LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 342

Scripture for today

Ephesians 5:22 ASV

Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

I hear a lot of my male friends use this Scripture especially when we are joking, I simply laugh  and ask them "Are you my husband?"  I have heard a lot of people in relationships think that their woman is to submit to them. These relationships am talking about isn't marriage oh, they are simply dating or courting. The men might ask, how will I know she will be submissive? I say watch her!!!  What the way she acts with her earthly father. I know you might be quick to say that her father is the worst man on earth! Listen young man, her father is a good representation of her head for now. No matter how terrible that head is, the way she reacts and obeys that head goes a long way to show how she will submit to you. 

She might not have an earthly father, how about her pastor! Her pastor who is her spiritual head, is she submissive to him! Single women don't start acting wife to any man not even a fiance. You can love him, honor him,  respect him but submission is to be found in the confines of marriage. 

Yes your fiance should be proving himself right now, earning your respect, pursuing and wooing you, presenting himself as a man who will love you as Christ loved the church and one who will lead your home.

But he’s not your husband yet. The same way you cannot submit to him like a wife, don’t expect him to behave like a husband!

Not that he should not be working tirelessly to build and grow your love, but your expectation should be ‘this is my fiance, not my husband”.

Don’t make demands on him, the kind reserved for a marriage commitment.

Prayer: Father, open my eyes to what is right and wrong in my courtship. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 341

Scripture for today

1 Samuel 15:23 ASV

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. I remember many times I have been rebellious in the past. I find it very difficult to submit to choleric people. I wasn't raised in an atmosphere where someone pushed me around so I hate being pushed around, I hate when someone tries to be unreasonable and impose their decisions on me. So I kind of had issues with my choleric leaders or team heads. I wanted things done in a calm and very easy way. I hated too much  pressure therefore I would rather run back to my shell as my way of protesting. 

One day the Lord brought this Scripture to light in my heart. I knew immediately that I was doing wrong by rebelling. God has called us to a life of obedience first to God and then to our earthly leaders. God puts some people in our lives so that they teach us that obedience sometimes doesn't have to be sweet or enjoyable. It doesn't always have to be a pleasurable experience. It is a decision. 

In my walk with God I have come to realize that my walk with him doesn't always come easy. Sometimes I badly want to have my way. I say that obedience isn't easy that's why it takes a heart with a lot of trust to totally obey God. We as Christians need to understand that obeying God is not a thing that is done out of a heart that doesn't totally rely and lean upon him. 

Prayer: Father, help me to be obedient. Never to be rebellious. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 328

Scripture for today

The Message 1 Samuel 2:18-20 In the midst of all this, Samuel, a boy dressed in a priestly linen tunic, served God. Additionally, every year his mother would make him a little robe cut to his size and bring it to him when she and her husband came for the annual sacrifice. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "God give you children to replace this child you have dedicated to God." Then they would go home.

Many of us pray the Hannah kind of prayer but never make the Hannah kind of sacrifice. This Scripture ministered personal to me, after asking God for something and believing him for sometimes, I  then made a covenant to give him back that same thing he just blessed me with. The normal me will struggle with this. I can imagine believing God for a child and having to give him right back to God. I see him only once in a year. I believe I would be worried sick and call In every day to check if he has had breakfast, lunch and dinner. Truth is, it takes a heart totally sold out to Jesus that will be willing to give what they only have and never bother how it is spent or used..  I hear some Christians talk about their tithe and how their pastors use them for personal reasons and I have this to say to you, YOU  HAVEN'T DISCOVERED THE REAL KEY TO ABUNDANCE!!! Reading further you will see that Hannah had many more children. She gave that one that is the Lord's back to him and reaped abundance. 

Give God what belongs to him, and enjoy his best. 

Prayer: Father, thanks for showing me the key of abundance. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 312

Scripture for today

Proverbs 24:16 AMPC

For a righteous man falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. [Job 5:19; Ps. 34:19; 37:24; Mic. 7:8.]

If there was anything I was terribly scared of, it was failing. As a child, I have always been the sunshine in everyone's heart. Good at almost anything. I could be called up to do things my peers would shy away from and I would give it my best. I could speak my mind with boldness, I could stand in front of a crowd and make a speech without feeling scared. Long story short, I had a great childhood because I never failed. Failure was never my thing, I had a phobia for failure I would cry my eyes out if I came out of any class second best. Let me just say, I had to be on top or no place else. 

