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Tag: marriage

  • Marriage: A garden of treasures (3)

    Marriage is not a trap; it was designed by God to make life great for man.  It is for good, better and best.  Many are scared of entering into marriage because they see it as an instrument of stagnation.  Marriage is meant to advance, increase and promote you. It is not a necessary evil as you may have heard and believed.  Marriage is designed to make life complete for you.  A bachelor may say, “But life is good for me now.” No matter the kind of wonderful experience you may be having now, the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 that: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him.  This is a total package for better living!

    I used to be scared by certain marriage vows I hear couples chant on their wedding day.  They say such things as: “I so and so get into wedlock with you, for better for worse, in sickness and health….”  I saw the ignorance of the statements as the intending couples chant the so-called marriage vows, because marriage is not designed to be “for better for worse”, but “for better for best!”  That is why Deuteronomy 32:30 says: How should one chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight? Matthew 18:19 also says: Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Your marriage garden has the treasures of double victory!

    One common treasure in any healthy garden that is well cared for is healthy fruits.  Marriage fruitfulness is a guaranteed treasure in your marriage garden. God Himself commanded this to being, just as He commanded creation to be. Immediately after He conducted the first wedding ever in Genesis 1:28, He said: Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion.

    It was not an admonition but a treasure added to the marriage garden. God did not say, “You may be fruitful”, but “Be fruitful!”  God designed your marriage to be fruitful and He has not changed His design.  Whatever contrary and negative report you may be experiencing now is of the devil and this must be forcefully dealt with via an understanding of the treasures of fruitfulness that God has made available unto you.  I command such report be cancelled today, by the blood

    Fruitfulness and multiplication talk of increase. Family life, therefore, is for increased living. It is for increase in joy, fulfillment, peace and progress. Another word for “fruitfulness” is “success”. God wants you and your family members to succeed in life, not just to succeed but to keep on succeeding everywhere you turn to. Failure is not God’s desire for you whether financially, spiritually, academically or maritally. Failure is not a part of the nature of God; it is alien to Him.  If you are a

    Every good thing in life has a price; there is always what to do to get what you want. In the search for increase, some bypass the proper channel and look for other ways of getting speedy increase. However, any genuine increase that will last in life must have its source in God. Increase, whether in your health, finances, family life or family peace, must come from God. Unless God is the source of your increase, it will not last. The Bible says: I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

    Before God can bring about increases in any area of your life, there are two basic things that are mentioned in that scripture that you must do.

    I have planted…. The first step to increase is to plant the seed, which you desire to increase. A good illustration of this process is in farming. Before a farmer receives a harvest, the kind of seed he wants increased is planted in prepared ground. Likewise, the kind of increase you desire to see in your life right now will determine what you should plant.

    Perhaps you have planted in times past and you cannot see increases coming your way, it could be that the seeds died of lack of watering (speaking the right words). Don’t be discouraged, for your time of increase is on the way. The Chinese bamboo tree is an unusual tree you can learn from. After being planted, it is watered for four years without it showing any increase. It may even appear dead. However, the watering process must be consistently done for four years and in the fifth year, the tree would grow to a height of 90 feet within 5 weeks to the surprise of everybody. Who says God does not answer prayers? He will grant your desired increase, but you must not give up. Quitters don’t win and winners don’t quit!

    Though unfruitfulness is a problem plaguing many marriages today, I want you to know that your marriage was designed for fruitfulness.  It should be a natural blessing, addition and favour from God to you in your marriage garden.  Everything He created came to being and is still in existence today.  God will neither lie nor change.  Also, He’s not a respecter of persons but of His Word (Ecclesiastes 3:14).  His counsel stands sure forever (Psalm 33:11). If He said, “Let there be light” and there was light, then when He said, “Be fruitful”, you must be fruitful.

