by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 11, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 3 minutes
SINGLES – The Importance of Body Chemistry
The scripture clearly identifies the importance of physical attraction when it comes to marriage.
God in His wisdom knows that if a man does not derive satisfaction from his wife, he would seek it else where, which of course will not only be detrimental to him, but to his whole family.
So, God advises the man:
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings (Proverbs 5:18-21 KJV)
In other words, what God wants is that you focus on your wife and not somebody out there. He said all your ways are before Him and He will inquire about everything you do. More or less, the affair that you think is secret is actually open to God.
As a single, you don’t want to spiritualise everything and say attraction doesn’t matter! It matters a lot!
Marry somebody you like and you love, a friend you can play with and laugh with. That is why the scripture says, “…rejoice with the wife of thy youth.“ The Importance of Body Chemistry
You also need to know that God will not force anybody on you. This idea that you are marrying somebody not because you love the person but because God said so is defective.
As a lady, when a guy walks up to you and tells you that God has spoken to Him, you also need to hear God as well.
Now, we have established that physical attraction is very important! But there is a balance! Physical attraction alone is not the only thing that determines your choice! See the scripture.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:30 KJV)
Message Translation says:
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear–of– God. (Proverbs 31:30 Message)
So we see here, the only thing shouldn’t be outward beauty, but also inner beauty.
It is okay if she has hot legs, but her heart must also be hot for God! A hot leg without a hot heart will get your hands burnt at the end.
So in man or in a woman, I should have attraction for him or her, while he or she must have attraction for God.
This is very important!
In conclusion, no lady should ever think she is not beautiful. There is nothing like that. You are beautiful and you should believe it.
Have you not seen some of the most handsome men (in your opinion) get married to some of the most ugly ladies? (again, in your opinion) And then such men would say their wives are beautiful! You see, beauty is in the beholder’s eyes!
When your husband sees you, regardless of how you think you look, he will love you and will tell you that you are beautiful.
So, you can help yourself and your esteem by looking at the mirror daily and pointing to who you see there and say, “you are beautiful!” The Importance of Body Chemistry
If some people have told you that you are ugly, it is okay. You are wonderfully and fearfully made, so says the scripture. That means you will be “wonderful” to some and you will be “fearful” to others. Certainly when your spouse sets eyes on you, you will be “wonderful!”
So be patient and wait for the salvation of God in your marriage.
May God help us all.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am a child of God. I am beautiful
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Pray that God will be your wisdom and strength
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it (Proverbs 31:10-11 Message)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Write down what you want in a spouse.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Psalms 25, 29
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 11, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES –
A husband that is into ‘house-binding’ and not husbandry loves his wife genuinely, the God kind of love (Agape) that is kind, patient, gentle etc (1Cor 13:4-8)
In Eph.5:25, husbands are given a direct and clear command. ‘Husbands love your wife…’ Husbands are commanded to love but the love being described here is not sexual in which love is based on your wife’s body and the sexual pleasure you can get from her body.
Some husbands are only nice and full of compliments when it is time for sexual pleasure.
In husbandry (animal kingdom), there are no affections, no kind words, no thoughtfulness and tenderness. The male just goes ahead to mate the female.
But for a ‘house-binding’ husband, love is total and complete. It is the God kind of love which says, ‘I love you in spite of this issue.’
It is a willingness to accept your wife for who she is. It is a love that is unconditional. It is sacrificial, willing to go the extra mile.
It is not overly demanding, critical or fault finding. It is simply based on a conscious decision to walk in love not because she deserves it but because the word of God commands it.
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am a love being. God’s love flows in me. My love is selfless and not selfish.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
Lord, teach me to walk in love daily in Jesus Name.
Shed your love abroad in my heart , O Lord
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Col 3:19 AMP Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful toward them.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Memorize and meditate and confess the attributes of love in 1 Cor. 13
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Amos 3
by Onukwue Elizabeth | May 11, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
It’s time to learn what causes miracles! Hello dear child, trust you have had a lot to learn here so far! Today we’ll be looking at another interesting lesson from God’s word; it’s always good to learn directly from what the word of God says, rather than earthly wisdom.
Let’s go straight into God’s word!
In today’s devotional, I am going to be showing you how you can cause God to work miracles in your life and that of your loved ones.
