A Word For Christian Sisters On Whom To Marry “I left the world in search for a godly husband to marry hoping to be safe in where I’m running to.

  Disappointed was I when I found out in the church that even among the children of God, there are wicked and cruel people.

  Where would I turn to for help? The world, nay; the church, I’m perturbed. I’d rather depend on God’s guidance  than to look on the physical as man sees” – Anonymous

Marriage is a lifelong commitment which requires lots of processes in having a successful one. Beyond the glamor of the wedding day and romantic honeymoon, there’s more to it.

It’s like most of the onus of looking for whom to marry lies on the female folks. Sadly enough, the blame of a bad marriage is sometimes on them. But the truth is that a woman bears more pain in a bad relationship.

To my dear Christian sisters who are looking for whom to marry, you need to read this. I know some would have lived a ‘rough’ life while single or in their teenage years, but when it’s time to settle down for marriage, they’ll find succor in the church.

And to those who haven’t had it rough, who are termed ‘naive’, you really have to be careful so you don’t fall into the hands of deceivers.

Some sisters are easily carried away when they see how “Spiritual gim gim” a brother is. How he leads the choir, directs the music, plays the musical instrument, speaks in tongues, interprets the scripture or the gifts he possess doesn’t make him the right man for you if God hasn’t said anything.

Don’t marry a man if you haven’t heard from God. It’s never worth it! Some brothers are deceitful and don’t mind playing games with your life. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing and it’s after they get what they want before you’d know their real intent.

How anointed he is doesn’t mean he’s the right one. Don’t be carried away by the ‘phys-spiritual‘ package he has. Anointing without character or the fear of God is nothing but a trash.

Never allow emotions cloud your senses. Get solutions from God on your knees than to make decisions based on the euphoria of the moment.
It’s not enough that the pastor says ‘God says‘ he’s right. Be personally convinced or guided by God because your pastor might not be there when storms arise in the future.

Don’t buy love or get a man’s attention by the luxuries you have. You’ll only get the attention of the greedy ones or players. Let God direct your path rather than orchestrate things for yourself.

I know how emotional you are. Why don’t you first hand over that emotions to God who wouldn’t exploit you than to get so emotional when looking for whom to marry and be confused in life.

If you buy the wrong pair of shoe, it’s better because you can either change it or get another one. This is not the same thing as marrying the wrong man. Even if you consider separation or divorce which God frowns at, the scar may not be erased for life.

Desire an intimate relationship with God long before the need for a partner. If you don’t hear God before the need to get a partner, it’ll be difficult to hear Him clearly when the time comes.

There are deceivers in the house of God, be prayerful, patient and let God guide you before you accept a proposal from anyone that propose. Be double sure that the sail is clear before you set out on the marital voyage.

Remember, a wise woman needs the support of a wise man to build the house (home). Don’t just look for a man to be married to, be sure you’re marrying the right man according to His leading

Is Anything Wrong With Kissing, ‘Romancing’ And The Likes In A Relationship?

Let’s sample some people’s opinions on this matter.
“Paula writes, after all, we are not having sex, there’s nothing bad in it”.
  “There’s nothing wrong in it since we’re adults. We can control ourselves”.
  “James asked, “How do we feel connected with each other if we don’t kiss or ‘romance’ ourselves?”
  “Kissing, petting and the likes doesn’t mean anything now! Don’t ‘spiritualize’ everything”, Bola said.

Hmm! I’m almost tempted to agree to those opinions expressed above. If I were to have created sex or had the power to decide what’s right or wrong; I’d say there’s a point in every opinions.

But the society we live would say everyone is entitled to their opinions and they are responsible for their actions. Isn’t it? The truths remains valid, you cannot take up the fire of immoralities in your bosom and your clothes be not burned.

Now to start with kissing, what happens when you two are kissing so passionately? Are you hands tied? Are your minds blank as if there’s nothing going on in your thoughts? How about your bodies, are they separated or connected? What about your sexual organs, is there no ‘charge’ in it?

If we say the truth times without number, those who would turn deafening ears will still do. And in the long run, they will cry over the consequence they found themselves in. Who’s to be blamed?

I’m sure many of your answers to the previous questions would be yes. You cannot play smart over sexual passion when you dance to its tune. You’re not wiser than God’s word that says, “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”.

The devil is cunning and he takes advantage through what you choose to ignore. After all, it’s just a kiss! But before you know it, a day would come when you’ll lose control over what you claimed discipline over.

It’s better not to start a fire you cannot quench in the long run. The flames of sexual immoralities comes with severe burns.
Now to the likes of fondling or caressing each other’s sexual organ. This happens to many singles, engaged and teenagers. After all, we’re not having sex is usually the justification!

How long can you play with fire and wouldn’t be burned someday? Before you begin to blame the devil who’s trying to recruit more souls to hell when he’s enlisted you amongst the candidates of hell; think twice!

Any act that you wouldn’t be proud of or that’s ungodly which you may be proud of shouldn’t be encouraged. Don’t let him preach the gospel of doom into your hears before you get baptized in destruction.

Phrases like “Oh, God is merciful”, “God will help us” aren’t strong enough to make you overcome it if you choose not to take the bull by the horn. And as a man, it’s better to be harsh on matters that would jeopardize your sexual purity than to be ‘friendly’ and bite your fingers afterwards. There’s everything wrong with kissing and the likes when you’ve not being pronounced husband and wife. I know it’s not easy to embrace sexual purity in a crazy world like this. Honestly I do! But God will not understand or lower His standards if man would. And His mercies would one day not tolerate those ungodly act any further. It’s all for your good to abstain from the likes of kissing, caressing and the likes before marriage. God doesn’t lose anything but you’d lose much if you disregard His command. To shun the acts of immoralities comes with a price and a prize. And to embrace it comes with bitter consequence and regrets. Which would you choose? Discipline and the fear of God are the price to pay so as to avoid the consequences. Choose to honor God with your body rather than please the boyfriend or girlfriend that would ruin your life and walk away majestically. The world tells you there’s nothing wrong in it but God says, “Everything is wrong with it” because your body is not a temple for immoralities but His and you’ll someday account for what you use it for. A little flame can raze down the whole building. Be godly and shun sexual immoralities!

I’m in a Relationship: What’s the Motive?

Everybody is in a relationship. You’ll sometimes wonder why do you have more singles around? Funny though! There are some people who are either in a serious relationship leading to marriage, a relationship heading no where or a relationship created to pursue similar interest.

