The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Family

  • Family remembers Justice Muri-Okunola

    One way to review the imprint  of a departed soul is to assess the impact of his death on those who knew him. Eleven years after the death of Justice Muritala Aremu Okunola, his son, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Permanent Secretary, Lands, Lagos State, still remembers him as a doting father, a compassionate man, a dedicated Nigerian and a man who believed in a just and egalitarian society.

    Justice Okunola died in Mecca on Thursday, January 29, 2004 when he went to perform the Hajj. Last week marked the 11th memorial of the incorruptible judge. So remarkable was the achievement of Justice Okunola that in 2009, the Lagos State Government felt compelled to name a park after the late legal icon. The park is located on Ozumba Mbadiwe Way, Victoria Island. Lagos.

    Having dedicated his life to nation building and service to humanity, it came as no surprise that the departed hero was so honoured. As his family and friends came together to remember him, a special prayer session for the repose of his soul was held at his residence on Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Justice Okunola is survived by his wife, Alhaja Ramdalat Fehintola, five children and many grandchildren.

  • Slain police officer’s family cries out over alleged neglect

    Slain police officer’s family cries out over alleged neglect

    For the family of one of the four policemen killed in the recent armed robbery attack on Ikare-Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State, it has been a tale of woe since their breadwinner, Corporal Kola Ogidan was killed in the January 13 attack that also claimed the lives of 19 others.

    Still struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of Ogidan, the family is faced with lack of money to organize a befitting burial for their slain son. And their problem is compounded by the police authority’s seeming reluctance to offer any form of assistance.

    The family, in a statement, alleged neglect by the state police command and has therefore cried out to the Inspector General of Police Mr Sueiman Abba to come to their aid and intervene in the matter.

    They said the command complained of paucity of fund when asked for money to organize Ogidan’s funeral rites.

    Ogidan who was popularly called “Kola Team” was attached to Akure Road Police post in Ikare Akoko and was shot to death on the day of the incident by the armed robbers who invaded the town.

    The family noted that the late Ogidan’s entitlements from the Police force were also not released by the State Police authorities.

    The family noted that the deceased Police Officer who was survived by an aged mother, pregnant wife and children died while serving his nation, hence the need for the government to compensate them.

    It was learnt that Late Ogidan was one of the few Police Officers that faced the robbers in an attempt to protect the masses.

    Also, it was learnt that the deceased’s family had met with the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Eke on the matter but nothing positive came out of the meeting. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wole Ogodo could not be reached for comments.

    Residents of the town have however called on the Nigerian Army to establish a military check point in the town to forestall further ugly occurrence.

    The State Assembly at its sitting on Tuesday also called for the establishment of Military post in Ikare-Akoko Community.

    A community Leader, Chief Saliu Ojelabi said the community needed heavy presence of security men to ensure security of its people.

     

  • We empathise with the deceased’s family, but we’re in business

    THE key value of our hospital is to empathise with our patients. This is why we don’t turn down any patients at our door steps. When he (the deceased) was brought here, he came with a diagnosis of a brain tumour, with overwhelming sepsis. We accepted him and because he was not stable for surgery as that time, he was taken into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). With that, we accepted the liability to treat no matter what. For that, they paid a deposit of N1. 6million.

    “We moved on with the treatment of the patient barring any other circumstances. We invited some specialists like nuero-surgeons; those are speacialists that deal with brain disorders and things like that. We stabilised him for about three days and went on with surgery. Eventually, a bill of N2.7 million was accumulated.

    “As at now, it is the sum of N1.6million that they paid initially at the point of entry that they have paid. We went on with treatment, calling in specialists from outside and paying them along the line. Eventually, he died and now they said they want the corpse without paying anything.

    “I have met with them in my office and they never agreed to even pay anything at all. As at today, in my meeting with them, they have not agreed to pay a dime out of the balance. The management is still discussing and we have agreed among ourselves that we are willing to give something significant off the balance.

    “The ICU section was newly set up. It was barely set up three weeks ago. It is a newly-set up section to save people’s lives. If we did not have the ICU in place, the man wouldn’t have survived the two or three days.  We wouldn’t have accepted him in the first place. We just newly set up the place, but I will not go into how we did that. It is newly set up and we just have few patients coming in.

