by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 4, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 3 minutes
The phrase ‘pray for your husband’ is not a cliché. It is something you should do as a matter of responsibility. This is because the man, who is the head of the home, is saddled with the responsibility of taking certain decisions from time to time. A wrong decision can put the family ten years behind. Conversely, the right decision can propel the family.
One major area you should focus your prayer on is those surrounding your husband. You see, a man doesn’t just cheat on his wife. Someone close to him must have suggested it to him. A man doesn’t wake up from sleep one morning and begins to beat up his wife. Somebody somewhere around him must have suggested it to him.
It’s good to pray for the business of your husband. How about his friends, business partners? How about those with which he sits on a daily basis to make decisions?
Let’s see a story from the bible.
The king threw a party, and being in high spirits, wanted to show forth his wife’s beauty to all and sundry.
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was glad with wine, he gave orders to Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven unsexed servants who were waiting before Ahasuerus the king, That Vashti the queen was to come before him, crowned with her crown, and let the people and the captains see her: for she was very beautiful. But when the servants gave her the king’s order, Vashti the queen said she would not come: then the king was very angry, and his heart was burning with wrath.
Est 1:10-12 [BBE]
The king was very angry, and the next thing he did was consult those who were closest to him.
And the king said to the wise men, who had knowledge of the times,… What is to be done by law to Vashti the queen, because she has not done what King Ahasuerus, by his servants, gave her orders to do?
Est 1:13a,15 [BBE]
Are you trying to tell me the king did not know what was to be done by law? No, he knew exactly what to do. He only needed the input of the wise men who were probably his cabinet members.
If they had advised the king otherwise, he would have done their bidding.
It’s beautiful when you pray for your husband, but don’t stop there. Pray for those surrounding him, so that one day, they won’t advise him to make a decision that will affect you negatively.
“So if it pleases the king, here is a suggestion: Let the king give a royal command and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media. The laws of Persia and Media cannot be changed. The royal command should be that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Let the king also give her royal position to someone else who is better than she is.
Est 1:19 [ERV]
May your royal position not be given to someone else!
Shalom!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will go the extra mile in praying for my husband.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask God to surround your husband with the right people.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Est 1:19 [CEV]Your Majesty, if you agree, you should write for the Medes and Persians a law that can never be changed. This law would keep Queen Vashti from ever seeing you again. Then you could let someone who respects you be queen in her place.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pray for your husband
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Esther 1
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 4, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
We are still on the journey of learning how to glorify God. Today, we will yet consider more ways to glorify God with your body; one way actually.
The way you eat.
Yes, your eating habit goes a long way to determine how you prioritize God.
Food is necessary, no doubt. We need it for our bodies to function well. Like fuel to a car, so is food for our bodies. The food you eat nourishes your body, helping it to develop as it should be. But how you eat and what you eat matters a lot.
As important as food is to you, not all food is nutritious for you. Yes, chocolate and ice cream are good, but they are not necessarily food and shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities and regularly.
Rather, eat food that will add the required nutrients to your body t aid you to grow both physically and mentally. Eat food that boosts your body’s ability to fight off diseases or sickness, so you don’t keep falling sick every week.
Don’t eat what will leave you fat, dull, and lacking energy. This could lead to depression at school or at home when friends or classmates make fun of you.
Over time, eating bad foods will affect our internal organs, which could lead to life-threatening ailments. You don’t want to put your parents in that situation, do you?
Eating well to nourish and build our bodies up is one way of keeping it holy for God.
The bible says our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Do you think the Holy Spirit would eat junk foods? Think about it!
You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is in you. You have received the Holy Spirit from God. You do not own yourselves.
1 Cor. 6:19 [ICB]
May God give you the grace to eat nourishing and bodybuilding foods. Amen.
Action plan:
Watch what you have been eating. Reduce your intake of junk foods or stop it totally.
Prayer:
I receive grace to eat healthily.
