EXERCISE YOUR FAITH, TAKE MORE FROM GOD. by Kay Daniels

Welcome to a brand new week. 

Learn to cast your cares on the Lord! Worry would always give satan the push button that activates fear! The devil puts your focus on yourself but grace places your focus on God. You become very responsible when you put things absolutely in the hands of God Almighty. Do not give in to worry, when you worry, you bring in "War" "into" your life! Do not confess God's word with anxiety. Here is God's Inspired Fortune plan for you this week "And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;" Deut 11:6. This week shall slide you and this nation into the pool of blessings in Jesus Name!

#inspiration2024

GIVING IS PROOF OF AUTHENTIC LOVE by Kay Daniels

Giving is capital proof of the quality of your love for God, people or a course. You cannot truly be in love and not give your time, expertise and resources to it. Every genuine lover is a premium giver. For God so loved, He Gave. The proof of his love was seen in His giving. If you love God genuinely, you would love what he loves..and from scriptures we discover that God so loved the World that he gave is only begotten son. Abraham so loved God that he was willing to give his only begotten son - Isaac, David so loved God that he was willing to lay down his youthful life for the course of the nation when he confronted Goliath. Solomon loved God and he offered a thousand burnt offerings to the lord. Jesus so loved God that he willingly offered himself a  sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. What his gave, has put the entire world at his foot stool. 

You cannot truly love and not be a willing giver. And giving, just like praying and fasting is not a question of "if", but a subject of "When".  

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, Matthew 6:3

May this revelation position you for uncommon breakthroughs this week in Jesus name. 

#inspiration2024

IT PAYS TO BE FORGIVING by Kay Daniels

May this day deliver to you and the nations of the earth richly  in Jesus name!

Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; Job 38:12

KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT PRAYER by Kay Daniels

Jesus said, "I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" yet we engage a lot of prayers to ensure the growth and establishment of the church, yet we invest very little or no prayers in nation building or governance that has the gate of hell actively at work against its establishment and prosperity. 

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18

There is a clear demand to pray for the nations. This is because, the church is the abode of God which does not require man's authorization for God and His Spirit to operate there without hindrance, but for God and His Spirit to operate in the world or on earth demands mans authorization via prayer. 

Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven. Matthew 18:18 AMP

So in my submission, what God so loved is crying for authorization, and that is the world.

The proof of the advancement of the church should be seen in our consistent prayers for the earth, nations, governments and inhabitants of the world. The church whose sole builder is Jesus Christ shall be instrumental to this. 

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Rev 11:15

And the great rescue in this very hard and trying times on earth is what I term Kingdom Advancement Prayers targeting the nations of the earth. 

Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as Your possession. Psalm 4:8 AMP

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Psalm 122:6

And the great stamp is the seal of Jesus when he taught us to pray. The assignment of the church is to bring about the establishment of the kingdom - authorizing the reign of God and his Christ on the earth. 

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

Watch out for part 2

#wordspiration2024

#inspiration2024

Happy Mother's Day

Too many people in the body of Christ today are trying to delve into very complex matters of the Spirit, but forgetting that is very vital to first understand the basics or the fundamental - the simplicities that are in the gospel. Why did God create man, and place him on this side of the divide - earth? Was man created for heaven or for earth? Did Jesus come to take us to heaven or to restore what Adam lost in the beginning? What really is faith? 

As you step into church today, may the holy Spirit flood your spirit man and soul with knowledge, wisdom and understanding! 

Every thought or imagination of the evil one against you comes under divine judgment right now. Everyone plotting your fall, decend into the pit of their plans and may psalm109 be invoked upon their heads. 

_They have compassed me about also with words of hatred and have fought against me without a cause._ Psalm109:3

#HappySunday

#Happy Mother's Day💐

#inspiration2024

DREAMS AND VISIONS OF A PREFARABLE FUTURE by Kay Daniels

A dream is a static picture of a preferable future, while a vision is a dynamic or moving picture leading to a preferable future! 

