The Nation Newspaper

Category: Family forum

  • Joe Biden’s victory validates Apostle Johnson Suleman’s prophecy

    Joe Biden’s victory validates Apostle Johnson Suleman’s prophecy

    Our Reporter 

    The recent victory of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America has validated one of the prophecy made by one of Nigeria’s foremost and prominent pastor, Apostle Johnson Suleman.

    The senior pastor and general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, before now, had predicted that Joseph Robinette Biden Jr, the 2020 Presidential candidate of the Democrat would defeat Donald Trump to become the next United States President.

    READ ALSO: Seven things to know about US President-Elect, Biden

    According to the man of God, he explained that God spoke to him about Trump loosing his bid to get re-elected to office. This prophecy is boldly contained in the 2019/20 Prophecy Manual.

  • Making right choices (4)

    Making right choices (4)

    Pastor Faith Oyedepo

    Dear reader, You are welcome to the last edition of this month teaching on Making Right Choices. There is no doubt you have enjoyed all the teachings so far. For the past three weeks we have examined what choice is all about, how the fear of God can help you to make right choices as well as God’s provisions for making right choices. Today, we shall be looking at the subject: Be Futuristic in Your Choice.

    The choices you make today can affect the whole of your future. That is why you have to be very careful as you take life’s decisions. Don’t be too shortsighted in your choices; look beyond now into the future. A wise man once said, ‘Wise people choose today what will make them happy tomorrow, but foolish people choose today only what will make them happy today’. In other words, wise people choose today what will make them happy even tomorrow, but foolish people don’t consider the future, they choose only what will make them happy today. Do you know the difference between these two groups of people? One is seeing only the now (he has no consideration for the future, no consideration for posterity; he is shortsighted). The other one however, sees beyond now to a great and colourful future. I want to believe God that no one reading this article will behave like the foolish, in Jesus name!

    Let us look at the story of Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. He made a choice that affected his life and family, Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons (Ruth 1:1-3). There was famine in the land. Elimelech made his choice without hearing from God. God could have made a provision for him and his family even in the midst of the famine, if he had sought God’s guidance. After all, there were people who remained in the land, who survived the famine. He lost his life and later his two children died and Naomi was left alone with her daughters-in-law. The Bible records, And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread (Ruth 1:5-6).

    Daniel also made his choice. Concerning him, the Bible records,  But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself (Daniel 1:8). Don’t base your choices on just the present; look ahead of your present into the future.

    What must I do to forget the past?

    Hold on to God

    You may say, ‘Oh! I have made wrong choices in the past that has affected my life. What do I do now to correct my past wrong choices?’ Or someone may say, ‘Well, I think I married the wrong person because I made a wrong choice, should I pack my load and run out of the house?’ No, you will be making another wrong choice by doing so. All you need do is to treat him or her like you have married the right person. Don’t say I am going for a divorce. Divorce is not your portion! It is not God’s plan for you. I have good news for you. God says in Isaiah 43, that He will do a new thing, Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:18-19).

    From this day forward, concerning every area of your life, in your career, marriage, business and concerning your future, there shall be no more regrets! I pray that the blood of Jesus Christ will wash away every wrong choice you have made in the past! I pray that God will give you His grace from this day forward to begin to make right choices, in the name of Jesus Christ! It is done!

    If you are not born again yet, you will always be a victim of wrong choices. Your first choice has to be the choice to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you would want to receive Him right now, please pray this prayer of faith with me: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com, 07026385437 or 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Salvation the Way of Escape, Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • Making right choices (3)

    Making right choices (3)

    Pastor Faith Oyedepo

     

    DEAR reader, You are welcome to another wonderful time in God’s presence. My prayer is that God will visit you today! We have been exploring Making Right Choices. I defined choice in the previous teaching as the act of selection, especially of the best part or alternative.

    It is also defined as the power and privilege of free selection; careful selection without compulsion and after due consideration.

    It is also preference for best alternative. You have the power to choose and whatever you choose today will not only affect you in the now, it will affect you in the future!