The first miracle of Jesus was when he turned water to wine at a wedding at Cana of Galilee. Jesus came to ‘the recuse’ of the bride and groom, wine had just finished at their party, and the party was still very much on. Can you imagine that? Have you held a party before? It’s like someone announcing that food has finished at a birthday party when the party has just started and over a hundred people are yet to eat.
In the story, Jesus’ mother called his attention to the issue, but he wasn’t ready to do anything at that time, because it wasn’t yet time for his manifestation.
But Mary said something powerful to the disciples, and that’s where our lesson is from today.
The bible says in John 2:5;
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:5 (NIV)
Right after Mary said this, Jesus gave an instruction that didn’t make common sense, but just like Mary told the servants, they did what was told then. The end result of this was that water was turned into wine.
This miracle could only happen because those servants did as they were told, not minding whether it made sense or not, they obeyed!
As children of God we must learn to obey, this is how to get God to work miracles in our lives.
To be continued…
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus help me to be an obedient child at all times; Amen.
ACTION POINT:
Choose to always follow simple instructions
DECLARATION:
I am a child of God; I am obedient at all times. The Holy Spirit is at work in my life helping me live a life of obedience at all times, amen.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 10, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES – How To Treat Your Lover
Dear husbands-to-be, being a husband is a calling. It is a leadership and destiny to fulfill. How well are you fulfilling this great call? Generations yet unborn depend on you and the decisions you make in being a great husband.
You will be a good husband if you begin to practice walking in love and not in lust. You will not allow your erection to determine your direction! If you truly love her, you won’t be asking her to sleep with you before marriage, that’s How To Treat Your Lover
Some guys might come up and say, ‘but she wanted it. She even begged for it!’ The question is ‘do you do everything everybody asks you to do?’ How come you suddenly lose your ability to say NO when it comes to this issue? You are still the decision-maker.
If somebody asks you to pull the trigger on him, will you do it? You wouldn’t because your sense of judgment says it is wrong and you might find yourself in trouble. Decide to love truly and say NO to sex outside marriage.
So single guys, here are three things to take note of.
1. Don’t be carnal. Be spiritual. Be a praying man. Take the lead. Work on yourself before marriage and develop a deeper relationship with God. Marriage comes with its challenges, but the wisdom you need begins with fearing God.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. – Pro 9:10 KJV
2. Don’t pressurize her for a sexual relationship. That is what separates the boys from the men. Do not succumb to her if she asks for it indirectly. That is the way to put your feet down and say No Compromise. It preserves your future, and you would have closed the door on the devil.
3. Don’t neglect her. Keep in touch with her. Don’t get too busy with whatever you are doing that you neglect her. If she is not complaining now, she will later on. If you start neglecting her during courtship, what will happen after the wedding then? How To Treat Your Lover
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am a love being. God’s love flows in me. My love is selfless and not selfish.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
Lord, teach me to walk in love daily in Jesus Name.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Col 3:19 AMP Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful toward them.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Memorize, meditate and confess the attributes of love in 1 Cor. 13
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Haggai 1-2
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 10, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES –
Continued from yesterday
In summary, these are a few pragmatic things to do when you want a change.
1. Give your life to Jesus Christ genuinely and ensure every member of your family does.
2. Find a Bible-believing church and join the foundation class, with intention of becoming a worker. Do not go to church to seek miracles only, let your motivation be to grow in the things of God.
3. Never miss reading God’s word daily. Find scriptures that address that area where you need change. That is what will renew your mind.
4. From what you read daily, pick one or two verses to meditate on daily. You can do it with your spouse.
5. Go for water baptism by immersion
6. Go for Holy Ghost Baptism with evidence of speaking in tongues. This is the power of Christianity and it is the power of the Holy Spirit that gives you dominion over sin.
7. Pray in the Spirit often
8. Have a close mentor for accountability’s sake. Somebody you and your spouse can access one on one or via phone that will keep you on your toes and help guide you in major decisions.
Your mentor is not the one that pursues you; you are the one that pursues him because he usually has many protégées. I do this for quite a number of people and help mentor their marriage.
9. Serve in any capacity in God’s house and be sensitive to give when God asks you to.
10. You and your spouse should do a personal retreat from time to time.
CONFESSION OF THE DAY
My mind is being renewed daily by God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father in the name of Jesus, I pull down every stronghold in my mind that is keeping me bound to low life.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Phil 4: 13 ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Take relevant scriptures in the area you need renewal in your mind and begin to study, meditate and speak them to yourself.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ps 115
by Sylvester Obinna | May 10, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Dear kid, you have the power to forgive. Now, your failure to forgive has made you unholy before God, which won’t make Him listen to or even answer your prayers.
