‘Single But Engaged’: Why You Need To Quit That Illegal Relationship

by Mayowa Adeniyi

Have you ever wondered about several relationship status that are in place? Some people are single, some engaged, some married, divorced or widowed.
> And there are also no exceptions to people who are married but single, engaged but having an affair and the likes of being single but engaged. Though, there are no formal grounds for all of that but they exist. However, in their existence, they have a repercussion for anyone who carries that status consciously or unconsciously.

It’s Genesis
There are many singles who are in a relationship, “we’re friends”, they call themselves but are behaving as though they’re married. Some sees each other but some have this relationship on virtual platforms such as Facebook, whatsapp etc.
When you do all the things that are meant for married couples such as exchanging intimate affection and feelings, saying sweet things to each other and so on, in the long run, you will be single but emotionally engaged.
Some would even go the length of having premarital sex or cohabit with the belief that they’ll marry each other. That’s a wrong entry into marriage, I must say. How would you feel if the relationship fails to work out as planned? Prior to that, some people believe the best way to be connected to the person you’re in a relationship with is to engage in sexual related activities, that’s okay for married couples but not for singles.
The likes of kissing, petting, caressing and all that should not be tolerated because when you start it, you’ll ignite the flames you may not likely be able to quench.

It may seem to you as a flimsy issue but there’s more to it than what you think.
It’s common sense to see it a light issue, but if you’re to face the truth, you don’t need to do that because if you do, you’ll feel emotionally attached and in the long run, intimacy will build up.
When boundaries are not created in a relationship, it’ll gravitate towards sexual immoralities because you’d believe you are doing the right thing.

It’s Effects
If you’re single but engaged to someone who’s not your ‘legal’ spouse, you stand the risk of not only having a heart break, but a life break. When the relationship fails to work, wouldn’t you wished it had never happened? Don’t build your life with someone who has no intention of having a life with you.
There are men that are mean likewise women too. You’ll end up wasting your time, life, body and resources on a futile investment. Be single and single indeed! Don’t waste away your life while awaiting the right person by doing trial and error with boyfriend and girlfriend relationship.
You can’t date him or her to know the right person, but you can ‘date’ God to know the right person. Trust me, I have seen it work.

And for Christian singles, be careful of such instances in your relationship. Don’t be single but emotionally engaged to someone that’s not your spouse. If you’re trusting God for a partner, doing that will only create a tone for ‘leaning on your understanding’ as the scripture says.

How can you be crying to God for a partner and at the same time, you’re emotionally engaged to someone that’s not His will for your life? Don’t deceive yourself you will be keeping idols in your heart! When you do this, it’s amount to futility because you’re not willing to depend on Him totally.

And whenever you pray, your mind will work up the image of the person you’re emotionally attached to do. In a confusing scenario, they’ll even appear in your dream. Quit all emotional relationship you’re in to and depend on God so that your waiting time will not be longer than usual.

Aren’t you single but engaged?

Topic: Boasting Disallowed [Saturday 31 October, 2015]

Memorise: And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. - 1 Corinthians 8:2

Read: Psalm 49:6-7 (KJV)
6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 14:1-16:8; Ephesians 6

MESSAGE:
An individual who believes he or she is wiser than other people is proud. Proverbs 26:12 says:
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.”

It is bad enough to be a fool, but this Scripture tells us that a person who thinks he knows more than every other person is in worse shape. While there may still be a ray of hope left for the fool, the case of the proud is almost completely hopeless. 1 Corinthians 8:2 says:

“And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.”

It is what some people know that makes them proud (1 Corinthians 8:1). The knowledge of God that you have should not generate pride in you but strength (Daniel 11:32). As a husband, if you say you are not proud, why then is it that you don’t entertain the useful suggestions of your wife? As a leader, do you operate with others under you as if you are the custodian of knowledge? If you are not proud, you will be able to learn from your subordinates and even from your children. Believe it or not, there are lots of advice, useful suggestions and other blessings God will be sending to you through your subordinates and those under you; but if you are not ready to humble yourself to receive these, you may likely miss them.

One way of identifying the proud is through their boastings. A proud fellow will not only brag about what he can do, but also about several things he cannot do, all in a bid to make him look bigger than who he really is. As a child of God, you are expected to avoid boasting because of several variables in life are completely out of your control (James 4:14-16). Hence, our Bible reading says even when you are wealthy, never put your trust in your wealth or boast about what you have. Money may buy you a water bed, but it cannot buy you sleep. What is the use of a water bed without the ability to sleep? Also, you may be the richest man in the world, and yet with all your wealth, you cannot buy salvation for yourself or for your brother. Money can buy a beautiful wife but not a good name. Do you boast of your accomplishments? You need to be broken. Forget whatever you may have achieved and yield yourself to the hands of the Lord, asking God to mould you as He deems fit.

Key Point: Pride, like smoke, cannot be covered. Before long, it will be seen in the carriage or conduct of its host.

Topic: Chosen for Laughter [Friday 30 October, 2015]

Memorise: And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. - Genesis 21:6.

Read: Genesis 21:1-6 (KJV)
1 And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 12-13; Ephesians 5
MESSAGE:
We serve a God that fills the mouth of his chosen with laughter. Some chosen of the Lord testified of this in Psalms 126:2 saying: <>br "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."
In Genesis 18:1-14, when the Lord visited Abraham and Sarah and ate in their tent, He promised them that they would have a son in nine months' time; but Sarah laughed because her husband was over 99 years old and she herself was 90 years old. She thought that this promise was a joke borne out of how much the three august visitors enjoyed the meal that she and Abraham had prepared. God asked why she laughed, but she denied that she laughed. Nine months later, she gave birth to laughter, and she laughed for the rest of her life (Genesis 21:6). Today, God still makes people laugh.
When God makes you laugh, your laughter will be sustained. But how can God make you laugh today? God makes you laugh when you receive an unexpected divine visitation. It is one thing for you to pay God a visit, like when you attend a church programme or a special programme like the Holy Ghost Service; but it is another thing for God to visit you. It is a beautiful experience when God visits a congregation or group of people, but it is even lovelier when God picks out an individual in a large congregation for divine visitation. The Lord will single you out for a divine visitation this season in Jesus' Name.

In John 5:2-9, there was a multitude of sick folks at the pool called Bethesda, but when Jesus visited there, He went straight for the man who had been sick for 38 years, healed him and left the place. In like manner, in Mark 10:46-52, Jesus entered Jericho and passed through it looking for whom to visit. He saw none in Jericho, but as He was leaving, in the midst of a crowd, he saw a blind beggar outside the city gate, healed him and continued with His journey. As Jesus healed these people, He introduced laughter into their lives. There was no record that either of them was ever sick again. Whatever criteria He uses to determine candidates for His visitation shall work in your favour today.
Out of the crowd of those who need children, the Lord will visit you with yours. Out of the crowd of those who need promotion, the Lord will promote you. Out of the crowd of those who need special anointing, the Lord will visit you specially today. However, flee from sin, and do only what pleases Him. Be faithful in your tithes and offerings, and worship Him.

Prayer Point: Father, I have wept for too long; from now on, introduce laughter into my life and make me laugh forever.

Know Your Worth, Give Your Worth!

Author: Kemi Oyedepo
From me to you:

Please don’t let anybody, including yourself, diminish your potential!
You are a goldmine!
You are an asset!
You absolutely have something to offer to the world!

