by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Aug 5, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Psa 92:1-2 KJV It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
I love this scripture a lot! It is a good thing! What do you do that translates into a good thing?
There are four things mentioned.
- To give thanks unto the Lord
- Sing praises unto God’s name
- To show forth His loving kindness in the morning
- To show forth His faithfulness every night
It is good as a child of God to learn to do these daily! Why must we do these? It’s because it is good to do them. Just like when you say it is good to eat good food. It is good to have your bath…the same way, for your spiritual health, for your victory in life; it is good to these things.
Rather than complain about your partner, give thanks unto the Lord. Rather than nag at him, give thanks unto the Lord. Rather than sulk over being jilted or abandoned, give thanks unto the Lord.
Then it says, sing praises unto God’s name. You don’t need to be on key to do that. You can even sing along with your tab or phone.
Rather than listen to Lady Gaga or Beyonce, sing praises unto God’s name. Rather than sing some secular songs whose lyrics are negative, sing praises unto God’s name!
Then, learn to shew forth His lovingkindness in the morning! How do you do that?
Message translations says:
Psa 92:2 MSG To announce your love each daybreak…
Common now! You show forth His loving kindness by announcing His love each morning! You’ve got to come to a place in God where you refuse to wake up with some heaviness because of what happened the previous day or what is ahead of you in the new day. You see, praising God is not what you do with how you feel or you will not be able to do anything. Refuse to wake up into some sad state of heart. Refuse to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. I have checked my bed severally and I also told my wife to check, there is no wrong side! Both sides of the bed are right sides; whichever side I wake from, I am good to go! You see, our bed is laid with the sheets of praise! It’s got to be good!
In the morning, the first thing to do is not to hiss and shake your head in some regrets! Stop waking up with a frown. Did someone fight you in your dream? Learn to praise Him like your life depends on it because your life depends on it!
Finally, it says, to show forth His lovingkindness in the night! Every night! That is what it says! Don’t let the last thing you do in the night be listening to News or watching some Home videos that can break homes! Don’t fall asleep on some music that can dirty your spirit.
One translation of that verse says
Psa 92:2 BBE To make clear your mercy in the morning, and your unchanging faith every night;
Ruminate and meditate on that unchanging faith of God every night! Never lose hope. Hold on to God’s word and believe that the following day will be your day!
You see, when you consciously and deliberately learn to start and end your days like these, it does something to you. It positions you in a place where you are strategically ready for what God wants to do in your life. It helps you to cooperate with God’s plan for your life!
When you learn to do these daily, there are two things that will happen in your life.
Psa 92:10, 12 AMP But my horn (emblem of excessive strength and stately grace) You have exalted like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with fresh oil. The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].
In verse 10, your strength will be exalted. Your productivity will be maximized. Your result will be assured. Your victory will be certain.
In verse 12, you will flourish. You will succeed. You will grow and expand. You will be durable and incorruptible!
Get ready for some victory as you listen to GOD on this, as you start your day with Him and end with Him. Before you do this for long, you will surely see the hands of the Lord on not just your relationship and marriage, but in your business and every area of your life!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will praise God in the morning and in the night. I will not give in to depression. My victory is ascertained.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh God, teach me how to praise you all day long and have victory.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep (Psalms 92:5 KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Decide to praise God today
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ps 92
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | Aug 5, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Walk in the spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. It is in marriage that you can best apply this scripture. There will be many opportunities in marriage to fulfill the lust of the flesh. Our flesh wants to rise big time whenever our spouses do something that we consider unpleasant.
All works of the flesh as described in Galatians 5: 19-21 especially enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions, envy can all be seen in marriages.
In marriage, we are tempted to pay back evil for evil, tit for tat and it is easier to go by the rule of a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye. In marriage, it is easy to enter into strife, to be angry at our spouse, and be bitter against them.
In my twenty-one-plus years of marriage, I have come to note that it is always easier to nip things in the bud before they get out of hand. It is always easier to apologize on time before things get out of hand. It is always easier to talk things over than to let them linger and become bigger.
Galatians 5:22 (Amp), ‘But the fruit of the Holy Spirit (the work which His presence within accomplishes) is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self- control (self restraint, continence)
When we allow the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the resultant effect will be a Spirit-controlled marriage. That is where the Lord wants us to get to. That no matter what happens or whoever it is that is at fault, we are Spirit-controlled. Our lives are controlled and influenced by the Holy Spirit.
This can only happen when we begin to acknowledge the Holy spirit’s presence in our lives individually. When we learn to put our bodies under and allow the Holy Spirit His rightful place.
May God bless our marriage.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am Spirit Controlled.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, help me acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s place in my life
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Gal 5:16 (MSG) My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Begin today to acknowledge the person of the Holy Spirit.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Kings 7
by Sylvester Obinna | Aug 5, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Dear child, friends can be signposts guiding and directing you towards God or a river between you two.
They affect your walk with God either in a good or bad way, as well as your relationship with your parents.
There are certain signals to watch out for when choosing friends. Even if you are friends with some people right now, use these signals to assess your friendships.
Dear child, note also that these signals do not mean you have to be hateful or snobbish towards people you shouldn’t be friends with. It’s not a license for you to declare them bad or otherwise.
These signs are just a guide steering you towards wisdom.
