Benefits of Praying In Tongues.

1. Praying in Tongues Gives You Supernatural Understanding of God’s Mysteries

"For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries" (1 Cor. 14:2, NKJV).

Corey describes the Holy Spirit as the Google, or “search engine of heaven.” God is mysterious, yes, but the Spirit who knows everything about the mysterious, expansive, glorious God is the same Spirit who lives inside of you! And furthermore, He wants to reveal mysteries to you about God, His will, your life and the circumstances you are facing.

How do we access this revelation? Communion with the Holy Spirit on His level—in His language. Remember, Paul defines Holy Spirit as the One who “searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1 Cor. 2:10, NLT). As you pray in the Spirit, you will discover things that were previously mysterious and unknown will start coming into greater focus and clarity.

2. Praying in Tongues Grants You Access to Other Revelatory Gifts of the Holy Spirit

"For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit ... to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues" (1 Cor. 12: 8, 10, NKJV).

Praying in tongues actually unlocks other revelatory gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life, namely the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, prophecy and discerning of spirits. Remember, you are not praying on a natural dimension, but rather engaging on a purely spiritual one. Don’t be surprised if, while praying in tongues, the Holy Spirit gives you supernatural insight about something, leads you to pray for people and unlocks clarity over people, situations and even regions, enabling you to effectively pray for and break off the spiritual strongholds that are influencing them.

3. Praying in Tongues Opens Up the Bible in a New, Living Way as You Read It

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak" (John 16:13).

For some modern believers, reading the Bible can feel like a life-draining experience. It’s not just history. It is not a mere record of facts. Scripture isn’t just stories. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the writing and assembly of the Holy Scriptures lives inside of you. He wants to guide you through the Bible, make the words jump off the page, give you understanding on confusing matters, empower you to apply God’s Word to your everyday life, share prophetic promises with you and help you discover your role in God’s unfolding story. Corey describes praying in tongues as a way the Holy Spirit “shines a flashlight on Scripture.”

4. When Praying in Tongues, You Are Speaking Directly to God

"For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God" (1 Cor. 14:2).

As you pray in tongues, you have a direct line to the president of the universe. Sometimes while praying in our native languages, we have the tendency to veer off and get distracted. We may start complaining. We may start going through the routine laundry list of prayer requests—and by the time we are finished reading them off to God, we feel more burdened than refreshed (because we actively thought of every single one of those circumstances as we listed them off in prayer). Tongues keeps us talking directly to God, praying in agreement with His perfect will (Rom. 8:26-28).

5. Praying in Tongues Empowers You to Engage Spiritual Warfare From the Position of Victory

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" (Eph. 6:18).

Praying in tongues is not some magic formula that guarantees us some free and easy lifestyle of health, wealth, prosperity and all of those fixings. Jesus assured us that in this life, we will experience tribulation (John 16:33). In the same passage, the same Jesus declared that He has overcome the world. Victory has already been secured at Calvary.

In times of trial and assault, it is easy for us to become weary in the place of prayer, often not knowing what or how to pray. Praise God for the Holy Spirit! Paul reminds us "for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us" (Rom. 8:26). When in the heat of spiritual combat, it is easy to start praying prayers that agree with the size of the attack, emphasizing the problem rather than focusing on the size of the blood-bought victory that Jesus purchased at the cross. Praying in tongues empowers you to agree with God’s victorious battle plan for your life and your circumstances, no matter what is going on around you. It does not deny reality; it simply positions you to agree with the higher truth of Scripture: Victory has been purchased, and it is yours through Jesus Christ.

Energize your life!

God has created you to be a victor, not a victim. Jump-start your day by celebrating the very best that God has for you! These daily inspirations will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord and equip you to be everything God intends you to be.

How to Establish a Daily Quiet Time.

You Can Benefit from Time Spent with God

All of us, whatever our age or stage of life, can benefit from time spent with God, so I encourage you to develop a daily quiet time with the Lord. If we’re not careful, we find ourselves hurrying through prayer and reading God’s Word to get to the “important things,” but really, there is nothing more important than this.

Scripture tells us that Jesus longs to have fellowship with us. We have an open invitation from Him. The apostle John said that our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” When we spend time with the Lord, we learn from Him. Students learn in the presence of their teacher, and we learn in the presence of ours. Just being in church once a week is not enough. When we refresh our spirit every day by spending time in His presence, our whole being is affected in a positive way.

Is there a good example for this? There is. It’s Jesus Christ. As He walked this earth, He sought to spend time with God the Father. He spent time in prayer. He spent time alone with God — away from even His closest disciples and family. He consistently met with God, sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon, and sometimes in the evening. He pulled away from the demands of ministry and deliberately maintained intimate contact with the Father. And He told His followers to follow His example: I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

How do we do this?

I believe there are four things that will help us:

1. Remember that spending time with God is not about ritual, but relationship

When you and I were born again, we entered into a relationship with Almighty God. He is not only our God, he is our Heavenly Father. We have freedom before Him, and access to His throne. We don’t have to be afraid of Him. Rituals might be burdensome, but relationships with loved ones rarely are. Spending time with one that you love is exciting and life-changing — and that’s how your daily time with your Father God should be.

2. Establish a specific time every day when you will spend time with the Lord.

Don’t you find that what gets scheduled usually gets done? I do. Find a time that works with your lifestyle and your family demands, then stick to it! Make it a top priority. That’s how habits are developed. Persevere even when you are tired, and don’t feel like it. Remember, we’d never get anything accomplished if we lived by our feelings alone!

