Author: pastorafolabi

25TH MAY, 2035

BORN TO SHINE

INTRODUCTION :
Just like Jesus, everyone is born with a measure of glory and the ability to shine as stars (Matthew 2:1–2). You were born into this world to shine, and born again into the family of God to reign on earth.

1. WHAT YOU NEED TO SHINE

A) ARISE

i) Arise from a sinful life
Like the prodigal son, you must make the decision to return to the Father of Light (James 1:17)
Luke 15:18 – “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.”

ii) Arise from darkness into light
You are called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light:
1 Peter 2:9 – “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”

B) THE LIGHT OF GOD
It is in God’s light that we truly see:
Psalm 36:9 – “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”
2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

C) THE GLORY OF GOD
Each person carries a unique glory:
1 Corinthians 15:41 – “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.”

D) OIL IN YOUR LAMP
Oil in your lamp signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit of God in your life through whom you can shine in might, wisdom and quick understanding (Isaiah 11:2. To keep shining, you must remain filled with the Spirit:
Matthew 25:4 – “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

2. REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO SHINE *
3. You Are the Light of the World
   Matthew 5:14 – “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
4. It Is a Command to you to shine
   Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”
5. The world is waiting to be blessed Through You
   Isaiah 60:3 – “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” CONCLUSION :
   Go and show forth the praises of God. Shine in good works, in the knowledge and wisdom of God. Shine to reveal His glory and to lead others to the path of righteousness. You were born to shine and to reign-Let the little gospel light in you continue to shine.

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@afo4Jesus

(Excerpt from SOD Manual – Year 2, written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye)

One of the enemy’s oldest and most effective strategies is information gathering. From the beginning of creation, the devil has used this tactic—he collects information, analyzes it, and launches targeted attacks based on what he discovers.

The devil sends spies to gather intelligent reports through the careless conversations of their unsuspecting targets. Don’t be talkative!

In Genesis 3:1-3, Satan approached Eve with a seemingly innocent question:
“Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”
He was probing, waiting to hear her response. Eve replied, “No, it’s just the two trees He said we shouldn’t eat from, lest we die.”
However, this was not what God originally said. God clearly stated, “In the day you eat of it, you shall surely die.”
Eve’s response revealed a subtle dissatisfaction and a distortion of God’s command. That opened the door for Satan to continue his deception and launch his attack.

The story of Samson follows a similar pattern. In Judges 16:5-8, Delilah acted as a spy for the enemy, extracting information from Samson to orchestrate his downfall.

As believers, we must learn to guard our speech. When we refuse to share sensitive information carelessly, we deny the enemy the resources he needs to strike.

Proverbs 17:27-28 teaches:
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”

If you keep quiet, no one can easily tell whether you are educated or unlearned, wise or foolish. In a room full of noise, the silent person often stands out as the wisest.

Proverbs 18:7 adds:
“A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”
My prayer for you is that your mouth will not be your downfall.

Silence protects divine secrets. When you speak less, Satan cannot easily discover what God is doing in your life. To avoid his traps, deny his spies access to your information.

Psalm 141:3 records a powerful prayer from David:
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
Let this be your prayer too.

Remember, it is the open mouth of a fish that gets it caught on a hook. Learn to keep your mouth closed. Don’t reveal too much about yourself.

Go ahead now—ask God to set a guard over your mouth.

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

Happy New Mouth you and your family !

Reference: RCCG HOF | Weekend Manna | June 11-12, 2021
Minister: Pastor J.O. Afolabi
Topic: Unspeakable Joy
Text: Psalm 51:10-13

Full text:https://www.facebook.com/groups/749132358887468/ and type Joy Unspeakable on the search bar.

Memory Verse :
“Yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Peter 1:8)

Message

David, in Psalm 16:11, highlights that true joy is found in God’s presence. Unlike fleeting happiness, joy is a deep, spiritual gladness beyond words, rooted in God’s glory and goodness.

Joy vs. Happiness

Happiness is external and temporary, based on circumstances.

Joy is internal, enduring through trials, and spiritually driven.

Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).