Declaration:
I will eat healthy foods only.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 3, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
To Vivian, something is definitely wrong with her. She isn’t getting any younger. Her biological clock seems not to be only ticking but running. She wished there was a pause button somewhere.
Time after time, the story has been the same. She has experienced relationships after relationships fall like a pack of cards right before her eyes. Nothing seems to be working around her.
The story has always been the same; she will begin a relationship today and everything will appear fine, then all of a sudden, the whole thing comes crashing. Then it happens again and again. That has been her cycle.
She now approaches a new relationship with prayers, not for direction, but for it not to crash.
What should Vivian do?
As a child of God, how do you get out of this imbroglio?
Letting go of all offenses
Yes, as simple as that may seem, that is the key to your victory. Get rid of every form of bitterness and offense.
Frolicking with bitterness is a deliberate attempt to stop any good thing aggregating your way
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Heb 12:15 (KJV)
The bible calls it a root. Every plant has a root, but you don’t see it.
That’s how bitterness is. It can be submerged in the belly for months, without showing its dangerous fruits until the damage would have been done.
Yes, your “Ex” hurt you and did unbelievable and unprintable things to you. That is not enough reason for you to put your life on hold.
Your parents did so and so to you.
Your best friend betrayed you.
The other person stabbed you in the back, and then in the front!
Don’t stop yourself as a result of that!
Let go and let God. Do not allow hatred and bitterness to have the better part of you. Do not allow anybody’s foolishness to become your own folly.
The Bible calls bitterness a root. When it springs up, many other relationships, opportunities, and doors will be defiled!
When John the Baptist became bitter against his spiritual head, his physical head went for it.
Don’t let the daughter of one child of the devil request your head.
Don’t let your head become one of the awards on a prize-giving day!
Bitterness and iniquity are cousins. They work together. The earlier you confront it, the better for you.
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Act 8:23 (KJV)
Ask God to help you. He is more than willing to do so.
You will fulfill destiny in Jesus name!
May God grant you more understanding!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am not bitter. I walk in love with all men. I am delivered from any negative cycle operating in my life.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray against the negative cycle you have noticed.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Hebrews 12:15 (AMPC) Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Are you bitter against someone? Let go and let God.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Heb 12
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 3, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 3 minutes
How do you know a potential spouse that will be unfaithful when you are not married yet? There are tell-tale signs. When you double date, you are simply in a rehearsal for adultery. Simple!
Why is this so? You see, it takes the same heart! The heart that can accommodate and justify double dating will also glide into the dangerous terrain of adultery and extra-marital affairs effortlessly!
Adultery is a killer. It looks sweet initially, but the consequences are undesirable.
Now, let’s look at some scriptures in the book of Proverbs.
When Solomon starts talking to you about adultery, you had better listen. He had it all and you will never be able to break his record! He had so many women in his harem that he must have used tallies or numbers to identify them.
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
Pro 9:17 KJV
Adultery seems sweet, but what happens afterwards?
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Pro 20:17 KJV
You sure don’t want to be served a plate of gravel for food, but that is what a lot of people are cooking for lunch and dinner!
Unfaithfulness in your marriage will also reduce you. It will reduce you to what can be swallowed by the devil. See it here:
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Pro 6:26 KJV
God frowns at adulterous relationships! It is also a stupid sin because the consequences are staring you on your face and you still go ahead. You know it is wrong, yet like the proverbial dog which refuses to heed the hunter’s whistle, you go ahead.
Your conscience pricks you, yet you refuse to unlock yourself from the embrace of the strange woman or the evil man as the scripture aptly puts it. It is simply a stupid sin. See it here:
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
Pro 6:32 KJV
See other translation:
Adultery is a brainless act, soul-destroying, self-destructive;
Pro 6:32 MSG
Let’s see one more translation
But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks heart and understanding (moral principle and prudence); he who does it is destroying his own life.
Pro 6:32 AMP
What is my advice?
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Pro 5:18 KJV
See it in the Amplified version.
