The Nation Newspaper

Category: Family forum

Marriage: A lifetime commitment

Dear Reader, I welcome you to this month’s teaching. Be rest assured that as you diligently subscribe to God’s instructions from the teachings of this month, your marriage will take a positively new tune in Jesus’ name.

One vital error I have discovered that young people make, in my several years of counselling people in marriage is that some people do not enter into marriage with the notion that it’s a life time commitment. They seem to have a plan “b” just in case the outcome of their marriage is not favourable to already preconceived plans. This kind of mentality is responsible for the many divorce cases seen today. Marriage is a covenant relationship and is supposed to be a lifetime commitment. It is not something you “try”; you should only get into marriage when you are sure to commit yourself in it till the end.

This is why in this month’s teaching; I shall be discussing on: Marriage: A Lifetime Commitment. To begin, let’s first examine the origin of marriage. In Genesis 2:18-25, God introduced marriage. One of its primary objectives is to bring succour to each other, create a help that is suitable, adaptable and complementary, establish unity and for procreation.

What is Marriage?

Marriage is a union between a man and a woman. It is the coming together of two people of opposite sex with the view to build a God-centered home. Marriage is not the culture of any country of the world, rather it is heaven’s culture; it is God’s idea not man’s. The Word of God says, And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof. And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man (Genesis 2:21-22).

God in His infinite wisdom knew man had special needs that could only be satisfied within the context of marriage. So, He fashioned the idea of marriage and created a helpmeet for man. When God first instituted marriage, it was between a man and woman, but the world has perverted this intent, by introducing homosexualism, which is fast growing in the world today.

God’s rule has been laid down concerning this abominable act. The Word of God says, Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination (Leviticus 18:22). You must take heed!

Scripturally, marriage is for a lifetime; you need to understand this so it can help your commitment. You should read this sister’s testimony.

“When I was ready for marriage, I noticed that some things were working against me. But I was not a serious Christian then. However, when I dedicated my life fully to Jesus Christ in 1992, it became obvious. But I lacked wisdom and counsel and I was emotionally immature.

All the same, I got married, and the Lord has been merciful. But on joining this Church, through the different ministrations, my life and marriage acquired meaning and direction. Now my marriage is established and I am free from all manner of oppressions of the wicked. My family has been increased remarkably and I now apply myself to the wisdom of God that He has imparted to me by reason of the teachings and ministrations I get here!”

Opara, C. C. N.

God ordained marriage for man and woman to give and receive satisfaction and to meet the needs and desires of each other. This kind of relationship is very unique since it involves the spirit, soul and body of two individuals. As long as the couples are born again and their lives have been transformed, they now become new creatures and therefore belong to the same spiritual kingdom.

Abraham knew the importance of this and he told his servant to go to his people and get a wife for his son (Genesis 24:2-3).

In the realm of the soul, both husband and wife should have the same mind concerning issues of life, especially the way they live as regards the doctrines of the Holy Bible. There must be an agreement between the couple before they can really walk in the principles of the Bible. The Bible advises, Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3). It important therefore, for us to know that there is no agreement between light and darkness. So, as a regenerated child of God, you are not permitted to even consider an unbeliever for marriage. The Word of God says, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).

To have a good marriage and a successful family, you need to first have a good stand with God. To do that, you need to confess your sins and surrender your life to Him. Do you want to do so now? 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).

November 3, 2018
Place God at the centre of your home (4)

Dear Reader, I count it a great privilege to share few thoughts with you today. I told you in my first teaching that, God’s help is all you need. I taught you God’s requirements for living, and last week, I taught on giving.

Today, I want to discuss on ingratitude towards God. Many homes are where they are today because of ingratitude, murmuring and complaining. Perhaps you have tried many things, yet there seems to be no way out. Why not give thanks to God for keeping you alive and for the privilege of seeing this New Year? Many wish to be alive today, but they are not.

Murmuring cannot give you the solution or the answer you desire. If you murmur against God, who will bring you out of that situation? Surely, no man is reliable; it is only God who is reliable. My husband once said, “You must stop protesting and then start praising God” Another servant of God said, “When you stop appreciating God, you start depreciating in life.” You cannot enjoy God’s blessings in your family, if you are always complaining, murmuring and grumbling about issues in your home.

When you wake up in the morning and you have only garri to eat without meat, why not be grateful to God? But, I know that won’t be your portion this year. You can say in the presence of your family members, “Lord, thank You for giving us what to eat even though there is no meat to add to this one today, we thank You for giving us the appetite to eat this food. Tomorrow, we know that You will add every other thing required.” Begin to make pronouncement of thanksgiving. Make it a life style in your home. Let every member of your family know the essence of appreciating God. Let gratitude, praises and thanksgiving come from your hearts for what God has done so far for you.

If you wake up in the morning and there is no money in your pocket, I know that won’t be your portion; don’t murmur or complain. Begin to praise God; that you are alive means there is hope. Besides, God does supernaturally supply the needs of His people. A woman shared a testimony in church that she needed some money. Though the money was not physically available, yet she began to praise and worship God. Right there in the midst of the praises, somebody came knocking at her door. She opened the door to see a man, who handed over to her some amount of money, saying one of her sons from another country had sent it to her. The money was N15,000.00. God does fearful things in praises (Exodus15:11).

