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Category: Family forum

  • The single life (2)

    Dear Reader,

    This Week, I will be bringing your way what I titled “Get Connected to Your Creator.” This is your only sure foundation for a secured future in God. The Bible in Ecclesiastes 12:1 says: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.

    The days of your youth from the above Scripture means your single years. Those years are the most effective time to be actively engaged in the pursuit and service of your Creator. The foundation for a great spiritual life is usually laid in the single years of one’s life.

    The foundation for a secured life and destiny is first and foremost in your connection and commitment to God, the Author of life and Creator of all living. God’s Word says: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5). Your connection with God is what determines how high you fly in life.

    Commitment can be likened to a man’s spinal cord. Without it, your life and destiny may suffer a nervous breakdown. For lack of commitment, many destinies have crashed! If you are genuinely and scripturally committed to God, you will be committed to the success of your destiny. Get connected and be committed!

    Several years ago, before we got married, my husband wrote a paper he titled “Sailing Under Sealed Orders.” It was a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to God. Your closeness to God while you are still single is the bedrock of your future and the security of your destiny.

    Personally, I have found out that the closer you walk with God, the more you see the need to draw closer yet. I love the song of one great songwriter that says, “Just a closer walk with you, grant it Jesus this is my plea…”  Draw near to God! It is for your own good, not God’s. God is not dependent on you rather you are dependent on Him. When you draw near to God, He will in turn draw near to you. God’s Word says: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James 4:8). Your closeness to God has to be initiated by you. Yes, I can hear someone say, “How do you mean?” I am a Christian, I am born again and I even speak in tongues! “Well, thank God for your life.”  But no matter how near you are to God right now, you can draw nearer still.  Apostle Paul declared: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings… (Philippians 3:10).

    There are some single persons that chase marriage as a dog chases a rabbit, especially those who are of marriageable age. For you who are in the Kingdom, it ought not to be so. To anybody in this class I say, relax! It should not be marriage at all cost. Remember that Adam was put to a deep sleep before the wife manifested (Genesis 2:21-22). Chase God and every other thing shall be added unto you, including a glorious marriage (Matthew 6:33). Make God your focus in life, not marriage. Remember, God’s Word says: Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord (Proverbs 18:22).

    ‘Find’ in the above scripture means, ‘to discover along the way.’ So, when you are in a close relationship with God, along the way you will miraculously discover your marriage partner. Don’t join those who attend meetings and gatherings primarily in search of a marriage partner; searching, matching and comparing potential candidates.

    Look at this testimony: “I want to thank the Lord for Bishop David Oyedepo’s life. I also want to thank God for His Words that have been coming to us through the Bishop. I joined this Commission in 1997 for the purpose of seeking a husband. However, I started hearing the true Word of God to the extent that I almost forgot what I came here for. On one Sunday in 2004, our year of Harvest, the Bishop ministered on Matthew 6:33: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ It dawned on me that all things referred to in that scripture include a husband. At that time, I was 45 years old.

    Subsequently, I started seeking God and looking unto Him. I told myself it was my turn. Again, as if the Bishop knew what was on my mind, he said, ‘Ask for a 24-hour miracle.’ I said, ‘God, if all things are possible with You, then my getting married is possible.’ Miraculously, that same Sunday, I came in contact with my husband!  We got married six months later. I can say that I am happy and fulfilled as I wave this hand of mine with a wedding ring on it.” Williams, P.

    God is the only source of true and lasting life. When you let God into the ship of your life and destiny, it can never sink. The foundation for a secured life and destiny is first and foremost in your connection and commitment to God, the Author of life and Creator of all living. Are you ready to be connected to Him today? Then, you have to be born again. To be born again means confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are ready to be born again, please say this simple 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. Deliver me from sin and satan. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, congratulations, you are born again! You are now 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).

  • The single life

    Dear Reader,

    Welcome to another exciting moment in God’s presence in Jesus’ Mighty Name! In this glorious month, I will be sharing with you an important subject titled “The Single Life.”

