Author: pastorafolabi

There is no place that is truly unsafe if God’s presence is there. Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God. Wherever a child of God goes and finds God ahead, that place is secure (Psalm 23:4).

WHY MUST GOD GO AHEAD?

1. He is the way.
   Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father except through Me.”
2. He doesn’t just show the way; He knows the way.
   He is the safe way, navigating even through danger zones (2 Kings 6:9-10).
3. He clears the way and makes the crooked path straight with His fire.
   Psalm 97:3 says, “A fire goes before Him and burns up His enemies around Him.” HOW DO I PUT HIM AHEAD?
4. Humility
   Proverbs 3:6-7: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.”
5. Wait on God for instructions
   Isaiah 40:31
6. Commit your way to Him in prayer
   Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”
7. Hear Him through His Word
   Psalm 105:20
8. Allow His Holy Spirit to guide you
   Romans 8:14: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” BENEFITS OF PUTTING GOD AHEAD
9. Safety
10. Direction
11. Fulfillment/Fullness Study Cases

Naomi went without God and returned empty (Ruth 3).

Jacob went with God, encountered Him at Bethel, and returned with God’s fullness (Genesis 30:30): “For it was little that you had before I came, but it has increased into a multitude; and the LORD has blessed you since my coming. Now, when shall I provide for my own house also?”

CONCLUSION
Give the Shepherd of your soul full control to lead you this year and beyond. David said, “I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8). Always put Him ahead, and you will never be moved.

Shalom!
https://pastorafolabi.cw.center/

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15)

“Walking in 2025”
is the best exercise!!!
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Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
arguments that leads you to nowhere but anger.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
people who deliberately put you down.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
people who can’t impact your life positively.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
drugs, drinks and foods that can affect your health.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
statements capable of bringing misunderstanding between you and other people.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
things that can put you in trouble.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from Negative thinking and think positively.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
unnecessary arguments with your spouse and build a good home.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
bad advisers that can make you misbehave.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
relationship that is not helpful.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
religion that is not leading you to God’s presence.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
things that will make you become a perpetual liar.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
any thought that reduces your worth.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
failures and fears that stiffle your dreams.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
people who do not care for you and who are opportunistic.

The more you
Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
things that poison your soul, the happier your life will be.

Walk Away 🚶🏽 from
SIN and all appearances of evil.

Give Yourself A Walk🚶🏽
Towards love, peace, righteousness, kindness and goodness.

The happiness you can get anywhere is with you.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalms 1:1)

Give Yourself A Walk🚶🚶 to God’s house/presence and worship Him in Spirit and Truth . May God help us daily to walk in the right direction; walking towards Him and with Him.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Let’s do more walking this new year 2025
It shall be well with our souls IN JESUS NAME.

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

Song : Jesus conquered the world and gave us victory
Victory (2x)
Hallelujah

1 Corinthians 15:55
” O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

On the evening of this Tuesday (3 days ago), I was busy compiling the list of my graduating students in the School of Disciples (SOD), unaware that one of them had already graduated to join the cloud of witnesses and be with the Lord.

I won’t pretend—it was a great shock when I received the news of her passing. I was compelled to drop everything I was doing. Questions began to race through my mind, but before I could utter any, the Spirit of God quickly reminded me that the Lord is unquestionable . I would have wanted to know why it had to be now, especially when she was preparing for SOD graduation. And why the prayers offered for her healing weren’t answered…., and God closed my mouth. Hmmm… I decided to lean on the powerful message that Daddy G.O (Pastor E A. Adeboye) taught us in the School of Disciples to always use the greatest weapon in time like this: IT IS WELL!. We submit to your will oh Lord. Yes IT’S WELL! Christ gave us VICTORY over the sting of death.

