How To Praise Your Way Into Marriage. When the devil wants to finish a person, he would plant bitterness in the person’s heart.
It could be bitterness toward men or towards God.
However, it is, bitterness will cripple every good thing that God is trying to do in your life.
Heb 12:15 (KJV)
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
The grace of God over a man would fail when bitterness is allowed.
Grace for finances will fail.
Grace to have a good marriage will fail.
Grace to succeed in business will fail.
Grace for financial abundance will fail.
Not only that, bitterness will not only affect the one that is bitter, the scripture says it will cause many to be defiled.
And then, the scripture calls it the root of bitterness!
Roots are hidden, but they are there!
Roots are not visible, but they are responsible for everything happening to the plant.
Their invisibility should never be interpreted as impotence.
This is the same way it is, bitterness will not show on the face, but it will take over that person’s life.
Like the root within the soil, the fruits will come forth.
Like the bitterness within the heart, the fruits will wreak havoc.
Just as the root is responsible for the kind of fruits that eventually come forth, bitterness will ensure that wrong fruits come forth.
Bitterness would literally cause praise to be suffocated.
Learn to laugh like a little child!
Don’t let the bitterness of past relationships and disappointments of the past keep you from the reality of today’s praise!
Praise is powerful. You must learn How To Praise Your Way Into Marriage.
Thank God for where you are.
Thank God for where He is taking you.
Praise your way out of rejection.
Praise your way out of delay.
Praise your way out of generational curses.
Praise your way out of diabolical influences.
Praise is a potent weapon.
Praise puts a sword into your hands.
Psa 149:6-9 (KJV) Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; [7] To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; [8] To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; [9] To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
The moment high praises are in your mouth, a two-edged sword will be placed in your heart!
You don’t need to take vengeance on people, praise will handle it.
Praise will punish destiny offenders.
Praise will bind erring kings with chains.
Praise will execute the judgment written.
All saints have this honor.
What honour?
To praise your way into victory.
To lift up your voice without lifting your hands.
Praise! This is How To Praise Your Way Into Marriage.
Keep praising!
You will surely see that salvation of God in Jesus’ name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am a God-praiser
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, give me reasons to praise you for the rest of my life
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Psa 149:5 (KJV) Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Schedule a praise time for today!
How To Leave And Cleave To Your Spouse. The words “Leave” and “Cleave” stand out in the verses we are considering today. An understanding of those words will greatly help us in our marriage!
Gen 2:24 (KJV) Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
The word “Leave” means to loosen, relinquish, permit, and forsake
It is a total departure.
But it is never a disconnection.
The man has to do the leaving.
Without leaving, there will never be a successful marriage.
All undue interference and control from the parents must be minimized.
The word “Cleave” means cling or adhere; to catch by pursuit: – abide, follow close (hard, after), be joined (together), and pursue hard
Allegiance must shift from parents to your wife.
This is what marriage is.
Your wife comes first on the wedding day.
Your spouse becomes your priority.
Your mum is another man’s wife, not your wife.
Your own wife must be your priority.
Cleaving means to catch by pursuit, so you never stop pursuing your wife.
You keep at it, even after the wedding.
In the pursuit lies the cleaving.
The man is to cleave unto HIS OWN wife!
An attempt to cleave to another man’s wife will usher in a marital crisis.
It also means to follow close.
Be joined and connected to her emotionally and otherwise.
When things seem not to be going right, you don’t quit.
This is How To Leave And Cleave To Your Spouse
You don’t pack your stuff and start singing songs of divorce when there is a little provocation.
This is what cleaving is.
It is just like your relationship with God.
You are to cleave unto Him and not try to leave when things seem not to be going your own way.
Leaving God and refusing to cleave will complicate issues, and that is the same thing in marriage.
You are to cleave for life!
Any attempt to leave is a tearing part that would be painful.
Stay with each other no matter what.
Cleaving means that you are dedicated to each other.
It means sharing with each other on the deepest level.
It means enjoying each other and supplying warmth for yourselves. This is How To Leave And Cleave To Your Spouse
Ecc 4:11 (KJV) Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
I pray that God will grant understanding.
Your marriage will not suffer a crisis.
Your marriage will not lose that godly steam.
I pray that God will pour new wine into your marriage and cause the love between you to come alive!
Have a great day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will cleave to my spouse
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, help to leave completely and cleave fully to my spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Ecc 4:11 (CEV) If you sleep alone, you won’t have anyone to keep you warm on a cold night4
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Cleave to your spouse in a special way today
How To Tongue Your Way Into Marriage. I practically tongued my way into marriage! Literally! There is tremendous power available for you as a believer, to get anything you want, to create the kind of life you want, and to superimpose the grace and power of God upon any situation.
You can have victory every time and anytime, only if you know the vast power that lies in your belly.
“Oh, common Pastor, I am not for that tongue business! I am good as I am!”
Well, you may be ignorant! Really!
“How can I be speaking some strange language?”
Because there are strange troubles in this world!
“Well, how can I be saying something I don’t understand?”
Because there are impossible situations you wouldn’t understand!”
“So I will now be speaking a little child?”
Unless you come as a child, you really cannot receive anything!
Mar 10:15 (MSG) Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”
That’s quite punchy! Arrogant people have no place here!
