Category: Family Forum

Hello Reader, last week, I began the series on the Failure-Proof Principle of love. From that teaching, we understand that God’s love is unconditional and expressive.  Also, we are to love our spouses and family members, not because of what they do or do not do, but to love them in spite of their shortcomings. We also saw via God’s Word that loving your husband or wife is a commandment which is not optional and that love is not love until it is expressed.

Today I shall be showing you other practical ways you can demonstrate your love in the home. Love can be expressed in thoughts, words and action.

Loving In Words:

“I love you” – very powerful words, by which men and women come together to establish God’s counsel of marriage on the earth. Often, however, these words are forgotten after the euphoria of the wedding ceremony is over. Words have deeper meaning than we know, and saying, “I love you” over and again, spices up the marriage. Just as it is necessary for rain to fall again and again for farmers to reap a bountiful harvest, so also it is to say “I love you” over and again.

Your marital relationship started by the use of these three words, so it should grow also by its continuous use. The presumptuous claim that it is not necessary to say “I love you” over and again to your spouse because, “he/she should know you love him/her”, is wrong. The Bible points out the importance of voicing out what one believes in the heart (Romans 10:10). 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. Even if your spouse is a monster, he/she would change to a marvel! That is how God won man to Himself – while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us; thus saying, “I love you” to the people who rejected His love.

Right words create the right atmosphere in the home. Couples must learn to speak kind words to each other. Express to your mate the nice qualities you like in him or her. Husband, handle your wife with care by speaking kind words of appreciation to her often. She needs to hear you express daily how much you love and appreciate her. My husband says it to me daily and I never get tired of hearing him.

Wife, don’t nag your husband to death by repeatedly pointing out his shortcomings or challenges in your home. Where there is a need for correction, use the sandwich method – compliment, correct and then compliment. Keep the fire of love in your marriage burning. Love is medicine. God is love. So, let God reign in your home through love and every mountain standing in the way of peace, progress, stability and success will give way in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saying “I love you” to your wife and children, may be just what you need, to cause a transformation in your house. It is not a sign of weakness but strength. Also, action speaks louder than words, they say. So, if you are saying, “I love you,” and yet you are acting selfishly, not giving money for her upkeep or that of the children (I Timothy 5:8), screaming at the top of your voice, then your actions are disproving your love.

This testimony of amazing restoration will encourage you: “I have been married for 12 years, but last year, my marriage was in shambles. By November, I came to this Church in tears. I removed my wedding ring and put it in an envelope and said, ‘God, I put in this ring, I want you to restore my marriage.’ When I got home I was ready for another confrontation from my husband who never goes to Church; all he does is sit with his beer bottle. When I entered the room, he said, ‘Honey welcome. How was Church and your Bishop?’ I was surprised! He said, ‘My darling wife, you look tired. Go and take your bath, I have prepared food for you to eat.’ I did not believe it; I thought it was a trick. He told me that while I was in Church, he laid down to watch the TV, and suddenly, he heard a voice audibly call him saying, ‘Sit up! What have you done about your marriage? Set your home right.’ That made him go on his knees, weeping and he told God he was sorry and that was the beginning of good things.” I never knew that marriage could be so blissful!” – Agbetiku, U.

By loving in words, therefore, you must take recognition of the following:

Learn to compliment your spouse:

Giving compliments to your spouse is also another way to saying I love you. Couples also need to learn to always compliment each other for the good qualities you admire in your spouse. Every human being loves to be praised, either for what he/she has done or simply for who they are. No one is perfect, so express your appreciation in those areas your spouse has proved to be exceptional. 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 a heaven on earth!

Learn to say, “I am Sorry”:

Some spouses find it hard to say, “I am sorry, please forgive me,” even when it is clear they are at fault. But anyone that desires his or her home to be heaven on earth, does not let ego stand between him and his wife or children. Don’t give room to the devil to bring problems to your home. Learn to say “I am sorry” when you offend your spouse. It works! If you do that, eyeball-to-eyeball, you will see your spouse’s countenance change.

Next week, I shall examine loving by action. Meanwhile, if you have not accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are incapable of demonstrating God’s kind of love. It is when you accept Him into your life that the love of God is shed abroad into your heart (Romans 5:5).

Having a Christian home begins with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Peradventure, you are not born again and you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then, 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).

Dear Reader, a glorious new month to you in the name of Jesus Christ! It is the fifth month in this New Dawn year and the number, five, represents Grace. Grace is what makes great! Therefore, God’s grace will never depart from your life and home in Jesus’ name.

