LIVING WITH A CONTENTIOUS SPOUSE (Part 2)

 The anointing of God's favour is mending your broken heart and turning disappointments into joyful breakthroughs. 

Good -Life Devotional: LIVING WITH A CONTENTIOUS SPOUSE  (Part 2)

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

1 Corinthians 3:3 " For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

  A carnal husband or wife is no different from a heathen and is characterised by contentiousness or strife .Such persons are tools in the hands of the enemy to destroy families . 

  The Bible teaches us how to overcome the contentious spirit . Here are more ways: 

4. GUARD YOUR TONGUE

 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)

 Refusing to speak hurtful words disarms contention. Think of the implications of your words before you speak 

PRAYER: Father, set a guard over my lips, that I may speak life, not strife.

5. COMMIT TO FERVENT PRAYER LIKE HANNAH

: “Hannah was in great distress and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.” (1 Samuel 1:10)

 Hannah turned provocation into prayer, not retaliation.

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to turn my tears and pain into prayers, as Hannah did.

6. PURSUE PEACE DELIBERATELY

 “So then let us pursue with enthusiasm the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” (Romans 14:19)

   Peace does not come by chance but by pursuit.

PRAYER: Prince of Peace, guide me to sow peace in my home, even in the face of contention.

7. BE SLOW TO ANGER

“Be slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20)

 Contention thrives when anger is quick; patience breaks the cycle.

PRAYER: Lord, slow my anger and quicken my patience, so I may reflect Your righteousness.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and the courage to apologise whenever we are at fault. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome unforgiveness.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

LIVING WITH A CONTENTIOUS SPOUSE

The love bond in your family shall continue to wax stronger because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

LIVING WITH A CONTENTIOUS SPOUSE

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   One of the effects of generational strife is a contentious spirit. In Jacob’s household, Rachel and Leah constantly competed for affection (Genesis 29–30), producing envy, rivalry, and tension. This strife sowed seeds of division in their family. In contrast, Hannah faced provocation from her rival Peninnah but overcame by seeking God in prayer, not through strife (1 Samuel 1:6–10).

Scripture warns us: “It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman.” (Proverbs 21:19, AMP) also

“As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” (Proverbs 26:21, AMP) it also says 

“But for those who are selfishly ambitious and self-seeking and disobedient to the truth... [there will be] wrath and indignation.” (Romans 2:8, AMP)

   Yet, God provides wisdom and grace to live peaceably and victoriously, even in a difficult marriage.

Here are some  Ways to Live with a Contentious Spouse

1. WALK IN THE SPIRIT, NOT IN THE FLESH

Scripture: “Walk habitually in the Spirit... then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:16)

  Strife feeds on fleshly reactions. Spirit-led living helps us respond with patience.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to walk in Your Spirit daily, not in the flesh, that I may overcome strife with peace. Memorise Galatians 5:22 and recite it everyday.

2.)  PRACTICE GENTLE ANSWERS

The Scripture:says  “A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and painful words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Gentleness defuses arguments before they escalate.

PRAYER: Father, put Your words in my mouth, that I may answer gently and turn away wrath.

3. COVER IN LOVE

The Scripture says: “Above all, have fervent and unfailing love... because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

   Love overlooks weaknesses instead of magnifying them.

PRAYER: Lord, fill me with love that covers offenses and heals wounds in my marriage.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and to be filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues for effective prayers .

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to love the unlovable. 

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE AGAINST GENERATIONAL STRIFE ( part 3)

 You shall not labour in vain , your interest shall be well secured because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE AGAINST GENERATIONAL STRIFE  ( part 3) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

 James 3:17-18

[17]But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

[18]And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.". The fruit of righteousness being the blessings of the lord upon a marriage can only be seen and enjoyed in a peaceful atmosphere. Living in peace is by choice and here are more principles on how to overcome the generarional cycle of strife in your family . 

8) BREAK NEGATIVE FAMILY PATTERNS THROUGH CHRIST – 2 Corinthians 5:17

PRAYER: By the authority of Jesus Christ, I break every inherited pattern of rivalry, jealousy, and division in my family. We declare that we are new creations in Christ, in Jesus’ name.

Make moves to reconcile with your inherited enemies . We are called to the ministry of reconciliation. 

