by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 11, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
There are great benefits of reading the Word. Now, God speaks to everyone including children. Remember the story of little Samuel in the bible, who later became a strong prophet that ministered to the Israelites and anointed kings?
Our heavenly father wants to speak to us and He does so in different ways. One of such way is through His word- the bible. The bible is the only place where all of God’s words reside.
Reading the bible is one of the ways you can hear from God. When you read about what God did, how He did it, and who He did it for, you get to know more about God.
Maybe you are facing a situation and don’t know how to go about it, read the bible. God will speak to you through a verse or chapter. He will direct you to a book where someone just like you, faced the same dilemma you are in.
When you read through, you will learn how the person resolved it with God’s help.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:12 KJV
The bible says His words are living. They are alive, quick, and sharp. Always speaking. See it as God speaking directly to you. This is part of the benefits of reading God’s word.
God bless you as you read. Amen
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your word that is forever living and true. Let your words speak to me daily, in Jesus name. Amen.
Action plan:
When next you think God is speaking to you or have a problem, pray and ask God to use His words to speak to you.
Declaration:
The Lord speaks to me through his word. My ears are opened to God’s word.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 10, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
This article is continued from yesterday…
2. The test of diligence.
You cannot afford to marry a lazy man or an indolent woman. It will slow your journey down the aisle. Diligence is measured with so many indices like tenacity, business acumen, career pursuit, doggedness, and so on. You may not have so much today, but with diligence in a potential spouse, you can be sure you will be great in life.
Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
(Pro 22:29 AMP)
You cannot afford to commit your life into the hands of a lazy person. That is subjecting your life to unnecessary afflictions that could have been avoided.
What skills have been learnt? What self-development efforts have been made?
3. The test of focus.
Is he or she focused? Where is his passion? A visionless man is so easy to identify. His speech will betray him because the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart. Once you know a particular friendship is getting deepened, ask a lot of questions when you can still reason well before emotions take over.
The world is full of people who will readily compromise and who lack focus. You haven’t been together for long and he or she is already asking for jeru trap. That is gross irresponsibility. Run from such people, they are not your friends!
Jesus said, “What a generation! No sense of God! No focus to your lives!
(Luk 9:41a MSG)
You ask him what his job is, and he says ‘he is planning to travel out of the country.’ ‘Since when?’ ‘Well, for like three years now.’ Is that a job? Why must a young person stop his or her life because of plans to travel?
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I do not fall in love blindly and helplessly.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask for consistency in your walk with God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Isa 50:7 [NLT] Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Carry out the above tests on your potential partner before walking down the aisle
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Isaiah 50
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 10, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
1. Don’t ignore her needs
When you ignore the most important needs of your wife over and over again, she is going to get hurt and eventually feel that you never loved her.
This feeling can degenerate to a point where she comes up with an emotional defense, and the peak of that is closing her spirit.
You see, in loving your wife, you have to do so in God’s term and her own terms and not in your own terms. This is basically because the needs of a man are miles apart from that of a woman.
So, in meeting her needs, it is often easy to interpret her needs based on your own, but it is not often so. Priorities are at variance, especially at emotional levels.
Let her communicate her needs to you, you will be amazed that what is important to her is non-issue to you!
And so, the challenge is to focus on what is insignificant to you but is a big issue for her. That is selflessness!
Her greatest needs are always towards attention and quality time!
2. Don’t make her feel stupid and dumb
When you are always insinuating that your wife is dumb and stupid, she will get hurt.
Sometimes you don’t say it, but it shows in your body language and the way you dismiss whatever she tries to suggest.
Sometimes, a husband doesn’t even want to hear her opinion. She is to be seen and not heard. That is never the plan of God for marriage. The reality is that she is your helper. Her “dumb” or “stupid” suggestions would have saved you a lot only if you had listen.
You see, she may not be logical, but she is intuitive.
You know the man you want to go into business partnership with because he has all it takes, but she will tell you by reason of intuition that the man will mess things up. She has no evidence, not precedence, but she has intuition!
Don’t ignore that intuition!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I love my spouse on God’s terms and theirs.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray that God will teach you how to love your spouse.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
1 Cor 13:7 [CEV] Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Carry out the above tests on your potential partner
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Cor 13
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 10, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: < 1 minute
We have to keep learning to share. The bible everywhere talks about sharing and helping the needy. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to harvest their grains in such a way that the poor and needy will still have something to eat.