    “We are ready because of the empathy we are talking about to still remove significant amount off the balance. If we actually run the system this way, tomorrow, we won’t be here to save other lives.

    “They claimed they offered to pay N500, 000 and we refused to collect it from them. But that is not true. Nobody will reject money, even in our private business. If they had offered it, we would have collected it. Nobody would have refused to collect what they claimed they wanted to offer.

    “Procedurally, we know that patients may not be able to pay up their bills before they are discharged, so we have a legal process by which people could be met halfway. Usually, they need to meet the legal adviser, pay their money and then they would make an offer, which is acceptable to the hospital. If it is acceptable to the hospital, whatever is left, they would make a legal document to that effect. But in this particular case, they felt they could just come and take their corpse away, but that is not how negotiation for payment should be made, especially when it involves an ICU treatment where many specialists’ attention have been involved.

    “Bear in mind that some of these specialists are not our staff. We had to invite them from outside. Even if we are going to give any relief, it should be at a reasonable percentage that will meet the cost incurred. That is the point we want them to understand”.

    That he was on oxygen did not mean that he was not eating. He was placed on specialised food that was compounded by dietician. They did not understand all that. If they had been patient enough, all these would have been explained to them.

    This letter came in on the 22nd of January, that was yesterday o the CMD’s office and he minuted it to me and wrote ‘COO urgent’.  I got it this morning and we are actually taking action. We have met and have agreed to give them a significant concession.

  • The secrets of family increase (4)

    DEAR Reader, I will be concluding this series, by showing you something that has robbed many from entering into the fullness of the blessings of God.  As we start, we will see how it can be avoided and cured.  This thing am talking about is a universal disease that has no regard for a particular race or colour. It plagues the big and the small. It doesn’t matter whether you travel from one country of the world to another; it needs no visa to travel with you. It is Anxiety!

    Anxiety is defined as a troubled feeling in the mind, caused by fear and uncertainty. It is a killer disease which needs a cure. If left unchecked, it degenerates into bigger diseases. However, as great as advancement in medical science is, it has not been able to provide a cure for anxiety. So, how do we overcome anxiety? The only cure to anxiety is the Word of God. The Word is the all-producing and never-failing solution to every issue of life (Hebrews 1:3).

    Before we can successfully tackle this disease, it will be good to know its causes and effects.  It differs from people to people, ranging from fear of insecurity, finance problems, failure, ill health of a family member, etc. Maybe you live in an area where robbers pay regular visits to, maybe the general economy of your country is not encouraging or you are to execute a project, and the means to do it is not visible. These and lots more are diverse causes of anxiety plaguing homes, families and people generally, in the world today.

    The effects of anxiety are so many as we mentioned above and they are devastating. Spiritually, anxiety cuts off your relationship with God, and takes away your joy. Without joy, you cannot worship God, neither can you serve Him acceptably, nor pray effectively. If all these are not in place, however, the devil has a free hand, and anything could happen. God forbid! The family today, is prone to this killer disease called anxiety. Never let it catch up with your family. Fight it and free yourself. Give the devil no chance in your affairs.

    So, what is the cure for anxiety? The Bible says: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).

    The above Scripture is a commandment from God. To obey is better than sacrifice. When you give room to anxiety, you are working in disobedience. You may say, “Well, I know it is a commandment, but what do I do now? How do I pay children’s school fees, landlord’s rent, and car expenses?” Remember, the book of Proverbs chapter 29 and verse 1 says that anyone who refuses instruction shall perish suddenly without remedy. God knows about all these, before He said you should be anxious for NOTHING. It means He has given you what it takes not to give room to anxiety. You have the power to refuse anxiety.

    When you consciously refuse to be anxious, you are obeying God’s commandment and He in turn makes things begin to work out for you. You can overcome anxiety. Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. When you give in to anxiety, you are judging God unfaithful, and you are calling Him a liar.

    You are not too sure of His abilities and therefore, you can no more depend on Him. Free yourself from the entanglement of anxiety today, and give God a chance in your affairs. This comes by surrendering your life to Christ.