Irrespective of what brought you together, there are two motives to which a relationship is created, whether for marriage, friendship without ‘benefits’ or ‘just friends’.
Some people entered into a relationship to find or feel loved but in the long run, it nosedive into lust. You must check the motive behind your relationship – is it love or lust?
How do I know the motive behind my relationship?
Lust
If what brought you two together is based on material benefits, infatuation or certain conditions which is of no lasting value, then your relationship is hinged on lust. However, it will hurt either of you.
Lust is sometimes having a strong desire for sex. Activities like petting, immoral conversation, kissing, fondling and caressing done in a relationship without been married will breed fornication.
Although it’s not limited to sex alone. When a particular thing in your partner becomes an object of affection, then you’re in a ‘lustful’ relationship. This could be meeting financial obligations or finding emotional support to lean on. However, love is unconditional. Love
Why am I in a relationship with him/her? If you’re not in for sacrifice, commitment or bringing out the best in your friend, then your motive is not love.
Know this, God is love. That He gave us His only begotten Son, Jesus, depicted His pattern of love to us. Love doesn’t cheat, abuse, victimize or humiliate who it loves.
Anybody that doesn’t bring out the best in you or contributes anything of lasting value to your life doesn’t love you but lust after something in you. Discover it!
But we’re going to get married now? Yes, marriage could either be built on lust or love. The foundation of your relationship matters most to its outcome and duration. That you’re getting married isn’t an avenue for committing sexual sin, being compelled to meet certain financial obligations or exploiting your partner. Love has to be mutual.
Have you asked yourself and your friend why you’re in a relationship? Doing this will help you two to know what you’re likely to expect from the relationship.
The outcome of a ‘lustful’ relationship isn’t anything good other than fulfilling carnal desires. Consequences like abuse, immoralities, heart break, jittery and the likes aren’t far fetched from a lust conceived relationship.
However, when God who is love is at the center of your relationship, expect joy, peace, happiness and a fulfillment of a worthy purpose to be achieved. Even if you’ll not be married, you enjoy the God-kind of relationship. I challenge you to seek this kind of relationship rather than the latter.
If only you can ask yourself this question and know the real motives behind your relationship, there won’t be cases like regrets, abuse or emotional trauma resulting from a wrong relationship.
Can you take the bold step to ask yourself and your partner this truth revealing question? Make a call or send a sms, you’ll thank me for the response. Remember, if it is not love, it will surely be lust.

I’m In A Relationship: Are You In Peace With God?

There are many people in a relationship who have lots their balance and their position before God just because of the sake of the relationship they refuse to let go.
Many have allowed the pleasure of sin, deceitfulness of pleasure, the fear of what people will say, feelings and lust to override their love for God. They remain in lust just to make their partner happy when God is weeping over the state of their soul.
Even in the church, many relationship that started well has lead the parties involved astray because of their ignorance or negligence.
Check that relationship you’re in presently, it doesn’t matter if you’re going to be married, if you lost your peace with God, you’re nothing but an enemy of God. It is better to check yourself than God to check you out because of your rebellion and disobedience.
You’re not at peace when:
1. Your mind tells you what you’re doing isn’t good No man can hold God responsible for his or her action in life, whether you’re a Christian or not. There’s a silent judge in everyone and it’s called your conscience.
Before you wound your conscience and render it ineffective, listen to what it is telling about that relationship. Don’t allow ‘love’ to deafen the ears of your mind. You’re not in love when that relationship separates you from God, it’s lust.
When your mind keeping condemning you for an act you indulge in, it’s better to ask for the strength to obey. It’s better to have a conscience that is void of offense than to have one where there’s no peace of mind. 2. When there’s no inner peace There’s nothing that can equate the role of inner peace in the life of humans. It allows them to concentrate, retain the soundness of their mind and gives them the leverage to progress in life. When your inner peace is lost, you’ll be susceptible to depression, unhappiness, worry and frustration. People may see you smiling on the outside but deep within, your mind is in a conflict with your spirit. Have you lost your inner peace in that relationship? Are you still there because you don’t want him or her to talk or for the fear of what his or her family, even your own too would say? It’s better you quit that relationship than to become a reprobate before God. Don’t listen to the voice of men as King Saul did and made God to reject him as king. If it affects your relationship with God, quitting is not negotiable.
3. When you can’t concentrate on spiritual activities There are relationship that has destroyed many people’s relationship with God. They can’t pray, concentrate while mediating on their Bible or do any spiritual activities. If it’s not condemnation from the devil in their mind, it’s a lost of God’s presence in their lives. Although many would see them physically as being vibrant for God but deep within, they are gone from the presence of God.
If that relationship is taking away your concentration from God, even though you do not commit sin but takes more of your time with God, then it’s a wrong relationship.
I have been there before and I know what is it to be in a relationship where you’re not in peace with God.
A part of me knew fully well that the relationship will not work but another part is finding it difficult to let go. I spend hours chatting even late into the night, I spend more money on airtime and even my relationship with God suffered from it. Many times I pray to let go but I found myself in it again. Victory came when I decide to take the bull by the horn coupled with God’s grace and the willingness to please God. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it. I faced the blackmail and ridicule but it paid off in the long run. Take a full scan of your relationship and check if it’s draining your peace of mind with God. If you two doesn’t love God equally, you can’t be at peace with God. This is why you must not be yoked together with an unbeliever. Not everyone that goes to church are believers, even ‘Christians’ too. Any relationship that doesn’t take you closer to God will definitely drag you to hell, there’s no two way about it. If your mind keeps telling you to quit, or you lost your inner peace and you lack zeal in spiritual matters because of that relationship; I’ll strongly advice you to do nothing but quit.

Topic: The Power of Influence

“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign… And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.”-2 Kings 22:1-2
Everyone is uniquely endowed with the ability to influence others. However, the choice remains yours to decide whether that influence will be positive or negative. This is determined by your decision of what you will accept, stand for and hence be known for. As parents, being the most influential individual on your children therefore, the character that they exhibit is what you show them; only sometimes amplified.
The good news is that, you can use your power of influence to make generational impact by the legacy you bequeath to your children. I have seen children who naturally go into professions because one of their parents was/ is into the same and excelled/ is excelling in it. Influence is a strong force; but it takes skill and choice to engage it positively.
One major positive way to put the power of influence to work therefore is through solid examples. Your lifestyle should be a living epistle for those you are raising. Being a parent is not just a title, but a divine responsibility that you must be determined to get right. It entails living a life of impact.
Your positive influence on your children will affect your generations either openly or secretly through the ages; even long after you are gone. Having been graciously endowed with the awesome power of influence, you should begin today to affect the world positively through your seeds. Your children are your representatives even in the places you physically may never reach, so train them to represent you positively. You will not fail in this major assignment in the name of Jesus Christ!
Remain Blessed!

Topic: Insanity Terminated Instantly [Monday August 24, 2015]
Memorise: God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.-Psalm 46:5
Read: Mark 5:1-15 (KJV)
1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: 4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. 6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, 7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. 8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. 9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. 10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. 11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. 12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. 13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. 14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. 15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
Bible In One Year: Genesis 37-38; John 19:17-42
MESSAGE:
Different people experience different stages of progress. While some people experience progress without wheels, some others experience progress with wheels but without an added push. However, there are some who experience the level of accelerated progress which has wheels and speed. The progress that suddenly moves someone from the bottom right to the top shall be your portion this season! Elisha, the servant of Elijah, experienced this type of progress (2 Kings 2:1-15). While he and Elijah were travelling from place to place, the other sons of the prophets mocked him. On the day his master was to be taken away, they mocked him saying, "Mr. Dedicated! Instead of joining us to acquire theological degrees at the school of prophets, you are busy following Elijah about. We shall see what will become of you when God takes your master home today!" These sons of the prophets must have believed that one of them would be Elijah's successor, but in a twist of fate, when Elijah was taken away, Elisha was the one chosen by God as his successor. When they saw Elisha parting River Jordan and walking through on dry ground, they acknowledged that what they were hoping to get had been given to him instead. They all had no choice but to bow down before Elisha (2 Kings 2:15). All those mocking you today shall soon bow to God in your life, in Jesus' Name.
Not only does accelerated progress affect work, position and finance, it can also move a person from a state of insanity to sobriety in an instant. The mad man of Gadara did not undergo 10 weeks of deliverance coupled with fasting and prayer. He met Jesus at the height of his insanity, and the very next moment, he was saved and transformed into an evangelist. Many years ago, a bank manager ran mad. It took four hefty policemen to grab him, handcuff and chain him. He was being taken to the psychiatric hospital when, in a brief moment of sanity, he begged them to take him to the Redemption Camp. He told them that if his legs could just touch the soil at the Redemption Camp, he would be free. When they brought him, I was in my office close to the expressway. He was very wild, but I asked them to release him. They refused, because of the difficulty they had experienced in capturing him at first; but I insisted that they should set him loose, since he had said he just wanted to step on the soil of the camp. Immediately he was set loose and he stepped on the soil of the Redemption Camp, he became completely healed. As witnesses of this miraculous event, the policemen asked me to pray for them. I told them to give their lives to Christ first, and they agreed. Your healing and deliverance shall come suddenly, in Jesus' Name.
Prayer Point: Father, send Your power of deliverance to set free all those with issues of insanity around us.