The home is very precious in God’s sight; thus, 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.

One of God’s principles that lead to a blissful home is the commandment of love. Love is a very essential ingredient in every home. It is that chord that binds a couple together. It is a critical component of every successful marriage and family. Without the virtue of love effectively working in a home, it would soon crash.

But what is love?The Advanced Learners Dictionary defines love as warm liking or affection. It is also described as affectionate devotion. Love is a major requirement for every marriage. The truth is: love is what brings a couple together in marriage and it is what sustains the home when it is eventually built. It is the major material required in building and transforming your house into a home.As someone rightly said, “Love is what makes a house a home.”

The kind of love I am talking about, however, is not what the world professes, “If you love me I will love you in return.” This type of love is God’s kind of love. It is from the Greek word “AGAPE.” which is unconditional. It is the kind of love that says, in spite of your faults and shortcomings, I love you all the same. The Bible says in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Just as God did not wait for us to be perfect before sending His son to die for us, we are not to lay down conditions for our spouse, children, friends and neighbours before we can love them.

Agape is the love God pours in your heart by the Holy Ghost, when you get born again (Romans 5:5). It is supernatural! In a world where every man seems to be looking out for his own welfare, marriages disintegrate like a pack of cards, children are neglected and abused in various ways; the need for this love cannot be over emphasized. Everyone wants to be loved, everyone needs love. The Lord showed this to be a healthy desire when He asked, “Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” (John 21:15).

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 symbolises refreshing. From this, we can deduce that the home is meant to be a place of refreshing. Isaiah 32:18 says, “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”  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.

But, how can this Love be expressed in a Home?

Love is not genuine until it is expressed. God expressed His love to us by giving His most precious possession – His son. The Bible says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son …” (John 3:16). You don’t just love in your heart, thoughts or words, you must go a step further by expressing your love through your actions – giving. As my husband often says, “You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.” What is the proof that you truly love your spouse and children? What have you given them lately in demonstration of your love for them? – THINK ABOUT IT! The Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephesians 5:25). This giving love is not optional but mandatory.

This is an instruction that must be obeyed. God commands us to love, sacrificially and unconditionally. This does not depend on your spouse’s character; rather, it is in obedience to the Word of God. Christ’s love for His Church is not only when she obeys Him, but even when she offends. God’s Word instructs husbands to love their wives in spite of her shortcomings. Until you comply with this commandment, you may never taste fulfillment in the family. When the husband exhibits unconditional love to his wife, he makes it easy for the woman to respond in total submission to him. No woman hates to be loved. As you begin to love her not minding her errors, she will begin to respond to you; your family will experience harmony and radiate the glory of God.

Likewise, wives, submitting to your husband is a way of showing him love. If abusive words proceed from your mouth, how do you expect him to believe you when that same mouth says, “I love you”? (James 3:10). The Bible says concerning the virtuous woman:The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil (Proverbs 31: 11-12).

The woman who wants to enjoy the best of times in her marriage, must have total love for her husband by submitting. This love does not depend on his looks, the state of his pocket, his job, grammar and so on, but is based on the eternal Word of God for successful family living.

Your home could become a place where joy, laughter, excitement and peace, are the order of the day. It can be the home God created it to be. Just make it a duty to love. It is my prayer that as you open your heart to receive and act on God’s Word concerning your family, your marriage and home will experience a positive transformation in Jesus’ mighty name.

You can’t however, love effectively without accepting the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then 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).

Dear Reader, welcome to this week’s teaching on how to win your unbelieving spouse to Christ. In the previous editions, we examined how to use prayers and a life that speaks to help get your unbelieving spouse saved.  I see God turning your challenges into cheap miracles, as you put to practice those things that you have learnt in Jesus’ name!

This week, we shall be examining the use of FASTING, in getting your spouse saved. Fasting means doing away with food for the purpose of concentration. It is a way of seeking the face of God, earnestly bringing the flesh under your control, in order to be more sensitive to God. God knew that there would be challenging situations that prove too difficult for us, and that was why He recommended fasting. Mark 9:29 confirms that: This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. Some situations are beyond just merely praying, they have to be accompanied with a fast for us to get our desired result. Set some time apart to fast for the salvation of your loved ones. This must be coupled with prayer and the Word of God. When fasting is void of prayer and the Word of God, then it is hunger strike or mere dieting. Your fasting must also be done in wisdom. It is not how long you fast that matters, but how well and effective your fast is.