Maybe, the dryness your family is going through now is because you have refused to give thanks and quality praise to the Almighty God. Praising Him is not a one-day event. No! You have to make it a life style. Perhaps you woke up in the morning and there is nothing for the whole family to eat. What is your murmuring and complaining going to do? Will it bring the food? Why not look at the store and give God praise? That you have a store means food is on the way. In my place, there is a saying that there is nothing that happens in a man’s life that God will not give reasons to thank God. Thus, if you are praising God, you are simply saying, “Lord I know you are faithful, no matter what happens You will provide an escape route,” That is the master key, if you desire to walk in the miraculous.

Don’t say: “This preacher doesn’t know what I am going through; or “You don’t know the situation that I have found myself in.” I want to tell you, whatever situation you are passing through now, try praise and watch God act on your behalf. Know that out of every situation, there is always a reason to praise God.

Turn your home into a praise centre, a place where the praises of God dwell all the time. My Husband often says, “There’s nothing you praise God for that reduces”. So, if you want increases, praise Him now! The Word of God says, Let the people praise thee. Oh God let all the people praise thee THEN shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us (Psalm 67:5-6).

When you turn your home into a praise centre, increases will come your way. When you give God praise, obstacles are turned to miracles. If there is no money in your pocket, still give God praise and as you do that your earth will yield its increase.

There is so much for you and your family members this year! However, you can’t receive God’s blessings with a complaining ungrateful, murmuring heart and an accusing heart. If you are offended in God, who will be your defender? You slept and woke up today, not because you are so strong and powerful, but because God watched over you, protecting you in the night and then woke you up in the morning. How fortunate you are!

Jesus Christ is our perfect example. He thanked God for five loaves and two fishes and God multiplied these to feed 5,000 people. Why? It is because He knew that thanking God for what you have causes Him to multiply it miraculously. Thank God for that little money your husband gave you or for that job, no matter how low the salary is. If you are a child in the home, thank God for the little allowance you have. Ask God for wisdom to use it properly so that it will meet all your needs. God sees your heart; He knows if you are truly thanking Him or whether you are just putting up a show. It is my prayer that your home will become a place of praise and thanksgiving, so that you can enjoy a never-ending supply of God’s provisions.

You don’t have what it takes to show gratitude to God until you surrender your life to Jesus Christ. If you want to be born again 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 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).

October 27, 2018
Sustaining the Christian home (4)

God instituted marriage and He intended every house to be a sweet and peaceful home. Most people dream of a sweet home, a place where joy, peace, prosperity and fruitfulness abound, but they are not ready to pay the price it takes for their dreams to find fulfillment. That is why I want to show you some powerful tools for building and maintaining a Christian home, filled with joy, peace and blessings.

Prayer:

Prayer is a very vital tool in the home. As a married man or woman, you have a higher level of unity with your spouse than any two friends can ever have. Your union is recognised and sanctioned by God, so when you offer prayers to God on any issue at all, He honours your request. The Word of God says:Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 18:19).

The key word in the verse quoted above is “agree”. When a man and his wife agree, tremendous power is released for the accomplishment of their desires. But if they do not agree, their prayers are hindered. The Word of God says, …that your prayers be not hindered (1 Peter 3:7).

So, one of the reasons the enemy puts disagreement between couples is so that he can rob them of this prayer advantage. The Word of God says:And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). God, your spouse and you form a three-fold cord that is not quickly broken. So, as you co-operate with God to establish His purpose for marriage in your home, He honours your family, by ensuring that whatever you desire concerning your home and children is established.

Prayer can bring that change you have long awaited in your home. Elisha was an ordinary human being like you and I, but with prayer, he was able to change the climate conditions of a nation as and when desired. Maybe you have been going through a season of drought and dryness in your home, earnest, heartfelt prayers can change it to a season of refreshing, fruitfulness and plenty.

Your prayers can bring changes to the lives of your spouse and children, because the Bible says:For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy (1 Corinthians 7:14).

Look at this sister’s testimony: “When we were preparing for the Women’s Convention, I prayed to God and told Him I wanted my own family renewed. My husband was not saved then, and I did not want to be called the wife of an unbeliever again. So, I told God that and He did a great thing in my life. God changed my husband! During one of the all -night prayer meetings, my husband decided to go with me to the church. He gave his life to Christ that day and has now stopped smoking! He is a brand-new person! – Efemuaye, L.

Why not take advantage of this powerful weapon of prayer? You will see every unpleasant situation in your marriage and home turn around for good. God is on your side!

Word Study:

Another way which you can obtain power is through Word study. Locate what the Word of God says concerning any issue of your life and home. God has made available His Word to you, but you must be able to sit down and locate your place in it. The Word of God says:And I wept much, because no man was found to open and to read the book… (Revelation 5:4). Until the book is opened, weeping continues. God is not moved by your tears, He is moved by His Word. You can neither use your tear to harass God, nor bribe Him by weeping. You only gain access to His blessings by the understanding and application of His Word.