That’s because when God looks at you, He sees the mark of sin on you – resentment, unforgiveness, hatred, and He can’t look at you like that.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14-15
When you ask for forgiveness before you pray, it takes the mark of sin away from you.
Or even while praying and the Holy Spirit convicts your heart of unforgiveness, quickly forgive whoever you need to forgive so that your prayers might be answered.
When God sees your entire heart as unholy, He also sees your body as unholy too.
By allowing unforgiveness to stay in your heart, you are causing yourself more harm than good.
An unforgiving heart affects your entire body. It can cause you to have medical conditions.
Be holy today and forgive who you need to forgive.
God bless and provide for you as you do so. Amen.
Prayer:
My Father in heaven, forgive me my trespasses and help me to forgive everyone I need to forgive, Amen.
Action point:
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you who you need to forgive and do so fast!
Declaration:
I choose to forgive all who have hurt me.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 9, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES –
Continued from yesterday…
5. Slave Master Husband
His principle is that ‘women are to be seen and not heard. He believes his wife’s opinions are inferior to his. He will rather ask others for their opinion than his wife. He sees his wife has a love-making machine, a cook, a dry cleaner, and a house help.
6. General Husband
He is a husband to every available lady. He does not believe in keeping himself solely for his wife. He sleeps with everything in a skirt.
7. The dry Husband
This type of husband lacks the ability to enjoy himself. He is a total bore. There is no fun with or around him. He is not romantic at all. He does not enjoy the company of his wife.
8. Analgesic Husband
He sees his wife as a problem solver, a pain reliever, and someone to use only to meet his needs. He sees her as someone to exploit.
9. Parasite Husband
He is dependent on his wife for everything and cannot take decisions on his own. He does not work nor does he do anything worthwhile.
10. Baby Husband
He is not mature at all. He is a baby emotionally. He nags, throws tantrums, fusses, refuses to eat when angry, and keeps malice with his wife. Spiritually, he is a baby. He cannot pray or fast. He still struggles with paying his tithes, offerings, and other financial obligations.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am led by his Spirit to choose rightly the man I will marry.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
In the name of Jesus, I receive Grace for my fiance to mature in Christ and be all he can be for the glory of God. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Rom 12:2 Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Make sure you are comfortable with the character and personality of the person you are going out with. Prayerfully ask the Lord what to do next.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Num 1-4
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 9, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES –
Continued from yesterday…
Your thinking directs your life. Your thinking gives meaning to your life. Where your life is today is an indication of how and what you have been thinking about.
Your mind is the engine of your life, it drives your life. A healthy mind will give a healthy life.
If you are born again, there is victory for you. The solution to depression and mood swings is in renewing your mind. Your mind is the seat of your will, intellect, and your emotion. You can become emotionally stable by renewing your minds with God’s Word. You can be all God desires you to be by renewing your mind.
What is a renewal of mind? How do you renew your mind?
To renew means to simply make new, and you renew by studying and meditating on God’s Word. You meditate on God’s Word by thinking on His Word, speaking it to yourself audibly and inaudibly.
The beginning of a change in your life is when your heart is filled with God’s word! Replace those negative, stinking thoughts with life-giving and strength imparting thoughts. Replace lustful, dirty thoughts with pure thoughts.
It has been discovered that it’s only God’s Word that can positively change our minds and make it pure. As you stubbornly dwell on God’s word, think on it, rehearse it, say it, and brood on it, it will create a picture of what God really wants for you.
As you reach out for those pictures, change will begin. Change starts from the inside, not outside. In God’s word is the inherent power to cause itself to come to pass.
CONFESSION OF THE DAY
My mind is being renewed daily by God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father in the name of Jesus, I pull down every stronghold in my mind that is keeping me bound to low life.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Phil 4: 13 ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Take relevant scriptures in the area you need renewal in your mind and begin to study, meditate and speak them to yourself.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Isaiah 2-5
by Sylvester Obinna | May 9, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Let’s look at this short story about Bimpe, as we seek to understand the God that answers prayers. Bimpe ensured that everyone around her felt her sadness and displeasure. She sighed sadly, squeezed her face, hissed many times, kept a low profile and didn’t give much attention when spoken to.