Let your fountain [of human life] be blessed [with the rewards of fidelity], and rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Pro 5:18 AMP
What is God trying to say here? God is trying to identify one of the causes of adultery. What is that? NEGLECT! Don’t neglect your spouse in any way especially where your sexual life is concerned.
The greatest need of a man is jeru trip. The greatest need of a woman is communication and attention. Give this to each other and enjoy each other!
Protect each other by satisfying yourselves. Jeru trip is not a reward system neither is it a punishment tool! According to the amplified version above, when you satisfy yourselves as a married couple, you will be blessed with the rewards of fidelity.
May God grant us more understanding.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am a wise spouse. I will not shoot myself in the leg.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray against the spirit of lust in your family.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Proverbs 6:32-33 (CEV) But if you go to bed with another man’s wife, you will destroy yourself by your own stupidity. You will be beaten and forever disgraced.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Avoid adultery.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Prov 6
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 3, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Having identified that we were created in God’s image in our last post, and that we have a responsibility to keep our bodies holy for Him, we will look at some practical ways to glorifying God with your body.
1. Be clean at all times.
Keeping your body clean is the first part. Your outer body is what people see, and the condition of your skin, hair, or face tells them a lot of how clean or dirty you are.
Nobody wants to come near a dirty person. Or would you stand beside someone like that? I doubt that.
Children, endeavour to take your baths in the mornings before you leave the house, when you get back from school or after any activity that leaves you sweaty.
Activities like when you finish playing football or running with your friends.
When you allow sweat to stay long on your skin, it forms bacteria that could lead to some skin conditions like eczema and rashes.
More importantly, always use a sponge and soap and scrub your skin very well, but not too harshly as you don’t want to have some mild bruises all over your skin.
Also take care of any skin conditions with the right medication.
I will also mention this; brush your teeth in the morning, and at night before you sleep.
Comb or brush your hair before you leave the house. Cut it also when due.
For girls, pack your hair neatly with a hairband or visit a hairdresser to make it for you. Keep your hair well oiled and neat.
Clean and trim your nails when due.
Wash your clothes not only when they are dirty, but also when they smell of sweat.
Ensure that your clothes are clean and smell fine. Iron them or plead with your parents to help you do so.
By now, you must be asking…How does doing all these help me be holy before God?
Looking and smelling good attracts people to you. When they admire you, they are indirectly praising God over you. That is how God is worshipped! That is a way of glorifying God with your body.
Looking and smelling nice could also make people listen to you when you tell them about Jesus. And when they finally accept Christ into their lives, you have won a soul into God’s kingdom by your appearance. Do you see how you are worshipping God in your physical appearance?
We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure, belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self–spirit, soul, and body–will be kept safe and be without wrong when our Lord Jesus Christ comes.
1 Thess. 5:23, (ICB)
May God bless you always. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to maintain a clean body lifestyle in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action plan:
Look at your daily grooming routine. How good is it? Make plans to improve on it.
Declaration:
I will glorify God with my body.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 2, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Man is a tripartite being. We are spirits, we live in a body and we have a soul.
The spirit communicates with God. The body communicates with the realm of the physical. The soul houses the will, the emotions and the intellect.
When we give our life to Jesus and we come to know Him, the spirit is regenerated, the soul is in the process of being renewed, but the body will be saved when Jesus comes back.
However, the voice of the body or flesh is loud. So loud that if left to operate, it will superimpose its lusts and cravings over the spirit, thereby leading into a cycle of failure and divers problems. The flesh has no gain or profit therein. None!
You will find that here in the scriptures.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Joh 6:63 (KJV)
Amplified Bible says the flesh has no benefit. Take a look:
It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.
Joh 6:63 (AMPC)
Living in the flesh and taking instructions from the body conveys no benefit. That is quite instructive.
The next probable question is what then do we do to the body?
We are to discipline the body. And we do that by putting the body under!