3. Minimize your interruptions.

When you’re spending time with God, give Him all of your attention. Turn off the telephone and the television. Find a nice, quiet, cozy spot where you are comfortable. If you have children, teach them to respect your privacy during this time, and explain to them that this is your time with God. Then they will learn the importance of a daily quiet time, and you’ll reinforce its importance in their eyes, too. Pray that they will follow your example, and encourage them to do so.

4. Choose a Bible version and a Bible-reading plan.

This is so important — especially for new Christians. Ask a pastor or friend to help you select a good translation. I like the New International Version or the New Living Translation. Doing a little research to find the right translation for you will help you in the long run. Then get a reading plan. Don’t just open the Bible and randomly skip around. Again, ask a pastor or a friend to help you select a reading plan if you’re not sure. Balance your reading between the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament is rich in history and knowledge — and the New Testament presents the story of Christ and the birth of the church. Both are so valuable — and reading one will help you understand the other.

5. Interact as you read.

The Bible is a living book, written by a living God. As the Holy Spirit to give you understanding, wisdom and revelation as you read. Read the Bible as if it were a love letter, because it is — it is God’s love letter to you! Pray as you go. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to mark scriptures in your Bible itself. Interact with your Bible, and ask God to use it to change your heart and life.

All of these things are important, but the most important thing you can do is to begin — and that you can do today!

Keeping the Connections.

“Love must be learned, and learned again; there is no end to it.” Love should not remain the same year after year; love is supposed to grow. Relationships evolve over time, people change over time, and our love should strengthen and grow over time too. The apostle Paul prayed that our love would abound and grow in knowledge and depth of insight. That tells me that I cannot put my love on autopilot. If we put our love on autopilot and think that the people in our lives will simply “know” that we love them, our relationships will not grow or be as fruitful as they were intended to be. That’s why it’s so important to make every effort to keep strong connections in our relationships.

The Gift Everybody Needs.

Find Somebody to Be Good to Every Day

I wonder what our world would be like if each of us would find somebody to be good to every day. What would our city be like? What would our offices be like? What would our schools be like if we made it a priority to brighten somebody else’s day? Scripture teaches “Every opportunity we have we should do good to people” (see Galatians 6:10). That means we need to be on the lookout. We need to be proactive. We need to have the mindset of, “Who can I bless today?” “For whom can I do a favour?” You can’t just sit back and wait for the need to come to you. You have to go after it.

The Scripture says that in the last days the love of the great body of people will grow cold (see 2 Timothy 3:1–8). That simply means that people will be so busy, they’ll be so focused on their own needs, they’ll be so caught up in their drive for success that they won’t take time to make a difference.

Sometimes it’s easy for us to get so caught up in our own little world that we’re focused only on ourselves. “I’ve got my plans. Don’t get me off my schedule.” “I’d love to help you out with some work around your house, but I’m sorry, this is football season. I just don’t have the time.”

But we weren’t created to live selfishly. We were created to make a difference in the lives of others. John Bunyan, author of the classic Pilgrim’s Progress said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone that cannot pay you back.”

Friends, all around us are hurting people who need our love and encouragement. Don’t miss the miracle of the moment. Don’t be too busy, or insensitive to the needs of those around you. Be willing to be inconvenienced. Be sensitive and pay attention to those around you, your friends, your coworkers and your relatives. Listen to what they’re saying. We shouldn’t miss opportunities to do good whenever situations come across our paths to bless people.

Jesus said. “When you do it to the least of one of these, it’s like you’re doing it unto Me,” (see Matthew 25:40). Proverbs 19:17 says, “He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.” When you give to those in need, you are lending to God. And God knows how to pay you back — with interest! You may not be able to give money, but you can baby sit that single mom’s children. Why don’t you give her a break one night? Tell her, “You go do something special for yourself. Here’s a gift certificate. You go up to the mall. You go get your nails done. Our family is going to keep your children tonight.”

If you see one of your friends wearing the same clothes all the time, why don’t you step up to the plate and say “Let me buy you a new suit or two.” Or, “Take this gift certificate and go get yourself some new clothes.”

Maybe you and your family go out to eat every Sunday after church. Why don’t you take a single parent family along with you? Or better yet, be a mentor to one of those young children. That doesn’t take a lot of money. It just takes time and love. That just takes somebody that cares, somebody that’s willing to make a difference.

I heard a story about a young boy that lived in the inner city. He was about eight years old and was very poor. One cold day, he was looking in the window of a local store admiring a pair of tennis shoes. As he stood there, cold and barefooted, a lady came along and asked,

“Young man, what are you doing staring so intently in this window?”

Shyly he said, “Well, I was just sort of praying and asking God if He’d give me a new pair of tennis shoes.”

Without hesitation, the lady took him into the store and very gently and lovingly washed off his cold dirty feet. She put a brand new pair of socks on his feet. Then she told him to pick out three new pairs of tennis shoes.

The boy couldn’t believe it. He was so excited! He had never owned a new pair of shoes. He’d always just worn old hand-me-downs. After she had paid for the purchase, the woman handed the shoes to the child.

“Enjoy your shoes, son,” she said.

The little boy looked at her in amazement. Nobody had ever taken that kind of interest in him.