    No matter the weather condition – rainy, cloudy, snowy or sunny, the sun is never static. It keeps moving, whether we can see it or not, until it arrives at its pre-determined course in the West. In the same vein, everyone born of a woman is designed to also live according to the seasons of life. Everything on earth is designed to function according to times and seasons, according to the Word of God. To everything there is a season… (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

    Remember, life is in phases and as long as the earth remains, the different seasons of life shall continually be in force. Therefore, for you to fulfill destiny, you must have a good understanding of the season that you are in per time and possess a working knowledge of the demands, benefits and privileges of same.

    The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines singles as “people who are not married and do not have a romantic relationship with somebody else.” The state of singleness has also been described as a state of someone being unmarried, divorced, separated from spouse, or widowed.

    To be single means to be a whole, distinct and successful individual, capable of initiative and having the capacity to contribute to and enrich another person’s life. Adam and Eve were created as singles before marriage was ever instituted (Genesis 2:7, 20-21). What a beautiful scenario it would have been for them! Imagine it for a moment! Adam was created, given an assignment to keep, dress the garden and name all the creatures on earth. He was alone but not lonely and life was beautiful as far as he was concerned. God only decided to create Eve as a help-meet and not because Adam’s life lacked meaning. Also, Eve was first created as a single individual before she was brought to Adam.

    Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus was single, successful and uniquely different from others in his days. He was so peculiar and positively different that God found him worthy that Jesus should come to the world through his lineage (Matthew 1:18-25). May God find you worthy as well!

    Remember the four Hebrew boys: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 1:7) were singles who demonstrated the beauty of singleness in a grand style. They were so much outstanding that they were ten times better than all the others. Daniel, in particular, was said to be preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him (Daniel 6: 3).

    Timothy was Apostle Paul’s son in the faith (1Timothy 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:1-2). As a man in his single years, he had an ‘unfeigned faith.’ He was one of Paul’s missionary co-workers. He grew to become one of the greatest church leaders. History has it that he was the first Bishop in the New Testament. What an accomplishment!

    Think of the four daughters of Phillip, the evangelist, who was one of the first seven Deacons of the early church (Acts 21:8-9). These four ladies were in their single years. Interestingly, the Bible specifically recorded that they were virgins and did prophesy. What a gift they were and still are to the body of Christ!

    Titus, Lydia, Phoebe, Mary, Martha, Lazarus, among many others demonstrated the beauty of singleness by their outstanding accomplishments while single. You are the next on the line!

    Then, consider Jesus our perfect example. Even though He was on a special divine assignment, He fulfilled His mission as a single person.

    Come to think of it, everyone that is married was once single. Every career fellow, businessman or woman, parent, etc was once or is still single. Little wonder then, that the single years are the foundation for a glorious and secure future.

    I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this stage of life in your quest for an eventual successful future as well as married life. The more auspicious you are as a single person, the better your chances of thriving in your future life and marriage subsequently.

    Look at this testimony:

    “I was living a sinful life, chasing after girls and indulging in fornication before I gave my life to Christ in this church. I came to Lagos to visit my sister from Igarra in Edo State. The first time I came here, I came with my sister who incidentally is a member of the Winners Chapel. That was the day I gave my life to Christ.

    When I was in the Orthodox Church, I was really a problem to my family. I used to go out in the evenings and late at night to visit my friends. However, now that I am born again, the time that I used in visiting people, I use it to study the Bible. The stories I’ve read and learnt from the Bible, I use to preach the Word of God to my friends who were still in the world, and today many of them have given their lives to Christ.” – Akerele, K.

    The power to live a holy life can only be given to you by God when you are born again. You become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this simple 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. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, congratulations, you are born again! You are now 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).

  • How to he happy in your home (4)

    Dear Reader,

    You are welcome to another exciting moment in God’s presence! I shared with you last week on Spices for a Happy Home. In that teaching, I showed you some examples of spices like Joy, Excitement, Praise and Appreciation. This week, I want to share with you the Main Reason You Must Train Your Children.

    For you to enjoy a happy home, you must train your children according to God’s guidelines. The following are the reasons you must train them in the way of the Lord.