A dream is what you see, while a vision is what you do to actuakize what you see. 

What God shows you is a dream, while what you see inside what God shows is your vision. 

_See, I have this day appointed you to the oversight of the nations and of the kingdoms to root out and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant._

_Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Jeremiah, what do you see? And I said, I see a branch or shoot of an almond tree [the emblem of alertness and activity, blossoming in late winter]_. 

Jeremiah 1:10-11

#Inspiration2024

https://bit.ly/ccyiglobal

WHAT REALLY IS FAITH? by Kay Daniels

Faith is simply the eyes of your understanding being made to open up or enlightened. Understanding what goes on in the realms of the invisible is what makes faith. It is substance that comes out of obtaining evidence that is only available in the realms of the invisible. This is operating above the realms of common sense, intellectualism or diabolic. Faith is simply operating the wisdom that is from above. 

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. Heb 11:1 AMP

May the understanding of faith come alive in your heart bringing into material existence all that you have captured from the realms of the invisible in Jesus name.

Today is your day! 

#inspiration2024

https://bit.ly/ccyiglobal

Thank You, Payment Received

Palace of Creativity

Every enemy of your family shall be in disarray

Every God ordained family having great challenges are often due to ineffective management of "misunderstanding."  

To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions." 2 Corinthians 2:11

Satan and it's agents are masters at sowing seeds of misunderstanding. It makes people to argue, quarel and fight over flimsy excuses. 

But while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed also darnel (weeds resembling wheat) among the wheat, and went on his way. Matthew 13:25

I pray for your home, family and relationships that light of Jesus would expose every satan and it's agents sowing seeds of misunderstanding in your marriage, home, family or relationship. 

As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. Psalm 18:44

Good morning and have an inspired week. 

Kay Daniels

https://bit.ly/ccyiglobal

GOD YOUR RESTORE DOUBLE FOR ALL YOUR TROUBLES.

The closest friends of Job mocked and judged him so badly, his wife asked him to jettison his integrity and strong Godly affiliation, but in spite of all these satan orchestrated attacks, he still prayed for his friends, and God restored double for all his troubles. 

For all your troubles, God will restore double fortune unto you in Jesus name.

 Your mockers would see the practical working hand of God upon your life as it was upon Job. Get set for restoration of Fortune. 

"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job and restored his fortunes, when he prayed for his friends; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.. 

Job 42:10 AMP

#Inspiration 2024

#sundaywordspiration

MARCH PROPHETIC SEED: THE SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE: KEY TO ACTIVATING KINGDOM POWER

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deut 8:18 

The key word here is "Remember" - it takes a fortified memory, which is the seat of knowledge to command wealth. 

The power to get wealth demands that you retain the Spirit of the Lord Inspired principles in your mind. Romans 1:28-32 reveals that when we cannot retain God in our knowledge, God hands us over to habits that work contrary to wealth. 

As you do all that is possible to retain God in your knowledge this month of March, get set for a great transfer of wealth to you from the Lord. Read, listen, learn, meditate, pray, and share this month, as see wealth flow in your direction. 

Welcome to March: THE SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE: KEY TO ACTIVATING KINGDOM POWER. 

RED ROSE INSPIRATION SUMMIT 2024 with Vanessa

HOLY GHOST: A FORMIDABLE PARTNER IN OUR QUEST TO GIVE FORM TO THE EARTH

THE HOLY GHOST: OUR FORMIDABLE PARTNER IN GIVING FORM TO THE EARTH. 

This is Gods original and only purpose for creating and placing man on the surface of the earth. Adam failed but Jesus came to introduce this formidable partner and comforter. 

Holy Ghost, You and I are programmed to change the world and hand over the kingdoms of this world to God. 

The kingdom of this world shall become the kingdom of our God and His Christ!

I have come to discover by revelation that the Church is not the Kingdom, rather the church is an embassy that gives the visa that guarantees access into the kingdom. 

No wonder Jesus said, except a man be born again, he cannot see that kingdom. Jesus also said of himself, I am the way, the truth and the life. The Church is the pathway to the kingdom and not the kingdom. 

