by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 18, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES – How To Survive Hurts And Disappointments
Continued from yesterday…
Forgiveness is releasing the offender in your heart only to discover you are freeing yourself. The offender or the person that hurt has moved on, and it is even probable he might meet Jesus along the way, retrace his steps and do well. It is you that must not resign to fate because of some past occurrences, let go and let God!
Why must you forgive hurts? God says so. You also want Him to forgive you anyway.
It will be too much to hold a person or persons in bitterness in your heart. Free yourself and allow God who is the re-writer of history to rewrite your life. Allow God who can collapse years to recompense every lost year. Allow God who is the restorer to help you to the point that you will forget the shame of your youth!
Yes, he really hurt you. He jilted you. She deceived you. He pushed you into abortions. She eloped with your money. He raped you. Your cousin violated you. Your big sister abused you. Your father slept with you. Your house-help did this and that…the issues are endless…It has happened!
Don’t ostracize yourself like Mephibosheth to Lo-debar, a land of no communication because he was dropped by his caretaker and broke his ankles. Rather, allow God to make a message out of the mess. Allow Him to turn the mistakes into miracles. That is How To Survive Hurts And Disappointments.
Allow God to birth a dream out of the doom. Allow him to showcase you to the world that when He covers anybody with His glory, the shame and the embarrassments become a thing of the past, and the broken become masters at mending.
The first step is to forgive hurts. I pray for strength for you today in your inner man to let go. Some of you have bottled it for years and it has kept you captive like when a lion holds its prey at the jugular.
Don’t allow bitterness and strife to lock their jaws on you and keep you immobilized. If you need somebody to talk with to initiate the healing process, feel free to give me a call on +234 802 3507395. If I don’t pick up your calls, keep trying, I might be in a meeting.
Don’t just become a survivor. Become a forgiver!
It’s a new day for you!
You will succeed!
Your life will be a testimony!
You are blessed!
How To Survive Hurts And Disappointments
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
My future is colorful and bright. I will not allow an unforgiving spirit to rob me of it. I receive grace to forgive all hurts and offense
PRAYERS FOR TODAY
Lord, I ask you to give me a loving heart like Jesus. Give me a heart that forgives hurts and prays for those who despitefully use us.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Mat 6:14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Make a list and forgive all and don’t keep an unforgiving spirit
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ps 24-27
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 18, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 3 minutes
COUPLES – How To Refuse The Devil’s Agenda In Marriage
Marriage is often time associated with wine because our union with our spouse is supposed to bring joy to us.
The marriage ceremony itself is a joyous occasion with the bride and groom looking their best. Everyone is happy, with lots of food to eat and drinks, music, dancing, and the exuberance of finding the love of your life.
All these sum up to give joy and excitement. Both for the new couples, the parents, families, the couples friends and all.
But a few years down the line, we see that joy almost vanished from the face of the once overjoyed couple. Why is this?
We may have different reasons why, but I want to point to us that the devil is the real culprit here.
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). – John 10:10 AMPC
The above scripture identifies the devil as a thief who comes to steal if not stopped, graduates to kill, and then finally to destroy, bringing to total ruins, both what you desire and what you have laboured for. He destroys the legacy of families and what they stand for.
The devil is the one that steals joy from marriages. He does this through several means and does it in whoever marriage he is allowed to perform his three-fold agenda and mission.
Every believer’s marriage is precious and priceless. The devil hates anything joyous, good, and glorious. He is attracted to it, to steal from it, kill and destroy it.
The devil is not just a nuisance, he is an enemy. That is the fact and the truth. You must always take the offensive against his onslaught.
The scripture in John 10:10 didn’t just say that the devil cometh to steal, kill and destroy. It concluded that ‘I am come that they might have or enjoy life and it more abundantly.
For every attempt of the devil to steal the joy of and in your marriage whether by misunderstanding, strife, unforgiveness, infidelity, the sin of different types, anger, works of the flesh etc. Jesus also came.
He came once and for all to deal with the 3 fold agenda of the devil. Jesus is not only the answer to the problem, He is much more than that.
It is not your wife or your husband that is hurting you or cheating on you.