Fill your heart with the Word of truth. Let the Word of God be your guiding light. Open the Book and let every shame roll away. Enough of guess work, enough of trials and errors. Invest in anointed books of proven men of God whose lives and testimonies are real, bow down and devour them. Saturate your spirit-man with the Word of God. The Word of God says:Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

The only way to avoid shame is to study. If you don’t want reproach to continually hang around you, study. God says the only way out of shame is to study and apply yourself to the Word of truth. Are you having problems in any area of life? Sit down with your Bible and anointed books.

Friend, it’s time to retrace your steps to the study of the Word of God. Shame is not a thing of glory, it is a reproach. There is no testimony in shame, don’t allow it to hang around you any further. Delve into the Word of God today and be free from every form of shame. Fix your eyes on the Word. In the natural, if you fix your eyes on a particular object consistently for a long time, the object tends to look bigger in your eyes. The more you look at the object, the bigger it seems. It’s the same with the Word of God. As you keep your focus on the Word, it is magnified more than your physical problems, and eventually, it swallows up these problems one by one until you see them no more. So, as you focus on the Word, keep meditating on what you have seen, apply it to your situation and circumstances, and let those words form a pattern for your living. I see you moving from glory to glory this year in your home and family in Jesus’ name!

Commitment to prayer and the Word comes with a special grace, which is only released by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is only available to children of God; those who are born again – who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of their life. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in 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).

August 25, 2018
Sustaining the Christian home (3)

It is a great joy for me to bring God’s Word your way today. It is a new day for you! Two weeks ago, I began the series on sustaining a Christian home. I have taught on what a Christian home is, the characteristics of a Christian home and importance of having a Christian home. This week, I will be showing you what genuine love does to the growth of a home.

Love is a vital key for the effective running of the home. Love is the price every member of your home must pay to have a glorious home. The Word of God says:And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

If you want your home to be a glorious one, love is the requirement. Love is mandatory. This love does not have its origin in the world, but in God. The Word of God says:He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:8). A Christian home must be a home where the love of God is practiced.

WHAT TRUE LOVE DOES

By true love, I mean God’s kind of love that is demonstrated in actions. Let’s see in practical terms how Jesus loves and how He expects us to love. I shall be taking my text from 1 Corinthians 13:4-5. Reading from ‘The Living Bible’ it says, Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, Never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.

True love is patient and kind:

Jesus, while He walked on the earth was an epitome of patience and kindness. He tolerated, accommodated and endured with His disciples. He could have given up out of anger, but He didn’t. Going beyond His disciples to the Jews at large, whose sick He healed, whose dead He raised and whose demoniacs He freed, Jesus was still an epitome of patience. He closed His eyes to their jeering and went to the cross for all our sakes. Jesus was kindness personified! Many miracles He wrought were based on compassion.

God instructed man to love as He did. Many things try our patience as husbands, most of all, imperfect wives. But if Christ was patient with us, then husbands ought to endure and be patient with their wives.

True love is never jealous or envious:

I want you to know that Jesus was never jealous of His disciples’ achievements. The seventy went out in twos and wrought great deliverance. Jesus only replied, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12). Jesus’ love compelled Him not to envy the works of His disciples, but to desire that they did greater works. Likewise, husbands need not to feel threatened by their wives’ success. Rather, they should wish them well and encourage them to put in their best. Even if the wife earns more money, perfect love places a demand on the husband to desire only good for her.

True love is never boastful or proud:

Jesus never boasted or spoke proudly of Himself. Everything He said and did point to God the Father. The Word of God says:…The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do… (John 5:19). Jesus had cause to boast about His works, but His eyes were focused on God and on the ones, He had come to save. Some husbands tend to get carried away with the things they provide in the house and are misled to think: “I am the breadwinner in this house, I do so and so, I give and give and give!” However, when you realize that you have, only because He (God) provided, your language will change.

True love is not selfish, haughty or rude:

“Me, myself and I”, has destroyed so many homes. Another name for it is selfishness. Marriage is built on selflessness and courtesy. Jesus, our perfect example, was not selfish. He relinquished His throne to live on the earth for thirty-three and a half years. The Word of God says:For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Husbands must pay the price of selflessness, if they want an enviable marriage.

Does not demand its own way:

Love does not demand its own way! That does not mean that the man should become subservient, no! The key word here is “demand”. This word means “to claim as a right.” Love means asking, “Could you do this please?” You’re neither begging, nor rude. It is a mixture of authority and courtesy. The Word of God says,

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones (Proverbs 16:24).

Not Irritable or touchy:

This means that you should not be over-sensitive. Some people are offended at the slightest thing. They just flare up and fly off the handle. Husbands, learn to desensitize your nerve! If Jesus had been over-sensitive, He would have fought the Pharisees who always sought to trap him. Your wife is neither a Pharisee nor Sadducee!

Does not hold grudges or notice when it’s wronged:

A grudge is an angry feeling against a person for something he has done in the past; it leads to unforgiveness. Love forgives and forgets. Love does not keep record of wrongs.

To truly walk in love, you must be born again. This means accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in 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).

August 18, 2018
Sustaining the Christian home (2)
Last week, you were taught on what a Christian home is, some characteristics of a Christian home; and the importance of building and sustaining a Christian home. In this edition, we will be looking at some more importance, as well as vital keys to sustaining a Christian home.