    We live in a world of choices and we make choices on a daily basis – consciously or unconsciously. The dress you have on right now perhaps is not the only one you have; neither is it the only one of that colour.

    Also, the shoe you are wearing right now is not the only one you have at home. What about the haircut you have on now, if you are a man? That could not have been the only style you saw at the barber’s; so why are you wearing it?

    The Holy Spirit is our principal guide

    The Holy Spirit is our master guide. He is not just available to make us speak in tongues. One of His principal missions is to guide our steps through this wicked world into our place in destiny The Bible says, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (John 16:13). Engage the ministry of the Holy Spirit; He is your master guide.

    We have a very powerful example of the Holy Spirit’s leading in the Bible. The Apostle Paul records, Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

    And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem (Acts 21:3-4).

    Anytime there is no release in your spirit, you may be heading for frustration or ultimate devastation. If there is no liberty, the Spirit of God is not involved.

    He is our master guide. Paul records, And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there (Acts 20:22). His spirit was not free.

    The spirit here is small letter ‘s’ talking about his own spirit. He ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit in his spirit and that was his last journey on earth. He made a choice to ignore the Holy Spirit’s leading.

    For every choice you are faced with, the Holy Spirit sees the end from the beginning, so He will guide you into all truth. You must therefore begin to give room to the Holy Spirit to guide you.

    In case you are not yet baptised in the Holy Spirit, as long as you are born again, just ask Jesus the baptiser to baptise you because the Holy Spirit is the gift of God to every believer. So, when you are to make any choice, give Him room.

    The Word of God

    God’s Word is another provision God has made for your guide in making right choices. The Bible says, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). The Word of God is one powerful area where you locate guidance.

    When you open God’s Word to read and your understanding comes alive, you will know exactly what to do. The Word of God says, Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go (Isaiah 48:17).

    Behind every written Word is the voice of the Lord and the voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty (Psalm 29:3-4). Every written Word is put in place by the spoken Word.

    The Ministry of the Prophet

    Many Christians have ignored this today. Prophets see what others don’t see; they hear what others don’t hear because they have in their hands what others don’t have.

    They have the grace of divine election and divine placement. There are false prophets, and there are genuine prophets.

    There are enough proofs to guide you as to their identity per time. You can only fake what is real; you cannot fake what does not exist.

    There is no generation without assigned prophets. May God open your eyes to recognise one when you meet him!

    Being able to access God’s provisions for making the right choice begins with your salvation. In case you are not born again, the first choice to make today is to give your life to Jesus Christ and He shall give you your heart’s desire, it is only then that God can lead you.

    You want to be born again? Then say this prayer of faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood.

    I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you.

    Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com, 07026385437 or 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Salvation the Way of Escape, Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • Making right choices (2)

    Making right choices (2)

    Pastor Faith Oyedepo

    Dear reader,

    I thank God for the privilege to bring His Word your way again today. This month, we are talking about Making Right Choices.

    Last week, I buttressed that choice is an absolute responsibility of an individual to make and everyone is responsible for the consequences of their choices. We also established that both God and the devil respect our choices, this shows how important our choices are.  Now to the question, how do I make right choices in life? It may be in the area of choosing a career, a marriage partner or in any other area of your life. There is one important factor that will help you to make a right choice in life. What is this factor? It is called The Fear of God.

    Your choice can either be right or wrong. Whichever one, you must accept responsibility for the choices that you make. If you want to make right choices in life, the first thing to do is to fear God. The Bible says, What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose (Psalm 25:12). The fear of the Lord is the main yardstick which qualifies you for God’s leading as to the making of right choices. Knowledge on any relevant subject helps you make the right choices. Knowledge is a product of wisdom and wisdom is a function of the fear of the Lord. Scripture says, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments… (Psalm 111:10). If you fear God, you will obey His commandments. That is why God’s Word says, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13). And you know that the commandments are revealed in His Word.