    No biological or any other report from man has the power to keep your marriage garden fruitless.  Mark 10:27 says: With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.  Disabuse your mind of every scientific explanation.  Trust God by holding Him to His Word and you shall receive a miracle.  Your marriage garden was meant to bear treasure fruits as written in Deuteronomy 7:13-14.  Instead of mourning and weeping over negative reports, wipe your tears and start enriching your mind with the covenant rights of your marriage garden.  Choose to walk in the knowledge of the revealed truth and you will soon find out that no force can hold you down anymore.

    In case you are not yet born again, this is another opportunity for you to do so today. If you want to overcome satanic loopholes in your family this year, don’t miss this golden opportunity. You can become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. 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 born again and now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily; obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 or 08141320204.

     

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

     

  • Marriage: A garden of treasures (1)

    Dear Reader,  Happy new month! In this month where we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, everything dying or dead in your life, marriage and family shall be resurrected, in Jesus’ name. Songs of victory shall be sung in your home, as all things will be turning around for good in your life.

    Marriage entails hard work. Unlike what some people think, especially Christians, a good marriage is not a promise from God, neither does it come by mere wishing. It’s a covenant, and demands responsibility from both parties involved. Just as the man has a part to play, the woman too has a responsibility to make the home work, and until both parties’ play their role, God is not committed to the success of the home.

    Marriage can be likened to a garden filled with treasures. In every garden, there are weeds, thorns and other harmful plants that grow along with the good and edible plants. It is the responsibility of the gardener to tend his field and ensure that these weeds are pulled out to enable healthy growth for the right plants.

    In this month’s series, I shall be teaching you on how to tend the garden called marriage. A garden signifies pleasure, abundance, fruitfulness and fulfilment. For marriage, God is the originator of this garden of blessings. The Bible states: And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.  …to dress it and to keep it (Genesis 2:8, 15).

    From the above Scripture, it is clear that God is the originator of marriage and His intent is to create a better living for man within this context. For you to benefit maximally from this garden, it needs to be properly dressed and cared for. This implies that you remove all unwanted elements that could hamper a great harvest.

    Dressing your marriage takes time, labour, energy, diligence, patience, skill, among others. When your marriage becomes beautiful, its productivity and impact increases. Some people have potentially great marriages, but do not create the time to make it work. Dressing your marriage is a personal responsibility. No one can imagine for you how your marriage should be. In the same vein, no one can work out your marriage the way you would want it.

    The marriage garden is filled with treasures and these are highly valuable. When these treasures are traded, they take one off the realm of the ordinary to that of the supernatural. One of the assets in the marriage garden planted by God are trees.  In the natural, trees have several uses and can be converted into several useful things. God’s Word says: Out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food… (Genesis 2:9).

    Well-planted trees are a thing of beauty and they beautify the environment.  Marriage is meant to be beautiful! You can enjoy the beauty of marriage, if you choose to.

    Secondly, trees provide shade from the heat of the sun, and are used to prevent desert encroachment.  Your marriage can be shielded from the heat of the scourging sun that is beating many people so hard, in the world today.  Desert signifies dryness, thirst and hunger.  Your home is not designed to suffer any of these.  Therefore, if you will walk in accordance with God’s Word, you will be exempted.

    Thirdly, certain trees in the natural are used in draining excessive water from swampy areas. Marriage is meant to help you curtail the excesses of life.  Swampy areas breed mosquitoes and cause health hazards.  All hazards of life can be taken care of, by consciously obeying what the scriptures say about marriage.

    Fourthly, some trees bear edible fruits. God’s Word says: Out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is…good for food… (Genesis 2:9). Marriage is meant to give you satisfaction in life. Don’t die of hunger, when you can be filled. Many in the world are dying (even though married) for lack of fulfilment. It is hunger or a lack of fulfilment in marriage that makes a married man or woman go outside the home to commit adultery.  Begin to tap into the treasures in marriage and enjoy God’s best for your life.