    God commanded it

    Child-training is not a piece of advice, a suggestion or a thing you do at your convenience. It is a commandment from God and His commandments are neither grievous nor burdensome (1John 5:3). My husband says, “God’s commandments are not to grieve you, but to groom you.”  Bring your children up in the way of the Lord because if you refuse to do so, you are disobeying God’s commandment. As far as God is concerned, disobedience is as terrible as witchcraft. 1 Samuel 15:23a says: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Disobedience is like drinking the blood of another human being as witches do. May God not catch you as a witch! His Word also says: Do not suffer a witch to live (Exodus 22:18). In other words, if you are not bringing up your children in the way they should go, you are cutting short the number of your days. Receive grace from God now, to be obedient to this commandment on child-training in Jesus’ name.

    It is the responsibilities of both parents

    Take a look at Proverbs 22:6 again. God did not mention here who, particularly, should do the training, but definitely it is the parents. I mean both parents because neither the father nor the mother alone can give birth to a child. It is a combination of forces; therefore, the training must be done by both parents. Child-training is not the responsibility of the mother alone; it is that of both the father and the mother. For example, in Nigerian culture, every good and well behaved child belongs to the father, but the one that is bad and corrupt is for the mother.

    Remember it is a combination of forces that brought the child to be. So, it must be a combination of forces that will fulfill that commandment. Both parents must create time for their children, so that the children will not become thorns in their flesh tomorrow. Training your children in the fear of the Lord is your primary responsibility. Don’t be slack about it! Both parents ought to fulfill their parts and make it a joint effort. The Bible says in Ecclesiastics 4:9 that: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

    As parents, pay close attention to your children and create time to listen to them. Also, fellowship with them and give them opportunities to ask questions that are bothering them. Learn to create time for fun and excitement and all tension will be defused. Do not allow your children to become victims of neglect by being too busy to attend to them. I pray for a release of grace upon you now for the fulfillment of your role as parents in Jesus’ mighty name.

    It is a seed

    Whatever you do in life is a seed and you will eventually reap the fruit. Likewise, child-training is a seed. You will reap the harvest of whatever training you give to your children tomorrow. The Word of God says: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease (Genesis 8:22).

    When you sow the seed of good Christian upbringing into the lives of your children, they will give you joy, happiness and fulfillment tomorrow. For your children not to give you heartache tomorrow, you must to sow seeds of proper upbringing into their lives.

    Certain things were sown as seeds into my life as a little girl and for that, I will never forget my parents. I advise you to do the same for your children. In Jeremiah Chapter 35, Jonadab sowed the seed of good child-training. Even after he departed, generations after him still continued to follow his footsteps. No wonder in verses 18 & 19, God had to make a promise. The seed that Jonadab sowed into his children began to bring forth fruits which eventually brought them to the throne. Even our Lord Jesus Christ came from his lineage. What a harvest of fruits!

    You need grace to be able to train your children. This can only be received when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour. Are you set to receive Him into your life today? Say this prayer of faith with me: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are born again and you are now 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).

  • How to be happy in your home (2)

    Dear Reader,

    It is a wonderful time in God’s presence. Last week, I started sharing with you on how you can be happy in your home. This week, I will be teaching on Hospitality: the Gateway to a Happy Home.

    What is Hospitality?

    Hospitality is the friendly, generous reception and entertainment of guests or strangers, especially in one’s home. It is the willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given you. This includes sharing your home, finances and food with others. Hospitality is an attitude of stewardship, knowing fully well that you do not own anything but you are merely the caretaker and God is the real owner.

    He desires that you share His love with others, and all these must be done in reverence and gratitude to Him. Likewise, in relationships, you can be hospitable yet honour the boundaries of others; sharing all you have without strings attached. This will convince them that you are a Christian thereby leading to the growth of the Church. The Word of God says: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

    Hospitality also enables you contribute to the development and growth of your family, friends, and fellow Christians; it is the door to discipleship. Without hospitality, discipleship will be limited because it is an integral part of the Great Commission that Christ gave us as a Church. (Matthew 28:18-20). You must be willing to go beyond your defined needs, comforts, and ideals to provide an environment that contributes to the physical and spiritual growth of people around you. Furthermore, we must understand that hospitality is not a gift; rather, it is a call to us all!