And the combination of ignorance and arrogance is not a nice idea!
How To Tongue Your Way Into Marriage
Isa 28:11-12 (KJV) For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. [12] To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
The scripture says there is a rest that awaits you as you pray in the Spirit.
Rest from delays, from broken hearts, disappointing relationships, and rest from froward men who are liars!
Rest from strange women as well! If you have been weary from the stress that comes with wrong relationships, there is a rest and a refreshing.
But the sad part is the concluding part, YET THEY WOULD NOT HEAR!
Don’t be part of those that would not hear! They prefer to do things their own way, so that rest eludes them.
They prefer to experiment with online dating, so refreshing is far! There is nothing like cyber-refreshing!
They prefer to learn from experiences rather than from wisdom, wasting many years of falling in love with a man that was never in love and then all ending in frustration!
There is rest! It is in the place of speaking in tongues There is a rest and a refreshing!
It is in the place of taking time and spending time in God’s presence and praying in the Holy Ghost!
I am not talking about thirty minutes, but some hours of sustained praying in the Holy Ghost, moving heavens on your behalf, causing a rain of favor to come upon you, causing heaven to move on your behalf, and releasing unprecedented blessings like never before!
There is a hurricane of favor and blessing you can only access as you stir the river, for out of your belly shall rise rivers of living water!
Rather than complaint, pray in the Spirit. Rather than get depressed and despondent, pray! I pray that you receive strength now to pray! This is How To Tongue Your Way Into Marriage
You will enter into that rest in marriage in Jesus’ name!
Waters of refreshing will move over your soul, life, and destiny! Rejuvenation and fresh energy are your portions in Jesus’ name!
Your love life will not be a waste!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am refreshed
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, give me rest in my relationship
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Isa 28:11 (CEV) So, the Lord will speak to his people in strange sounds and foreign languages.
Building Intimacy By Meeting Needs. There cannot be intimacy where needs are not met. We are drawn to ourselves more when we meet each other’s need. Women have needs that are so different from the needs of men. These needs are very genuine and you grow intimately when you focus on meeting these specific needs.
Basically, we meet our spouse’s needs by speaking their love language. What is the language your spouse is speaking right now? We have different needs per time. Are you meeting those needs by speaking his/her love language? Be committed to Building Intimacy By Meeting Needs.
For example, a husband feels he’s working hard to provide for the wife while the wife may need him to just be around her at the time because she’s going through a lot of emotions or maybe she needs him to be a friend.
You may have been working hard in the wrong direction.
The husband may get angry, frustrated, and disappointed that she’s not being grateful. It is not that she’s ungrateful, it’s just that you have not spoken her love language and have not met her needs.
This can lead to arguments and quarrels. If it is not handled well, the couple can begin to drift apart. Especially if good communication is not encouraged. This can be resolved by finding out and trying to understand why he/she is not happy when you feel they should be excited.
Note that you cannot meet the needs you don’t know anything about. Both husband and wife must be committed to communication. There is nothing like, “I am the quiet type!” You are to strive and commit to talking all the time to keep communication alive. This is what Building Intimacy By Meeting Needs entails.
Your marriage will thrive.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am intentional about being intimate with my spouse. I am careful to notice what their needs are and I meet those needs.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to grow in my intimacy with my spouse.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”. Gen 2:23-24 NKJV
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Be intentional about being intimate with your spouse. Seek to know what love language your spouse is speaking par time and meet their needs.
Here’s What To Do When All Fails. Sandy believes something is wrong with her. Her biological clock ticks without consideration. How she wished she could do with a Pause button. Relationships after relationships are failing. Nothing seems to be working.
She will begin a relationship and everything seems to be working fine, but then, in a moment and without warnings, it crashes. And then it happens again and again.
Each time, she approaches a new relationship, trusting, believing, and praying that it would work out. But nothing worked, except that she was getting worked up.
What do you do as a child of God at such times? How do you get out of the rut of failure after failure?
That is what I want to teach you this morning with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Here’s What To Do When All Fails Letting Go of All Offences The important thing is to get rid of all offenses and every form of bitterness. If you romance with bitterness, it will stop any good thing you might be trying to start.
Heb 12:15 (KJV) Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
The scripture calls it a root. You don’t get to see the root of a plant, but it is surely there.
Bitterness can be submerged in the belly without showing forth its dangerous fruits until much later when more damage would have been done.
I know your “Ex” hurt you and did the unbelievable and unthinkable! But that is not enough for you to now discard the blessing!
Don’t stop yourself as a result of that!
Your parents did this and that.
One friend betrayed you.
The other person stabbed you in the back, and then in the front!
The list is endless, but whatever anybody has done to you, you must make up your mind to forgive!
Let God handle it. Let God fight for you!
Don’t allow the emotions of hatred to have the better part of you.
You really don’t want anybody’s foolishness to become your own folly.
Bitterness can scatter that new relationship.
The Bible says bitterness is a root and can spring up from nowhere, and many other relationships, opportunities, and doors will be defiled!
John the Baptist died because of offense. When he had a problem with his spiritual leader, his spiritual head, his physical head followed. Don’t let the daughter of one insignificant child of the devil request for your head. Don’t let your head become one of the awards on a prize giving day!
Deal with bitterness. Confront it.