    Fifthly, trees can be converted into several other useful things such as paper, firewood, rubber; and from trees, houses are built. If the resources in marriage are profitably tapped, they make you a man and woman of many parts. You become useful in many areas of life. An understanding of this truth has helped me to diversify in many areas of my life, and made me to become a blessing to more people, than I ever thought. You too can do same!

    You are the builder of your home; you determine what happens, good or bad. However, you must remember that God is the ultimate builder. Constantly remember that you are only able to keep your home through God’s enablement. The Word of God is the basic raw material required for effective tending of the marriage garden. As you keep applying God’s Word to your home, He will keep manifesting His power through you.

    To access and effectively tend your garden using God’s Word, you must have a genuine connection with Him. This begins by being born again. This means accepting Jesus as Saviour and Lord of your life. If you desire to surrender and be born again, say this simple 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 born again and now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily; obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 or 08141320204.

     

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

     

  • Marriage: A lifetime commitment

    Dear Reader, I welcome you to this wonderful time in God’s presence!
    I have discussed on the Origin of Marriage and Covenant Responsibilities in marriage. Today, I want you to Beware Of Divorce!

    Enjoying a loving family is God’s utmost desire for you and your family members. It is His design from the very beginning of creation.  There is nothing impossible for God to do. No matter what mistakes you may have made in the past, God is set to restore you. He is faithful. If you will just turn to Him and begin to fulfill your own part of the covenant (walk in His path of righteousness), you will experience His miracle touch in your life and marriage.

    In the beginning of the institution of marriage, divorce was not a part of this original plan and was never supposed to be a part. The Word of God says, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Note the word “Man … shall leave, cleave and become one flesh”.  He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so (Matthew 19:8).

    What is divorce?

    Divorce means legally ending a marriage. It is when a couple (husband and wife) decides that they cannot continue to live together as husband and wife. They no longer find any joy or interest in each other.  Divorce can be likened to marital amputation.  It causes a lot of grief, pain, and wound that only God can heal.   Even when a wound is healed, the scar remains, and in most cases, for life.  Give no place to divorce. Remember, prevention is said to be better than cure.  When there is challenge in your home, divorce should not be the first option that comes to mind.  Rather, it is important to first identify and analyze the challenge.

    God hates putting away! What God says He hates, you should hate too.  What God has joined together, nothing should put asunder.  The Word of God says, For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away (Malachi 2:16).

    I want you to know that divorce was not God’s original plan for marriage from the beginning.  There are a lot of divorce cases in all our societies today.  The breakdown of the family unit is one of the greatest calamities our society faces today.  The partners themselves go through a lot of pain and agonies and their children go through turmoil and devastation.  God views husband and wife being bound together in a permanent marriage relationship, and nothing should be allowed to put them apart.

    As I have said earlier, family life has divine origin. It is not man-made, but God-ordained. For you to enjoy a living family, God has to be at the centre of it. If God is at the centre of your family, divorce should not be considered as an option for you because of pressure or marital tension.

    Divorce is not legally ending a marriage only, but putting death where life once was. To enjoy a loving family therefore, divorce should not be entertained. For those about getting married or yet to be married, be very careful.

    My husband used to say, “To be slow and sure is better than to be fast and foolish”. My husband and I courted for 6 years and throughout that time, we did a proper study with all sincerity of each other’s character, vision and goals. If you are not contemplating divorce, then there is no need to rush into marriage. Take your time; be sure of what you are getting into. If it is a living family you desire, prepare yourself for it and enter into it with God’s backing and certainty.

    To rush into marriage without God as the centre, is to violate the first requirement for enjoying a living family. And in such a case, whatever you meet in that home, you signed for it. But I want to tell you that God has a better plan for you than divorce. Divorce is not as easy as it sounds.