    You surrender by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.  If you are ready to be born again, please say this prayer:  Dear Lord, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  Forgive me of my sins.  Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Now I know I am born again! 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, and conselling@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).

  • The secrets of family increase (4)

    Dear Reader, I will be concluding this series, by showing you something that has robbed many from entering into the fullness of the blessings of God.  As we start, we will see how it can be avoided and cured.  This thing am talking about is a universal disease that has no regard for a particular race or colour. It plagues the big and the small. It doesn’t matter whether you travel from one country of the world to another; it needs no visa to travel with you. It is Anxiety!

    Anxiety is defined as a troubled feeling in the mind, caused by fear and uncertainty. It is a killer disease which needs a cure. If left unchecked, it degenerates into bigger diseases. However, as great as advancement in medical science is, it has not been able to provide a cure for anxiety. So, how do we overcome anxiety? The only cure to anxiety is the Word of God. The Word is the all-producing and never-failing solution to every issue of life (Hebrews 1:3).

    Before we can successfully tackle this disease, it will be good to know its causes and effects.  It differs from people to people, ranging from fear of insecurity, finance problems, failure, ill health of a family member, etc. Maybe you live in an area where robbers pay regular visits to, maybe the general economy of your country is not encouraging or you are to execute a project, and the means to do it is not visible. These and lots more are diverse causes of anxiety plaguing homes, families and people generally, in the world today.

    The effects of anxiety are so many as we mentioned above and they are devastating. Spiritually, anxiety cuts off your relationship with God, and takes away your joy. Without joy, you cannot worship God, neither can you serve Him acceptably, nor pray effectively. If all these are not in place, however, the devil has a free hand, and anything could happen. God forbid! The family today, is prone to this killer disease called anxiety. Never let it catch up with your family. Fight it and free yourself. Give the devil no chance in your affairs.

    So, what is the cure for anxiety? The Bible says: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).

    The above Scripture is a commandment from God. To obey is better than sacrifice. When you give room to anxiety, you are working in disobedience. You may say, “Well, I know it is a commandment, but what do I do now? How do I pay children’s school fees, landlord’s rent, and car expenses?” Remember, the book of Proverbs chapter 29 and verse 1 says that anyone who refuses instruction shall perish suddenly without remedy. God knows about all these, before He said you should be anxious for NOTHING. It means He has given you what it takes not to give room to anxiety. You have the power to refuse anxiety.

    When you consciously refuse to be anxious, you are obeying God’s commandment and He in turn makes things begin to work out for you. You can overcome anxiety. Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. When you give in to anxiety, you are judging God unfaithful, and you are calling Him a liar.

    You are not too sure of His abilities and therefore, you can no more depend on Him. Free yourself from the entanglement of anxiety today, and give God a chance in your affairs. This comes by surrendering your life to Christ.

    You surrender by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.  If you are ready to be born again, please say this prayer:  Dear Lord, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  Forgive me of my sins.  Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Now I know I am born again! 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, and conselling@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).

  • The secrets of family increase (4)

    DEAR Reader, everybody in life desires increase, and it is good and godly to want increase.  That is why we will find out from God’s Word today what it takes to enjoy increase, so you can keep on increasing in life.

    God is a giving God. Giving is godlike. If we claim to be God’s children, we must emulate Him in all things.  This week, we will be looking at Giving.God so loved the world that He gave (John 3:16). He demonstrated His love for man by taking the initiative and giving us His Son, even when no man understood what He was doing and could not say, “Thank you”. It was in His selfless giving that the world was won. If man and wife will learn to prefer each other in love, consider and think of ways to bless the other, family life will be so much sweeter. God’s Word says: Love is…never…selfish… (1 Corinthians 13:5 (TLB).

    Giving To God

    Money is actually limited in value except it is placed in the hands of God. Money has wings. If you don’t send it on errand, someday it will take up wings and fly away by itself.  Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven (Proverbs 23:5).

    Money is a god; it seeks to be worshipped. That is why Matthew 6:24 says you cannot serve God and mammon. “Mammon” means money. It is a good servant but a terrible master; don’t allow the absence of it to determine the atmosphere of your home. There are some people once they are angry, you know there is no money in their pocket. Don’t let it destroy the peace and joy in your home.