As serious as could be, with tears running down his cheeks, he said,

“Lady can I ask you a question? Are you God’s wife?”

Friend, you are never more like God than when you give. You’re never more like God than when you take time for people, than when you do something to bless someone else.

And not just in the big things. Learn to be good to people in your everyday life. When you stop to get a cup of coffee at work, bring your co-worker back a cup, too. When traffic backs up on the free way, let that car into the lane in front of you. At the grocery store, when you have a bunch of groceries and somebody behind you has just a few, let them go ahead of you. Or how about in the parking lot, when you pull up to that last front row parking space at the same time as another car? Why don’t you back up and let them have that space?

Do you want another simple way of blessing someone? When you’re at a restaurant, be a good tipper. Don’t leave that server ten naira bill when you just spent five thousand naira bill to eat.

God’s people believe in being good to people. We believe in showing God’s kindness wherever we go.

Sow a seed into someone’s life. It’s an opportunity to bless someone with our words and our money.” 

Love is seen in our actions. This world does not need to hear another sermon nearly as much as it needs to see us being good to people.

Learn to give your time, your money, or an encouraging word. When you show love, you are showing God to the world. And don’t worry if you don’t get any credit. When you let somebody in traffic in front of you, you may never see that person again. When you give somebody twenty dollars because you had compassion in your heart, you may never hear back from them, but let me assure you, God is keeping the records. He has seen every time you’ve been good to somebody. He’s heard every encouraging word you’ve spoken. God has seen all the times you went out of your way to help somebody but they never even said thank you. The Scripture says when you do things in secret, when you do things without getting any credit, when nobody thanks you, God sees it, and you will even receive a greater reward.

It’s one thing to make a big splash and let everybody know how generous you are, but if you really want to be blessed, do something good for somebody and don’t tell anybody about it. Leave some cash in an unmarked envelope on the desk of that co-worker that’s struggling to make ends meet. At the restaurant, buy somebody’s dinner and remain anonymous. Clean up the kitchen at the office and don’t tell anybody that you did it. When you do things in secret and you don’t get any credit, you are sowing a seed for God to do great things in your life.

Or maybe you overhear one of your co-workers saying, “Next week I’ve got to take my car in the shop. I don’t what I’m going to do. I don’t know how I’m going to get to work.” Why don’t you tell her, “Let me swing by in the mornings and pick you up.”

“Oh, no, that’s too far,” she may protest. “It’s out of your way.”

You can say, “It’s no big deal. I’ll be glad to do it.”

Listen to what people are saying around you. And look for opportunities to bless them.

Why don’t you make a decision with me that you’re going to start being good to people?

And remember, true love is always backed up with our actions. People are watching us, and one of the best witnesses we could have is simply by being good to people. If you’ll get up every day and focus on how you can be a blessing and not just on how you can get blessed, God will meet your own needs as you meet others’ needs. God will meet all your needs in abundance!

The Scripture says people will know true Christians by their fruit (see Matthew 7:15–23). They’re not going to know us by how many scriptures we quote. People are going to really know that we’re believers when we’re helping other people, meeting needs, doing good works, when we are blessing people with our words and our actions.

Marked for Greatness.

Some people say this generation has it harder than any generation before. They say there is too much evil out there, too many things going against them. They say this generation will never make it. Well, I think about Moses in scripture. He was never intended to make it. Moses wasn't even supposed to be alive! He was supposed to be killed as soon as he was born, and God miraculously spared his life.

Later on, he tried to do something good and it turned out badly, and he found himself wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Some people think they've wasted their lives. They think, "I haven't done anything yet." Moses probably thought the same thing. He was out in the wilderness, but he knew that he had the anointing of God on his life. He knew he was marked for greatness.

Moses is the one who went to Pharaoh and talked him into letting the people of Israel go. He helped them escape the bondages of slavery. They headed out and found themselves against a massive body of water. Behind them was the enemy army coming to take them back into captivity, and they were severely outnumbered! The Israelites were on foot with their families, the children and the elderly, and behind them was the enemy army full of young men with chariots and horses. Moses is the one who looked at that obstacle of water, raised his rod in faith, and watched the wind split that water in two so the people could move forward.

If that were in the news today, most people would say, "That's crazy! That's sensationalism! That couldn't have happened." I say, "No, that's our supernatural God!" Moses wasn't even supposed to make it to three years old. Then he wasted 40 years in the wilderness and still became one of the greatest fathers of our faith! If he can make it, you can make it, and this generation can make it! Moses was marked for greatness, and you are marked for greatness!"

"For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." (Deuteronomy 7:6, NIV)

Staying Steady and Grounded

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Sometimes it seems we are just getting the hang of things when a wave of the "unexpected" comes crashing down. But no matter what kind of storm is going on around us, we don't have to let the storm get in us. God wants us to stand steady and grounded in Him. You're not supposed to be tossed to and fro, one day up and one day down. One day you're happy, one day you're not. When you are born again, God gives you a regenerated spirit to connect with Him and His Word. When you are connected to Him, He becomes your anchor. That's why we need to meditate on the Word of God every single day.

We have to fill our spirits, but another important key to staying grounded is to keep our emotional tanks filled up as well. Not everyone fills their emotional tank the same way, but I believe if you really want to have mental strength, you have to be your own biggest cheerleader. You have to keep your mind in the right direction. You can't wait for other people to validate you; you have to believe in and validate yourself. Don't wait around for someone to send you flowers, send yourself some flowers! Get up every morning and set your mind and heart in the right direction. Make positive declarations of faith and bind your mind to the mind of Christ.

