Author: pastorafolabi

SUNDAY SERVICE
27TH JULY, 2025

SWEET END

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

Text: Job 42:12–17

“So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning…” – Job 42:12a

INTRODUCTION

The Scripture declares in Ecclesiastes 7:8:

“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

Though the beginning of a matter may be rough, painful, and full of uncertainties, God assures us that the end can be sweet, rewarding, and full of glory. The story of Job is a living proof that our end can be better than our beginning.

WHY GOD ALLOWS TRIALS (Using Job as a Case Study)

God allows trials in the lives of His children:
Job was a righteous man, yet he faced unimaginable loss and affliction (John 16:33). However, in the end, his restoration surpassed his affliction. His ridicules were turned to miracles. He recorded a glorious comeback and sweet end
Here are some reasons why God allows trials in the lives of His own:

1. Promotion and Enlargement

Trials can be the passage to promotion.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6

2. Refinement of Character

God uses trials to refine us like gold.

“But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10

3. To Showcase His Glory and Power

Job’s testimony glorified God.

“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God…” – John 11:4

4. To Equip Us to Help Others

Those who go through pain can comfort others.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them…” – 2 Corinthians 1:4

5. To Test and Prove Our Faith

True faith shines brightest in adversity.

“The trial of your faith… being much more precious than of gold that perisheth…” – 1 Peter 1:7

RIGHT ATTITUDES IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS

While in trials, our attitude matters. Job kept a godly posture, and so must we. Here’s how:

1. Don’t Be Discouraged – Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” – James 1:2

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)

2. Don’t Despair – There Is Hope

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Hope thou in God…” – Psalm 42:11

I watched the highlights of the match between Nigeria and Morocco in the just-concluded WAFCON 2025 before the preparation of this message. The Nigerian women didn’t just stage a remarkable comeback after a discouraging first half—they went on to lift the trophy with a thrilling finish in the second half.

There’s always a second half to turn things around for you! Don’t be discouraged. Don’t despair.

“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease” (Job 14:7)

3. Do Good to Others – Like Job Prayed for His Friends

“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends…” – Job 42:10

4. Be Resilient in Prayer and Total Trust in God

“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” – Luke 18:1

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” – Job 13:15

5. Stay Focused on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Your Faith

“Looking unto Jesus… who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” – Hebrews 12:2

6. Rejoice in Hope of the Glory That Is Coming

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory…” – Romans 8:18

Remember, YOU and GOD determine the duration of your life examination. Once you learnt the lessons in the midst of the trial through submission, God will not suffer you beyond what you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). He will make a way of escape for you in Jesus Name.

GOD’S PROMISE TO YOU
Your current pain is not the end of your story. Your glory will soon appear. God’s Word declares:

“Your latter end shall be greatly increased.” – Job 8:7

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth…” – Isaiah 43:19

You will laugh last
– Just like Sarah laughed after her long delay (Genesis 21:6), so will you.

You will testify
– Just like Job, your story will end in glory.

CONCLUSION
Don’t be discouraged by what you’re facing today. God is not done with you yet.

“The pain of today cannot be compared with the gain of tomorrow.”
“The story of today will soon become a testimony of glory.”

Hold on! Your sweet end is near
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6

PRAYER
Father, thank You because my end shall be sweeter than my beginning.

Strengthen me to endure trials and hold on in faith.

Let my life glorify You in the end like Job’s.

I decree: My end shall be glorious, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SHALOM

SWEET END

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

Text: Job 42:12–17

“So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning…” – Job 42:12a

INTRODUCTION

The Scripture declares in Ecclesiastes 7:8:

“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

Though the beginning of a matter may be rough, painful, and full of uncertainties, God assures us that the end can be sweet, rewarding, and full of glory. The story of Job is a living proof that our end can be better than our beginning.

WHY GOD ALLOWS TRIALS (Using Job as a Case Study)

God allows trials in the lives of His children:
Job was a righteous man, yet he faced unimaginable loss and affliction (John 16:33). However, in the end, his restoration surpassed his affliction. His ridicules were turned to miracles. He recorded a glorious comeback and sweet end
Here are some reasons

1. Promotion and Enlargement

Trials can be the passage to promotion.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6

2. Refinement of Character

God uses trials to refine us like gold.

“But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10

3. To Showcase His Glory and Power

Job’s testimony glorified God.