God had not answered her prayers. This was like the hundredth time she had asked for Sola, her friend, who was failing miserably at school. Her last test score was poor and the rest of the class made fun of her when the teacher announced the scores.
Wasn’t God supposed to answer prayers? Wasn’t He the All-Powerful and Great God? The All-Knowing, All-Seeing and All-Doing God? She couldn’t help but wonder why God didn’t want Sola to do well at school.
‘You have been sighing and frowning since you came back from school and all morning too,’ her mother said to her later that day. ‘What’s going on with you? Care to share?’
‘It’s God,’ Bimpe replied.
‘What about God?’
‘He didn’t answer my prayer.’
‘What have you been praying for?’
‘I have been asking Him to help Sola pass her exams and tests at school.’
‘And how do you know so?’ her mother asked again.
‘She failed the test again yesterday. Doesn’t God answer prayers anymore?’
‘Of course, He still answers prayers and will always do so.’
Her mother wondered why she would ask such a question.
Then why hasn’t He answered my prayers? Why is Sola still failing her tests?’
‘Is she studying as she should? Does she listen in class and understand her lessons?’
‘She does, mum. She sits beside me in class.’
‘Have you tried asking her what the problem is and maybe help her study after school?’
Bimpe paused and thought about this. She had never asked Sola that. ‘No, mommy. I have never asked her what the problem was.’
‘There goes your answered prayer.’
Have you ever felt like Bimpe?
Apart from praying for someone, you can always ask them what the problem is and see if you can help. That can be your answered prayers sometimes.
Have a blessed day, God bless you. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the many ways you answer my prayers.
Action plan:
Be more detailed when talking to God.
Declaration:
I receive answers to all my prayers.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 8, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES –
Continued from yesterday…
This morning, let’s go shopping!
There are generally two major types of husbands:
a) Wicked Husbands
b) Godly Husbands
Let’s check out the varieties of wicked husbands we have.
1. A hard man
He is arrogant. He is not easy to live with; he is unfriendly, proud, and does not understand the principle of flexibility in a relationship.
2. The Mini/Fake Husband
He loves bedmatics, he performs well on the bed and the dining room but he’s a lazy man. He lacks creativity and initiative. He is a poor provider.
3. Bachelor Husband
He is a single married man; he neglects his wife for friends, business, or hobbies. He respects others above his wife, he has a separate room in the house and sleeps separately too.
4. An Acidic Husband
He is hot-tempered, always flaring up over trivial issues. He wants things done exactly in his way. He is no fun to be with, he is always very serious. The home is like a military barracks. He slaps, barks and shouts.
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am led by his Spirit to choose rightly the man I will marry.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
In the name of Jesus, I receive Grace for my fiance to mature in Christ and be all he can be for the glory of God. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Rom 12:2 Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Make sure you are comfortable with the character and personality of the person you are going out with. Prayerfully ask the Lord what to do next.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ezek 32-34
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 8, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES –
Mr. & Mrs. George are tired of each other. From quarrels to endless arguments and confrontations, it went on and on. They really want a change.
How does one really change after giving one’s life to Jesus? I thought all the struggles with sin will disappear? Where does one start from?
The key to change and transformation is a renewed mind, a change of thinking. God intends to change our lives by positively affecting our thought patterns. A renewed mind births a transformed life.
It will be interesting to know that most of our present struggles especially in our marriages have their roots in our minds, in our thinking.
‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God’. – Rom. 12: 2
Lustful thinking will result in a life full of lust. Some people have strongholds of negative thinking, some have what is called stinking thinking, some are full of fears, they don’t have confidence or boldness to validate or appreciate themselves in their marriage, they are full of inferiority complex.
They cannot speak their minds because they feel they have nothing good to offer. Some are full of envy, jealousy, strife, malice, anger, wrath, contentions, etc and all these have their roots in unwholesome thinking pattern.
Jesus even connected fornication and adultery to how and what we think about. He said you have committed adultery with a woman when you look at her lustfully in your heart.
To be continued…
CONFESSION OF THE DAY
My mind is being renewed daily by God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father in the name of Jesus, I pull down every strong hold in my mind that is keeping me bound to low life.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Phil 4: 13 ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Take relevant scriptures in the area you need renewal in your mind and begin to study, meditate and speak them to yourself.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ezek 44-45
by Sylvester Obinna | May 8, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
We began an interesting topic some days back – understanding God as our ever-present help. And we are exploring Psalms 46:1-3. I told you I was going to take my time to explain the words in the scripture and help you understand what the bible was saying.