Am I saying we should not take responsibility for our actions? No, I didn’t say that. We take responsibility and deal with the root cause of the issue. The devil hides under the works of the flesh or sin to carry out his 3 fold agenda.
Begin to insist on your joy, peace in marriage, prosperity, and every good thing Jesus already paid for there.
Therefore with joy will you draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3 AMPC
Joy in your marriage is not just having good behaviour. You need your joy to draw from the well of salvation.
No wonder the devil is after your joy. Without joy, you cannot draw. You can speak in tongues, fast, and pray but you also need joy.
When the devil throws different issues at you, he is after your joy. Insist on your joy.
Respond in joy to any attack on your marriage. That joy is an overflowing joy, the joy that is full of glory.
Laugh at the face of lack. You begin to draw wealth and prosperity from the well of salvation.
Let nothing steal your joy. Be joyful with the wife of your youth.
God grant us more understanding.
God bless our marriage in Jesus name
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
Nothing steals my joy in my home.
PRAYERS FOR TODAY
Lord, strengthen me in my inner man
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Therefore with joy will you draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3 AMPC
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Write out areas where you need God to remember you and go before Him to plead your case.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Num 3
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 17, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES – How To Survive Hurts And Disappointments
Today’s devotional is about a decision we all have to make. Some people have been badly abused, cheated and taken for granted in their past relationships. They feel justified to hold their offenders in unforgiving spirit but the truth is that an unforgiving spirit holds you as a prisoner to the past.
You cannot be pregnant of yesterday and expect to deliver of your tomorrow and enjoy your today. Nature detest vacuum. It is either your heart is filled with the bitterness of yesterday or filled with the joy of today and the hope of tomorrow.
Some of you were rejected and forgotten by your fathers. Some of our mothers were not there when we needed them. They failed in their responsibilities to bring us up. Some mothers even abandon their babies. Some of those we love and hold in respect disappointed us, even abused and violated us.
For some, a trusted friend, aunty, brother, sister, cousin or even a fiancee betrayed your loyalty.
No matter the case, God understands. He knows the pain of the hurts. He loves you so much as you are but He also loves you too much to leave you the way you are. He desires your healing.
Remember He is a Doctor, the Physician. Doctors prescribe the medication for your recovery. The patient will have to trust the expertise of the doctor to receive his health back. No matter how painful or bitter the medication is, the patient has to follow through patiently. You endure the pain knowing it is just for a while…
Most medicines, injections, drips, operations or any recovery procedure are not palatable, but because our health is also very important, we endure them all.
I want you to see yourself as a patient today and Jesus as the doctor, telling you to forgive as a medication to heal your hurts and make you free again to live, love and laugh.
Remember you are not perfect either and always need the gift of forgiveness from God. The fact is that as long as you are still alive, you will hurt people, people will hurt you and you will need each other’s forgiveness.
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
My future is colourful and bright. I will not allow an unforgiving spirit to rob me of it. I receive grace to forgive all who have hurt and offended me
PRAYERS FOR TODAY
Lord, I ask you to give me a loving heart like Jesus. Give me a heart that forgives and prays for those who despitefully use us.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Mat 6:14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Make a list and forgive all and don’t keep an unforgiving spirit
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ps 23
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 17, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES
Continued from yesterday…
We have been considering several levels of communication in the last few days. We have looked at
1. The Hallway talker
2. Reporter’s Talk
3. Intellectual Talk
4. Emotional Talk.
This morning, we will be considering the last and highest level of Communication.
5. Loving, Genuine Truth Talk
‘Let’s Be Honest’.
This level allows us to speak the truth in love. It is a place of honesty without condemnation.
Most couples are finding out that such open, honest and loving communication enhances a much deeper level of intimacy, where couples can share their feelings and thoughts without feeling unsafe. Both have a sense of safety and security. This requires an attitude of acceptance.
You know your spouse understands you even if they don’t agree with you.
We can always agree to disagree without shaming ourselves or making us look less smart. We can have differing opinions and still be friends. No hurts, no guilt, no condemnation and we are still good to go.
We can’t be the same. Remember, acceptance is the key.
We may start out on the first level of communication, but please, don’t let us remain there.