    To the married, what are God’s commandments concerning you? To the wife, God’s commandment says among other things ‘submit to your husband as it is fit in the Lord’. So, if you fear God, the choices you make as a married woman will be revealed in submission to your husband. It doesn’t matter whether you earn more money than he does, submission is God’s commandment.

    For the man, if you fear God, what is God’s commandment to you? He says, ‘Husbands love your wife as Christ loves the church’, not if she qualifies for your love. If truly you love your wife, your love for her will magnetise submission in your direction. As a man, how much do you obey God’s commandment? Do you choose to do whatever you like? The choice is yours.

    If you fear God, you will also love Him. And when you fear God, it will show in the way you handle His matters. When you love God, it will reflect in all areas of your life. You will worship Him with your substance without pressure. You will be able to make right choices based on the principles of Scriptures. If you fear God, you will serve Him. The Bible says, If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures (Job 36:11). And this also includes your marital life. Service is the master key to the blessings of God. If you are not involved in service, your reward cannot come. God’s Word says, And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee (Exodus 23:25). Therefore, serve God wholeheartedly and you will begin to make right choices.

    Also, the fear of the Lord will help you flee from sin. Remember the story of Joseph in Genesis 39. Potiphar’s wife put her eyes on him and wanted to lay with him and Joseph said, ‘How can I do this evil and sin against God?’ and then in chapter 4 of the same Genesis, Joseph came around and said, ‘but I fear God’.

    For the singles that are not married, the fear of God will help you maintain sexual fidelity. When a man says to you, ‘Come and commit fornication with me’, the fear of God will make you tell yourself and tell him to his face, ‘but I fear God’. And in case you are in courtship, don’t ever forget that courtship is not the same thing as marriage. When you are in courtship, refuse to sell off to the devil. The Bible says, Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Hebrews 13:4). Therefore, keep the marriage bed safe. A man says he wants to marry you and all he is interested in about you, is to take you to bed to mess up your life, beware! The fear of God is not in his life.

    In case you have made mistakes in the past, don’t live with a sense of condemnation. No! The past is past. Stop looking backwards, if your aim is to go forward. The blood of Jesus will avail for you and your past will never be used by God to judge your future.

    The fear of the Lord begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. If you are not born again and you want to do so, say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com, 07026385437 or 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Salvation the Way of Escape, Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage(Co-Authored).

  • Two alone makes a home (4)

     Pastor Faith Oyedepo

     

    Dear reader, you can tap into the honour God has reserved for the couple who are united in purpose. I have discovered that the reason why nothing seems to be working in some families is that many times both parties have not caught the same picture of their desire.

    They are not united in purpose, so they slow down the blessings of God for them. This is why the subject of discussion this month is very important if you must enjoy the blessings and honour of marriage.

    Togetherness between couples in all areas of their lives, cannot be over emphasized.

    I have taught on the need for both couples to become united as that is the purpose of two coming together to build a home.

    I have also discussed on one vital benefit of togetherness and a secret that fosters unity in the home. This week, I will be teaching on: The woman and her home.

    You might be wondering, why concentrate on the woman alone? However, you must understand that the woman sets the tune of the home.

    She determines the mood in the home. As a woman, you have a lot of power within you to create the atmosphere you want in your home.

    Most times, women are confronted with a lot of tension in the home because they have not understood their God-given duties to their husbands and their place in the home.

    It is essential for women to understand that God has given them to their husbands for a unique purpose. They must recognize their Biblical position in the life of their husbands.

    The Bible says: And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him (Genesis 2:18).

    The primary reason God created a woman and placed her by the side of the man is to provide help that is suitable for him.

    In essence, the help a man requires to fulfill his life assignment should come from the woman. On the contrary, however, instead of experiencing the help that God ordained marriage to provide, a lot of men are actually going through pains. God designed the husband – wife relationship in the context of marriage to provide help for both parties.