A lot of times, we have a hard time making positive declarations because we aren't typically taught to say nice things about ourselves. We are taught that if we say good things about ourselves, then we are bragging. However, when you declare what God says about you, when you are speaking His word, you aren't boasting and bragging on yourself, you're boasting in the Lord! You're not talking about your own accomplishments; you are talking about His accomplishments in you. You are boasting about who He made you to be.

Today, be determined to fill yourself up spiritually and emotionally. Connect your mind with heaven. Declare what He says about you. Speak words of faith. Know that He is your ultimate source of strength. Stay steady and grounded in Him so that when the storms of life come, you can stand and see the victory!

"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:25, NIV)    

LETS MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.

https://plus.google.com/104289304107950073487/posts/Q633g6581eN

Understanding Your Value.

It says in 1 Peter 2:9, “You have been chosen by God Himself.” People may leave you out. People may overlook you. But always remember, the One who matters most chooses you. That means you weren’t randomly chosen. God, on purpose, looked at you and said, “I choose him. I choose her. They’re My son. They’re My daughter. That’s who I want on My team.”

People may tell you, “You’re just too small.” But God says, “You’re just the right size for Me.” People may say, “You’re not talented. We don’t need you. You don’t have anything to offer.” But God says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are talented. You are creative. You are anointed. You are smart. You are intelligent. You are amazing.”

Whenever we feel that sting of rejection, instead of getting down on ourselves and losing our sense of value, our attitude should be, “I may be disappointed. This may hurt. But I’m not going to sink down into self-pity and start thinking that there is something wrong with me. I know the One who matters most, the One who controls the universe, handpicked me. I may not have been chosen by the coach, the boss, or a friend, but I was chosen by the Most High God; and He says that His plans for me are for good and not evil, to give me a future and a hope.”

I know some of you have gone through more than your share of unfair situations. But here’s what I’ve learned. Even though life is not fair, God is fair. If you will not go around thinking there is something wrong with you, but instead start seeing yourself as handpicked by God — valuable, lovable, with something great to offer — then God said He will pay you back double for your former shame. That means He’ll make the rest of your life twice as good as it would have been if that had never even happened to you.

But you’ve got to dig your heels in. Don’t allow what somebody did or didn’t do steal your destiny and cause you to go through life feeling not good enough, not talented, not attractive. No, realize that you’re a child of the Most High God. Your value doesn’t come from people or accomplishments; it comes from your Creator. Put your shoulders back. Hold your head up high. Live with confidence. God said He will take what was meant for your harm and use it for your advantage.

If you will keep this attitude of faith, God will always give you the last laugh. He’ll get you where you’re supposed to be. Friends, people may reject you, but God accepts you. He’s already chosen you, and He’s the One that matters most. He has a way of working everything out for our good! And it’s always better than we could have ever imagined!

TO THE LADIES OUT THERE.

Dear wives/women,
The greatest need of a man is not sex. He can get sex from a prostitute if he is not born again. The greatest need of a man is not food. He can get a very delicious food from a restaurant.

The greatest need of a man is RESPECT. Some women do not respect their husbands. This is bad. You must respect your husband. If you want your husband to treat you like a queen, you must respect him.

After God, the next person you should respect most is your husband. A good wife does not embarrass her husband in the public. Treat him like a king in the public; treat him like a president in the parlor and treat him like a baby in the bedroom. You will enjoy your marriage the same goes to the husband

LET GOD POSITION YOU.

I attended a birthday party with a gathering of about 30 people. I sat at the front seat. A lady started distributing food. She started from the back and unfortunately, it didn't get to us sitting at the front.
Another lady started sharing the drinks, she started from the front but unfortunately I had already moved to sit at the back. Again the drink didn't get to me.
I was so furious that I stood up to take my leave but then I saw three ladies each with a big bowl. This time, I tried to be wise by sitting at the middle. One of the ladies started the sharing from the front, the second lady started distributing from the back. The two ladies were sharing fried turkey.
When they got to the middle where I was seated, it got finished again! Feeling so frustrated, I bent my head, putting my face in my hands... but then the third lady tapped me and stretched her bowl for me to pick. I stretched and put my hands inside the bowl... Guess what was in the bowl?
Toothpicks.
Moral: Do not try to position yourself in life, allow God to put you in the right place otherwise you will wrongfully position yourself for toothpicks. 

VISION IMPACT ONE (VIO).

Vision Impact One (VIO)
seunkomolafe.blogspot.com.ng
This blog is dedicated to Impacting the youths out there, the singles and strengthen relationships also.
Its uplifting, educative, inspiring, motivating and lots more..
Kindly check it out from time to time.
God bless you.
I love you.

Living in Love.

Look for the Best in Each Other

I once heard about a husband and wife who were so upset after a big argument that they refused to speak to each other. That night, not wanting to be the first to break the awkward silence, the man left a note on his wife’s side of the bed that read, “wake me up at 6 o’clock in the morning.”

The next morning, by the time the husband woke up, it was already 8 o’clock. Furious, he roared, “Where is she?” and was about to chew out his wife when he found a note on his side of the bed: “It’s six o’clock; wake up.”

If we’re going to live in love, we have to learn to forgive one another. The Bible says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, but instead, forgive. And above all things, put on love.”1 That means: Above having your own way, above your own agenda, choose to put on love.

The apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17 that we would be “rooted and established in love so that we would have power together with all the saints.” When we choose to walk in love, we have the power of God in our lives, as well as healthier relationships.

Look for the Best in Each Other

I once heard about a husband and wife who were so upset after a big argument that they refused to speak to each other. That night, not wanting to be the first to break the awkward silence, the man left a note on his wife’s side of the bed that read, “wake me up at 6 o’clock in the morning.”

The next morning, by the time the husband woke up, it was already 8 o’clock. Furious, he roared, “Where is she?” and was about to chew out his wife when he found a note on his side of the bed: “It’s six o’clock; wake up.”

If we’re going to live in love, we have to learn to forgive one another. The Bible says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, but instead, forgive. And above all things, put on love.”1 That means: Above having your own way, above your own agenda, choose to put on love.

The apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17 that we would be “rooted and established in love so that we would have power together with all the saints.” When we choose to walk in love, we have the power of God in our lives, as well as healthier relationships.

We should always look for the best in each other. That’s one of the things I love about Joel. I used to think that he didn’t see the things that people did wrong. Then I realized: It’s not that he doesn’t see them; he chooses not to focus on them.

That’s what Jesus taught. One day a group of Pharisees brought a woman to Him who had been caught in adultery. The Law said that she should be stoned, but Jesus didn’t condemn her. Instead, He said, “Those of you without sin, go ahead; you through the first stone.”2

The woman’s accusers began to look within themselves. Then, they walked away.

We can all throw rocks and point out each other’s faults, but we need to make allowances for one another. We don’t know what some people have been through. We don’t know the pain and heartache they’ve experienced. When the woman’s accusers had all slipped away, Jesus told her, “Neither do I condemn you; go your way; from now on sin no more.”3

Let’s learn to walk in love and see the best in everyone. A house divided will fall. That’s why it’s so important to keep peace in your home. Be the first to apologize. Be quick to forgive.

JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON.

Using What You Have.

Isn't it funny how easy it is to compare what we have with what the people around us have? It starts as early as childhood with kids comparing lunches, toys and everything else! The problem is that comparison is a distraction. It gets us off course. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we need to recognize that God has given each of us exactly what we need to fulfill exactly what He has for us. It may not look like what the person has next to you, but that's why you have to stay focused on what God has given you. What is in your own hand? How are you using it? Scripture says, "To those who have, more will be given." That means you will tap into more gifts, talents and opportunities as you use what God has given you. 

Jesus told a story about a wealthy man who entrusted some of his money, called talents, to three of his employees. He was going away for a while and instructed them to invest the talents while he was gone. When he returned, he found that two of the men used their talents wisely and doubled their investments. However, the third man said, "I buried my talent because I was afraid." He was so full of excuses trying to explain himself. It didn't matter to his boss. He asked, "Couldn't you have at least put my money into a savings account to draw some interest?" The employer was so frustrated that he took what he had given that man and gave it to the first man who had been a faithful steward. It's interesting that all the men had the same opportunity, but the man full of excuses didn't take advantage of it.

That's the way God works. He has entrusted every person with a measure of gifts, talents, abilities and resources. He's watching to see what we will do with them. If you are faithful with what God has given you, He will multiply you and increase you in ways you've never dreamed. It's not about how much you have; it is about using what you have.

Don't allow excuses to cause you to bury what you have been given. Just like the wealthy man wasn't moved by excuses, God is not moved by our excuses, either. Do you know what moves God? Our faith. Make the decision to wake up every day with an attitude of faith and expectancy and look for ways to use what God has placed in your hands. Believe in yourself and believe that God is working on your behalf. It may not happen tomorrow or next week, but stay faithful because God will multiply you in ways you've never dreamed!

"For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance…"  (Matthew 25:29, NIV)

Winning the Battle by Wearing the Armor.

First Corinthians 2:9–10 says, “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’ but God has revealed  it to us by his Spirit. But the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (NIV). Read this passage of scripture carefully, because I want you to get it in your spirit.

The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). The more you read and hear the Word, the more it gets inside of you. The more you say scriptures out loud, the more they get inside of you.

Sometimes our minds are a little thick! Sometimes our hearts are not open to receive. But once we get it—my, my, my! Once we get what God is saying to us, nothinSometimes I wonder what God must think about us. We say we love Him. And we’re always asking Him for something. But how much do we fellowship with Him? How often do we just talk to Him and spend time with Him—just for the purpose of being with Him?

James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” Maintaining a close, intimate relationship with God is vital to our spiritual life. We need to fellowship with our Heavenly Father on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, many people get saved and filled with the Holy Ghost and then think they’ve “arrived.” Since they are saved and going to Heaven and are filled with the Holy Ghost and power, they think they can just sit down and take it easy, so to speak. But we must still fellowship with our Heavenly Father!

It’s important to fellowship with God, because when we draw near to our Heavenly Father, He draws near to us! And when we draw near to Him, we are better able to hear His voice. If we’re not receiving clear direction from the Lord, we ought to check up on how closely we’re walking with Him. Are we drawing near to God?

Many times we wonder why we’re being defeated in life. We wonder why our prayers are not being answered. We need to check up on our relationship with God, and we need to check up on our armor. How much of God’s armor are we wearing?

