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Tag: help meet

  • Becoming a help meet (5)

    DEAR Reader, I started this teaching by explaining to you how you can acquire knowledge of your God-given position in your husband’s life. In the second lesson, I asked you to examine yourself if you were hurting or helping your husband. The third lesson was a teaching on the key of wisdom. In last week’s edition, I gave you the secrets for family distinction.

    Today, I want to talk about the Use of the Tongue as a Helpmeet.  If you stand on the shoulder of another man, you see farther than that man. When you learn from others, you become wiser. May the good Lord give you understanding!

    POSITIVE use of the tongue, include:

    1. PEACE:

    Abigail was married to a man of low reasoning. The man exhibited folly and was about to be destroyed with his entire household by David. It took the intervention of the man’s wife, Abigail, who spoke right words to David, for the household to be preserved. The Word of God says: And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send (1 Samuel 25:23-25).

    In another account of Scriptures, the Jews were to be destroyed by the wickedness of a high ranking officer (Haman) in the cabinet of king Ahasuerus. Esther, a Jew, was privilege of God to have favour in the sight of the king, but she stood in the gap for her people. Despite the dicey situation that could take her own life, she used her tongue positively, and her people were delivered. Thereafter, their enemy, Haman, died in their stead (Esther 4:15-16; 7:1-10).

    1. PROCURES LIFE

    The only son of a godly woman called, Shunamite Woman died. Instead of crying and saying negative things, she used her tongue positively and her son was brought back to life (2 Kings 4:26).

    1. ESTABLISHES DESTINY

    The Israelites spoke against God, wishing that they had died in Egypt or in the wilderness. The Lord heard, and sealed up their destiny. They all died in the wilderness, never to reach the Promised Land. However, only Joshua and Caleb who used their tongues positively, were preserved, and entered the Promised Land (Numbers 14:25).

    1. LONG LIFE

    If you desire to live long and see many days, God says that you have a responsibility to keep your mouth from speaking negative words (Psalms 34:12-13).

    1. SUCCESS

    The Word of God coming out of your mouth with a heart full of assurance that He Who has promised will surely do it, is what guarantees your success (Joshua 1:8).

    1. PROTECTION

    The Psalmist said: “I will say….” What are you saying with your mouth? Remember, it is what you say that you will see (Psalms 91:2).

    1. DIVINE PRESENCE

    He that speaks the truth ….He that backbites not with his tongue…. He that is pure in heart and lips, etc, are the categories of people that God dwells with. Again, from scriptures we understand that when God’s presence is with you, no mountain can withstand you. Therefore, speak right and you will always carry His presence (Psalms 15:1-3).

    NEGATIVE use of the tongue:

    1. STRIFE

    A wise man once said, “Ninety percent of the friction of daily life is caused by the wrong tone of voice.” Consider this: (Proverbs 15:1).

    1. DESTROYS DESTINY

    Already mentioned above (see 3), the Ten Spies destroyed their destinies by the words of their mouth (Proverbs 13:3; Numbers 14:22-24).

    1. PROCURES DEATH

    The Bible says that death and life are in the power of tongue (Proverbs 18: 21). This was validated in the story of Ananias and Sapphira, where their lying tongues invoked the wrath of God, which led to their death (Acts 5:1-10).

    1. LEADS TO HELL

    All liars shall not only die physically on earth, but shall have a part in the second death (Revelation 21:8).

    1. LEADS OTHERS TO SIN

    By deceit which comes out of the mouth, the serpent (satan) made man to fall. It is a sin to make others commit error by the words of your mouth. That was what satan employed when he led Adam & Eve to sin (Genesis 3).

    1. LEADS YOU TO SIN

    The words of your mouth matter to God. Therefore, guide it. (Ecclesiastes. 5:6). There are three things that happen to our words:

    1. God acts on it (Isaiah 44:26; Numbers 14:28)
    2. Devil acts on it (Psalms 18:44)
    3. Angels act on it (Ecclesiastes 5:6)

    What you call your children is what they become. When pregnant, what you say concerning the pregnancy matters much to the life of that child. For example, a man says to his pregnant wife: ‘This belle wey you carry so, if na girl just carry am go your parent’s house from the hospital.’ If the baby happens to be a girl, she is already unwanted in that family. Her life is already affected in the negative, and unless the mercy of God prevails, she begins to live an unfulfilled life. Parents, watch out. A woman finds out she’s pregnant, she hisses and says, ‘Who wants a child now? Oh! I don’t need another baby, etc.’ Eventually, when the baby comes, the he/she will hate the mother from birth, and there is already discord in that family relationship. Parents, take heed.