    Woman, you are not created to take advantage of the man but to be a blessing to him. The “Help Meet” literally means to surround with aid and assistance. That is the Biblical place of a woman in the life of her husband.

    There is a pathetic story of Isaac and Rebecca in Genesis 27. Rebecca failed in her duty as Isaac’s help meet and unscrupulously aided Jacob in stealing Esau’s blessing.

    Isaac was old and so could not see, because his eyes were dim. Rebecca knew this weakness, but rather than complement him by helping him, she exploited the situation by “assisting” Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing.

    It was Rebecca that initiated the idea of stealing Esau’s blessing to Jacob.  Even when Jacob realised the loopholes in the plan, Rebecca still convinced Jacob to go ahead.

    Without her support, Jacob would not have been able to deceive Isaac and steal Esau’s blessings.  She used her husband’s weakness against him and her son.

    As a woman, you must have seen some weaknesses in your husband’s life, if rather than take positive steps, you decide to run him down, tongue-lash him and pat yourself on the back for being wiser.

    By so doing, you are treading on a shaky ground; because very soon, you will realize that the body cannot move when the head has been knocked off!

    Wife, you are created to surround your husband with help. His life should be better as a result of his association with you. Your contributions in his life should be positive.

    Read Also: Two alone makes a home (3)

     

    You are to bring about a positive change in your husband’s life. The difference in his life as a result of marrying you should be glaring for all to see.

    It is your responsibility to help him attain the great heights God has prepared for him.

    Be a helper not a destroyer, an asset not a liability, a blessing, not a burden and a soothing balm, not a thorn in the flesh. Some women are thorns in their husbands’ flesh.

    Instead of assisting the man, they surround him with thorns and thistles. Their marriage is no more a bed of roses but of thorns.

    If that is what you have been doing to your husband, as you are reading this article, stop right now and ask God for forgiveness.

    If you have opened the door of your home to the devil through this attitude, ask God to shut the door. He will give you a new beginning and home, if you so desire. Ask God for the grace to constantly surround your husband with assistance.

    The grace to manage your home can only come from God when you surrender your life to Jesus Christ. You do this by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.

    That way, you will be born again and the grace to manage your home effectively will be made available to you. If you would want to be born again, say this prayer and mean it from your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today.

    I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today.

    Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • Two alone makes a home (3)

    By Pastor (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo

    Dear Reader, your marriage and family life are meant to bring you tremendous joy. When a home is not founded on God and His Word, the joy, excitement and satisfaction is short-lived. This is why it is important to know and do all it takes to build your home on God’s Word, which is the surest foundation for success in all of life’s endeavours.

    Since the month began, I have been teaching on how two alone makes a home and one of the strongest benefits of togetherness in the home. This week, I will focus on another vital secret that fosters togetherness in the home.

    Financial Transparency:

    It is very important as husband and wife to be financially transparent to one another. You should not keep things away from your spouse; especially when it has to do with money. There should be no “his” and “her” in family finance. Husband and wife should have access to each other’s money. You can both have a joint account.

    Couples are expected to help each other in every area of life. Be honest with one another, so that your marriage can last. Remember that whatever money you have belongs to both of you. Money has put many homes asunder; don’t let it put yours asunder.

    Trust is the key to family finance. Husband and wife must trust each other enough to put their money together and be prudent in spending it. Accountability is very important because it helps to build trust.

    In some cultures, the men believe that it is a shameful thing for their wives to know how much they earn. But the truth is, if you hide your earnings from your wife, she will definitely make demands that are beyond your means; as she doesn’t know how much you earn. You have to make up your mind whether to hold on to culture or the Word of God.

    Some women also believe that it is their husbands’ responsibility alone to provide for the home. They will even quote scriptures to back it up. No wonder, when such women receive their salary, they hide it from their husbands; thus, making them pay for everything in the home.

    As a wife, don’t keep your money for the purpose of buying the latest clothes, shoes and headgear in town only. You turn yourself into a prostitute when you give your husband your body, but cannot give him your money. Money has never been a source of tension in our home. Even while I was earning a few hundreds of Naira a month, I found it easy to kneel down and present all my salary to my husband. He never had to coerce or force me to do so; I saw it as the wisdom of God.