    In case you are reading this article right now and you are considering divorce, you have thought there is no way out.  Hold it! Who knows, this might be the reason God gave you the opportunity of reading a material like this.  If only you will accept and follow God’s master plan, your story will change for the better!  Or are you already divorced? Do not allow a sense of condemnation to overwhelm and destroy your colourful future.  God can still perform His wonders in your life.  God is a Restorer! He will restore your marriage.  Below is a testimony that will boost your faith:

    “I read your article in the newspaper.  In fact, I have seen a lot of changes in my life, which prompted me to give this glorious testimony of the wonderful works of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    I got married in 1977 as an unbeliever, before I joined the police force in the year 2000.  But somehow, my marriage broke up as a result of so many things.  But God rebuilt the marriage from the advice and instruction I got from your article.

    I congratulate you for your effort in enlightening young men and women concerning their marital lives, so that their marriages will be peaceful and successful”-  Mr. Udual, A.

    I see God giving you your own testimony too!

    You need the grace of God upon your life to be able to stay put in your covenant marriage.  You can say this prayer and be born again: 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).

  • Marriage: A lifetime commitment

    Dear Reader, I welcome you to this wonderful time in God’s presence!
    I have discussed on the Origin of Marriage and Covenant Responsibilities in marriage. Today, I want you to Beware Of Divorce!

    Enjoying a loving family is God’s utmost desire for you and your family members. It is His design from the very beginning of creation.  There is nothing impossible for God to do. No matter what mistakes you may have made in the past, God is set to restore you. He is faithful. If you will just turn to Him and begin to fulfill your own part of the covenant (walk in His path of righteousness), you will experience His miracle touch in your life and marriage.

    In the beginning of the institution of marriage, divorce was not a part of this original plan and was never supposed to be a part. The Word of God says, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Note the word “Man … shall leave, cleave and become one flesh”.  He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so (Matthew 19:8).

    What is divorce?

    Divorce means legally ending a marriage. It is when a couple (husband and wife) decides that they cannot continue to live together as husband and wife. They no longer find any joy or interest in each other.  Divorce can be likened to marital amputation.  It causes a lot of grief, pain, and wound that only God can heal.   Even when a wound is healed, the scar remains, and in most cases, for life.  Give no place to divorce. Remember, prevention is said to be better than cure.  When there is challenge in your home, divorce should not be the first option that comes to mind.  Rather, it is important to first identify and analyze the challenge.

    God hates putting away! What God says He hates, you should hate too.  What God has joined together, nothing should put asunder.  The Word of God says, For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away (Malachi 2:16).

    I want you to know that divorce was not God’s original plan for marriage from the beginning.  There are a lot of divorce cases in all our societies today.  The breakdown of the family unit is one of the greatest calamities our society faces today.  The partners themselves go through a lot of pain and agonies and their children go through turmoil and devastation.  God views husband and wife being bound together in a permanent marriage relationship, and nothing should be allowed to put them apart.

    As I have said earlier, family life has divine origin. It is not man-made, but God-ordained. For you to enjoy a living family, God has to be at the centre of it. If God is at the centre of your family, divorce should not be considered as an option for you because of pressure or marital tension.

    Divorce is not legally ending a marriage only, but putting death where life once was. To enjoy a loving family therefore, divorce should not be entertained. For those about getting married or yet to be married, be very careful.

    My husband used to say, “To be slow and sure is better than to be fast and foolish”. My husband and I courted for 6 years and throughout that time, we did a proper study with all sincerity of each other’s character, vision and goals. If you are not contemplating divorce, then there is no need to rush into marriage. Take your time; be sure of what you are getting into. If it is a living family you desire, prepare yourself for it and enter into it with God’s backing and certainty.

    To rush into marriage without God as the centre, is to violate the first requirement for enjoying a living family. And in such a case, whatever you meet in that home, you signed for it. But I want to tell you that God has a better plan for you than divorce. Divorce is not as easy as it sounds.