    The Bible declares that two is better than one. You can “better” your giving to the Lord by giving as a family, thus making better your receiving (Luke 6:38). You must encourage each other to sow seeds. Though hard times have come upon the earth, you will be exempted as you purpose to keep sowing into the Kingdom. As a family, ensure your tithe is paid, either separately as husband, wife and children or together as a family. Give offerings according to your size also. Don’t rob God in your offerings. Ensure that your children also give offerings.

    It is wisdom to sow to the Kingdom, even when you need every penny. There is a portion to eat and a portion to sow (Proverbs 11:24).

    Giving To The Poor

    You must be generous to the poor, the underprivileged and those who do not have as much as you have. God loves the merciful and releases blessings upon them. God’s Word says: He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse (Proverbs 28:27).

    When you reach out to bless the poor, God ensures that you do not lack. Anyone who pretends not to know those who are in need, is selfish and will incur a curse upon himself.

    Cornelius was a man given to almsgiving, and one day God visited him and blessed him with salvation. You, too, can register in God’s book of remembrance, by being open and generous. Women can emulate the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31.

    Giving To Men Of God

    As couples, you must provoke each other to do the right things. Sowing to the lives of men of God placed over us is right and provokes great blessings from the Lord. God is glorified when you handle your money this way.

    Giving To Parents

    We have an undeniable responsibility towards our parents. It is your duty to honour your parents, according to how God has blessed you. You can’t have parents, who don’t have food to eat and you are wasting food in your house. That is irresponsibility. You must honour your parents, if life must be well with you.

    Many marriages are in a financial mess because they fail in their covenant responsibilities to their parents.  God’s Word says:  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Ephesians 6:1-3).

    Also, giving gifts to each other spices up the marriage. You can take the initiative to surprise your partner with thoughtful little gifts. If it did wonders for you during your courtship days, it will do you no harm to carry the habit over into marriage.

    Those who run after money are running after sorrow. My husband often says, “If you run after money you will mourn.” So, run after God, and money will run after you. Are you set to run after God? You need to be born again. To be born again means 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, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  Forgive me of my sins.  Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Now I know I am born again!

    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, and conselling@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).

     

    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 secrets of family increase (3)

    Dear Reader, with great joy and excitement, I bring God’s Word your way today. Last week, we saw the role of the man in the family.

    This week, we will also be looking at The Role of the Woman in the Family Finance. As we go along, I want you to believe God’s liberating Word as it comes to you through instructions. As you believe and obey His instructions, you will experience God’s mighty hand in your family.

    From creation, we see the role of the woman.  God created the woman to be a help that is meet for the man.  She is the help that is suitable for the man.  You are meant to be a help not ‘dis-help’.

    There should be no “his” and “hers” in family finance. Both should have access to each other’s money. Where there’s a joint account, no one should spend money without informing the other. At an agreed date, both partners can come together to plan the family budget, mapping out how much should be spent on food, children and each other, as well as paying electricity bills, etc. It is refusing to work together as a team that places families under tension and crisis.

    Trust is the key word in family finance. Husband and wife must trust each other enough to put their money together and be prudent in spending it. Note that accountability helps to boost trust. Where no one wants to be accountable to the other, there will be no progress financially.

    There are some women who spend feeding allowance on clothes and other personal things, when their husbands give them money for house keep. The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is trustworthy. God’s Word says: The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her… Verse 11.

    A good place to start in building up trust in one another is by being open about your monthly income. If you lie about it, you are only opening the way for the enemy.

    Consider this testimony

    “I was having problems at home financially. The money I had did not seem to be enough to make ends meet. My husband too was not co-operating. Then I heard about “Family Clinic Programme” being conducted by Pastor Mrs. F. Oyedepo and I decided to come and seek counsel concerning the finances of my home. After the teachings, I applied all I learnt and since then my husband has changed; he has been giving me money not only for feeding but enough to start a business. Thank God for His counsel.” – Mrs. T.

    As you obey the Lord’s instructions, your finances will take on a new turn as this lady’s own did in Jesus’ Name.