In the New Testament, the apostles all shared what they had to take care of those who did not have.
The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other.
Acts 4:32[CEV]
Likewise, in the book of Romans and chapter twelve verse thirteen, the writer speaks about helping Christians like you.
Take care of God’s needy people and welcome strangers into your home.
Rom 12:13[CEV]
Another translation puts it this way
Share what you have with God’s people who are in need. Be hospitable.”
Rom 12:13 [GW]
Do you have a friend who is a believer like you, maybe at school, church, or the neighborhood? Do you share what you have with them according to the verse above?
As a Christian, you are supposed to first share with your fellow brethren as the apostles did in the bible. Jesus said we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. keep learning to share.
Your neighbors are your brothers and sisters in the Lord.
May the Lord instill in you a heart of love towards your fellow Christians. Amen
Prayer:
Lord help me love my fellow Christians as commanded. Amen.
Action point:
In what ways can you share your things with fellow Christians who are your friends?
Declaration:
I share my things with those around me.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 9, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The fact is that there are no perfect persons and we are all projects in the hands of God. However, there are basic traits to watch out for generally. While you may not be able to find a person that successfully combines all these, the qualities should guide you in your decision.
If a person does not have character defects and does not live in habitual sin, some of these qualities can be improved upon by asking God for His grace.
1. The test of integrity.
Test him for faithfulness and integrity in little and big things. Make sure she has integrity and her words and actions line up. Integrity is very important because that is what will eventually preserve you.
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
(Pro 11:3 KJV)
God loves integrity. In Job 2:3, God boasted about Job and he mentioned his integrity. Integrity in that verse means ‘innocence’
The potential guy or the lady must have integrity as well. It is a great legacy to pass to the children. Integrity is from the word ‘Integral” meaning one. You are supposed to be the same person within and without.
Don’t marry a gentle saint on Sundays but a vicious man on Mondays. Be careful to not walk with persons of dual personalities who seemed to give their lives to Jesus one moment and then take the lives back the next moment.
How will you know all these? These are the things you will find out when you are friends.
That is why pre-marital sex should be avoided because it will get you confused and distracted. You see, the moment you are illegally bonded together in pre-marital sex, the obvious character defects that others can see will mean nothing to you.
They will ask you questions like, “What are you doing with that kind of person?” And you will be like, ‘leave me alone, I love him, he will change! You see, you have not even changed yourself! You are not the Holy Spirit who changes people! What the scripture says is that that you should not be unequally yoked!
Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands?
(2Co 6:14-15 MSG)
May God grant you more understanding!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I have the wisdom of God to walk with the right person
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray that the person who will walk you down the aisle will be a person of integrity.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Prov 11:3 [AMP]The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the willful contrariness and crookedness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Study the word ‘integrity’.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Job 2
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 9, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Do you know that some of the greatest puzzles and enigma in your heart can be dissolved by God’s word? Do you know some of the hidden things that seemed oblivious and far-fetched can be unraveled and brought to the fore by God’s word?
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
(John 1:3 KJV)
Here are some things that God’s word will do for you.
1. God’s word will clean up your past
It doesn’t matter what your past looked like, the word of God, anointed in and of itself will wipe the slate clean for you! It is almost unbelievable and incredible to the human mind, but in one stroke of sacrifice, Jesus paid the price on your behalf.
The past should never hold you to ransom again. You have been made free. The mistakes of yester-years can no longer bear their fangs at you today!
2. God’s word will birth hope for your future
After your past is forgiven and forgotten, the same word of God will birth hope in you. This hope is a necessary ingredient to help you receive the fullness of God. All of a sudden, light dawns on your heart and hope comes alive, that it is not over, after all.
3. God’s word will produce faith in your heart to conquer the world.
Faith comes by hearing God’s word. As you hear and read more of God’s word, faith will rise in you. Why is faith so important? It is with faith that you will get victory in God!
Every God–begotten person conquers the world’s ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith.
(1 John 5:4 MSG)
Did you see that? Faith that comes through God’s word has the power to bring the world and its systems to its knees! Glory to God!
4. God’s word will become light and direction to help you choose as a single
There is rigor in direction. Life is about decisions, but that is not all to it, the good life is about making the right decisions. The frailty of our human nature is overcome when we rely on God to lead us in our choice of marriage partner.
