Isa 60:22 (KJV) A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
Welcome to your best season yet. Welcome to the dawn of a new era that promises to be the best you’ve ever experienced on this side of the world.
Welcome to the year when significant events will occur rapidly in your favour!
Whenever God wants to communicate with His people, He sends them a message.
Well, we have the privilege and a rare opportunity to have received a prophetic instruction for the church, the ministry, and by extension to everyone who identifies with us in Kisses and Huggs Club and in Shouts of Grace Center.
Wow! The instructions are incredibly simple.
God has been incredibly gracious in revealing that 2025 will be a fantastic year for all of us. To manifest this, He has given us a daily commitment of one hour to Him in prayer and praise.
Essentially, we will be raising storms of prayer and praise to God daily! We will dedicate 30 minutes of our morning prayers to a “prayer storm” and 30 minutes of our nighttime prayers to a “praise storm.” We have named this initiative the Global Prayer and Praise Storm (GPPS).
You can join Prayer Storm and Praise Storm using these permanent links.
Prayer Storm begins at 6:00 AM WAT, followed by Praise Storm at 9:00 PM WAT.
Glory to God! It’s the last day of 2024, and what an awesome God we serve. His mercy has kept us through thick and thin. Despite all the economic predictions and challenges, you and I are still here. Yes, you may not have received answers to every prayer, but I’m certain you’ve received blessings you didn’t even pray for.
As we prepare to step into 2025 in grand style, I want to encourage you to do just one thing: focus on what God has done. It is that simple. Take a moment to reflect on His goodness in 2024. Shift your focus away from what you think hasn’t been done.
You see, the devil’s strategy is to keep us preoccupied with analyzing our unanswered prayers. The more we dwell on those, the more worried, angry, and even depressed we become.
Psalm 73:2-5 (MSG) But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have it made, who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.
Isn’t it interesting that the wicked seem to have no worries, while we as believers often become experts at worrying? Stop looking the other way. Stop comparing yourself to those who seem to have “made it.” Stop fixating on those who are married or those whose lives seem perfect.
So, what should you do instead?
Psalm 73:17 (MSG) “Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture.”
Enter the sanctuary of God—the sacred place where His presence dwells and worry disappears. Imagine standing in front of God Himself. Would you be thinking about your failed business? Would it matter that you’re still unmarried on the last day of the year? Or would your attention be fixed on Him, knowing that all your worries can end instantly?
Step into God’s sanctuary through praise and prayer. Set your gaze on the Master, and let His presence fill your heart.
Let me give you a reason to be thankful: Do you know that over 62 million people have died globally in 2024 alone? Yet you are not part of that statistic. Isn’t that a good reason to thank God?
Here’s another reason:
Psalm 136:1 (KJV) O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The word “mercy” has many meanings, one of which is God withholding punishment. Imagine what would happen if God withdrew His mercy. You wouldn’t even be reading this article right now! Let’s not forget how many promises we made to God this year and failed to keep. Yet, His mercy remains.
Rather than sulking over what hasn’t been done, why not focus on what has? Reflect on God’s faithfulness, and let gratitude fill your heart.
May God grant you a deeper understanding as you enter this new year. Amen.
What are you most grateful to God for as we wrap up the year? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
There’s something truly special about being on God’s side. You can achieve effortless victory when others are succumbing to defeat or falling.
As we look ahead to the coming year, it’s hard not to feel uneasy. The global economic situation is not a cause for celebration. All signs point to a challenging and uncertain future.
However, you are aware that the scriptures have already foretold us about these challenging times.
Isa 60:1-2 (KJV) Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. [2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
You are to arise and shine!
Don’t be afraid or let trepidation hold you back. The darker it gets, the brighter your light shines!
I particularly love the Amplified Version.
Isa 60:1-2 (AMPC) ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! [2] For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you.
You can rise to a new life in the coming days! You have the opportunity to transform your life in the coming days!
How do you stand tall when others are falling? How do you maintain your composure when others are losing their footing?
Psa 20:7-8 (KJV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. [8] They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
It is where you put your trust that matters!