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1Co 9:27 (KJV)
You put the body under by not listening to its cravings and instructions. If you keep listening to the voice of the body, you can point others to God while not making it! That will not be our portion in Jesus name.
Decide to stop all habitual sins. Listen to your spirit rather than take instructions from the body.
May God grant you more understanding in Jesus name, Amen.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I put my body under.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Help me to put my body under oh Lord.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
1 Corinthians 9:27 (TPT) but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won’t be disqualified.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Walk in the spirit.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 cor 9
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 2, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Strengthen Rather Than Weary Yourselves
Mrs Adet is almost always sad. She is not a happy wife neither is she a happy woman. This is because she feels battered most of the time. Not physically, as a matter of fact, her husband has never lifted up his hands against her. But there is a much worse thing being lifted against her, it’s his tongue!
The scripture says
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Pro 12:18 (KJV)
Her husband is the sharp-mouthed man who speaks so bluntly without emotions or sentiments.
Over time, their marriage was unhealthy. They spoke back and forth to each other using toxic vocabularies.
Mr. Adet has to come into a place of learning how to talk properly to his wife before their marriage could be healed.
Every husband and wife alike must learn how to speak properly to their spouses.
Take a look at the scripture
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Isa 50:4 (KJV)
This is where every couple should be!
Use the tongue of the learned on one another and speak words that will strengthen and not weary.
This is what every couple should work towards.
Let’s take a look at another translation as we conclude this morning.
The Master, GOD, has given me a well-taught tongue, So I know how to encourage tired people. He wakes me up in the morning, wakes me up, opens my ears to listen as one ready to take orders.
Isa 50:4 (MSG)
Have a blessed day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I receive the strength to speak rightly to my spouse.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask for strength as couples
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Job 6:25 (KJV) How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Speak life to your spouse
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Isaiah 50
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 2, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
In this series, you will be learning how to glorify God with your body. Like you must have been taught in school, your body comprises both the outer and inner parts. From your skin to fingers to the liver, to the intestines, they all form your body.
These parts all have their functions and contribute to the perfect functioning of your body.
An abnormality in one of these parts can affect other parts and even lead to the breakdown of the whole body.
Each one of us has a body, and that body has many parts. These parts all have different uses.
Romans 12:4 ICB
Children, remember that the bible makes us to understand that you were created in the image of God.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image and likeness…”
Gen. 1:26 ICB
There are few implications of being made in the image of God. Let’s consider them.
1. Your body should be safe and holy for God:
Your God is holy and only by being holy can you please Him
2. There are ways to keep your body safe and holy:
As a child, you will get to a stage in your life when you have to take care of your body yourself. Your parents won’t have to bathe you any longer or help wash your clothes again.
3. Taking care of your body is worship to God:
Worshipping God goes beyond singing praises to God. Your body is a gift from God, so take good care of it.
May God grant you the grace to glorify God in your body in Jesus name, amen.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, grant me the grace to understand why I should keep my body holy for you and help me do so. Amen.
Action point:
Have you been careless with the way you keep your body? Repent!
Declaration:
I keep my body pure because I am made in the image of God.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 1, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
I want to quickly discuss three areas that I believe all singles should pay attention to. These areas will affect all other areas of our lives, invariably.
Here they are:
- Food Intake
As singles, you need to take care of your body. Watch what you eat! Like someone savagely puts it, don’t let your teeth become shovels with which you dig your grave!
But in reality, that is what happens to some people. That will not be your portion in Jesus name!
Some of us are addicted to certain kinds of food. This is not good.
It is a lack of self-control that will make you overeat. The one who overeats and the one who gets high on drugs are basically the same.
Gluttony is a terrible sin the bible frowns at. The Bible says
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Pro 23:21
No matter how strong the spirit is, once the body comes apart, the spirit will have to move. This is why it is important to take care of your body.
- Money
You are supposed to have money, not more having you. Money is good, but the love of it is evil according to scriptural injunctions.