    There is so much to say about God’s view concerning the use of our tongues. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, says the Bible, and a good tree brings forth good fruits (Proverbs 15:4). Therefore, today, determine to plant a good tree in the life of your husband, wife, children, family members, business and careers, then, you shall reap good fruits.

    But first, you need to surrender your life to Christ to be able to make good use of your tongue, and that begins with you being born again. Please say this prayer and you shall be born again: “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).

  • Becoming a help meet (4)

    DEAR Reader, You are welcome to another wonderful time in God’s presence. So far, I have showed you how to know your position as a helpmeet. I also told you to examine yourself whether you are hurting or helping your husband. Last week, I gave you one vital key of becoming a help meet, which is operating in wisdom. Today, I want to give you the Secrets for Family Distinction.

    I am glad to let you know that there is so much good reserved for you in your home, family, spouse, children, business, finance and career, this year, but the Bible says: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).Whatever God tells you to do this year, do it. There is a reward in obedience. You shall not miss your portion this year in Jesus’ Name. Purpose in your heart to obey God: be determined to do His will, and refuse to be among the evil doers. In addition, choose that which is good and then, you will see His outstretched arm in your direction this year, and you will become a positive surprise to all around you in Jesus’ Name.

    In this New Year, God is telling us to arise. It is a commandment from God, which does not depend on your feeling or ability. Thereafter, arise from the failures and woes of the previous year, and shake your feet from the dust. As a family, put an instant stop to counting your losses of last year. Instead, arise from within you in obedience, and God shall strengthen you. The Word of God says: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee (Isaiah 60:1).

    In a time of famine, hardship, woes and economic recession, the Word of God came to Isaac saying arise and take action. He did not argue with God; instead, he arose and sowed. The Word of God says: Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him (Genesis 26:12). You can see the returns. God is ready to care for you from the beginning of this year to the end (Deuteronomy 11:12), but you have a duty to allow Him. How do you arise?

    1.SPIRITUALLY:

    It takes light to shine, and light comes by the Word of God. The Word of God says: The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Psalms 119:130). It is what you do with His Word this year that will determine how much you shine. Husbands, you are the head of the home, sit down with the Word this year, and give meaningful direction for your household. Don’t go about like a mule and horse without understanding. Enough of foolishness; this year must produce for you. Your family must become an envy of everyone around you this year. Locate the direction for your family in the Word and no devil would be able stop your family from shining. Arise from your slumber. Don’t starve spiritually.

    Until you arise, there can’t be a lifting up. In your prayer life, arise. In the study of the Word, arise. Ensure that your study to avoid shame this year (2 Timothy 2:15). Arise and Christ shall give you light. Dedication is the secret for distinction. How much dedicated you are to God and His Word will determine how much of shining you will enjoy this year. Man, dedicate your life and family to God. Let not this week pass before you make a vow for dedication this year.

    Wife, arise from your downcast position. The Word of God says: Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth (Micah 4:13). Don’t let spiritual laziness destroy or rob you of what God has planned for your life and home this year. Turn to the substance of the Word and stop chasing after shadows. You are born to shine; don’t die as a shadow. Make God your focus, and His Word your priority. Obey Him to the letter, and your life shall take a new turn.

    2.PHYSICALLY

    Arise; the Lord wants to do a new thing. Destroy the spirit of heaviness. Look straight ahead of you into this glorious year. That business deal that didn’t come through last year, that plan that never worked out last year, and that thing you couldn’t do last year because of finances, the Lord says: ‘Arise’, and see a better one done this year.’ Begin to make plans for a great year ahead of you. Root your plans in the Word of God, and take steps. Don’t just sit down. Instead, begin to see every of your plans this year, succeed.

    Therefore, arise and shine! The devil that could not hold you down from entering into this glorious year cannot stop you from shining. As a family- husband, wife and children, make godly plans in your finances, careers, academics, relationships, and seal it with the Word. God shall back you up, and every of your plans shall succeed.

    The Prophet of God, Bishop David Oyedepo, by the Spirit of God has declared 2016 as our year of moving From Glory to Glory. Therefore, see every of your plans this year succeed. Also see you and your family members showing forth the glory of God throughout the year. In your family, relationship, business, finance and career, your shinning shall be unending, in Jesus Mighty Name!

    For the singles, in case you believed God last year for a life partner and he/she didn’t come through. I want you to know that happened because this is the best year for you to be married.

    See a God-fearing, bona fide child of God come your way, and it shall happen suddenly. Arise from the dust of rejection, and let the glory of God fill your life this year. This is your year! The devil can’t stop it, he can’t damn it and he can’t do anything about it. Therefore, arise and shine

    Finally, serve God with your family this year. Service is the way to shining. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and every other thing shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Put God first in your family, and He shall put you first on the earth. Give God His place in your home, and He will give you a place on the earth. Serve Him with determination this year, and you cannot but shine.