As a couple, we should aim at moving higher in the way we relate, understand, and communicate with each other. This will require a certain level of work and being intentional about getting to understand your spouse.
The higher we grow in our level of communicating with ourselves, the more intimate we grow with our spouse.
I pray God will grant us wisdom and grace and help us all to communicate better in Jesus name.
God bless our marriage
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
My marriage will be a blessing to many
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh Lord, teach me how to communicate effectively
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. –Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pray in the Spirit
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Job 23-25
by Sylvester Obinna | May 17, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Let’s enjoy the story about Funmi, as we look at listening to the Voice of God. Funmi asked her mother for some money but her request wasn’t granted. When her mother went to the kitchen, Funmi quickly took money out of her mother’s purse.
She felt good knowing that she had money to spend with her friends at school. Her friends always had lots of money to spend at school and she didn’t want to be any different.
But she kept having a feeling. As much as she was happy, the feelings of happiness were slowly dwindling.
What could it be, she wondered. Soon, she began to feel bad about taking the money.
A voice kept telling her it was wrong of her to have taken the money. It kept telling her she had stolen the money.
But I didn’t steal the money, Funmi said to herself. It’s my mother’s money and she has lots of it.
Funmi was hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit.
When you sin, the Holy Spirit convicts you of it. He speaks to your heart and tells you what you did wrong.
When the Holy Spirit speaks to you and can convict you to the point where you change your ways or confess your wrongdoings, you are still in a safe zone. You still have a conscience.
Funmi didn’t spend the money at school that day or went with her friends to buy things. She felt bad about taking the money and knew what she had to do – tell her mother the truth, ask for her forgiveness, and never steal again in her life.
May the Holy Spirit give you a healthy conscience. Amen.
Prayer:
Sweet Spirit of God, thank you for the power to convict me of all sins. Please give me a heart that will listen and obey you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action point:
Has the Holy Spirit ever spoken to you about something wrong you did? How did you respond? Did you do what He said or not? Decide to always listen to and obey His instructions.
Declaration:
My conscience is not seared. I listen and obey the Holy Spirit.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 16, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES – The Lie, The Fact, And The Truth
Continued from yesterday.
The Samaritan woman had met so many men… but then when she met the man, the lover of her soul, she couldn’t but express the difference that turned her life around!
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man… -John 4:28-29 (KJV)
Respond to God’s love today. Refuse the emotion of guilt! You see the moment you have asked your father to forgive you, He forgives and forgets. The devil tries to bring guilt so that you can feel unworthy and thereby prevent you from coming into God’s presence boldly.
But you see, this issue is a family affair! If your earthly father has forgiven you of an offense, what else can the servant in the house say? You simply tell him to shut up!
That is the way you handle the devil. It’s none of his business. God forgave you, period.
Tell the devil to shut up, it’s between you and your father, it’s a family affair and it is settled! He should stop poke nosing.
The blood of Jesus handled it already! If he tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future, it’s the bottomless pit! Make sure you stop sinning.
That is what God does not want, continuous and habitual sins. Grace cannot abound when sin continues! Only hearken to what Jesus said to that adulterous woman caught in the act.
… And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. –John 8:11 (KJV)
The fact is that you did something wrong.
The lie is that you will never be forgiven.
The truth is that you are already forgiven and it is forgotten! Embrace the truth today and let it set you free! Truth is superior to the fact!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
Sin will not have dominion over me. I am able to follow God’s injunctions. I put my body under. All my sins are forgiven. I am a new a creature
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
Lord, strengthen me in my inner man. Help me to comprehend with all the saints what is the length, breadth and height, and depth of your love for me.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
He touched my mouth with the coal and said, “Look. This coal has touched your lips. Gone your guilt, your sins wiped out.” –Isaiah 6:7 (MSG)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Study ‘Righteousness’
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Psalms 126
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 16, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES –
Continued from yesterday
This type of conversation is not just limited to a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer. The wife’s or husband’s opinion is needed and necessary.
For example,
‘Are the children eating rice this afternoon?’ ‘I don’t think it will be the best option for them. They need more vegetables in their diet’.
It is important to note that, the question, what do you think about….is so important in husband-wife conversations.