You must not allow the Mammon spirit to take over your life and regulate it. You must continually love God and never allow the love of money to be prioritized above God in your life.
Honor God with your finances and see him lift you up.
- Your Love walk
Avoid all works of the flesh as bitterness, bickering, animosities, and unforgiving spirit.
Learn to forgive quickly and really quick. This way, you will not harbor a wrong spirit within you.
Be blessed in Jesus name.
CONFESSION FOR TODAY
I am disciplined.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, help me to pay attention to these areas.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
ACTION PLAN FOR TODAY
Put your body under.
BIBLE READING FOR TODAY
Prov 9
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Oct 1, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ever wondered what your husband really wants from you as a wife? Sometimes, most wives are just oblivious of how to please their husbands. This feeling of being at a loss in your matrimonial home is not a pleasant one at all.
- Every man expects his wife to respect him
As you might have discovered, respect is a very big issue for men. Every wife should show respect to her husband.
The principle of sowing and reaping also comes into place here. As you honour your husband, he will honour you as well.
- Every man expects his wife to be homely
Caring comes naturally for women. If you, as a woman are not caring, your husband will not enjoy you.
You should be able to take care of the home, make good meals, and look after the kids. - Every man expects his wife to pray for him always.
Wives, pray for your husbands. Women are very powerful. A praying wife is a terror to the devil. If your wife prays for you genuinely, you will see the advancement it will bring to your life. - Every man expects his wife to look good all the time.
Nobody wants his wife looking twice her age because men are moved by sight. I like her looking beautiful for me at all times.
Wives, look your best for your husband. Do not get careless with your dressing. There are dangerous ladies dressing to “kill” out there. Be wise. - Every man expects his wife to support him
My wife should be my number one fan. I expect her to support me and all I stand for. No husband can go far without a supportive wife. - Every man expects his wife to be active in bed
You probably thought I wouldn’t add that. This is important to men. If you want to keep your marriage standing, keep the bedroom hot!
It should not be used as a reward or punishment.
Do not refuse and deprive and defraud each other [ of your due marital rights ], except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves unhindered to prayer. But afterwards resume marital relations, lest Satan tempt you [ to sin ] through your lack of restraint of sexual desire.
1Co 7:5 (AMP)
I will stop here this morning!
Be blessed!
by Sylvester Obinna | Oct 1, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: < 1 minute
In the beginning, was the word. The passage in John 1 verse 1 tells us to always have the word as our foundation. Children can know God’s Word. No matter what we want to do for our children, the word has to be the beginning of it.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Our children must be made to understand that life outside the word is a life of crisis. At the beginning of their lives, they should be introduced to the word, who is God. Children can know the Word of the LORD.
They having a good relationship with the word will help shape their lives and prepare them for the times ahead.
Declaration:
My children know the word. They have a good beginning. Their foundation is set right.
Prayers:
My children will love God’s word in Jesus’ name. Amen
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Sep 30, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Sandy is a cute lady whose mien portrays a beauty that is heavenly, however within her is a world of deception that is far from reality, characterized by fantasy and wishful thinking.
Her condition was made worse from endless reading of romantic novels and spending hours on romantic movies. Her brain has been filled with romantic junks, predicated on wrong notions that are completely anti-scripture.
Her issue is even made complicated because of a wonderful pulchritude she presents with no clues such junky thoughts are swimming within.
What will be the way out for Sandy?
Well, Psalm 23 aptly declares:
He restoreth my soul…
Psa 23:3a (KJV)
God’s word has the ability to dissolve every fantasy and reset the brain through a complete rewiring!
For although we live in the natural realm, we don’t wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide. We can demolish every DECEPTIVE FANTASY that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.
2Co 10:3-5 (TPT)
We can demolish every deceptive fantasy! Whatever has been set up in defiance to the true knowledge of God can be demolished according to the word of God.