In the book of Hebrews, we were told that the Hero's of faith looked for a country whose founder and builder was God. They sought a kingdom, a nation....but the map that leads to this kingdom has all its springs resident in the church - the embassy (Zion).

Just like the wilderness was a pathway to Canaan, so is the church the pathway to the kingdom. So kingdom advancement prayer is a prayer not meant for the church but made by the church in our quest to locate the kingdom.

Jesus said, seek you first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33. 

Nothing is paramount in the heart of God than the Kingdom. The ultimate desire in the heart of God is for the kingdoms of this world to become his kingdom. The Moses' are currently on the scene, but the Caleb's and Joshua's are soon emerging!

Our prayer should be for the kingdoms, systems, structures and nations of this world to become the kingdom of our God. 

Kay Daniels 

(C) 2024

Holy Ghost

Light within my soul

Holy Ghost

Fire in my bones

Holy Ghost

The power in my life

Holy Ghost

You and I will change the world

Holy Ghost

Light within my soul

Holy Ghost

Fire in my bones

Holy Ghost

You're the power in my life

Holy Ghost

You and I will change the world

Common help me sing

(Holy Ghost)

Light within my soul

(Light within my soul)

Say

(Holy Ghost)

The fire in my bones

(The fire in my bones)

Say

(Holy Ghost)

The power in my life

(The power in my life)

Holy Ghost

You and I

(You and I will change the world)

Sing with conviction say

Holy Ghost

Light within my soul

(Light within my soul)

(Holy Ghost)

Fire in my bones

(Fire in my bones)

(Holy Ghost)

The power in my life

(Power in my life)

Holy Ghost

You and I

(You and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost you and I

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost you and I

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Speak in tongues right now

It's time to respond to the call on your life

It's time to change the world

By the anointing of the spirit of God

Speak in tongues right now

Holy Ghost you and I

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost, you and I

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

From the east to the west

From the north to the south

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost you and I

(Holy Ghost you and I

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost you and I

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

Holy Ghost

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

One more time say Holy Ghost you and I

(Holy Ghost, you and I will change the world)

We change the world

We change the world

We change the world

We change the world

We change the world (We change the world)

By the anointing (We change the world)

I was born to (We change the world)

Yea (We change the world)

We change the world (We change the world)

We change the world (We change the world)

We change the world (We change the world)

We change the world (We change the world)

In Jesus name (We change the world)

In Jesus name (We change the world)

We change the world (We change the world)

Ehhhh (We change the world)

Ooohhhhh

Holy Ghost

Fire in my bones

Holy Ghost

Light within my soul

Holy Ghost

The power in my life

Holy Ghost

You and I will change the world

Speak in tongues right now

Speak in tongues

A city set on a hill can not be hidden

Thank you Lord

How many of you received that prophecy

It's time to mount up with wings as eagles and fly

Hallelujah

THE BEST KEPT OPEN SECRET OF THE KINGDOM by Kay Daniels

ASSIGNMENT FOR TASUED IT STUDENTS

ASSIGNMENT FOR TASUED IT STUDENTS

Scenario: Collaborative Research Project on Sustainable Energy Solutions

Imagine a high school science class working on a collaborative research project focused on sustainable energy solutions. The assignment requires students to explore and analyze various renewable energy sources, their benefits, challenges, and potential applications. Each student is responsible for researching a specific aspect of sustainable energy.

Here's how Google Docs and ChatGPT could be integrated into this scenario:

Initial Research Phase:

Students use Google Docs to create a shared document for the project. They set up sections for different types of renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, etc.).

Each student researches and compiles information about their assigned renewable energy source in the shared Google Doc.

Collaborative Brainstorming:

The students use the Google Docs comment feature to discuss ideas, share findings, and ask questions. They can collaboratively brainstorm on potential applications, advantages, and disadvantages of each energy source.