Some other characteristics of a Christian Home:
- Commitment and Trust
Commitment is giving your time and energy to something that you believe in, or a firm decision to see to its success. Trust is the foundation to successful relationships in the Christian family, and it is built on the commitment of all its members to Jesus Christ and the success of the family.
- Hospitality
Hospitality is a willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given to you with others. It is an attitude of stewardship, where you see yourself as a caretaker (on behalf of) the real owner (God).

v In relationships, it is honouring the boundaries of others, and sharing all we have without strings attached. (Matthew 25:34-43; Luke 10:30-37; Romans 12:13; 16:3-16; 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 13:1-3; 1 Peter 4:7-11; 3 John 5-8).

v Brotherly love” is a catalyst that makes hospitality easy (Romans 12:10, 13). This is what makes you want to reach out to others and give them a helping hand.
- Brotherly love can find expression through giving – a cup of water, a meal, money, a warm smile or a listening ear; that is, whatever is within your reach to give.
v Don’t eat your food alone and drink your water alone. Remember that the liberal soul shall be made fat (Proverbs 11:25).

v Hospitality is not just in what is given, but in the way, it is given. Philemon ensured that he refreshed the bowels of the saints; therefore he could be called a true brother.
1. This was the strength of the first century Church (Acts 2:44-45). As a result of this display of brotherly love, God’s power was evident in their midst. Hospitality is crucial to divine presence.
Keys to Sustaining a Christian Home
1. Lay your Foundation on the Rock:
The foundation of any home is a strong determinant of its success. If there is any fundamental default in the foundation, very little can be done to sustain the home. For your home to be sustained therefore, you must build on the right foundation which is Christ. This you do by making Jesus Christ the central focus in your home and allowing Him to take His rightful place.

Laying your foundation on the rock means ruling your home with the Word of God (John 1:1). If you pattern your home according to God’s Word, then it shall surely be sustained (Psalm 11:3). Do not let the foundation of your home be destroyed. Do not run your home outside God. Maintain and consciously build your relationship with God, if you must enjoy bliss in your home.
1. Fulfil your Marriage Responsibilities:
Marriage has responsibilities attached to it. Every member of the family, especially the couples have individual roles that must be adequately carried out, to see peace and blessings in the home. Negligence or lack of co-operation in the home can be disastrous to the life span of the marriage. For instance, if the husband accepts the responsibility of loving his wife and family unconditionally as Christ loves the Church, and the wife respects and submits to her husband as described in scriptures, then there will be no issues in the home.
1. No Deceit:
To sustain a Christian home, both the husband and the wife must be open to each other. There should be no occasion for secrecy, lies or deceit. The Bible says: And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:25). If a couple is plain before each other, there will be no shame. Even in your finances, be straight forward. The reason why people expect too much from their spouse, which in turn causes fractions in the home, is because they were not open to each other.

I have never had anything to hide from my husband, and he has never hidden anything from me either. This has made life interesting and exciting for both of us. I release grace for the same fulfilment in your home in Jesus’ name.
1. Wisdom – The Principal Thing:
Wisdom is the principal tool for sustenance of any home. The Bible says: Through wisdom is a house builded; and by understanding it is established (Proverbs 24:3). Both husband and wife, need to seek God’s wisdom daily to guide the affairs of their home. Wisdom always tells when to speak, take an action, be quiet, what to say and how to say it. Wisdom builds, while foolishness destroys. Thus, it would be a wise thing, to seek wisdom.
1. Constantly give God the Glory:
As you arm yourself with the above-mentioned keys, and you begin to see the effect in your home, constantly give God all the glory; for with thanksgiving will your blessings be multiplied and sustained. Giving God the glory for every aspect of your home, commits Him to perfect all that concerns you. Nothing ever fails when it is done with a grateful heart. Therefore, I see you enjoying marriage henceforth in Jesus name!

To fully maximise all of the points written herein, you need to be born again; have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ by making Him Lord and Saviour of your life. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in 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.
August 11, 2018
Sustaining the Christian home (1)
Dear Reader, happy new month! This month speaks new beginnings! This might be in your family, career, health, finances, etc.; however, in whatever area you believe God for a change, He will do something new for you. Just as God promised in His Word: 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 43:19). This verse shall be practical in your life this month in Jesus’ name.

Building an ideal family, fashioned after God’s Word can be a beautiful experience. Yes, it comes with a lot of hard work, but the end result is always priceless. Moreover, it is not enough to build a Christian home, it has to be sustained. This is why this month, we will be learning how toSustain a Christian Home.

What is a Christian Home?

A Christian family is not just a home, where everyone is a Christian, but much more, it is a Christ-like home. A family that is administered according to Scriptural principles; which represent God’s mind, ways and styles. Jesus Christ is the foundation of a Christian family. Therefore, a Christian family is a group of people who are related to each other through marriage, birth or adoption and are committed to the person and work of Jesus Christ. A home where Jesus Christ is loved, honoured and obeyed (Colossians 2:6-7).