Bitterness and iniquity are cousins. They work together.
Act 8:23 (KJV) For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Ask God to help you.
If you have to cry, gladly do that so that your destiny can gather motion.
Extra luggage will attract extra costs. You don’t need that luggage that is weighing you down.
With those dangerous emotions, you cannot fly like an eagle.
That is why a suitcase is weighed when you want to fly in the air. But as long as you remain on the ground, nobody really cares about your luggage.
May your destiny not be permanently assigned to the ground. May you mount up like an eagle! May you fulfill destiny!
There are people reading this who just went through a breakup. You have been disappointed, left in the cold, abandoned, and discarded like unwanted trash.
Don’t cry too much, a little is okay. Don’t sulk, rather deal with your heart. Protect your heart from bitterness.
And let God compensate you for the loss! I pray that God will give you more understanding!
Be blessed and have a beautiful, productive, and blessed day in Jesus’ name!
We love you and we celebrate you!
Greatness beckons, you will not miss it! Here’s What To Do When All Fails
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am free from all offenses
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, heal me and cleanse my heart of all hurts and bitterness THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Eph 4:31 (KJV) Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:stickers
How To Build Intimacy Intentionally. This is a very interesting topic and I hope we all are ready to learn one or two things. For our marriage to work and be blissful, we have to invest in knowledge. Knowledge is very important in the issue of marriage.
Men and women are so different. We have to humble ourselves to learn and keep on learning.
The whole concept of marriage is for intimacy. Intimacy simply means “into me see, into my needs, or a deep connection between spouses”. It is when two people become one flesh.
Gen 2:23 -25 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Many people build their marriage on different things e.g. kids, career, fame, ministry, and so on, whereas we should build our marriages on our relationships with one another.
The kids will grow and go, what happens to our relationship with each other?
Marriage is meant to survive anything where there is intimacy. It can survive infertility, infidelity, lack, poverty, health challenges, or interference. Interference of in-laws or third parties thrives in a marriage without intimacy.
The bond and covenant of marriage are strong enough to withstand any of these pressures.
When we build intimacy in our marriage that’s when we begin to enjoy the rewards of unity. Where we begin to have great rewards, we begin to chase 10,000 more as a couple.
How do we build intimacy in our relationship? Let’s look at the acronym ‘INTIMACY’.
How To Build Intimacy Intentionally
1. INTENTIONAL
We cannot build intimacy in our marriage without being intentional. We don’t become one at the altar on the wedding day. We are pronounced ‘one’ and then go through the process of becoming one which involves the two spouses.
No marriage suddenly breaks; couples gradually drift apart.
Love can die. If love can grow then it can also die. We have to be intentional about keeping love ablaze.
As powerful as fire is, something has to keep it burning. Such is the passion of love. We start a marriage with emotional love where we love almost unconsciously.
As the marriage grows, we need to be intentional and conscious about loving our spouses, knowing them, meeting their deepest needs, and being there for them.
Good couples become intimate by chance but great couples become intimate by choice. This is How To Build Intimacy Intentionally
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am intentional about being intimate with my spouse. I am careful to notice what their needs are and I meet those needs.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Help me Lord to grow in my intimacy with my spouse.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”. Gen 2:23-24 NKJV
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Be intentional about being intimate with your spouse. Seek to know what love language your spouse is speaking par time and meet their needs.
Are All Men Scum? All men are scum! Really? If that is what you believe, that is what you might keep attracting! All men are not scum! You cannot use a personal experience to summarize everybody!
Most men will ‘toast’ you and promise you heaven and earth, but a faithful man who can find?
Most men will tell you they are the best, but a faithful man who can find?
Most men will claim they love you more than anybody, more than their mothers, but a faithful man who can find?
Most men will tell you how much they will take care of you, but a faithful man who can find?
Are All Men Scum?
No be today dem day find man way go day faithful o! E don dey since Bible time! See am!
Pro 20:6 KJV Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
The word from which ‘faithful’ is translated from the Greek is ‘emun’ which means ‘trusty’ or ‘trustworthiness.’ In essence, the question above is ‘most men are good toasters, but who can find a man that can be trusted?
David made the situation worse when he said
Psa 12:1 KJV Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
Are there good husbands at this age? Will one ever find a man that will love God and love his wife as well?
Are there still men who will not compromise and cheat on their wives? Are there still men that will not pounce on the tempting house girl? Are there still men that will remain faithful even if they have traveled to places where sex is available and almost free?
Well, there are still faithful men! Elijah went before God and said he is the only one that remains. God said, ‘you are wrong, there are still thousands that would not bow to Baal.’
The issue is that the moment you conclude in your heart that “all men are evil,’ that is the kind of men you keep attracting! You see, you cannot make conclusions about men generally because of a few bad trends and experiences with men.
There are still faithful men, and there is a man that God has for you!
If you will trust God to lead you and guide you in making decisions, he will surely help you out.
But if you decide to do it your own way, try to buy your way into a man’s heart by offering your body, it usually wouldn’t work out because that is not God’s order. Are All Men Scum?