    One of the most important calls that Christ gave His church is to show hospitality towards people. We are His ambassadors who He uses as His welcoming arms to draw people from outside into His presence! He is the Seeker; we are the ones He seeks, and sometimes we are the ones He uses to seek others (It is God’s desire that all His children be saved, yet it is only a few that accepts His grace). It is the role of the Holy Spirit to save people, and we are the instruments through which He works. So, we must be a church that welcomes not only believers, but also those who may never have been inside a church before. This ministry of hospitality is about being His ambassador on the earth.

    As a single person, you can also be hospitable. Rebecca was a perfect example of hospitality. When Abraham’s servant came to Mesopotamia to take a wife for Isaac, he said a prayer to God:…Let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down your pitcher, I pray you, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give your camels drink also: let the same be she that you have appointed for your servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that you have showed kindness to my master (Genesis 24:14). Abraham’s servant knew that Isaac belonged to a hospitality addicted family. Thus, he prayed for a kind and hospitable wife for him.  He knew that any woman who would offer water to a stranger and his camels would be a hospitable person. The criteria for his choice were not based on possessions, height, beauty or education; but a warm and loving heart.

    Singles who are hospitable will certainly welcome their life partners unknowingly. Do you believe God for a life partner? How hospitable are you? The choice is yours!

    Let brotherly love be the reason for reaching out to others (Romans 12:10/13). Brotherly love makes hospitality easy, it makes you want to reach out to others and give them a helping hand and it is also what makes you want to share what you have with others. This was the strength of the first century church; no one had a need among them. Those who had, eagerly distributed to others who had none; they shared all things in common (Acts 2:44-45). As a result of this display of brotherly love, God’s power was evident in their midst. You need to be sold out to hospitality; it’s the path to God’s presence in your marriage and home.

    However, the grace to be hospitable is available when you give your life to Christ. You do this by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you want to receive this grace, could you please say 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. Deliver me from sin and satan. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are born again and you are now 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)

  • How to be happy in your home

    Dear Reader,

    I welcome you to another glorious month in this our year of exemption and I see you moving from one level of glory to another in Jesus’ name. In this sixth month, ushering us into the midst of the year, wherever you have experienced shame before now, I see God converting it to glory and perfecting all that concerns you in Jesus’ name.

    All through this month, I will be showing you How to be Happy in Your Home. This week, I will be focusing on: How to get the best of times in your family life. The Bible says: The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14). It is joy on the inside that brings out the best in a man. Happiness in your home will bring out the best in your wife, husband and children.

    A sorrowful heart is dangerous because nothing good comes the way of the dejected. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

    When there is no happiness in a home, the family members are prone to all sorts of sickness and diseases. Which do you choose? Do you want to stay happy and make every member of your family happy, thereby staying away from hospital bills, or to continue spending your money and resources on drugs and medical bills? “Wisdom is profitable to direct,” the wise man said. My family members and I choose to stay happy and be drug-free.

    What is Happiness?

    Happiness is a state of enjoyment, showing satisfaction or joy. It is also marked by pleasure.

    In most cases, when you are happy, your disposition is characterized by laughter as joy surges out from within you. Also, laughter is a feeling of triumph or sense of well-being. When you are genuinely happy, no one needs to ask you. You just flow in it, and it shows.

    What does it take to be Happy?

    The Psalmist says: …Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee (Psalms 128:1-2). Also, Proverbs 28:14 says: Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. We can see from the two Scriptures above that happiness comes by fearing God, reverencing His voice via His Word, obeying His instructions and doing what He commands us to do. ‘Fear’ in this context is not talking of being afraid, rather it connotes respect for God and His Word.

    What then are some of the secrets of a happy home life? The right answer could be given in just one word Christ. Christ is the secret of a happy home and whatever He says should be your guiding principles the remaining days of your life.