We started with “God is our refuge”
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. – Ps 46:1-3 NIV
The next phrase we will be considering says
God is our strength
The word strength can be defined as the quality or state of being strong. This simply means in God, there can never be any form of weakness.
This scripture comes to mind whenever you feel weak, inadequate, incapable, or inefficient. All you need to do at such times is to roll out this scripture over and over again until you literarily feel strength first on your inside, then in the physical.
See another verse of the bible that you can draw strength from.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. – Philippians 4:13
Dear children, do not fret or feel weakened. The God you serve has promised to be a source of strength to you.
May I also add that the word strength can also mean a source of mental or emotional support. This implies God can be your source of support whenever you feel drained emotionally.
Face your day with this kind of confidence and you will see God come through for you.
Prayer:
Dear Father, help me to always trust in your word. Amen.
Action point:
Dedicate time to meditate on God’s word
Declaration:
God is my refuge and strength, my ever-present help in trouble.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 7, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES –
Our devotional today is taking an interesting dimension because I desire to paint a vivid picture in the heart of young unmarried people. Like never before, I want you to understand that whatever decisions you make in life, especially in the area of your choice of life partner is what you will live with all the rest of your life.
I often tell people, when you invite me to your wedding, I would come, eat, have a nice time but I will return to my own house and you are left with your choice.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. – Rom 12:2
Let’s look at making a choice or decision like going to a supermarket to shop. Even though the issues about marital decisions require more wisdom and God’s help because unlike the supermarket where you can return goods purchased, in marriage, once you say ‘I do’, you cannot return him/her. It is ’till death do us part’.
In a supermarket, there are wide varieties to choose from. There are fakes, cheap, low quality, second hand, expired, and damaged products, depending on which supermarket you visit.
You also have products that are not bad but are not just good for you personally. They may just not suit your person, your taste, or your physiological makeup. They may also be too expensive for you or you do not have a budget for them now.
Everything still points to the fact that you are in charge and you make the decisions. You may be influenced, but it’s your choice that matters at the end of the day.
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am led by his Spirit to choose rightly the man I will marry.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
In the name of Jesus, I receive Grace for my fiance to mature in Christ and be all he can be for the glory of God. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Rom 12:2 Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Make sure you are comfortable with the character and personality of the person you are going out with. Prayerfully ask the Lord what to do next.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ezek 32-34
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 7, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES
This morning, I want to write about the types of husbands we have.
There are generally two major types of husbands:
a) Wicked Husbands
b) Godly Husbands
Everybody prays to marry a godly husband but what if you are already married and you suddenly discover you have a wicked husband?
There are several options for you to explore.
1. The foundation for a good family is salvation of one’s soul and living according to the principles of God. If your spouse is not born again, that is where to start from.
Encourage him to follow you to church and give his life to Jesus. Continue to pray for the salvation of his soul.
2. If he is already born again, and yet you notice some attributes of wickedness, look for a christian marriage counselor to talk with.
Alternatively, you can talk with a mentor who both of you respect. My wife and I do this for couples from time to time, and usually when both sides talk back and forth, biblical solutions are always proffered after a few hours of talking. It would now be left for the couple to be self disciplined and implement the wisdom offered.
Make sure you both have somebody over your marriage that you can talk with from time to time. This could also be your Pastor.
3. Buy good books and read. It will help your perspectives to be broadened and to know how to handle issues more.
4. Follow Kisses and Huggs Daily Devotional on this site daily. You will become familiar with principles that will help you as couples to live better and have a great marriage.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
My marriage will be great.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
In the name of Jesus, I receive Grace for my husband to mature in Christ and be all he can be for the glory of God. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Rom 12:2 Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Make sure you are comfortable with the character and personality of your husband. Prayerfully ask the Lord what to do next.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ezek 32-34
by Sylvester Obinna | May 7, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Learn how to know a good friend. Look at the following scenario and pick up lessons from it.
Ade didn’t say a word. He sat still and quiet while his friend cried. Tola, his best friend at school, just lost his dad and they were in his friend’s room right now.
Tola’s pillows were wet with his tears, the bed covers rough and halfway down on the floor.
His cries echoed throughout the room as he laid on the bed.