Importance of the Christian Family
1. The family is the oldest institution known to man. It began in the Garden of Eden when God said, it is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him a help meet for him (Genesis 2:18).
2. The family is the parent and not the child of the society. If the family is weak, the society will be weak and vice versa. The health of any nation/society is determined by the health of the families there.
3. The family is the bedrock of the church. Strengthening the family implies strengthening the Church and in turn, the world and vice versa. One of the most important things that anyone can do for his country and for the Lord’s church is to establish and maintain a Christian family. In order to accomplish this noble purpose, the family must be founded upon and guided by the Word of God.
4. It is the right platform for godly home training, thereby building godly and strong character in individuals who are future leaders.
Characteristics of A Christian Family
1. Christ-like manner.
A family that is truly Christian is Christ-like which means that its members will treat each other as each would like to be treated (1 John 2:6, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1-2). They would act like Christ and be worthy of emulation.
1. Every member of the family accepts Christ.
The acceptance of Christ is a solid foundation on which a Christian home is built. Your family’s relationship with Jesus is the corner stone to the success of your home. This is why it is important for parents to ensure that all

members of the family are devoted to Christ and are in active service in God’s vine year. That way, you can be assured of a good future for your family.
1. Accepting Scriptural responsibility.
All members of a Christian home are required to accept their scriptural responsibilities. The Christian father will not provoke his children to wrath but will nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) The Christian son and daughter will obey their Parents in the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-3). And a Christian wife will be submissive to her husband, loving all members of the family in the love of Christ.
1. Open honesty and integrity
A Christian home is where open and complete honesty and integrity are practiced, without hypocrisy, making possible complete confidence and trust. God’s expectation for the family is to share a bond that cannot be easily broken and this comes primarily through genuine openness, honesty, trust and love for one another.

If family success is your aim as a Christian, then you must ensure that you co-operate with God to make the home a mini-paradise on the earth, as it is supposed to be. The truth is: the success of your home is solely dependent on you. When you do your part as laid down in Scriptures, then God is committed to releasing His help towards the perfection of your home.

Help from God will come faster for you when you are born again. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in 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).
August 4, 2018
Drugs that destroy

In our present world, drug education is important to give to youths as they mature just as they receive sex education. Parents and teachers, for the sake of their wards, also need sufficient understanding of drugs. Leaders, government, rulers, and religious authorities also all need sufficient knowledge of drugs in today’s world.

Use of prescription drugs may result in serious problems including fatality when such drugs are combined with other drugs or substances such as alcohol. Pharmacologists call this drug-drug interaction.

Prescription drugs may also become harmful if used wrongly or against the instruction of the doctor, pharmacist, nurse or other health care provider. Clinicians refer to this as non-compliance.

Some people react oddly to drugs used in normal dosage and normal conditions because of their own genetic make-up. When they react too much, this is called supersensitivity. When they fail to react, this is called refractoriness.

Some people are allergic to certain drugs, for example penicillin. This means that if the drug gets in contact with them, their immune system over reacts. They end up with symptoms such as hives, rash, itching and a life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis involves multiple systems of the body. This condition develops fast (even within seconds or minutes) and the person can be saved from imminent death if promptly injected with adrenaline and treated in an emergency room in hospital. Thus one should not take drugs that one may be allergic to.

Some people have enzymes that destroy a particular type of drugs too fast such that the drug is ineffective. This is dangerous if the drug is supposed to be life-saving or life sustaining.

Social drug use for recreation or private drug use for emotional escape has destroyed many lives simply because the victims were ignorant of the effects of drugs or were deceived by wrong information about drugs. Drug abuse is a nontherapeutic utilization of drugs in a manner that generates risk. Drug abuse is a challenge for many governments, parents, teachers and other authorities as there are no adequate means to fight or eradicate this social ill.

Considering the various examples of how drugs can destroy a person mentioned above, it is difficult to identify some drugs as more dangerous than others. All drugs are potentially dangerous.

However some drugs and substances are notoriously dangerous. Clinical experience, social experience, and the evidence of the cost of such drug use on the individual or the society, on property, on relationships, etc. underscore some drugs and substances as

most dangerous and these include alcohol, heroine, fentanyl, cocaine and cigarettes. They are not the most toxic drugs, their toxic levels being less than a millionth of that of botulinum toxin, but botulinum toxin is not notorious for trouble.

The evil in the use of drugs is in the result of the drug use. These may include physical damage to body organs from the brain and nerves to blood vessels, the heart, the lungs, the sensory organs, the endocrine system, etc. Evil effects may also be on the mind with psychological, emotional, and mental derangement. Evil effects may also be on the character, including drug dependence, criminality, and dysfunctionality. Evil effects could also be on the family including financial losses, broken dreams, and family breakups. Evil effects could also be on the society including insecurity, consumption of tax-payers’ money, and lack of progress.

In the next series of articles, we shall discuss drugs that destroy. Some of them are legitimate drugs legitimately used but accidentally dangerous. Some of them are legitimate drugs illegitimately used. Some are illegitimate drugs used criminally.

Some of them are already in our homes and we know they are there. Some of them are already in our homes unknown to us. Some of them are never brought into our homes but are used by household members and can potentially affect our homes.

Drugs are important for health and life but they are also destroyers of health and life – double edged swords. The economic value of drug usage is humungous and the capitalists would have as many people as possible use drugs. It is important for people to understand the need to use drugs rationally and safely as well as freely (not under compulsion).