One signpost to watch for is
1. Pretense:
Dear child, do you have friends that you have to pretend to like what they do, where they go, what they say – basically, everything about them?
This is a warning sign. You are not supposed to pretend to like your friends and they shouldn’t do so too. A healthy friendship is one where both parties have true feelings for each other and can tell the truth.
There is no restriction on the truth. No fear of a reprisal attack or any attack whatsoever when the truth is spoken. The truth here is spoken in love and not to hate or judge.
Dear child, you pretend to like them because you want to feel among them. You know they smoke, yet you want to be friends with them knowing fully well the health risks of smoking, forgetting also that your parents won’t be happy with you if they get to know. Maybe you just don’t care if your parents find out.
You know, also, that God hates sin and says He dwells in our bodies. He wants us to keep our bodies pure and holy for Him.
“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Lord?’
By joining them, you’re turning your back on both God and your parents; the two most important relationships you should cherish.
Dear child, friends are good but gaining friends at the expense of losing a right standing with God and your parents is not advisable. The thing is, friends can abandon you anytime, but God and your parents can’t because you are their responsibility.
Ask yourself today, do I pretend to like my friends?
God bless you, Amen.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, help me to assess my friendships, amen.
Action point:
Assess your friendships today. As the Lord leads you, make the necessary changes you need to make.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Sylvester Obinna | Aug 4, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Home feels like wildfire is ravaging through it. You are always at loggerheads with our parents and the house can’t seem to contain all of you.
Quick questions for you-
How many of these bush-fires are you causing?
How many rules did you break?
What could be happening now if you had just listened and obeyed the instructions of your parents?
It takes two to tango and a coin definitely has two sides. Don’t totally blame them for the heat in the house. They couldn’t have decided to make the house uncomfortable for you. You think they are because you are not having your way, you want your parents to be fine with your behavior and just keep quiet.
Check yourself very well and see where you did wrong. Find your faults, make amends, and see if the temperature won’t go down at home. See if the house won’t be large enough for everyone, Including you.
Prov. 2:1 “my child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and instructions.” CEVUK.
Be the peace you want to see at home.
Finally, remember God’s command about obeying your parents and the benefits of doing so. Take it to heart and practice it.
“Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice.” James 1:22 GNT
God bless you richly as you honor your parents. Amen.
Prayer:
Father, help me to scrutinize my ways and make changes in all the areas I need to. Help me.be the peace I want to see and enjoy at home, in Jesus name. Amen.
Action point:
Scrutinize your words, actions, thoughts today, and see where your faults lie. When you find them, speak about them to your parents and ask for their help.
Declaration:
My children are well behaved. They do not make the home uncomfortable for anyone. They do not set the home on fire by their actions and inactions.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | Aug 4, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: < 1 minute
One sure way to do this is to let your husband have the final say. Give your husband the honor of having the final say in your marriage.This is how to win the heart of your husband.
The intelligent, opinionated, and strong-willed wives have issues with this. They are choleric, goal-getters, and achievers. They are used to making their own decisions and sticking to them.
Of truth, opposites attract, so usually, a fast and active wife will probably have a quiet, slow, and steady husband. Now the challenge would be being submissive to your husband when you consider him too slow, passive, and weak.
You know what, that is your opinion, but if you want to win your husband’s love, you need to tuck in this opinion and obey God’s instruction to submit to your own husband’s disposition. After airing your opinion, genuinely let your husband have the last say. Remember he is the king of your family kingdom. The king’s words are never to be argued.
So what if I am sure he is in the wrong, should I just look on? Not necessarily, you can pray about it but not argue endlessly.
Give your husband the honor of reigning in your marriage, let him have the last say. Never drag power or usurp authority with your husband. Keep your tongue. Don’t nag about issues or over-flogged things.
May God bless your marriage.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will love, respect and honour my husband.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray that God will teach you how to honour your husband.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Proverbs 31:11 (KJV) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Decide to honour your husband.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Prov 31
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Aug 4, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
4. She will come after you and then bring you into her territory or space for maximum control
I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves (Proverbs 7:15-18 KJV)
She had a plan all the while. She is a planner when it comes to the strange lifestyle. She will go to any extent to get what she wanted. She knows what gifts to buy to weaken the man’s resolve. She is sometimes much older and she uses her money and influence to control her prey!
The modern day “sugar mummy” is a strange woman! Run from a strange life lest strange things begin to happen! The student involved with an “aristo” is also a strange lady!
5. She is an adulterer
For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed (Proverbs 7:19-20 KJV)
Any opportunity when her husband is not around is an opportunity for her to go wild. She does not mind bringing men into her matrimonial home!
I have seen it too many times, the husband is a business man in Japan or Italy, leaves the wife in Nigeria, and she simply has a man that comes into her matrimonial bed daily! While it is not good for a man to abandon his wife for months in the name of business, there is also something strange when a woman can lie, hide, be deceptive and sleeps with other men apart from her husband for whatever reasons.
I tell singles all the time, it starts as a single. The moment you can combine more than one relationship, one in Nigeria, the other in UK, or one in Lagos and the other Abuja, deceiving both sides and promising both a marriage union, there is something really strange about that.