There was nothing Ade could do other than to sit and wait for his friend to talk when he felt like it.
Though deeply saddened to see his friend like this, there was nothing he could do, but to pray that God would comfort Tola for the loss and of course, stay by his side.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. – Proverbs18:24
When a friend is in a state like Tola is, the only thing to do is pray for them like Ade is doing and ensuring that you are by them. Don’t try to talk unless they ask you to or do so themselves.
Never expect them to hurry out of their grief or tell them to. They need the time to grieve and mourn their loss as much as they have to.
All they need is your silence and presence. They need your support.
That is what is it means to hold the hand of a friend. You let them know that you are available for them. Your care doesn’t have to be in words but in action most times.
Only God will comfort them for their loss as the bible tells us.
May the Lord make you a good friend at all times. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, make me a good friend that will be there for my friends when they are in their lowest moments. Help me to hold their hands all through in Jesus name, amen.
Action plan:
When next you see a friend going through a tough time, pray for and support them.
Declaration:
I am a friend in need and indeed.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 6, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES –
Continued from yesterday
5. Is It The Right Time?
Am I rushing? Am I too young? Did we have sufficient friendship and courtship? Do I really know him or her since I can only love the person I know?
6. Is The Feeling Mutual?
Am I forcing myself on him or her? Does he or she reciprocates the love or treats me anyhow?
7. Is God Involved?
Do I have peace with this relationship? What are my Pastors saying? What about my parents? What about my siblings? Do I have peace?
Am I sure this is of God? Am I sure I am not on my own? Do I have God’s support and favour?
Ask yourself these questions and make sure you find answers to all of them and you would have succeeded in doing yourself a lot of good. You would have contributed to your happiness and taken charge of the future.
Don’t allow pressures brought about by delays or friends to make you decide and cling to what will obviously not work out.
There is no need to rush into a marriage because you are desperate only to get there and suffer silently because you never knew who you were dealing with.
Once you know a relationship is not of God or it is defective, don’t hesitate to end it all in order to do it right. A broken heart is still much better than a broken life!
Go back to God if you know your relationship with Him is not too good again because that is the foundation of getting blessed by Him!
It is well with you in Jesus name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I possess wisdom, wisdom directs my actions. I am not blindly in love that I do not apply wisdom. I am patient to find out what I need to find out before saying ‘I do’.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
Lord, help me to do my part and follow your leading in my decisions, especially in the area of my relationship. I receive fresh wisdom from you to direct my path in Jesus name.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Ask (questions), and the answer shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. –Matthew 7:7
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Take a pen and paper and write down all the questions you are going to ask the person you intend to marry, whether he/she is already around or not. Be prepared, so you are not so much in love that all sense of reasoning is gone.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ezekiel 48
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 6, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES –
Continued from yesterday…
The blockage could be anything from malice, anger, unforgiving spirit, selfishness, hurt, fear, lack of trust, tiredness, hatred, jealousy, envy, and a lot more.
Rather than for you to keep mopping the flood in your marriage, you can stop the flood, remove the blockage and repair the sink!
Repair your blocked communication line and you will be amazed at how much you will eliminate sleepless nights in your marriage.
How can you repair your communication sink?
1. It is important you discover his or her love language. It helps communication better and you can be sure you are effective in your communication.
2. Ladies, do not close up your spirit on your husband! It will slow things down generally in marriage because the power of agreement is the greatest weapon you have.
3. Men, do not stop wooing your wives. Let the fun continue.
4. When communication sink is blocked, it encourages adulterous relationships as the legitimate need of communication can be sought to be met in illegitimate ways.
5. Stay in touch with God in fellowship as this helps a lot to put things in perspective and makes the wisdom of God available through the Holy Spirit to manage the home well.
I pray for you today that God will give you the strength to end that strife, that bitterness and let go of that unforgiving spirit and join forces together to advance your marriage and lives in Jesus name!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I know how to communicate with my spouse. My spirit is not closed towards my spouse. I am a good listener. I am sensitive to my spouse.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
I pray, Lord, that you teach me by your Spirit to know how to communicate to my spouse with the right words and at the right time in Jesus Name
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. Proverbs 8:8 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Have a meaningful discussion with your spouse today
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Daniel 4
by Sylvester Obinna | May 6, 2022 | Children
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Your eyes are a gift from God to behold this beautiful and wonderful world – the earth, He created.