EPHESIANS 6:10–11

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Verse 11 says, “Put on the WHOLE ARMOUR of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” According to this verse, we can’t wear just one piece of armor or half the armor and expect to achieve victory. The Bible didn’t say to put on part of the armor—or to wear the most comfortable piece or the piece we like best. We are told to wear the whole armor of God.

Why are we to wear the armor of God? So we can stand against the attacks of the enemy! We can’t just put up our fists and fight, because this is not a physical battle. This is a spiritual battle, and we must have our spiritual armor on if we’re to win.

EPHESIANS 6:12

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, against POWERS, against THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, against SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES.

Even though we’re not wrestling against flesh and blood, the Bible tells us there will be wrestling! There is a battle going on right now—one that is fiercer than any battle we have ever experienced. But protected by the full armor of God, we can defeat the enemy and win the battle!

When I think about the spiritual battle that is taking place, I’m reminded of a passage in Daniel, chapter 10.

DANIEL 10:12–13

12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

This passage reveals that there is more taking place than meets the physical eye. God heard Daniel’s prayer the moment he prayed, and an angel was immediately dispatched on Daniel’s behalf. But for three weeks, a wrestling—a battle—took place in the spirit realm. And there is spiritual warfare going on right now. Even though you can’t see it with your physical eyes, there is a battle raging around you. That’s why it’s so important for you to keep your armor on—every single piece! That’s why it’s so important that you fight the good fight of faith!

First Timothy 6:12 says, “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (NIV).We know what the fight of faith is. But so many times, we get tired and weary of fighting. Then the enemy comes in and tried to discourage us. He says, “Look at all the battles you’re having. Look at what’s happening in your life! This wouldn’t be happening if that faith stuff really worked.”

No, faith does work! But it takes time and patience. There is a spiritual battle going on right now. And if we want to be victorious, we must continue to fight the good fight of faith!

The enemy wants to defeat and destroy you. But you can defeat and destroy him! When you fellowship with God on a regular basis, drawing near to Him and hearing His voice clearly, you will be able to walk in the victory Christ obtained for you. When you put on the full armor of God, you will be able to stand against all the attacks of the enemy.

It’s important to remember that in the greatest battles, we can have our greatest victories. So keep your eyes on the finish line. Win the prize. Keep fighting the good fight of faith, and you will discover the many wonderful things God has prepared for those who love Him!

WHO IS A REAL WIFE?

WHO IS A REAL WIFE?
1. A virtuous Wife is a woman of substance, influence and grace. She is brainy, brilliant and beautiful.
2. A virtuous wife is a woman of few but heart-warming, thought provoking and edifying words.
3. She is not reckless, loud and empty.
4. When a virtuous wife is irritated, annoyed or upset, she zips her lips until feelings give way to reason.
5. She listens attentively, looks through, thinks deeply and speaks graciously.
6. Her words are like medicine to every hurting soul.
7. A virtuous wife does not hang around with empty vain talkers, backbiters or gossipers; she speaks the truth in love and is a constant rebuke the ungodliness around her.
8. A virtuous wife is blessed above all women. Blessed is the husband whose wife, friend and confidant is a virtuous woman.
9. A virtuous wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.” Proverbs 12:4.

THE MARRIAGE 12 COMMANDMENT .

THE MARRIAGE 12 COMMANDMENT ❤
1. There is nothing that threatens the security of a wife than the thought of another woman competing for the attention and affection of her husband. Nothing is more painful. Nothing is more disrespecting. Nothing is more insulting. Nothing is more belittling and degrading.

2. Marriage flourishes when the couple works together as a team; when both husband and wife decide that winning together is more important than keeping score.
Good marriages don't just happen. They are a product of hard work.

3. Your children are watching you and forming lasting opinions on love, commitment, and marriage based on what they see in you. Give them hope. Make them look forward to marriage.

4. Husbands: The reason why other women look attractive is because someone is taking good care of them. Grass is always green where it is watered. Instead of drooling over the green grass on the other side of the fence, work on yours and water it regularly. Any man can admire a beautiful woman, but it takes a true gentleman to make a woman admirable and beautiful.

5. When a husband puts his wife first above everyone and everything except God, it gives his wife the sense of security and honour that every wife hungers for.

6. A successful marriage doesn't require a big house, a prefect spouse, a million dollars or an expensive car. You can have all the above and still have a miserable marriage. A successful marriage requires honesty, undying commitment and selfless love and Jesus at the center of it all.

7. Pray for your spouse every day; in the morning, in the afternoon and at evening. Don’t wait until there is a problem. Don’t wait until there is an affair. Don’t wait until something bad happens. Don’t wait until your spouse is tempted. Shield your spouse with prayer and cover your marriage with the fence of prayer.

8. The people you surround yourself with have a lot of influence on your marriage. Friends can build or break your marriage; choose them wisely.

9. One spouse cannot build a marriage alone when the other spouse is committed to destroying it. Marriage works when both husband and wife work together as a team to build their marriage.

10. Don't take your spouse for granted. Don't take advantage of your spouse's meekness and goodness. Don't mistake your spouse's loyalty for desperation. Don't misuse or abuse yours spouse's trust. You may end up regretting after losing someone that meant so much to you.

11. Beware of marital advice from single people. Regardless of how sincere their advice may be, most of it is theoretical and not derived from real life experiences. If you really need Godly advice, seek it from God-fearing, impartial and prayerful mature couples whose resolve has been tested by time and shaped by trials.