‘The Lord is my shepherd’ becomes a living story of our life when we embrace His word.
5. God’s word will bring stability to your relationship and marriage.
As you put God’s word in your heart, it will help your discernment in knowing the right people and the wrong ones. In a relationship, you need stability. You need God’s help to have a successful marriage.
You need wisdom from above that will not make your marriage follow the usual pattern of separations and divorce.
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.
(Isaiah 33:6 KJV)
You will make it in Jesus name, amen.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
The word is my guide. I will not stumble.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray for the diligence to study the word.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
John 1:1 [AMP]IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word ( Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Study the word.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
John 1
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 9, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Do you know that you need a shepherd? There are several reasons a sheep needs the help of a superior being. In face, a sheep knows better than to be alone without any help.
The first reason is for safety.
The first way to ensure your safety is to have a shepherd. Jesus is your shepherd, and He is the good One.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep”
John 10:11 NLT
He repeated it here
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,”
John 10:14 NLT
What does a shepherd do? He looks over a flock of sheep. He is their guardian, watching over them.
A shepherd also protects. He keeps them safe from being attacked by other animals stronger than they. He is their provider, ensuring they graze on the choicest grasslands.
As a child, you have to be under the protection of somebody. That’s why you have parents to look after you. They gave birth to you and really care for you. They will protect and provide for you because God has made them shepherds over you in this world.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to obey my parents who are my shepherds in Jesus name. Amen
Action Point:
Have you been disobedient to your parents? Repent.
Declaration:
I am an obedient child. I listen to my parents.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 8, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Without a relationship with God, you don’t know who God is and you don’t know what love is.
Without God, you are practically unable to love appropriately. You just simply lack the capacity.
Beware of traveling down to meet that man you scarcely know all in the name of desperation. It could lead to a tale of regrets.
Beware of your Ex that suddenly shows up from the blues asking for a time out. It could end with your testimony lost!
Beware of the lady you have asked out and who never cooperated since, but suddenly arrives in your crib for free.
Sometimes, nemesis comes wearing the attire of luck.
How Do you Find The Love of Your Life?
1. The Principle of Timing
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecc 3:1 (KJV)
This means there is a time for you to begin a relationship. This also means you cannot just start a relationship at just any time you want.
Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.
Ecc 3:1 (GNB)
There is a time God has chosen for you. This is what is important.
The implication of this is that the first order of things is to know God who will then reveal His timetable for your life to you.
God has chosen your wedding date! Stop wasting time on dating sites, the first thing is to know God! God will then show you His timing blueprint for your life. If you miss your timing, a great opportunity can be lost.
There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:
Ecc 3:1 (MSG)
There is a time for you to get married. Don’t miss that timing because great opportunities are embedded in the timing of God for your life.
Looking back at how I met my wife, God really chose a time for me, because he spoke to me about when I should ask her out. God even told me when I should get married.
I remember God telling me to get married before the millennium, hence our wedding was in November 1999. And did God show up for us? Massively!
Dear singles, know God first. Then God will speak to you and show you His ways for your life. And you see, in His voice is that direction you need right now!
I pray that God will grant you more understanding!
CONFESSION FOR TODAY
I cooperate with the timing of God.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in the name of Jesus, help me not to miss my timing.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Ecc 3:1 (GNB) Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.
ACTION PLAN FOR TODAY
Ask God to reveal his timetable to you
BIBLE READING FOR TODAY
Eccl 3
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 8, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
To show you how powerful women are, the Bible never says a man builds a home. It says a woman builds.
A woman is a builder.
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
Pro 14:1 (KJV)
Women are just simply powerful. And that is how God created them. This is why they are also called helpers. And the only other person that was referred to as helper in the entirety of the New Testament is the Holy Spirit.
Every other time, you will hear about the prayers of mothers. Hardly will you hear people talk about the prayers of their fathers. That tells you there is something about women.
Dear wife, there is a lot of power and accompanying responsibilities that lie with you. Your decisions, prayers, and actions will eventually build your home or tear it down, therefore, you cannot afford to be foolish. Be wise and cooperate with what God is trying to do in your life.
How do you do this?