Be willing and ready to discover who you are in Christ! And run with the picture God shows you.
We all have the potential to be positive reference points in the world but having potential is not enough! Be ready to be stretched! Be ready to be uncomfortable! Be ready to have less sleep!
Being single shouldn’t stop you!
Marriage shouldn’t stop you!
Motherhood shouldn’t stop you!
Nothing & No one should be given the privilege of stopping you!
Women all over the world have done amazing things by God’s grace.

Don’t feel the need to compete with your husband! Instead be determined to add value to him!
Don’t feel the need to compete with your children! Instead be determined to add value to them!
Don’t feel the need to compete with others! Instead be determined to add value to the world! There is something in you that somebody needs! It will be selfish not to give it!

Be a Value Adding Woman!
Know what your own unique assignment is, stay in your lane and maintain your focus!
Create a balance, know when to wait and know the right time to move. Whatever you do, don’t stop & don’t remain stagnant

Topic: Dangers of Envy II [Thursday 29 October, 2015]

Memorise: And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. - Genesis 30:1

Read: Numbers 16:29-35 (KJV)
29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.
30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:
32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.
35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 10-11; Ephesians 4
MESSAGE:

Envy is a terrible character flaw that everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour must completely give up. Envy can lead to the murder of the one being envied or the murder of his or her dreams. Many polygamous families are wrapped up in envy. The mark of a place where there is envy is confusion and evil. James 3:16 says:

"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."
As much as it lies within your power, avoid such places, because the Spirit of God will not stay in a place where there is confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). In such places, people go to any extent to discredit, poison, afflict and destroy their own out of envy. If you are driven by envy, you are on a satanic mission: a self-destructiv e mission that will definitely lead to regret someday. Today, some churches are envy-driven. Do you know that some pastors go to set up their own ministries out of envy? The foundation of such ministries is faulty from the beginning, and if you dare to check, God is completely out of it. Are you driven by envy? What are you doing as a result of envy? Repent and amend your ways today before it is too late.

There is a great price the envious always has to pay. This price could have a physical, emotional and spiritual component. The price for envy can be very costly! You would be amazed at what that tiny envy in your heart towards your neighbour can take out of you. Envy can erode the blessings of the envious. If you do not want to lose your blessings, completely abstain from it. Korah, Dathan and Abiram paid dearly for the envy that led them to rebel against their leader - Moses (Numbers 16:1-3). God publicly set them aside to show everyone that they had done the wrong thing. God, who earlier appointed them as leaders under Moses, openly discredited them. Thereafter, the ground swallowed them up together with their households. Envy made sure their generation was terminated. That envy in your heart can terminate your future generations! Greed and envy are two tools the devil uses to destroy future generations and destinies! Gehazi's greed brought leprosy to his generation (2 Kings 5:27), while the envy of Korah, Dathan and Abiram completely wiped out their generations. Check your heart! That tiny looking seed of envy that appears harmless today can become your greatest undoing. Ask God to help you uproot it now.

Prayer Point: Father, in your mercy, uproot and destroy completely every trace of envy in my heart.

Author: Kemi Oyedepo

Topic: The Product and The Manufacturer

Before my husband and I got married; I think it was 2 years into our relationship, I had some challenges with my body so I went to see the doctor, who carried out some tests on me. After the tests, I was told that the chances of me ever having children were slim to none. In fact, I was told that if I was interested in having children, it will be in my best interest to have them at that point otherwise if I waited, things will not turn out well.

I didn’t really want to tell my husband because I thought, “hhhmmm will he still go ahead with this relationship and get married to me?” While I felt that I shouldn’t tell him, I did and he asked me why I was sounding so down. I replied with all the reasons the doctors gave me. He asked me, “did your doctor create you?” and immediately said, “that report is not for you. We reject it”. I thought to myself, “what kind of boldness is this? Didn’t he hear what I just said?” Even though I wanted to still discuss it with him, he never ever once talked about it with me again. As far as he was concerned, it was a done deal. Although, I still had to go back to my doctor a few times and the reports remained the same, we acted as if everything was perfect and carried on with the relationship. He used to tell me, “just focus on God”, and the truth is that once I really took my focus off the issue; it became non-existent after some time.

I actually didn’t go back to the doctor again concerning that issue. I am quite certain that if I kept going on and on about it, if I kept magnifying it, the doctor would have found some additional health “issues” in my system. The boldness of my husband began to rub off on me till every contrary thought of not having children faded away completely. We carried on talking about our plans for children without any regard for the reports. When we eventually got married, and we felt ready for children, everything happened just as we expected! For the rest of my life, I will keep thanking God for proving that He alone has the final say!

That experience taught me so much; it showed me that Medical Doctors (while I really appreciate them; and my sister is one) can only tell patients what they know, after all that’s what they went to Medical School for. However, no matter how much of an expert a doctor may be, nobody knows more about a product than the manufacturer. The ability of how God (the Manufacturer) can repair and recreate even the complex human body (the product) became so real to me. A lot of times, when I talk to those who are going through the same thing, I tend to tell them my testimony, which, to the glory of God lifts their spirits. I remind them not to magnify the doctor’s report because that will only multiply their negative reports. Instead, I tell them to magnify their Maker! You may be in that situation right now, whether you are male or female, I am telling you the exact same thing. Man didn’t create you, God created your body from the inside out. He is the one who knows the details of how all your organs should function. He is the one that can even create a being without following the protocols. A man and woman can be intimate but God is the one who gives conception (Ruth 4:13).

During a church service, I heard my husband, David Oyedepo Jnr, say something that caught my attention. He said “God does not need time, and He doesn’t need to follow procedures; He manufactured a full grown adult in one day – Adam. So nine months is not a problem for Him to manufacture a baby for you”. Wow! That entered my spirit and consumed me, and I hope it does the same for you. So no matter what the report is, no matter what is stopping you from having your own children as you desire, please don’t be angry, don’t be downcast, and don’t be depressed. The knowledge of man is limited but please rejoice because your Maker is limitless; His knowledge is endless.

Whatever any manufacturer says about their product is what is; what anybody else has to say is irrelevant. When you have a product, for example, an iron that may not be working as it should, you have no doubt that the manufacturer has the answer; it won’t make sense for the manufacturer not to know what to do to fix the issue, no matter how complex it may be. In fact, most of us first pick up the manufacturer’s manual for guidance. It applies here too, look through the Manufacturer’s manual (His Word) for guidance. God has said you are a fruitful vine and your children will be like olive shoots around your table (Psalm 128:3). He has said you will see your children’s children (Psalm 128:6). He has said you will still bring forth fruit in old age (Psalm 92:13). Let His promises overwhelm you and ignite your faith because it is by faith that Sarah received strength to conceive at the age of 90 (Hebrews 11:11).

Take hold of the testimonies of others and use them to boost your faith! It doesn’t matter how long you have been desiring your own testimony, as God lives, if you are trusting God for the physical manifestation of your children, rejoice! As long as it is your desire, your Maker will bring it to pass. Keep magnifying Him, and be expectant. One important thing I must tell you is this; if you are single and you may have received such a report like I did, please shake away every iota of fear and anxiety. Most of all reject that report and focus on what God’s Word has to say. Like I stated, my husband did not even allow it to be a topic of discussion for us; do the same. If you are married – don’t allow this season of waiting to affect your marriage! Stand by each other and encourage each other.

