing.
Sacrificial giving is the height of giving because the purpose for giving is the major idea. That is the goal for the giving.
God demonstrated this type of giving to us when Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. That means that God knows the art of giving. See the Scripture:
John 3:16 ICB “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. God gave his Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.”
God gave Jesus up for us. There was no other son. The purpose for giving up Jesus (our eternity) was more important to God at that moment.
Abraham also knew the art of giving. Look at the story of Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac. The son he loved the most. He was ready to give him up for God. Not until God told him to stop, Abraham was ready to go the extra length with Isaac.
You can give your time, efforts, talents, money, knowledge all for the sake of seeing a change in someone’s life, your environment, church, or country; a change that would drastically bring a huge change to lives and society. You should learn the art of giving.
Prayer point: Lord, help me to give to change the lives and world around me. Make me a change maker just like you did with Jesus. Help me to learn the art of giving. Amen.
It is interesting the extent of love and bonding that exist between parents and their children. It is simply amazing as this bonding remains for years, even after the children became adults.
You often see adults becoming and behaving all over again like babies when they are around their parents.
And that is perfectly okay.
However as marriage approaches, this has to change quickly or else there will be issues in marriage.
The Bible is unequivocal when it declares:
Gen 2:24 (MSG) Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and embraces his wife. They become one flesh.
Does this mean you should not take care of your parents? No. Does this mean you will not take care of them after marriage?
Not really?
What does it mean then?
It means that your husband or wife will take priority after wedding. That is exactly what marriage is.
KJV translation says there must be a leaving and then a cleaving.
Gen 2:24 (KJV) Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Without properly leaving, cleaving will be unachievable. That is the simple reality.
The Bible says they will become one flesh.
There is no intimacy that is higher than that aside the one with God
But before this intimacy can be a reality, there must be proper leaving.
So the question to you as a single is, are your prepared to leave and focus on your marriage?
Are you prepared to disconnect emotionally and focus that emotional energy to the one who will be your spouse?
Are you sure you will not be a Daddy’s girl or Mummy’s boy to the detriment of your marriage? Those are pertinent questions you need to ask.
May God grant you more understanding in Jesus name.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am prepared to focus on my marriage.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help me to cleave to my spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 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.
We live in a world where there are constant battles, but we are not afraid because we always win. How? Let me start by asking you my own question. Can you believe that heaven has its own armies just like nations here on earth do too? Just for a second, imagine that. Generals, colonels, captains, sergeants – the whole rank and file of the military. Wow.
Who do you think is going to be the head of this army? Your guess is as good as mine. God is the commander of the armies of heaven. The great Grand Commander of the armies of heaven. Remember that He is Elohim, the Eternal Creator. So what are those battles He will not win? They definitely don’t exist. He created all things including the hosts of heaven.
As the Grand Commander of these armies, He makes plans concerning your future and ensuring it is a bright one. He gives you victory in the battles of life.
He sends out units of angels to protect and provide for His children (you and I and every other child of God). Angels are God’s heavenly messengers who obey His every bidding.
“…You are his servants who do want He wants.” Psalm 103:21 ICB.
When Joshua and the Israelites faced their enemies, God sent His angel to help them (Joshua 5:13-14). God helped them in the battles they fought.
Angels also are sent to deliver messages to God’s children. Like the angel told Mary of how she was going to give birth to the Messiah.
The Holy Spirit also equips you with the ability to warfare in the spiritual realm by His presence inside of you. An example of this is when you suddenly get an urge from the Holy Spirit to pray or when you know you need to pray. The Holy Spirit supplies you with the words to engage in the spiritual arena. He gives you the strength for the battles too.
In every battle God is present, watching the turn of events, though the result may be disappointing, knowing that God never loses a battle should be your assurance of victory.
Again, He never loses in battles. When He goes to war, He always wins.
May God fight your everyday battles for you in Jesus name. Amen.
Prayer point: Lord of the Armies of Heaven, I praise and worship You. Thank you for Your dedication to fighting all my battles. I come out victorious and stronger from all my battles because of You God. Thank you.
Life is a question of power. The moment power is drained and strength is dissipated, life will ooze out slowly and death will set in.
Wealth and riches are a question of power. Poverty is an expression of weakness and lack of strength in finances.
Strength! It determines a lot.
Marriage requires strength. A successful relationship that will translate into a great courtship and eventually a blissful marriage requires strength all the way. When a person lacks strength, all kinds of stuff will happen to the weak emotions. The emotions are as vulnerable to the degree that the soul is weak.
I love the scripture below:
Eph 3:16 (KJV) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
If there is anything you should pray for today, it is strength in your inner man. Strength to navigate the meanders of the marital road and be able to avoid emotional mirages that appear as you journey on that road. All of us will ply that road at one time or the other.
Getting a spouse, getting married, having a glorious wedding, and then a great marriage all require strength. Walking down the aisle is no less a task, there is strength needed every step of the way to avoid distractions that scream at you.
Strength to be a husband! Strength for leadership! Strength to be a wife; to submit and respect! All these are no small feats. You are going to need strength.
God can grant you this strength. Ask for it. Pray for it. And when you have it, it will make all the difference!
I love the Passion Translation:
Eph 3:16 (TPT) And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power.