Avoid all the strife, bickering, quarrels, and the like for that is how a foolish woman tears down her home. Avoid emotional affairs. They are distractions.
Now, since it is the woman building the house, what then is the responsibility of the man?
Build the woman!
That is what the man should do. Build the woman.
Dear men, build your wife so that your wife can build the house.
Invest in your wife. Support her endeavors and career. Be interested in her passion and you know what, she will give it all it takes to pray for the family.
May your marriage be blessed.
CONFESSION FOR TODAY
I chose to honor my spouse.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Pray for your wife.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Pro 14:1 (KJV)Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
ACTION PLAN FOR TODAY
Build your wife/home.
BIBLE READING FOR TODAY
Prov 14
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 8, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
In this article “Here Is Why You Should Not Be Afraid” we would be dealing with fear, and getting rid of it from our lives. Everyone has fears. It’s part of our human nature. Fear can be good or bad depending on if you allow it to control you.
Your words, thoughts, actions can be controlled by fear. Fear can make you say the wrong thing, act the wrong way, and think the wrong thoughts. Having a fear can make you not even take any action at all.
The Bible tells you to not fear because God is with you. Rather than fear, the Bible tells you to give all your fears to God. To release them to Him because He alone can help you overcome any fear. Here Is Why You Should Not Be Afraid.
See one powerful scripture about fear;
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].
2 Tim 1:7 [AMP]
As someone rightly said, FEAR is simply defined as False Expectations Appearing Real.
From the acronym for fear, the letter F stands for false.
Most of our fears are false. They are not real. Our mind has only just painted a terrible picture of what a situation could end up like or is.
For instance, you have an exam in school and your mind keeps telling you that you will fail. It’s all false expectations. Instead of filling your mind with the thought of failure, fill it with the word of God, read and study for the exam.
Bottom line is to learn to bring your thoughts under the control of the word of God.
God bless you. Amen.
Prayer:
God, I bring all my fears to you. Help me with them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action point:
List all your fears out and start to pray about them.
Declaration:
I am not afraid.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 7, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Bible says we should judge ourselves so that we are not judged.
We see in the Bible,
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
1Co 11:31 (KJV)
The Message Translation puts it this way:
If we get this straight now, we won’t have to be straightened out later on.
1Co 11:31 (MSG)
So, this morning, can we be the judge and the judged, to avoid judgement
1. What has my prayer or devotional life been like?
To a large extent, this determines what your relationship with God is like. Have you been consistent? If you haven’t, then you need to make new commitments towards doing that.
If you want your relationship with your lover to work, you had better fall in love with God first! That is a lot of wisdom for you!
2. Have I been walking in love?
You are human. You have toes. There are other humans. They have mistakenly stepped on your beautiful toes. But you must forgive and move on.
Are you holding anybody in unforgiving mode? You have to let go. Don’t let anybody slow your journey in God down, because that is what an unforgiving attitude does.
What have they done for you that is new? How much hurt have they wounded you with that Jesus didn’t go through? Don’t you know the devil fights who he fears? Don’t you know it is your glorious destiny that is in contention? What about being thrown into the pit by your family? What about being sold to go and be a house boy/house girl by your family? But, Joseph had to forgive!
My dear, forgive and let go. Better days are ahead of you. Refuse to be bitter. Jesus said if you don’t forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you as well.
3. Have I been compromising?
You sometimes miss your footings. God made allowances as long as it is a mistake. Perpetual life of sin will ruin you. But if it was just a mistake, you just need to ask for forgiveness from God and move on.
If you have found yourself committing a particular sin over and over again, you need to press the stop button. You cannot continue like that. I admonish you in the name of the Lord, decide to stop today!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I walk in love towards everyone. My walk with God is getting better.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray for consistency in your walk with God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
1Co 11:31 (KJV)For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Judge yourself
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Cor 11
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 7, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Every Husband Should Note These Three Things
1. The verbal expression of your love to your wife
This may sound insignificant to men, but I can tell you it is a big issue for women.
Saying the words “I love you” could be the solution to the crisis rocking your home. She wants to hear it from you as often as possible.
As a lady, she will definitely get compliments from outside. The problem begins when the compliments she is getting from outside outweigh the ones her husband is giving her at home.
Women go through a lot and struggle so much with their emotions, that is why they always carry a mirror everywhere they go.