Your husband or wife’s opinion matters and don’t want them feeling like they are not smart. If the wife is just accepting every decision made and is not really a part of the decision-making process and involved in the intellectual aspect of thinking through, there will eventually be problems later on in the marriage.
4. Emotional Talk.
‘Let me tell you how I feel’.
In this fourth level of Communication, we share our feelings. When our feelings are shared, we share ourselves because we are what and how we feel.
We are simply making ourselves vulnerable. When we share with our mate how we feel, the intention is not whether we are right or wrong. We mostly don’t want to be judged because of how we feel. We just need our spouse to listen, understand and accept that that’s the way we feel.
We kill intimacy when we are quick to judge the feeling. I am not saying we should not correct but first acknowledge your spouse’s feelings.
It is more difficult for most people to share their feelings than their thoughts. These are two very different things
‘I feel that guy is a thief’.
‘I feel the car will break down’
‘I am thinking the issue with the woman is not natural’.
When you share your feelings, you are expressive. When you don’t share your deepest feelings, a path of you is left hidden or covered.
When you share your feelings, you are vulnerable, open, unashamed, no inhibitions.
Couples should aim at growing together into this fourth level of communication, to enjoy a higher level of intimacy.
In our concluding part, I will be talking about how your marriage can move up on the level of Communication and you both can become intimate couples. The goal in every marriage should be to know each other and be as intimate with your spouse as much as possible.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
My marriage will be a blessing to many
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh Lord, teach me how to communicate effectively
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. –Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pray in the Spirit
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Psalm 30-32
by Sylvester Obinna | May 16, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Today we will be talking about overcoming fear. Appearances can look real but in actual fact are not. Your expectations are false but are looking real.
How do you stop yourself from being overwhelmed with all the pressure of fear?
See what the word of the living God says about fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Just take a moment to stop everything and just pray.
Praying helps you to get an understanding of what to do or not to do.
Prayer is a tool to help you understand what is happening and how to deal with it.
The major thing is that you shouldn’t allow fear – any of your false expectations appearing real, to stop you from doing what you’re supposed to do.
God doesn’t want you to have any form of fear and even if you do, He asks you to release them all to Him. He can carry them all and has the solution to solving them.
God bless you. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for helping me with my fears. I am grateful for all the ways you do so. Amen.
Action point:
Release everything to God.
Declaration:
I am no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 15, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 3 minutes
SINGLES -The Lie, The Fact, And The Truth
Having to start your day by asking God for forgiveness daily can be very frustrating, especially when you know you are going to commit the sin again.
Self-condemnation comes once we violate God’s principles. This self condemnation will surface at unexpected times. Most times, young folks get involved in premaritalee before marriage in order to express their freedom or liberty.
In the end, the purpose is defeated, because the very freedom they seek to express will be lost to emotional captivity and slavery. Freedom from a guilty conscience will be gone.
Years ago, a lady sat before me. She was genuinely troubled. She felt God would never forgive her because she was involved in pre-marital sex. She wept bitterly.
She said she has asked God to forgive her severally and she was not sure God heard her.
Another lady actually lost her mind after indulging in this same act because she believed she had committed an unpardonable sin. She couldn’t recognize anybody again.
She embraced the devil’s lie that she has committed the unpardonable sin because of pre-marital sex. She was talking gibberish and making faces. When we were called (alongside another pastor) to pray for her, all our attempts failed until we started to address the issue of guilt by the Spirit of God.
As we began to speak to her about God’s love and kindness, that demon left her, she calmed down, sobered up and tears began to flow. It was only then she was restored. It was then she told us what really happened. The negative emotion of guilt is a terrible experience. Guilt can be so real to the point of being suicidal.
When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt I couldn’t see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out. –Psalms 40:12 (MSG)
I’m swamped by my bad behavior, collapsed under gunnysacks of guilt. –Psalms 38:4 (MSG)
You wouldn’t want to live with guilt all your life for violating God’s law. However, no matter how guilty you feel right now; God can always send help if you call upon Him and trust in His Word. That’s the way out.
It could be a sin of fornication or adultery or any form of sexual perversion, the blood of Jesus took care of all!
Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to GOD.” Suddenly the pressure was gone– my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. –Psalms 32:5 (MSG)
I want you to know that there is a lover of your soul that is different from any lover who might have disappointed you. You might have been disappointed by men, abandoned by men, used and dumped by men, treated shabbily by men…but when you meet the man, He will restore your soul!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
Sin will not have dominion over me. I am able to follow God’s injunctions. I put my body under. All my sins are forgiven. I am a new a creature
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
Lord, strengthen me in my inner man. Help me to comprehend with all the saints what is the length, breadth and height, and depth of your love for me.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
He touched my mouth with the coal and said, “Look. This coal has touched your lips. Gone your guilt, your sins wiped out.” –Isaiah 6:7 (MSG)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Study ‘Righteousness’
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Psalms 126
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 15, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Continued from yesterday…
COUPLES –
So we learned how important communication is in marriage. Not just anyhow communication but husbands and wives should dedicate time and attention to proper and effective ways to communicate with each other.
It can’t be over-emphasized, that Intimacy in marriage can only be brought as we grow from one level of Communication to the other levels.
There are five levels of Communication. I started with the first level yesterday, which is Hallway talker. Today, I am continuing:
2. Reporter’s Talk
This level is a step further than the first. Here, the conversation moves from general talks to talking or giving facts or information about events. It is a reported kind of talk.
Here more information is given, but still, this kind of conversation does not promote intimacy. In level two communication, we do not express our opinions, thoughts, or how we feel about the subject matter.
If you are at this level two communication, your aim should be to move up and climb the steps of effective communication so that intimacy could be engendered.
Remember, level two communication is summarized; Just give me the facts.
3. Intellectual Talk
In this conversation level, your spouse is given the freedom to think differently. This is an amazing gift to give each other in marriage.
It is recognizing the fact that each one of you is a unique individual with a different perspective, viewpoint, and way of reasoning.
Marriage is trying to bring our way of thinking into alignment without suffocating the uniqueness of each other’s thinking. Two becoming one is choosing the best of our different thinking patterns and or merging our different opinions till we arrive at the best alternative.
When we recognize our weaknesses and strength and know that each one of us has a role and part to play and that neither of us is superior to another. We will honor each other and give each other the opportunity to air their opinions.
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
My marriage will be a blessing to many
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh Lord, teach me how to communicate effectively
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. –Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pray in the Spirit
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Leviticus 20
by Onukwue Elizabeth | May 15, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Hello precious one, today I will be talking to you about God as our shepherd. Have you ever heard the word Shepherd?
It’s a name given to someone. So who is a shepherd and what does he/she do?
A shepherd is a person who tends sheep, his or her responsibility is to watch, keep, feed, and protect a sheep.
In the bible, we see on several occasions that it refers to God as a Shepherd and the bible also calls us God’s sheep.
Just like an earthly Shepherd, there are several responsibilities promised to us by God. Our father is “The good shepherd” and his sheep are always watched by him.
Let me show you a few places where the bible speaks about God as our shepherd and us as his sheep.
Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. –Psalms 100:3 (NIV)
Don’t you just love the word of God? The bible calls us God’s people, as in his very own, and then he says we are the sheep of his pasture.
Another verse is Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. –Psalms 23:1 (NIV)
This verse makes it a personal confession, God is ”my Shepherd”, as a result of this, I am not in lack of anything, he is responsible for my daily needs!
The last verse we will be looking at is found in Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. –Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
This verse declares that God carries us as his children, not only are we carried; he places us close to his heart, such that for anything to happen to us, that means God too will be affected.
Thank God we have a Good Shepherd who cares for us! Amen.
PRAYER:
Father help me to know you as my Shepherd.
ACTION POINT:
Make sure you take out time to pray this morning
DECLARATION:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 14, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES – How To Detect A Problem in Your Relationship
Continued from yesterday…
3. Only God knows who will make heaven. We are all deceiving ourselves
No! We are not all deceiving ourselves.
You see, this type of attitude reduces a person to a mediocre Christian. No energy or passion for God. He is not committed to his local assembly, he is disconnected from the vine as it were.
Anybody who is not enthusiastic about serving God will always have issues in his or her spiritual life.
4. I don’t like speaking in tongues. I’m not for that balderdash.
Well speaking in tongues is not balderdash!