Such lifestyles culminate in agony at the end. It is always good for you to live your life God’s way and you know what, God does not condemn you but simply wants your repentance.
God will strengthen you as you resolve to do what is right.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will not fall into the trap of the strange woman.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh Lord, deliver me from the strange woman.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed (Proverbs 7:19-20 KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Are you noticing strange behaviours in the life of someone around you? Take action now.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Prov 7
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Aug 3, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: < 1 minute
If I were you, here are a few things I will do as a married lady.
1. As a married lady, I will respect my husband and be humble in my home
2. I will seek to please my husband
3. I will pray and find ways to help my husband.
4. As a married lady, I will stay away from any unfaithfulness, knowing it could open doors for the devil
5. I will be open to my husband and I will keep no secrets
6. As a married lady, I will deliberately choose to be joyful, and shut the door of depression and negative atmosphere at home
7. I will not close up my spirit against my husband knowing it will bring lack into the family
8. As a married lady, I will get healed of any hurts and bitterness and always trust God to make all things well.
We will stop here for today.
What other things can you add to the list? Let me hear you in the comment section.
I pray that God will send help to you in specific areas where it is needed.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
We are blessed. It is well with us
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, help us to see ourselves as you see us
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Even though you’re not much right now, you’ll end up better than ever.” (Job 8:7, MSG)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Drop other points in the comment section
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Proverbs 10 – 12
by Sylvester Obinna | Aug 3, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Another good way to take care of your parents is by truly listening to them when they are speaking to you. Don’t be too quick to talk back, interrupt, grumble, or be rude to them. When you keep quiet and listen to them, you get to hear what they are saying, and what they want you to do.
Listening is also a way of showing that you care about them and their feelings. That you understand what they are going through. It’s hard enough being parents to you and your siblings, juggling work, church, the home and so many other parts of their lives.
Give them room to breathe by just hearing them out. That’s a way to take care of your parents. You think they are old fashioned or country bumpkins? They were once teenagers like you and understand you more than you know or can imagine.
After they finish speaking, then you can speak and tell them what you feel. That is honour, and that is a way to take care of your parents. And by the way, every parent loves to hear their children air their views.
Also learn to apologize, if you have to, and mean it. It’s also another way to take care of your parents.
This way, you get to listen and they get to listen to you too. Both parties have a win-win situation.
“My child, guard my sayings; store my commandments with you.” Proverbs 7:1 LEB
God bless you. Amen
Prayer:
God, please teach me to listen so I can understand what my parents are communicating to me concerning my actions.and words. Ask God to give you the grace to take care of your parents. Amen.
Action plan: The next time your parents are talking to you about something you did wrong, listen and don’t argue. Apologize when you should and need to.
Declaration:
My children are good listeners. They don’t speak back to me. They are very cooperative.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Aug 3, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
What Are The Attributes Of The Strange Woman?
1. She sees men as preys
So she caught him…(Proverbs 7:13a KJV)
So she caught him…That is a language used when you set a trap and you catch a prey, isn’t it? You see when you are locked up in the embrace of a strange woman; with a woman who is not your spouse and yet will not leave you alone, you have been caught!
You might think you are a good toaster, but nay, you have been caught! You might think you are having some free stuff, but you have been trapped. That is why the Bible says, “she caught him!”
The word “caught” in literal Hebrew is interesting. It is “Chazaq” which means to “fasten upon,” “seize,” “to bind,” amongst other meanings. The next time you are entangled in bed with a strange woman, you are not a champion; you are a prey!
2. Her seduction tactics are aggressive
… and kissed him (Proverbs 7:13b KJV)
She doesn’t waste time and there is no time for rapport. The strange woman will gladly offer her body in one-night stands, with strangers in public toilets and anywhere in exchange for money.
3. She is stubborn and resilient in her seduction
…and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee (Proverbs 7:13-15 KJV)
A strange woman will not give up easily. Do you remember Delilah? She vexed Samson until she got what she wanted. When a guy begins to offer some lame excuses saying, “I never wanted it even for once, she was always the one intimacy…well, you are gone! If you were offered Rice cooked with rat poison, and you know, would you eat it and say it was because she served you?
Tomorrow, I will give you more signs of the strange woman. Don’t miss it.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will not fall into the trap of the strange woman.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh Lord, deliver me from the strange woman.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed (Proverbs 7:19-20 KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Are you noticing strange behaviors in the life of someone around you? Take action now.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Prov 7
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | Aug 2, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
A point of frustration could be deliberate or not. But if one is faced with the reality of your spouse frustrating you, what do you do?
Well, in this kind of situation, you just have to exercise patience. Have a lot of understanding and don’t react. Reacting will mean retaliating or giving it back to your spouse in the same coin or measure it is given to you.
If the frustration is as a result of some form of sickness or disease, you just have to pray to God for healing and the strength to bear your spouse’s burden.
You may be frustrated because you are not a patient person or because of temperamental differences, background differences or simply male – female differences.
If you are newly wedded, your frustration could be out of misunderstanding of the things you don’t like. Especially if you had a long distance courtship or relationship. The tendency is to want to either retaliate or withdraw from the source of your frustration or pain. Please don’t do this.
In marriage, you and your spouse are a team. United you stand and divided you fall. Know that whatever comes, you are still married and you intend to still remain married.