ChatGPT Assistance:

To enhance their understanding and generate more in-depth insights, students use ChatGPT to ask specific questions related to their research. For example, they might ask for the latest advancements in solar technology, or the environmental impact of wind farms.

Drafting and Editing:

Students work on drafting their sections individually within the same Google Doc. They use real-time editing and commenting features to provide feedback to each other, improving the overall quality of the content.

Peer Review and Revision:

After completing their drafts, students conduct a peer review session. They use Google Docs to suggest edits, ask for clarification, and provide constructive feedback. ChatGPT can be consulted for assistance in improving specific sections or refining technical details.

Final Presentation Preparation:

As the project nears completion, students collaborate on the final presentation within the same Google Doc. They can use ChatGPT to refine the language, ensure clarity, and answer any last-minute questions.

Submission and Evaluation:

The final project is submitted using Google Docs. The teacher can easily access and evaluate each student's contribution. ChatGPT could be consulted one last time for any additional insights or recommendations to enhance the overall quality of the project.

FOOD, SEX AND WATER!!! (DON'T MISS THIS) RED ROSE 2024 VALENTINES SPECIAL DAY 4

Palace of Creativity

FOOD, SEX AND WATER!!!
    (DON'T MISS THIS)

STUDENT : Sir, Is it appropriate and biblical to have urge for Sex or have affection for the opposite gender? Asked Ikenna.

TEACHER : Ikenna, do you usually feel hunger for Food and thirst for water?

STUDENT : For sure sir, and such desires are inherent in us. Besides, I don't joke with my tummy Oh (smiles)

TEACHER : When you feel those desires For food and water and don't have where wither to fulfil it, would you steal to fulfil those desires?

 STUDENT : No!!!! Sir, for it is against the teachings of my master Jesus Christ to steal. (frowns)

TEACHER: Hmmm! Very good!

Now, Ikenna just as Hunger for Food and water is inherent in man, so the Urge for Sex or affection for opposite sex is an Instinct enshrined within us as human beings by our creator.

STUDENT: Hmmmm! I see.

TEACHER : Just as it is abnormal for a person not to feel hungry, so whoever does not have sexual urge is highly abnormal except for eunuchs. (Matt 19:12)

But, then since it against our master's teachings to steal in other to satisfy desires for Food and water, so also God has provided a medium to satisfy Sexual urge which is called MARRIAGE but if you satisfy that urge outside the circumference of MARRIAGE (pornography, masturbation, fornication, prostitution, homosexualism), then is SIN and a CAPITAL OFFENCE IN OUR KINGDOM.

STUDENT: hmmmm! I see clearly now. But sir, negative suggestions on my mind are they LUST ?

TEACHER : Can you stop Mtn from sending you some irrelevant text or stop STV station from displaying evil programs or stop a bird from flying over your head?

 STUDENT : (laughs) that's impossible sir!

TEACHER : But can you delete those mtn messages from your phone, change the TV stations or switch off the TV and Stop the bird from building nest on your head?

 STUDENT : yea! Yea! Very sure sir. Nice illustration sir.

TEACHER : As long as you are in the flesh carnal, filthy and unclean thought would come but just as you can delete those MTN messages and stop a bird from landing on your head, so you can RESIST THE DEVIL AND THOSE THOUGHTS.

Ikenna, lust simply means doing in your heart what you could've done with the person physically.

Lust is not the negative suggestion, rather it is the deliberate and concerted meditation of those negative thoughts which bring PLEASURE and before GOD is tantamount to FORNICATION . (Matt 5:22)

HOLINESS is not the absent of evil thoughts or sexual urge but it is a life that chooses to resist those evil thoughts from gaining grounds within and to keep those lawful desires in check until the appropriate Time.

STUDENT : Wow! Wow! Thanks very much teacher for you have taken off some unnecessary yoke off my neck and brought Christ yoke upon me.

TEACHER : You are welcome beloved.

I deem it fit to frame today's write up in this manner so as to communicate and promulgate an impression within my heart to YOUTHS especially who don't understand TRUE HOLINESS ON SEXUAL PURITY.