Fast forward years later, I have failed so many times. I have failed in many areas I can't even begin to tell it all. I have had to resit for exams more than twice, this is my second blog the first one failed, I have failed to grab so many opportunities, I have come low to even less than second best, I have failed in relationships, I have even failed God or my close friends. I would say I have had a fair taste of failure. One thing I have learnt from failure is this for every time I failed I learnt new lessons. For every time I failed, I  looked for better ways to make things work. I would say I learnt my life's greatest lessons from times I have failed. 

Right now I know this for sure, failure is one of the best things that can happen to us. You haven't lived if you haven't failed. I know you might fail that exam today, you could be told you are fired or even be told you are not qualified. Fail forward!!! Don't be afraid to fail forward it is better than remaining stagnant due to fear. 

Prayer: Father, help me overcome my fear of failure. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 295

Scripture for today

The Message Proverbs 3:5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your down.

You know am one person who like to have it all figured out, that why for every year of my life I wrote down things I really want to have happened. Did I tell you guys my plan for the age of 24 was to get married. Ehen!! I was to have a masters at 23 and by 25 years should have a child. I laugh at my self right now. Setting goals which I know I am not totally in control of is simply one thing I would not do anytime soon. It's just like God looked totally at my plans and jumped to the last line where I wrote "Not my will but your will, Lord."  I think that was the only thing he saw in my plan book I wrote when I was 18 years old. Yes friends, the plans didn't work but if there is anything I have learnt  is to trust him. I have learnt to trust him in everything though he is still teaching me new ways to trust him but I know I am certainly getting better. 

Trusting God takes away all the power you have within you to figure things out. It takes away the pride that comes with success when you remember that things didn't work out just the way you wanted but it worked out for your good. Trust God guys, it might look like you are losing time and effort but trust him still. The year is about to end, all your desires didn't come to pass, still trust him. Happy new month and remain blessed. 

Prayer: Father, help me trust you always. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 294

Scripture for today

The Message Matthew 4:1-4 Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: "Since you are God's Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread." Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth."

Temptations always come for us in our place of need. Temptations are very calculative I must say. It always come for you at the point where we have a need that need to be met urgently. When I studied this Scripture about Jesus being hungry and I am able to relate it to so many situations around me. Most times we get hungry in different situations we find ourselves. We have a lot of needs that seem to be very urgent. This needs are very genuine and legitimate. For example, when you don't have a need for food anyone who brings food to you on a very uncomfortable condition might just be doing you a great Favour. 

Your Temptations are always in line with your needs. If I have a need for a relationship I would be tempted easily from that point of my need. If I have need for a car ride, I can easily be tempted from that need. This post is to tell us as believers that we need to turn down some offers. Not all offers are really for us. We are not to pick up every challenge to see if we can do handle situations by ourselves. You're not your own provider, God is. You are not your supplier, God is. You have all you need to overcome Temptations in the word of God. His word has all the power in the world to withstand any temptation that comes your way. 

Prayer: Father, help me withstand any temptation that comes my way. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 277

Scripture for today

Hebrews 11:4 AMP

[Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking. [Gen. 4:3-10.]

What can you give to God?  What is greatest gift you have that you can't just share with anybody? What is your most valuable possession which without it you can do nothing? I asked all these series of questions so you will have a mind check. You know those things that seem impossible for you to give or sacrifice. Even though you value God and you claim to put him first there are just somethings you can't let him have. 

Abel gave his best to God and that gave him the status 'righteous'. There are somethings that we would not have until we learn to live a life of sacrifice.  When you give unto God your best you will get the best.  Abel gave his best and got the best.  There is a great power in sacrifice, doors unlimited opens and you are set right.  

Sacrifice is so powerful because it can change a situation that was hopeless and looked like help is coming from nowhere.  When Solomon sacrificed on the altar after he built the temple the presence of the Lord filled the place. 2 Chronicles 7:5-12 Do you know that same night God appeared to him?. What really can you give to God to call down his glory and mighty power upon your life?

Prayer: Father, may I truly be filled with the grace to sacrifice. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 274

Scripture for today

Psalm 94:12 AMPC

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law,

Have you ever been disciplined by God? Maybe I am going too far to call God into this discipline issue but I will never forget one day my earthly father gave me a good spanking. Let's say I am one of those ladies who had a very lenient father, he would use his words all the time which certainly had a way of getting to me but my mum happen to be the strict one, she wouldn't waste time to spank you at every little misbehavior. Knowing this as a child I was drawn more to my dad, I would make sure I don't hurt him, I would follow every instruction he gives me. 