9) GUARD YOUR HOME ATMOSPHERE WITH PEACE – Matthew 5:9

Prayer: Father, make our home a dwelling place of peace. Let Your Spirit rule our atmosphere so strife cannot enter, in Jesus’ name.

10 ) STAND FIRM IN GOD’S WORD AND RESIST THE ENEMY – James 4:7

Prayer: Lord, we submit our marriage to You. We resist the devil, and we declare that every plan of strife and division against us shall fail, in Jesus’ name.

Conclusion

Strife, if left unchecked, can travel through generations. But when a marriage is surrendered to Christ, fueled by the Holy Spirit, and guarded by prayer, the cycle of conflict is broken, and a new legacy of peace begins.

 In our prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and boldness to take steps or reconciliation. 

PRAYER; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him and receive the Holy Spirit and power for reconciliation.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE AGAINST GENERATIONAL STRIFE ( part 2)

 

The generarional hindrance  to your family's prosperity is hereby broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good-Life Devotional: GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE AGAINST GENERATIONAL STRIFE  ( part 2)
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
1 Thessalonians 2:8 'So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."
  The scripture teaches that we should be affectionate towards each other and long for eachother  for our collective prosperity.
Generational strife born out of inherited enemies and demonic manipulations through the activities of soothsayers and false preachers hinder love in families.  The following are more ways to promote family love :
4) FORGIVE AND RELEASE OFFENSES QUICKLY – Colossians 3:13
PRAYER: Father, give us the grace to forgive one another freely. May no root of bitterness grow in our hearts or our marriage, in Jesus’ name.
5) SPEAK LIFE, NOT STRIFE – Proverbs 18:21
PRAYER: Lord, sanctify our tongues. Let our words build each other up and heal our home, never tear it down, in Jesus’ name.
6) SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE – Ephesians 5:21
PRAYER: Father, clothe us with humility. Help us to honor and submit to one another in love, breaking every foothold of pride, in Jesus’ name.
7 ) PRAY TOGETHER AS A COUPLE – Matthew 18:19
PRAYER: Lord, unite our hearts in prayer. As we agree together before You, let strife lose its power and let Your peace reign in our marriage, in Jesus’ name.
In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and the spirit of reconciliation in our families .
PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to break evil family patterns.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE AGAINST GENERATIONAL STRIFE ( part 1)

 The cycle of generational strife is broken off your family because of the anointing of God's favour upon you. 

Good- Life Devotional: GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE AGAINST GENERATIONAL STRIFE  ( part 1) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

:1 Kings 2:8-9 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.

[9]Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.' 

Like king Solomon some persons have inherited their parents enemies and continued in the cycle of generational strife with profound effect on their marriages . 

 The same circumstance plays out amongst descendants of Ishmael as witnessed in the middle east . A brief timeline based on the scriptures : 

In Genesis 16:11–12 – The prophecy about Ishmael’s turbulent destiny.

Genesis 17:20 – God’s blessing upon Ishmael, proving he was not cursed.

In Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit, including self-control and peace is promised to those who receive Jesus Christ as lord and saviour .

   The conflict between Sarah and Hagar sowed seeds of strife that outlived them and affected their descendants—Isaac and Ishmael. This shows us how family strife, if unchecked, can flow into generations. Many families today are still marked by quarrels, bitterness, rivalries, and resistance, which often affect marriages. But through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, couples can break free and guard their marriages against these destructive cycles.

 Here are some ways to Overcome the Generational Spirit of Strife in Families (with Prayers)

1) ACKNOWLEDGE AND RENOUNCE GENERATIONAL STRIFE – 1 John 1:9

Prayer: Father, I acknowledge the presence of strife in my family line. By the blood of Jesus, I renounce every generational spirit of conflict and division in my marriage, in Jesus’ name.

2) RECEIVE THE BAPTISM AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – Acts 1:8

PRAYER: Lord, baptize me and my spouse afresh with the Holy Spirit and fire. Empower us to walk in Your strength, not in the patterns of our ancestors, in Jesus’ name.

3) WALK IN THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – Galatians 5:22–23

Prayer: Holy Spirit, produce in us love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. Let our marriage reflect Your nature, not strife, in Jesus’ name.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and freedom from evil family patterns .