I once met an elderly woman who happened to get born again after she was married. Apparently, her husband was deep into the occult. This woman took up the challenge and started praying for her husband, breaking the power of the devil over his life. At a point in time, she started sacrificing her breakfast for her husband’s salvation. According to her, she would prepare her breakfast and give it to the needy. She did this for two years! Meanwhile, she was in a different city from where her husband was. Unknown to her, God sent someone across the man’s path and he gave his life to Christ. By the next time this woman met her husband, he was born again!  We serve a God of miracles!  Can you imagine her joy that day? But she prayed, practiced patience and fasted about it. Yours will be the next testimony in Jesus’ name!

Fasting has several advantages in helping to get your spouse saved. Fasting is an added plus to prayers. When fasting is done effectively along with prayers using the Word of God, the result is always an immediate success. Some impossible situations recorded in Esther 4:3, Matthew 17:29 and Acts 14:23 in the Bible, talked about a turn-around through fasting and prayers. God’s Word in Isaiah 58:6-7 says: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?  Is not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?  When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thin own flesh? This means that fasting can set lose your spouse from any kind of bondage and break every kind of yoke, when it is done effectively. It is not just abstaining from food or drink, but abstaining with a major purpose of seeking God in prayers via His Word, while maintaining a good Christian life that speaks.

See this sister’s testimony:

“My husband did not attend any programme throughout the Breakthrough Seminar.  I did not know what was wrong, but I put it in prayers. When the Bishop asked us to write a list of what we don’t want again, I said my husband must come back and give his life fully to Christ. He used to attend services before, but all of a sudden, he stopped participating in the prayer we hold at home.

I knew I am more than a conqueror.  I said, ‘You this devil, you must get out of this home, there is no room for you here’. I believed God to grant all my desire, and the following day, my husband came to church, it was a Sunday.  And since then, he’s the one that wakes us all up for prayers! – Okorie, T.

I see God answering your prayers according to the desires of your heart as you simply put the above-mentioned points to work, in Jesus’ name! Don’t give up on your spouse; yours is the next testimony!

However, the first thing to do for your fasting to be effective is to surrender your life to Christ and become a child of God. God will only listen to His children. His children are those that have accepted Him through His son, Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour. If you are not born again and you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then 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).

Dear Reader, last week, I taught on how prayer can get an unbelieving spouse saved.  However, this week, we will be adding more strength to our prayers through our actions. It is popularly said that, “Action speaks louder than words” this is very correct, as people rather read your actions than what you say to them. They want to know if truly you are what you prescribe for them – being Christ-like. There is A Life That Speaks!  Its voice is louder than the sound from the vocal cavity of man. This is one effective way to get an unbelieving husband or wife saved. It flourishes your prayers for your spouse and ministers’ praise and glory to God. It is the kind of life that every believer must exhibit in the home, at work, at the market place and everywhere, so that sinners can be magnetized into the kingdom of God.

Your life is the greatest witness, especially to your spouse and loved ones. Your unbelieving spouse will always consciously or unconsciously watch to see what you preach in your actions. What you portray on a daily basis, especially in the secrecy of your home should not be farther from what you say.

Your Christian life must be one of good example that portrays the fruits of the Spirit.  As it is written in Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  If you live a Christian life having these characteristics, it will influence your spouse and even other relations such that you do not need to open your mouth to witness to them (even though it is scriptural to witness to them), they will be attracted to the kingdom of God.

Your spouse will be easily won to Christ, when you possess the fruits of the Spirit mentioned above. This way, you will be leading by example. Possessing these characteristics replaces every other negative attitude within you, thereby reflecting the inner beauty of Christ in you. Jesus, our role model for winning souls, expects us to live a life worthy of emulation. God’s Word in Matthew 5:16 says: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. I have had opportunities to counsel people who have unsaved loved ones and discovered that quite a number of them do not live lives that speak right in their homes. I once met a woman who was having problems with the salvation of her husband, and I discovered from my discussion with her that the way she used her tongue in the home had constituted the major obstacles to the man’s salvation. Brethren, be chaste in your conversation! Women are usually guilty of this. As long as you keep nagging your unsaved husband, after a while, he will not even like you to be around him. This may even lead to divorce in a home.  Do not let your tongue be a trap to your loved ones; let it be an asset! Let your tongue speak blessing to your home and not create a division. Understand that there is power in your tongue and you are permitted to see what you say. So, if you keep speaking the salvation of your spouse in faith, showing them love to water what you believe, then you will surely see the salvation of your spouse.