This is done by deliberate and conscious effort at READING, STUDYING AND MEDITATING on God’s word. Hey! The more you meditate on that word truthfully, the more you set up yourself for total freedom from every negative and toxic thought patterns that seek to hold you down!
I pray this morning that God will set you free from all toxic thoughts in Jesus name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
My mind is filled with God’s word
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask that God will reprogram your mind
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Romans 12:2 (KJV) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Read, study, and meditate on the word
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Rom 12
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Sep 30, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
This Kind Of Intoxication is Good
How much should husbands and wives love themselves? They should be intoxicated with one another! That is how much!
We see this right in the scripture.
Son 1:2 (KJV)
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
Take a look at the Message Translation:
Son 1:2 (GW)
[Bride] Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth. Your expressions of love are better than wine,
Love is to be expressed. And these expressions or actions are compared with wine and even much better.
What does wine do?
It gets you high and intoxicated, makes you feel happy and animated.
Here, the writer says, the expressions of your love is much better than wine.
As husbands and wives, you are to be intoxicated with each other. You should look forward to one another. You should constantly pray for one another from a genuine heart!
And you know what, you can only do this by focusing on each other.
Do not allow anybody to come in between the two of you. Do not allow a third party to sow any seed of discord into your love. Get drunk of each other.
The ploy of the devil is to cause irritations, quarrels, misunderstandings, animosity and the like. You must be sensitive to avoid all these in your marriage so that your marriage will not be hindered in any way.
Let God’s love rule in your marriage, and this will in turn regulate your actions and reactions and bring out the best in your marital relationship.
Demonstrate your love for one another through expression of kisses. Don’t let the wedding kiss be the last memory of a good kiss!
Get drunk with Holy Spirit, and get drunk with one another.
May God grant you more understanding in Jesus name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I love my spouse and I focus on him/her
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask for the grace to focus on your spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Song of Solomon 1:2 (KJV) Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Give your spouse a good kiss
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Sos 1
by Sylvester Obinna | Sep 30, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
God is love and he expresses that love by giving us his only son. And we should practice giving as the Lord, and giving as the Lord commands.
How easy did you think that was?
Giving unto God should come from a place of sincerity of heart, so that our gifts will be accepted.
The Holy Spirit, speaking through Apostle Paul, told us a mystery about giving.
He said the first thing to do when you want to give is to decide in your heart.
2 Cor 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (ESV)
Many people give out of sentiments or emotions. But don’t do that. You should practice giving as the Lord, and giving as the Lord commands.
Give cheerfully and joyfully. Joyful giving is another wonderful way of giving. It comes from your heart, especially when you see the amount of happiness you put on the faces of others.
The bible tells us to give with joy at all times. Not with grumbling or anger. But with intense joy.
God gives us with joy. He created the earth with joy in His heart. The bible tells us that while creating the earth, He kept seeing the things he was creating as good.
He kept creating out of the joy in his heart from seeing the wonderful things He was creating.
Be like God today, give with joy. As you bless others with joy, God will equally bless you too with joy. Learn the art of giving as the Lord, and giving as the Lord commands.
God bless you.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to give with joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action point:
When next you want to give somebody something, do so with much joy.
Declaration:
I am a cheerful giver. I give with joy.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Sep 29, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Sade is just simply toxic in her way of thinking and dealing with issues. This is brought about by several disappointments she has gone through in the hands of guys, especially. She believes life has not been fair to her at all. She watched a lot of her friends get married one by one while nothing seems to be happening in her life.
She prayed and prayed but it was as though God is not listening to her. She got to a place where she actually gave up and she was no longer rejoicing with those who rejoice.
Her pastime became having itchy ears and looking for negative news which seems to excite her. When she hears that someone has a broken relationship, she seems happy. She would not stop at that, but she would consciously begin to spread the news as if it was some good news. This she did and did not even know she was in error.
This is in direct contradiction to what we are supposed to do as believers. It is never in our place to spread negative news. As a matter of fact, what we are supposed to do at such times is to pray for such people, so that such will not be your experience.