    However, it takes God to shine in this wicked world. This is because you need to be born again in order to get what it takes to shine.  Being born again means to surrender your life to Jesus Christ; that is the first step to your shining. You can say this prayer and you shall be born again: “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).

  • Becoming a help meet (3)

    DEAR Reader, Greetings to you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ! In the first teaching of this lesson, I explained to you about knowing your position as a helpmeet. Last week, I discussed on hurting or helping. I don’t know if you have been able to ascertain the position God has ordained for you as a wife or locate the area where you are hurting your husband. If you have not done that, I want you to do it right now. Just pause as you are reading this teaching, and identify that area where you have been hurting your husband, or have not been of help to him. Then, ask God to help you so you can put an end to it. You shall not fail in Jesus name!

    Today, I want to discuss on: Operating in Wisdom as a Helpmeet. Marriage can be likened to a house, and every house is built by men, using certain building materials. Wisdom is a good quality material for building your marriage and home. The Word of God says:  Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established (Proverbs 24:3).

    What is wisdom? Wisdom is knowing which way to go, and going there. It is knowing how to handle situations and make them produce your desired results. It is also knowing how to make it in life.  When you know how to make things work in your family, you are walking in wisdom. Wisdom is also the correct application of knowledge. So, before you can walk in wisdom, you must locate knowledge from the Word of God. You cannot blame God or anyone else for what your home looks like. The Word of God says:  Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands (Proverbs 14:1).

    God in His infinite wisdom has planned one man for one woman.  Every woman in God’s design has her own home. What becomes of that home, however, depends on the woman. This appears to be an awesome responsibility, but by the grace of God and hard work, it is accomplishable.

    There is a story in the Bible of a woman who operated in wisdom; her name is Abigail. She was a woman of wisdom and good understanding. Abigail took a wise step that changed the mind of David from committing the sin of murder. The Word of God says: Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand (1 Samuel 25:3,18,32-33). Abigail is a wise woman indeed.

    Whenever your husband takes a wrong decision that can affect the whole of your generation, you have a responsibility to play a very wise role. If your husband has certain weaknesses that you are strong in, help him; appreciate his good points and point out his mistakes in a kind, and gentle way.

    You need wisdom as a help meet to know “when” to say “what to say.” Take the example of a woman whose husband is just returning from work, tired. Immediately after welcoming him, she announces to him not to expect any food, because there is nothing in the house. Then she wonders why he gets very angry! Remember, a hungry man is an angry man! It may be true that there is no food in the house, but it was said in the wrong way, at the wrong time, and at the wrong place.  As a wise woman, you must know “when” to say “what to say.” It is foolishness to say things just at any time. The Word of God says:  A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards (Proverbs 29:11). The wise still says what is in his heart, but he knows when and where to say it. Whenever there is a matter you want to resolve, locate the right place and time. Not when your husband is hungry or tired, and definitely not in the presence of his colleagues.

    Wisdom can be reflected in the way you speak. How do you address your husband? Some women talk to their husbands rudely, using derogatory words. No, it is very wrong!

    You can convey your message or indifference by your choice of words.  By speaking right and gracious words you will draw your husband closer. A sister said that she had always encountered difficulties in her home because she could not control her tongue.  Below is her testimony:

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

    But on joining this Church, and from the different ministrations I received, my life and marriage became meaningful and received direction. Now, my marriage is established, and I am free from all manner of oppressions of the wicked. My family has been increased remarkably, and I now apply myself to the wisdom of God that has been imparted to me here!” – Opera, C. N.

    Words can be correctly used to bring you favour with your spouse.  Without doubt, right words spoken at the right time are of great value. In presenting an issue, your approach is very important. Also, your approach may be right, but your tone of voice could be demoralizing.  Friction in families, in most cases, is as a result of saying the right thing at the wrong time, in the wrong place, or with the wrong voice tone.  There is a due season for every word! However, it takes wisdom to be able to identify the due season. So, study your husband and know what and when to relate things to him. You shall not fail in Jesus’ name!

    To get wisdom that will enable you to play your role as a helpmeet, you need to be born again. This means to accept the wisdom of God which is Jesus Christ. When you do so, you shall begin to operate in wisdom. You can say this prayer and you shall be born again: “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).

  • Becoming a help meet! (2)

    DEAR Reader, You are welcome to another wonderful time in God’s presence. I count it a great privilege to bring God’s Word your way again today. It is my prayer that your home and family will begin to experience the hand of God, and you shall have every cause to glorify the name of the Lord.