Categories of Unspeakable Joy

1. Joy of Salvation – The greatest gift, producing inexpressible gladness (Psalm 51:12).
2. Joy of the Lord – A fruit of the Spirit that dispels sorrow (Galatians 5:22).
3. Joy in God’s Presence – Experienced through prayer, worship, and the Word (Psalm 16:11).
4. Complete Joy – Received through persistent prayer (John 16:24).
5. Joy of Soul-Winning – Heaven rejoices over every saved soul (Luke 15:7).
6. Joy at Christ’s Return – The expectation of glory and reward (1 John 3:2).
7. Joy of Heaven – Everlasting rejoicing awaits believers (Isaiah 51:11). The Essence of Unspeakable Joy
8. Strength and spiritual vitality (Nehemiah 8:10).
9. Endurance in faith (Hebrews 12:2).
10. Perseverance in the Christian race.
11. Health and well-being (Proverbs 17:22).
12. Victory over sorrow and heaviness. Access to Unspeakable Joy
13. Salvation – Receive Christ, the source of true joy (Luke 2:10).
14. Holy Ghost Baptism.
15. Intimacy with God.
16. Persistent prayer.
17. Righteousness and holy living.
18. Soul-winning.
19. Peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14).

Prayer

May the joy of the Lord be our portion. May our joy be sustained and never mixed with sorrow. Anything, anyone and anywhere hindering your joy or trying to turn your joy into sorrow shall be wasted. At Christ’s return and in heaven, we shall sing for joy and shout the victory. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

Psalms 68:11
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. KINDLY SHARE

God bless you! Happy Weekend!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@afo4Jesus

TEXT: Acts 20:7-9
“And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft and was taken up dead” (v.9)

Sleep is beneficial; it fulfills the law of the Sabbath and provides rest. However, careless, reckless and excessive sleep can be dangerous. We must recognize and pray against the kinds of sleep that open the doors of our lives to satanic attacks and spiritual robbery.

A Yoruba adage states: “You use the sleep period to take from a child what he wasn’t willing to give.” While sleep refreshes the body, excessive or reckless sleep can lead to great harm.

For instance, in Matthew 13:25, Jesus warns, “But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.” The man was unaware of the enemy’s presence and actions because, during sleep, most of the senses are suspended.

Paul explains this in Romans 11:8:
“(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.”

Spiritual sleep is especially dangerous. It exposes a person to satanic attacks, whose mission is to steal, kill, and destroy and eventually bind the victim (John 10:10).

Excessive sleep—more than the necessary 6 to 8 hours per day—can contribute to poverty (Proverbs 24:33-34). That’s why you won’t find great minds sleeping too much. Reckless sleep can even be fatal; some people doze off anytime and anywhere, including while driving. And you can imagine the tragic consequences when that happens. Your guess is as good as mine.

In our opening scripture, a man named Eutychus attended a vigil where the great Apostle Paul ministered. However, he fell into a deep sleep, missing all the prophetic declarations and prayer points. Eventually, he fell from the upper floor and died. Brothers and sisters, are you like this careless man? You can stay up late watching movies or scrolling through your phone, yet the moment you engage in spiritual activities, sleep overcomes you. Take note: the devil, who attacks when you are weak, works through your body (flesh) to rob you of your valuable blessings.

Beloved, you must be self-controlled and disciplined so that the devil does not use reckless sleep to rob you of your sweet hour of prayer and blessings. Have you ever noticed that just when you intend or need to pray, your body urges you to sleep a little longer? This is the sleep of death. Whenever this happens, rise up, walk around, and cry out to God and learn to pray aloud.

It is also a sleep of death when you indulge in sin. Samson, the anointed, took naps on Delilah’s lap (Judges 16:9-23) and was severely attacked by spiritual robbers. Beware of the serious danger of resting on the bed of immorality.

Dear friend, wake up from your spiritual slumber! Be vigilant and watchful. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray unhindered (Romans 8:26). Do not succumb to sleep during prayer. Like David, pray that God will enlighten your eyes so that you do not fall into the sleep of death. REMAIN STRONG IN JESUS NAME.

PRAYER :
“Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.” (Psalms 13:3)

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“I, Daniel, understood by books…” (Daniel 9:2). This statement affirms that men of books are men of great understanding. This is why the Apostle Paul requested his books and parchments (jotters):

“The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.” (2 Timothy 4:13)

Dear friends, a good book has the power to change your life in profound ways. Books provide a gateway to new perspectives, offering insights that can challenge your existing beliefs, expand your understanding, and foster personal growth. Whether through fiction or non-fiction, books can open your mind to different cultures, philosophies, and experiences, helping you develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Books by great authors, in particular, can inspire you to think critically, reflect on your life choices, and pursue your passions, ultimately leading to positive, lasting change. They can provide strategies for overcoming obstacles, improving mental health, or achieving personal goals. In general, reading good books exposes you to great minds, helping you to grow intellectually and spiritually. As the Bible says, “Study to show thyself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15).