Don’t join others in trusting in chariots, horses, man-made solutions, and inventions; rather, put your trust in God!
These are the times to remember the name of the Lord!
Take these Prayer Points:
I will not fall in Jesus’ name
My light will shine and will never be put out in Jesus’ name
Lord, teach me and grant me the grace to always trust in you, in Jesus’ name!
Get ready—2025 is going to be a year of miracles! Big things are coming and as believers, we must position ourselves to receive the blessings and prepare for the miracle ahead.
See what the Bible says:
Amos 9:13 (MSG) “Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree. “Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills.”
However, there must be some preparations before that can take place. No farmer plants a seed without first preparing the soil. Hence, part of this preparation is through GPPS—our covenant time of Prayer and Praise in 2025.
Praise is a powerful weapon and Prayer is another mighty tool. When combined, these two ignite heaven’s response!
Let’s look at Paul and Silas and see the impact of prayer and praise
Acts 16:25-26 (KJV) “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”
If one night of prayer and praise could deliver Paul and Silas, imagine what 365 days of intentional worship and intercession can do!
Every morning, we’ll come together for 30 minutes of heartfelt prayer and we’ll spend 30 minutes lifting our hearts in joyful praise each evening. Find all the details about GPPSHERE.
Have you been facing delays you can’t explain? Does it feel like your prayers go unanswered? Are you longing for breakthroughs that shake the very foundations of your challenges?
Then this is your time to step into something extraordinary. Join us as we launch into 2025 with GPPS and position yourself for the earth-shaking miracles you’ve been waiting for.
Your testimony is just around the corner.
Wishing you a blessed Sunday and don’t forget to attend church today!
There are many secrets to being blessed, all encapsulated in God’s word.
However, I’d like to share one of them with you this morning!
Let’s examine the scripture.
2Sa 6:11 (KJV) And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.
The ark of the Lord here was why the house of Obededom was being blessed.
God has given us express instruction for the coming year on Kisses and Huggs Club and in Shouts of Grace Center!
This is what we have started in the mornings with Prayer Storm and in the evenings with Praise Storm.
We are building an ark unto the Lord with our daily prayers and praise. This is why I encourage you to participate in what we are doing on Global Prayer and Praise Storms (GPPS).
It is a covenant to PRAY in the mornings (30 Mins) and PRAISE in the nights (30 Mins)
The Prayer and Praise sessions are also available afterward on YouTube because of different time zones.
Let us come together and build this ark together! Go to kissesandhuggs.org to learn more.
Let’s delve into another scripture to explore the significance of having an ark in our lives.
2Sa 6:12 (KJV) And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.
Look at that. The Lord blessed his house and all that pertain unto him!
This is what I pray for you in the coming year!
May God bless you and bless all that pertain unto you in Jesus’ name!
Pray these prayers:
O Ark of Glory, come into my tabernacle after the order of Obed-Edom, in Jesus name
I receive grace and strength to pray and praise daily in the coming year through Global Prayer and Praise storms in Jesus’ name
Lord, let your ark rest in my house and my abode in Jesus’ name!
I adore the word “ability”! It’s a potent word that embodies boundless possibilities with grace. However, when the word “disability” or “disabled” is used, it instantly conveys a sense of weakness and negativity!
An able man is what every woman wants!
However, the narrative even gets stronger when the reference is God.
One such reference can be found here:
2Co 9:8 (KJV) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
We are aware of God’s immense power and His ability to perform both great deeds and undo them. However, does He possess the power to intervene in our lives and bring about positive change?
The good news is that God is indeed capable of doing so!
Well, good news. God is able!
What is He able to do?
He is able to make all grace abound. This refers to abundance, a place of overflow, and more than enough.
Let’s check the Passion Translation:
2Co 9:8 (TPT) Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything—every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do. He is going to overwhelm you with every form of grace!
And you’ll be blessed with an abundance of everything you desire!
He’ll shower you with prosperity in every righteous endeavor you undertake!
Isn’t that incredible?
