Some time ago, I went to pick up my son from his school. As busy as the road was, I had no issue crossing it since I was alone. On my way back, with my son, I was more careful about crossing the same road. I stood there for a very long time, waiting for the road to be entirely clear before crossing.
I remember I saw others crossing with the speed of light while I stood there, calculating my next move.
People were watching me, wondering why I was finding it difficult to cross. I heard someone say,’ this man cannot live in Lagos State.’
Eventually, when the road was clear, I crossed.
On my way to his school, I crossed the road without thinking twice. On my way back, I had a tough time crossing the road – the same road, the same me…lol.
What happened? I was more conscious the second time because I was carrying something. I was carrying someone. I was carrying my son.
That consciousness altered the way I thought, acted, and even spoke. I didn’t mind the insults rained at me. I didn’t mind the time wasted. I couldn’t afford to miscalculate because it wasn’t just me this time.
How conscious are you of the one you are carrying? It is not enough to say it. You must act it and live in that consciousness. That consciousness won’t allow you to slide your hands into a lady’s blouse. That consciousness won’t allow you to send your nude pictures to him. That consciousness won’t allow you to alter that document. That consciousness won’t allow you to take advantage of the one you are meant to protect.
Perhaps I should remind you of who you’re carrying.
II Corinthians 6:16 [NKJV] And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”
God dwells in you. You carry God inside. Let that consciousness guide you throughout today.
Five Qualities a Husband Cannot Resist from His Wife
Marriage is one of God’s most beautiful designs, meant to reflect the love and unity between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:25-33). While every relationship has its unique dynamics, there are certain qualities a husband cannot resist from his wife that can strengthen their bond and glorify God. These qualities aren’t about striving for perfection but about cultivating godly character that honors both your spouse and the Lord.
1. Respectful Communication: One of the top qualities a husband cannot resist from his wife is respectful communication. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Speaking with kindness, patience, and respect—even during disagreements—creates an atmosphere of trust and understanding. Men feel deeply valued when they are respected, and the Scripture encourages wives to honor their husbands as leaders (1 Peter 3:7).
2. Gentle Spirit: Another quality a husband cannot resist in his wife is a gentle spirit. The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). A calm and peaceful demeanor fosters harmony in the home, even amid challenges. 1 Peter 3:4 highlights this inner beauty, describing it as “of great worth in God’s sight.”
3. Faithfulness to God: A wife who prioritizes her relationship with Christ inspires her husband in ways nothing else can. Faithfulness to God is a quality a husband cannot resist from his wife because it strengthens the spiritual foundation of their marriage. Joshua 24:15 calls families to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, and a godly wife leads by example.
4. Supportive Partnership: Husbands long for partners who believe in them and support their God-given vision. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 illustrates the power of two working together: “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” This supportive partnership is another irresistible quality a husband finds in his wife.
5. Joyful Presence: Finally, a joyful presence is a quality a husband cannot resist from his wife. Proverbs 31:25 describes a virtuous woman whose “joy is her strength.” Her laughter and positivity make her husband feel loved and cherished.
These qualities aren’t about perfection but about pursuing Christlike character. As wives grow in these areas, they not only bless their husbands but also glorify God.
I pray for you: your marriage will reflect the unbreakable bond between Christ and His Bride—the Church.
Have you ever wondered why someone is involved in obviously wrong ways of doing things and it seems as though they continue having their way? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though God is just watching while men violate His injunctions, being outrightly disobedient to Him, and there seems to be nothing happening?
Well, I have asked those kinds of questions too.
Does it mean there is a license to continue doing whatever anyone wants to do because of “grace?”
Rev 22:11-12 (KJV): He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. [12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall
Wow! Did you just read that?
We have told people, preachers have preached, teachers have taught, prophets have prophesied, and conferences have been held… and there is no more: Let the unjust continue to be unjust, let the filthy continue, let the righteous keep on, and let the holy be holy still.
Why? Jesus is coming quickly, with His reward. Everyone will be rewarded according to the work of their hands.
Let’s take a look at another translation.
Rev 22:11-12 (AMPC): He who is unrighteous (unjust, wicked), let him be unrighteous still; and he who is filthy (vile, impure), let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous (just, upright, in right standing with God), let him do right still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still. [12] Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit.
There’s something truly special about being on God’s side. You can achieve effortless victory when others are succumbing to defeat or falling.
As we look ahead to the coming year, it’s hard not to feel uneasy. The global economic situation is not a cause for celebration. All signs point to a challenging and uncertain future.
However, you are aware that the scriptures have already foretold us about these challenging times.
Isa 60:1-2 (KJV) Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. [2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
You are to arise and shine!