A Mother’s Advise To Her Disobedient Daughter On Sex And Relationship “It’s a pity that this happened to you despite all I told you. You brought shame to us, yourself and our name. “You went ahead to keep a boyfriend, you lost your virginity to him and now he made you pregnant”, mother  nodded her head in pity. “When was the last time you had your menstrual period?”. Mother asked in fury. “I’m sorry mom, it was a mistake”, she replied sobbing bowing her head in shame. “Well, thank God the thought of abortion didn’t come to your mind. Whether it was a week old or one month, abortion doesn’t make you unpregnant. It only makes you a mother of a dead child and the blood of the life that was terminated would cry for vengeance. Now that this has happened, you have to learn from your mistakes so that you don’t repeat it again. If I were to act like other mothers, I’d have thrown you out of the house to go and meet that boyfriend who made you pregnant. What you want has now turned to what you regret”, she spoke in annoyance.
For this to be a lesson to you and everyone out there, I’ll still advice you on what to do. There’s hope for you because life doesn’t end when you make mistakes like this but it’ll only affect some things in your life. “Okay mom”, she heaved with a sigh of relief. 1. Don’t hate yourself, what has happened can not be reversed You had better not wished it happened because it’ll give you sleepless nights if you start hating yourself. This is not the time to trade blame games or throw a worry party. You have to face the music and make the best out of it. Worry will only get you depressed and could end up giving you a trauma.
In a matter of time, you’ll be fine and become they lady you’re meant to be. Don’t give up on your dreams and purpose in life, they’ll only halt for the time you have to get over this. 2. Be strong, let your experience teach you rather than ignore what happened and repeat it again Many ladies don’t learn from their mistakes, this is why keep falling into relationship mess and rising out of it oftentimes. If they had aborted the pregnancy, they’ll still go back to their vomit when the pain and trauma of the abortion cease.
It is only a fool that won’t learn from her experience and repeat such again. When you’re back on your feet again, don’t get so loose with men both emotionally and sexually.
It doesn’t matter if he wants your hand in marriage. Be strong and learn. It doesn’t even mean if everything indicates that he’s the right man for you in marriage. Be wise so you’re not twice beaten and four times shy.
3. Love yourself and see the bright side of life
When something bad happens to you in life, dealing with the situation with a negative approach cannot give you victory over it. Two negative currents cannot produce electrical power.
“I hope you understand?” mother asked.
“Yes, ma”, she made a deep sigh.
And it is only when you love yourself that you can overcome. If you fail to see the bright side of life and love yourself, you won’t become a better person.
Appreciate who you are and don’t think condemnation and guilt will do you anything good in life. See yourself getting over this, be positive and focus in becoming the better you you want to be. 4. Get closer to God
At this stage of your life, you need God more than anyone. If you had  gotten intimate with Him, this wouldn’t have happened in the first place. There’s a difference between knowing God and getting so intimate with Him. Take time to fellowship with Him because He’s the best comforter. Study your bible often, pray, fellowship with the brethren and love Him more than anyone. Walk in the light of the truth you discover in His word. The closer you are to Him, the stronger you become and the better He gives your life a meaning. 5. Pick up your pieces and move on Don’t worry over spilled milk because it’s a futile effort. Move on with your life after you have gotten over this stage. Pick up the piece. Don’t hate yourself or the man that put you in this state, you’ll only suffer more in silence. Forgive him, although it’s difficult to do so but it’s the best, so you don’t allow anger, bitterness, resentment and ‘unforgiveness’ hold you in bondage. Lack of forgiveness is dangerous to you physical and spiritual health. Know what you did or ignored that made you a victim now so that you can avoid it for the rest of your life. I love you daughter, I feel pained to see this happened but I can’t disown you. Just like the prodigal son, I’ll accept you and I know you’re coming out strong from these. * * * There are two sides to knowledge in life: it’s either you learn from it and don’t fall into its bondage or you fall into bondage and embrace the truth you once neglect. Treasure the truth you know about sex and relationship so that you don’t learn truths from the consequences you put yourself into when the hands of time cannot be reversed.

Topic: Heaven at Last [Sunday August 23, 2015] Memorise: In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so l would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. -John 14:2 Read: Revelation 21:1-8 (KJV) 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Bible in one year:  Genesis 35-36; John 18:33-19:16
MESSAGE:
You may have wondered in your heart, "Of what benefit is it to me to deny myself the pleasures of sin by living a holy life?" I have good news for you: it is of great benefit. One major benefit of living a holy life is the assurance of making it to Heaven. Our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:8 said:
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" Many people are being deceived today by the doctrine that says you can still make it to Heaven even when you live in sin, so far as you have confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Don't be deceived; Heaven is not for everyone. It is not for sinners, nor is it for the wicked; it is for the pure in heart. Heaven is not for souls confessing salvation but still living in sin. Nothing that is defiled or tarnished with sin can be allowed into Heaven (Revelation 21:27). It is a prepared place for a prepared people. Nobody can get there by wishful thinking. The Lord Jesus Christ has gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us, and He will definitely return to take us there (John 14:1-3). Will you be among those who will be welcomed into Heaven? Beloved, many people are fast shifting their focus away from heaven to earth. In fact, Satan is giving some people a very comfortable piece of the world so that they will forget about Heaven. Is comfort or wealth eroding your faith in Christ? Are wealth and earthly pleasure replacing God in your heart? Don't let anything good or bad hinder you from making it to Heaven! Living a life of holiness is also of benefit to your life on earth. One of such benefits is the anointing. Hebrews 1:9 says: "Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows: "Oil" in this Scripture symbolises the Holy Spirit. If you want the anointing, you must live a holy life. If you want the power of God to move freely through your life and ministry, you must be holy. In fact, the degree to which you are holy will determine the extent of the anointing upon your life. Based on this, you can easily tell that those ministers of the gospel who appear to be highly anointed but lack holiness must have gotten their power from some other source and not God. If you want power from God, you cannot get it by Compromising with sin. Are you living a holy life? Key Point: God can only entrust you with His power if you are living a life of holiness.

Topic: The Most Authentic Navigation System

One day, while my husband and I were heading somewhere, we relied on the navigation system or sat nav to lead us on the journey. As the system was directing us, it began to lead us  down a particular route  that we felt would take much longer to get to our destination. We had been to this place before so we felt we knew a better route and decided not to follow the directions of the system anymore.  As we carried on, we suddenly got caught up in VERY HEAVY traffic; I mean we were literally at a stand still for a long time. My husband looked at me and said “ah! This must be why the nav was telling us to take a seemingly longer route.” I simply laughed and agreed with him. I pondered on our predicament for some time and considering the fact that I always relate all my experiences to spiritual things, I told him that this must be how a lot of people and the Holy Spirit are; this must be how many miss their appointment in the journey of life because they feel they know a better route to take. I am sure you can relate to our experience in some way!