In Jesus’ name, you will have an abundant and overflowing experience in the coming year! You will not lack anything; you will not be in a state of panic or chaos.
Pray the following three prayers:
Pray that every aspect of your business, career, job, or ministry will yield abundant fruit in Jesus’ name.
Confess by faith the flow of new ideas, visions, and breakthroughs.
Pray for the wisdom to take action that will result in blessing and abundance!
Most believers live as if they have already lost the victory, particularly when it comes to living above sin.
Many people are still bound by immorality, which explains why they constantly feel defeated.
But what is the reality? Well, the reality is that we are not defeated!
Let us dive into the scriptures.
Rom 6:14 (KJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
This is unequivocally stated!
For sin shall not have dominion….
How more reassuring can it sound?
Let’s explore other translations.
Read the various versions to allow the revelations of victory over sin to sink in.
(AMPC) For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you…
(CEV) Don’t let sin keep ruling your lives…
(GNB) Sin must not be your master…
(GW) Certainly, sin shouldn’t have power over you…
(MSG) Sin can’t tell you how to live…
(TPT) Remember this: sin will not conquer you…
(Yoruba OCB) Nítorí ẹ̀ṣẹ̀ kì yóò tún ní ipá lórí yín mọ́…
The significance of this scripture lies in the fact that you possess the power to control sin, particularly sexual sins!
The next time you encounter a temptation, remember that you don’t have to succumb or yield to it!
You don’t give in to something you have already conquered!
You are not the conquered; you are the conqueror!
Sin attempts to dictate your life, impose its will upon you, and insist on what you should and shouldn’t do.
But The Message Translation of that verse says;
(MSG) Sin can’t tell you how to live…
I absolutely adore that!
Jesus guides me towards a righteous life, not towards sin.
I don’t have to succumb to the allure or the manipulations of sin.
You are no longer defeated by sin. You are no longer a weakling when it comes to resisting the natural inclinations of the flesh and the temptations of sin.
David, a formidable warrior and a field marshal in every sense, fought numerous battles and emerged victorious in almost all of them.
But he experienced moments of intense emotional turmoil, reaching his lowest point.
One such instance occurred when his biological son attempted to seize his throne.
What happened? Did Absalom chase him away from his throne? Yes, he did.
Psa 3:1-2 (KJV) A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. [2] Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
He was down as he attested that many others joined Absalom in the rebellion. He recounted how many people abandoned him, and even some people claimed that God had forsaken him and refused to assist him.
Have you ever experienced situations where it felt like those closest to you betrayed your trust? Have you been disappointed by people you considered trustworthy?
Well, let me tell you about David. He prayed a prayer that I’d like to share with you!
Psa 3:3 (KJV) But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
There are four things in that one verse:
Relationship with God: But thou, O LORD God, My protection: Art a shield for me; God, my glory: My Glory God, lifter up of my head: The lifter up of mine head.
Whatever challenges you’re facing, God will be there for you! Whenever you’re going through a stormy time, pray that prayer and God will show up for you!
Let’s take a look at The Passion Translation.
Psa 3:3 (TPT) But in the depths of my heart I truly know that you, Yahweh, have become my Shield; You take me and surround me with yourself. Your glory covers me continually. You lift high my head when I bow low in shame.
Do you know what part I love the most? You take me and surround me with yourself!”
In the remaining days of this month and the days ahead, God will envelop you with His divine presence! What else would you need apart from that? Walk into the coming days with that assurance that “God surrounds me!”
I’ve often been asked how I can tell if a guy is the right person for me.
How do I know if a woman is the ideal partner to share a lifetime with?
After dating someone a few times, how can I identify if they’re a good fit for me?
What are the key indicators that a relationship has the potential to be successful?
Let’s take a look at the scripture.
Isa 8:20 To the law and the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Wow! Their speech! That’s the telltale sign!
The Bible says that if their words don’t align with God’s word or are abusive, it’s because they lack inner light.
When they have this light, they’ll speak in accordance with His teachings and commands.
Here, “light” refers to understanding!
From their speech, you can discern their stance!