As a man, learn to affirm your wife as often as possible. It will go a long way to make her feel loved.
2. The regular attendance of same church
The bible encourages us not to forsake the gathering of the brethren.
As a man, take the lead and find a bible believing church to attend.
It is important for you and your wife to be hearing the same thing. Attending different churches when you both are in the same location is a no-no for me.
Grow together.
Study together.
Pray together.
It will strengthen the marriage.
3. The refusal to assault your wife
Resist the urge to hit your wife. Never do it, for whatever reason.
That is what separates the men from the boys
Yes, she can be disrespectful, stubborn, arrogant, or whatever.
Hitting her will not be the way out.
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
1Pe 3:7 (KJV)
Make up your mind never to physically assault her.
Decide to honor her, protect her and take care of her.
That is how to be a man.
May God bless your union.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I walk in love towards my spouse.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray that the love of God fills your heart.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
1Pe 3:7 (KJV) Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Focus on your spouse
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Pet 3
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 7, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Dear children, be responsible! In the church, we learn about God and His word. Just like at school where you relate with other people, you relate with a lot of other people in the church. At church, you meet with the pastors, church members, visitors, and other children like you.
So, how do you show responsibility in church?
1. Show respect for God’s house
The first step is by showing respect for the house of God. You don’t disturb during service but listen to the children’s church teachers as they teach. Do not cause distractions or lead others into mischief.
2. Show respect for the adults
Respect all the adults including your parents. Greet people appropriately as you meet them, smile, and say “thank you” when they pay you a compliment. Answer and ask questions politely.
3. Do not litter the floor
Don’t litter the church environment with the wrappings of candies or biscuits you eat. Find a waste bin and use it. In the event that you do litter the floor, pick the litter off the ground and trash it.
4. Be of help to your teachers
Another cool way to be responsible is by helping to assist your teachers or those that need help. You could help the elderly to carry their bags or bibles to their car.
You could also volunteer to stay with the preschool kids and teach them some cool gospel songs. When it’s feeding time, you could help to feed them.
Dear children, be responsible. There are more cool ways to be responsible at church. Just ask the Holy Spirit to show you how. And may He do so. Amen.
Prayer:
Father, help me to show respect for your house by being responsible for my actions and words at church.
Action point:
How will act responsibly at church on Sunday? Answer this question.
Declaration:
I show responsibility in my church.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 6, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
It’s as simple as that! Marriage is the most sacrificial relationship you can ever be in. Don’t get me wrong, one can also decide to be selfish, but the marriage will sure be an oven and not an haven! There is a difference!
Marriage requires constant and consistent selflessness. You have to live in that mode daily.
Let’s take a look at definition of love that should under-guard every marriage!
Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Love never stops loving.
1Co 13:4-8 (TPT)
Read the above words slowly and carefully. Look at yourself in the mirror of each word and let it show you the reflection of who you really are.
Can you see yourself in the true image of who you are? You like what you see or you don’t? No worries, as you behold and study the above words, and apply them into your life, you are going to be changed into the image you see right in the scriptures.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2Co 3:18 (KJV)
Good Morning!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am selfless. I understand what love means.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray for a better understanding of love.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
2Co 3:18 (KJV) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Study the word selfless in the light of 1 cor 13
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Cor 13
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 6, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
In marriage, it is our money! Marriage fuses two individuals together, and they are no longer two but one!
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mat 19:6 (KJV)
The Passion Translation puts it this way:
From then on, they are no longer two, but united as one. So what God unites let no one divide!”
Mat 19:6 (TPT)
There is nothing like “My money!”
Marriage wedges two destinies together, wherein you are naked and not ashamed.
In marriage covenant as ordained by God, there should be no secrets, no coded businesses or relationships, no hidden agendas, no side relationships, and so on.
Life has to be lived like an open book, the moment there are things you shield from your spouse, some form of compromise is already knocking.
As husband and wife, decide jointly on how money should be budgeted and administered.
This agreement means you are not putting your spouse in the dark as regards financial matters. There should be proper communications and involvement in all financial decisions. This will create a sense of belonging and it will be difficult for the devil to bring in assumptions and create confusion for the family.
You see, assumptions are the lowest forms of knowledge. They are mostly wrong. You need then to ensure there is proper communication so as not to render your spouse vulnerable to assumptions.