Don’t allow anything or anyone to divide you. It is not your husband’s fault; it is not your wife’s fault. One of my favourite scriptures is this – God is true; every man is a liar (Romans 3:4)! The enemy has tried but God will take the glory! In fact, He has taken it already. Enjoy your husband; enjoy your wife. Always remember that the fact that your children may not be here YET, does not make your marriage a failure! For some of you, it may not even be about children; you may just have some health challenges in your body that requires a touch from God. Digest what you have just read and keep reminding yourself that your body (the product) can still be fixed by your Manufacturer (God), no matter the complexity of your case. Your health will be perfected in the name of Jesus Christ! Amen. I look forward to your testimony!

Who To Marry: 6 Lies You Will Be Told While Trusting God For A Spouse

October 28, 2015
When God says a thing, there are over a thousand and one lies that will be said to counter it. When you also put your hope in God, there are several persons that would tell you ‘reasons’ why you shouldn’t do that. Remember what God said to Adam, “You shall surely die when you eat of the fruit” and the serpent’s response, “You shall not surely die”. But unfortunately, they followed what he said and this led to the problem we’re facing in the world. To those who are trusting God for a partner, I write this to let you know that if you don’t take your stand, you’ll be frustrated out of trusting Him. And this will take you out of His perfect will for your life. Lies would be said to make you change your mind. To be candid, it will seem logical or sometimes factual, but the truth is this: they do not change the fact that God doesn’t put to shame those who trust Him with all of their heart. To make you scale through the challenges of trusting God, here are some of the lies you have to know and to avoid accepting it as truths.

Heavens help those who help themselves
Do you know some people quote this phrase and ignorantly claim its existence in the Bible? God dwells in heaven and there are some heavens that are inhabited by demons. Let me not take you further into that. Lots of people say this so that you can find alternative measure in getting a spouse. That ‘Heavens help those who help themselves’ is an avenue for you to lean on your own understanding. And this will push you into dating or other means that people do.
Truth: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding; In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths; Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” – Proverbs 3:5-7 If you lean on your understanding or embrace dating that’s evil, you’ll miss His perfect will.

You can marry and convert him/her
Isn’t that possible or sound realistic? The truth is that you can’t change anyone whom God who created them hasn’t changed. This is the grave mistake many make in marriage with the hope of getting them to be what they want. It’s not possible! It is only the spirit f God that can transform a man. Don’t buy into this lie!

God doesn’t ‘help’ in this age
That it looks as if God doesn’t exist to some atheist or free thinker doesn’t stop the fact that He does. God still help those who diligently seek Him. He’s the same God in the Old and New Testament. 21st century or recent civilization doesn’t limit His power. It’ll only seem like God doesn’t help when you choose to depend on yourself or trust in your ability. And if you want Him to help you, pay the price to seek Him wholeheartedly, you’ll then discover that He’s closer than a brother.

Find someone you like and marry
There are many philosophies when it comes to choosing whom to marry and one of them is this. You can either date or marry your best friend as the society made it seem but the truth is this: no relationship can ever succeed if you ignore the place of God before and during it. Don’t forget that God instituted marriage and He still guides those who want Him to and would pay the price to trust Him. If you go ahead and marry someone you like, whether your best friend or whatever, be ready to face whatever happens when they become your worse enemy.

The earlier the better
It’s better to be late and have a good marriage than to hurriedly enter into one and end up in regret. Fine, it’s good to marry quick and become a grandparent but isn’t it better to wait for His guidance than to spend the old age in regret for having a terrible marriage? Mind you, age is just a number but it’s better to get it right once and for all than to wish you were single to correct some things.

There are no good men or women out there
It could seem true that there are no good men or women out there if you’re to do the searching yourself but trust me, if He helps you, He knows how to bring two of His children together. Don’t buy into the lies and settle for just anyone. That it seem delayed doesn’t mean you’ll be denied if you truly know the God you serve. Lies are to manipulate you and avert the good things that God has in stock for you. Remember what the serpent did to Adam and Eve that destroyed God’s purpose for their lives, don’t let someone else do same to you that you’d forever regret. Know His promise concerning your marital life. Hold on to His promise, though it tarry, it’ll surely come to pass. God doesn’t give up, only man does.
(c) Mayowa Adeniyi 2015

As single christian.
What are the causes of broken Relationship?
How can christian single know God's will?,

Topic: Dangers of Envy I [Wednesday 28 October, 2015]

Memorise: A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. - Proverbs 14:30

Read: Genesis 4:3-8 (KJV)
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 8-9; Ephesians 3

MESSAGE:
From Proverbs 3:31-33 we understand that oppressors should not be envied, because there is a divine curse on their households. If you envy an unbeliever for any reason, you may be attracting the curse on such a fellow to yourself. Furthermore, Psalm 37:1-2 admonishes us to look beyond the material blessings of sinners, as they are heading for a tragic end. Besides not envying sinners, Galatians 5:26 makes it clear that it is equally wrong to envy one another. Envy is dangerous, because it can trigger a chain of negative events in the life of the envious. If there is envy in the heart of a person and it is not dealt with, it can lead to murder, as was the case with Cain. Cain and his younger brother, Abel, offered up sacrifices before God. While Abel's offering was accepted, Cain's offering was rejected.
Instead of going back to God to find out what he did wrong, or going to his brother to find out what he did right, so that he could adjust and offer an acceptable sacrifice, he took the mean option of giving room to envy. He nursed envy in his heart until the day they had a quarrel over some other issue. On this day, he hit his brother so hard that he died. Envy leads to murder. If you are envious, a seed that can grow into murder is already in your heart.

Similarly, in Genesis 37, we see how Joseph's brothers were taken over by envy. They envied him because he was their father's favourite son. This they did instead of finding out what they could do to make them partake of their father's favour. When Joseph had a set of dreams revealing a great future ahead, they envied him the more. Envy made them forget that Joseph was their younger brother and of the same blood with them. Envy affected their reasoning to a point where they became very irrational. Come to think of it, if their younger brother's dreams of greatness were realised, would it not positively affect their position in several ways? This should have made them encourage him to fulfil his destiny, so that they could become co-beneficiaries. Instead of this, envy poisoned their hearts against their own blood and got them to take up the assignment of killing his dream. Are you envious of anyone? Are you out to kill other people's dreams because if realised, they could become greater than you? It is evil! Repent today!

Key Point: Envy distorts the rational thinking process of the envious and makes such a fellow more subjective than objective.

The Question I am a yoruba male very interested in a igbo woman on my job. We are both Christians and seem to have a lot in common. I have tried to ask her out but she declines stating that dating between the two of us could be a career- limiting move for the both of us.
What do you think of her viewpoint and should I continue to pursue a relationship with her?

Masturbation: Is It A Sin or Not?

By Debbie Adebayo

Masturbation is stimulating yourself sexually by manipulating your sexual organs. There are no specific references in the Scriptures to masturbation, but we can make some sanctified conclusions about masturbation by looking at God's original purpose for sex and sexual stimulation. The first mention of sexual intercourse was in Genesis 4:1. In the Living Bible it says: 1. Then Adam had sexual intercourse with Eve his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son, Cain (meaning ``I have created''), and she said, ``With God's help, I have created a man!'' Based on this portion of Scripture, we can see that God created sex as the method by which humans create offspring.
Proverbs 5:19-20 says: Be happy, yes, rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19. Let her breasts and tender embrace satisfy you. Let her love alone fill you with delight. From these verses we can see that physical pleasure is also derived from married couples having sex. Notice that these two verses describe activity occurring between a husband and wife. There is also a uniting of two fleshes to become one during sexual intercourse, as the Apostle Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 6:16-17. Consequently, although the word masturbation does not appear in the Scriptures, we can rightfully infer that this form of sexual stimulation is not God-ordained.