    In case you are reading this article right now and you are considering divorce, you have thought there is no way out.  Hold it! Who knows, this might be the reason God gave you the opportunity of reading a material like this.  If only you will accept and follow God’s master plan, your story will change for the better!  Or are you already divorced? Do not allow a sense of condemnation to overwhelm and destroy your colourful future.  God can still perform His wonders in your life.  God is a Restorer! He will restore your marriage.  Below is a testimony that will boost your faith:

    “I read your article in the newspaper.  In fact, I have seen a lot of changes in my life, which prompted me to give this glorious testimony of the wonderful works of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    I got married in 1977 as an unbeliever, before I joined the police force in the year 2000.  But somehow, my marriage broke up as a result of so many things.  But God rebuilt the marriage from the advice and instruction I got from your article.

    I congratulate you for your effort in enlightening young men and women concerning their marital lives, so that their marriages will be peaceful and successful”-  Mr. Udual, A.

    I see God giving you your own testimony too!

    You need the grace of God upon your life to be able to stay put in your covenant marriage.  You can say this prayer and be born again: 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).

  • Court dissolves 19-year-old marriage over wife’s adulterous lifestyle

    Chief Ademola Odunade, the President of a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, on Tuesday dissolved the 19 year-old  marriage between one Abdulahi Azeez and Mujidat over adultery.

    “If an adulterous spouse does not kill herself, she will definitely kill her husband, therefore the union between Abdulahi and Mujidat has ceased to be.

    “Custody of the last child produced by the union is awarded to Mujidat while Abdulahi is granted custody of the first three.

    “Abdulahi shall pay a monthly allowance of N5,000 for the child’s upkeep in addition to been responsible for her education and other welfare,” he said.

    In his petition, Abdulahi, a businessman who resides at Moniya area of Ibadan said: “for 19 good years my lord, I have endured all sorts of horrors and psychological trauma due to Mujidat’s constant adultery with all shapes of men.

    “As a businessman, I travel around to ensure that Mujidat and her four children are comfortable, however, Mujidat only pays me with infidelity.

    The respondent who opposed the divorce suit also denied the allegations leveled against her.

    Mujidat, a trader,  prayed the court not to dissolve her union with Abdulahi.

  • Marriage: A lifetime commitment (2)

    Dear Reader,  Cavalry greetings in Jesus’
    Precious Name! Our God is forever faith
    ful. Praise to our Omnipotent God, the maker of all things. The Word of God encourages us to ‘pursue after knowledge and search wisdom out’. As you continue to read and apply yourself to the demands of the Word of God, every plan of the enemy to frustrate your family life shall be annulled in Jesus’ Mighty Name!

    I discussed the origin of marriage last week. Today, I will be looking at what I titled, Marriage Covenant Responsibilities.

    The Word of God makes it clear that marriage is a covenant, and this is expounded in my book Marriage Covenant. What is a Covenant? The dictionary defines it as ‘a binding agreement; or a contract’ usually between two people. The Word of God says, Marriage is Honourable… (Heb. 13:4). This means, the agreement of marriage between two people is seen as a good thing in the sight of God, which eventually leads to honour and dignity for the parties involved. I want to let you know therefore, that it is a good thing that you desire marriage, if you are not yet married.  For those already married, it is a good step you have taken in life. You shall have no cause to regret it.

    However, as good as marriage is, there are covenant responsibilities that must be operated, in order for it to produce the desired good. God’s Word says, If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).  Marriage is good, but you must be willing and obedient to operate by God’s covenant to enjoy the good in it. My husband, Bishop David Oyedepo will always say, “A life without responsibilities is a liability”. Furthermore, he says, “Responsibility is the price for greatness”. Do you desire good in your marriage? Are you longing for peace, harmony and serenity in your marital life? Then apply yourself to the demands of a good home. If you are yet to enact the covenant of marriage, begin to ask for grace to comply with the demands. If it is in your heart to obey God, it shall be easy for you to do so. Greatness and fulfillment don’t come by magic, neither are they meant for a specific group of people, but for as many as would fear God and work righteousness. If people are having great testimonies concerning their family relationships, why not you? Greatness and fulfillment are meant for you, if you care to walk in the covenant.