Don’t yield to that suggestion from the devil to hide any information as regards money to your spouse. Each time your spouse discovers you are hiding from him, trust will be broken and once trust is broken, it impacts a lot on the marriage.
I pray God will grant your more understanding.
Good morning!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I cooperate with my spouse to move our marriage forward.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray against the works of the devil in your family.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Mat 19:6 (KJV)Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Be open with your spouse
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Matt 19
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 6, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: < 1 minute
One thing we can daily pray for is the mercy of God over our children. God’s mercy is able to preserve, to protect, and to deliver.
God is declared in the scriptures as the father of all mercies. This means he has mercy at his disposal. We can easily reach him and ask for his mercy whenever we need to.
As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!
Psalm 40:11[ ESV]
Children, God’s promise is that he will not restrain his mercy from you. His love and faithfulness are always on standby to preserve you.
So whenever the devil comes with doubts, you can easily read out God’s promise of mercy and calm your mind.
As Parents, we should always pray for this dimension of God over our children, that they will continually enjoy God’s mercy in all that they do.
The mercy of God preserves, hence, children need not be afraid or entertain fear in any form. Rather, they should be confident that the mercy, love, and faithfulness of God will always preserve them.
Declaration:
My children are continually preserved by God’s mercy, love, and faithfulness. Amen
Prayer:
Lord, preserve me by your mercy
Action Plan:
Write out scriptures that talk about this dimension of God.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 5, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Who is a Gossip?
Gossip describes a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts, rumors, or reports of an intimate nature that are none of his business.
Slander is spreading false information. This means one can be gossiping and slandering at the same time, and one can be gossiping and not slandering at the same time.
Being a gossip or having a friend as gossip is both dangerous unsafe. Either way, there should be a refrain from such actions.
The Bible says we should study to be quiet and mind our own business as we see below:
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
1 Thessalonians 4:11 [KJV]
Here are three ways to handle a gossip or shut them down nicely.
1. Walk away
When you turn and walk away from a gossiper, you literally paralyze his ability to discuss things that are not his business to discuss. You see, in order for the words of a gossip to be successful, there must be two parties involved.
Without a listener, the gossiper’s voice is silenced. If there is no one to listen, there is nothing to tell!
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Pro 26:20 (KJV)
When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down.
Pro 26:20 (MSG)
2. Shut them down nicely
If you are unable to walk away, shut them down nicely.
Say words like these:
“Excuse me, but should we be talking like this?”
“Excuse me, but I don’t believe it is right for us to talk like this, and I cannot be a part of this conversation.”
“Excuse me, but this conversation makes me uncomfortable; I don’t think I want to be a part of it.”
The gossip will know right away that you are not one of those refuse grounds to pour offenses and wounds.
3. Make a Decision
Make the decision today to refrain from gossiping. Refuse to even listen to it!
The next time someone comes and talks about things that are not his to decide or to discuss, confront that person about what he is doing.
If he chooses to continue gossiping, walk away from him and maintain your integrity before God and before those who are being discussed.
God bless you.
Have a great day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I refuse to be a gossip, a busy body, or encourage gossips.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask for the grace to focus on your assignment rather than gossips.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Prov 26:20 [MSG] When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Stop all forms of gossips.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Prov 26
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 5, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Gossip is dangerous! If gossip can tear apart a whole church, then think of what it can do for a marriage.
As couples who are children of God, it is good to make an early decision that gossip will not be allowed in your family, either from friends who have itchy mouths or between yourselves as couples.
Here are few reasons why gossip is dangerous.
1. It is a wound
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Pro 18:8 (KJV)
Gossip permanently blemishes our view of the person being discussed. It births wrong thoughts about that person. Once that picture gets into our minds, it’s very hard to erase it.
2. You will be judged.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Mat 12:37 (KJV)
Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.”
Mat 12:37 (MSG)
As a result of the above, you really want to be careful about the words you say!
3. It is destructive and can cause its victim to be suicidal
but the tongue is not able to be tamed. It’s a fickle, unrestrained evil that spews out words full of toxic poison!
Jas 3:8 (TPT)
Gossip is a wildfire gone out of control. We try to put it out. We try to control it. But the gossiper keeps pouring gas on the fire. Gossip takes on a life of its own. The story grows and changes. The story even grows within the mind of the gossiper.