    I began this teaching last week by letting you know your position as a woman, in the life of your husband. In that teaching, I said that if you have the knowledge of your position, you will be able to carry out your role properly as a helpmeet. There is a purpose to which God created you as a woman: He wants you to stand strong in your God-ordained place in your husband’s life. You shall not fail in Jesus’ name! Today, I want to ask you this question: are you ‘Helping or Hurting?’

    As a wife, are you really helping your husband or hurting him? You know the answer yourself. You are meant to be a help that is meet. You are created to surround your man with aid and assistance. His life should be better as a result of his association with you. The Word of God says: And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him (Genesis 2:18). “Help” means “to surround” Therefore, a helpmeet implies one who “surrounds with aid and assistance.” God created the woman for the purpose of surrounding her man with aid and assistance. That is, assisting the man to put in place those things that might be missing in his life.

    As a wife, you know the things about your husband that nobody else does, because you know him to his closet. You know his nakedness, weakness and uprising.  You are, however, not to use that against him. Do not use his weaknesses against him, nor despise him for same, or seek opportunities to disgrace him in the public. Rather, as a helpmeet, you are to surround him with aid and assistance in those identified areas weakness. God wants you to help that man with all the spiritual, emotional and physical aid he requires.

    Be a helper and not a destroyer, an asset and not a liability, a blessing, not a burden, and a soothing balm, not a thorn in his flesh.  You know what a thorn does? It makes life uncomfortable, unbearable and causes pains. That is how some women are to their husbands- a grief of heart. Instead of assisting the man, they surround him with thorns and thistles. They have made marriage a bed of thorns, instead of roses. If that is what you have been to your husband, stop right now, and ask God to forgive you. It could be the reason you are experiencing calamites, instead of heaven’s refreshing in your home. Therefore, ask God to shut whatever door to your home that you may have opened to the devil through your nonchalance and neglect of wifely duties. As you do so, God will give you a new beginning and home, if you so desire. Also, ask God for the grace to constantly surround your husband with aid and assistance.

    You are to bring about a positive change in your husband’s life.  The difference in his life as a result of his marrying you should be glaring for all to see. It is your responsibility to help him attain to the great heights God has prepared for him.

    There is a pathetic story of Isaac and Rebecca in the Bible. Rebecca failed in her duty as Isaac’s helpmeet when she played an unpleasant role in the incidence of Jacob stealing Esau’s blessings.  Isaac was old and so could not see, because his eyes were dim.  Rebecca knew her husband’s weakness, but rather than complement him by helping him, she exploited the situation by “assisting” her son, Jacob, to steal Esau’s blessings, who is equally her son. What a hurt? It was Rebecca who initiated the idea of Jacob stealing Esau’s blessings.  Even when Jacob noted the loopholes in the plan, Rebecca still convinced Jacob to go ahead. Without her support, Jacob would not have been able to deceive Isaac and steal Esau’s blessings. She used her husband’s weakness against him and her son, Esau.

    Woman, have you observed the downward trend in your husband’s spiritual life, yet you don’t care? Rather than take positive steps, you run him down, tongue-lashing him and patting yourself on the back for being more “spiritual”? By so doing, you are treading on shaky ground, because very soon you will realize that the body cannot move when the head has been knocked off! Here is a testimony:

    “I have been married for the past ten years, and ever since, there was no peace in the home. For me, marriage wasn’t good. Things were just upside down. I had a child in 1993, and she died. I also had series of miscarriages. I used to drive a car, but it was no more. It was as if everything came to a halt.

    My husband started coming to Winners’ Chapel in January 1997.  He didn’t ask me to come with him, because I was already attending another Pentecostal church. Yet, there was no peace in the home. The situation worsened, and in June 1997, the tension was so high that I said, ‘Lord, what will I do?’ I told my husband, ‘If this is what marriage is all about, let us call it quit.’ He replied, ‘Well, the door is wide open.  You can go.’  It was then I sat down and did a rethink.

    I came to Winners’ Chapel in June, and began to hear the Bishop say, ‘I have been married for many years now, and there hasn’t been any concern or problem in my home.’ I said to myself, ‘Is it on this earth or on another planet?’

    But somehow, God has done it for me too! Now I know I had been the problem, not my husband. My husband is a perfect gentleman! The Bishop’s wife jokingly says if there was anything as another life, she would still choose to marry her husband. I too can joyfully say the same thing today!” – Neburabo, R.

    It takes salvation to experience a new beginning. If you desire to experience a new beginning in your family this year, you need to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. When you do so, He will give you the power you need to give positive contributions to your spouse. Please say this prayer in faith, and you shall be born again: “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).