12. Dear wife, Don't underestimate the power of the tongue on your marriage. The tongue has the power to crush your marriage or build it up. Don't let the Devil use your tongue to kill your spouse's image, self-confidence and aspirations. Let God use your tongue to build up your marriage and bless and praise your spouse.

The Gifts and Callings of God.

Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” “Without repentance” means that God won’t change His mind about what He has called you to do. If God has called you, that calling is still there, whether or not you have obeyed. And if God gave you a gift—if He gifted you along a certain line—that gift is still there!

Paul told Timothy to “stir up” the gift that was within him, saying, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (2 Tim. 1:6). If you want to walk out God’s plan for your life, it’s time to stir up that gift within you!

In Ephesians chapter 4, we read about some of the “gifts” that God has given.

EPEHSIANS 4:8,11–12

8  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. . . .

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

The “gifts” in this passage refer to the fivefold ministry gifts: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. You may or may not be called to the fivefold ministry. But everyone can be involved in the ministry of helps, which is a necessary and important part of the Body of Christ. And in one sense of the word, we’re all called to preach.

To “preach” means to proclaim or to tell. We’re all supposed to tell the Good News of the Gospel. We’re all supposed to tell the story of how Jesus reconciled us to God. We’re all supposed to witness to others. Second Corinthians 5:18 says, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” According to this verse, we have all been called to be in ministry—the ministry of reconciliation!

Now, there are certain pulpit ministries that God calls people to. Ephesians 4:11 tells us what those are: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. Thank God for these five ministry gifts! These are special ministry gifts that God set in the Church. Anyone who is called to full-time pulpit ministry is called in one of these areas. And a person can be called to stand in more than one office.

According to Acts 13:1, Acts 14:14, and other scriptures in the New Testament, we know that Barnabas and Paul were both “prophets” and “teachers.” In other words, they were gifted by the Holy Ghost to stand in both offices.

A person might not be faithful to the call of God on his or her life, but the call is still there, anyway. God doesn’t go back on the call. So let’s all obey God and answer the call!

When a person first gets saved, he may have such a desire to see other people saved that he starts to think,Maybe God called me to be an evangelist. That may or may not be the case. If it is the case, then obey the call. But if it isn’t, you can still help get people saved by being a minister of reconciliation.

God will take us through a learning process. And we may have to learn some things before we move from one office to another. We may have to learn some things before we’re able to fulfil the call of God upon our life.

Someone may ask, “Well, if God called you to do one thing, why would He let you do something else?”

Because there’s always going to be a proving time. No matter what God has called you to do, He is going to prove you out before He promotes you. We have to be faithful, obedient, and patient in order to fulfill God’s call. God may temporarily lead you to do something. That doesn’t mean the gift is gone or that the calling has disappeared, because the gifts and callings of God are without repentance. In other words, God doesn’t change His mind!

According to First Corinthians 12:27, you and I are the Body of Christ and members in particular. Each member has a role to play in the Body. What is your role? What has God gifted and called you to do?

Whatever God has called you to do, He has also gifted you to do it. You may not have heeded God’s call on your life in the past, but that call is still there. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance! Make a decision today to stir up the gift within you and to fulfill the call of God.

Maybe God has called you to be in full-time ministry; maybe He has gifted you with business sense or artistic talent; perhaps you feel especially called to raise a family—whatever God’s gifts and callings, determine in your heart right now to be faithful and obedient in carrying out His plan for your life.

The God-Kind of Love Forgives.

What is the God-kind of love like? The God-kind of love is full of kindness and is tender-hearted. Since God’s love is kind and tender-hearted, it is always ready to forgive.

Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Sometimes I think people interpret this verse by saying that we are to forgive people only when they are kind to us. But that’s not what the Bible says.

This scripture also doesn't say, “Forgive one another when the offence doesn't amount to much. But if people have done a lot against you, then it’s okay to not forgive them.” The verse doesn't read that way, but too many times that is the way people practice it.

Too many Christians allow their flesh to rule them, and then wonder why they aren't receiving God’s best in their lives. But it’s impossible to walk in the God-kind of love while allowing the flesh to rule.

If we’re going to obey the Bible, we have to let the inward man rule us so we can be “kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another.” It’s only as we “put on” Christ and make no provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14) that we will be able to forgive one another, even as God for Christ’s sake forgave us.

How can we forgive the way God forgives? Well, the Bible says that God is love. And the same kind of love that God is has been shed abroad in our heart, or spirit, by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5).

What kind of love is it? Is it natural, human love? No, it is divine love. It is the God-kind of love. And one characteristic of the God-kind of love is that it forgives. Another thing about divine love—when God forgives, He forgets!

Isaiah 43:25 says, “I, even I, am he that BLOTTETH OUT THY TRANSGRESSIONS for mine own sake, and WILL NOT REMEMBER thy sins.” Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

These scriptures tell us that once we ask forgiveness, God doesn't remember our sins any more. God doesn't say, “I'm going to hold against you everything you've ever done, and I'm going to remind you of your sins every time I think of them.” Thank God, this verse says that when we ask forgiveness, God will remember our sins no more!

Sometimes husbands and wives can be prone to remind each other of past mistakes every time a disagreement arises. There’s no way they can develop a good relationship if they keep doing that. Also, if spouses constantly remind each other of past mistakes and failures, it will ruin their prayer lives and will make their faith inoperative.

1 PETER 3:7

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED.