Some single adults fantasize with masturbation. They create mental images that they are with the lover of their dreams and this creates an atmosphere for sexual gratification to occur when there is a longing for sexual fulfillment. Others equate the human sexaul drive with the human appetite. These people believe food satisifes the human appeitite and masturbation satisifes the human sexual drive. They believe it is a normal biological function. The Scriptures, however clearly contradict this type of reasoning. Looking again at 1 Coriinthians 6:12-20.
Paul makes it perfectly clear that you cannot make a parallel comparison between food and stomach and sexual intercourse and genitals. In this comparison, when a person is hungry, he eats and whe he is sexually aoursed--wheter married or unmarried, he has sex. This could not be the case, as verses 15-17 indicate. Sexual intercourse is more than a mere biological expereince; it involves a communion of life. Paul also reminds us that the Holy Spirit dwells in our bodies and our redemption was purchased at a costly price, the Blood of Jesus. Therefore, we should seek to glorify God in the things in which we permit our bodies to participate. Masturbation does not glorify God, because it misuses His gift of sexual stimulation.

Another danger associated with masturbation is that it can become addictive and compulsive behavior. In this situation, the individual is unable to control the desire and it progresses into an entrenched habit that becomes a driving force in his or her life.

For those single adults that struggle with masturbation, I would like to offer the following advice:
v Grow in your ability to trust God to take care of all your needs, including your sexual longings and passions.
Because you have the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit, you have access to the supernatural power of God working in you. God can and wants to supersede your natural cravings and preserve you and keep you happy and content in His own miraculous way. 1 John 4:4 says: ….….because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. v Don't live under guilt and condemnation
. Receive God's forgiving mercy when you succumb to the temptation to masturbate. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) says: 9. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. v Pray to receive God's grace to help during times of temptation.
God's grace and mercy are available during these times when you are tormented to satisfy sexual cravings through masturbation, and Jesus understands and sympathizes with all your temptations. Hebrews 4:15-16 says: For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

v Remember your times of greatest weakness are actually the times when the strength of Christ is most readily available to you
. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says: And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

v Avoid activities that stimulate you sexually, for example, movies and videos with vivid love scenes.

v If your masturbating is addictive and compulsive, seek deliverance, because this could be indicative of demonic activity.

Topic: Wise in Your Own Eyes? [Friday 23 October, 2015]

Memorise: Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. - Psalm 3:7

Read: Psalm 3:5-7 (KJV)

5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Bible in one Year: Numbers 35-36; Galatians 4:8-31
MESSAGE:

One character flaw that has worked against many people all through the ages is pride. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognise pride for what it is; rather, they see it as part of self-respect. Proverbs 21:4 says pride manifests itself in the carriage of a person and in the state of their heart. Not many proud people realise that they are proud. Psalm 73:6 says pride is like a chain around the neck of the proud. In other words, pride cannot be hidden for too long, just as a necklace is seen by all. That Scripture also says that there is a link between pride and violence. If you are proud, you won’t be far from evil, violent actions. God always has problems with His children who are proud, because pride is Satan’s necklace. You cannot be a child of God and while dressing yourself, you put on the necklace of your Father’s enemy! Immediately any child of God wears Satan’s necklace, God keeps His distance from the fellow. Are you proud? Are you wearing Satan’s necklace? Put it off now it you want God to relate well with you!

How can you identify the proud? A proud fellow thinks he or she is better, superior, wiser and stronger than other people. It is wrong to think you are wiser or better than others. Why? Wisdom comes from God, and He can give it to whoever He wants. If you misuse the wisdom God has given you, He can take it from you or give it to someone else. Also, if you are wise in the things of the world, you ought to be extremely careful and humble, because some people who are walking about the streets as madmen and women were once very wise. There are PhD holders and professors who have become insane. Do not let your wisdom become your undoing. There is a very thin line between wisdom and folly. No matter what you know, you can never be more knowledgeable than God. 1 Corinthians 1:25 says this about God:

“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
An antidote to pride is having the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 3:7 says:
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
The more you fear God, the less likely you are to be proud. Ask God to increase His fear inn your heart.
Key Point: You cannot put on the robe of righteousness, and thereafter wear Satan’s necklace (pride).

How To Know And Do What Is Right In Your Relationship

The lack of knowledge has been the root cause of all relationship issues people face in life. Some people do not know what is right while some people does the right thing at the wrong time.
And let me quickly add this: doing the wrong thing at the right time, is wrong and doing the right thing at the wrong time is nothing but wrong.
Some ladies felt they know what is right, whereas it left them wounded and destroyed in life. And some guys who believe they’re smart, ended up to have endangered their life due to their gross act of stupidity. Now, the big question is this: how do you know what is right? A thing cannot be right and it would leave you with some daring consequences after doing it.

You need to first determine the consequence of an action before you know if it’s right or wrong. And it’s only a fool that would learn from a mistake he could have avoided.
It’ll be difficult for you to know if a thing is right when you depend on your feelings or opinions. How can you know if what you desire is a need or want when you don’t have the knowledge of its effect?
For instance, what you need as singles is not sex before marriage but abstinence. Why? It will prevent you from exposing your life to terrible consequences. I know your body wants it but if you feel it’s right, you’ll end up regretting it. There are also some people who also believe a thing is right by holding onto the belief of the society. What is right cannot be known by people who lacked the knowledge of what is right.

Imagine how demeaning and detrimental it would be when you indulge in premarital sex by using a contraceptive when the One who created sex tells you its wrong. Unfortunately, the society tells people to use condom for safe sex. Hear this, a thing is not right when the society tells you it’s right nor because you feel it’s proper to do. The knowledge of right or wrong only comes with your understanding of what God says concerning the issue.

Whether you believe in Him or not, it doesn’t change the fact that anyone that violates His law wouldn’t go unpunished. It’ll only do your life good when you live with His principles regarding what is right or wrong. Do you know what’s right when it comes to the expression of love?
As singles, if you feel it’s right to express love with the likes of kissing, petting, caressing and fondling of each other’s body; you’ll be exposed to the ills such activities would bring.
Love isn’t expressed with such action as singles. It’s only meant for the married. As youth, you have to flee youthful lust otherwise you’ll face its consequence (1 Cor. 6:18). It’s not right to express love through immoral acts no matter how good you prove it to be.

Do you know what’s right when it comes to the issue of sex? It’s normal to have sexual feelings or desire to have it because you have hormones that triggers the mood in you. But what is right is not the immediate gratification of it when you’re not ready to face the outcome of it or you’ll regret ever doing it. What is right, which you might likely not agree with me or conform to societal opinions is to learn how to contain the desire until when its appropriate to unleash it – and that’s in marriage.

Believing the likes of kissing, petting, caressing, bear hugging, masturbation, pornography, fondling each other’s body, premarital sex or erotic conversations are the best way of curbing your sexual desire is just to live in a fool’s paradise. They’ll cause more harm than the ‘benefit’ that is derived.