Life above outward and inward sin is possible and if it were not, then Jesus died in vain.

GLORY TO HIM WHOSE PRESENCE MELT THE MOUNTAINS LIKE WAX. 

GOD BLESS YOU READERS and please, don't end it here.

Send it as far as you can to clear the doubt of YOUTHS .. 

REMAIN BLESSED.

Presented by Jomiloju

INDEPENDENT PATHS: Stories that instruct youthful hearts at Valentines 2024 DAY 3

 

LOLA was on her way to church one evening when she noticed a young man caught in traffic in another lane, and they smiled at each other. 

Unknown to them, they were both heading for the same church service. They finally met in church and were introduced.

The young man's name was Akin. Instantly, they developed a liking for each other.

Akin was in town from the USA and was accompanying his pastor on a mission to hold a crusade in Nigeria. It was not true. 

The crusade never took place.

The following month Lola took ill and had to be hospitalized.

Akin seized this opportunity to get closer to her. He was at Lola's bedside throughout her stay in hospital, showering her with gifts

and attention. 

By the time Lola was finally discharged, she had fallen madly in love with Akin and they started dating. 

Lola was so in love that she agreed to marry him before the end of that year.

So in love was she that she failed to ask Akin the necessary questions, neither did she seek counsel, or commit the relationship to God in prayer. 

Lola was blinded by what she thought was love. A few close friends who felt concerned about the way Lola was handling this affair, tried to intervene. 

They wanted Lola to acquaint them with all she knew about Akin. 

To their surprise, she knew very little about him. To make matters worse, she couldn't care less.

During their courtship Akin travelled back to the United States twice, leaving his supposed office phone numbers as the only means

of contact for Lola. In April 1997 Akin and Lola secretly got married in a court of law. 

Lola did not bother to notify even her parents

until September 1997, when they became suspicious and accused her of carrying Akin's baby outside wedlock. 

It was then that she brandished her civil marriage certificate.

Lola's parents, family and friends fell out with her, but - after much pleading and pacifying - they calmed down. 

The reality was that Lola was already pregnant and an abortion was out of the

question. 

A date for a proper family introduction and subsequent wedding ceremony was fixed. Wedding invitations were sent out.

The family introduction took place, but to everybody's amazement, Lola and Akin eloped to London a week before the wedding day.

In March 1998 Lola gave birth to a baby boy in London. Lola had a shock of her own a few days after the delivery. 

Akin had gone ahead to the USA, ostensibly to make arrangements for them all to

travel to America and live there as a family.

That was the last Lola saw of Akin!

Fifteen months later Lola learnt through a friend that Akin was critically ill and had been hospitalized somewhere in the United

States. 

Fortunately she found out the name and telephone number

of the hospital. A cheery nurse took her call. They talked at length and, when the nurse was about to transfer the call to Akin, she in-

formed Lola that Akin's wife and two children were at his bedside at that moment. 

Lola was dumbstruck and emotionally paralyzed but she managed to hang up. That piece of news choked her confidence and extinguished her pride. 

Barely a year after that Lola was to learn of another woman in Nigeria whom Akin had deceived into 'marriage'. 

This lady also had a child with him. It was only

the grace of God that kept Lola from having to be treated by a psychiatrist.

The good news, however, is that Lola has rededicated her life to Christ. 

Today Lola is a single parent living in London and is very active in the Pentecostal church. She says she has learnt her lesson, albeit the hard way.

The lessons to be learnt

✔Lola erred badly by replacing 'presence' with 'presents'. She did not seek counsel, ask relevant questions or pray.

✔Never enter into marriage without getting proper information on the background of your intended. This could be a major mistake, as proved by Lola's case.

Be careful with long-distance relationships.

Kindly share this write up with your friends and families. Also drop your observations and comments in the comment box. 

Have a spiritually edifying Valentines this season. May you experience the Agape dimension of love that brings lasting peace. 

Kay Daniels

CCYI GLOBAL

Youth coach and premarital counselor. 