One day, he asked me to do the dishes. We were not allowed to have TV time except weekends so when my parents are not around we would sneak to our neighbors house to watch TV.  I didn't do the dishes rather I went off to my neighbors house as usual. I was so engrossed in the TV program I didn't know when my dad was back to the house. I realized myself and before I could race home he was already in the house. For the first time in my life my dad gave me a good spanking I never forget till today. That day I peed on myself. I still have very clear memory of that day. So many years after I am glad he disciplined me that day. 

Our heavenly Father loves us so much so he doesn't fail to discipline and instruct us when we go wrong. He sometimes allow situations to push us so he would bring out the best in us. He uses situations to make us realize that we have great potentials. He loves us and he certainly wants the best for us. 

Prayer: Father, I know you love. Help me understand the importance of your discipline in my life. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 268

Scripture for today

Ephesians 6:18 AMPC

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

I am sharing this amazing testimony about the great benefits of speaking in other tongues. I have shared how much it is beneficial for Christians to speak in other tongues.

The following testimony is submitted by Pastors Russell & Barbara Plilar of Seedtime & Harvest Church of San Diego, California.

   We knew it was “Our Year to Soar in 2004,” yet at the beginning of this year, we were faced as a church with many challenges.  The first week in January of 2004, we spoke with Bobbie Jean of our dilemma, and she said, “You need to hold an all church prayer meeting much like the one held in Guatemala City, praying seven uninterrupted hours in tongues.”

On Sunday, January 25, 2004, from 1 pm until 8 pm, we planned to hold such a prayer meeting, and began to fast in preparation.  Pastor Sandra Bibb was teaching the people in the Sunday School hour on decisions to stand against the flesh as we pursue a decision that will bring us closer to God, which helped to under gird many and establish us in our decision to fast, to resist the flesh, and to      pray, expecting God's "More in 2004."  Altogether, one-hundred individuals came and stayed, praying continuously for the entire seven hour period.

   Prior to each hour, Pastor Barbara (also the Director of Music) would exhort the "Fresh Fire" worship team to come forth with several songs to precede each hour of prayer.  Paul Spahr also helped encourage the prayer time by outlining "Seven Points to Prayer," one point for each hour that brought focus as we prayed.  The prayer points included amongst other things national, state, and local government, and for all those in authority over us; revival for our city; souls, families and marriages; God's vision; and specific church needs, including a picture posted of the rendering of the proposed new location for the church. During the prayer time, several linked arms and surrounded the picture, coming together in strong intercession, travail, and weeping.

   We were joined as well by our good friends and co-laborers of the West Coast Christian Center of Vista, California for several of the seven hours. Throughout, the people remained vigilant, determined, and were filled with joy, having an excited expectation to see God fulfill His Word.

     At the 8 pm conclusion of the prayer time, the Spirit of Prophecy hovered over us and for the next two hours, we prophesied over each individual.  Confirmations, answers to prayer, and major deliverance came to the people.  We so appreciate our people, and our daughter Christy, who labor daily with us in the ministry.  The people have expressed an interest to continue to hold such prayer times in the months to come!

 These are some of the testimonies that have flooded in following the 7 hour prayer time in other  tongues:

   ~ One young lady unfamiliar with the move of the Holy Spirit, fell out under the power of God  and began speaking with other tongues.

   ~  A counselor/psychologist received breakthrough, moving out of the natural and into the supernatural when counseling.

   ~  One lady has had her poems selected to be published in book form and CD.

   ~ One young man in the Special Forces had been ordered to Iraq, and 'at the last minute' a change came to station him in Germany for two years instead.

  ~ Many financial, business and job breakthroughs have come 'suddenly' for our people, including job promotions, a business owner received strategies enabling him to work 'smarter,' not 'harder,' others have been launched following prayer into  new businesses and into overseas ventures, one man became designated to be groomed to take over the company upon the retirement of the owner, this church received supernatural favor with property managers, and supernatural provision for a wedding, reception and honeymoon came in.  Also,  a gentleman standing in faith for six months for a better job~ two weeks following 7-hour prayer time he received an excellent job with very good pay and benefits, another had a door close on a job, and within four days became employed by an excellent firm with more pay and better benefits.