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I receive the grace to do it God’s way and not my way
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Ask God for wisdom and direction in your daily affairs
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Psa 12:1 (AMPC) HELP, LORD! For principled and godly people are here no more; faithfulness and the faithful vanish from among the sons of men.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Study “faithfulness” in the scriptures
Here Are Reasons Why Affairs Happen. Bode has been starved of sex in his matrimonial home. His wife, Sandy feels justified to “close shop” for him because she suspected he was cheating on her. This even increased his vulnerability and drove him more into the hands of the daughters of Eve who have been itching to have him! Why do affairs happen?
A major point of conflict between couples has to do with adultery! This does not have to do with those without the church alone. There is adultery within the church as well.
An affair can be defined as a sexual relationship, romantic friendship, or passionate attachment between two people without the knowledge of the other spouse.
Nobody is immune to having an affair. Nothing can justify having an experience. God frowns at it.
Why do affairs happen?
Once we can know the root cause, the solution is not far-fetched.
Here Are Reasons Why Affairs Happen 1. Warning and Wake-Up Call Some people have affairs in other to simply “warn” their spouse and tell them what they are capable of doing. Can you beat that?
When you try to warn or get back to your spouse through an affair, the consequences that follow are really not pleasant.
Pro 6:32-33 (MSG) Adultery is a brainless act, soul-destroying, self-destructive; [33] Expect a bloody nose, a black eye, and a reputation ruined for good.
2. The Needs When the sexual and emotional needs of either party are not met, it could lead to an affair.
As couples, strive to satisfy each other’s needs as much as you can.
It helps to reduce the vulnerability that arises as a result of unmet needs.
3. A Bruised Ego This may sound ridiculous, but men often have affairs to repair broken-down egos!
At the same time, this may sound “valid” to men, but affairs are still wrong and always come with attendant consequences.
There is never a “good reason” for adultery! The after-effects care less why it happened.
Wives, don’t deliberately bruise your husband’s ego.
Instead, massage it, and protect it. Here Are Reasons Why Affairs Happen
May God grant you more understanding in Jesus’ name.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will not be trapped
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, shield my marriage from all evils
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Pro 6:32 (GW) Whoever commits adultery with a woman has no sense. Whoever does this destroys himself.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Set boundaries to prevent affairs
What Husbands and Wives Are To Build. Let’s start with the wife. Women are powerful.
To show you how powerful women are, the Bible never says a man builds a home. It says a woman builds.
Pro 14:1 (KJV) Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
Dear wife, there is a lot of power and accompanying responsibilities that lie with you.
Your decisions, prayers, and actions will eventually build your home or tear it down, therefore, you cannot afford to be foolish.
Be wise and cooperate with what God is trying to do in your life.
How do you do this?
Avoid all the strife, bickering, quarrels, and the like for that is how a foolish woman tears down her home. Cooperate with your husband and be submissive as the Bible says.
Now, to the husbands. What Husbands and Wives Are To Build. Since it is the woman building the house, what then is the responsibility of the man?
Build the woman! The husband is to build the builder!
That is what the husband should do. Build the woman.
Dear men, build your wife so that your wife can build the house.
Invest in your wife. Support her endeavors and career.
Be interested in her passion and you know what, she will give it all it takes to pray for the family.
May your marriage be blessed. These are What Husbands and Wives Are To Build
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am a wise builder.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, give me the wisdom to build.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Jas 1:5 (KJV) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
One Prayer That Shouldn’t Leave You. Things are not going fine. You are not happy. You don’t even know where the problem is coming from.
You have prayed, fasted and even sought counsel and nothing seems to be working.
You are even at the point of compromising your faith or you have even done so out of frustration and done what you knew was clearly wrong!
Like it is often said, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Well at this point, when you have done all you know to do, and you don’t know what else to do, here is what to do!
Mercy! Lord!
That is One Prayer That Shouldn’t Leave You
I guess when Apostle Paul said to pray without ceasing, this is the kind of prayer point he has in mind!
1Th 5:17 (KJV) Pray without ceasing.
See another translation:
1Th 5:17 (TPT) Make your life a prayer.
Again this is corroborated in the book of Hebrews.
Heb 4:16 (KJV) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
If you read it backward, it will say something like this:
In the time of need, you should find grace after obtaining MERCY, by coming boldly to the throne of grace!
Mercy over my relationship!
Mercy over my life!
Mercy over my finances.
Mercy over my decisions.
Consciously ask for His mercy all day long and you will see God intervene in your situation! This is One Prayer That Shouldn’t Leave You
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY The mercy of God will work for me
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, have mercy on me!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Heb 4:16 (AMPC) Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Meditate on God’s mercy today!
The Art Of Listening In Marriage. Women are known to speak more words than men. In fact, studies have shown they speak 10,000 more words than men.
Even the introvertish woman is speaking maybe not out loud but she is talking in her mind. Every woman loves talking because to them it is therapeutic.
When a woman is stressed she likes to talk. To her, talking is for affection and for connection. Unlike men who talk for information.
When women talk about an issue or a problem, they are not talking because of the solution, or to be judged, criticized, or corrected. They talk because they want to feel connected to their spouse, they want companionship and affection. They usually feel better after they have talked.
However, men need to be careful not to muzzle their wives, especially the introverted ones.
When men understand how women see talking, it will help them in having meaningful conversations with them and not kill the conversation with their wives.