Do you know what’s right for you when choosing a friend?
Many believe that friends with benefits, having boyfriends or girlfriends when immoralities are tolerated are the kinds of friends that is right for them.
A friend that’s right for you is the one that would make your life better and not worse. You need a friend that would sharpen your life – multiply you and reduce your woes.
But many are keeping friends that would subtract their life and increase their woes. Such friends are bad influence and you have to do away with them.
However, to do what is right, you must know what is right and be determined to doing it regardless of the things (feelings, peer pressure, societal traditions) that will hold you back.
If you don’t know what is right and do it, you’ll mess up your life and regret it afterwards. Know what God says relating to sex, relationship and love. He alone knows what’s right for us as humans and not your feelings or societal opinions

Remember, it’s not right if it puts your life in a mess.

5 Ways To Make Your Relationship Rapture Worthy

Imagine you’re in a ship that’s heading you into a place you’d never like to spend the rest of your life. While in the ship, you do all that you wanted only to regret what you did in the life hereafter. How would you feel?

We are all into one form of relationship or the other, either friendship, marriage, political, spiritual or what have you. But for the purpose of this article, I’ll focus on the friendship and marriage aspect of it.
It’s never a crime to be in a relationship but the terrible thing about it is to be in one that would drag you to hell.
It’s often said that a bad marriage is worse than hell. And at the same time, such marriage or the relationship singles keep can also take you to hell. What has Rapture got to do with my relationship?
Times without number has it been said that the coming of Jesus draws near. It’s going to come when no one ever expect. There’s not going to be a warning or die minute readiness as you’d have in earthly announcements. The warning you can get is now, through this article and some other sources you must have encountered.
Rapture is the gathering of the saints who have done the will of God on earth. It’s not about going to church or belonging to one choice denomination, being religious, becoming a moralist or a free thinker; you must be ready and have met the requirements anytime anywhere.
So how do I make my present relationship rapture worthy?

1. Turn away from sin
Sin is one hindrance in becoming eligible for the coming of the Lord. Your knowledge of sin isn’t a function of what you feel is wrong or what the society tells you to be right, it’s a function of the ordinance of God. It is a sin when you commit sexual immoralities as singles when you’re not married. And it’s not lawful before God when a married person has an extramarital affair (Heb. 13:4).

God will not tolerate your excuse of ‘body-no-be-firewood’, ‘the-spirit-is-willing-but-the-flesh-is-weak’ as an excuse to living in sin. Only those who have lived without sin that would be fit for His coming and have done His will. 2. Do the will of God
“Not everyone that says, Lord, Lord will enter into the kingdom of God but only those that does the will of My Father that is in heaven” (Matt 7:21). Are you doing the will of your pastor, spouse, self or the society that doesn’t conform to the will of God?

It doesn’t even matter if you speak in tongues, believe that Jesus is Lord or preach the gospel, if you don’t do the will of God relating to purity, holiness, godliness, both as singles and married; you’re not going to be rapturable.

It’s high time we sought-after His will because excuse won’t be tolerated that day. As difficult as it is, only those that does His will that would be recognized on that day. Desist from your self-opinion or righteousness, don’t be conformed to the world but be renewed daily so that you can prove and do that which is the perfect will of God.

3. Seek His kingdom and righteousness
No one can enter into His kingdom if he or she do not pay the price to seek it and His righteousness.

Just as obtaining the citizenship of a country requires that you get your documents ready and valid, you can’t enter into His kingdom if you do not seek to enter into it. Is your relationship helping you to seek His kingdom or it’s pulling you out of it? The pursuit of God’s kingdom must be your major desire in life and in your relationship. And it will cost you a lot because you just have to deny some association or pleasure.

If your mutual pursuit isn’t geared towards seeking God’s kingdom, the rapture might take one or both of you unawares due to your ‘hatred’ for God. 4. Love God
How possible would it be that you love your spouse so much more than God and you’ll expect to enter His kingdom? The reverse must be the order. If you don’t love God with all your heart, soul, strength and might; your chances of making it to eternal life is at stake. However, there must be a balance to loving God and your partner – God first before your partner. 5. Believe in Him
Isn’t it strange to hear some people who claim to believe in Jesus but their life isn’t transformed as a result of their belief? Is Jesus coming for this type of people? Rapture isn’t for those who haven’t accepted God’s gift of salvation. It’s only for those who believe in Him (John 3:16) and whose belief has been transformed to the image of His son while they’re on earth.

Whereas, you cannot achieve any of the aforementioned points if you haven’t been genuinely saved. Except you’re born again and you’re filled with the Holy Spirit, you can’t enter into God’s kingdom (John 3:5).

Mind you, if pleasing your boyfriend, girlfriend or your spouse is your primary aim the relationship, you’ll miss out in His kingdom. And if doing what you feel is right or normal is what influences your decision in life, you’re not likely to make it for Rapture.

Brethren, it’s a great tragedy in life to miss the rapture. It’s not like a flight that you can reschedule. Give your life to Christ and ensure you do only the things that would make you inherit His Kingdom.

If your relationship is not rapture worthy, ensure to make yourself worthy by doing what is right according to God’s word and will. Although it’s difficult to do but it’s worth it!

(c) Mayowa Adeniyi 2015

Topic: The Super Need [Wednesday 14 October, 2015]

Memorise: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. - Luke 10:42

Read: Luke 10:38-42 (KJV)

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Bible in one Year: Numbers 18-19, 2 Corinthians 10

MESSAGE:

When a person chases several rats in different directions, the most likely outcome is that none of those rats will be caught. In life, we are often barraged with so many competing issues at the same time, most of which legitimately deserve our attention. There is therefore the need to become more focused, in order to be effective in our pursuits. In day to day activities of life, we are often torn between wants and needs. Wants can be defined as known valuable things which people desire and would like to own. Needs on the other hand may be known or unknown, liked or disliked, but they satisfy a requirement of life. A sick fellow needs to see a doctor for treatment, whether he likes the idea or not. This is a need. Needs are often very crucial and relate to the necessities of life such as food, transport, clothing and shelter. Sometime, the way a person goes about satisfying a need can transform that desire to a want and not a need. Take for instance the fellow who requires a car to move from his house to his office every day. Almost any normal car can meet this need; but if the fellow decides to buy a Ferrari to meet this need, the desire for a Ferrari has turned that need into a want.

To become more prudent, you should focus on your needs and down play your wants. If you acquire all the wealth on planet earth, the day you die, you will realise the futility of being unable to take any of it with you. The reality of this fact made Apostle Paul to admonish us that we should imbibe the virtue of contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Even among needs, a scale of priorities should be applied. Needs are of varying degrees of importance. In Luke 10:38-42, while visiting two sisters, the Lord plainly told them this:

“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:42

He was speaking of a super need. It is good to be nice to people, and it is good to be hospitable; but better than all these is the need to sit at the feet of Jesus, studying, reading, meditating, hearing and memorising His words. The brethren who apply the “No Bible, no breakfast” principle have understood the need to subordinate all other legitimate need under the super need of all – the Word of God. Are you giving the Word its rightful place in your life? The Word should come first. How much time do you set aside for the Bible daily?

Prayer Point: Father, in whatever situation I find myself, grant me grace to always give You priority.

Topic: Elements Provide Support [Tuesday 13 October, 2015]

Memorise: The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. - Psalm 121:6
Read: Joshua 10:12-14 (KJV)
12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.
Bible in one Year: Numbers 16-17, 2 Corinthians 9

MESSAGE:

On the 6th of October, we studied some of the markers which indicate that a life is blessed. We gained insight into the fact that when you are blessed, the seasons will cooperate with you to succeed. We also saw that the heavenly bodies provide support to enable a blessed life operate optimally. Today, I want to share with you a few of my personal experiences on this subject matter in order to build up your faith.