Living a Christian life is not as convenient but compulsory. You have a job to do. So, a woman who has a husband who is an unbeliever and who probably is a drunkard, would need to fall on her knees and take the situation to God in prayers.  She would also need to follow it up in prayers with a practice of the fruits of the Spirit. Nagging, insulting, abusing or cursing the man will only push him deeper into his sins.  Remember, whatever happens to him, will also affect you too in the long run.

Instead, let your life be a living proof of the characteristics of the fruits of the Spirit. Let love, gentleness and meekness be your stronghold.  Let it move you to prayers, watching out for your unbelieving spouse even in a terrible drunken state. I tell you, very shortly, he or she will come to realise the depth of your love and gentle character that he or she won’t need too much lecture on turning over a new leaf.  Let your actions be the one that speaks patience, temperance, faith and very shortly God will touch your spouse’s heart by His power as written in John 6:44 which says: No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Here is a testimony that will inspire you: When we started preparing for the Women Convention, I prayed to God and told Him I wanted my own family renewed.  I did not like the names I was being called, (I was being called the wife of an unbeliever). But I told God I didn’t want to be called that again.  And God did a great thing, even before the convention began!  God has changed my husband!  On the day of the last breakthrough night, my husband said, “We have to go to church”.  We came to church together and he gave his life to Christ that day.  He has now stopped smoking and everything has changed in his life.  He is now, a new born person!

During the special ministration sessions at the convention, I stood in the gap for my husband using my neck chain and on getting home, I placed the chain on my husband’s neck and placed my anointed forehead on his and he started to prophesy, speaking in tongues!  My husband had always criticised speaking in tongues, and here he was doing just that. – Efemuaye L.

I see God do the same for you in Jesus’ name!  With Him, ALL things are possible. Embrace Jesus today and turn the life of your spouse around for good. If you are not born again and you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then 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).

Dear Reader, it is Easter season and I want to congratulate you on being alive and well at a time like this. By God’s grace, you will also be alive, well and mightily increased by this same time next year, in Jesus’ name! As we celebrate, it is important not to forget the essence of this season. It is not just a time to eat, drink, visit friends and feel excited, it should be a time to reflect on the finished work of Christ at Calvary.

It is a very good season to let others know about Christ and His love expressed to humanity at Calvary. What better way to begin this than with our household, those closest to us, our spouse. The Bible says: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19).

This means, we have a duty to witness Christ to others, especially our spouse. There are quite a number of people who were not Christians when they got married. Some of these people still have their spouse outside of the faith and would earnestly wish they experience what they are experiencing now, being Christians. However, to win your spouse to Christ, there is a price to pay.  Don’t give up on your spouse yet!  I am sure this month’s teaching will show you the right moves to make that will help you out of this challenge.

Even though your spouse has vowed not to attend Church services with you, or hear you speak about Christ to him or her, there is still a way out. A woman in Faith Tabernacle, Nigeria once testified of how her sister-in-law and her fasted, prayed and held series of vigils for the salvation of her husband. It was not always convenient for them, but all of their efforts to see that this woman’s husband accepted Christ eventually ended in praise. That is the joy of salvation! The Bible says: Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth (Luke 15:10). Genuine salvation always culminates in joy and rejoicing. It is a thing to celebrate and that means if you have an unbelieving spouse, your celebration will be incomplete this season if he or she is not convinced to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour of his/her life this Easter season. Most importantly, salvation always involves a person’s will to either accept or reject Christ Jesus. But then, there are certain things you can do to get hardened people saved. I shall be discussing one of those things with you today.

Even though there are no established rules in soul-winning that will work for everyone, your spouse’s will in accepting salvation is of utmost importance and it is still possible for your spouse to make heaven. Genesis 7:7 says: And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. If it was possible for Noah, then it is possible for you too! Noah went into the ark of safety with his family. Today, the ark represents our salvation, it is our own ark of safety and we are not permitted to go into it alone. It is required of us to be safe in the pavilion of God’s arms with our family.  When it comes to the issue of salvation, don’t just rejoice at the fact that you are born again; this joy will only be full when all members of your family are incorporated in it. If they are not saved, then they would become a torn in your flesh. There are several things you can do to help get your spouse saved and these things are far from complaint, nagging, forcing, bribing, threatening or tricks.

One of the most potent forces that penetrate through the hardest of hearts is PRAYER. Prayer does not just change things; it changes people also. It has the power to penetrate into the deepest part of a man’s life and transform from the inside.