For instance, a man who distorts the Bible to justify his immoral actions lacks illumination. The absence of light is why they are unable to speak according to God’s word.
Furthermore, when there is no apparent light, you have no right to associate yourself with darkness, even in the slightest way.
Jhn 8:12 (MSG) Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”
Take a look at another scripture:
2Co 6:14 (MSG) Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark?
It’s simple: run away from every form of darkness.
In Jesus’ name, I pray that God will guide and direct you.
For couples, God’s light in your marriage will never fade or extinguish.
The most crucial element in relationships and marriages is perhaps direction.
Knowing who to date.
Knowing who to go out with.
Knowing who to get married to.
Knowing where to settle down.
Knowing what kind of career path, job, or business endeavor to pursue.
Knowing how many children to go for.
The list goes on and it’s endless.
The greatest secret of resounding success is the direction and knowing specifically what to do.
We know that there is a template or blueprint that God has for us individually and for our relationships and marriages. Plugging into this specific template eliminates most issues that might arise.
How do we get to a place where God directs our paths?
That is what I want to show you this morning.
Pro 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
The greatest enemy of having God direct us is twofold from the above verse:
~ When you don’t trust God with all your heart
~ When you lean or depend on your understanding.
The next verse tells us precisely what to do.
Pro 3:6 (KJV) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Did you see that? Acknowledge Him in all your ways and the next thing is that He will direct your paths!
How do you acknowledge God in all your ways, especially in relationships and marriages?
Put Him first place in your life. Put His Word first place and honour that Word by reading and studying regularly.
Talk to Him before every decision, both minor and major decisions! Let Him be involved all the way.
When you include God this way, He promises that He will direct your paths.
As I close, let us take a look at that same verse in The Amplified Version:
Pro 3:6 (AMPC) In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
I pray that God will direct your paths indeed! He will give you the wisdom needed to be able to acknowledge Him in all your ways!
The fact that God Himself instituted marriage is enough reason that your marriage will be great if you cooperate with Him.
He originated and instituted it. It was His idea, he was the one who said:
Gen 2:18 (KJV) And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
God started the idea of marriage. It is wise to consult Him all the way! He has the template. He owns the blueprint. Forget about being romantic, go after His wisdom if you want to have a great relationship or marriage.
2. Go for knowledge
It is not enough to be a Christian or a believer, you have to go for knowledge in the place of marriage!
In schools, you learn, graduate, and get a certificate. In marriage, you get a certificate on the day you resume, and then the learning begins. You never graduate; you keep learning, and you must be open to learning and adjusting all the way. In marriage, you cannot insist on your own!
3. Get Mentors
Who is your relationship mentor? Who is your marriage mentor? This is important to avoiding the tormentors of life!
Those who have been married for several years have done what you are trying to do! It is a lot of wisdom to have somebody you are talking to!
Beware of an intending spouse who has no authority figure over him or her!
That is not a good sign!
4. Don’t joke with Prayers
The last reason I want to discuss today to ensure you have a great relationship or marriage has to do with prayers.
Pray very well and pray very hard!
Pray at all times committing your ways unto the Lord!
Acknowledge God in your prayers concerning your decisions!
Pro 3:6 (KJV) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
As the year winds down, one of your greatest desires should be a fresh start in your relationship or marriage!
What the devil wants for you is to be crushed and unable to move, to give up and tap out!
However, God would always give a fresh start to as many as desired.
In God, our mistakes can be turned into miracles!
So, one of the things I would like to write to you this morning is to tell you that irrespective of the mistakes you have made in the past months, you should not give up on God or yourself.
There is a fresh start!
In the scriptures, one of God’s most loved humans disappointed God and got intertwined with a triple crime: adultery, deception, and Murder!
The deception was so much hilding to his jugular that it took God sending a prophet to point out the evil he had done!
But I like what he did in Psalm 51. The whole chapter was about David repenting of his evil deeds.
I loved what he said in Verse 10:
Psa 51:10 (MSG) God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
He asked God to make a fresh start in his life!