You may have heard or read about the comparison of the navigation system to the The Holy Spirit. I call Him the most authentic sat nav that exists. In fact the bible states in Romans 8:14, that  “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons (or children) of God“. Also, in John 16:13, when Jesus talked about Him, He said “….he will guide you into all truth…”. Doesn’t that make you glad? As long as you are born again, God has given you a personal sat nav who is with you all the time, who has the responsibility to look ahead and direct us through the journey of life! The truth is that just like in our experience, He tries to take many down the right path but a lot of us may consider His path too long, and feel like we know a better way. So many times, His instructions are ignored and this has caused many to  get stuck in the traffic of life. Just like the physical system, when the Holy Spirit sees impending danger, He redirects our route to take us out of harms way. That is why it is so important to be sensitive to Him, take the time to build yourself up in Spiritual things. Don’t isolate this priceless navigation system to just your finances or your career, engage Him in everything – even in your marriage or courtship. Many single ladies and gentlemen have been saved from a crisis filled marriage just because they heeded to the Holy Spirit and did not let their emotions get in the way. You may be in a relationship now that seems so rosy but if your spirit man is still not at peace, that is the Holy Spirit warning you; DO NOT IGNORE HIM! In your marriage, let the Holy Spirit be your guide in how you handle the affairs of your home. Before you speak to your spouse or in dealing with your children, for example, ask the Holy Spirit to give you utterance that would gain entrance into his/her heart; and if you consciously engage the Him, the fruit of the Spirit will be demonstrated in all you do; use this priceless gift from God for absolutely EVERYTHING!
Just in case you feel like you may have missed it for whatever reason, it is never to late to go back to God and reconcile with Him, then once you do, redirect your focus to the most authentic navigation system to aid you in the journey of life!

Back to our experience; by deciding to follow our own directions, guess what happened? We missed our appointment and had to reschedule! Thank God it was just a dinner reservation!!
I pray for you that you will not miss any appointment, in your family & otherwise, that God has prepared for you!

Topic: Renewed By A Little Cake [Friday August 21, 2015]
Memorise: And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. - 1 Kings 19:7
Read: John 6:5-13 (King James Version (KJV)
5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Bible In One Year: Genesis 31:1-32:21; John 17:20-18:14
MESSAGE:

God uses those who make themselves available for Him. This season, may He find you available and use you to fulfil His good purpose in Jesus' Name. In today's Bible reading, when Jesus wanted to feed the crowd that came to listen to Him, there was no food with which to carry out this assignment. His disciples suggested that the people be sent away to take care of themselves, but the Lord disagreed and asked them to sit them down. A little boy volunteered his food, and the Lord used it to feed the crowd. This story is one of the wonders of the Bible to me. If you give some biscuits, sweets or chocolate to a little boy, and you then ask him to give you a little out of it, what do you think will happen? He will most likely put the biscuit or sweet behind his back and give you a stare that tells you not to come near what is his, especially if he is hungry. When the boy in our Bible reading left home, his parents packed him some lunch, but when someone told him that Jesus needed his meal, he immediately released it. May all our children never hold back from God what He has provided for them in Jesus' Name.
Many years ago, I woke up one morning at the Redemption Camp feeling depressed (believe it or not, this can happen to any man of God). I had prayed all night, and had been fasting for days. I asked myself why I was virtually trying to kill myself praying, fasting and doing night vigils, while the very people I was doing all these for never cared about me. It was always about them. Each time they saw me, they would come with requests: "Daddy pray for us", "Daddy do this" and "Daddy do that". Those who were a bit nice would say, "Daddy, make sure you take some rest, but solve my problem first." When praying for me, they would say, "May God preserve you for us." Why should I kill myself over people who were only interested in using me to reach their goals? In that state, I slept off as I laid my head on the table. By the time I woke up, a little girl who had come with her parents all the way from Victoria Island, Lagos, was standing by my side. "Daddy", she said, "I don't know the voice of God, but this morning when I woke up, God asked me to take this little cake to you. I know it cannot be the devil, because he would never ask me to give my cake to a pastor." As she was leaving, God said to me, "I thought you said nobody cares?" With that, I snapped out of depression and was on fire again. Are you just using your pastor? In what way have you encouraged him or her?
Prayer Point: Sweet Holy Spirit, comfort all ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ who are on the verge of discouragement or depression.

Topic: The Word as a Weapon [Thursday August 20, 2015]
Memorise: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12
Read: Matthew 4:1-11 (King James Version (KJV)
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Bible In One Year: Genesis 29-30; John 17:1-19
MESSAGE:
Besides shouting, praising God, the Name of Jesus and the Blood of Jesus, another very important weapon available to believers in Christ is the word of God. Psalm 1:2-3 reveals that the word of God is a weapon against physical and financial dryness. Psalm 1:3 says:
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
This is simply great. The word of God fights against every anti-progressive element it comes in contact with. If you delight in God's word and meditate daily on it, you create the opportunity for it to work for your prosperity. How often do you spend quality time feasting on God's word? Some people think they are doing other people a favour by reading the Bible. No! You are only doing yourself a favour. If you fail to create time for the word, you are only doing yourself a disservice.
Moreover, the word of God is a very powerful weapon against the devil. When the devil came to tempt the Lord Jesus, He overcame him using the word of God. He kept saying "It is written...". Whenever you engage the devil, use the word. Some people think that the Bible is becoming too old-fashioned to combat modern schemes of the devil. That is a lie from the devil himself! The Bible is ever relevant and never loses its power, message and effectiveness, irrespective of the times. Always apply the word; it always works! After becoming the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), I went on a familiarisation tour. The youths rejoiced over God's choice to place me in that position. One day during the tour, we were heading towards my village when the devil said to me, "You are now very popular; it is better you die when you are popular than when you become unpopular." Immediately, this word of God in Psalm 118 : 17 came out of my mouth: "I shall not die but live, and I will declare the works of the Almighty God." Five minutes later, we narrowly escaped a horrible accident. At that time, the entire congregation of the RCCG was below 1000. If the word of God had not come forth to deal with the devil, he would have had me for breakfast. He could anticipate an explosion of God's move in the church and he wanted to stop it, but the word of God stopped him. Never neglect opportunities to know more of the word.
Action Point: Know the word, believe it, apply it and expect it to work, and it will work wonders.