    To have an exciting marriage and family, you have to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. This is 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, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  Forgive me of my sins.  Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Now I know I am born again!

    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, and conselling@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).

     

  • The secrets of family increase (2)

    DEAR Reader, by God’s arrangement, the husband is to provide for his family. He is the one who must ensure there is food for members of his family. He must ensure that his family members are well taken care of, especially his immediate family members (S.O.S 1:6).

    The man must labour with his hands, especially as a married man; he cannot afford to be lazy. Your hands must be working hands. There is dignity in labour.  God’s Word says: Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase (Proverbs 13:11).

    This week, we will be looking at The Role of the Man in Providing for His Household.

    It is unfair for the man to shift the responsibility of handling family finances to the woman. He may assign a portion of it to her, but should not abandon his responsibility, only to turn around and blame her half way in the month, if the money does not stretch. However, the woman ought to be hard-working and assist the man in any way possible.

    A man who is too slothful to find gainful employment should not be caught eating … This we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). God is serious about the need for men to rise up to their God-given roles, even in this day and age, where women also work to help make ends meet. A man who is too slothful to find gainful employment should not eat. Bishop T.D. Jakes said in one of his teachings, “The first thing God gave the man was not a wife but a job, a vision, an assignment”. Right from the time Adam was blessed with a wife, the man has had to head the marriage union. This has also placed upon him the responsibility of providing for his household. God’s Word says: But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (I Timothy 5:8).

    As the man, you must be working towards a goal of some sort. You should have some gainful employment. The only time we are permitted to stop working is when we don’t want to eat anymore, and that is either when you are asleep or dead. However, as long as you are awake and alive, then work must continue.

    Look at this testimony:“For over three years, whatever form of business I did eventually ended me in debts, as I went into the business without any capital. During this time, the devil would put me into one problem or another (either my children would fall sick or something else), which always disturbed and disgraced me.

    The miracle came just after the Breakthrough Seminar. We were advised to do whatever was laid in our minds, and it occurred to me to start selling ice water. I prayed and started it. Since then, I had been able to pay up a major part of my debt, and now I enjoy rest of mind!” – Nagberi, R.

    The man is given the responsibility to cater for his wife and children. If he fails in this duty, he is a failure! It is a curse if the wife takes up this responsibility of the man permanently in the home. For a couple to ensure they are shame-free, the man must understand this truth and rise to the occasion. When the money does come in, if the man selfishly spends all the money on new clothes for himself, etc, he cannot win his wife’s trust. From then on, she will take money from the feeding to buy personal effects for herself too.

    So, according to God, the man is the provider. He is the one who must look for food and provide for members of his family. This is in keeping with the divine order. Therefore, the man must labour with his hands and expect God to bring the increase. If he does not work, no increase can comes his way.

    The grace to carry out your responsibility in your home can only be given by God.  Do you need God’s grace in your life?  Then surrender your life to Christ. This is 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, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  Forgive me of my sins.  Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Now I know I am born again!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, and conselling@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).

  • The secrets of family increase

    Dear Reader, Happy Prosperous New Year!  You are welcome to this exciting moment in God’s presence on Family Forum, in Jesus’ Precious Name!

    2014 is gone, a new year has just began for you.  You shall never have a better last year in Jesus name! The Word of God says: Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold! I will do a new thing (Isaiah 43:18-19).

    Forget about all your past failure, your past prayerlessness, weakness and spiritual laziness, etc.  This New Year, God is set to do new things in your life and family; the new things of God will not pass you by.

    Do you know that there is a life of increase in God? I am talking about increase in every area of your life and family – home, finances, business.  Are you longing to experience this in your family life? Then come along with me as we delve into the Word of God this new month, which is the first month in our year of Heaven on Earth. May the Lord give you quick understanding.

    This week, we will be looking at The Source of Increase. Our God is a God of increase, and He delights in your increase. Increase is making positive progress, to satisfaction. It means where you were yesterday is not where you are supposed to be today. It means you are assessing yourself, your family life, your finances; they are all moving forward. I see you moving forward in every area of your life today, in Jesus’ name!