God is uniquely interested in the salvation of everyone and so every genuine prayer targeted at salvation will always attract His attention, thereby delivering your desired answers. If you can ask Him for all other things, why can’t you ask for the soul of your spouse? Remember that salvation is God’s will for all men, especially your spouse. The Bible says: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1/4). And He said: …after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36).

So, the bliss and abundance you wish for in your home will be achievable when you and your spouse are in union regarding salvation. That is union in spirit, soul and body.

Some of the points you must raise in prayer when demanding for the salvation of your spouse is that God should remove every blindfolding weapon of the wicked that is covering his/her eyes from seeing the glorious gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Therefore, for effectiveness in your prayer; it must be done in faith and based on the Word of God without doubts in your heart. You must also learn to be patient and not to be anxious, especially if your unbelieving spouse is the husband. You could also pray and ask God to send external influence like friends, other relations, colleagues or acquaintances who will positively influence him or her to accept Jesus Christ.  There should be somebody who can talk to your spouse, the way you may not be able to!

Your prayer does not stop you from carrying out your normal duties as a wife or a husband. It does not exempt you from obeying the commandments of God concerning marriage.  You must continue to fulfill your God given obligations. As you pray in faith, with your prayers based on God’s Word, the Spirit of conviction will come on him or her and salvation becomes easy.

Here is a testimony from a sister that can further help build your faith:

My husband does not come to Church.  I could not say exactly what was wrong, but I put it in prayers. At a church service, God’s servant asked us to write a list of what we don’t want to see again in our lives and one of the things I wrote was that my husband must come back and give his life fully to Christ.  He used to attend services before, but all of a sudden, he stopped participating even in the prayers we hold at home.  I knew I am more than conqueror.  I said, ‘You this devil, you must get out of this home, there is no room for you here.’  I believed God to grant all my desire, and the following day, my husband came to church, it was a Sunday.  Since then, he’s the one that wakes us all up for prayers!

I see God do the same for your spouse and loved ones who are still unbelievers in Jesus’ name! If, peradventure, you, the reader, is not born again and you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then 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).

Dear Reader, welcome to another impactful week. God has made provisions for marriage to produce good for us, but we have a responsibility to develop that plan. Marriage can be likened to the negative film of a picture. The photographer must spend time in the darkroom developing the negative and come out with a beautiful picture.  A negative must be developed before it becomes enviable. The same thing applies to marriage. You must develop your marriage by doing those little things that you may think don’t really matters.

So far, we have seen the potency of words in transforming marriages. This week, God has another powerful secret for you and that is, the secret of Touching and Giving of Gifts in enhancing the relationship in your home.

Sometimes, a touch speaks just as much as words. It communicates “I am in touch with you.” It keeps the fire of love burning when words seem clumsy. When this vital factor of touch is lacking, the couple stay aloof and withdrawn. The atmosphere in the house is usually tense. This is a very important act.

A touch communicates warmth. For instance, when a husband puts his arms around his wife, it brings warmth that neither money nor words can produce. Husband and wife, study to be romantic. Couples are to be “ravished” by each other’s love!  God’s Word says: …Be thou ravished always with her love (Proverbs 5:19) “Ravished” means transported by delight. It works!

Husband, there may be times when your wife is down physically. Remember that “love is medicine.” At such times, all you need do is to show a little more love and she will be well! Some kind words, a little physical touch, some kisses or a little gift from you makes a whole lot of difference to your spouse!

Some people have a strange mentality that it is only the man that should give gifts or touches. No! the woman can also initiate this and it does not have to be only on special occasions. You may decide to give your spouse a gift just for the sake of it. You don’t have to have a reason to present a gift to your spouse. You must understand that these little things go a long way to create a peaceful atmosphere in the home.

The truth is: Your thoughtful act, touches, appreciation and show of love can heal your spouse from any kind of illness. The time he or she would have spent at the doctor’s office could be used by you to demonstrate your love to him or her and you wouldn’t need to spend your money on drugs anymore!

I’ll never forget an experience I had some years ago. There was a time when I was really down physically. My husband went out one of those days and came back with a little gift, beautifully wrapped and personally presented to me; to further express his love for me. Could you believe that little act of love from him brought me health and I never needed medication? There’s no woman who hates to be loved. These are little things, but they have the ability to lift up your marriage. Love is medicine!

God so loved the world that He gave His son! If you claim to love, it must find expression in giving. A thoughtful little gift at the right time can work wonders! You must make it a point of duty to remember special days such as birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, and share the joy of the moment by exchanging gifts.These were the things you did while courting; you shouldn’t let them slip by just because you are now married.