I wish lots of singles, especially teenagers and those who haven’t understood the difference between love and feelings be enlightened before they found themselves in relationship issues.
Love and feelings are so intertwined that it takes wisdom and your discernability to differentiate between the two. Feelings is needed to sustain love in your relationship but it must not be the basis for loving a person.
Are you confused?
Feelings emanates from your emotions likewise a measure of it is needed in love. If you don’t have a liking for your spouse or your partner you’re engaged to, your relationship will be affected. If someone takes the the feelings that is meant for your partner then it would have an adverse effect on your relationship.
What are the things you won’t likely be told about feelings?
1.It could seem as love
On the surface, feelings could be mistaken as love when it’s mutual and it hasn’t been exposed to the turbulent issues of life. Singles needs to be careful with their emotions. That it seem as if you two gets along easily doesn’t mean you’re in love. Your ‘love’ could be a product of your emotional attraction. When the storms of life befalls you or your partner, will feelings still hold its profession of ‘I love you?’ Get this straight, love has to do with a conscious effort of being committed to one person, remaining faithful and to make their life better, whether in friendship or marriage.
It’s not so with feelings because it develops in no time.
2.It doesn’t take long to develop
Within one week or month you meet him or her and your feelings are mutual and deep, you’ll almost conclude that you’re in love if care isn’t taken. Feelings grows in no time when you two mutually discuss emotional issues and intimate matters with each other despite the fact that you met recently. Don’t think you have found love if it occurs to you in your relationship because change is inevitable.
3.It can (will) change
The tendency for feelings to change as time goes on in life is certain. If it’s not genuine love that brought you together, feelings can be changed if it doesn’t have anything to sustain it such as premarital sex, sexual immoralities or erotic conversations. I do not encourage all of that because there are better things that can sustain a relationship other than that. If your feelings is based on your partner’s physical attraction or personality impression, what happens if all of that changes in the future? Evaluate what fosters your liking for your partner. Is it because you chat often or see often? Communication also have a tendency to sublime  your feelings when it’s not consistent in your relationship.
4.It occurs when there’s frequent communication
Can you compare how intimate they would be when a group of lovers talk three times everyday and the other only talk rarely on weekly basis? Feelings is created when you chat often, call frequently or exchange text messages sporadically. This would create an attraction in your hearts and you’ll think you’re in love or have known all about the person. Do you think the feelings would still be there if you don’t get to talk often? Try it and see if your emotional connection would be there if you don’t talk for one week! It’s the more you talk or chat often than feelings deepen in your minds even when you don’t see.
5.You can have feelings for someone you’ve not seen or spoken to
Yes, it’s possible! Have you noticed how connected you are to the opposite sex you chat often on social media when emotions is involved? You can have feelings for someone you haven’t seen physically but only on virtual platforms when you chat often, call frequently and do things that would create emotional attraction. Feelings is so powerful that who you’ve not spoken to before, you’re already attracted to them because you have a liking for their physical build or personality. Feelings is the bedrock of love at first sight. Much has been said on this issue of feelings. Work on your mind and don’t commit your heart to love when you’re immature or ignorant of the demands of love.
Feelings can lead to infatuation or lust when it’s misapplied. A final word for singles: guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life. Love wouldn’t desire sex or sexual immoralities when you’re not married. Don’t let your feelings mess up your life.
And engaged singles or married couples should also guard their heart with diligence. Don’t seek emotional support elsewhere outside your relationship. It’s destructive!

Topic: Stealing From Your Employer? [Wednesday August 19, 2015]
Memorise: Not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; -Ephesians 6:6 Read: Ephesians 6:5-8 (KJV)
5. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6. Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7. With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Bible In One Year: Genesis 27-28; John 16:16-33 MESSAGE:
One aspect of Christian character that is often neglected is our attitude to our place of paid employment. Some people out-rightly steal things kept in their care by their employer; such should not even be mentioned among Christians. However, there are other subtle ways people steal from their employers. When you accept to work for an organisation, there is an understanding or even a written agreement regarding your working hours. If you are to resume at 7:30 AM but you get late to work, you are stealing time from your employer. If you are to close at 5:00 PM but you leave at 4:00 PM, you are a thief. There are even situations where an employee will resume and close at the normal time, but while in the office, instead of concentrating on the assignment at hand, he or she will spend a good portion of time browsing the internet for personal leisure, watching television or videos, or just gallivanting and gossiping from desk to desk. If you are engaged in any of these, you are equally stealing time from your employer. In addition, taking or using for personal purposes any material or property that belongs to your organisation with permission amounts to stealing.
“Not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;” -Ephesians 6:6
Another way employees steal from their employers is by pretending to work when the boss is around but dumping the work or doing a shoddy job when the boss is not there. Today’s reading says that there should be a difference between a Christian employee and his or her non-Christian counterpart. While unbelievers may work just to be seen, believers should work as if they are doing that official assignment as a service to Jesus Christ. To this end, realising that the Lord is ever present, you will do your work as to the Lord from your heart. A Christian employee will work conscientiously because he or she knows that by doing his or her secular work to please God and to glorify His name, not only will the organisation pay for this service, God will equally give the fellow a good reward for a job well done. It means that you can actually earn double for doing a particular job once. If the effort you put into your job does not glorify God, you will be paid only by your employer, but if it does, you will be paid by your employer and by God. How do you handle your official assignments today?
Key Point: How can you win your employer to Christ if you cheat or steal from them?

RIGHT PARTNER 2
You cannot bottle God, He moves in mysterious ways to perform His will, therefore I'll only be sharing some important ways through which God speaks.
For a Christian who is right with God, there must be a way God has been communicating with you before the issue of marriage comes up. He will mostly use that means to convey the message to you too as He is not an author of confusion. He will not start a different means which will make you confused, although you may get confirmation through a different way.
Don't bottle Him up or fix Him into your mould expecting a particular means, be open minded and let Him direct you by choosing a means you will perfectly understand. Or rather, master the means through which He speaks to you.
If you are a child of God, He himself will surely speak to you, I testify to that by His grace. He can speak through the following ways:
1. The Bible During your devotion or studying time. How often do you commune with God in personal study, digging deep into His words? You want to hear God? Read His word!
2. Through a still small voice It is not harsh except He is correcting you sometimes. This voice can only come as a result of the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit in you. I Kings 19:12b. This is more reason you have to keep your heart pure and holy at all times by His grace and conscious effort by you.
3. Prophesy Yes I said prophesy, we still have good prophets around, just that you must be extremely careful. To do this, just like Apostle Paul recorded about the believers in Berea who received the word and do go back daily to search the scriptures if those things were true (Acts 17:11). Confirm the prophesy in prayers!
4. Through dreams and visions Let me quickly tell you that dream comes through 3 different means.
1. From God
2. From the devil
3. From self
Therefore, you have to also pray about the dream for another confirmation, it is not a taboo for you to hear Him twice. Be sure the dream is not as a result of your state of mind!
That God chose him/her does not mean there won't be storm but there is Jesus in it to calm whatever betide. I'm sure he/she is the right person but he/she is not yielding, go and report to God, He can convince the person too and if he/she is still proving hard, tell God; He has a replacement is available. Just move with God step by step as He leads.
Note that when it seems that God is not responding to your prayer about a particular person; it may be as a result of a sin in your life affecting your prayer, or having a ready made person in mind wanting God to stamp, or not having a walk with God initially. God may also be teaching you patience so that you can see what is about to unfold about the person.
Why do we have break-ups in Christian courtships then after being convinced? That's a topic for another day by His grace. Your conviction is an important ingredient for a successful marriage, have one and be sure of it!
Confession: I need your direction oh Lord Prayer: Say Father, give me the gift of the Holy Spirit, speak to me in a way I will understand and show me direction in Jesus name