    For the home to enjoy peace, both the man and the woman must be open. There should be no occasion to hide anything from each other. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:25). The word “naked” in the above scripture means ‘openness’. If a couple is open to each other, shame will be eroded from their home, thereby creating a peaceful atmosphere.

    There are quite a number of partners in the home who hide several things from their spouses.  Even some Christians do! Some believe it is an insult for a wife/husband to know their income. So, they keep their money where their spouse would not know, pretending that they have nothing on them. Openness also involves your finances!  If your wife does not know your income for instance, she may be expecting too much from you, which may cause instability in your home.  When it comes to money, many believers are affected. Some hide certain information about their relations, background, plans and prospects. Whatever information you know will make your spouse to be disappointed in you if he/she hears it from elsewhere, should be made known on time, else you are playing a game of hide-and-seek . Funny enough, whether you like it or not, it will be discovered one day.

    Lack of peace in homes today is caused by certain things that were kept away from the other party, but were later discovered. If you don’t want shame in your home, don’t play hide-and-seek.  Be straight-forward and be open!

    My husband and I have been married for quite some years now and to the glory of God, I have never had to hide anything from him about my life, relatives, finances or plans; neither does he hide anything from me. This has made life interesting and exciting for us. You can enjoy the same fulfillment in your home. I release that grace upon you and your home right now; receive it in Jesus’ name!

    The grace to support your spouse in every realm only comes by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. That is what being born again is all about. If you are set for this, say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • Garden egg: The health benefits

    Unknown to most people, garden egg is one of the greatest food, in terms of health benefits, for pregnant women.

     

    Promotes weight loss

    Eating of eggplant especially the greenish type is beneficial in weight reduction because they contain low carbohydrates and calories essential for weight management.

    Overweight individuals who want to lose weight or those who wish to retain their normal body weight can add eggplant to their diet as well.

     

     Rich in antioxidants

    Anthocyanins, nasunin and flavonoids are important and powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants in eggplants that help to protect the body system and add many health-promoting benefits to the human body.

    Anthocyanins are responsible for the deep purple color of eggplants and also helps in preventing the development of cancer as well as other diseases that result in bacteria.

    Anthocyanins found in eggplants possess antioxidant properties that are responsible for protecting the whole body system.

     

    Rich in Vitamin B

    Garden egg is a natural source of vitamin B’s such as thiamin, niacin, B6 and pantothenic acid that helps the body in the proper use of fat and protein; and also contributes to the nervous system positively. It helps in brain development and also helps in making sure that the immune and nervous system works properly.

     

    Promotes healthy bone

    They contain a good amount of potent minerals such as folate, manganese, vitamin K, magnesium, vitamin C and copper that help in bone strengthening and general bone health.

    Consuming eggplant regularly is highly beneficial in preventing the risk of bone degradation and osteoporosis.  Garden egg also contains some amount of iron and calcium aids in reducing the chance of osteoporosis, thereby keeping your bones strong and healthy.

    Helps in digestion

    Garden eggs are fibrous fruits that help in proper food digestion and control of bowel movement. Due to this fiber content in the fruit, they reduce constipation and improve digestion.

    Garden eggs are believed to be one of the greatest sources of dietary fiber which is an essential element in any balanced diet.

     

    Good for pregnant women

    These fruits are packed with minerals, vitamins and other nutritional properties that play a key role during pregnancy.

    The properties in garden egg help both pregnant women and unborn children for healthy situational conditions.

    Garden eggs are also rich in folic acid which is beneficial to pregnant women. Folic acid protects infants from neural tube defects that do occur.

     

    Read Also: Impressive health benefits of pineapple

     

    Prevents anemia

    Garden egg has been found to serve as a natural medicine for treating several health conditions such as bronchitis, colic (pain in the abdomen caused by obstruction of the intestine); stress relief, headache, and others, if consumed daily.