Let your point of frustration drive you positively to seeking help, change of character and into seeking God. You can start to pray for your spouse every day consciously. Lift your spouse up in prayer and it will be to your account.
When you are also at the point of frustration, don’t keep silent on each other and don’t seek friendship outside of the marriage. Some have done this and regretted their actions. This will only draw a big gap between the two of you. The more you grow apart, the more the gap grows and the more things get difficult.
Just know that marriage requires constant working at it. It requires daily commitment, communication and patience. There are times when all is well and rosy like heaven. There are other times when you just have to keep the flame ablaze and fan the flames.
The bottom line is, don’t give up on your marriage. Don’t make a permanent decision based on a temporary situation. The frustration you are facing is only temporary. That phase will definitely fade away.
God bless your marriage.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will not frustrate my spouse. I am patient with him/her.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask for grace to be patient with your spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Genesis 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.”
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Don’t give up on your marriage
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ps 1
by Sylvester Obinna | Aug 2, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
We started out discussing this topic yesterday – on the ways we can take care of our parents. We will continue in that light today. Dear child, you have to understand that your parents are the guardians God has appointed over you, here on Earth. They are responsible for you and will give an account of their guardianship over you to God.
Help make their work easy by obeying them. Their actions are meant for your safety – physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually. They are working hard at giving you the life that God wants for you. That is what they are doing! They are not there to do you evil. Your parents do care for you and are making efforts to take care of you
Therefore, do not jeopardize the efforts of your parents and your future by not listening and following their instructions. See what the Bible says in the book of Proverbs:
Prov.4:20 ” my child, listen carefully to everything I say.”
By following the rules and instructions, you will grow into a humble and loving person. These rules and instructions, also, will help you discover, develop, and put to maximum use your God-given talents and potentials.
Your parents were put in your life for a reason – to teach you all about God and why He created you. God didn’t make a mistake by giving you to them.
Help them give a good account of you to God.
God bless you. Amen.
Prayer:
Pray for your parents: Lord, I declare I’m a good child. I make training easy for my parents. I want them to give a good account of me to you, Jesus name. Amen.
Action point:
Be conscious of your actions towards your parents.
Declaration:
My children are supportive. They love, value, and appreciate every work I do.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Aug 2, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Allow her to express herself.
She is a “talk” person, not to be muted! This is very crucial and your understanding of this will save you a lot of marital squabbles.
Allowing her to express herself without fear, trepidation, and inhibition is allowing her to be all that God has created her to be. Allowing her to be all that God has created her to be is fulfillment and prosperity for her and for you eventually.
The greatest misfortune that can befall a man is living daily with a frustrated wife. When she is not allowed to express herself, she would begin to internalize. The more she internalizes, the more it can really become dangerous and you will not be happy about that.
It’s been said that an average man speaks about ten thousand words in a day. But an average woman speaks about twenty-five thousand words daily! By the time the husband returns from work, he has probably exhausted his quota of ten thousand words at work, with colleagues, with friends, and over the phone.
By the time the wife comes back from work, she probably would have done about ten thousand words as well. But, you see, she still has about fifteen thousand words bubbling in her entrails that she wants to unleash on her husband, children, and anybody available.
Now, this is the reason all the man wants to do is eat, listen to the news, check emails, have Jeru trip, and sleep! This is also the reason why your wife wants to talk a lot and explain a lot of things that the husband deems unnecessary!
So when a man asks his wife, “how was work today?” Bam! That question will be well answered with every detail of what happened since she drove out in the morning while the husband is wondering, ‘Why did I ask this question. What did I ask, what am I hearing?” You need to understand this need of ladies.
It is also the reason why many husbands doze off while the wife keeps talking. And then she asks, “Are you sleeping already,” and you tell a “holy” lie, “no I am listening, dear!”
Now, it becomes even more intense when your wife has not started work or she is a housewife! My God, the words are piling up, day in day out, they are being carried over!
This is why as a man, you should sit down with her and talk to her deliberately. Ever wondered why some ladies would be in a relationship with drivers, cooks, and gardeners, and so on, well the reason is obvious. They need to talk and they talk with whoever gives a listening ear.
This is why you also need to avoid strife like a plague in your matrimonial home. If you have not been talking to your spouse for days or weeks, that can be dangerous. You are inflating her vulnerabilities because she will find somebody else to talk to, and God forbids that the allegiance shifts!
But what if she offended me and she is wrong? Well, end the strife first, even when you have to apologize for what you didn’t do, then after that, you can discuss intelligently.
Ladies are to note, however, that expression of yourself in your matrimonial home as healthy as it is has boundaries. When you cross the line to the dangerous milieu of “Nagging” it can be very counter-productive!
Talking with your husband is different from nagging him!
As singles, if you are being muted already, something is not quite right. If communication is defective, slow down and find out why rather than ignore all the symptoms and rush into marriage only to discover it is a mistake!
Singles, never say to your fiancé/fiancée these two words: “Shut up!”
If a lady “shuts up for you and you think you won, you are joking!” Ever seen molten magma before? That is what it is like when a woman shuts up every time. The day the volcanic eruption comes forth, it can be disastrous. Be wise, keep the communication line open. Stop saying you are busy and that is why you have not called her in one week! What is your phone meant for? When you love a person, you want to talk with that person! Single ladies, there is a difference between courting a guy and courting disaster.