Topic: Original Love Is
Anything that is original, endures. That is why fake leather bags, shoes, clothes don’t last long because they are not original. That is also why everybody strives to get what is original. While whatever is original may cost more than what is not, most of us do all we can to get it why? Because it is durable and it endures! When the love between a husband and a wife is absolutely original, not counterfeit, it will last through anything. When you have an original leather jacket or bag, for example, it weathers the storm, it remains strong over the years come hell or high water. It will take a lot for it to be damaged. However, a fake leather jacket or bag has holes after one or two wears and depending on the quality, the holes may be there even before you wear it for the first time. Original love says I am here despite the challenges! Original love says I won’t let anything separate us! Original love says I remain loyal to you! Original love is Christ laying down His life for us (1 John 3:16-18)! Original love is selflessness! Original love is God sending His one and only son to die for our sins (John 3:16)! Original love is the kind of love that Christ has for the church (Ephesians 5:25-30)! Original love is a husband and wife displaying all of the above! That is exactly how love is; it’s either original or counterfeit, it’s either leather or pleather – imitation leather! Many marriages and relationships are filled with imitation love. The man is there when the going is good but when something goes wrong, he is missing in action. The woman is happy as long as the finances are stable but if, for whatever reason the finances slow down or stop coming in, she questions if the man is really for her. Original love requires tough skin because it knows that the road may become bumpy but it is fully prepared to endure till the end. That is what most marriages need. Original loves costs more than counterfeit or imitation love! It requires more time, energy, resources and a lot of determination to build and maintain it. Not everybody can give original love easily but everybody can ask God (The Original love – 1 John 4:8) for grace to give this kind of love. If you are finding it difficult, cast your cares on Him and He would teach you what it means to love through every season of life. Original love is real love; it is genuine love; it is actual love; it is durable love; it is authentic love! If the love is not original in any marriage or relationship, it will eventually disintegrate!
By Kemi Oyedepo

Topic: Life More Abundant [Tuesday August 18, 2015]
Memorise: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. -John 10:10 Read: John 10:9-11 (KJV) 9. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Bible In One Year: Genesis 24:62-26:35; John 15:18-16:15
MESSAGE: God’s plan for His children is that they do not become sick at all (3 John 2). All through His years on earth, our Lord Jesus Christ was never sick. If you believe in Him and fully obey Him, it is possible for you to never be sick again. Sickness is alien to God’s temple – your body. It is a stranger, an invader and a tool of the enemy. John 10:10 says the mission of the devil is to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to steal your health, kill your body and destroy you. But thank God, 1 John 3:8 Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. Every work of darkness operating in your life shall be destroyed in Jesus’ Name. Moreover, Jesus came to give life. The life He came to give is not in limited measure, but at a level described as being more than abundant. In other words, in superlative measure! Life is the opposite of death. Any resemblance of death in you shall be uprooted now! The life of Jesus gives includes physical life; hence, He can reverse the process of death in a human body (Acts 9:39-41). It also includes spiritual life: He imparts life to a spiritually dead fellow and is able to sustain this life until He returns (1 Peter 2:24). This is how those who were once sinners became saints and remain holy until they sleep in death or are caught up in the rapture. Jesus also gives intellectual life. He can resurrect the mental faculty of a dullard and turn the fellow into a genius (Acts 4:13). His abundant life includes financial life: He makes the deeply impoverished to become financially empowered (2 Corinthians 8:9). The abundant life restores health to the sick, makes the barren fruitful, changes the story of the one covered with shame, gives beauty for ashes, joy to the sorrow-laden, compassion to the neglected and so much more. It is capable of multiplying provision of overflowing measure. Are you a beneficiary of the abundant life? Any blessing to you have in limited measure can be made available to you abundantly. This season, the abundant life that Jesus gives shall be your portion! Reject anything that is less than the abundant life! Do everything possible to live a life that is filled with God’s abundance. Key Point: Although Jesus has made all good things abundantly available, your faith will determine the level of what you draw from it.

Topic: Progress with Speed [Monday August 17, 2015] Memorise: Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. -Psalm 124:7 Read: Psalm 126:1-4 (KJV) 1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the South. Bible In One Year: Genesis 24:1-61; John15:1-17 MESSAGE: Promotion can come to you through either human or divine assistance. The assisted state of progress attained through this promotion moves you to a level where you are not supposed to be. The greatest promotion of all is that which transforms a sinner into a saint. This is only made possible through divine assistance. Because man could not attain this spiritual promotion by his own efforts, God came in to help us. This season, the Lord will assist you and move you to a level you are not qualified to occupy in Jesus’ Name. Beyond assisted state of progress is the accelerated state of progress. This is progress of the unusual kind. It defies time, expectations and protocol. Under the influence of this state of progress, you could be at the bottom now and find yourself at the very top moments later. David experienced this type of progress in 1 Samuel 16:11-13. He was just watching over his father’s sheep and goats in the fields when a messenger came and told him he was urgently needed at home. “What for?”, he asked. The messenger’s reply was “I don’t know, but we have a visitor – a man, I think he is a prophet, and he asked for you to come right away.” As soon as he got home, God told the prophet, “This is the fellow, anoint him now.” Samuel asked David to kneel before his brethren and he anointed him. By the time the boy got up, he was already a king. One moment he was a shepherd boy, and at the next, he was a king. That is accelerated progress! At the registry on the day of my wedding, we could not but notice what was happening around us. A particular girl was dressed up to be wedded, but she waited endlessly for the bridegroom, not knowing he had absconded. She almost went berserk, but she eventually survived the disappointment. Not long after, she was married to a soldier. Unknown to her, the man who jilted her also joined the army. One day, there was a military coup, and the husband of this girl became, the governor. Meanwhile, the boy who jilted her was assigned as a subordinate to her husband, the governor. So, anytime this girl was to enter the car, her former husband-to-be had to open the door for her. This season, God will overlook time, protocol and the arrangement of men in order to accelerate your promotion! Your progress shall receive divine speed in Jesus’ Name. Prayer Point: Father, by divine speed, move me, my family and members of my local assembly to the very top in Jesus’ Name.

RIGHT PARTNER Is he/she the right person for me? How would our living together look like? Hope our love won't fade off and so on are questions worth thinking of before proposing or accepting one. How do you know the answers to all these questions when we as human can only see the outside and cannot test the inside nor see it? How do you make sure this person is not a wolf in sheep's clothing? Talk to Him who knows the end from the beginning, who searches the heart of men (Jer. 17:10) and then, what do I need to have to be sure he/she is the right person? It is called conviction; and you can only have this in the place of prayer! See, don't let anyone deceive you with vain words that God doesn't choose for anybody again, my brothers and sisters, He's still in the matchmaking business. If you can pray, He can answer! The question is, are you listening? Are you willing to hear and ready to obey? 'If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:' Isa. 1:19 One thing about conviction is that, it makes you relax no matter the storm raging, it gives you the first class ticket to tell God whatever you don't like about your spouse (married or courting). Your conviction is what gives you the right to hold God for whatever happens in the journey, yes I said that. Hear me, let every pastors or prophets tell you he/she is the right one, if you're not personally convinced, you haven't got it right, quote me! You know why? When the going gets tough, those people won't be there with you and how do you want to approach God about the case? Having said that, you also have to be sure of your conviction. This is really going to be long as I'm led to talk about ways by which you can hear God. When you're asked about your conviction and you cannot boldly talk or you get unnecessarily scared, check it, are you really certain of what you call your conviction? Some people pray having their mind set on a particular person, in such cases, to hear will be difficult because you will hear more of your own thoughts and flesh. You have to remove that picture from your mind first and approach God with an empty hand waiting for His filling and direction. You can go to prophets or pastors to pray but avoid neglecting your own personal prayers. Who is this pastor or prophets, remember the word of God in Matt.24:24 which talked about many false prophets, be careful! Tomorrow by His grace we'll see various ways God speaks to us. Confession: I will not miss it Prayer: Father, direct me; deliver me from self will and order my marriage according to Your will in Jesus name.