Speaking in tongues is the supernatural utterance that God has given us to forge ahead in life, stay in touch with Him, and ensure our victory always.
When anybody makes the above statement, it is an indication of serious and deeper issues that will show up later.
5. The Bible never says we should not drink. We only should not get drunk
This person will surely drink and even indulge in other excesses. He or she already told you ahead of time!
When any of the above statement is being made, don’t turn a deaf ear to them. Pay attention to them, seek counsel and pray again and again.
It is better to remain single until the right person shows up than to desperately rush into marriage with the wrong person.
I pray for you this morning, you will not miss it in Jesus name
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I have the wisdom of God to detect problems
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, show me what may not be obvious
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Jer 33:3 (KJV)Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pray in the Spirit
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Leviticus 18 – 21
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 14, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Continued from yesterday
There are five levels of Communication. A further read is encouraged on the subject of communication especially by the best selling author Gary Chapman.
I am sure you will find it rewarding and worth your while.
1. The Hallway talker
In this type of conversation no intimacy is developed or worked at. This conversation doesn’t involve wanting to know the feeling or thought process or pattern of the other person.
The conversation is on autodrive.
You have a particular way of response to what is said or asked. Example,
‘How are you doing?’.
‘Fine’.
‘How are the kids?’
They have gone to school.’
The essence of communicating with each other is develop intimacy. No deep communication, no intimacy. And intimacy is the essence of marriage.
Why am I married if I can’t enjoy love, acceptance, understanding, oneness, sincerity and transparency?
Every married couple, should aim at climbing the steps of communication to further develop the intimacy between them.
You can’t be involved in monosyllable answers and expect intimacy to be developed.
If couples are not careful or well discerning, twenty years of their marred life will pass so quickly and they will discover they have not improved on their communication and that they are still in the ‘hall way’ method of communicating.
They were distracted by work, a busy schedule, distracted with the children and yet each spouse were just coping and not really pleased with each other.
The children are grown and they are now left with each other to deal with the hurts piled up for so many years and not talked about.
May God in His mercy send help to us out of Zion in Jesus name.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I have the wisdom of God
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh Lord, help me to communicate well with my spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Jer 33:3 (KJV)Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pray in the Spirit
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Leviticus 19-21
by Sylvester Obinna | May 14, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Your spirituality is very important! It is very important to your advancement in life. Your spiritual life is a very important part of you.
Part of your activities to advance includes reviewing your spiritual life and asking yourself the following questions
1. Did you create a time for prayers? If yes, how well did you keep to this time?
How long did you spend in prayers?
Did you pray in the Holy Ghost and for how long?
2. How many times did you fast this year? From morning till afternoon? Morning till evening? Weekly? Monthly?
3. How many times did you attend church?
4. Do you serve in your church as a worker?
5. Did you pay tithes and give offerings?
6. How many times did you read the Bible? Or even opened it?
These are just some questions that can guide you in making better decisions concerning your spiritual life.
May the Lord guide you. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, I desire to make better spiritual decisions in my life. Help and guide me as I do so. Amen.
Action point:
Go through all these questions, add yours to them and answer them as truthfully as you should.
Declaration:
I am making wise decisions by the help of the Holy Spirit.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 13, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES – How To Detect A Problem in Your Relationship
When you hear statements like these, then be rest assured the relationship is defective and there is a problem.
1. I don’t know how to communicate, that is how I am
How do you know a man or woman who is not right for you? You will find out in his or her words.
His words will reveal his heart. His words are like a searchlight, highlighting the intents and the intentions of the hearts.
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
There is nobody who doesn’t know how to communicate. People only choose whether they want to do so or not. There is something about somebody you love genuinely. The vocal chords will resonate!
The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. – Son 2:8 (KJV)
You are at an interview. You are about to be hired and they have one last question for you. “Tell us about yourself.”
Will you say you don’t know how to communicate? You will suddenly have inspiration.
When you stay incommunicado with a supposed lover for weeks, something is not quite right.
2. I serve God my own way, I am not like a fanatic
When a person says things like that, it shows deeper resentments for God and His ways.
His definition of serving God is his own invention. It is as defined by him and at his convenience. This type of heart that is not ready to sacrifice cannot go far in God.