    Garden egg is a rich source of iron, which helps in increase in the red blood cell in the body, thereby aids in fighting against anemia or deficiency in iron.

     

    Prevents diabetes

    Garden eggs which are a source of soluble fiber and carbohydrates can help in the control and prevention of diabetes.

    Foods are rich in fiber and carbohydrates help in the regulation of blood sugar levels and glucose absorption.

     

    Maintains blood pressure levels

    Garden eggs contain a high amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These minerals contained in it helps in maintaining electrolyte balance in our body.

    It aids in neutralizing sodium effects in the body, thereby controlling blood pressure levels.

    An antioxidant in garden eggs known as chlorogenic acid also helps in reducing cholesterol levels in the body.

     

    Prevents heart diseases

    Garden eggs are rich in vitamin B1 and B6 (thiamin and niacin). These vitamins are essential in the body for the proper functioning of the heart and cellular respiration. It’s rich in potassium also helps in blood pressure regulation.

    Vitamin B1 deficiency leads to cardiovascular problems. Therefore foods rich in vitamin B1 play a vital role in ensuring a healthy nervous system and improve the proper functioning of the cardiovascular.

    Vitamin B6 helps in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Consuming garden eggs can greatly help in preventing heart disorders.

    Source: finelib.com

     

  • Reasons why you should eat dates

    Our Reporter

     

    • Lowers cholesterol

    Did you know that dates are free from cholesterol, and contain very little fat? Including them in smaller quantities in your daily diet can help you keep a check on cholesterol level, and even assist in weight loss. So start loading up on dates today.

     

    • Protein rich

    Looking to load up on proteins. Adding some dates in your diet may help. Dates are a strong source for proteins that help us in staying fit, and even keep our muscles strong. A lot of regular gym goers are asked to eat a couple of dates every day as part of their daily routine.

     

    • Rich in vitamins

    Dates contain vitamins such as B1, B2, B3 and B5, as well as A1 and C. If you have a few dates every day, you won’t have to take vitamin supplements. Not only will it keep you healthy, there will be a noticeable change in your energy levels as well because dates contain natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and fructose, too. So it works really well as a quick snack.

     

    • Improves bone health

    Dates could do wonders for your bone health too. Yes, you heard us. Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and all of these are required when it comes to keeping our bones healthy, and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.

     

    • Strengthens the nervous system

    Date are loaded with potassium, and yet contain little sodium, and that goes a long way in keeping your nervous system in order. The potassium helps to reduce cholesterol, and keeps the risk of a stroke in check.

     

    Read Also: Eight fruits that can boost your ‘sex drive’

     

    • Rich in iron

    Apart from the fluorine that keeps your teeth healthy, dates also contain iron, which is highly recommended for those who suffer from iron deficiency. Severe iron-deficiency anemia may cause fatigue or tiredness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Plus it’s great for blood purification as well.

     

    • Promotes digestion

    If you soak a few dates in water and chew on them daily, your digestive system will behave itself very well. Due to it’s high fibre content it is also recommended for those who have trouble with constipation.

     

    •  Improves skin

    The vitamins C and D works on your skin’s elasticity, and also keeps your skin smooth. Plus, if you suffer from skin problems, incorporating dates into your diet might help you in the long run. Plus dates also come with anti-ageing benefits, and prevent the accumulation of melanin in your body.

    Dates have decent amount of vitamin C, one of the most skin friendly antioxidants

     

    • Fixes hangovers

    While we haven’t exactly tried it out, but it’s said that dates are an excellent way to control inebriation. And similarly, it also helps to cure hangovers. But for best results, you have to rub the skin a bit, and soak it in water overnight and then eat it.

     

    • Assists in weight gain

    The sugar, proteins, and other vitamins in the fruit help in weight gain, especially when you need it. Incidentally, it’s said that when eaten with cucumber, dates help to keep your weight at a normal level. Now that’s what we call flexibility!