“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God…” – John 11:4

4. To Equip Us to Help Others

Those who go through pain can comfort others.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them…” – 2 Corinthians 1:4

5. To Test and Prove Our Faith

True faith shines brightest in adversity.

“The trial of your faith… being much more precious than of gold that perisheth…” – 1 Peter 1:7

RIGHT ATTITUDES IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS

While in trials, our attitude matters. Job kept a godly posture, and so must we. Here’s how:

1. Don’t Be Discouraged – Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” – James 1:2

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)

2. Don’t Despair – There Is Hope

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Hope thou in God…” – Psalm 42:11

“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease” (Job 14:7)

3. Do Good to Others – Like Job Prayed for His Friends

“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends…” – Job 42:10

4. Be Resilient in Prayer and Total Trust in God

“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” – Luke 18:1

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” – Job 13:15

5. Stay Focused on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Your Faith

“Looking unto Jesus… who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” – Hebrews 12:2

6. Rejoice in Hope of the Glory That Is Coming

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory…” – Romans 8:18

Remember, YOU and GOD determine the duration of your life examination. Once you learnt the lessons in the midst of the trial through submission, God will not suffer you beyond what you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). He will make a way of escape for you in Jesus Name.

GOD’S PROMISE TO YOU
Your current pain is not the end of your story. Your glory will soon appear. God’s Word declares:

“Your latter end shall be greatly increased.” – Job 8:7

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth…” – Isaiah 43:19

You will laugh last
– Just like Sarah laughed after her long delay (Genesis 21:6), so will you.

You will testify
– Just like Job, your story will end in glory.

CONCLUSION
Don’t be discouraged by what you’re facing today. God is not done with you yet.

“The pain of today cannot be compared with the gain of tomorrow.”
“The story of today will soon become a testimony of glory.”

Hold on! Your sweet end is near
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6

PRAYER
Father, thank You because my end shall be sweeter than my beginning.

Strengthen me to endure trials and hold on in faith.

Let my life glorify You in the end like Job’s.

I decree: My end shall be glorious, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SHALOM

22nd July, 2025
TOPIC: ACCEPTABLE OFFERINGS
Text: Romans 12:1-2

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

The truth that not all offerings are acceptable to God should stir deep reflection and gratitude when we see that God accepts ours. For example:
God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s — Genesis 4:4-5

“And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect…”
Elisha rejected Naaman’s gift

— 2 Kings 5:15-16
“…As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none…”

But God remembered Cornelius’ offerings — Acts 10:4
“…Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”

The quality of the life, the heart of the offerer, and the offering itself are often the determining factors for whether an offering is accepted or rejected.
Understanding this principle, King David said:
“…I will not offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” — 2 Samuel 24:24

What is an Offering?
An offering is more than a gift; it is a sacrifice. Once it is given, it leaves your ownership and becomes God’s. Consider Abraham, who offered Isaac — once offered, Isaac became a living sacrifice:
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac… accounting that God was able to raise him up…” — Hebrews 11:17,19

Are you still competing emotionally with what you claimed to have given to God? If it’s truly laid on the altar, then it belongs to God and no more yours. Interestingly, the reward is yours.

What Makes Your Offerings Acceptable?
God can reject offerings not just because of the offering itself, but because of how and from whom it is offered. To make your offering acceptable therefore:

1. You must first be acceptable to God — you must be born again.

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” — Proverbs 15:8

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3

2. Offer according to your ability.
   “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee.” — Deuteronomy 16:17
3. Offer a living sacrifice — something that costs you deeply.
   “Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” — Romans 12:1
   “To obey is better than sacrifice…” — 1 Samuel 15:22
4. Offer cheerfully and with faith.

“God loveth a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him…” — Hebrews 11:6

5. Offer it in a timely manner — don’t delay.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” — Proverbs 3:27

6. Offer it on the right soil or altar — guided by the Spirit, not flesh.

“And the fire of God came down upon the altar…” — 1 Kings 18:38

Remember, Abraham got to the prescribed mount Moriah before the presentation of his offering (Genesis 22:2)

7. Let it be done with honour — not for show or boasting.

“Honour the Lord with thy substance…” — Proverbs 3:9
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them…” — Matthew 6:1

Conclusion
Beloved, God is real and He rewards those who diligently seek Him:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” — Hebrews 11:6

Whether you offer to Him directly — such as the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15) — or indirectly through giving (Philippians 4:18), do it correctly and faithfully, and you will never lose your reward.