   ~ Many healings have manifested including  three ladies with diabetes, who have experienced miraculous healings, restored vision, blood sugar level restored to appropriate levels without the aid of medicine, and their energy is now abounding.  One of the ladies with diabetes had been diagnosed as needing surgery, and then assured she would need to be on dialysis for the rest of her life.  She was given this  final report following the prayer time, the diagnosis was reversed: NO SURGERY NECESSARY, NO DIALYSIS NECESSARY, and her health improved immediately; another person had accelerated  improvement after disc surgery, and still another came through exploratory surgery with 'flying colors,' ALL TESTS NEGATIVE.

THE BENEFITS CANNOT BE OVER EMPHASIZED THESE TESTIMONIES ARE ENOUGH GUYS. IF YOU ARE YET TO BE FILLED PRAY TO BE FILLED AND IF YOU ARE, USE THE GIFT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the gift of tongue, help me use it appropriately at all times.

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 247

Scripture for today

2 Samuel 10:3-5 (Msg) David sent to ask about her, and was told, "Isn't this Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite?" David sent his agents to get her. After she arrived, he went to bed with her. (This occurred during the time of "purification" following her period.) Then she returned home. Before long she realized she was pregnant. Later she sent word to David: "I'm pregnant."

There is no such thing as causal sex! 

David utterly decided not to take responsibility for what he did with his body on this particular day. He completely neglected the knowledge of his oneness with God. In their time a King had access to all books (knowledge) written to pass down information of what had been years earlier. Of course he had to study to show himself worthy to remain King and lease of his people. Thus ignorance wasn't an excuse. 

 In Gensis 2:22-24 it explains that a man leaves his family and is joined to his wife "and the two are united into one". 

David knew once he opened his eyes and allowed the lust of another man's wife into his heart, he was done for. 

There simply isn't anything casual about sex and the new age media would propel it to seem. Remember everything God has designed the devil has altered to suit his ambition of getting so many to hell and before hell-time they get the reward of their casual sex innuendo here on earth. 

David got his; he had a son (Solomon) who was from a causal sexual relationship, who wasn't rightly his heir to the throne: become his successor. Are you shocked?

Well so many singles are having children out of wedlock and as the society is accepting the trend, generations and their glory are been altered. 

Friends, a person who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit  with Him. Run away from sexual sin! Be it a prostitute or a consented sex with an individual -No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does for sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 1cor 6:15-16

Prayer: Father, help me present myself to you as a living sacrifice. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 231

Scripture for today

Jeremiah 31:3 AMPC

The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. [Deut. 7:8.]

So its another Saturday and you are not married? I remember when the meme used to pass round as peoples display pictures every Saturday. It contained a lot of hurtful words I must say especially for the single believers waiting on God. A lot of things happen to us on our journey out of singleness sometimes we meet a lot of nasty comments from people who don't seem to understand what season we are going through. Some men/women  who come to you for their selfish desires tell you how they are sure no one wants you and the married friends and family members come up with several acts and conditions that makes you marriage worthy or suitable. Different ideas come up from every quarter just to make you feel you need to do more so as to change your condition. The question here is "What is God saying?"

God is saying in our scripture above that he has loved us so greatly, he is so faithful. God is faithful dear singles, he knows just what you need when you need it. Don't allow all the nasty comments and biological facts make you step into a season you want to create for yourself. Wait patiently, it will come just wait friend its almost here but while we wait let's enjoy our present season. Let's work in purpose more than ever, love God like crazy and watch him shower you all around with his blessings. 

The more you try to figure these things out the worse you get with worry. If your best friends, younger sisters or even every one close to you have stepped into their season of marriage don't be sad, help them the best way you can and praise God because yours is coming.

Prayer: Father, help me be patient in waiting for you.

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 229

Scripture for today

Psalm 138:3 AMP

In the day when I called, You answered me; and You strengthened me with strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) in my inner self.

This has been a Scripture that I have been memorizing for a while now. I have not just been memorizing it but it has come alive to me. In my times of trouble once I call upon him he has always answered he has given me strength I mean strength on my inside to withstand the situation. God always gives us inward support for us to be patient through the times he is taking us through. 

We have shared here severally how God speaks, how he leads through the tough ways, how he protects us, how he is everything to us, and so much more. I will love to make us understand that because the time of singleness is a time when we face various types of temptations ranging from rushing our of God's will to sexual lust and looking for shortcuts to making wealth, God is ready available. In this phase, just like God did not leave David empty without support and inner strength he won't leave you empty. 