    As a man, and the head of the home, if you walk in the understanding that you have a Head (Christ), who sees you and your actions, you will hold Him in reverence. Whatever He tells you to do; you will do without questions or grumbling. As a wife, though your husband is the head of the home; God is your ultimate head. Therefore, you must hold His commandments in awe. Rather than being in subjection to your husband only, obey the commandments of God through your husband, to show your reverence for Him and His Word. As you do this, your children, who are watching will learn from you. They will be proud to have a God-fearing woman as their mother, and will, likewise, learn to obey God.

    Also, to maximize happiness in our homes, we have to consider these:

    Home is a residence.

    It is one of the most sacred places.

    It is a sanctuary into which men flee from perils and alarms.

    It is a resting place to which, at the close of day, the weary retire to gather new strength for battle.

    It is a place where love learns its lessons, life is schooled into discipline, and character is moulded.

    Christ is the key to a happy home. Therefore, if you are not born again, you have to confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer of faith with me: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are born again and you are now 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).

  • Renewing your marital relationship (4)

    Dear Reader,

    We have come to the concluding part of this month’s teaching.  In previous teachings, we learnt how to have good expectations and intimacy. Last week, we also looked at types of intimacy.

    This week, I will be sharing with you on: Spices For A Sweet Relationship. It will interest you to know that God instituted marriage and intended every house to be sweet and peaceful. Most Christians dream of a home where joy, peace, prosperity and fruitfulness abound. But they are not ready to pay the price it takes, for their dreams to find fulfilment.

    I would like you to know that a successful home is possible; but it does not happen by chance. You must programme it, if you desire it. You must take responsibility for the renewing of your marital relationship, because whatever you make or fail to make of it, is what it becomes. If you want your marriage to fulfill God’s will, you had better start doing what you are supposed to do as a child of God. God has given you brain, so that you can let Him rest.                 The following are simple truths you can apply practically to your relationship and marriage, so your home can take a new turn.

    Appreciate the good in your spouse and children; then the bad will depreciate – Whatever good thing and strong point you can see in the life of your spouse, let it be a source of your happiness and inspiration. Praise God for this aspect of his/her life, and then every other area where your spouse does not measure up to expectation, will begin to disappear before you very eyes.

    Celebrate your spouse – Remember that other people are secretly wishing this same man or woman is their husband or wife. Guard that which you have jealously. Magnify the virtues of your spouse to the devil.

    Sow joy – Remember that it is what you sow that you reap. If you sow excitement into the atmosphere in your home, you will reap joyful family members. You will be happy yourself and your home shall be full of joy.

    Adapt to your spouse – Like what your spouse likes. Know your spouse’s tastes and flow along with them. That way, you will feel free and get along well.

    Maintain body contact always – This does not necessarily mean sex. Hug each other. Give little kisses. Give your spouse a peck of encouragement, especially in public. Don’t be ashamed to hold your spouse in public. Be free to display your affection for each other, not of necessity, but as a life-style.

    Create godly (not good) climate around your home – A godly climate will eventually produce good climate. Fill your home with Christian music, Christian books, inspirational materials, etc. Let everything around your home smell God.

    Organise Feasts – Learn to celebrate important days and events. Make it a habit to remember birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. Make big events, out of ordinary days. Use these occasions to get excited and rejoice with your family members. You don’t have to call people. Gather your wife and children and just celebrate with whatever you have.

    Be one – Do things in common. Communicate and pray together with your spouse. Let your children see oneness in you. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Know your spouse to the point where you can vouch for him/her when not there. Give no place to the spirit of unforgiveness – Marriage partners will naturally make mistakes and offend each other. Nobody is perfect. God’s Word admonishes us to forgive: …Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye (Colossians 3:13).  If you don’t forgive, you will not be forgiven. If your wife or husband offends or goes wrong somehow, correct him/her immediately in love, and forgive. Also forget. Be Contented – Contentment brings satisfaction. If you are not contented, you cannot be happy. Be satisfied with your husband, your wife, your children, your finances, your life and environment and you will be happy.