I pray for you this morning, may supernatural strength flood your innermost being in Jesus name!
Have a great day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I have supernatural strength as a person
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, increase my strength
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Eph 3:16 (CEV) God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers
This is the scripture I used in our OIL FOR TODAY prayer time, and when I asked my husband what to write on today, he just pointed out this scripture. I want you to pause and say this to yourself “God is restoring my dignity in marriage”
So I will be bringing out some salient points from this scripture.
I Sam2:8 MSG He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, Restoring dignity and respect to their lives— a place in the sun! For the structures of earth are God ’s; he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation.
I will like to address the wives, using this portion of scripture. You can stand on it, meditate on it and pray it into your life. It is a promise you can claim.
God is able to restore dignity and respect to you as a wife.
In so many marriages, wives don’t have any dignity or respect. Their husbands treat them like they are of little value, (of cause to the detriment of the husband that does so).
The bible says male and female He created them and He blessed them.
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.” God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.” Genesis 1:26 – 28 MSG
If you are born again, you are in the image and likeness of God. You reflect God. You are a piece of the Master, a masterpiece. Any husband that treats you less than that is abusing you as a wife
Every husband must seek to push their wives to be all that God created them to be. Your wife should become better, bigger, smarter, now that she is joined to you.
We see husbands pitting their wives down, talking down on them. God is restoring dignity and respect into your life and calling as a wife.
You are meant to be a helpmeet to your husband. No husband is better than his wife in the sight of God. But positionally, the husband is the head of the union. The wife stoops for him to take the lead because that is the order of God. That is what God recognizes and honors.
The husband and wife are co-laborers and joint-heirs with God. When God calls the man, he calls the woman too to assist him.
Some wives respect and dignity have been eroded. Their words are not respected. Their wisdom is not respected. They cannot advise. I feel one way to show respect to wives is to listen and trust God to always put His wisdom into their hearts.
When husbands maintain this attitude, it will even make the wives more sensitive in the Spirit because they will know that demand is been laid upon them by their husband to be spiritually sensitive.
I first heard this from Kenneth Hagin. As spiritual as he was, with several visions of Jesus Christ, he will always check with his wife before he takes any major step. I mean that is humility. Some husbands prefer to spend hours talking to some friends as against talking to their wives.
Whatever has taken away your dignity and respect in your marriage and home, God is restoring it in the mighty name of Jesus.
Restoring wealth is one major way God restore dignity and respect. Even the bible says the wisdom of the poor man was despised because of his poverty.
God will give wives voice and wealth. Mama Adejumo said not every wife can be slapped and sent packing, a husband is gentle when the wife brings in a 6 digit income every month.
I see God restoring every wives’ dignity and respect in Jesus mighty name.
Every wife should develop themself so much that before anything happens in the home, they know. Their words carry weight and God the Holy Spirit uses them.
As a wife, you cannot be respected if you still engage in lying, stealing, you have no integrity, et cetera. You have to exercise the fruit of the spirit as recorded in Gal 5:22
Let God fight and defend you. Hold your peace.
God bless our marriage in Jesus name.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY God is restoring honor and dignity to my marriage.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, restore unto me all that I have lost.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1 Sam 2:8 (CEV)You lift the poor and homeless out of the garbage dump and give them places of honor in royal palaces. You set the world on foundations, and they belong to you.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Study the word ‘restoration’
Today we would be looking at how we can know the peace of God. In the world we live today, everyone is bound to have troubles; including you. It could be problems with making good grades at school, bad friends, sibling rivalry, or even puberty. As a child of God, you should not be worried about any trouble. Acknowledge that you have an issue that you probably don’t know how to handle and need help with it.
Whatever it is, remember the God that you serve – Jehovah Shalom, the Lord your Peace.
Jesus said to the disciples in
John 14:27, “I leave you peace. My peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” ICB.
Whatever the problem is, God has the power to solve it. Not only to do it but also to give you His peace as an added advantage. The peace of God is powerful. When you have God’s peace, you are not troubled or worried about the outcome of the situation. As long as you bring God into the situation and receive His peace, you will come out shining.
As he is protecting you, He is also keeping you at peace. He is saying to you “Don’t worry, relax, calm down, smell the roses, look at the sun, smile, laugh, my beloved child. You are safe here with me.
In other words, God is saying, “look at me, me only, not anybody or anything. No matter how bad the problem is, I am bigger and better than that problem. And I have a perfect and permanent solution to rectifying the problem.” By believing these words, you will experience the peace of God.
That is your God, dear child. The one and only true God that as He reveals or you discover one part of his nature, another unfolds and keeps unfolding. All for the glorification of His name. Hallelujah!
How do you receive this peace of God? Believing and trusting in God’s word –
“You, Lord, give true peace. You give peace to those who depend on you. You give peace to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ICB.
So, what is that problem you are facing right now? Call on God. When next a problem arises, remember to call on God first (pray) before you tell or call anyone.
May Jehovah Shalom continue to be with you. Receive peace of God in Jesus Name. Amen.
Prayer point: I receive the peace in Your name and being. I refuse to let my troubles drown Your power to help me. I receive your peace daily and remain blessed in Jesus name. amen.