If husbands and wives hold unforgiveness and ill will against each other, it can affect their health, and their prayers will be hindered. Their faith won’t work.

You want your prayers to be unhindered, don’t you? Then walk in love and forgiveness. Learn to forgive and forget like God does.

You see, if you really love people and forgive them, you will not keep reminding them of their past mistakes, sins, and failures. You will not keep reminding them about the way they hurt you, let you down, or offended you.

Now the devil may bring a picture to your mind of something that happened between you and another person. But you don’t have to entertain the devil’s thoughts. You can go on your way and walk in forgiveness, knowing that the Lord has forgiven you of your sin, failures, and shortcomings, and that you have forgiven the other person.

Some people say, “Well, I just can’t forgive.” But that doesn't line up with the Scriptures, because if you are born again, the God-kind of love has been shed abroad in your heart.

Other people say, “Well, I can’t forgive the way God does because I'm not God.” Of course, you’re not God! But, you see, God forgives because He is love (1 John 4:8). And the same kind of love that God is dwells in you. Therefore, you can forgive with His love, just as God does.

Because the love of God has been shed abroad in our heart by the Holy Ghost, that means that God even furnishes the love for you and me to forgive with! But too many believers make the mistake of going by their head instead of their heart.

So divine love not only forgives, it forgets! That’s the way God wants us to forgive too. And we can forgive and forget because God has already furnished His love in our heart, enabling us to forgive. Therefore, there’s no excuse for failure in our ability to forgive.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Forbearing one another, and FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, if any man have a quarrel against any: EVEN AS CHRIST FORGAVE YOU, SO ALSO DO YE.” You see, when we walk in the light of the Word, we can enjoy all the benefits thereof. But to walk in the light of the Word, we have to walk in love and forgiveness.

There is something else we need to see about how love and forgiveness work together regarding answered prayer. Unforgiveness—the lack of forgiveness—is one hindrance to prayer that Jesus Himself mentioned.

MARK 11:23–25

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25 And when ye stand PRAYING, FORGIVE, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

A lot of times, people take these verses out of context and make them say something they don’t say. Then, they try to make them work, anyway. But, you see, there are some conditions involved in getting Mark 11:23 and 24 to work. Did you ever notice that many of the promises of God are conditional?

You see, the blessings of God don’t just fall on us like ripe cherries off a tree. You have your part to play—you have some responsibility in the matter.

When Jesus tells us in Mark 11:23 and 24 that we can have what we say, we all rejoice and are thrilled with His words. And we should be. But that is not all Jesus said about answered prayer.

Mark 11:23 and 24 do not present the whole story on the subject of faith. For example, in Galatians 5:6, the Bible has something else to say about faith. It says that faith only works by love.

So you won’t be able to get your faith to work for you if you’re not walking in love and forgiveness. I don’t care how many biblical confessions you make or how scriptural they are—your faith won’t work without the God-kind of love.

You can make all the confessions you want, but they won’t work for you unless you forgive. You can get up every morning and go through your list, take time out at noon to make faith confessions, and even get up in the middle of the night and repeat the same confessions—and your faith still won’t work for you unless you’re walking in love.

You could make your faith confessions like that for a hundred years, but your faith simply will not work in an atmosphere of unforgiveness.

You see, believing you have your petition and confessing your faith with your mouth is only part of effective faith and receiving answers to prayer. In fact, Mark 11:23 and 24 won’t work without Mark 11:25: “And when ye stand praying, FORGIVE. . . .” Why won’t verses 23 and 24 work without verse 25? Because faith won’t work without love, and love forgives.

Notice that verse 25 begins with the word “and.” The word “and” is a conjunction. It joins what Jesus just finished saying to what He’s about to say. Notice what Jesus had just said in Mark 11:24: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when YE PRAY. . . .” Jesus was talking about prayer. And He was still talking about how to make your faith effectual in verse 25 when He said, “When you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive.” When you pray—forgive!

Why did Jesus say that? Because Jesus knew that if we have an air of unforgiveness about us, our prayers won’t be effectual. Faith only works by love (Gal. 5:6).

Now if Jesus had just said, “When you stand praying, you’ll have your petition,” we’d all have it made. But He didn’t stop there. He said that when we stand praying, we have to do something. What do we have to do? Forgive! If we have aught (or anything) against anyone, we have to forgive.

This great truth bears repeating: Prayer and faith won’t work when there is an air of unforgiveness about you! And unforgiveness is what has so many people stymied in their faith and prayer life.

Whether you realize it or not, a lack of compassion and an unwillingness to forgive others are the things that hinder us from receiving from God and from growing spiritually. Unforgiveness will hinder us from being what God wants us to be and from being who God wants us to be.

In Mark 11:25, Jesus said, “When you stand praying, forgive if ye have aught against anyone.” The word “aught” means any kind of grudge or ill will or wrong feeling about anyone at all. That means a little grudge, a middle-sized grudge, or a big grudge—anything at all against another person.

God’s Word works, but you have to be a doer of God’s Word before it will work for you. Part of being a doer of God’s Word is to forgive others and to forgive yourself too.

It’s believing, acting on, and confessing God’s Word that makes it work for you. You can’t act on the Word and be a doer of God’s Word if you aren’t willing to forgive. It’s absolutely impossible.

So learn to forgive so you can receive God’s best in life. Practice what Paul did. Forget those things which are behind and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).