To follow after God, you must be prepared to carry your own cross.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mat 16:24 (KJV)
To be continued.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I have the wisdom of God to solve the problem
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, show me what may not be obvious
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Jer 33:3 (KJV) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Pray in the Spirit
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Leviticus 16 – 18
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 13, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES –
Communication is simply talking, but of cause, there are more things involved than just talking. A healthy conversation involves not just what is said but what is heard.
In essence, communication is a two way conversation which involves speaking and hearing. The two spouses must form the conscious habit of allowing the other spouse express himself or herself. While he/ she speaks, the other partner should be actively listening.
Not listening for pleasure, not listening for information but should practise empathic listening. This is putting yourself in the conversation. Trying to understand and feel the impulse of the speaker.
It is unhealthy to to dominate a conversation without waiting at intervals to get feedback. To check whether your hearer is hearing the right thing, to know how he/she is processing the information. The aim of your conversation especially on marriage is for your partner to understand what you are saying , understand and then obey you.
Listening should not also be done with the intention of giving a reply that will defend your status or what you represent in the marriage covenant.
I think we cannot also have a good conversation with our spouse if our interpretation of what marriage is, is defective. Until we see our marriage from the view point of it being a covenant relationship, every other thing becomes loop sided.
What we see most couples practising is contract and not covenant marriage.
This is so important. It is a contract (which could be unwritten and informal), when the marriage is based on mutual benefit. That is, we are both doing something for each other.
For example, I will be nice to you, if you bring in enough money. Or, if you help out in the house, I will prepare the meals.
The opposite obtains if your spouse doesn’t do what is expected. I will be very cold and unresponsive to you if you hurt my feelings. I will be uncaring to you if you disrespect me.
Marriage is a covenant. In which each partner takes up his/her responsibility.
A wife is to submit fully. The husband takes up his responsibility to love her like Christ does irrespective of what she does.
It is the aim of covenant relationship to please and serve the other person despite what he/ she does.
It’s kind of difficult right? Very hard. Especially if you have been to some school of hardknocks, where you have been deeply hurt.
If you are starting on a clean note and you have this understanding, how blessed you are.
No matter how farther away we have gone, in Christ there is always a way out. He shows us and leads us in the way since He is the way.
We need to retrace our steps and in humility, accept what works.
When a marriage is not working, both partners are responsible. It is not just one persons fault but the two parties have their contributing factors.
Tomorrow, I will attempt to summarize the five levels of Communication.
God bless your marriage.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am communicating well with my spouse.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, help me to be a better communicator
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
They said to him, “Hezekiah says, ‘This is a black day. We’re in crisis. We’re like pregnant women without even the strength to have a baby!
Isaiah 37:3 – MSG
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Talk with your spouse
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Isaiah 37
by Sylvester Obinna | May 13, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: < 1 minute
A new academic term has begun and it is important you begin well too. Do you know how you can make good grades? Let me tell you.
One of the ways you start off this term is by reviewing your performances in the last term.
Here are questions that will help your review.
How well did you perform in examinations and tests at school?
Did you understand all you were taught in class?
How well did you pay attention in class?
How much time did you spend studying and reading?
Did it have any impact on your grades?
How many times did you ask for someone to help you with your lessons?
Did you join a study group?
What was its effects on your grades?
How many hours did you’d spend watching movies or playing games instead of studying?
These are just some guidelines that will point you towards what to continue, stop, or start doing.
May the Lord give you good grades. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your help with my academics. I am deeply grateful for your assistance.
Action point:
Make a list of what worked for you and what didn’t. Plan to improve on what worked and stop what didn’t work.
Declaration:
I take inventory of my life and make the necessary adjustments.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 12, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES – Why You Can’t Keep Asking Him for Money
There is nothing wrong in asking your fiancé for money or for financial assistance during courtship, if you are really in a fix, but this should never become a habit.
You are not married, yet, so you shouldn’t abandon yourself into his hands like a sheep being led to the slaughter!
I once met a lady who told me that she has many guys who are her friends and that they are for different purposes.
One supplies laptops, another supplies phones, and another gets fresh fish and so on and so forth. This is an irresponsible way of living!