It’s not out of place for women to remember things that happened in the past. It’s not because they are revengeful that they bring up issues of the past, it’s because they have a larger capacity to store information.
Whenever they bring up such issues, don’t criticize or judge them, just reassure them and apologize. It’s okay to apologize for issues of the past.
These are four ways couples should best handle conversations.
1. Don’t Debate Men, don’t fall to the temptation of debating with your wives when they talk to or with you. Men are hunters and territorial beings. They are warriors and fighters. They enjoy conquest and whatever they do, they do for honor. Men, your wives are not competing with you. It’s just conversational. Be careful of how you use your words. Don’t Debate with her. In the same way, wives should not argue rudely with their husbands.
2. Don’t Dismiss Don’t Dismiss her during her conversations. Don’t dismiss what is a reality to her as not being important. Don’t Dismiss her feelings. Don’t trivialize what is serious to her. Empathize with her or just listen to her giving your full attention. Wives, don’t even try to dismiss your husbands. It may not land well with him.
3. Don’t Disagree Two wrongs never make a right. Since both husband and wife are very different with over fifty differences, you will always have different opinions. Submission is not shutting up her uniqueness and individuality but with her different opinion allowing her husband’s opinion take the lead. Husbands, never kill your wife’s initiatives. You may be killing the conversation in her unknowingly. We can disagree to agree especially knowing that we are better as two different persons. We have two different perspectives to bring to the table for more wins. You must both understand The Art Of Listening In Marriage.
4. Don’t Defend Sometimes when your wife brings up an issue that she feels hurt about all she needs and all she is hoping to get from you is a simple “I am sorry”. I am sorry does not diminish your leadership role but validates it. If your wife says she’s hurt then that means she is hurt. Don’t defend your actions, don’t sermonize her. Be concerned more about her person and wellbeing than you are about fixing her or putting her in her right place. The same goes for husbands, learn to empathize with your husband because he is really hurt if he can say he is.
Wives usually need reassurance while men need affirmation.
The health of the marriage is more important than any other thing.
Our marriage will thrive. This is The Art Of Listening In Marriage.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I honor the marriage covenant. I respect my marriage. I appreciate our differences and I adjust to making marriage work
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Father give me your wisdom to honor my spouse in Jesus name
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY So every married man should be gracious to his wife just as he is gracious to himself. And every wife should be tenderly devoted to her husband. Ephesians 5:33 TPT
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Begin to listen to your wife
Don’t let Anything Faze You! The present times require that you are resolute in your walk with God and that you know what you are doing!
This present age is hostile to easily deceived people! And yeah, we all know the devil is the master deceiver. He seeks to deceive you by any possible means. The very reason why you have to know what you are doing as a child of God and refuse to be tossed to and fro!
The scripture refers to some people as unscrupulous con men! They are out to exploit the faith! Check it out in the Message Translation.
2Ti 3:13-14 (MSG) Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith. They’re as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse. [14] But don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—
Oh, I love it, Don’t let these wicked humans faze you! In other words, in places where you have been deceived, abused, exploited, manipulated, short-changed, jilted, treated unjustly, and so on, do not allow such experiences to expunge you from the faith! Don’t let Anything Faze You!
The devil wants you obliterated from the kingdom! Do not cooperate with that agenda! Do not plug yourself into his evil plot! Rather cooperate with heaven’s agenda and all that is lost will be restored.
Never allow any human being to make you decide against God or loathe the things of God! It says, stick with what you have learned! I pray this week finds you in pleasant places, I pray God hearkens and honours your prayers and I declare that this week, God will fill your mouth with laughter indeed! Don’t let Anything Faze You! Be blessed!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I remain steadfast in God!
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, give me the strength to stick with you, no matter what
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 2Ti 3:14 (TPT) Yet you must continue to advance in strength with the truth wrapped around your heart, being assured by God that he’s the One who has truly taught you all these things.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Disconnect from all who are causing you to trip
The Commitment Of Marriage. God is our creator, He made us and we are the sheep of His pasture. He also created the marriage institution and knows how best it is to be worked. He didn’t just leave us clueless but gave us His guidelines.
The Bible is our manufacturer’s manual. It becomes our road map to doing marriage well. God has promised the days of heaven on earth in our marriages. We can only achieve this when we live according to the dictates of the Bible.
Any diversion from the commands of God’s injunctions leads to a negative experience. God may lead us around but He definitely will not lead us wrong.
There are instructions for living individually because it is two whole individuals that make a good marriage.
We are to study the Word of God for living. The Word is to transform us.
Let’s look at one of the core instructions to married couples in Ephesians. It speaks specifically to husbands and wives. This is The Commitment Of Marriage
Husbands and wives are to pursue these instructions with the whole of their hearts. They are to study it in different translations of the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for Grace to do it no matter what.
That is how to follow God. The rewards are for the Word practitioners. Talk is cheap, quoting the scriptures is cheap but being a doer of the Word is where the real work is.
Ephesians 5:21-33 TPT And out of your reverence for Christ be supportive of each other in love.
For wives, this means being devoted to your husbands like you are tenderly devoted to our Lord, for the husband provides leadership for the wife, just as Christ provides leadership for his church, as the Savior and Reviver of the body.
In the same way, the church is devoted to Christ, let the wives be devoted to their husbands in everything.