When a guy has not called you once in three months, the truth is that you are not in a relationship. Move on with your life, be happy, develop new friendships, and don’t allow anybody to keep your life suspended.
May God grant more understanding!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am wise. I have the wisdom to run my relationship and make her happy.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Ask for divine wisdom to make your fiancee happy
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Proverbs 19:14, KJV “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Make her happy
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Prov 19
by Sylvester Obinna | Aug 1, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
You should learn to take care of your parents. Yes, your parents! The two people that certainly know how to drive you mad. Adults with a boatload of rules, commands, and restrictions. They tell you to clean your room, wash dishes, sweep floors, don’t watch TV, and then say it’s their house and their rules.
They were never teenagers, right? One day they just ballooned into adults straight from infancy. What do they know about being a teenager? They are not nice, right?
Relax. Your parents love you very much and want the best for you. That’s why they put up all the restrictions and laws. Sure, it drives you nuts, but it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s for your own good. So you should learn to care of your parents.
They want to build you into a person with a well-balanced personality, character, and mindset. Their actions help you steer off some life issues that could mar your chances of living a very productive and peaceful life.
So, the next time Mummy or daddy says to you “wash your clothes often”, know that it’s for your own good. They don’t want you to be a dirty person. When your clothes reek of sweat and are dirty, people will not want to associate with you and you could get teased or mocked at school by your mates. This could affect your self-esteem, making you withdraw from others. You see that? So you parents love you, and so you should take care of your parents.
Even the Bible encourages us to keep clean as it portrays the state of our hearts before God.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Wash and make yourselves clean. Isaiah 1:16 NIV.
Again the Bible tells you to obey and honor your parents that it might be well with you. This also translates to taking care of your parents.
Ephesians 6:2-3 GW “Honor your father and mother, that everything may go well for you, and you may have a long life on earth.” This is an important commandment with a promise.
God bless you well as you do so. Amen.
Prayer:
Almighty Father, help me to honor my parents by listening and obeying them. Help me to understand that all they do is for my own good. Amen.
Action Plan:
Take time to appreciate God for your parents and seek to understand them, and seek to take care of your parents.
Declaration:
My children are full of gratitude. They know and value us as their parents.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | Aug 1, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Finally, we have come to the end of our discussion about love languages. Every husband should have been able to discover to a large extent what his wife’s love language is by now.
You must have discovered that the way you speak your wife’s language is by speaking her love language. It is the language she understands.
God is not an author of confusion, so God would have put on your inside the ability to speak this language which is your wife’s love language. How often you speak this love is how often your wife feel loved. The extent to which you stubbornly refuse to speak this love language is the extent to which your wife feels unloved. So if you want your wife to feel unloved, you can go ahead and not speak her language. But if you are tired of quarrels and you want to experience peace in your home and life, then you have to learn these love languages and speak them.
The five love languages are:
1. Words of affirmation
2. Quality time
3. Service
4. Gifts
5. Physical touch
We are looking at the last love language which is:
5. Physical touch
Here, the wife loves you to touch her. She feels connected to you when you touch affectionately. You must learn to hold her hands whether in public or in private.
Research has found out that there is a number of touches you give a woman daily and this will prolong her life span.
A husband who instead of touching his wife complains that she is immature is not being smart. He is only pulling trouble by the hands. Your touch must be meaningful. It does not have to be sexual, but meaningful.
Your touch must be special and mean more to your wife at all times. It must communicate love, tenderness, hope, appreciation, fondness, care, security, friendship, companionship, togetherness, spiritual covering, playfulness, thoughtfulness, blessing and all the good things you can think of.
Another aspect of physical touch is praying for your wife. Each husband must learn to hold hands with his wife and pray. There is the power of agreement when you hold hands and pray. He should also lay his hands on her head and proclaim and release blessing.
You have not touched your wife in days except when it comes to jeru trip, it does not work that way.You should be able to sit down side by side, hold hands and even kiss in public.
If your wife has her love tank filled up, she will not be tempted with looking elsewhere for love. This will eliminate to a large extent the problem of infidelity.
Satisfy your wife by speaking her love language to the best of your ability and stop complaining that she is difficult. No woman is difficult. Her love language is like her password. Once you know it and use it, you have her doing everything you want.
Love covers a multitude of sins. That means when you learn to speak your wife’s love language, that action covers up her sins even if they are many. You don’t have to see your wife’s sin, just focus on speaking her language.
God bless your marriage
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am the most loving husband to my wife
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father, open thou the eyes of my understanding in Jesus name.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Son 4:11 Thy lips, O [my] spouse, drop [as] the honeycomb: honey and milk [are] under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments [is] like the smell of Lebanon.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Speak your wife’s love language
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Micah 2
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Aug 1, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 4 minutes
God hates divorce. It is not always God’s best option.
Here is the scripture:
“I hate divorce,” says the God of Israel. God-of-the-Angel-Armies says, “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage.” So watch yourselves. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t cheat. Mal.2:16 MSG
I must however be quick to say that there are genuine instances where divorce is recommended. God intends that a man and woman should be in marriage as long as they are alive, but He has also made exceptions and this is what we want to look at from the scriptures.