Shalom .

Text: John 4:21–24

God hates loneliness. That is why He created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26–27), to have fellowship with Him and to worship Him. For any man to fellowship with God consistently and correctly, he must worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). True worship is not just about songs or outward acts, but about a life aligned with God’s Spirit and His Word.

1. WHO CAN WORSHIP GOD?

Only a regenerated (born-again) man can truly worship God.

The first man, Adam, was created for fellowship with God. However, sin brought separation from that fellowship (Genesis 3:8; Isaiah 59:2). Therefore, any man still operating under the nature of the first Adam cannot worship God in Spirit and in truth (Romans 8:8).
Only those who are born of the Spirit can offer acceptable worship to God (John 3:5–6; 1 Corinthians 2:14).

2. HOW TO BE A TRUE WORSHIPPER

a) Be Born Again

Accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. This is the starting point (John 3:3, Romans 10:9–10).

b) Draw near to God and submit to Him

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you…” (James 4:7–8).

c) Engage your spirit man

True worship goes beyond emotions and rituals—it is a spiritual act. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24).

d) Worship the Godhead distinctly and intentionally

God the Father : –

• Through bowing or kneeling (Psalm 95:6),
• Singing, dancing, clapping (Psalm 149:3),
• Thanksgiving, praise, joyful shout (Psalm 100:1–4).

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise…” (Psalm 100:4)

God the Son (Jesus Christ):

• Have the assurance of salvation (1 John 5:13),
• Call on His wonderful Names (Isaiah 9:6),
• Study and obey the Word (John 1:1; John 14:15),
• Keep your vows and live in obedience (Ecclesiastes 5:4–6). God the Holy Spirit:
• Speak, sing, and pray in tongues (Ephesians 5:18–20; Jude 1:20; 1 Corinthians 14:2).

e) Worship correctly by incorporating key elements:

• Exchange of Words – Talk with God intimately (Jeremiah 33:3).
• Exchange of News – Share your heart and hear from Him (John 15:15).
• Exchange of Strength – Be renewed in Him (Isaiah 40:29–31).
• Exchange of Gifts – Offer yourself and your substance (Romans 12:1; Proverbs 3:9).
• Physical Contact – Quiet time in His presence brings refreshing (Psalm 16:11).

f) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

g) Also, spend quality time in His presence until your spiritual batteries are fully charged (Acts 1:8; Isaiah 40:31).

3. BENEFITS OF TRUE WORSHIP

True and consistent worship brings about undeniable transformation and GREAT RESULTS:

a) Spiritual Empowerment

You are spiritually charged with power, boldness, and Knowledge (Technical Know- how) through fellowship with the Trinity- the Holy Spirit, the Son, the Father respectively (Acts 4:31; 2 Timothy 1:7).

b) Victory Over the Enemy

You become a threat to the devil and can effectively resist him (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:11–13).

c) Divine Encounters and Visitations

God visits His true worshippers (Genesis 18:1–14; Acts 10:1–4). Your prayers become a mere discussion. Enemies are exposed, blindfolded and frustrated (2 Kings 6:16–18).

d) Renewed Strength and Encouragement

In His presence, you are encouraged and strengthened (Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 40:31).

e) Divine Direction and Fulfillment
God leads you, helping you avoid costly errors (Proverbs 3:5–6). You discover His purpose and enjoy PEACE of mind (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 32:8).
Summary: You will experience total deliverance, victory, purpose, and peace. Halleluyah!

CONCLUSION
Stop coming to God casually or merely to make petitions. Come with reverence, love, and thanksgiving.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Let your requests be made known to Him through thanksgiving and worship. God bless you as you seek and relate with Him in Spirit and in truth. Amen!

Shalom

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

We joyfully dedicate this award to Jesus, our CAPTAIN and to all our DISCIPLES — the unstoppable army of Christ — in our Province of Trinity, both past and present. Thank you Daddies and Mummies for your unwavering support.
https://www.youtube.com/live/LurcZqH7sDg?si=a15keK6wlfBswanw

John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Luke 7:19-20

19. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
20. When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Doubt is a negative attitude of losing trust in God’s faithfulness and reliability, or failing to agree with the Word of God. No believer—no matter how anointed—is above the attack of the spirit of doubt especially when he falls to deal with it. This was the case with John the Baptist, who once clearly declared the mission of Jesus on earth (John 1:29) but later, in a moment of trial and tribulation, questioned His identity (Matthew 11:2-3).