    Source: NDTVFOOD

     

  • Two alone makes a home (1)

    By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

     

    Dear Reader, happy New Month! I believe from the last teaching on God’s Ultimate Desire for your Marriage, you have begun to practically walk in all that was discussed and your family is experiencing daily, God’s original purpose for marriage.

    It is my prayer that from your engagement of all that you read in this column this year, your family will experience the best of God.

    We are in the last days; and we understand from scriptures that God always reserves the best for the last (John 2:10). As such, it is expected that your marriage and family experience the best in these last days if you subscribe to God’s prescriptions for family life.

    To this effect, this month, I will be discussing on a very vital key to experiencing blissful moments in your home. I shall be teaching on how: Two Alone Make A Home.

    A home is instituted when a man and a woman, known as husband and wife, who share common goals and values, have a long-term commitment to one another, and come together in marriage.

    It is the agreement and commitment of two people (a man and a woman) before they are joined as husband and wife, to become one flesh, and together rule in earthly dominion.

    In God’s own design, two people alone make a home in marriage, The Word of God says: For this cause shall a man leave his father… and cleave to his wife (Mark 10:7).

    A home is created at the coming together of only two people, not more. My husband says that when they are more than two, it becomes a house! I believe this is true! This implies that the practice of polygamy, that is marrying more than one wife, is a slight on God’s design for marriage.

    A man and a woman are designed to become one flesh. This is a heavenly arithmetic and we all know that the force of unity is powerful and is supposed to affect all realms of life – spirit, soul and body.

    Spiritually, they should belong to the same spiritual kingdom. In the realm of the soul, they should be able to think and speak in one accord.

    Physically, they should be able to freely share their bodies together for procreation and pleasure.

    The importance of the concept of oneness in marriage cannot be over-emphasized. The Bible declares that it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1).

    If it is good for brethren to dwell together in unity, it is certainly better for a couple to be united. When unity exists between a couple, tremendous power is made available and the impossible becomes possible to them.

    The Bible says:  And the Lord said, behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do (Genesis 11:6).

    This is the force of unity at work. If a couple is truly united in spirit, soul and body, nothing will be impossible unto them. It is the original concept of God in marriage that couples enjoy the benefits of oneness.

    The concept of oneness teaches the believer so many lessons. Firstly, if you are truly one with your spouse, you will treat him/her as yourself. The Bible says: For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it… (Ephesians 5:29).

    If you, for any reason, hate your spouse, it is a sign that you are not united with him/her.  Whatever you cannot do to yourself, you will not do to your spouse.

    An understanding of this will chase away selfishness from the homes. It will put an end to fighting and misunderstanding. Do unto your spouse the way you want your spouse to do unto you.

    Secondly, the concept of oneness will make it easy for a husband and a wife to share their bodies freely with one another.

    Read Also: God’s ultimate desire for your marriage

     

    It will also make it possible to derive a greater degree of pleasure from their physical union, which is their procreative power. If this concept is understood and followed, it will reduce the problem experienced in the home today to the barest minimum.

    Thirdly, the concept of oneness teaches that divorce is not part of God’s programme for the home. The husband in the home is likened to the head, while the wife is likened to the body.

    Even in the physical, you don’t separate the head from the body, or else it will result in death. The Word of God says: …And they twain shall be one flesh… (Matthew 19:5-6).  God’s concept is that you do not put asunder what God has joined together.

    Jesus was teaching on the subject of divorce in Matthew 19:3-12.  He particularly noted that no one should put asunder what God has joined together, not even the couples themselves.

    God hates putting away, divorce and every violent act against one’s spouse in marriage. Since marriage is a life commitment, divorce should not be considered as an option to settle problems in marriage. God’s Word is more than enough to handle any situation in your home and in any area of your life.

    However, the first access to the revelation of the Word that impacts in all areas of life, comes with being born again; accepting God’s presence in your life and home.