Theresa Adebola John is a lecturer at Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) and an affiliated researcher at the College of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis. For any comments or questions on this column, please email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 08160944635

August 4, 2018
How to manage your home (3)

Dear Reader, last week, I showed you other duties of the husband in managing the home. Today, we will be looking at what God has to say about the woman, in relation to home management. As you plug in to this truth, God’s purpose for your home will be accomplished in Jesus’ mighty name. The home is a very precious thing in the sight of the Lord. He has laid down principles in His Word for both the man and the woman to follow, if they must find joy and fulfillment in their home.

FOR THE WOMAN

Make Your Home A Loveable Place:

God created the home to be a unique place. The first home ever created was Eden and Eden means ‘delight’, ‘pleasure’ or ‘enjoyment’. It is a place with no substitute. The Bible describes this first home that the first couple, Adam and Eve had (the Garden of Eden) as having a river, which symbolizes refreshing. From this, we can deduce that the home is meant to be a place of refreshing. The Word of God says, And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:18). God’s original intent is for the home to be a place of peace and quietness. Quietness, not in the sense of silence but of rest. You will agree with me that to a large extent, a woman determines the atmosphere of the home. If the home is to experience order, then the woman has the responsibility to:

Be Hospitable

Hospitality means “cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests. Hospitality must be the rule of the game in your family. Always be ready to be a blessing to others, extend your hand to the needy, have an open heart and warm welcome to friends, relatives; especially strangers. Who knows, you may be entertaining angels unaware. The Bible says, Be not forgetful to entertain stranger: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

Ladies, mothers and women should take note of this. If you are irritable, untouchable or cannot accommodate people, or be a blessing to others in your home, you are not being hospitable. It can be seen in your actions, attitude and the way you address people. Your mere look at visitors can tell them if they are welcome or not. No matter how hospitable a man may be, if his wife is not hospitable, it will affect him negatively because the woman is the one people will always meet at home.

Abraham’s family is a very good example of a hospitable (Genesis 18:1-10). Hospitality terminated 26 years of barrenness in the lives of Abraham and Sarah.

Feed the family with quality food:

The woman has the responsibility of preparing quality food for her household, not just waking up in the morning and dashing off to the office leaving everything for the house-help to do. That could be very risky. Proverbs 31 describes the virtuous woman as one that always ensures that the members of her household are adequately taken care of. It says, Who can find a virtuous woman she will do him good and not evil, she rises also while it yet night and giveth meat to her household (Proverbs 31:10,12,15). There is a popular adage that says, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Woman, your family is what they eat. If they are healthy it can be practically traced to their eating habits.

It is not enough to feed members of your

Dear Reader, last week, I showed you other duties of the husband in managing the home. Today, we will be looking at what God has to say about the woman, in relation to home management. As you plug in to this truth, God’s purpose for your home will be accomplished in Jesus’ mighty name. The home is a very precious thing in the sight of the Lord. He has laid down principles in His Word for both the man and the woman to follow, if they must find joy and fulfillment in their home.

FOR THE WOMAN

Make Your Home A Loveable Place:

God created the home to be a unique place. The first home ever created was Eden and Eden means ‘delight’, ‘pleasure’ or ‘enjoyment’. It is a place with no substitute. The Bible describes this first home that the first couple, Adam and Eve had (the Garden of Eden) as having a river, which symbolizes refreshing. From this, we can deduce that the home is meant to be a place of refreshing. The Word of God says, And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:18). God’s original intent is for the home to be a place of peace and quietness. Quietness, not in the sense of silence but of rest. You will agree with me that to a large extent, a woman determines the atmosphere of the home. If the home is to experience order, then the woman has the responsibility to:

Be Hospitable

Hospitality means “cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests. Hospitality must be the rule of the game in your family. Always be ready to be a blessing to others, extend your hand to the needy, have an open heart and warm welcome to friends, relatives; especially strangers. Who knows, you may be entertaining angels unaware. The Bible says, Be not forgetful to entertain stranger: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

Ladies, mothers and women should take note of this. If you are irritable, untouchable or cannot accommodate people, or be a blessing to others in your home, you are not being hospitable. It can be seen in your actions, attitude and the way you address people. Your mere look at visitors can tell them if they are welcome or not. No matter how hospitable a man may be, if his wife is not hospitable, it will affect him negatively because the woman is the one people will always meet at home.

Abraham’s family is a very good example of a hospitable (Genesis 18:1-10). Hospitality terminated 26 years of barrenness in the lives of Abraham and Sarah.

Feed the family with quality food:

The woman has the responsibility of preparing quality food for her household, not just waking up in the morning and dashing off to the office leaving everything for the house-help to do. That could be very risky. Proverbs 31 describes the virtuous woman as one that always ensures that the members of her household are adequately taken care of. It says, Who can find a virtuous woman she will do him good and not evil, she rises also while it yet night and giveth meat to her household (Proverbs 31:10,12,15). There is a popular adage that says, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Woman, your family is what they eat. If they are healthy it can be practically traced to their eating habits.