Some years ago, we went to Abeokuta (South-West of Nigeria) to hold a crusade in front of the Alake’s (traditional ruler) palace. Just as I made the altar call to salvation and people began to come out in response to the call, the rains came and those who were coming forward began to return to their seats. So I said, “Hey, rain, stay where you are. You cannot fall now.” Immediately, the rain rolled back like a carpet from where we were holding the meeting. By the time we were rounding up the programme on a Monday, the resident pastor came and reminded me to release the rain. I simply told him that after we left, the rain would fall. Thirty minutes after we left the town, the rain fell.

In the same vein, many years ago, I wanted to pray at night and I needed a quiet place, so I went to the main auditorium we had then at the Redemption Camp. At the same time, some other people were there to pray, and they were so loud that I had to leave. I had no better alternative than to take my rechargeable torchlight and head into the bush path. I went farther and farther into the jungle. Initially, my torchlight was well charged and bright. When I got close to the river, I heard a sound and I switched on my torchlight to see what it was, but the light went out. I was suddenly surrounded by darkness and wondered how I would make it through the dark jungle to a place that had some light, just then I recalled when I was young, how our teacher taught us that if you suddenly find yourself in darkness, if you close your eyes for a while and reopen them, it won’t be as dark as it was before. So I closed my eyes, and by the time I reopened them, there was bright moonlight all over the place where I was. With this light, I easily made my way out of the jungle. But then I recalled that the place was very dark when I first arrived. How did the “moonlight” come about? At that moment, I looked up and discovered that there was no moon! When you are blessed, the sun, the moon and the rain will cooperate with you. Whenever it appears as if any of these elements of nature is about to stand in your way, do not panic. Simply command them to yield, so that God’s ultimate purpose will be done.

Action Point: Pray for all missionaries, that God will meet all their needs and protect their families.

Topic: Obey or Lose Your Chance [Sunday 11 October, 2015]

Memorise: While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. - Hebrews 3:15

Read: Hebrews 3:13-15 (KJV)
13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Bible in one Year: Numbers 12:1-14:19: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16
MESSAGE:

Beloved, if God indicates to you His desire to use you in building His kingdom in one capacity or another, do not hesitate, because He may just use someone else if you do. One of my pastors and I once went through an experience relevant to this subject. During the early days of building the Redemption Camp, when things were very rough and tough, I practically lived at the camp, as I tried to ensure that the little we had was efficiently utilised. On a particular day, we were in need of a certain amount. This pastor came to me and we exchanged pleasantries, after which he told me what he came for. I knew that he had the money we required, so after we were done with his purpose for coming, I told him I urgently needed an amount to solve a problem. He said “Okay sir, I will pray about it”, and he left. This happened on a Saturday. By Monday, he came back to say he was now ready to give me the money, but I told him the need had been met. “Daddy, I am not leaving your office until you take the money”, he protested, I then replied him, saying “You said you wanted to go and pray about it. Continue with your prayer. What God wanted done has been done.?” That day, he resolved that although he had missed out on that opportunity, he would not suffer the same fate again. He decided to stay back at the camp and handed his business over to his wife. He has been to tremendous assistance since then.

When you hear a call to partake in a kingdom project, do not delay unnecessarily, or else, by the time you are ready, the work would have been done without you. When some people make pledges towards the Holy Ghost Congress meetings we held in December, a lot of them fail to redeem theirs. In spite of this, the Congress still holds, and by the grace of God. We are never in deficit at the end of any Congress. In addition, it is important to know that the Almighty God can transfer wealth from one person to another. In 2 Kings 7:1-11, Samaria was besieged by the Syrian army, to the extent that some women began to eat their children. God declared that the situation would change within 24 hours and it was so. How? He simply transferred wealth from the Syrians to the children of Israel. If you fail to use your God-given resources for His kingdom, you may be calling for God to transfer them to those who will use them to glorify Him.

Key Point: Some opportunities for outstanding life transformations cannot afford to wait until you are ready.

Topic: Obey or Lose Your Chance [Sunday 11 October, 2015]

Memorise: While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. - Hebrews 3:15

Read: Hebrews 3:13-15 (KJV)
13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Bible in one Year: Numbers 12:1-14:19: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16
MESSAGE:

Beloved, if God indicates to you His desire to use you in building His kingdom in one capacity or another, do not hesitate, because He may just use someone else if you do. One of my pastors and I once went through an experience relevant to this subject. During the early days of building the Redemption Camp, when things were very rough and tough, I practically lived at the camp, as I tried to ensure that the little we had was efficiently utilised. On a particular day, we were in need of a certain amount. This pastor came to me and we exchanged pleasantries, after which he told me what he came for. I knew that he had the money we required, so after we were done with his purpose for coming, I told him I urgently needed an amount to solve a problem. He said “Okay sir, I will pray about it”, and he left. This happened on a Saturday. By Monday, he came back to say he was now ready to give me the money, but I told him the need had been met. “Daddy, I am not leaving your office until you take the money”, he protested, I then replied him, saying “You said you wanted to go and pray about it. Continue with your prayer. What God wanted done has been done.?” That day, he resolved that although he had missed out on that opportunity, he would not suffer the same fate again. He decided to stay back at the camp and handed his business over to his wife. He has been to tremendous assistance since then.

When you hear a call to partake in a kingdom project, do not delay unnecessarily, or else, by the time you are ready, the work would have been done without you. When some people make pledges towards the Holy Ghost Congress meetings we held in December, a lot of them fail to redeem theirs. In spite of this, the Congress still holds, and by the grace of God. We are never in deficit at the end of any Congress. In addition, it is important to know that the Almighty God can transfer wealth from one person to another. In 2 Kings 7:1-11, Samaria was besieged by the Syrian army, to the extent that some women began to eat their children. God declared that the situation would change within 24 hours and it was so. How? He simply transferred wealth from the Syrians to the children of Israel. If you fail to use your God-given resources for His kingdom, you may be calling for God to transfer them to those who will use them to glorify Him.

Key Point: Some opportunities for outstanding life transformations cannot afford to wait until you are ready.

Topic: Obey or Lose Your Chance [Sunday 11 October, 2015]

Memorise: While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. - Hebrews 3:15

Read: Hebrews 3:13-15 (KJV)
13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Bible in one Year: Numbers 12:1-14:19: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16
MESSAGE:

Beloved, if God indicates to you His desire to use you in building His kingdom in one capacity or another, do not hesitate, because He may just use someone else if you do. One of my pastors and I once went through an experience relevant to this subject. During the early days of building the Redemption Camp, when things were very rough and tough, I practically lived at the camp, as I tried to ensure that the little we had was efficiently utilised. On a particular day, we were in need of a certain amount. This pastor came to me and we exchanged pleasantries, after which he told me what he came for. I knew that he had the money we required, so after we were done with his purpose for coming, I told him I urgently needed an amount to solve a problem. He said “Okay sir, I will pray about it”, and he left. This happened on a Saturday. By Monday, he came back to say he was now ready to give me the money, but I told him the need had been met. “Daddy, I am not leaving your office until you take the money”, he protested, I then replied him, saying “You said you wanted to go and pray about it. Continue with your prayer. What God wanted done has been done.?” That day, he resolved that although he had missed out on that opportunity, he would not suffer the same fate again. He decided to stay back at the camp and handed his business over to his wife. He has been to tremendous assistance since then.