A gift at the right time to your spouse can enhance your relationship and make it more precious. Remember Elkanah and Hannah? Elkanah was sensitive to the needs of his wife. He had so mastered the art of ministering to Hannah’s emotional needs that he could say to her, …Am not I better to thee than ten sons (I Samuel 1:8). Be the relief and strength your spouse need at specific times. Let him or her be sure to say “I know if I am with my spouse I will feel better.” Let you actions each moment be filled with love and commitment to building your home and your labour will be rewarded with the bliss you desire in your home. You will not fail in Jesus’ name!

If you are not born again, it will be impossible for you to benefit from what has just been discussed. You become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of your life. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

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

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

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

Dear Reader, I welcome you to another great and impactful time of learning at Jesus’ feet. God’s Word always renews us and I believe your marriage have been taking a new turn by the words you read each week. It is my prayer that all you have learnt from the series of teachings will reflect positively in your marriage and home in Jesus’ name!

Last week, we saw how powerful the word “Thank you” is. This week, you will yet be receiving another secret that will enhance your desire for a fulfilled marriage. This secret is learning to say “I love you.”

Saying, “I love you” over and over again spices up the marriage. Words are powerful, and just like it is necessary for rain to fall again and again for farmers to reap a bountiful harvest, so also it is necessary to say “I love you” over and over again to keep the bond in your marriage stronger.

Come to think of it, since your relationship started off by the use of these three words, wouldn’t it grow by the continuous use of it? The presumptuous claim that it’s not necessary to tell your spouse “I love you” over and over again because, “He or she should know you love him/her,” is wrong. The Bible points out the importance of voicing out what one believes in the heart (Romans 10:10). What you believe in your heart, needs to be expressed with your mouth. No one can read minds, and until thoughts are voiced out they remain private.

Your spouse cannot continue assuming that you love him or her, but you can express or reaffirm him or her by saying it regularly. The truth is: Just as there are no limits to saying thank you or I’m sorry, there are also no limit to saying “I love you.” In actual fact, this should be said more often in the home than any other words.

Faith, the Bible tells us, comes by hearing. If faith, the all-important mountain mover, becomes ours by the simple act of hearing God’s Word, imagine how many mountains will be moved out of your homes when your spouse hears the words, “I love you!” each time.

Someone once said the issue with many people is that they keep emphasising on their challenges, instead of the positive changes they hope to see. If you want the oil in the home to dry up, then confess the negative. But if you want to experience newness of love, peace and joy in your home, then you must keep making positive confessions. The truth is: when you are used to telling your spouse how much you love him or her, even when situations seems contrary, it is easily resolved because love already fills your heart and overwhelms the negative situation around you.

The genuine expression of love was how God won man to Himself – the Bible says while we were yet sinners, Christ died, thus saying, “I love you” to mankind who rejected His love. So, it does not matter whether your spouse reciprocates this act of love or not, what matters is the positivity you are contributing into your home and this will always speak for posterity.

One way you can also keep saying “I love you” to your spouse is to speak kind words to him or her. Words create the atmosphere of a home relationship. Express to your mate the nice qualities you like in him or her. Husband and wife must learn to speak kind words to each other. Words create the right atmosphere in your home. There must be a continued renewal of your love towards your spouse (Colossians 3:19; Ephesians 5:25-28).

Someone rightly said, “Action speaks louder than words.” There is a place for words and also a place for action. Lending a helping hand, being available makes a lot of difference in relationships. They are a way to say, “I care”.  Someone once said that it can be quite frustrating for a woman to do all the work in the house, while the man sits in front of the television enjoying a game of football, only to say to the tired woman, “I love you, dear”. She knows you love her, at least you’ve said so, but take a step and help her with the household chores. It adds zest to your words.

When a wife hears “I love you” from the husband, her countenance changes. She cannot hear it too much. My husband is never too tired to appreciate and say, “I love you” to me. Each time I hear that from my husband, I’m excited and on top throughout the day. It works!

Say the words before leaving for work and when you come home. Say, “I love you” before hanging up the phone or after a particularly inspiring conversation. Every marriage needs a daily dose of these three important words. “I love you” often is never a bad habit to cultivate. Even if we are upset with our spouse that day, saying “I love you” may help us forgive him or her.

Learn to say nice words to your family members. Husbands, it’s not wrong to say, “I love you” to your wife often. However, you can’t say the words and really mean it without being born again. You become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of your life. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

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

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

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