I am sure you haven’t murdered anyone yet, and even if you have done so through an abortion or abortions, all God wants is for you to turn around, and He would embrace you!
Lord, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life!
You shouldn’t import that chaos into the coming year!
In verse 6, he said,
Psa 51:6 (MSG) What you’re after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.
That is what God is after! Truth! Come plain with God as David did and ask for His mercy!
My God will come through for you in that relationship or marriage! He will give you a fresh start in Jesus’ name!
Things have rapidly changed over time. The Gen Zs and Millenials will laugh at how we used to do this love thing, while old-school folk will find it ridiculous how Gen Zs do things in their attempt to love.
Here are a few differences.
1. Asking a lady out was done face to face. There were no mobile phones. A few would write letters starting with “Doxology to you”
Today, Gen Zs can do all these using the popular “WhatsApp chats”
This makes the whole love thing playful, and yes, that is what it has become.
2. We used to go before the Lord to seek His face concerning who to marry! Often, with fasting, patience, and waiting on God to give a definite instruction.
Today, people mostly simply choose who they want and then pray to God to approve their choice. People decide who they want by simply checking social media profiles and drawing conclusions from there.
I believe strongly that God wants to lead us and guide us and has preferences for us. We can find this in the place of prayer and seeking His face.
Most people have been married under the permissive will of God. When people insist on who they want before God, they mostly always end in His permissive will. However, the ultimate plan of God is that we get married under the perfect will of God.
3. Fornication was an action that was treated as a sin and with stiff penalties and punishments for those who could not zip their trouser.
Today, the word “fornication” is becoming too blunt and is being replaced with “getting to know one another.” Today, people use “sex” to greet one another and entertain each other. Sin has been normalized and democratized.
However, God’s word remains the same. His standards and his laws haven’t changed a bit.
Act 17:30 (KJV) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
I will conclude with the Message Translation:
Act 17:30-31 (MSG): “God overlooks it as long as you don’t know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he’s calling for a radical life-change. [31] He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead.”
I was at a meeting this past few days, and our father, Dr. Albert Femi Oduwole, was ministering. He quoted a scripture that really struck a chord. It will bless you.
2Sa 14:26 (KJV) And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight.
The scripture above referred to Absalom, who was the most handsome man in the Old Testament.
He would cut his hair at the end of every year because it had become heavy on him.
What is heavy on you that you are coping with? You are supposed to “poll” it.
Interestingly, the same hair was the point of his beauty. But that which is responsible for his beauty also became a point of weariness due to the heaviness.
How often have we found out that our point of giftings can often become a point of distraction, if left unpolled!
This is the end of the year! You need some polling to do!
The Amplified Bible calls it a burden!
2Sa 14:26 (AMPC) And when he cut the hair of his head, he weighed it–for at each year’s end he cut it, because its weight was a burden to him–and it weighed 200 shekels by the king’s weight.
Many of you are probably gifted and smart, but your weight has become too much of a burden!
The scripture rightly says:
Mat 11:28 (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
That hair that has grown over your relationship needs some polling. Some numbers need to be deleted. Some relationships need to be discarded. They have become a point of iniquity, and you know! Go get some barbing now!
Refuse to carry all demonic hair on your head! Do not allow any heaviness!
May God give you proper rest as you approach the coming year!
As the year winds down and the coming year beckons, I bring you a word of assurance that will anchor your soul in God.
Sometimes, we feel we are not married because of some enemies or mischief makers.
Those who are married often conclude that the strange battles they face, and the uniqueness of their experiences are caused by “village people!”
Sometimes, these singles and couples are correct, and sometimes, they are plain wrong!
But let us assume they are right. Okay?
What does the scripture say about enemies of our soul? Mischief makers. People who hate you for just being you and hate your guts. People you never offended but who disdain you for being alive. What does the Bible say about such enemies? Let us take a look.
Psa 7:15 (KJV) He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
Wow! Your enemy who made a pit will end up in their own pit!
I even love the way Message Translation puts it in verses 15 and 16
Psa 7:15 (MSG) See that man shoveling day after day, digging, then concealing, his man-trap down that lonely stretch of road? Go back and look again—you’ll see him in it headfirst, legs waving in the breeze.