All we need to do is to call upon him. Any step God wants you to take he will give you strength for it. He will give you all the joy and cheerfulness in the very mean times. God's mercy and grace is capable to keep us. One thing we must do is trust him. If he asks you to wait he will give you patience with a lot of cheerfulness. 

Prayer: Father, help me trust you the more. 

Today is my mum's birthday, am wishing her a happy birthday. Many more blessings and abundance of favor.

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 224

Scripture for today

Proverbs 24:6 AMPC

For by wise counsel you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory and safety.

Have you ever gotten to a point in your life when you feel you don't need any counsel from anyone? You think you know it all and have it all figured out. You know so much and you have great knowledge which you feel can see you through every situation. I remember when a young man proposed marriage to me. We got talking and when I asked him questions about meeting elderly people for counsel, he said he doesn't believe in all of that. I asked if he will read books to gain knowledge about marriage but he said he doesn't believe in that too. That rang a bell in my head. It is only a foolish person that will neglect Godly counsel especially from people who are older.

Let's not confuse counsel with control, control is when older ones or people want to enforce their will on you. One of the things that made David stand out in his generation is that he was always had the counsel of Ahithopel at all times. If you are in tempting times be around people who lead you to God and make you look and your situation critically. Seek counsel young people at all times, allow God to lead you and also entrust yourself and your decisions to older mentors.

Prayer: Father, help me seek counsel always.

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 216

Scripture for today

Mark 5:16-17 Those who had seen it told the others what had happened to the demon-possessed man and the pigs. At first they were in awe—and then they were upset, upset over the drowned pigs. They demanded that Jesus leave and not come back. (Msg)

Have you ever prayed a prayer that God answered? Then you begin to wish he never answered because it seems like your source of livelihood has been thrown away. In the scripture above we find out that this very madman has been terrorized for years and has also been a terror to people around him. They were happy at first with his healing but they later found out they had lost some material possessions and they got Angry!!. As singles, sometimes we pray for Godswill to be done in out lives then when he does his will we begin to get angry.

When we surrender our ability and intelligence to God, we will have to let go of a lot of worldly things so as to embrace the heavenly. There are so many relationships that will look so cute and sweet for you but as a follower of Jesus, you will have to let go to seek for a person after God's own heart. There are job opportunities that will look so nice and mouth watery on the outside but since we pursue after Jesus we know we have to let go. When we invite Jesus into our lives we should be ready to lose of some things.

Prayer: Father, help me let go of myself to allow your will be done.

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 203

Scripture for today

Luke 6:44 AMP

For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramblebush.

People say a lot of "don't define me by what you see of me, look inwards". I must say that it is not in all situations that it is true. What everyone sees first is your attitude, your character and  your self esteem. I don't know if all these three things mean the same thing but I know you understand what I mean. Your fruit  is what people define you by never by what you have on the inside because invariably the inside will be visible on the outside. What you are in your heart is what people see on the exterior. 

Let's look at the fig tree Jesus cursed, (Mark 11:12-25) it looked so it was deceptive. Even though it knew it was barren on the inside it made a decision to trick people with a deceptive exterior. God is not tricked by how much we put up on the outside he knows when we have a heart disease. As singles, when choosing a spouse we need to ask God to reveal the true intents of their hearts. It took Jesus to take a close look at the fig tree for the true nature to be revealed. 

Prayer: Father, help me check my heart for any filth that will affect my attitude. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 187

Scripture for Today

John 8:31-32 AMP

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

God keeps instructing us to write  his word, meditate on it and even teach it to our children because the victory we have in life is in the Word. God's Word leads us in the path of light and victory only if we know the word. You know, a time came in my life when someone told me that God wasn't going to answer any prayer I pray because I had sinned. The person obviously was a self acclaimed prophet. She said I needed to pray and fast for forgiveness for at least 7 days.  At first, I kind of flowed with her but later on I remembered God's word which says that God is faithful to forgive me my sins once I confess them. I held on to God's Word immediately and wasn't even bothered anymore. 

In this season, God is raising us to know him for ourselves. Know God for yourself, not just what your pastor says. Know him fully apply his word in your life. Not knowing him in part but in full. He wants to pour his fullness into us but the great question still remains, are you ready? 