4. Gossip is the language of those who have rejected Christ
This can be seen in the fowling scriptures:
And because they thought it was worthless to embrace the true knowledge of God, God gave them over to a worthless mind-set, to break all rules of proper conduct. Their sinful lives became full of every kind of evil, wicked schemes, greed, and cruelty. Their hearts overflowed with jealous cravings, and with conflict and strife, which drove them into hateful arguments and murder. They are deceitful liars full of hostility. THEY ARE GOSSIPS who love to spread malicious slander. With inflated egos they hurl hateful insults at God, yet they are nothing more than arrogant boasters. They are rebels against their parents and totally immoral.
Rom 1:28-30 (TPT)
God bless you. Have a great day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I refuse to be a gossip or busy body
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask for the grace to focus on your spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Prov 26:20 [MSG] When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Stop gossiping.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Prov 26
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 5, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Recognizing and following Christ as the good shepherd is what will ensure you go in the right direction. And to follow, you need to trust.
Every sheep that will get the best from its shepherd must learn how to be still. Being still means to trust in the shepherd’s person, that he would never lead them to a place of danger or harm nor will he leave them in the face of trouble.
They trust him to take them to where the choicest grasses are and the cleanest of water is.
The Lord is my Shepherd. I have everything I need. He gives me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm waters. Psalm 23:1-2 ICB
They follow behind him, and when he stops, they stop too. An obedient sheep knows to stay within the safe boundaries created by the shepherd.
It is not in the sheep’s place to teach the shepherd what to do but to watch, listen to and obey the shepherd at all times. This is what following Christ means.
Do you obey your parents at home? When they tell you not to do something because of the bad things that could happen to you, do you listen to them? Or you do as you like, thinking you know what’s best for you?
A sheep doesn’t know what’s best for it. Only the shepherd does. Are you a good sheep following Jesus as your shepherd? Do you obey Him by obeying your parent’s instructions? These questions will help you know if you are following Christ.
The most important question that you need to ask yourself right now is this—have you accepted Jesus into your life as your Lord and Saviour? If yes, are you obeying His leading? If not, do so today.
May the Lord make you a good sheep. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. I want to be a sheep in your flock. Please be my shepherd. In your mighty name, I pray. Amen.
Action point:
Work on your relationship with the good Shepherd.
Declaration:
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 4, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
At every point in time, we will always need people around us. We need people to do certain things for us. No one was created to be an island. We were made to live and work with people.
Kings are surrounded by chiefs and elders. Governors are surrounded by advisers and special advisers. Some special advisers also have special advisers, who will critically look at situations and proffer solutions.
In the bible, we see a scene between two kings, which ought to have ended well, but for those around one of these Kings.
The king of the children of Ammon died and David, king of Israel, sent his servants to pay condolence to this son of the late king.
Naturally, this wouldn’t have been an issue, but for those surrounding the king.
But the chiefs of the children of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, Does it seem to you that David is honouring your father by sending comforters to you? has he not sent his servants to go through the town and make secret observation of it, and overcome it?
2 Sam 10:3 [BBE]
This goes to tell you that you can’t allow just anyone into your space. You can’t submit your destiny to just any random guy.
All through marriage, you will be making decisions, so you want to be careful who you align with because a wrong decision can affect you for the rest of your life.
A supposedly harmless condolence visit led to two bloody wars, loss of lives and properties.
Another scenario we see is in the life of King Ahasuerus. He gave an instruction that Queen Vashti should come out and entertain his guests. For reasons best known to her, the Queen refused.
Now Ahasuerus was a good man. He probably would have forgiven her, but for those surrounding him.
If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she.
Est 1:19 [NKJV]
What is my point this morning?
Watch those who surround you. Watch those you allow into your personal space. Watch your association. They will influence you in the long run.
That is why the bible says light and darkness cannot walk hand in hand.
You cannot claim to be Christian and be moving freely with unbelievers.
You cannot claim to be a child of light and be surrounded by sons and daughters of baal. It doesn’t work that way.
To you, who need to make the right decision as regards who to settle with, receive illumination!
To you, who need to pull out of that wrong relationship, receive strength!
Shalom!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will not end up with the wrong man/woman
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray that God will lead and put you in the right association.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
1 Cor 15:33[KJV] Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Watch your association
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
2 Sam 10