The pit digger will end in the very pit he is digging for you!
Why would this happen?
Verse 16 tells us
Psa 7:16 (MSG) That’s what happens: mischief backfires; violence boomerangs.
Mischief will always backfire. Mischief makers will always end up in their handiwork.
Never join perceived enemies in their mischief. Never dig a pit because you think somebody else is doing that against you.
Shovels are not part of your armour!
So what should you be doing?
Vrsre 17 tells you what to do.
Psa 7:17 (MSG) I’m thanking God, who makes things right. I’m singing the fame of heaven-high GOD.
Keep thanking God and you will keep getting the victory!
God will make all things right for you.
Thankful lips will do much more than using shovels!
One of the Apostles who wrote extensively on marriage is Apostle Paul.
Interestingly, we are not sure whether Apostle Paul got married or not.
One thing we know for sure is that he was not married at the time of this writing. He was single!
1Co 7:27 (MSG) Are you married? Stay married. Are you unmarried? Don’t get married.
Why would Apostle Paul say this?
Let us dive into this.
1. Additional Stress
1Co 7:28 (MSG) But there’s certainly no sin in getting married, whether you’re a virgin or not. All I am saying is that when you marry, you take on additional stress in an already stressful time, and I want to spare you if possible.
He believed that getting married would bring some additional stress, which he believes is avoidable by remaining single! Just that you and I won’t listen!
2. It’s Complicated!
Apostle Paul believes that getting married will usher in some complications, which might make it more difficult to serve God.
1Co 7:32 (MSG) I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you’re unmarried, you’re free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master.
3. Demands on Attention
He believes your attention is totally divided because you must always please your spouse!
1Co 7:33-34 (MSG) Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, [34] leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God.
4. Marriage is not wrong!
He is not saying marriage is wrong. He is only encouraging singleness.
1Co 7:38 (MSG) Marriage is spiritually and morally right and not inferior to singleness in any way, although as I indicated earlier, because of the times we live in, I do have pastoral reasons for encouraging singleness.
5. One will chase a thousand, two ten thousand.
If you find a couple who are sincere, sacrificial, selfless, and love God, they will do more as couples than remain single!
Marriage is a blessing, but only for those who are ready to work it out!
Life is never in a straight or parallel line. There are times when we all don’t find it entertaining.
Times of distress will usually come.
What is our recommended way of responding to distress when overwhelmed with life?
Let us check the scriptures. There is an answer for every imbroglio we might encounter.
Psa 107:13 (KJV) Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
Times of trouble are not the times to panic or be filled with anxiety. It is not time to worry or be filled with trepidation. It is not time to complain or murmur. It is not time to withdraw from God or become numb to the love of God. It is not time to be filled with apathy and begin to reject God!
It is time to cry unto the Lord!
They cried unto the Lord… Not cry unto themselves… Not cry unto their family… But into the Lord. And that is very instructive.
Crying unto the Lord shows that you put your trust in Him and have faith that He can save, deliver, and settle you!
Crying unto the Lord shows that you don’t have any alternative besides God, which is what you call faith!
After calling unto the Lord, what did the scripture say?
…and he saved them out of their distresses.
Well, God will save you from every distress in Jesus’ name!
When there is a lot of stress, we become distressed!
But hear me this morning: God will save you from every distress!
Take a look at the message translation:
Psa 107:13 (MSG) Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time.
Is your condition desperate? God will get you out in time—he won’t be late! Believe, trust, and see God’s salvation today!
As the year approaches its end very quickly, you can not help but give all the glory to God. Has the Lord been good? I am sure your answer is a resounding, yes!
Psalms 20:7 (KJV): Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Can you recall how, throughout the year, the name of the Lord has been your trust? Can you look back and even have a faint idea of how many times you have called on the name of the Lord this year? Others may trust in their “chariots” and “horses” to move them forward and advance them, but we have trusted in the name of God all through the year! I am sure you can not count how many times you have called on Him.