Prayer: Father, help me know you for myself. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 184

Scripture for Today

John 10:3-5 The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won't follow a stranger's voice but will scatter because they aren't used to the sound of it."(Msg) 

I have heard this question a lot, how do I hear God? I myself have been at one point plagued with this question. As a young believer, I heard many voices I must say, the voice from me, the voice of deception and the voice of God. One of the major issues amongst us as single believers is that we are at that point where we have to make sure we are making the right choices especially in relationships. Now, we are kind of stuck on is this God or me or my desires. Now these three voices are so strong especially that of our desires. If we desire a brand new shoe and you don't have the money yet, your desire for the shoe could make you go the extra mile to get money for yourself. So, we usually hear many voices but one voice that we strongly need to hear clearly without it being mixed up is the voice of God. That is where we need discernment. 

This is how you discern God's voice just like the sheep, you are familiar with the voice. Check if the voice is close to God's very nature, God's character, or even God's history. Truth is, you cannot know God's voice, nature or character or history if you have a deficiency in reading the word of God. To be familiar with the voice we must spend time with your shepherd, learn his word, and allow it's power to flow through you. The more you spend time with him the easier it is to understand him. We should also pray for discernment because God will never lead us into error. He loves us too much. God is your father he will speak to you and you will hear him. 

Prayer: Father, I ask for the grace to discern your voice. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 181

Scripture for Today

Matthew 25:11 "They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.(Msg) 

To understand this Scripture well, you need to start reading from the beginning of the passage to understand it better. The illustration of the 10 virgins was used because it signified their level of purity towards God. They had the same opportunity to work and wait for God. They kept their lights burning for as long as they waited. Let's look at it this way, they were all working in the Vineyard they were waiting with all their heart then suddenly they were out of oil, the walked out of their place of service to get some and found themselves locked out forever. 

Our goal in life is to work in God's own given purpose for us. One of the devils device is that we find a reason to be out of our place so we will be out of God's presence. Let's try as much as we can to resist the temptation to walk away from God's call. No matter how long we wait for his coming he will come. No matter how long you have waited for him to answer he will answer. Ensure that you do not lack the oil of prayer, the oil of praise or even the oil of gladness. God's time is never your time. Trust him in your seasons of life. 

Prayer: Father, may I never lack oil in my life. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 177

Scripture for Today

Jonah 1:3-4 AMP

But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His prophet] and went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading places then known]. So he paid the appointed fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His servant and minister]. [Gen. 4:16; Job 1:12; 2:7.] But the Lord sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to be broken. [Ps. 107:23-27.]

Have God sent you on an errand and instead of doing it, you ran the opposite direction? I am kind of wondering, how far did you get from God? How far can we really get going on in our own way? Sometimes I wondered as a child, what was going on in the mind of Jonah, he must have thought disobeying God will make God forget he sent him or something. As a child, I was wondering how silly Jonah was, but as an adult I remember times I myself have gone the opposite direction. I remember times when God will lead me to say something I will end up saying nothing. So many times I have found myself running towards the opposite direction of my call and purpose in God. Just like Jonah I faced storms and had injuries. But he always restored me back. 

Friends, no matter how far you have gone in the wrong direction there is a great opportunity for us to go back just to where we were to begin from. Just like Jonah, he knew he had wronged God so when the storm arose he knew he won't allow other people pay for his disobedience. God is too merciful, so great in grace he will always call us back to himself no matter how far we have gone, it's never too late to come back home. 

Prayer: Father, I pray you show me areas where I need to return to you. 

LOVE LETTERS|DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES|DAY 170

Scripture for Today

Psalm 121:1-2  I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (ESV)

Where does your help come from? Who do you cal upon in times of difficulties? Who is more than thousands of army to you? Who is the ultimate healer you know? Who is the miracle worker you know? He is the one and only true God to me. He is more than everything to me and I know he is worth more than that to everyone in the world.

As believers its a great level of dishonor to God if we trust upon man in most situations. God is more than sufficient to bring us out of any situation so we should look upon him solely. We are to seek God first, he is willing and more than able to guide, direct, heal and protect us. 

His name is I-AM he is everything you can think of in this world. He is my sufficiency I don't know about you. I look to him alone because I know he is everything I can ever think of imagine. He is God therefore I trust him totally in situations, even in difficult times. Don't look down it just makes you worry more, look up to God he is able!