    The journey of ensuring order in your home, begins with new birth. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.  If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, congratulations, you are born again and you are now 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, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 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).

  • Renewing your marital relationship (2)

    Dear Reader,

    I welcome you to another edition of our series on Renewing Your Marital Relationship.  Last week, we were made to understand that one of the things to do to renew your marital relationship is, having the right expectation. This week, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, we shall examine the topic: How to Build Strong Intimacy in Marriage.

    It is the responsibility of the man and his wife to build and develop a strong and healthy intimacy in their marriage; because intimacy is the pillar of every successful marriage. A loving and joyful marriage is one in which both partners are intimate with each other. Intimacy is crucial for strong family and marital relationships.

    Intimacy means a warm, close, confidential or private relationship, which develops through long association, friendship and familiarity. Many couples wistfully remember the sweet, innocent times before marriage, when they were so interested in each other. When we talk about intimacy in marriage, it is that warm, close, confidential or private relationship between husband and wife.

    When we talk about intimacy, a woman or man should be the most intimate person with their spouse. They should be best of friends. Neither of them should be as close to anyone else as they are to each other. Intimacy indicates the deepest level of privacy that one can think of. It is what makes marriage successful and enjoyable.

    Without intimacy, marriage becomes horrible, cold and lonely.  Intimacy in marriage needs to be promoted, for the marriage to remain enjoyable and last a lifetime.

    God has commanded that the husband cleave to or cherish his wife. He is expected to spend time with her to ‘know’ her more.  For intimacy to be developed in marriage, both husband and wife should depart from all forms of interferences and cleave to one another to enable them become one flesh.  God’s Word says: For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Therefore, you must “leave” so that you can “cleave.”  When you do, you are sure to enjoy intimacy in marriage.

    How to enhance intimacy

    You Must be Open

    To be intimate with your spouse, there must be no hide and seek game. You must be ready to open up to your spouse, so as to earn his/her trust.

    Embrace Trust

    Trust is an essential ingredient in our daily living. The very essence of life depends on trust. A marriage cannot survive without trust. Trust is not a gift; rather, it is a virtue that must be built through experience over a period of time. Trust is reciprocal. The more you express your trust, the more your spouse responds to you in trust. You must endeavour to believe in your spouse.

    Be faithful

    To enhance intimacy in your marriage, you must be faithful to your spouse. Learn to keep secrets concerning everything your spouse tells you (Proverbs 28:20).

    Express love

    Be willing to express your love to your spouse, more than anyone else. Let your spouse be your close confidant.  Communicate and discuss issues with your spouse.

    Be a good listener & communicator

    You must be a good listener.  When your spouse is talking, you must not be too busy to listen to him or her. Be ready to listen, discuss and make contributions as well. Engage in an open communication. Open communication is the ability to discuss anything with your spouse. It includes sincere expression of thoughts, feelings, as well as careful listening.

    Be available

    You must be willing to make yourself available to your spouse, whenever he/she needs you. No matter how choked up you are in activities, you must create room for him/her, by making yourself available.  Learn to spend quality time with your spouse. Engage in fun activities like, taking a stroll together, playing games etc. (Songs of Solomon 2:4).

    You must be caring

    You must be ready to express a genuine concern for your spouse’s well-being. If you do things you know hurt your spouse, you cannot have a healthy intimacy. You can develop a more caring heart and mind, by learning to think of your spouse’s feelings before yours. Always ask yourself before acting or speaking, “If I do this or say this, will I hurt my spouse?”

    Benefits of intimacy

    • It brings about unity, which promotes God’s presence and blessings in a marriage. The Bible says: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalms 133:1).
    • It brings about free flow of communication (Proverbs 27:19).
    • It promotes longevity in a marriage (Proverbs 31:11).
    • It makes marriage more enjoyable (Isaiah 62:5).
    • It brings about greater spiritual strength (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

    The grace to build a strong intimacy with your spouse is only available when you are saved. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.  If you are ready to be saved (born again), please say this prayer: : “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, congratulations, you are born again and you are now 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, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 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).