The scripture above reminds us that there is great power in remembering: We will remember the name of the LORD our God!
The Amplified Version puts it this way:
Psalms 20:7 (AMPC): Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the LORD our God.
Our boast is in the name of the Lord! We have not trusted in our strength or our intellect. It is in the name of the Lord!
And hear me: we approach the coming year on the strength of this revelation. The Lord is our trust; we can boast in that, declaring that next year will be glorious!
How can you be so sure? Someone might ask. How can you even say that? With all the economic downturns, uncertainties in the air, and currency devaluations as rapid as water rushing down a mountain, should you not fear what lies ahead? Nay, we are not among those who fear! Our boast is in the name of the Lord.
With this confidence and divine assurance, we march gallantly into the coming year, knowing that our joy and victory are assured!
Hey there, friend! Let’s talk about something we all wish we had more of—time. Whether you’re grinding at work, catching up with friends, or trying to figure out how to make more time for God, life can feel like a whirlwind. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to juggle it all alone. Let’s dive into some practical ways to master time management and find balance in our busy lives.
Why Time Management Matters
Time management isn’t just about ticking off your to-do list. It’s about creating space for what truly matters: your faith, relationships, and personal growth. In Ephesians 5:16, we’re reminded to “make the most of every opportunity” because our time is precious.
Life feels chaotic when we’re constantly rushing, doesn’t it? But when we learn to manage our time well, we can focus on the things God has called us to—without feeling like we’re drowning in responsibilities.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Managing Time Together
If you’re in a relationship or sharing life with roommates or family, managing time as a team can be a game-changer. Here’s how:
Weekly Check-Ins: Take 15-20 minutes each week to chat about priorities and schedules. What’s coming up? What’s important to each person?
Example: You might find out your partner has a big work deadline the same week you’ve got a church volunteer event. Knowing this helps you support each other.
Shared Digital Calendars: Tools like Google Calendar can be your best friend. Color-code it for work, church, family, and personal time to stay in sync. Bonus: fewer “I forgot” moments!
Plan Together: Whether it’s grocery runs or attending Bible study, tackling tasks as a team can save time and make mundane chores more fun.
Creating Space for Quality Time
Here’s a little truth bomb: If you don’t schedule quality time, it probably won’t happen. Life is busy, but the relationships you value deserve intentionality.
Date Nights and Family Time: Whether it’s a fancy dinner, a Netflix night, or a board game marathon, block it off in your calendar like a non-negotiable meeting.
Sabbath Moments: Even God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). Take time to recharge and be present with loved ones. A Sunday afternoon walk or post-church brunch can do wonders for your soul.
Mini-Customs: These don’t have to be grand. How about praying together before bed or having a 10-minute coffee check-in each morning? It’s the little things that build connection.
Let’s Talk Priorities
We’ve all been there—scrolling TikTok for “5 minutes” that somehow turns into an hour. The struggle is real. But the key to time management is figuring out what matters most and sticking to it.
Start Your Day With God: Begin your morning with prayer or a devotional. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few minutes to center your heart and mind. Matthew 6:33 says to “seek first His kingdom,” and everything else will fall into place.
Say ‘No’ Sometimes: This one’s hard, but you can’t do everything. When you say no to things that drain you, you’re saying yes to what fills you up.
Batch Tasks: Group similar tasks together. Need to reply to emails, meal prep, or run errands? Knock them out in one focused chunk to save mental energy.
When You Feel Overwhelmed
Life gets overwhelming—we all know that feeling of being stretched too thin. But here’s a reminder: You’re not alone. Lean on God’s strength and His promises. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious but to pray about everything. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from a friend or your church community.
Final Thoughts: Balance is a Journey
Finding balance isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about progress. Some weeks you’ll nail it; others will be a mess—and that’s okay. What matters is showing up and giving your best to the things that matter most.
So, let’s stop glorifying “busy” and start prioritizing what brings joy, peace, and purpose to our lives. Whether it’s blocking off time for Bible study, planning a surprise date, or just taking a moment to breathe, you’ve got this. And if you don’t, God’s got you.