It is not enough to feed members of your family, you need to feed them with the right food. Is the food they eat nutritious? Or do you give them just anything? Wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

In this day and age of processed foods and snacks (fast food), please secure the health of your family by feeding them with good food. Remember, “garbage in, garbage out.” Eve fed her husband; but unfortunately, with poison instead of life. What are you feeding your family with?

Be Financially Accountable:

Financial rest does not only come when you are a millionaire, it comes by being a good money manager. As a woman of the house, you must have a financial plan or else you are creating room for financial pain. A wise man once said, “Pain is a sign of disorder.” It follows that to experience financial pain is a sign of disorder in your spending. You can prioritize your spending and maximize your income. You don’t need to put yourself into such pain getting into debt.

Compliment your Husband

One other way to manage your home is by an often-neglected key, and that is compliment. Every human being loves to be praised, either for what he has done or simply for who he is. The key is to locate the good qualities in your husband and members of your family and focus on them. Then, express your appreciation for those good qualities by the words of your mouth. Show appreciation for both small and great acts of kindness by your words and surprising little gifts that act as hobs in the love wheel of your family.

You need the help of God to do this assignment effectively. Giving your life to God through the Lord Jesus Christ, is the only way of getting the true help you desire to manage your home. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in 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).

July 21, 2018
Potassium

While zinc is a versatile mineral and useful for hundreds of enzymes and metabolic components in the body, potassium is a more focussed element needed for cell membrane functions in muscles, nerve and cells in general. The cell membrane is like the wall that guards the city and controls movements in and out to form a balance of life within and around it. Potassium, in and around cells, is a key player in maintaining balance and life functions especially fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve function. Thus potassium is an essential nutritional element.

Hypokalemia is the condition of too little potassium in the body and usually occurs when we suddenly lose a lot of body fluid but can also be due to malnutrition when the diet lacks natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts. Common causes of hypokalemia are excessive sweating, chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive bleeding.

Because of the role of potassium in nerve and muscle function, the first signs of potassium deficiency are weakness and fatigue. Other symptoms are muscle cramps and spasms because the relay of potassium related signals to and from the brain becomes deranged. Severely low potassium around muscles can cause small vessels to constrict and divert blood from the muscles; muscle cells receive less oxygen and die. The condition produced by death of muscle fibers and release of their contents into the bloodstream is called rhabdomyolysis. It is manifested by symptoms such as muscle stiffness and aches.

Because low potassium deranges nerve function, hypokalemia is also characterized by persistent tingles and numbness (paresthesia) usually occurring in the hands, arms, legs and feet.

Potassium-related signals between the brain and digestive tract are also deranged. The way the stomach and intestine contract to process food in digestion may be slowed causing bloating and constipation. Hypokalemia also affects the heart causing a derangement in the rate and force of contraction. Depending on the degree of hypokalemia, there may be inconsequent palpitations or serious dysrhythmias.

Hypokalemia also affects the capacity to breathe well. The muscles needed for breathing and the expansion and contractions of the lungs in breathing are all partly dependent on having the right amount of potassium. Hypokalemia is associated with shortness of breath. Impairment of breathing and low

While zinc is a versatile mineral and useful for hundreds of enzymes and metabolic components in the body, potassium is a more focussed element needed for cell membrane functions in muscles, nerve and cells in general. The cell membrane is like the wall that guards the city and controls movements in and out to form a balance of life within and around it. Potassium, in and around cells, is a key player in maintaining balance and life functions especially fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve function. Thus potassium is an essential nutritional element.

Hypokalemia is the condition of too little potassium in the body and usually occurs when we suddenly lose a lot of body fluid but can also be due to malnutrition when the diet lacks natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts. Common causes of hypokalemia are excessive sweating, chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive bleeding.

Because of the role of potassium in nerve and muscle function, the first signs of potassium deficiency are weakness and fatigue. Other symptoms are muscle cramps and spasms because the relay of potassium related signals to and from the brain becomes deranged. Severely low potassium around muscles can cause small vessels to constrict and divert blood from the muscles; muscle cells receive less oxygen and die. The condition produced by death of muscle fibers and release of their contents into the bloodstream is called rhabdomyolysis. It is manifested by symptoms such as muscle stiffness and aches.

Because low potassium deranges nerve function, hypokalemia is also characterized by persistent tingles and numbness (paresthesia) usually occurring in the hands, arms, legs and feet.

Potassium-related signals between the brain and digestive tract are also deranged. The way the stomach and intestine contract to process food in digestion may be slowed causing bloating and constipation. Hypokalemia also affects the heart causing a derangement in the rate and force of contraction. Depending on the degree of hypokalemia, there may be inconsequent palpitations or serious dysrhythmias.

Hypokalemia also affects the capacity to breathe well. The muscles needed for breathing and the expansion and contractions of the lungs in breathing are all partly dependent on having the right amount of potassium. Hypokalemia is associated with shortness of breath. Impairment of breathing and low oxygen supply to the heart lowers the work of the heart in distributing blood throughout the body including to the lungs affecting breathing; and the brain, affecting mood. Thus lack of potassium cause a vicious cycle of derangements.

Some foods that are good sources of potassium are greens, yams, beans, clams, potatoes, avocados, and bananas.