    If you prayed this simple prayer, congratulations, you are born again and you are now 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, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 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).

  • Rekindling the fire of love in your Marriage!(2)

    Dear Reader,

    Welcome to another week with the Holy Spirit. Last week, I began this teaching on how to rekindle the “fire of love” in your marriage. In the course of that teaching, I discussed elaborately on what marriage is all about.

    This week, I’ll be examining a key factor that sustains a Christian marriage Love Responsibility!

    It is not enough to be married, it has to be sustained.  The love responsibility is the master key in sustaining a fulfilled marriage relationship. Love is the instrument a man uses to make his wife a glorious woman, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.

    The kind of love that should exist in a Christian marriage should be unconditional. A love that cares when there is no apparent reason to do so. God demonstrated this kind of love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). In the same vein, God commands all husbands to love their wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25).

    God, through Apostle Paul, issued this commandment to all husbands. It is not an admonition or suggestion, but an instruction that must be obeyed. Your love for each other must be expressed. I read an inscription on a wall some years ago which said, “Love is not love until it is expressed.”  This is true! God gave His love expression; therefore, you must do the same.

    How can love between husband and wife in particular be expressed? This can be done in thoughts, words and actions.  Let’s take it one after the other:

    1. Loving in Thoughts

    When your heart is full of loving thoughts, it readily finds expression in the words you speak. God’s Word says: for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34). If a man, for instance, uses abusive words on his wife, he is speaking out of the abundance of his heart.  Men initiate things, while women respond to them. Therefore, husband, initiate the love relationship between you and your wife, and she will respond to you. No woman hates to be loved. When you love your wife, you easily win her submission.

    Ii. Loving in Words

    Three short words, which some couples neglect are: “I love you.” Yet, by them, men and women come together to establish God’s counsel on the earth. However, these words are forgotten after the euphoria of the wedding ceremony is over. Words are powerful! Therefore, give voice to your feelings; it is not foolishness! The world was made by faith-filled words. Let your “I love you” to your spouse be full of faith. Wife, don’t nag your husband to death by repeatedly pointing out his shortcomings or problems in your home.  Where there’s a need for correction, use the sandwich method compliment, correct and then, compliment again.

    • Compliments:

    Praise your spouse for doing something well or for something you like about him or her. Everyone loves to be praised; everyone loves nice things to be said about them. Men and women who are not complimented do not feel appreciated.  So, when someone outside showers them with the much sought compliment, they are easily taken captive. My husband is never too tired to appreciate and say, “I love you” to me. Each time I hear that from him, I’m excited and on top throughout the day. It works!

    However, you need to understand that until you accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, you can’t effectively love your spouse as Christ ordained it. You can do this by saying this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now 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).

    Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 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).

  • Rekindling the fire of love in your marriage

    Dear Reader,

    With great joy and happiness, I bring God’s Word your way again this month. By the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be sharing with you on a topic titled: Rekindling the “Fire of Love” in Your Marriage.

    Marriage, like some others think, is not a trap. It was instituted for the good of man. In the beginning, God saw that it is not good for man to be alone; so, He instituted marriage.  I believe God must have said to Himself, “I want it to be good for man; so, I will make a help meet for him.”  I make bold to say that marriage was actually designed to make life great for mankind.

    The subject of marriage actually begins, when two individuals, man and woman, make a decision to marry each other. However, when that marriage is not founded on God, the joy, excitement and satisfaction the couple had at the outset, are short-lived. It soon wears off. It’s like owning a car; with time, new models come out and what was once new begins to age. The car owner now desires to change the once new car for the latest sensation. Why? This is because the old one does not excite him anymore.

    However, when God is at the centre of a marriage, you find that instead of getting tired of loving each other, your excitement and satisfaction increase as the years go by, making the relationship go from good to better, and from better to best!

    According to God’s concept, marriage is good; though this assertion is contrary to man’s claims on the subject.  Therefore, whatever man’s concept you have heard about marriage, put it aside and believe what the Bible says, because that is the only authentic view.