    The Lord’s presence in your home is the first step to peace. Allow Jesus to come into your heart now and your story will change. You become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of your life and family.

    If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • God’s ultimate desire for your family (3)

    With Pastor Faith Oyedepo

     

    Dear Reader, you are welcome to another edition of this teaching series for the month. I have shown you some of God’s desires for your marriage which entails purity and God’s provision of favour and abundance for your home. Today, I shall be exploring the topic: Marriage Is for Better Living.

    Marriage was instituted for better living for mankind. It is not to bring hurts or constitute a hindrance. If you want your home and marriage to exhibit a better living, God must be at the centre of your heart and home.

    You have to be open to His Words and follow His instructions. The Bible says: And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

    God made man with a desire to please and follow His will as obtainable from scriptures. Many people want to eat the fruit of a happy and glorious home, but not many are willing to be obedient to the terms of the covenant.

    Without obedience, the fruit of a good home cannot be obtained. The Bible says: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: (Isaiah 1:19)

    A good home is a possibility, but only those who are ready to obey the terms of the covenant can have access to it. There are some obedient people that are presently eating the fruit of a good, fulfilled marriage.

    You too can join them if you wish; God is no respecter of persons. Marriage is meant to be sweet, enjoyable and failure-proof. However, to enjoy this, God must be at the centre of your home.

    Family life originated from the Lord, so He alone can give you the kind of experience He has ordained for you in marriage. Countless people are having a near death experience in their family today.

    Some have had many wives and are still dissatisfied. Others are separated, while some live a cat and mouse life, wishing that someone would deliver them from it. Success in marriage is not by luck, you have to programme yourself for the type of success you desire.

    As a born again child of God, enjoying a better family life is your birthright. It is God’s will and desire for you to enjoy an exciting marriage, home, life and family.

    So, apart from making God the centre of your family, you must also tell yourself continuously that family life is meant for better living and you must obtain this better living in your home. It is meant to build you and not break you. The Bible says: Two are better than one… (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

    Family life was created to help man and not hinder him; it is not meant to make life worse. If that is what you have been seeing in homes around you and may be yours, I declare to you that it is not what God desires for you.

    Whether you are a father, mother, husband, wife, child or relation, say boldly with sincerity from your heart that you are a help to others in the home.

    Marriage is meant to bring you satisfaction. You should liken yourself to a tree, which could serve several purposes such as being converted into paper, firewood, rubber and used to build a house etc.

    If you build your depth in marriage and profitably tap from the resources therein, you become a man and woman of many parts; useful in many areas of life.

    Don’t accept less than what God has purposed for you. Don’t allow the devil to cheat you into believing that a better family life and marriage are not for you to enjoy.

    Your family can still stand out; your situation can still change. The breath of life can still find its way into your family, if you will co-operate with God.

    One way to enjoy the better living ordained for your marriage is to discover your God-ordained place in the home and operate within your perimeter. As a wife/mother, God has placed you beside that man and those children, so you can help them.

    As a husband/father, God has placed you beside that woman and children, so you can help them, be an example to them and bring them up in the right way. It is not the teachers’ responsibility to train your children. Children, God put you in that family to be a blessing (Psalm 127:3).

    Are you a source of pleasure or pain to your family? If you are about getting married, are you ready to be a help to your mate? Or are you just looking for someone to service your needs? If you are not ready to be a helper, retrace your steps.

    To be a help transcends all areas of life. If one party is faltering, the other needs to lift him or her up. The Bible says: For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow… (Ecclesiastes 4:10).

    Read Also: God’s ultimate desire for your family (3)

     

    No matter how much your success, your connection or family members will also need to succeed. If you ignore their progress, you may eventually be faced with mending their failures. You are also meant to be a financial helper to your family.

    Money has divided many families. Don’t let it bring division into yours. Ensure that members of your family stand as helpers of one another in all aspects of life. However, being a helper comes with grace, which can be received when you are born again. To be born again means accepting Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour of your life.

    You can do this by saying this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).