Eating a good diet may be the best way to take good amounts of potassium. Although most supplements sold in pharmacies have little potassium content, one should avoid taking potassium supplements unnecessarily or without prescription. Like too little potassium (hypokalemia), too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) is dangerous, especially causing dangerous arrhythmias in the heart.

In Nigerian cooking, naturally occurring potash is often used. This potash, which is also known as kaun, akanwu or kanwa is an impure mineral that contains potassium salts amongst other components including sodium. Added to cooking, it helps to tenderize beans and other foods. It is also “added in ewedu and okro soup during preparations in order to boost the viscosity as well as to increase the greenness and texture of the vegetables. It is used for mixing water and oil while preparing local dishes like abacha, ugba and nkwobi.” (https://globalfoodbook.com/benefits-of-kaun-potash-akanwu).

Scientifically unverified folklore usage of potash include: to prepare herbal medicines and tobacco snuff and utuba; to increase production and quality of breast milk (for this reason, Hausa women prepare porridge with millet and guinea corn and added potash to eat after childbirth); relief of toothache; expectorant; antacid; relief of constipation and flatulence; preservative; fungicidal used to limit molds and mildew; fertilizer; abortifacient in early pregnancy. Potassium bicarbonate is also used in some dry fire extinguishers for homes.

Theresa Adebola John is a lecturer at Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) and an affiliated researcher at the College of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis. For any comments or questions on this column, please email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 08160944635

July 21, 2018
How to manage your home (1)

Dear Reader, welcome to another wonderful segment of this month’s teaching series. I established from the Word of God, last week, that the head and the leader of the home is the husband (Ephesians 5:23). He has the God-ordained task and responsibility to take the lead in the management of the home. However, it is important to note that in exercising the mantle of leadership, the man must be a loving leader and not a taskmaster.

Love is a necessary ingredient for effective leadership. Without it, those who are being led may eventually refuse to follow and choose to go their own ways. Jesus Christ heads the Church with the rod of love. Likewise, every husband will need the same rod of love to get the effective followership of his family members. When a husband demonstrates his love for his wife and children, he will be able to lead his home with ease. The truth is that no one hates to be loved. As a husband, don’t just rejoice at the fact that you are the head of the home; be ready to fulfill the following responsibilities attached. In continuation of the role of the man in the home, you must understand that as the head, leader and man, one of your responsibilities is to:

Be A Provider In Your Home:

The husband is designed to be the provider, making provisions available to his household. The Bible says, But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse that an infidel (1 Timothy 5:8). It is not scriptural for the wife to be the chief provider in the home. Just as Christ is the Head of the church and provides for it, even so, every man is expected to make provisions for his home. Don’t sell your birthright to your wife by relegating your God-given responsibility to her. God did not make any mistake by making you the head of the home. He, in His infinite wisdom, already knew the situation of your family before the foundation of the earth. So, if in spite of that foreknowledge, He still chose to make you head and provider, then live up to His expectation. That is why the marriage institution is not for boys but for mature men.

To be a successful husband, you need to be productive, hardworking, thoughtful and a genuine planner. If you say God will provide, you are right. But He has said it is through you, the man, that He will provide for your family. The age long system of women going to the farm while men sit down and rest is not the Christ-order of leadership. Men need to get to work to be respected at home. When a man stops looking after his household, his life becomes worse than an infidel (one who has no religious beliefs).

Some men leave home, not concerned whether their family members have eaten or not. This is a violation of covenant obligations, and it is very risky. You must be concerned about your wife and children’s welfare. No man has any right to wear new clothes, when his family is going about in rags. You should set aside some amount of money from whatever you earn, to cater for the personal needs of your wife and children.

The Bible says: A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinners is laid up for the just (Proverbs 13:22). Some men shy away from their responsibilities and don’t give their wives home-keeping allowance, under the guise that their wives are working. This is not right! It is not of God. The scriptures say that the man should provide for his own household (1Timothy 5:8). Prayer is not the way to enjoy success in home management; it is by accepting responsibility for your home.

A great burden is placed on you, as the man, to love your wife as Christ loves the Church, and you are not exempted from this responsibility even if your wife is not submissive. This responsibility can be accomplished only by sacrifices, being a godly example and through an unconditional devotion, commitment and dedication to your family. The Word of God says: Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them (Colossians 3:19); Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church (Ephesians 5:25,28-29).

Learn how to say, “I am Sorry”:

Some men find it hard to say, “I am sorry, please forgive me,” because of their ego. But a man that desires his home to be heaven on earth, does not let his ego stand between him and his wife or children. Man, don’t give room to the devil to bring problems to your home. Learn to say “I am sorry” when you offend your wife. It works! If you do that, eyeball-to-eyeball, you will see her countenance change.

Compliment your wife:

As a husband, you need to always compliment your wife about those good qualities in her and that will bring out the best in her. Every human being loves to be praised either for what he has done or simply for who he is.

No one is perfect. Express your appreciation for those areas that she is good at verbally. Learn to show appreciation for both small and great acts of kindness. You can also show appreciation by giving little gifts. Make room for praise in your home and your relationship will be heaven on earth!

The first step to take, in order to be the man that God ordained you to be for your family, is to become a bona fide child of God. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in 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).

July 14, 2018