When King Saul died, it could have been a time for David to start rejoicing and keep mouthing it all over. But check out what he said here:
Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
2Sa 1:20 (KJV)
He understood covenant. He said the news is not to be published!
My words of advice for you this morning is simple. Avoid being happy when something unfortunate happens to others, even when such people are perceived enemies.
Pray for them and you will unleash a new realm of favour upon your life!
Be blessed in Jesus name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I choose to rejoice with those who are happy
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh Lord, help me to genuinely rejoice with those rejoicing.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Romans 12:15 [ESV] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Stop spreading bad news
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Rom 12
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Sep 29, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Women occupy a major part in the plan of God, in the life of a man and in the society in general. Her role and importance cannot be over-emphasized as this is exemplified in her capacity to cause procreation to become a reality. She is the woman, the man with a womb, The womb-man!
She is the help-meet! The helper for the man. Isn’t it interesting that she and the Holy Spirit are the ones referred to as helpers throughout the scripture?
You grieve the Holy Spirit, your prayers can be hindered. You grieve your wife, your prayers can be hindered as well.
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)
But that is not my emphasis this morning.
I want you to look at a scripture addressed to women here:
…To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Tit 2:5 (KJV)
The scripture is saying as a wife, if you are not discreet, if you are not chaste, if you are not keepers at home, if you are not good, if you are not obedient to your husband, God’s word CAN BE BLASPHEMED!
That is serious!
Consider that Scripture in other translations for more clarity:
…be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want ANYONE LOOKING DOWN ON GOD’S MESSAGE BECAUSE OF THEIR BEHAVIOR.
Tit 2:5 (MSG)
…and to be self-controlled and pure, taking care of their household and being devoted to their husbands. By doing these things the word of God WILL NOT BE DISCREDITED.
Tit 2:5 (TPT)
The word of God must not be looked down on!
The word of God must not be discredited!
Go ahead and meditate on that verse and apply it to your life while looking at areas you need to make adjustments!
God bless you!
Good morning!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will not grief my spouse.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray that you will not grief your wife
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Titus 2:5[ESV]to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pray for your wife
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Titus 2
by Sylvester Obinna | Sep 29, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Recognizing Jesus as the only way is important. Imagine you want to reach a place and there’s only one way to reach there. Just one way to get there. You search the internet, look it up on the map, ask around, do all you can, but still can’t seem to find an alternative route. You can’t think of another way. No one can show another way and if they do, it’s the wrong way.
That’s the same way it is with Christ.
Look at the verse below
“Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 [GW]
That was Jesus telling the disciples about how to get to know God. He means that only a person who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour can get to God and get to heaven. Recognizing Jesus as the only way is important.
Jesus was simply saying; you want to know the Father, you come through me. I am the P.A to the heavenlies. I am not just a way, I am THE WAY. I am not just a door, I am THE DOOR.
There is no other way. Any other way is the wrong way and it won’t get you to heaven.
Children, do you want to go to heaven? Do not listen to people who say there is another way to heaven. Recognizing Jesus as the only way is important. I like the way this translation puts it;
Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.
John 14:6 [ERV]
The only way to the Father is through Jesus, no other way.
Selah!
Have you accepted Christ as your Saviour?
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus, I thank you for being the only way to God. Thank You for making it so simple.
Action point:
Accept Christ into your life today. Tomorrow might just be too late.
Declaration:
I accept Jesus as the only way. He will lead me to the Father. Amen
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Sep 28, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The transcendency of your present decisions is a blunt truth and reality that should set you thinking before doing anything!
Where you were born was never your decision, it was the decision of your parents, who were even influenced by their own parents. This brings home the resounding truth, the decisions you are making now, even as a single, will affect your children and your children’s children! This then calls for caution, since your decisions will affect several lives that are still locked up in your loins.
The choice of your spouse, the strength of your service to God, the kind of lifestyle you are living now, all have a significant effect not just on you but on others around you because it’s not only about you.