Telegram: 08149537021

WISDOM DIMENSIONS

Who is a wise man and has understanding among you? Let him show it by good behaviour, by his deeds with the meekness produced by wisdom.  But if you have bitter envy and strife in your hearts, do not boast, and do not deny the truth.  This wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, readily obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

James 3:13-15, 17-18

There are four dimensions to wisdom: 

These are Earthly, Sensual (common sense), Devilish (occultic or demonic) and The wisdom from above (Divine)

1 Kings 4:30-31

Divine wisdom or the wisdom that is from above is something that is imparted. 

Like 11:49, Matt 13:44-46

Divine wisdom has capacity to enhance our mental faculty. It can improve Earthly wisdom, perfect sensual wisdom and frustrate the activities of Devilish wisdom. 

Divine wisdom is what "shells" the secret or deep things that can only be found in God Almighty. 

Romans 11:33 

There are great depths in God but it takes access to divine wisdom to operate at this realm John 5:5

Great treasures are often hidden by God in the deep or secret places or realms. 

Access to divine wisdom is the key that has capacity to unlock the doors to the secret places wherein God has hidden great treasures that is needed in our world. 

Mark 4:11, Deut 29:29, 1 Corinthians 2:-6-14

This divine wisdom asset key can only be located when we possess love in our heart for God and his kingdom. 

The Holy Ghost teaches us by unraveling great mysteries and also reminds us of things already in us which has capacity to unlock the treasures of divine wisdom. 

Joh 32:8 The Spirit of intelligence is actively present in the breath of God. 

John 16:12-13 Things to come are only available via the breath of God which is the Holy Spirit. 

The text for capturing dynamic understanding from God's word is the bible...

2 Timothy 3:15 the bible content makes wise. 

But where is wisdom found? And where is the place of understanding? Job 28:12

To provoke the release of divine wisdom, there is need for ask in prayers. 

Ephesians 1:18

When you pray in the Holy Ghost, your spirit man connects with inspiration from the Holy Ghost. You draw virtues from the Holy Ghost. 

The bible might present a general plan, but what you believe from the general plan, is God's plan for your life. 

God spoke a general plan to Jeremiah but asked Jeremiah for what he saw from the general plan so he could plug in to the specific plan of God for him. 

Jeremiah 1:5-11

#inspiration2024

Culled from Tuesday Chapel service 

Covenant University. (Pst Ola Judah)

LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT: RED ROSE VALENTINE SPECIAL 2024 DAY 2

Love at first flight

FOLAKE, a flight attendant with an intercontinental airline, met Tunde on board a flight to Germany. Folake noticed that, while she went about her duties busily, Tunde kept staring at her. 

She smiled politely and served him as she did all the other passengers in the first-class cabin. When she went to pick up his tray, he grabbed her hand and called her by her name. 

She was shocked, not realizing that her name tag was pinned to her breast pocket in plain sight. He asked, 'Are you a Christian?' She was taken aback by this question, because in all her years of flying, no one had ever asked her this. 

This question, Folake later told me, was what had first caught her interest. She told him that she was, and asked him the same question. He affirmed this and said he was a leader in his church.

Folake and Tunde kept in touch after this flight. Folake lived in Lagos and Tunde in the USA. They communicated by phone and email every day. Their friendship began to grow. 

Individually and together on the phone they prayed to God to help and lead them.

One day Tunde called Folake and proposed to her. She accepted, sincerely believing that it was the will of God. Wanting to be doubly sure, Folake decided to talk to a pastor about the marriage proposal. 

After praying, the pastor confirmed that it was the will of God. This gave her courage, so she went ahead with plans to marry Tunde.

Their marriage, celebrated with great pomp and pageantry, soon met with many challenges. One of these was securing a visa for Folake to enter the USA. She was unable to get a visa immediately and the immigration laws barred her from entering the USA until her application had been approved. 

This puts a lot of strain on the marriage. Some months into the marriage, Tunde, unable to cope

with the separation, began having other affairs. 