When you hear a call to partake in a kingdom project, do not delay unnecessarily, or else, by the time you are ready, the work would have been done without you. When some people make pledges towards the Holy Ghost Congress meetings we held in December, a lot of them fail to redeem theirs. In spite of this, the Congress still holds, and by the grace of God. We are never in deficit at the end of any Congress. In addition, it is important to know that the Almighty God can transfer wealth from one person to another. In 2 Kings 7:1-11, Samaria was besieged by the Syrian army, to the extent that some women began to eat their children. God declared that the situation would change within 24 hours and it was so. How? He simply transferred wealth from the Syrians to the children of Israel. If you fail to use your God-given resources for His kingdom, you may be calling for God to transfer them to those who will use them to glorify Him.

Key Point: Some opportunities for outstanding life transformations cannot afford to wait until you are ready.

Topic: Obey or Lose Your Chance [Sunday 11 October, 2015]

Memorise: While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. - Hebrews 3:15

Read: Hebrews 3:13-15 (KJV)
13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Bible in one Year: Numbers 12:1-14:19: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16
MESSAGE:

Beloved, if God indicates to you His desire to use you in building His kingdom in one capacity or another, do not hesitate, because He may just use someone else if you do. One of my pastors and I once went through an experience relevant to this subject. During the early days of building the Redemption Camp, when things were very rough and tough, I practically lived at the camp, as I tried to ensure that the little we had was efficiently utilised. On a particular day, we were in need of a certain amount. This pastor came to me and we exchanged pleasantries, after which he told me what he came for. I knew that he had the money we required, so after we were done with his purpose for coming, I told him I urgently needed an amount to solve a problem. He said “Okay sir, I will pray about it”, and he left. This happened on a Saturday. By Monday, he came back to say he was now ready to give me the money, but I told him the need had been met. “Daddy, I am not leaving your office until you take the money”, he protested, I then replied him, saying “You said you wanted to go and pray about it. Continue with your prayer. What God wanted done has been done.?” That day, he resolved that although he had missed out on that opportunity, he would not suffer the same fate again. He decided to stay back at the camp and handed his business over to his wife. He has been to tremendous assistance since then.

When you hear a call to partake in a kingdom project, do not delay unnecessarily, or else, by the time you are ready, the work would have been done without you. When some people make pledges towards the Holy Ghost Congress meetings we held in December, a lot of them fail to redeem theirs. In spite of this, the Congress still holds, and by the grace of God. We are never in deficit at the end of any Congress. In addition, it is important to know that the Almighty God can transfer wealth from one person to another. In 2 Kings 7:1-11, Samaria was besieged by the Syrian army, to the extent that some women began to eat their children. God declared that the situation would change within 24 hours and it was so. How? He simply transferred wealth from the Syrians to the children of Israel. If you fail to use your God-given resources for His kingdom, you may be calling for God to transfer them to those who will use them to glorify Him.

Key Point: Some opportunities for outstanding life transformations cannot afford to wait until you are ready.

Topic: Why Children Are Useful [Saturday 10 October, 2015]

Memorise: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 18:10

Read: Matthew 18:1-5 (KJV)
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Bible in one Year: Numbers 10:11-11:35; 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13

MESSAGE:

Children are not just God’s property; they are also God’s weapons of war. This is why you must be very careful in the way you handle or treat them. Jesus gave us a fascinating revelation about children in Matthew 18:10, where He said:

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angles do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”

For the revelation, we understand that every child has at least one angel guiding him or her. Have you seen an angel before? By His grace I have seen them a couple of times and I can say that they can be fearfully huge, particularly some of the mighty angels. If you were to meet one of such angels, the first thing he will likely say to you is “Fear not!” Why? Nobody will see an angel for the first time without being terrified. Speaking of the size of some of the mighty angels: although one of the world’s largest airplanes is an Airbus A380, do you know that one mighty angel can carry this airplane on the palm of his hand? God says that every child has an angel and every one of such angels has direct access to God. Attaching a powerful angel to a child is what makes children a terrific weapon. If you mess around with a child, you are inviting an angel of God to deal with you.

Moreover, children are weapons in God’s hands because we the older ones are so preoccupied with the hustle and bustle of life that our ears have become dull of hearing. When God speaks, we often don’t hear, but the ears of children are open to God. They do not worry as we do. In fact, children believe that all they need will be provided for by their parents. So time after time, when God wants to send a message, He could send it through a child. This is one reason why parents must adhere strictly to God’s word in raising their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. A child that is brought up to love and fear the Lord will be a great asset and tool in God’s hands. Such a family, as busy as the parents may be, will not lack divine direction, as the children will be able to hear from God. How often does God speak to your children? Are you raising them in the ways of God?

Key Point: God may have been speaking to your godly children. If they have not told you, it could be that you have not created a conducive atmosphere for them to do so.

Topic: S-T-R-E-T-C-H

One of my favorite things to do is exercise. In fact those who know me well know that as I don’t joke with my spiritual walk, I also don’t joke with my physical fitness. But as much as I enjoy challenging my body, one part that I didn’t used to enjoy was stretching! I actually used to dread it so much. Then I began to learn about the benefits of stretching and what it does to the body, and since then I have never looked back. I take it as seriously as my workouts and I enjoy it a whole lot more. So much so that I stretch even when I am not working out! I have learnt however that it’s not just our bodies that need to be stretched.

We can be stretched in every area of our lives, even in our relationships and marriages. I got this light one day, while engaging in a post workout stretch; I thought to myself that I will like to know the proper definition of stretching so once I could, I looked it up in various ways and one definition that stuck to me was this – being capable of lengthening without tearing or breaking! Once I read it, one thought came to my mind – MARRIAGE! I thought to myself ‘it’s true, marriage stretches us’! Why? Well because we have to be patient (even when we would rather not be). We have to have self-control (even when we would rather speak our minds as we please). We have to love unconditionally (hhhmm). We have to compromise (even when we would prefer that the marriage revolves around us). The list is endless. We have to be willing to stretch, to lengthen, to grow; and we must do them all – without breaking! Just like with the physical stretch, it may not be enjoyable BUT I have learnt that if I want to build the type of marriage that God has in mind, I have to lay my will down a lot and take up God’s will – I have to stretch myself! To many, doing all that is much too stressful and doesn’t sound appealing; they would rather not do it, but I believe it is because they don’t really know or understand the benefits of doing so.

Physically, stretching can be so rewarding; some of the benefits include flexibility, increased blood flow to the muscles, and increased range of motion in the joints. One of the greatest benefits of stretching in marriage is the opportunity to grow in our Christian walk. It is also very exciting and rewarding to go through life with another person even if it means having to learn how to be less self-centered!! As I continue to take stretching as serious as my workouts, I have not stopped seeing great improvements, and I keep reminding myself that anything that stretches me will always bring out the best in me. We can either whine and groan about it, or use it as an opportunity to become better.