When people remarry under the circumstances that we will be looking at, they should not entertain any condemnation again from the devil.
1. The Question of Marital unfaithfulness
The first exception for divorce that God made has to do with unfaithfulness. This has to do with adulterous sin or any other sexual sin.
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery:and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. (Matthew 5:32 KJV)
When there is marital unfaithfulness and sexual sin is involved, the marriage covenant is broken. As a result of this, the other spouse is freed. There have been cases where the spouse is willing to forgive and move on especially in instances where he or she has indirectly contributed to the spouses’ infidelity. But in cases where the spouse is unrepentant from the unfaithfulness, divorce becomes valid.
The reasons are obvious. A man or woman who is sexually and unrepentantly promiscuous can bring home a sexually transmitted disease. This cannot be God’s will. I once watched a documentary of seven women who all tested positive to HIV and the disease was already at an advanced stage. In each of the instances, the woman had been faithful, but had been unfortunately married to an unfaithful man who transmitted the disease! They faced their deaths because they were married to sexually irresponsible men!
2. The Question of Abandonment or Desertion
The next scenario is when the spouse is unsaved and really wants to end the marriage. This often plays out by the uninterested spouse walking away from the marriage and abandoning his or her spouse. In such cases, the spouse is not obligated to stay.
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. (1 Corinthians 7:15 KJV)
When the person abandoned gets remarried, it is not considered adultery. I have had to handle cases where some women’s husbands have abandoned them for upward of ten years! The emotional trauma and sense of isolation is tremendous and some of such women have gone on to become women of easy virtue because of the obvious vulnerability. When a spouse walks away for some five to seven years, something is definitely wrong somewhere. He keeps promising he is going to come back, but he might never! You need to answer the questions above.
3. The Question of Intense brutality which can be physical, mental, and or sexual abuse
This is another valid reason for divorce. It is not easy to live with a man who you are not sure of his love for you. Having to live in the same house with a man who can strangle you and end your life before daylight can be very crushing. When either spouse has been brutalized, this is often seen as equivalent to ‘desertion.’ It is often called constructive desertion.
When your life is no longer safe, when you have been battered over and over again, it is not worth it in such marriages. Not a few women have lost their lives in the hands of abusive spouses. If your spouse attacks you physically and then apologizes and stops, please kindly embrace him back. It is not appropriate to jump to a conclusion and head for divorce because of a mistake he makes after you aggravated him.
But talking candidly to men, never raise your hand against your wife. It is not manly and it is not godly. That woman was given to you so that you can protect her, not end her life. I know some ladies can be very sharp-mouthed and extremely rude, but when you see her as one with you, you will patiently resolve all issues rather than resort to violence.
When your spouse forces you into sexual sins and into perversions, don’t keep quiet. Seek help and seek counsel. Ask him questions.
In conclusion, I will still tell you that divorce is never the best! Do all you can to fight for your marriage until it becomes absolutely impossible to continue in that marriage! This also means that such flimsy excuses as irreconcilable differences, lack of love, incompatibility, different career goals, and so on are not valid grounds for divorce.
For singles, you can prevent divorce by not rushing into a marriage with a man you don’t know. You don’t go into marriage haphazardly; you go into it deliberately, intentionally, and consciously following God’s plan and injunctions.
Happy new month!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I ask the right questions.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, help me to ask the right questions
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Mal 2:15 (GW) Didn’t God make you one? Your flesh and spirit belong to him. And what does the same God look for but godly descendants? So be careful not to be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Ask questions.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Mal 2
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | Jul 31, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Yea, we are getting close to the end of discussing love languages and I hope you are getting blessed. If you have questions you may ask and at the end of the topic we will try and answer them.
It bears repetition, that it is the husband’s responsibility to love his wife. God commanded the husband to love his wife. What God commanded the wife is to respect and honor her husband.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Maybe it is because naturally, a wife loves her husband. What is not natural is for a husband to love. Men find it more difficult to show or express love. Women find it easy to love but difficult to respect. So God says focus on what is unnatural with you to do and get better at it as I give you strength. It is not going to be easy but once you are prepared to love your wife and ask God for strength, He will give you.
Your wife will sense love when you speak any one of these love languages. There will be one or at most two of these languages that will readily resonate with your wife. Be very tactical in discovering which one it is and start speaking it.
Note, it is not that you cannot express love by using any one of these languages, but we are looking at the one that best describes your wife’s love language.
The 5 love languages are:
1. Words of affirmation
2. Quality time
3. Service
4. Gifts
5. Physical touch
We will look at the next one.
4. Gifts
In this love language, you have to be a giver and enjoy it. If this is your wife’s primary love language. It is a love language for the giving husband or let’s say the thoughtful husband. Even though not all rich husband express their love in this way. It is advisable to show your wife love this way if you want her full cooperation.
Here, the gift does not have to be expensive. It just has to be a gift. A box of chocolate, a bar of candy, something for her hair, a roll-on, soap, perfume, earrings and the list goes on and on.
However, the gift needs to be thoughtful. Your wife can’t need a perfume and you buy her a knife. It is not just buying anything. There are appropriate gifts and inappropriate gifts. There are also gifts that speak volumes and the ones that are casual gifts. There are gifts that show your thoughtfulness and there are gifts that reveal your absent mindedness.