    There was a time that God told Moses to tell the children of Israel to go forward, not to mark time on a spot. Beloved, are you going forward in your family life? Are you making satisfactory progress in your finances? Is the Word of God having positive effect in your family?

    Any genuine increase, however, only comes from God.  God’s Word says: I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians. 3:6).  For your increase to last and be peaceful, it must come from God. Until God becomes your source of increase in your health, finances, relationships, etc, that increase will be short-lived. Don’t be deceived by forbidden shortcuts. For instance, if you want increase in the area of good health for your family members, let no one deceive you to begin to look for one herbalist or the other around the corner. They have nothing to offer. Make God the source of your health. Let Him be your Jehovah-Rapha.

    Anything God cannot handle, forget it, no man can. In your finances, they may tell you there is one money doubler somewhere and one get-rich-quick magician. Never listen to them; it is a trap in disguise. Even if such money comes, it flies off immediately. It is characterised by many sorrows and pains. God’s Word says: The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22).

    It is only the blessings of God that make rich without additional sorrow. In your place of work, never seek abundance by giving or receiving bribe. Don’t alter figures to favour your pocket. That’s not the way to long-lasting peaceful increase. Let God bless you and everyone you shall see it. When God is the source of your increase, He backs it up, and the increase will stand the test of time.

    Look at this testimony:

    “God increased my salary, and made sure it was paid, unlike the salary increase announced by the Federal Government, which some workers in the country are yet to enjoy. You need to know about my financial background, to appreciate what the Lord has done for me.

    I am a civil servant on Grade Level 07, earning less than two thousand naira as my take-home pay every month. With a family of five, it became compulsory for me to borrow money in order to survive every month. In fact, I was indebted to the tune of 35,000 naira. As a professional, I tried everything to get a better job, but all my efforts proved abortive. Today, I give God all the glory, because He has changed my financial status from a borrower to a giver, not just a lender! He blessed me and has made me a blessing to others.

    As soon as I responded to all the teachings and divine instructions from this altar and the Bible, things turned around for me financially! I discovered through the help of the Holy Spirit that as a civil servant, it is possible for me to prosper, even as a driver. But He gave me a strong warning to do away with pride. Also, I prayed to God on behalf of my boss in the office, and God answered my prayer. He promoted my boss, and by his promotion, I was also automatically promoted. God has changed me from a civil servant to a ‘civil lord,’ because it is what I command that happens in my office now! I am now pleased and contended with my job.” – A, O.

    Abundance is a covenant and covenant is a binding agreement usually between two people. In the case of abundance (Increase), it is a covenant between God and man (Deuteronomy 8:18). Furthermore, in a covenant, there are personal responsibilities, which must be fulfilled on the part of the two people involved.

    To have access to increase, you must be connected to God, the source of increase. This is done 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, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  Forgive me of my sins.  Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Now I know I am born again!

    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, and conselling@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).

  • Mothers relish family planning

    The World Health Organisation preaches it. The government makes some pronouncements on it, not that everbody believes everything it says. Now, here is the best part: mothers are keying into it. They are planning their families and are the happier for it.

    One of such women is 32-year-Margaret Michael. As soon as she got married, she agreed in principle with her husband to have only three children, which they believe will form a manageable size family for them. But she was not been able to keep faith with the plan. She started giving birth almost on a yearly basis. Although she would not say when she got married or the number of children she has, she was quoted as saying, “For a very long time I have been hoping to see how I will plan my family by spacing my children but I keep giving birth almost every year. This is how fertile I can be…I don’t want to get pregnant. This has been a major worry in my martial home”.

    Margaret, a resident of Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, was scared of family planning because she had a very vague notion of it. The information she heard was coupled with scary stories of strife and side effects.

    She said, “I used to think that family planning destroyed the womb and made one to add weight. In short, so many side effects even our forefathers forbade it because a woman was meant to give birth to as many as she can”. However, Margret said that a chance meeting with a team of social mobilizers representing the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) changed her notion and today, she said she is better off. The team, she said referred her to a health facility and “I am happy now and my oga (husband) are happy. Now we can enjoy ourselves without worrying about pregnancy.”