    What are these Covenant Responsibilities?

    For the MAan:

    1. As a Husband
    2. You are the head of the home, the leader and not a dictator. He must lead spiritually, because God will hold him accountable (Gen. 3:9).
    3. He must love his wife unconditionally as a brother, friend and as a lover (Eph. 5:25-29).
    4. He must honour his wife and not treat her as a lesser being, or a slave (1 Peter 3:7)
    5. He must dwell with her according to knowledge. He must know her likes and dislikes. She is an individual too who has a mind of her own. Never compare her to your mother! It is foolishness to do so.

    You must understand that women expect to be fulfilled in the following areas – Companionship, compassion, romance and passion. Never treat her as an old cargo. Renew your love for her on daily basis.

    1. As a father

    The man has the responsibility of raising his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:6-7), not by bullying and beating. Instead, apply the rod of the Word of God, and as you mold them in the fear of the Lord, you are raising godly children, who will in turn call you blessed.

    1. As a Provider

    You are responsible for the needs of your home. Meeting the needs of the home is the primary responsibility of the man. The woman is only your help meet. Never shift your responsibility to your wife; it is anti-covenant to do so. To shy away from this responsibility makes you worse than an infidel – an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). This shall not be your portion.

    For the woman:

    1. As a wife

    She has the power of influence, while her husband has the power of authority. She must be a positive influence. Her responsibility however, as far as God is concerned is that of submission.

    1. She willingly allows herself to be ruled by her husband, obeying him in love (Eph. 5:22-24):
    2. he must reverence him (Eph. 5:33).
    3. She must cook to please him.
    4. She must dress to please him (1 Peter 3:2).
    5. She must love him (Titus 2:4; Pro. 31:26).
    6. She must learn to go to God in prayer, rather than arguing.
    7. As a Mother

    She must train her children spiritually, and physically, bringing them up to become arrows in the hands of God. A mother’s role in the life of a child is a non-transferable responsibility. Mothers, don’t push your children to another person to train for you. Whatever means God gives you, use what you have to bring up your children. God will hold you accountable for failing in your role as a mother. Prepare your children for life ahead. It is your covenant responsibility.

    1. As a Home Maker

    Seeing to the general welfare of the home, planning and managing resources provided are your covenant responsibilities (Titus 2:5). You are the homemaker, not house-help. You are to see to the welfare of every member of your household. This is your primary assignment before your career or business.

    You need the grace of God to carry out your covenant responsibilities. You need to surrender your life to Christ so that, that grace can be given to you.  You can say this prayer and receive that grace. 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).

     

     

  • Marriage: A lifetime commitment

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

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

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

    What is Marriage?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Opara, C. C. N.

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

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

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

    To have a good marriage and a successful family, you need to first have a good stand with God.  To do that, you need to confess your sins and surrender your life to Him. Do you want to do so now? Say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

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

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

     

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

  • My wife is a devil, Pastor tells court

    Disinclined to continue with his four-year-old loveless marriage, a pastor, Michael Adebowale, has urged an Iseyin Customary Court in Oyo to dissolve the union.

    “My wife, Ashabi, is a devil,” the middle-aged pastor told the court.

    Read Also:IPOB sit-at-home: Four in court over alleged arson

    Adebowale informed the court that the marriage, contracted four years ago, had produced two children.

    “My wife is evil, I noticed my prayers are not really answered by God like before and I have also noticed that I am now living with
    a devil.

    “She will not attend church or join me in prayers, all she is specialised in is to gossip around town and go to parties.

    “I have told her to pack out of my house and she has obeyed me. I want her totally out of my life so that I can begin to receive
    `anointing’ again from God,” he said.

    The President of the court, Mr. Adelodun Raheem, after listening to the petitioner, ordered that another summons be served on the
    respondent.

    He said Ashabi must appear in court at its next sitting and adjourned the case until Oct.5.