And to the husbands, you are to demonstrate love for your wives with the same tender devotion that Christ demonstrated to us, his bride. For he died for us, sacrificing himself to make us holy and pure, cleansing us through the showering of the pure water of the Word of God. All that He does in us is designed to make us a mature church for his pleasure, until we become a source of praise to him—glorious and radiant, beautiful and holy, without fault or flaw.
Husbands, have the obligation of loving and caring for their wives the same way they love and care for their own bodies, for to love your wife is to love your own self.
No one abuses his own body but pampers it—serving and satisfying its needs.
That’s exactly what Christ does for his church! He serves and satisfies us as members of his body.
For this reason, a man is to leave his father and his mother and lovingly hold to his wife, since the two have become joined as one flesh.
Marriage is the beautiful design of the Almighty, a great mystery of Christ and his church.
So every married man should be gracious to his wife just as he is gracious to himself.
And every wife should be tenderly devoted to her husband. This is The Commitment Of Marriage.
This remains the core of the marriage relationship. Couples having issues in their marriage should come to a point where the Word becomes the final authority they both submit to.
Each couple should embark on a personal journey of doing everything possible to unravel this instruction. Study, meditate and confess this scripture.
Any teaching that is outside these instructions is not the Word.
Let me leave us all to study this scripture. May the Lord grant us understanding
Our marriage will thrive
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I live by the word. I honor the Word. I humble myself under the mighty hand of the Word. As I obey the Word, my life and marriage is transformed.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Father give me your wisdom to honor my spouse in Jesus name
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY So every married man should be gracious to his wife just as he is gracious to himself. And every wife should be tenderly devoted to her husband. Ephesians 5:33 TPT
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Study this scripture until you have understanding and revelation on it.
Don’t Fall Like A Pack Of Cards. The pressures are mounting, the environment is intense, the media is saturated with sexualized content, the phones are bombarded with explicit content, and x-rated videos are uploaded daily, available at just a scroll away on your gadgets.
Sex toys are advertised openly, the bum and the breasts are jiggled and wiggled to attract followers; the voluptuousness of the breasts and rotundity of the backside are now money-spinning assets. Nudity is nothing again, indeed, these days are living up to what the scriptures declared:
2Ti 3:1-7 (MSG) Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. [2] As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, [3] dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, [4] treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. [5] They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people. [6] These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself “truth.” [7] They get exploited every time and never really learn.
Well, the days are here! But God expects you to raise the standard. He doesn’t expect you to fall like a pack of cards when flipped or drop like hot potatoes at the slightest provocation!
Don’t Fall Like A Pack Of Cards. You are a believer! God’s child! You cannot be sending nudes because you want some clout! You cannot be masturbating like it’s just the norm. You cannot be offering oral like it’s just Oral English!
I don’t want to go on and on, I just want you to wake up this morning to the reality of who you are in Him!
And of course, if you have strolled away from God, you are not condemned. But He won’t condone those acts either.
So go back to your maker. Then let your spirit man be nude with Him. Ask for mercy and rekindle your fire for Him.
Remember this, nobody serves God the right way and loses. He will fight for you. He will favour you and cause all things to work together for your good! Jesus is waiting for you now, this every moment! Get back to Him and rekindle your love for Him! He will fill your inner man with strength at this moment! Go ahead and talk to him now!
Have a fantastic weekend! Don’t Fall Like A Pack Of Cards!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Father, create a new spirit within me
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 2Ti 3:5 (MSG) They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Clean up today and get new fire!
The Five Magic Words For Couples. If you attended a good nursery and primary school, you will probably have learnt that there are five magic words
When growing up, it must have been the training passed down to you by your parents. The use of these magic words is the normal etiquette of any relationship
As couples, these five magic words should not be far from our lips. We should be courteous to each other.
The Five Magic Words For Couples
1. Thank you The first magic word is thank you. As couples, we should be quick to thank our spouses. For little things and big things. You may not know the sacrifices they are going through. Being married to you is a lot of sacrifice, that we should thank our spouse for.
Take nothing for granted.
2. Please This shows courtesy and respect for the person you are talking to. Please close the door, please make rice for me, please take the bin out etc. Don’t talk to your spouse as if they were your servant.
3. Sorry Apology can never be wrong. Some spouse feel too big to say sorry. You should learn to say sorry. Humble yourself and tell your spouse “I am sorry”. Let your sorry be from a genuine heart
4. Excuse me Another word that shows you respect your spouse
5. Pardon me You cannot just bump on your spouse all in the name of superiority complex.
These are The Five Magic Words For Couples. All these magic words should be used by couples when interacting with each other
Your marriage will thrive.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am courteous when talking to my spouse. My words are gracious seasoned with salt
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Father give me your wisdom to honor my spouse in Jesus name
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal. Proverbs 12:18 TPT
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Make the five magic words a part of your words
Why Can’t I Get Someone To Love Me? Before anybody can love you, believe me, you have to love yourself.
Yes, love yourself!
The most Herculean task anybody can embark on is to start loving persons who do not love themselves.
Oh, what a frustrating journey!
The junctions and stops of that pathway is laced with depression, quarrels, several blue days, and emotional blackmails. That is just to mention a few.