We are not reading to pass, but to last. This implies that reading must be done effectively. But how do we read effectively? Reading without thinking is like swallowing meat without chewing. This way, you can’t ever enjoy its “taste”. Therefore, reasoning and writing are essential components of effective reading. When you read and jot down thoughts simultaneously, you foster reasoning. You will not know how much you understand until you write it out. Like Paul, you need parchments (jotters) for life transformation through books.

Reading good books is a privileged interview with great minds you may never meet and a personal research journey into the works others have laboured to gather. This is something we must do regularly. Personally, whenever I read books and take notes, I am always inspired to come up with greater ideas and brilliant write-ups. Reading builds me to build others. Certainly, only those who build themselves by reading can build others. No wonder it is said, “Readers are leaders.”

Believe me honestly, the next inspired book you read will undoubtedly change your life! You can’t remain the same after embarking on an adventure through a good book.

HAPPY WORLD BOOK DAY

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@afo4Jesus

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” (Proverbs 25:2 NASB)

In mathematics, the root of any problem is represented by the unknown (x, y, z, etc.). Once the root or the hidden cause of the problem is discovered, the solution is already within reach. This vital process of problem-solving is what Archimedes famously described as “Eureka,” meaning “I have found it!” There’s no problem without a solution. Go and find out the solution!This explains why the Bible affirms that it is your glory to search out hidden matters.

However, to uncover the factors responsible for the challenges you face, you must engage in critical thinking, seek wise counsel, wide consultation and carefully examine the issue through diligent study. This may also require thinking outside the box and allowing the Omniscient God to intervene divinely.

As the saying goes, “Discovery is recovery.” Once the root of a problem is identified, solving it requires patience, wisdom, and courage. It is also essential to carry your team along, ensuring collective effort and understanding.

Dear friend, maintaining a problem-solving mindset and staying optimistic in the face of challenges will always pave the way for breakthroughs and success. Shalom!

Prayer : Lord, reveal to me the hidden secrets that will lead to my breakthrough. Grant me wisdom and courage to overcome every challenge. Amen.

Enjoy a wonderful Wednesday.

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@ afo4Jesus

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14

Dear friends, without pressure, there can be no treasure. The journey to greatness is often long, challenging, and filled with obstacles. However, with unwavering discipline, consistent effort, and patient persistence, you will reach your goal and achieve success.

Divine assistance will locate you. Greatness will seek you out, blessings will surround you, and peace will be your constant companion. No more fruitless efforts in your life—you will end this month with joy and powerful testimonies, in Jesus’ name.

You will not suffer ill health or untimely death. Instead, your life will be marked by strength, vitality, and divine protection. You will drink deeply from the refreshing waters of God’s presence. God will satisfy you with daily loads of blessings in Jesus’ name.

May your week be blessed and fruitful.

Good morning!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@afo4Jesus

” Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” — 1 Corinthians 4:5

Politics, as I often define it, is the science of hidden agendas. But beyond politics, people conceal things in various aspects of life—secrets they believe will never come to light. Is there something you have been hiding, thinking it will never be exposed? One day, it shall be revealed!

Recently, in his autobiography, former Nigerian military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), began unveiling secrets long buried in the corridors of power. And without a doubt, more revelations will surface in due time because God rules in the affairs of men. But beyond human politics, what about you? Is there anything you think the Omniscient God does not already know?

Beloved, nothing you do will remain hidden forever—whether here on earth or in eternity. In Genesis 4:8-10, Cain thought he had covered up his crime after killing his brother, but the blood of the murdered cried out for justice (Hebrews 12:24). Similarly, in Exodus 2:14, Moses’ attempt to conceal his act of killing an Egyptian was exposed by the very people he sought to defend. King David, too, thought he could cover up his sin of adultery and present himself as a compassionate leader to the widow of his loyal soldier whom he killed. However, God exposed his secret (2 Samuel 11-12).

God is the Revealer of all secrets. We see this clearly in the early Church when the Holy Spirit exposed Ananias and Sapphira’s deception (Acts 5:3). No matter how long a lie travels, the truth will eventually catch up with it. This reality calls for repentance and restitution, ensuring that we live with a clear conscience before God and man and make necessary corrections before the final day of God’s judgement.

The Apostle Paul admonishes us:
” But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” — 2 Corinthians 4:2

As the saying goes, “The wind will soon blow, and we will definitely see the cloaca of the chicken”—hidden secrets will be revealed.

Now, let me ask you:
Children, what are you hiding from your parents Parents, what secrets do you keep from your children? Spouses, is there anything you are concealing from each other? And why? Pastors, are there things about your life or the foundation of your church that you don’t want your congregation to know? Brethren, do you engage in activities outside the church that you would be ashamed of for your spiritual leader to discover? Beloved, according to the Word of God: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” — Hebrews 4:13 (NIV) All secret things belong to God (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Jesus emphasized this in Luke 8:17, “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad”.