  • Marriage: for good, better and best (2)

    You are welcome to another edition in the series for this month. In the last publication, I wrote on how good marriage is and that God has intended marriage for your advancement, increase and fulfilment. I also emphasised on three vital ways to prepare for an enjoyable experience in marriage.

    Today, I will discuss on: Marriage for Better Living. God designed marriage to involve the spirit, soul and body; so, you are meant to be blessed in these three areas. The kind of help God intended marriage to provide is one that is suitable, adaptable and complementary; this is expected to cover all areas of life (Genesis 2:18 Amp.).

    Marriage that makes for better Living

    1. Spiritually strong marriages: firstly, marriage, is a spiritual relationship. Better results are archived when both individuals are personally connected to God through His Word, prayer, fellowship and obedience to scriptures. God expect you to be positively influenced, spiritually by your marriage.

    For your marriage to be stronger, you must improve on your spirituality. The truth is: Spirituality is a walk with God and not a destination. It is continuous and demands maximum input for productivity. Marriage is not merely, the man and his wife, but God is involved also. This is why the Bible says, a threefold cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

    Spiritually strong marriages usually stand the test of time. When one party is spiritually weak, he or she can pull down the partner, even if the person is a spiritual giant. In the same vein, if both are spiritually sound, they achieve greater exploits together. The Bible says, two people brought together in warfare against the devil will put him to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30).

    1. Socially Agreeable Marriages: Being married changes your lifestyle and habits in ways that are personally and socially beneficial. God expects couples to also complement one another socially. The Bible says: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17).

    Your spouse may not know certain social manners, such as matching of colours, appropriate dress codes for various occasions, table manners, etc. It is your responsibility to educate your spouse on them. The essence of marriage is for couples to help each other grow and become better.

    1. Financially Transparent Marriages: you will agree with me that most of the challenges couples face is financial. Sometimes, they are not caused by inadequate family finance, but lack of transparency. God expects husband and wife to be financially transparent to one another. To maintain a peaceful home, you should be open in your earnings and spending.

    In some culture, the men believe that it is improper for the wives to know how much they earn. The truth is: if you hide your earnings from your wife, she will definitely make demands that are beyond your means, as she doesn’t know how much you earn.

    Couples are expected to be honest with each other especially in financial issues. Money has put many homes asunder; but your home will not be one of such in Jesus Name! Remember that whatever is brought home is for both of you; so you must learn to help each other invest wisely, save, budget and make a better living.

    1. Mentally Reliable Marriages: We were all created mentally reliable. God created you with a sound mind. The Bible says: …But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). So, in marriage, both the man and the woman are supposed to be mentally sound and alive. Marriage is meant to improve you mentally. When a sound mind comes in contact with another sound mind in marriage, they both create a better realm of living. They make well-informed decisions that will lead to advancement in all areas of their lives.

    They don’t judge irrationally, but place facts side-by-side; considering the benefits and the disadvantages before making decisions. My husband and I usually spend time reasoning things out with God, when we need to make big decisions in the home. Remember that even God says we should come and reason together (Isaiah 1:18). If you do not build up yourself mentally, you might not be able to strike a balance in this area.

    1. Physically strong marriages: Husband and wife are expected to be helpers of one another physically. Husband, your wife will definitely require your masculine attributes sometimes to assist in some tasks at home while you also require her feminine qualities to address issues of concern in the home. Do not absent yourself at such instances; always be available to render needed support at every given time. Even though both of you are differently created, you are to balance up for better living. If you must enjoy your marriage, ensure that complementary relationships are built in your home.

    If you really delight in all that God is saying to you through His Word today, then you need grace to put it to work. However, this grace comes only to those who are genuinely children of God. This means you also need to be certified a bonafide child of God. If you are not a child of God, you don’t have a genuine access to these blessings. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

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

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

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

  • Marriage: for good, better and best

    Dear reader, you are welcome to a great and fulfilling ninth month of the year! This month, God will grant you a ninth hour miracle, cause you to laugh and all that hear your testimonies will laugh with you.