Choice of Partner 3 (Concluding part) Some basic factors to consider before accepting a proposal or before proposing continues: 3. Who is he/she? You need to know something about this person, that is why friendship is important because it is when you're friends that you can know some things about him/her. Check out for the level of maturity, how does he/she respond to quarrel, his/her relationship with the parent and others, intellectual compatibility, how does he/she handle finances. If you are a spender, then he/she must be a planner. Make sure you both do not have the same weakness, he/she should be able to make up for your weakness. 4. Communication skills Is he/she the type that don't get in touch with you well? What is his/her opinion about communication? Is he/she comfortable around you to discuss his/her fears, worries, past and future ambitions. Listen, communication is an important ingredient in any relationship that needs to be taken so serious. 5. Love You need to be in love, I really mean you have to be in love genuinely, not compelled or coarse into loving the person but a real love. Do not accept a proposal out of pity, don't beg to be in a relationship because if you beg him/her in, you will have to beg him/her to stay with you forever. Love is not a maybe thing, you know it if you're in love. Do you love this person well, look into the nearest 10/15 years if Christ tarry, will you still be loving this same person like now? Are you loving out of desperation? Don't go into relationship desperate, take time to grow in love, do not be in a hurry. Once you 'fall in love' there is no way you can fall out of love because it will stay in your mind, heart and soul for the rest of your life, so think well before you say or stay in love. There is more to love than the feeling, it is a decision! A decision to be with that person good or bad and for the rest of your life. 6. Are you ready? You must understand that relationship is not only about receiving, it is also about giving. Ladies, what do you have to offer the man, it not your beauty that will pour into your children, it is what you have inside, when you have something to offer, to make a difference in the man's life, then, he is actually favoured from the Lord. Men, are you man enough? I'm talking about maturity now not your six packs chest, can you handle her past? A true relationship is having someone who accepts your past, supports your present, loves you and encourages your future. Are you ready for the responsibilities ahead? (Not only financially) Marriage is not a competition, take your time, be in love, groom your relationship, nurse your ambitions, because FOREVER is pretty too long to be UNHAPPY!!! Confession: I shall not regret my marriage Prayer: Help me oh Lord to get it right while choosing a life partner; help me not to miss your plans for my life in marriage in Jesus name

Topic: He Uses Fishermen [Friday August 14, 2015] Memorise: Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: - 1 Corinthians 12:22 Read: Luke 5:1-11(KJV) 1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Bible In One Year: Genesis 17-18; John 13:1-30 MESSAGE: When the time comes for God to fulfil a plan He has predestined to happen, He looks out for those He can use for this purpose. God does not discriminate in His choice of persons to use to accomplish His mission. He can use the great or the small. When the time came for Him to choose those who would serve and learn under His Son, He chose some raw fishermen. Our God is awesome, and His ways are past finding out! In today’s Bible reading, when Jesus found Peter, He told him that from that day, he would no longer catch fishes from the sea, but human souls from the world. If God can use a raw uneducated fisherman like Peter, He can use you more. You are very useful to God. However, do you make yourself available for His use? Ironically, as the number of ministers is increasing, the number of those who are available for God’s use is decreasing. As a result of this, many people bear the title of minister, but they are not available to perform their assignments. Have we forgotten the acronym F.A.T., which stands for Faithfulness, Availability and Teachability? If God will use you, these three must be the code you live by. Today, because the people we consider more suitable for kingdom assignments are either too busy or giving too much excuses, God is moving to those who have made themselves available to do His work, even when those people appear less suitable for the work, even when those people appear less suitable for the work. Are you available to serve God? If you can create time to do your secular work that you will have to leave someday, why can’t you create time to serve your Maker who can reward you for your service in eternity? There are some people who feel God cannot use them, because they have not yet bagged a degree, amassed some wealth or become famous. Oh, how mistaken they are! Do you know that God can use you just as you are? He can use you even in your limited state, if you will only turn your life over to Jesus. Do not wait to get your miracle first before telling others about the love of God. In any way you can share the gospel with the unsaved, go on and do so. Lead others to Christ. Use your influence to motivate people to do the right thing. Be a positive, holy influence on your peers. Remember, if you bear fruit for God’s kingdom, it will be His responsibility to do what He can to make you more fruitful. Action Point: You are very important to God. If you fail to play your role in the Body of Christ, it could bring losses to God’s kingdom. Determine to play your role today.

Choice of Partner 2 Much has been said in the part 1 of this article, let us therefore look at some basic factors to consider before accepting a proposal or before proposing? 1. God Is he/she a born again christian? Are the things of God so paramount in his/her heart? Is there fear and love of God in his/her heart? If he/she does not love God, such person cannot love you because God is love. Sisters, it is the fear of God that keeps a mate faithful. Beauty will not! Sex will not! Beauty or sex cannot guarantee faithfulness. Your beauty does not make another woman ugly neither do your so called bed styles makes another woman 'styleness'. Same goes to the men, your appearance, accent and so on may get her attention; but only God in you will get her heart for you! (As long as you're and she is His child.) Your 'niceup' won't make another man 'nicedown'. God is the real deal believe it or not! 2. Religion Compatibility The Bible warns against being unequally yoked in 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”. That verse simply means, “Don't become partners with those who reject God. Does Christ go strolling with the Devil?". Some Christians may find themselves saying, “But this person will change.” Maybe so. God has the power to change someone, and we should never give up on praying for those we care about. But the verse in 2 Corinthians did not say, “Do not be unequally yoked unless you think the person will change.” It says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers”! It is not your work to change anybody, it is the work of the Holy spirit. Many made this mistake and are now regretting it, you don't have the power to change anybody! Never! Likewise, seeing him/her in church does not also mean he/she is a born again Christian; like a pastor said 'some born again needs to born again again'. That's why you need serious prayer and be in a right connection with God. It's my prayer that God start speaking to you as long as you're willing and ready to be obedient. Confession: Order my steps oh Lord Prayer: Father help me to acknowledge you first and lead me to my right partner in Jesus.

Your Faith, Your Words And Your Action By Kemi Oyedepo A lot of people use this scripture above when it comes to their health, finances, academics or other areas of their lives…except their family. Do you know that this applies even in your marriage and family life? Really,  if one couple believes that arguments, fussing, fighting, etc is what makes a real marriage, then no doubt, it would be unto them according to their faith. If another believes that genuine peace all round should be the order of the day, then the same truth applies and he/she would strive for peace as much as it depends on them, using the ultimate marriage manual: the Word of God. I agree that every home may have its share of challenges, however the pressures and challenges that may come into any family are there to test both the husband and wife, so what good will it do if you don’t stand together to overcome them? I believe that couples who allow such things to divide them, don’t yet have a full understanding of the power that lies in their unity. Differences in personality (after all no two people are the same) or differences of opinions should never be enough to allow friction to linger, but must be resolved with much prayer and wisdom. Whether there are pressures from outside (extended family, work, etc) or within (financial, emotional), we must make up our minds that nothing and no one (even ourselves) would be given the satisfaction of diving us, even for a moment. Jesus speaking in the book of Mark 11:24, said “…You shall have whatsoever you say”. Not what others say, not what others have but what you say and believe is your own portion. Of course it is not just saying it that brings the results because faith without works is dead (James 2:17). As you are standing in faith and speaking it out loud, your actions must also line up. For example, you may feel that your spouse is difficult, etc, but that does not justify your negative actions/reactions. You have to keep proving your faith in God and if indeed you know of a truth you are serving a living God, rest assured that He would step in and honour you in due season, as long as you do what is required of you. I am sure that if we spend our valuable time going after the necessary wisdom, understanding and knowledge (Proverbs 24:3) required to crisis-proof our families, we won’t make excuses, like others do and we won’t have what others have. Take time to build your faith for a peaceful family life, and back your faith up with your actions. By doing so, God’s intentions for your family will come to life & keep flourishing.