The same way we allow our careers, our academics, etc. to challenge us and we are determined to give it our best to get the best, let’s do the same with our marriages. Single or married? Male or female? Imagine how our marriages would be if we decide to give it our very best, if we decide to stretch just a little bit more? Don’t be conformed to this world, renew your mind concerning the type of family life you are entitled to as a Christian (Romans 12:2), walk in that light and do all you can to make it a reality with the grace and the tools God has made available to you! Be willing to S-T-R-E-T-C-H – Spirit. Soul. And Body. And be ready to do so without breaking!

by Kemi Oyedepo

Topic: Stealing His Glory? [Friday 9 October, 2015]

Memorise: For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? And I will not give my glory unto another. - Isaiah 48:11

Read: Acts 12:20-23 (KJV)
20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Bible in one Year: Numbers 8:1-10:10; 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10

MESSAGE:
It is very wrong, and an act of stealing, for a person to take all the credit for a job done by team effort. If you are part of the team that performed a particular feat, it is wrong to relegate others to the background and bring yourself to the fore. It even gets worse when you steal God’s glory. Do you know that some people try to steal the show from God? Hear them out during testimony time: they will talk about the problem and lay much emphasis on how much they prayed, fasted or sowed seeds, giving God little or no room in it. Whereas, the emphasis should be on what God did or how God intervened. The truth is, while facing a problem, it is possible to pray even a hundred times and God will not hear you. That God heard or intervened at all is a mark of His mercy. If He chooses not to answer, what can you do? Stop stealing the show, because you are nothing without God!

Some servants of God being used of Him in the miraculous have become so deceived that they now rub shoulders with God. How can a man of God say, “If you are sick, come to me and I will heal you?” Are you now the healer? Can you cure a headache, if God has not chosen to channel His power through you? If there is one thing God is not prepared to share, it is His glory. He made this very clear in Isaiah 42:8:

“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
Anytime you attribute a feat to yourself, your power, wisdom or ability, you steal from God’s glory. If you are involved in such, you are courting serious trouble. You need to learn from the shameful demise of Herod in our Bible reading, after He stole God’s glory for himself. If God is doing anything through you, it is for the sake of His Name. This He very much said in Isaiah 48:11:
“For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I not give my glory unto another.”
Have you stolen from God’s glory? Have you taken credit for any miracle, sign or wonder the Lord has used you to perform? Return it to Him today in humility! Are you ascribing the growth and development of your church to yourself? What could you have done without God’s help? Return every glory and credit you have stolen, lest you bring God’s judgement on yourself.

Action Point: In every way you have stolen God’s glory, restitute now.

Courtship: When Does it become Right or Wrong?

by Mayowa Adeniyi

CourtshipLife is in phases, there’s a time when you’re child and in another phase of life, you become an adult. As a child, you think and act immature but when you become an adult, you’ll put away childish things. This phenomenon was captured in the bible as having a time and season for everything under the heaven.
Marriage is an institution everyone looks forward to. Although in rare cases where you choose to remain an eunuch, either for spiritual or medical reasons that you’ll not marry. The period before wedding after you’ve found someone to marry is called courtship. A period where you get to be familiar and know each other better before marriage is decided.

In life, abuse they say is inevitable when the purpose of a thing is not known. Courtship too can be abused when you don’t know its purpose. There are many singles even Christians who had messed up their courtship due to some things which they tolerated ignorantly or carelessly. Doing a right thing at the wrong time is wrong and doing a wrong thing at the wrong time is equally wrong. How do I know when courtship becomes right or wrong?

1. Readiness
An athlete doesn’t win an Olympic game the day he wakes up from sleep. He must have prepared himself and absorbed several trainings. He will fail if he doesn’t train no matter the good record he must have had.
It’s bad to start courtship when in two or more years you’re not ready for marriage. Courtship doesn’t make you ready for marriage but you make yourself ready for marriage before courtship. It serves you no benefit when you’re not financially, spiritually, mentally and emotionally ready for marriage and you two claim to be in courtship.
What are you courting? Two immature and unprepared partners cannot have a successful courtship or marriage when they go into it. If they court or marry, such relationship will fail.

2. When love leads to lust
There’s a thin line between love and lust and it’s very easy to cross the boundary when you take the slightest chance or ignored warning signals. Love takes time to grow but if care isn’t taken, that love will end in lust. How? When touches becomes too intimate, conversations becoming erotic and your desires are carnal; lust would creep in regardless of the sacrifices and commitment you must have had.

Just because God has said you two will marry doesn’t mean you’re free from transgression if you cross the boundary. It’s normal to desire intimacy because you’re in courtship but care must be taken so that it doesn’t gets out of hand. Caution must be taken during hugging so that it doesn’t become prolong that ‘something’ would happen and your conversations do not lead to immoralities.

3. When it becomes too long
It’s of no advantage to prolong something that could have been done better when you’re fully prepared for it. For instance, reading with a sound mind for thirty minutes is better than reading for hours with a wavering mind.
It’s not the duration of courtship that makes marriage better but in your readiness for a successful marriage. When you prolong the duration of courtship to exceed one year or more, something can happen which would destroy the marriage.
Courtship shouldn’t be too short or too long, there must be a balance in it. Having done your assignment in finding the right person by confirming and getting conviction from God, your period of your courtship should be a time where you get to know yourselves (likes, dislikes, purpose etc), parents, friends and families better. Mind you, it’s not the duration of the courtship that makes you know your spouse. Even in marriage, there are more things to know about your spouse.
Have you made yourself a right partner (spiritually, mentally, financially and emotionally), prayed and sought God’s face for who would accompany you in your marital journey? Until you have done your assignment properly, don’t think of courtship lest you make a ruin of it. After doing your assignment, don’t cross the boundary. There’s no point sniffing the aroma of the food that you’d be eating. Delay sex and sexual plays till marriage and not before it. Don’t make courtship wrong when you could have made it right.

Topic: Unexpected Spiritual Uplift [Thursday 8 October, 2015]

Memorise: The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. - Psalm 110:2
Read: Mark 9:2-10 (KJV)
2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
Bible in one Year: Numbers 7:12-89, 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18

MESSAGE: Just as God can suddenly pick up a beggar from the dunghill and set him on the throne, it is also possible for Him to give a sudden spiritual promotion. One blessed morning, Elisha woke up as the farmer’s son who wandered around with Elijah as his servant; but by the evening of the same day, he had become a father of all the sons of the prophets, and had in his possession twice the anointing of his master (2 Kings 2:9-15). How awesome! Yes, it is possible to experience a sudden spiritual promotion. Several years ago, at the Ebute-Metta (Lagos) national headquarters of our Church, we normally held our workers’ meetings in the evening with pastors and workers sitting opposite each other. On this particular Sunday evening, just before we prayed, we decided to do some Bible study. I gave a passage of Scripture and asked everyone to give their interpretation. By the time all the pastors had given their interpretation of that scripture, they were not anywhere close to what I was expecting. Thereafter, I extended the opportunity to the workers. One young worker got up and gave an accurate interpretation of the subject matter, and I said, “Congratulations, pastor!” As soon as he heard me say that, he immediately grabbed his seat and moved over to sit with the pastors. In protest, the pastors said, “No, it was only a mistake”. “What mistake?” asked the young man, “The General Overseer has called me a pastor; what else do I need? Then I waded in saying “My son, ordination with the anointing oil will come later, but from now on, you are a pastor.

Here is another truth about promotion: whether you experience an ascent or descent in life depends on who is holding your hand. If God is holding your hand, He will take you from glory to glory, and your promotion will continually be accelerated. This was the secret of Joseph’s unprecedented promotion. Genesis 49:24 says:

“But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hand of the mighty God of Jacob; (From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)”

But if you decide to go to the devil for promotion, you will surely end up in shame. You cannot hold God with one hand and at the same time hold the devil. If you do so, you can rest assured that you are on your own because God will simply step aside. How close are you to the Lord? He can still take you up suddenly in the area of the anointing and in other spiritual matters.

Key Point: Some sudden promotions are a result of a hidden period of conscientious deliberate and sustained work of excellence.