You should not buy your wife a gift and you buy a shoe three times short her size. You buy a winter jacket in summer. It has to be meaningful, useful and thoughtful.
If your wife’s love language is expressed by giving her gifts, then it has to be consistent. Buy her gifts regularly, not once in a blue moon. Don’t let her receive one gift now and have to pray in tongues for months before you buy her another. Let it be as consistent as it can be especially since it is not expensive. It is better not to be expensive but consistent than expensive but inconsistent.
Let her special days not end without you buying her a gift. Your gifts mean so much to her. Each time she uses it or sees them, she is happy to know that you bought them for her.When she thinks of how many gifts you have bought for her, let her feel grateful to God for you. Her love tank is full, knowing that you love her.
God bless your marriage
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will love my wife consistently
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father, empower me, to love my wife consistently.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Pro 18:16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Buy a gift for your wife today
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
2 Chronicles 27
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | Jul 31, 2021 | Singles
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Why is this so important? If you don’t love yourself, it is not possible for any other person to love you the way they should. They will only be using you rather. It is important to deal with this. You have to love yourself. You have to accept yourself. Loving yourself is key!
1. Discover your potentials
One of the ways to love yourself and overcome self-hate is to discover your potentials. If you have not discovered your potentials, you will keep on comparing yourself to another, who in the real sense may be envying you! Your gifting and natural talents are an indication of your potentials and a pointer to your purpose in life! You have to discover what you are created for.
Listen to me, when you discover your potential and the reason you are on this earth, you will love yourself. All the negative feelings of self-hate and self-rejection will vapourize! Nobody is created for fun. We are all created for a purpose!
Your potential or natural talents may not even be in vogue now, but just stay with it! That is part of loving yourself.
In the seventies and early eighties when we go out to play football, our parents would reprimand us and tell us to go and read our books! Today, parents are buying footballs, and telling their wards, you must know how to play this thing! Why? Footballers are heavily paid today!
Some twenty years back, comedy is not a profession as it were in Nigeria. Today, they make millions in the hour! What are your natural talents? You’ve got to discover them because that is where your prosperity is!
2. Develop your potential
After you have discovered your potential, the next thing to do is to develop it. Organise your potential for productivity. Equip your potential for profit. How do you do that? Get information about your potential, gifts or talents. Read books on them. Get all you need on it and be adequately informed.
3. Deploy your potentials
The next thing to do is to package your potential and deploy it. Step out on it! Start something today. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step! Stick out your neck and move on! A wet swimmer is better than a dry boat-sitter!
4. Be passionate about what you do
Be passionate about your assignment. You see, when you are busy with all these, you will not have time for self-hate or self-rejection or not loving yourself appropriately. The proof of desire is always in your pursuit.
A young man that wakes up by 9.00am has woken up too late. By that time, several people have made their first million for the day! Approach life with passion. Commit to your potential. Write the vision and make it plain that he that readeth may run with it. After you have prayed and prayed, then step out so that God can bless the works of your hands.
Don’t be like the pastor who wanted to organise a crusade. He prayed like no man’s business. Morning, afternoon and night, he was praying and groaning. But he didn’t make a single flier neither was he on T.V or Radio! So on the day of the crusade, all of heaven was aware, but nobody knew except him on earth. The result? The crusade ground was jam-packed with angels, but not a singe human! Warrior angels, praise angels and so many were there, because heaven was aware. But not a single human being knew! Even though he has prayed, and made tremendous power available, his spiritual efforts were not complimented with adequate publicity.
You see, if God will help you, you must be doing something for him to help!
Don’t be like a man who wants to get married but has no job and has no intention of getting one. The wife is supposed to be a help-meet. So, what was she coming to help you with?
5. Be full of praise
Finally be full of praise. Be grateful to God for the gift of life! Why would you complain about a simple headache? Don’t you know that it is only people that have heads that can have headache? So thank God for giving you a head first!
You got depressed because your result in school was not that good? Don’t you know the other child whose destiny has been retired to selling and hawking oranges is wishing that he had the kind of opportunity you have? You are sad because you are not yet married? Thank God for your time of singleness and enjoy it because some married people wish they can just be single again to correct a lasting mistake!
It is when you come to God with an attitude of praise, that the heavens open over you to satisfy the desire of your heart!
Wake up with praise and gratefulness in your heart and not with complaints and murmurings. Go to bed thanking God for the day and not with emotions of regret. Then, you are qualified for God’s hand upon you afresh and you can love yourself the way God loves you.
Shalom!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I love myself. I am loving in my approach.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, teach me how to love and appreciate myself
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Psalms 90:14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Be loving to yourself by taking yourself out
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
PS 90
by Sylvester Obinna | Jul 31, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Words have power! The power of words can be readily seen in the story of creation, and in our lives too. Let’s look at a brief story of Amaka. Amaka scanned the sea of faces about her as she made her way to the assembly ground. It was her first day at the new school. She put on her best smile as the students passed her, hoping for a familiar face.
“Lord, let me find just one person that I know,” she prayed.
Suddenly someone in a hurry rushed past her and she fell to the ground. She looked at her bleeding knees and felt an ache around her ankle. How was she going to use the power of words?
“This was going to be hard,” she told herself as she got up.