This is why it becomes really important to consider every decision well before you take them. Even more interesting is the fact that whoever you are identified with or whoever you decide to follow can affect your life, and conversely, whoever follows you will be affected by your decisions.
Take a look at this scripture:
“So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.”
(1Sa 31:6, KJV)
Saul was the one that disobeyed God. He was the one that refused to follow God’s instructions. But he did not die alone. When he was going to die, his three sons died, his armor-bearer died, and then ALL HIS MEN, of which we do know their number!
All these people who died did nothing wrong other than following a man who did something wrong. Because of one man’s wrong decision, others innocent folk died with him.
Do you now see why you have to study that person well before you marry as it’s not just about you? Ultimately, marriage wedges destinies together and changes the course and direction of life!
Be wise!
God bless you.
Have a great day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will not make a wrong decision
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask the Lord to help you make the right decision.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
1 Sam 31:6 (CEV) Saul was dead, his three sons were dead, and the soldier who carried his weapons was dead. They and all his soldiers died on that same day.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Study that person well before marriage.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Sam 3
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Sep 28, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
She is simply vivacious! Her smile makes my blood run! Mr. Bode thought as he reminiscence on the joy that his wife has been in his life. Her electric smile, accentuated by well-placed dimples, could melt any heart as she reveals a beautiful gap in between a well-set of teeth.
She is simply a beauty to behold and she brings beauty into anybody she comes in contact with as well. Getting married to such beauty was a dream come true for Mr. Bode!
He reciprocated this affection and love through a lot of things, including writing her poems regularly, buying her flowers, and taking her out to her favorite Chinese Restaurant!
He just loved it as the smile would light up on her face, and her smiles seem to bring him smiles!
But today is far from what it was. The smile was gone. The dimples have been leveled. He is not sure whether the gap in the teeth has been blocked.
As Mr. Bode sat before the counselor in total frustration and having explained what it used to be, the counselor asked him a few questions.
“When was the last time you wrote her a poem?” Mr. Bode looked into the empty air. Obviously, the poet in him has died!
When was the last time you bought her flowers? Again, the answer never came. Flowers are no longer growing.
When was the last time you took her out? Again, he just stared. Restaurants have all closed down. Not even a Kung-Fu Restaurant!
The words of the counselor hit him like a sledgehammer!
“You stopped doing what you used to do, so she stopped being who she used to be!
The truth hit home hard. He stood up, and left, thanking the counselor and resolving to make amends.
Good morning!
God bless you!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will do all I can to make my spouse happy
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask the Lord to help you see where you need to make amends.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Song of Solomon 1:2 (KJV) “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.”
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Go back to doing what you used to do.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Sam 3
by Sylvester Obinna | Sep 28, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Dear children, when you hear a knock on the door, the natural response is to call out, “Who is there?” The person at the door, naturally, also replies, “It’s me.”
Either you like the person or not, you have to attend to them since you have responded.
Knocking on doors is indirectly asking to gain access into a place. Courtesy demands we don’t just barge into people’s homes without first seeking their permission, hence the need to knock. That’s rude.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Rev.3:20
Dear children, Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, with nothing but love for us, asking us to please let Him. He eagerly wants to be a part of our lives so He can show us His wonderful and powerful love for us.
Just as we invite our friends over to visit or sleep over, Jesus wants us to do the same too with him. He wants to be our best friend who stays with us throughout the day. He wants to protect us, provide for us, and do much more than a human friend can do.
Do you hear Jesus at the door today? Is he your best friend? Will you open the door for him to enter?
Dear children, Jesus is waiting, eager to throw his arm across your shoulders and start chatting with you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for finding my heart worthy of your love. I open my heart to you today. Please, come in. You are welcome. Amen.
Declaration:
My children are receptive. They accept the invitation of Jesus early in life and open the door of their hearts unto him.
Read yesterday’s article here