Choice of a Partner Being in love is a good thing, having a relationship/courtship is interesting but to make it more lovely, there are couple of things to consider before saying yes-it is time to propose or yes-I accept. Let's start by asking ourselves what we look out for in choosing or accepting a partner? Do you consider God? Many make the mistake of basing their choice on mundane attributes than the things of God. Physical appearance, 'stees or swags' should come as secondary or even thereafter, and not a criteria. God should be the number one factor because it will go a long way in determining the other physical attributes, seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and every other things shall be added unto you. Please know that when it is not right in the spiritual, it can NEVER be right in the physical. Our choices not only influence our lifestyle, but often reflect the kind of people we are. We must, therefore, not allow our values to be determined by the standards of the world or those who scorn the Christian Faith. Don't yield to any advise on choosing marriage partner which does not comply with the Word of God. No, it's not worth it! Yes, we learn and acquire things from people but for those things which have eternal value, we must go to God, He alone can supply. When you seek after and possess those things which God graciously gives to you, then you are truly blessed. Marriage is one of the most gratifying and difficult of all human relationships. Preparing well for it is a great gift to give your future spouse and the children who will join your sacred union. Please be careful not to mix friendship for love and vice versa. Yes I said vice versa because I've heard of people who lost their spouse to just friendship. He talked about married to you or you as a man suddenly started receiving her and then you hear 'you can't be serious, we are too close for that, we're just friends' Like seriously! I need to ask such persons if they desire to be with their enemy! Now this is not to say all friends are marriage material lest I hear sister Toyin said so, *smiles* But seriously you have to be spiritually sensitive, you see why you need God again? I do say, if it is not right in the spiritual, it can never be right in the physical, believe me that's the truth. These things look like theory, but I tell you it easy to know with God on our side. Just open not only your heart but also your head too and take note of every little details. Like I was saying earlier; there is difference between friendship and love; friendship does not involve serious emotional attachment but once you confess love, then the expectations become extraordinary, supernatural and spiritual. Therefore, you should 'fall' in love cautiously, don't confess love for another if your soul and spirit are not part of the process and do not accept a proposal out of pity. A clear rejection is far much better than a fake promise. Tomorrow by His grace, we shall consider some basic factors to put in mind and in place before the birth of the union. Confession: I will not miss it Prayer: I need direction oh Lord, direct my steps, order my thoughts, teach me and make me ready for my partner. (Please say this prayer for yourself)

SPIRIT, NOT FLESH   Memorise: Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? Hebrew 12:9; Read: Isaiah 40:6-8, Bible in one year: Genesis 8-10, John 11:45-12:8 Man is limited because he is confined to a body made from dust (Genesis 3:19). He is also limited because even at his best, he is comparable to the flowers of the field (Isaiah 40:6-8), which grow, glow, fade and die. Sometimes, because they are glowing so beautifully, they are cut and used either for play or for decoration, after which they die. Unlike man, God is not limited, because He is a Spirit and He is not made of dust. Jesus in John 4:24 revealed the nature of God to us when He said: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Not only is God a spirit, He is the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9). All spirits derive their powers from Him. If you can appreciate how powerful angels are, then you can begin to comprehend this God who created and empowered billions of angels and has the power to command them to cease to exist in a moment. Imagine that one angel alone, razed down the entire army of a mighty nation in just one night (2nd Kings 19:35). This should give you a little insight into how great and mighty the Father of spirit is. To break away from our limitations as humans, we must move towards becoming more of spirit by becoming more like God. Man is a tripartite being made up of spirit, soul and body. All three components must be developed in that order. Your spirit must be given the greatest priority in development, followed by your soul. Your body should not be developed to the detriment of your spirit and soul. If you are not born-again, your spirit is dead, and the soul is heading for Hell. In the unsaved state, the flesh is in charge of an individual’s life. The flesh is a servant of sin and therefore, a slave to Satan. Wherever the flesh rules, Satan is in control. If your body is what dictates to you when you pray, how you pray, how often you eat, what to do with your passions and how you relate with God, you can be sure that it will never draw you closer to God. It will do everything possible to separate you from God and keep your spirit-man dead or weak. The longer you live in the flesh by gratifying it lusts, the weaker you become in the spirit. But if you can be born-again and develop your spirit-man by feasting regularly on God’s word, praying in the Holy Spirit, walking in obedience to God and worshiping Him in spirit and in truth, your limitations will give way to your empowered form. Decide to grow your spirit-man in all you do from today! Action Point Whenever you worship God, always engage your spirit-man.

How Your Choice Would Affect Your Life And Relationship One thing that God has equally given everybody in life with the same degree and measure is the power to make a choice. Your choice determines whom you become friends with, how you’d express love, whether you’d be sexually pure or not, the kind of influence your relationship would have on you, who you’d marry, the kind of person you’d become and so many things about your life and relationship. Mind you, there’s a limit to what your circumstances can make you become if you make the right choice. And with your choice, you can set a lot of things in order or sort out the things you don’t want. Choice is having the opportunity and ability to pick several options in life. For instance, a virgin can choose to abstain from sex until marriage, shun lustful thoughts, desist from the likes of masturbation or pornography; or pick either of the options. Importantly, you become what you are today as a result of the choices you have made in the past. However, do you know that… 1. Your choice determines the state of your life What you are is a function of the choice you made in times past. I often talk about the consequences of premarital or extramarital sex, all of these consequences wouldn’t come into play if you haven’t chosen them. If you decide to go with bad friends, the state of your life is determined; if you also keep good friends, the outcome of your life can be predictable. Check your life today, what choice have you made or planning to make sooner or later? Are you giving up on sexual purity to embrace a loose sexual life; being with God to make great impact or keeping scores of worthless friends; expressing love as sex or a thing that should make your life better? The choice is yours and your fate is clearly written in the palms of your hand. Choose what you want your life to be now, in the next thirty years or at old age. 2. Your choice can be influenced Show me a wicked and a kind person in life and I’ll tell you what influenced their lives. Nobody exist in life without an influence. What would influence my life is different from yours and vice versa. For instance, a man that has never smoked and suddenly became a chain smoker can be said to be influenced by his friends or circumstance. What or who is influencing your life? The power to be influenced lies within you. You can choose to tread the path that seem right to a man but whose end is destruction or not. Is it your friends, circumstances,  parents, religious belief or personal belief that is influencing your life? If any of these influences you, there’s every tendency that they would adversely affect the condition of your life. But… I know of a thing or a person that can influence your life and the outcome of it would be so beautiful. Your life, relationship and personality would be transformed in such a way that you become the envy of others. You want me to tell you… It’s just that thing many of us ignore in life. Can you guess? You’ve heard about it before and I’m sure you have read about it also. If none of these has ever happened, then a part of you must have tell you this thing. It’s nothing but the FEAR of GOD. His fear is the thing and God is the person. The choice is now yours to choose whether you’d allow God influence your choice in life or not. He did influence Joseph’s choice and you know what happened to him in the face of sexual temptation. Knowing God and allowing His fear influence you will keep you from evil rather than expose you to daring consequences and it will also give you wisdom instead of folly that lots of people exhibit in life and in their relationship. Wouldn’t you rather give it over to God than to allow your friends, parents, carnal desires or the world you live in influence you to destruction? Any choice you make that puts your life in a mess isn’t from God. Give God the whole of your life and He’ll help you make the right choice all times. The choice is yours to allow Him now!