This broke Folake's heart, but she nonetheless forgave him. She assured him that he could be

stronger and more in control of himself even though she was not with him. She dedicated him and her marriage to God by praying and fasting. 

She believed in God and in what her husband could be, what God could make of him. But it was a tough battle.

During one of his visits from the US to spend some weeks with her in Nigeria, he complained about everything she did. He called her names and was very abusive. He shouted and humiliated her in public, especially in the presence of his family. He took everyone's word over hers and this really hurt her. 

What shocked her most, however, was that he started attacking her faith in God-the very thing at the root of the initial attraction. 

One day, he asked her for a divorce. Folake was heartbroken. She talked to him, wanting to know about and understand his struggle. She felt that if she knew these things, she might be able to save her marriage. However, this did not work at all. 

He told her that he did not want to spend the rest of his life with her and that he no longer loved her the she loved him. He told her that he could no longer cope with the stress of marriage. He wanted to be alone and, with that, he sent her divorce papers. 

For about a year, Folake refused to give Tunde a divorce, believing that God would change his heart and make her marriage work. She prayed and fasted and sowed seeds, but the situation didn't improve and her husband was becoming more abusive by the day. 

In the end Tunde stopped calling and never wrote again. Folake told her pastors, her parents and her in-laws of the problems in her marriage, but no one could help. Finally, she decided to give him what he wanted-a divorce.

The lessons to be learnt

Folake took stock of all that had happened to her and she concluded that she had made two grave mistakes:

✔She had not allowed enough time during their courtship to know her husband.

✔She had attached too much value to his claim of being born-again.

'In marriage, it is not what you claim to be, but who you are.

The Bible says: "By their fruits you will know them." Marriage is about finding someone who is able to commit, and commit all the way,' Folake realized.

Kindly drop your comments and ideas in the comment box. Also share with your friends and loved ones. 

May this valentine season be a time of renewed emotional intelligence for you. God bless you. 

Inspiration2024

CCYI GLOBAL

ENSNARED - Red Rose 🌹 Day 1 - 2024

Ensnared

KEMI was a promising young woman who had a bright future before she met Tope, who swept her off her feet. 

Tope did not share her religious beliefs, but he always spoke to her about his principles and family values. 

She remembers him saying that a wife does

not need to work as a husband should be supportive of his wife.

She thought to herself, 'This is the man of my dreams.'

Tope was flamboyant, romantic and passionate and she fell head over heels in love with him. 

Kemi's parents and friends tried to talk her out of it, but her mind was made up. 

"The way he explained it, his beliefs sounded very much like my own,' she said. He said the

right things at the right time. 

However, not everything he told her was true. When Tope proposed to Kemi, she accepted, promising to marry him according to his religious beliefs and to bring up their children as his religion required. 

During the ceremony Kemi repeated phrases in his language with no idea of what she was saying. 

After the wedding she read her marriage certificate and was shocked to find that her name had been changed to a traditional one.

 Her new husband assured her that it was 'just on paper' but suddenly Kemi's dream of a knight in shining armour was turning

into a nightmare.

The more I submitted to his traditions, the more he and his family had rights over me,' she explained. 

'He controlled everything - my money, my decisions and my social life. 

He stayed out all night, spending his time in strip bars or with other women. 

The physical abuse started while I was expecting our second child.' 

On the outside Kemi's life looked like a Hollywood fantasy - seven homes, an eighteen-carat tennis bracelet and any car she wanted - but inside, she was experiencing a living hell.

The lessons to be learnt

✔Your partner must have the same religious beliefs as you. It is not safe if they are not similar. They must be the same, otherwise

there will be serious problems, as in Kemi's case.

✔ Investigate the background of your intended spouse, his family, their traditions and beliefs.

✔Never disregard the warnings of your parents and friends.

A person who truly loves you would never put you through anything you do not understand without ensuring that you know the truth.

✔ Only when dealing with God, and not with man, should trust be blind.

Valentine tips day 1 

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