But the enemy has somehow found a way of introducing sin and evil into the world.
Through people on earth, many unholy things have almost become a norm in the world today.
Though your eyes are to see but not everything you see is good for your eyes. The bible tells us that
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. – Matt. 6:22 NLT.
What you see affects your body. Witnessing a traumatic event affects your mind and body.
Also when you watch morally unfit videos it affects your body.
Watch out for videos or movies that show sexual content even if they have PG16 labels on them. Remember God is Holy and watching such videos or films is an unholy act.
Don’t be fooled by the words of your friends or people that watching it won’t affect you. It will.
The only safe way out of it is not to watch it and run away from friends, people, or situations that will want to make you do so.
It is better to obey God than to have the coolest friendships that will lead you to a lifetime of sexual depravity.
One way to know if what you are watching is bad is when you have to hide from others before you watch. That means you are not meant to watch it.
Remember, your eyes are a lamp for your body. They help to keep you from stumbling. Use them well just like you would use a lamp to see in the dark.
God bless and keep you safe in this dark world. Amen.
Prayer point:
Lord, help me to keep my eyes safe from looking at things that I shouldn’t be looking at.
Action point:
What have you been watching lately? If they are not in line with God’s, pray and ask God to help you overcome them. And tell your parents about it too.
Declaration:
My eyes will not behold iniquity. I watch what I see.
Read yesterday’s article here
by Rev Dunamis Okunowo | May 5, 2022 | Singles
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SINGLES –
Continued from yesterday
Ask yourself these questions before saying ‘I do’. Ask these questions before you fall in love, and every sense of reasoning disappears!
1. Can I see myself in the picture of his future?
What’s his future like based on what he is doing now? What is he doing now? Who is she? What kind of work or job is he/she into? Does this person love God? Is he protective of my virtue or does not mind me compromising?
2. Do I love him/her enough for marriage?
Can I live with him till death do us part? Do I really love him or her or am I just going into this marriage for something I can get like money or some influence?
3. Am I proud of him/her physically, mentally, and spiritually?
Do I like his or her appearance? Would I be embarrassed introducing him or her to friends?
4. Will my kids be proud and approve of him/her?
Would he be a great example? Is he a man of his word? Does he have integrity? Would he influence my children to drink, smoke, and to some other vices? Would she be a good mother? Is he a loafer or very hardworking? Is she enterprising?
Let’s continue tomorrow.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I possess wisdom, wisdom directs my actions. I am not blindly in love that I do not apply wisdom. I am patient to find out what I need to find out before saying ‘I do’.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
Lord, help me to do my part and follow your leading in my decisions, especially in the area of my relationship. I receive fresh wisdom from you to direct my path in Jesus name.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Ask (questions), and the answer shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. –Matthew 7:7
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Take a pen and paper and write down all the questions you are going to ask the person you intend to marry, whether he/she is already around or not. Be prepared, so you are not so much in love that all sense of reasoning is gone.
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Ezekiel 47
by Rev. Sophia Okunowo | May 5, 2022 | Couples
Reading Time: 2 minutes
COUPLES –
Several years ago, the weather was really hot. The power was out. One particular night, power was restored and I woke my hubby to put on the air conditioner. I usually enjoy him doing stuff like that for me. He woke up and as he was getting out of bed, he discovered that the whole rug was flooded with water.
What happened was that the sink in the bathroom was blocked, someone (probably one of the boys) left the tap on and when power was restored, the brother staying with us switched on the pumping machine and before we knew it, our room was simply flooded!
This was a little past 12.00 am and we had no choice but to remove the rug and start mopping. You can bet it was not funny at all. Thank God for a good, hardworking hubby like mine who did the job. (I did a little too).
My point this morning is that if your sink is blocked, be ready for some sleepless nights, unnecessary mopping, and the like.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. – Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)
In marriage, this same principle applies to your communication sink. Once it is blocked, you require extra work. Repair and remove every blockage affecting your communication. It only causes troubles uncalled for.
What could cause blockages in your communication sink and how can you handle it?
That is what I will discuss tomorrow.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I know how to communicate with my spouse. My spirit is not closed towards my spouse. I am a good listener. I am sensitive to my spouse.
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
I pray, Lord, that you teach me by your Spirit to know how to communicate to my spouse with the right words and at the right time in Jesus Name
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. -Proverbs 8:8 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Have a meaningful discussion with your spouse today
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
Daniel 1