However, when a man disagrees with the Word of God, he cannot receive anything from God.

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” (James 1:6-7)

Double-minded people cannot receive anything from God. Only those who believe the report of the Lord receive His results.

“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?” (Isaiah 53:1)

Doubt delays or hinders God’s wonders and miracles. When Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, doubted the angel’s message, though the miracle wasn’t cancelled—but he suffered the consequence of his unbelief- He became dumb (Luke 1:18-20)

Beloved, are you like the doubting disciple Thomas, John the Baptist or His Father who found it difficult to live by faith?

John 20:24-29
“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

Certainly, Jesus was not pleased with Thomas’ attitude of unbelief. Of course, it is only those who come in faith that can please God and receive from Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

And for how long will you continue to live by feelings? Remember, feeling is the voice of your flesh, while faith is the voice of your spirit.

Severally, the scriptures remind us only the just lives; and lives by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).

Please come alive! You can overcome that spirit of doubt robbing you of your blessings today!

Steps to Overcoming Doubt:

1. Check your faith foundation :Are you truly saved? Do you truly know God? Without a solid foundation, the storm of doubt will put you off balance.
2. Check your commitment to God: James 4:8 says “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” Before you can resist the devil, you must submit to God and cast out the demon of doubt from your heart.
3. Check your spiritual growth and maintain a closer walk with God: Stay close to God and continue growing: Matthew 14:28-31 recorded that Disciple Peter walked on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. Once doubt entered, he began to sink. You will not sink in Jesus’ name.
4. Remember God’s past faithfulness: Reflect on His goodness in your life. What He has done before, He can do it again (Hebrews 13:8)– “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”David in Psalm 103:1-5 says– Bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits. He remembered past victories (1 Samuel 17:32–37) and won the current battle against Goliath. You can also keep a good memo of God’s benefits to you and it will help your memory when the need arises.
5. Have the right view of God: He is able to do all things. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Also in Luke 1:37, I can confirm to you– “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Conclusion :
   Beloved, doubt can rob you of your blessings and hinder your victory and spiritual growth. No child who refuses to believe he can stand up from crawling will ever walk. Stop doubting what you once believed God can do in the light based on His Word. Reject every second thought contrary to your expectation, and it shall be well with you. Shalom .

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

” But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24)

Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian church that believers—whether Jews or Greeks—are complete in Christ:
“And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:10)
In other words, Paul was affirming that everything in God dwells fully in Jesus Christ for the benefit of His believers. Among these divine attributes are the power and wisdom of God.

Jesus Christ, as God in the flesh, came to unite both Jewish and Gentile believers and to become a blessing to them all.
The Jews sought a Messiah who could demonstrate signs, miracles, and wonders through divine power . The Greeks (Gentiles), on the other hand, looked for a wise leader—one capable of innovation and profound insight for creativity.

Beloved, are you longing to fully benefit from Christ through His miraculous power and divine creativity? All you need to do is enter into a relationship with Him and consistently nurture that union. God can do anything within the realm of your thoughts and prayers, according to His power at work in Christ. (Ephesians 3:20)

Jesus performed countless wonders during His earthly ministry. With His Spirit dwelling in you, greater works can be done—if only you believe (John 14:12). By the power of His spoken word, Jesus created everything out of nothing. You can share in His ability to innovate and create, if His light—His divine revelation and bright ideas—resides in you (John 1:4).

Jesus came not to be a burden, but a Burden-Bearer, because He possesses both the power and wisdom of God. Until you connect with Him, you cannot truly be an asset to your world. Until His power and wisdom are released into your life, you risk remaining a liability—irrelevant in a world where you are called to shine.

Brethren, it is time to shine in this world of darkness—creating solutions and providing what humanity needs. “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19)

We already have what it takes to build a world of wonders and reflect God’s glory: Christ, the Power and the Wisdom of God. You’re a SHINING LIGHT!

Prayer : Father of Light, make me A SHINING light to the nation: a SHINING LIGHT to the people of this world through the manifestation of your power and wisdom in Jesus Name. AMEN

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

AFO4JESUS

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.

https://ovecafo.blogspot.com

@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
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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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