“I hate this school!” she blurted out. “Why did mom even pick it for me?”
The bible makes us understand the immense power of our words. The power of words is real; see what the Scriptures say –
Prov. 13:2 “Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys his life.” (GNB)
This verse cautions us to watch what we say as our words are so powerful to create what we say. Our words can make or break us. What we say is what we see and become. The words you speak have an impact on your life.
The more you keep complaining about a situation, the more it worsens; that’s the power of words. Rather, choose to say positive words about it. You don’t deny that there is a problem, but you choose to look at it through positive lenses.
Use words that show you believe the situation will get better and won’t last forever. You have to keep believing that and let your actions show you believe. Learn to use the power of words to your advantage.
Amaka could have said “I am grateful that my parents are giving me an education. I will meet and make nice, God-fearing friends here. Things will work out well for me.”
This way, she’s is not focusing on what she doesn’t like about the school but rather, choosing to believe that she won’t find it rough there.
Finally, she could have just prayed about it to God. Prayer, also, is how you can exercise the power of words.
So, when next you feel like complaining about a situation or someone, remember to choose your words wisely.
God bless and keep your words safe. Amen
Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for your grace that helps me speak wisely. I will continually speak positive, pleasant, and life-giving words as from today. In Jesus name. Amen.
Action plan:
What areas have you been speaking negatively about? Write as many as you can remember or know. Start to speak positively about them.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Sylvester Obinna | Jul 30, 2021 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
It is important that our children learn how to give. Let’s start by looking at that Scripture in Psalms that talks about how we have been wonderfully made.
Ps 139:14, KJV I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
The bible tells us that we are wonderfully and beautifully made by God. Can you imagine yourself as beautiful and wonderful? Do you see yourself as ordinary? Do you see yourself as someone with no talent or gift, with nothing to give or share with others?
God couldn’t have made you so beautiful and wonderful then leave you empty. No. You are a masterpiece from the Creator’s hands, so you must learn how to give. Even the stones He created give praise to His name when you admire them. When you look at the rainbow in the sky and smile, you are praising God
Your Creator didn’t create you without something to give. No one should complain that they have nothing to give. You have something to give. It could be a thing or an action.
You have a lot to give, children. More than you can ever imagine. You could give out your clothes if you’ve outgrown them, your toys, shoes, or books. Do you know that your smile could be a gift to someone who is down and just needs someone to notice and smile at them? You should learn how to give.
Your time is also a gift you can give to teach a friend or classmate who is struggling to understand lessons at school.
Praying for others is another thing you can give. You can pray for your parents, guardians, friends, siblings, pastor, teachers, neighbours, classmates, and so on.
Helping your parents or guardians at home is another good way to use your time; therefore learn how to give by helping your parents.
Whatever it is you plan to give to others, ensure you tell your parents or guardians.
God bless you as you give. Amen.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for how you made me. I am glad that I have more than I give. Teach me new ways to give to others. I learn how to give. Enable me to be a giver, to the glory of your name, Amen.
Declaration:
My children learn to give. They do not withhold more than necessary.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | Jul 30, 2021 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
I am devoting a lot of time on these love languages because it is a key element in having a fulfilling marriage. Once you understand your spouse’s love language and the God factor is involved in your marriage, at least, a large percentage of understanding yourselves and loving yourselves is guaranteed.
When you understand your wife’s love language and endeavor to speak it, half of the marital issues are solved.
When you love your wife the way she wants to be loved, you will see a new radiance on her. Then she will blossom, she will be more responsive, more cooperative and supportive. She will have more energy and her creative juice will be more alive.
She will be happy and the home will be more calm and peaceful. Your wife will be that joyful wife you have always dreamt she will be. There will be unity among you and you will be able to fulfill God’s mandate of one chasing one hundred and two of you chasing ten thousand.
The 5 love languages are:
- Words of affirmation
- Quality time and Attention
- Acts of Service
- Gifts
- Physical touch
Let’s look at another love language today.
3. Acts of Service
This is a beautiful way of showing that you care and love your wife. But don’t try to speak this love language if this is not your wife’s love language. A wife may get irritated at your wanting to help her do her “duties”.
A wife may frown at the idea of her husband coming to the kitchen or cooking dinner. She may even put up a fight, saying that her husband thinks she is a lazy brat that cannot cook. She may even say her husband thinks her food is not sweet.
Any woman that feels that way, definitely her love language is not acts of service or maybe she prefers the acts of service in another way. You will know it is your wife’s love language when she demands that you help her do stuffs.
She will always call on you to help her do things, unlike the wife who has all the energy and will do everything so that even if you want to help, there is nothing to help with.
You communicate love to a wife whose love language is acts of service by doing things for her. You help her with dishes, the kids, laundry, throwing the trash, cleaning the house, cooking, packing her clothes and everything that she needs help for.
Here, the husband must enjoy helping her before she can sense love. If you are too busy, you have to employ people that can help her out. In her frustration, she may cry out that she is slaving herself for you.
Some wives are satisfied when you do things for them. They don’t even want gifts as such. Once you are doing things for her, she’s okay.
God bless your marriage.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am becoming a loving husband
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father, teach me to understand my wife.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Eph 5:25-26 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pay attention to loving your wife
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Amos 6- 9