    Our teaching series for this month will center on the beautification of your marriage. However, this week’s message is titled: Marriage: For good, better and best. Some people already have a very wrong notion that marriage is a trap and the exchange of rings when saying the marital vows, represents a handcuff that puts one in bondage with his or her partner. Contrary to these very wrong beliefs, marriage was instituted by God for your good. It was designed to make life great, enjoyable and meaningful.

    Marriage is a gift from God; and one unique thing about those who married right is that they get to enjoy their journey through life. God has not designed anything evil for man. The Bible says: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17). Therefore, marriage should take you from good to better and to best. It is meant to advance, increase and promote you. If you are a still a bachelor or spinster, you might probably be feeling complete, but there is always room for advancement and this is what a good and godly marriage offers. The Bible says:

    Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

    To get the good in marriage however, you must make adequate preparations. In life generally, we spend a whole lot of money and time (years) preparing and learning how to be successful in business, vocations and careers; yet, we pay very little attention to a journey that will last an entire lifetime.

    Don’t get married as a novice because you have not prepared adequately for life ahead. Once you begin a relationship with a brother or sister (which hopefully should culminate in marriage), pay attention to proper preparation, not just for the wedding ceremony but for married life. I can never emphasise this point enough. However, to prepare for marriage, you must do the following:

    1. Locate Your Purpose

    What is your vision for life? What is your goal? Where are you heading for? You need a proper understanding of these before you get married because this information will determine who you will choose to spend the rest of your life with.

    1. Invest in your Life as a Person

    Be the best you can be and enhance your worth. (a) Spiritually, grow in grace and draw closer to God daily via the study of His Word as well as communing with Him in prayer. As you do this, your discernment – will be sharpened and you will also be fervent enough to be able to build a God-honouring home tomorrow. By its very nature, marriage, involves a lot of giving and your spiritual stamina will, in no small measure, contribute, to your ability to build wisely.

    (b) Mentally, develop yourself to a great extent in your chosen field of endeavour or career. Create and embrace opportunities to better yourself, so that you will be an asset to your spouse tomorrow and not a liability.

    (c) Emotionally, develop yourself and your capacity to accommodate another person, unconditionally, for the rest of your life.

    As I mentioned earlier, marriage involves giving, not just receiving. Therefore, you need to learn in your single days how to be tolerant and to handle issues with your emotions under control.

    (d) Physically, you, also, need to see to it that you are fit for the new life ahead. As a lady, learn how to keep house, cook and generally manage a home. As a man, learn how to be responsible and to take care of someone else apart from yourself.

    1. Learn as much as you can about marriage

    Learn as much as you can about marriage from credible sources, not from negative examples around you. Study the Bible, the primary text on the subject of marriage. Study materials (books, tapes, magazines) written by those with not just knowledge of the subject, but also proven testimonies in their marriages. The main difference between a marriage that is working and one that is not, is knowledge (Daniel 11:32; 1 Peter 3:7). Study and understand God’s provisions for the family; how to run a home, how to relate with in-laws etc. Also, study the biographies of successful couples.

    The summary of what I am trying to pass across to you, is that your single days are days of building up yourself sufficiently enough for a successful marriage. That is what it means to be a distinct person. Don’t spend all your time looking for who to marry; that is misplacement of priorities. Build yourself first! Nowhere in scriptures is it recorded that Adam was pre-occupied with finding a life companion. He was simply busy with adding value to his life and pursuing his divine assignment and at the right time, God brought Eve his way because it was clear that he needed help. The same way, I see God bring your own partner to you in Jesus’ name.

    However, until God becomes your delight, your home cannot become a delightful place. If you really delight in the Lord, you also need to be certified a bonafide child of God. The Lord said:  COME unto me… (Matthew 11:28). If you are not a child of God, you don’t have a genuine access to these blessings. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

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

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

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