Depression will be constant because the person will be most unhappy, always falling into comparison traps and never appreciating himself or herself.
2Co 10:12 (KJV) For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Why Can’t I Get Someone To Love Me?
Constant quarrels will percolate the relationship because the other lover will be mostly confused as to why unhappiness clouds the relationship. It is a truism that men are confused when their lover is unexcited about them.
No energy, no passion, no excitement, no anticipation, just going through the motions! It is noteworthy that a relationship can be like that and yet filled with pre-marital sex! They would think sex would solve the problem but it would actually add to the confusion.
Several blue days because the devil will plow such a mind, make negative suggestions, plant assumptions, dampen the little morale left and fill the mind with condemnation darts. The presence of such a person is an effulgence of negative vibes!
Emotional blackmails because such a person is good at excuses, always explaining why things went that way, blaming others for his woes, and making his or her lover take the blame for the failures.
The beginning of solving this issue is to resolve the identity crisis, take a journey into God’s word to discover what God says about you, start refusing negative thoughts and suggestions from the devil, and start walking in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit means listening to hear God and following His direction and wisdom!
Why Can’t I Get Someone To Love Me? One thing you can also do immediately is to saturate your life with the truth of God’s word. Light will always dispel the darkness!
Lastly, be truthful with yourself and stop living in denial. Nobody is able to deal with any situation while still in denial. Confrontation is part of the process of repentance!
May God bless you today!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I love myself and I understand who I am in Christ
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, open my eyes to see me!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 2Co 10:12 (TPT) Of course, we wouldn’t dare to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with those who rate themselves so highly. They compare themselves to one another and make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and then they judge themselves by their own standards. What self-delusion!
Two Ways Couples Hurt Each Other. I want to start today’s devotional by quoting verses from the Bible. If you are a believer, then you will recognize the Bible as the highest authority on earth and heaven. We live by its instructions and heed its advice.
1. Your Words
As couples, we need to place close attention to our choice of words, speech, and tone. Couples should not just say anything they feel like saying without considering its effect on their spouses. God the covenant witness between the two of you is watching.
Lovers of God think before they speak, but the careless blurt out wicked words meant to cause harm. Proverbs 15:28 TPT
Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal. Proverbs 12:18 TPT
Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 TPT
You must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what they say. Always turn from what is wrong and cultivate what is good; eagerly pursue peace in every relationship, making it your prize. 1 Peter 3:11 TPT
The Bible tells us to stop speaking evil and hurtful words. You can stop it. Even if you are a hot, inconsiderate temperament. You have a new life in Christ.
We are to pursue peace in every relationship especially that with our spouse.
If your speech causes a bridge in the marital covenant, then you are allowing the devil to use your speech to accomplish his purpose which is to steal, kill and destroy. May that not be your portion in Jesus’ name.
Let your words rather soothe and heal your spouse.
Not thinking before you speak or weighing your words or reckless words do more harm than good.
Two Ways Couples Hurt Each Other.
2. Your Actions
Usually, the hurtful words are as a result of hurtful actions. The hurtful words emanate from a completely frustrated spouse. Your spouse is distracted, causing you harm, your BP goes up and you can literally see yourself dying. In your desperation, you blurt out words in other to get the attention of your spouse who seems oblivious to your actions! Hurtful words will do harm. Hurtful actions will do harm as well!
Infidelity issues, emotional adultery, lack of communication, insincerity or lying, drinking, smoking and many more are some of the hurtful actions that couples can get into.
I think once your spouse says this habit is killing me, raising my BP, and so on, if you truly love that man or woman, then you will work on your weaknesses and not feed them! It is one thing to be tempted by the devil, it is another thing for you to be tempting the devil. Don’t pursue your lusts! Don’t set yourself up! Don’t follow lustful desires like you are uncontrollable! Ask God to create a new heart in you!
Psa 51:10 (KJV) Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Marriage is work!
Back to hurtful actions and words, the simple way to deal with this is to be friends, focus on each other, respect your issues and please yourselves after pleasing God. Communicate well, be open and be sincere. You will see that those issues will be resolved. Alternatively, seek a mentor and talk! Some couples actually need a therapist!
Most people who lie impulsively, live in denial and have depression waves one after the other may be dealing with bipolar issues and some other mental issues which will require an expert in that field.
Your marriage will thrive. These are Two Ways Couples Hurt Each Other.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My marriage will work. I will stop killing my marriage and spouse with my words. I am not Satan’s agent doing his bidding in my marriage
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Father give me your wisdom and strenght to always yield my tongue to the Holy Spirit in Jesus name
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal. Proverbs 12:18 TPT
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY I will stop using hurtful words like swords on my spouse but I will use my words to build him/her up
Communication In Courtship Is A Sign. George and Sally are in love or so they claim. George had promised Sally marriage immediately they met. Sally’s joy knew no bounds. She was thankful that her “single years” are about to end.
However, rather than for the love to become established and grow, doubt increased in her. George was working in Port- Harcourt while Sally was in Lagos. George stopped calling, practically. Sally was doing the calling, making efforts while George kept saying he was busy.
Communication became a one-way street. Sally became the pursuer as she sensed that George was not going to change.
In no time she came frustrated and she gave up. The relationship came to a resounding crash.
