Today’s Scripture: “O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! …But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” – (Psalm 3:1-3, NIV)

Topic: But God! [Monday October 16, 2017]

When David wrote this verse, He was in a very difficult situation. He was actually running for his life from his very own son who wanted to kill him and take over the throne. Can you imagine?! David was probably feeling overwhelmed, distraught, heartbroken, betrayed and abandoned. Have you ever felt that way? But notice that David didn’t just tell the Lord all about his problems. He told the Lord about his faith when he said, “But You, God, are a shield around me…” David made the choice to focus on God’s goodness no matter what.

We have to remember, circumstances may be tough, but God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. You may have a difficult relationship, but God is your Restorer today. You may have an overwhelming need, but God is your Provider today. The doctors may have told you that you have an incurable disease, but God is your Healer today. Things may look impossible today, BUT WITH GOD, all things are possible! If you’ll keep that constant attitude of faith and victory, you’ll see the hand of God move in your life, and you will experience the life of victory He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today: “Father, thank You for always being faithful and working in my life. Today I open my heart to You and choose to focus on You instead of my circumstances. I know that with You, all things are possible in Jesus name. Amen.”

From Joel Osteen Ministries.

Topic: How to Avoid Communication Breakdown (3)

Dear Reader,

Welcome to your week of blessing in Jesus’ name! I have been examining the issue of communication in the home. Also, I have established the fact that communication is a vital factor in improving your relationship, not only with your spouse, but with other members of your household.

This week, I shall be discussing what I titled “Communication Blocks.” While defining what communication is, I said it is the passing across of information between two persons. Communication blocks are the things that you do, through your words and actions that prevent you from connecting at a deeper level with someone else.

When you want to have a telephone line connected to your house, the first thing you do is to go to the agency responsible and apply for it. The moment you are connected, you can freely pick up your receiver and dial any number of your choice. However, you can only call someone who is also connected. Likewise, in our relationship with God, He expects us to keep our communication lines open in form of relating to Him in prayer. He said in Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. But if the line is blocked there will be no response and it can be frustrating.

Also, if you block your communication line with your spouse and you make it impossible to access you, then you are digging a big grave. Your home and marriage will not end up in the grave!

There are some things that you can do to block your spouse from talking to you. Therefore, you must avoid the following communication blocks:

If you roll your eyes and look exasperated or resigned when your husband or wife talks, all you are trying to say is “I have heard enough.”
When you sigh loudly and deeply when your mate is sharing an opinion then, it means, “I’m not in agreement.”
When you look at the clock or at your watch repeatedly it implies “You are wasting my time with your conversation.”
When you don’t stop whatever you’re doing when your partner wants to have a serious conversation with you, what you are passing across is “What I am doing is much more important than you.”
When you don’t make eye contact and give your spouse your complete attention, then you want him/her to know that “You are just forcing me to be here I have other things to do.”
When you use the time your spouse is speaking, to think about things unrelated to what your partner is saying “all you simply want is for him/her to leave you to your own world.”
These are great communication blocks that have shattered many homes and marriages today. You could probably develop these attitudes because you are reacting to what might have happened in the past but I want you to understand that this will further cause your home to disintegrate.

These attitudes are common among women.The Bible says: Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands (Proverbs 14:1). Do not block your spouse. It shall be well with you!

If you desire effective communication in your home, the right place to begin from is a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. If you want to start this relationship right now, you can say this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of life. Thank You Lord for saving me.”

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

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 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).

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.