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome evil family patterns .

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

MARRIAGE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE (WITH PRAYERS Part 2 )

 

The more the opposition against you the more breakthroughs you shall have because of the anointing of God's favour upon.
Good -Life Devotional: MARRIAGE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE (WITH PRAYERS Part 2 )

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Psalms 37:19 "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."
  The scripture promises that God's people will be catered for in adverse conditions . Faith demands we act on God's principles for financial intelligence. Here are more ways a couple can strengthen their marriage and build their finances together :
6) BUILDING AN EMERGENCY FUND
Proverbs 6:6-8 praises the ant for storing food in summer. Couples must prepare for the unexpected—medical needs, job loss, or repairs—through emergency savings.
PRAYER: Father, give us discipline to save consistently and foresight to prepare for the future without fear or anxiety.
7) LONG-TERM PLANNING
Joseph stored grain for seven years against famine (Genesis 41:34–36). In the same way, couples should plan for retirement, children’s future, and legacy.
PRAYER: Lord, guide us with wisdom like Joseph, that we may prepare for the future and leave a godly legacy for our children.
8) MANAGING DEBT
Romans 13:8 warns, “Owe no man anything, but to love one another.” Couples must avoid unnecessary debt and work together to pay existing obligations.
PRAYER: Father, deliver us from the burden of debt. Teach us contentment, and provide the resources we need to clear every financial obligation.
9) INVESTING AND WEALTH CREATION
Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Investments—land, business, or skills—help couples create lasting wealth.
PRAYER: Lord, open doors of opportunity for wise investments. Bless the work of our hands, and help us build wealth that glorifies You.
10) REVIEWING AND ADJUSTING
Proverbs 27:23–24 counsels, “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks.” Couples should regularly review budgets, savings, and investments, adjusting as life changes.
PRAYER: Father, keep us diligent and faithful in monitoring our finances. Help us adjust wisely and remain good stewards of all You have entrusted to us.
  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and wisdom for excellence in finance management
PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to get wealth.
“Heavenly Father, we dedicate our finances and marriage to You. Teach us to be united, wise, and disciplined in money matters. Let our financial management bring peace, abundance, and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”
  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and openness to learn financial intelligence.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to get wealth .
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

MARRIAGE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE (WITH PRAYERS Part 1

 Extraordinary financial favour shall locate you because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

MARRIAGE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE (WITH PRAYERS Part 1 ) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

    Money matters are among the leading causes of conflict in marriage, yet God’s Word provides wisdom to guide couples in financial stewardship. When husbands and wives walk in unity concerning money, they not only secure their future but also glorify God. Here are some principles for effective financial management in a marriage. 

1) SHARED FINANCIAL GOALS

Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” Couples must set common financial goals—whether saving for a home, educating children, or giving to the kingdom. Unity in vision strengthens marriage.

Prayer: Lord, unite our hearts in vision and purpose. Help us to walk together in agreement concerning our financial goals.

2) JOINT BUDGETING

Luke 14:28 teaches us to count the cost before building. A joint budget helps couples plan for income and expenses, avoiding waste. It also builds accountability and trust.

Prayer: Father, grant us wisdom to plan wisely, discipline to keep to our budget, and grace to honor You with our spending.

3 ) FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION

Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that “Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Honest conversations about money prevent hidden debts, secret spending, or misunderstandings.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to communicate openly, truthfully, and gently about money, removing every spirit of secrecy or mistrust.

4) DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one.” Couples may divide responsibilities according to strengths—one handling bills, another savings—while remaining transparent.

Prayer: Father, show us how to share financial responsibilities wisely, respecting each other’s strengths and working together in unity.

5) SUPPORTING EACH OTHER’S GOALS

Philippians 2:4 encourages us to look out for the interests of others. A husband may support his wife’s desire to learn a trade, while she backs his dream of business growth. Such mutual support fosters love and progress.

Prayer: Lord, help us to celebrate and support each other’s financial dreams, making sacrifices where needed, and finding joy in one another’s success.

In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and wisdom against financial mismanagement. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to get wealth. 

“Heavenly Father, we dedicate our finances and marriage to You. Teach us to be united, wise, and disciplined in money matters. Let our financial management bring peace, abundance, and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”

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