On the part of Sade and Bode, it was Sade that stopped picking calls. Bode was confused since they are at different locations as well. She would say she was tired, she replied to chats with monosyllables, and some were not replied to until three days later. He eventually got the message and moved on!
My point this morning, once communication begins to die, that relationship will die as well.
Don’t spend your courtship years tearing yourselves apart in quarrels here and there because precious moments of communication will be lost.
Once this attitude and habit are taken into marriage, it can really be frustrating.
People in love talk! They want to talk all the time. The moment you see that communication is dwindling, there is an issue there. Communication In Courtship Is A Sign
The moment he tells you he is too busy and that you should already know he loves you, there is a problem.
The moment she is withdrawn and not talking and yet she is talking to others, there is a problem.
The moment you are seen as a nuisance without any cause as it were, there is an issue.
I pray God will grant you wisdom indeed!
Be blessed today in Jesus’ name! Communication In Courtship Is A Sign
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will not be deceived. I am sensitive to the Holy Spirit
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Father lead me into your ordained relationship for me and teach me to work at it.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Gen 11:6 (KJV) And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Be committed to your relationship through consistent communication
After Failed Relationships, What Next? Hey! This must be my village people o!
Sandy has been in five relationships! Not one lasted a whole year! She moved from one guy to another seeking true love, but true love evaded her. She ended up being used by guys who could sense she was needy.
She began to feel something is wrong with her! Is something wrong with her? Is she under a curse? Her the village people meeting over her case at the village square under the Banana tree?
Let’s get into this!
There is nothing negative about failed relationships. It simply means you still need to learn more. What is negative there is refusing to learn and repeating the same mistakes over and over again.
In itself, nothing is negative about missing it. Even the Bible attested to that.
Pro 24:16 (KJV) For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Staying down by repeating the same issues is where the problem is.
So after failed relationships, what next? I will talk about one out of several things you can do.
Sit down. Calm down. Be calming down! Smiles.
Don’t be a Boy Scout! Don’t be jumpy! Cool those hot hormones.
The scriptures advise you to do the same.
Psa 46:10 (KJV) Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Be still! Hey, don’t rush into another relationship! It is in your stillness that you know God in your situation!
I particularly love the Message Translation:
Psa 46:10 (MSG) “Step out of the traffic…
After Failed Relationships, What Next?
Get out of the traffic of pursuing guys or ladies who don’t love you, of offering your body to get love, of allowing yourself to be emotionally manipulated all in the name of love! That is one traffic that is worse that Lagos traffic!
May God grant you more understanding! Have a fantastic day!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I will not be hasty. I am teachable.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, teach me to be patient and wait on you
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Psa 46:10 (AMPC) Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Don’t rush into another relationship within six months of a failed relationship.
Handling A Difficult Spouse. Yesterday, we looked at four of the ways we can handle a difficult spouse. We looked at:
1. Prayers
2. Patience
3. Perspective
4. Praise
We continue from here.
Handling A Difficult Spouse
5. Persist in doing good
1 Pet. 3:1-4 talks to women about dealing with a difficult husband. They should have a quiet and calm spirit (sweet spirit). It’s difficult but possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. Keep your smiles. Don’t retaliate. Avoid arguments. Avoid talking back or answering rudely.
Just keep calm. Don’t give fire for fire, it can burn down the house. You believe God is already fighting for you. Keep the atmosphere cool by being full of thanksgiving, worship, and praise.
1Pet 3:7 talks to husbands dealing with difficult wives. They should see their wives as the feminine part of the covenant of marriage that deserves to be treated with honor or else their prayers will be hindered.
When husbands treat their wives well in tenderness and with honor, God usually rewards them with abundant prosperity. Avoid yielding to the temptation to retaliate. Understand that there are some things you can never understand about being a woman. You just love her all the same and seek to be there for her. It is not everything you will criticize, pass judgment and try to fix.
Handling A Difficult Spouse
6. People’s intervention
This is important especially since not all types of difficult spouses or situations can be handled on your own. Sometimes you might need the intervention of professional counselors, therapy and someone to help you through with a difficult spouse. Especially in cases of infidelity. It must also be noted that you should be careful who you talk to about your spouse. Confidentiality must be maintained. Such a person should handle the issue maturely, offering solutions and not judgment or criticism
7. Packaging
This is keeping your soul and body together. Avoid pity parties and self-pity. Anything you put pity on does not heal on time. You feel bad about what is happening but keep faith alive. Faith will make you smile and give you a reason to dance. God is the judge and your covenant witness between the husband and wife. He still restores and compensates the offended.
Look good, because the truth is that there is still a lot of good in you. No body should determine your joy. Look good physically, intellectually and emotional. Don’t yield to depression. Tell yourself never again. Pick up yourself. Even God is saying, arise and shine.
Your marriage will thrive.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY My marriage will work. I will give myself to prayers, patience, I will have a better perspective, I will be persistent in doing good, so help me God.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Father give me your wisdom and strength by your Holy Spirit to navigate this times of difficulty
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Husbands, you in turn must treat your wives with tenderness, viewing them as feminine partners who deserve to be honored, for they are co-heirs with you of the “divine grace of life,” so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7 TPT
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Follow the steps to dealing with, your spouse whenever he/she is proving difficult