    Buttressing the fact that marriage is good, Paul says: Marriage is honorable in all… (Hebrews 13:4). If marriage is not good, it cannot be honourable at the same time. That is why any experience that is contrary to the Word of God should be thrown away.

    Ever before I got married, I discovered and accepted God’s concept of marriage at the expense of man’s concept. To the glory of God, I am not only enjoying the goodness in marriage, I am also moving towards the perfection of it.

    A woman once came to my husband for counselling. She began by making a sweeping statement that every home has its own peculiar problem. My husband had to cut in to correct her by pointing out that there are exceptions. Having problems in marriage is not the rule. That you are sick, for instance, does not mean that everybody else is sick. God intends that believers’ marriages be a heaven-on-earth experience, where they can enjoy the Kingdom of God and the abundance it has to offer.

    You, also, can enjoy your marriage, because the same God is rich unto all, and He is no respecter of persons!

    To effectively understand and walk in the covenant of marriage, you need to accept Jesus, Who designed the marriage institution, as your Lord and personal Saviour by saying this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now 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).

    Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 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).

  • My Mum, my heart

    My Mum, my heart

    There are women everywhere, but mothers are rare to find. Mothers are a bundle of emotions that sometimes defy reason. A mother is the best friend anyone could ever ask for. When everyone else turns away, she will always turn towards you. When you fall, she’s the one that helps you up and when your heart is filled with despair, she’s the one that gives you a glimpse of hope.

    At a time when society urges women to seek their worth and personal fulfilment in things that take them away from their families, real mothers stick to their children.My mum has been there from my first breath to my first broken heart. She sees right through me and always knows what’s wrong. Then reassures everything will be alright even when she doesn’t know what went wrong.

    My mum has been there from my first breath to my first broken heart. She sees right through me and always knows what’s wrong. Then reassures everything will be alright even when she doesn’t know what went wrong.One thing we always forget to do is tell our mothers how thankful we are for everything. On Mothers’ Day, the world sets aside one day to do what we should do every single day; tell our

    One thing we always forget to do is tell our mothers how thankful we are for everything. On Mothers’ Day, the world sets aside one day to do what we should do every single day; tell our mums that we love them and that that will never change.

    Thank you mum for teaching me how to read even before I got into school. Thank you for being always proud of me when I read to people so early in age and they marvel. Thank you for your heartache and worries to watch me disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time.

    9. ABACHAThank you for crying silently when I seemed to have gone astray. Thank you for bringing me back to my senses through your love and understanding. Thank you for staying awake all night whenever I fell sick and constantly uttering those compassionate and reassuring words, “Mommy’s here.”

    Thank you for making me who I am today.You were there for my first breath, I promise to be there for your last, and we will be together for everything in between.

    You were there for my first breath, I promise to be there for your last, and we will be together for everything in between.As a token of appreciation, I will be home on Mothers’ Day to give mum a pecadomo treat. Hmmm, Pecadomo again?!

    As a token of appreciation, I will be home on Mothers’ Day to give mum a pecadomo treat. Hmmm, Pecadomo again?!

    Well, pecadomo is a twist to the turn. Traditionally, Peak Milk has been associated with bread and tea time but through the ingenuity and creativity of Peak brand, it has gone beyond that. Peak Milk is now used in in the preparation of everyday meals like eba, semo, amala, pounded yam, fufu, etal. Wow!

    Traditionally, Peak Milk has been associated with bread and tea time but through the ingenuity and creativity of Peak brand, it has gone beyond that. Peak Milk is now used in in the preparation of everyday meals like eba, semo, amala, pounded yam, fufu, et al. Wow!

    That means right from our everyday meals, we can get super-nourished and access the ‘sharper mind and stronger body’ which Peak Milk offers. Peak is an iconic brand nurturing generations since 1954; and produced under strict hygiene. Peak is nutritious, and enhances the mental and physical performances of consumers.

    So as I prepare mum a delicious pecadomo Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup on Mothers’ Day, we will gist about the past and recount the beautiful story of our friendship. As I wish you happy Mothers’ Day Mum, always remember that Peak Can Do More. #pecadomo.