Don’t be afraid or let trepidation hold you back. The darker it gets, the brighter your light shines!
I particularly love the Amplified Version.
Isa 60:1-2 (AMPC) ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! [2] For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you.
You can rise to a new life in the coming days! You have the opportunity to transform your life in the coming days!
How do you stand tall when others are falling? How do you maintain your composure when others are losing their footing?
Psa 20:7-8 (KJV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. [8] They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
It is where you put your trust that matters!
Don’t join others in trusting in chariots, horses, man-made solutions, and inventions; rather, put your trust in God!
These are the times to remember the name of the Lord!
Take these Prayer Points:
I will not fall in Jesus’ name
My light will shine and will never be put out in Jesus’ name
Lord, teach me and grant me the grace to always trust in you, in Jesus’ name!
In a vibrant African village, Amina and her husband Ibrahim embark on a journey of love and resilience. Their marriage, rooted in deep devotion and shared dreams, faces numerous challenges, especially concerning expectations regarding their in-laws. This story explores their struggles, the importance of communication and compromise, and the lessons they learn along the way.
Amina’s upbringing instilled in her the belief that a wife is a helpmeet. Her mother often reminded her, “Amina, a wife is more than a partner; she is a helpmeet.” Embracing this wisdom, Amina dedicated herself to supporting Ibrahim in every way possible. Understanding the demands of agricultural life, she ensured Ibrahim was well-fed and nourished, preparing his favorite dishes with special herbs and spices to invigorate him. Her kitchen became a sanctuary of love, symbolizing her care and devotion.
Despite their strong bond, Amina and Ibrahim’s marriage was tested by their differing backgrounds and expectations regarding in-laws. Amina came from a family that prioritized respect and deference to elders, believing Ibrahim should honor her parents and involve them in major decisions. Conversely, Ibrahim valued independence, thinking marriage meant establishing a separate, autonomous household free from parental interference. This fundamental clash soon led to tension, especially with Amina’s parents frequently visiting unannounced and offering advice, which Ibrahim found suffocating. Simultaneously, Ibrahim’s parents felt neglected and disrespected due to Amina’s infrequent visits and lack of deference.
The tensions reached a boiling point during a family gathering. Both sets of parents were present, leading to a heated confrontation. Amina’s father suggested diversifying the farm’s crops, but Ibrahim, feeling undermined, refused. The situation escalated when Amina’s brother reminded Ibrahim of their financial support, leading to Ibrahim demanding they leave his house. This outburst shocked everyone, causing a deep rift in their relationships. However, Amina caught between loyalty to her family and love for her husband, sought a way to reconcile the conflicting expectations.
In the aftermath, Amina sought solace in prayer and reached out to a wise village elder. The elder emphasized the importance of balance in marriage, advising Amina to honor her parents while creating a space for her marriage to thrive independently. Inspired by this wisdom, Amina approached Ibrahim with a plan to set specific times for family visits and discussions, aiming to involve their parents without letting them control their lives. Ibrahim agreed, and together they implemented this plan.
Amina and Ibrahim decided to host a family meeting to openly discuss their feelings and establish clear expectations. They prepared a feast to create a relaxed atmosphere and invited both sets of parents and Amina’s brother. During the meeting, they expressed their desire to balance family involvement with marital independence. The parents, understanding the couple’s perspective, acknowledged their overbearing behavior and agreed to respect the new boundaries. The meeting fostered mutual understanding and paved the way for improved communication.
The couple’s plan involved setting regular visiting hours and clear boundaries for seeking advice. Over time, these measures eased the tension, and both sets of parents began to respect the couple’s autonomy. Amina and Ibrahim’s home became a place of harmony and mutual respect. The village admired their commitment to balancing family obligations with marital independence.
Lessons Learnt
Through their journey, Amina and Ibrahim learned valuable lessons that Amina shared with the women of her village:
1. Support Your Husband: Amina’s unwavering support for Ibrahim in his farming endeavors highlighted the importance of being a helpmeet.
2. Communicate Openly: Open discussions about fears, challenges, and dreams strengthened their bond and addressed misunderstandings.
3. Establish Boundaries: Clear boundaries with in-laws allowed their marriage to thrive independently.
4. Balance Respect and Independence: Amina balanced respect for her parents with the need for autonomy in her marriage.
5. Seek Guidance and Support: External advice from a village elder provided valuable insights and solutions.
6. Be a Source of Peace: Amina created a tranquil home environment, a sanctuary for both partners.
7. Fight Together: Facing challenges as a team strengthened their marital bond.
8. Demonstrate Patience and Perseverance: Amina’s patience and perseverance were key to overcoming in-law issues.