Indeed, we will all stand before God to give an account (Romans 14:12). Therefore, Whatever secret you have today is not something to conceal but a matter of concern tomorrow. Repent therefore from your wicked ways!

However, in contrast to hidden sins, God also sees and records the unnoticed labour of love and selfless service that may go unrecognized by men. If no one praises or rewards you now, do not be discouraged. Never give up!

” For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” — Hebrews 6:10

In conclusion, every one of us will be thoroughly screened before entering God’s eternal glory. If judgment doesn’t happen now, it will surely happen later. Our works will be examined before we can qualify for eternal rest.

” And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” — Revelation 22:12

Keep up the good work! Shalom!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@ afo4Jesus

1. Always remember that there is nobody on this earth that does not have problems (1 Corinthians 10:13). You are not the only one that has problems. Moreso, God is able to turn your tests to testimonies (Luke 21:13)
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2. Challenges are part of life. It is only a dead man who has no challenges.
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3. There’s no problem without a solution. There are solutions to the pains you are going through. More importantly, remember Jesus is your burden bearer (Matthew 11:28)
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4. The way you picture yourself in your mind can affect your happiness. Picture yourself as a valuable and beautiful person. Avoid low self-esteem and inferiority complex.
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5. Do not mind about what people say about you. Some people are sadists. They can just say something just to make you feel sad. Joy is a choice. Rejoice in the LORD always (Philippians 4:4)
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6. Make friends with reasonable people who make you happy. Do not make friends with people who make jest of you or laugh at you over your challenges.
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7. In your leisure time, keep yourself busy with your favourite hobbies like sports, games, watching movies, surfing the internet, playing computer games, etc. Essentially, meditate on the Word of God.
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8. Do not allow anyone to intimidate you with money and material things. A poor man today can become rich tomorrow. Change is constant. You will RISE (1 Samuel 2:8)
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9. No matter what you are going through today, do not give up. As long as there is life, there is hope. “For him that is joined to all living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion” (Ecclesiastes 9:4)
10. Be very prayerful. Pray without ceasing (Luke 18:1). Prayer is a catalyst that can speed up your blessings to come to you on time.
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11. Be courageous to go for what you want (Joshua 1:6-7). Life is all about risk. If you don’t take a risk, you will not get the desires of your heart.
12. Never change your originality for the sake of others (Psalms 139:14). Because no one can play your role better than you. You’re unique.

Dear friends,
You are the best. So be yourself. ENJOY A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY.

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@afo4Jesus

Even God laughs, so you must learn to laugh!

“He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh…” (Psalms 2:4a)

Laughter is a powerful tool with incredible benefits for both physical and mental health. It releases endorphins—natural hormones that help reduce stress, pain, and anxiety. Beyond boosting the immune system and preventing aging, laughter enhances creativity and problem-solving by allowing the brain to think freely and outside the box.

Given the many benefits of laughter, allow me to bring some joy to your day and laughter to your mouth with this short story of a Monkey-man:

” My boss thinks I’m not smart. (says the Monkey-man)

Yesterday, he sent me to buy 2kg of sugar, but the store only had 1kg packs, so I didn’t buy anything. When I returned, he was furious and said I should have used my brain—by buying two 1kg packs to make 2kg.

I kept quiet.

Today, he sent me to buy a pair of size 6 shoes, but the store only had size 3. This time, I used my brain—I bought two pairs of size 3 to make a size 6!

Now he’s making me wait outside the office. I saw him writing something… I think it’s a promotion letter”

• 
  Hhmmm….Promotion letter ke? Abi…..Who knows? Guess now. Eh…😃😃😝🤓. I laugh in Spanish and can’t laugh alone oo.

My dear reader, certainly, your own intellectual capacity and creativity set you apart from lower primates such as this monkey because you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Ps. 139:14). That’s why you’re laughing. So, laugh, and laugh again—keep your mind sharp and your spirit lifted!

Beloved, no matter what challenges you face, find reasons to laugh. Find something around you that can make you laugh. Like anytime I go back to the picture of the monkey above and think what could it be thinking, I laugh. It is your time to rejoice! Rejoice and I say, rejoice evermore!

May God fill your life with joy and your mouth with laughter, and may those around you have reasons to laugh with you.

Cheer up, men! Don’t allow dull moments to steal your joy.

You’re Lifted!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@ afo4Jesus