That is nothing more like eating your cake and trying to have it. I have always told ladies, there are no nice guys, and nobody wants to sow seeds without expecting some returns.
You see a guy who is an unbeliever and you keep taking things from him, one day he is going to take something from you, and by the time he asks, your capacity would have been weakened to say NO, because you have received too many gifts.
There is a saying in Yoruba language that says you shouldn’t eat what will get stuck in your throat!
The scripture aptly warns that:
A man’s gift maketh room for him… (Proverbs 18:16 KJV)
This is also applicable here. Taking too many inappropriate gifts creates a vacancy in you.
There are gifts that you take, and you wish you hadn’t some few months after. A married man buys you a car, and he has not bought one for his wife and you are happy? You should run for your life, because there are too many ritualists out there.
There are some circles where a believer should not be found. It is not everything you get that is really a testimony. Not every act can be seen as God’s favour.
That is why the scripture warns:
Favour is deceitful… (Proverbs 31:30 KJV)
God is your Jehovah, not man. Stop putting all your trust in a man, because man will surely disappoint. Learn to use your faith to meet your needs and stop putting yourself in compromised positions because of financial favours from men.
There are still men that God can send your way and help to bail you out or to favour you, but let God work it out in His own way. When you try to be smart, you can get more than you bargained for.
We live in selfish world where people may want you to exchange your body for a favour. If you are involved in that kind of racket, please, run from such.
Your body is never designed to be a commodity or a tool for trade by barter, your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and it should be honoured as such.
The Lord is my shepherd, it didn’t say, your boyfriend. When you put a man in a spot where only God can occupy, there will be trouble!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I have God’s wisdom to handle money
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, help me to say “No” when necessary
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people (Proverbs 18:16 Message)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Focus on God to meet your needs, especially when money is involved
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Psalms 1-2
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 12, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: < 1 minute
COUPLES –
Gifts can come with good intentions, and they can also be trouble in disguise depending from where they are coming from.
The rule of thumb is to ensure your spouse know about gifts you give away and those you receive. That places you in a safe zone.
I don’t think husbands should give out gifts or financial favors to ladies, maybe in church or at work without the knowledge of the wife.
The wife should be in the know to avoid unnecessary traps.
Married women should be careful in taking gifts from men as well.
The kind of gift you will take and you wouldn’t inform your husband is not worth it. Such things can get you trapped faster than you think.
Gifts have a way of making a way, and sometimes that way may be a way leading to hell.
Let’s be disciplined, focused and matured in this area.
May God bless your marriage.
May God help us all.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I have God’s wisdom
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord, help me to say “No” when necessary
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people (Proverbs 18:16 Message)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Focus on God to meet your needs
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Psalms 1-2
by Sylvester Obinna | May 12, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
You must learn to deal with bad thoughts, because your thoughts create your words. How do your thoughts create your words?
For example, because someone stepped on your toes in class and refused to say sorry, you begin to dislike the person.
As you think those bad thoughts, the enemy tells you that you can act out those thoughts physically.
So if you wish for the person to trip and hit her head on the table, you could actually say it out loud.
You could say something nasty, that would make her cry of feel ashamed or something worse.
That’s how your thoughts affect your words. It’s like a volcano that is ready to erupt.
It spills out everything in it without any thought for those around it. It doesn’t care if its lava burns anyone.
More like you. You don’t care if your words hurt the other person. You feel hurt and just want to hurt the other person back.
You want them to feel as much pain as you do too. If not more than you do, as the case is sometimes.
Again you might argue that the other person caused it. Yes, they did you wrong but you had a responsibility to chose your words well.
Careless words stab like a wound. But wise words bring healing Prov. 12:18 ICB
The only way to show God how much you love Him is by obeying Him. Are you obeying God with your thoughts and words?
May God give you the grace to speak sweet and kind words to even those who hurt you. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus, I need your help with my words. Help me to deal with my thoughts so I can speak positive and life-giving words, even to those that offend me in Your mighty name I pray. Amen.
Action point:
After dealing with your thoughts and words, how about apologizing to someone you said some unkind words to? Try it.
Declaration:
My words are kind and soothing.
Read yesterday’s article here