Yet throughout the day at the office, memories of my dear disciple, Josephine Mary Ogbidikhe, kept flooding my mind, even as I tried to suppress my thoughts. I found myself repeatedly looking at her picture, and before I knew it, I had posted it on the school’s platform status. As a Christian, I knew I wasn’t devastated, but it deeply felt like someone very dear had left us, never to be seen again on this side of eternity. Josephine Mary is now with the Lord, waiting for the day when victorious disciples will join her. She came here, she fought a good fight, she finished her course and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Actually in the School of Disciples of Christ here, she finished her course and performed creditably well before passing on, like a river flowing away and graduating onto Glory. I pray we will all fulfill the number of our days in Jesus’ name before leaving this stage.

Glory be to God. At the close of work yesterday on my way home, God gave me this word to share with you: Jesus has conquered the world, including the last enemy—death with it’s sting. Physical death can no longer hold any true child of God in the grave. The sting of death is gone forever, and no Christian will partake in the second death making the sting of the first and the second death of no effect. JESUS, our Captain and the Bridegroom of the Church gave us the VICTORY and we will NEVER be separated from Him eternally.

I extend my condolences to the body of Christ and especially to the family members of our beloved sister. May the Lord carry all of us through and bring us to the finish line. Let us take comfort in knowing that Sister Mary is forever free from the sting of death and is now at rest and sleeping.

1 Thessalonians 4:13
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”

Sleep on, beloved Disciple Josephine . We love you, but the Lord loves you more. Continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ till we meet again.

Finally, to all the friends of our dear sister Mary, SOD students of 2024/25 and the church: The church is marching on, and the gates of hell will not prevail. As we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, including Sister Josephine, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1).

We will all finish well and strong in Jesus’ name.

Pst. Joshua Afolabi
Coordinator, the School of Disciples, RCCG,OGUN 3

“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.

I see you CHANGING for glory to GLORY🙏

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@ afo4Jesus

In this series on WHAT TO CHANGE THIS YEAR to foster growth and development, I have discussed A change of Raiment, A change of Mind, and A change of Attitudes over the past three days. Today, I will conclude the series with a focus on A Change of Strategy.

In Genesis 1:1-31, the same God who created every living being and declared them good also created man, calling him very good (v. 31). This signifies that God made deliberate and strategic progress in His creation.

You cannot continue doing the same thing in the same way and expect different results. No! It’s essential to pause, consider your way (Haggai 1:7), evaluate your approach and identify areas that need improvement. Adjustments must be made to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal, improving productivity and outcomes. The value of fresh strategies lies in their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, allowing for better results. Regular strategic moves foster innovation and creativity. God, for instance, didn’t repeat His initial method when creating Eve for Adam; He changed His approach and created a more wondrous being.

Brethren, what worked last year can work even more beautifully this year if you are open to applying new strategies. By utilizing innovative strategies, divine inspiration, and modern technologies, you can achieve better results in a more efficient manner, yielding greater comfort and productivity.

Dear friends, in our fast-paced world, new strategies are key to gaining a competitive advantage, sparking innovation, and fostering growth. They help individuals and organizations face challenges and seize opportunities that may not have been possible with outdated methods. Embracing new strategies allows you to stay ahead, improve efficiency, and reach long-term success.

Keep glowing! HAPPY SUNDAY

Read on the previous topics:
https://pastorafolabi.cw.center/

Pst. Joshua Afolabi

Attitude is everything, as suggested by the title of the book authored by Jeff Keller. Obviously ATTITUDE determines your ALTITUDE.

Attitude refers to a person’s settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically reflected in their behavior. It encompasses beliefs, feelings, and dispositions that guide how a person reacts to situations or interacts with others. A positive or constructive attitude can significantly influence a person’s growth, mental well-being, and relationships. In this piece, I will discuss three types of attitudes that must be adopted for growth and development to take place.

1. CAN-DO ATTITUDE
   A positive attitude helps individuals face challenges with resilience and perseverance. According to Philippians 4:13, the Apostle Paul says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” A “can-do” attitude, therefore, helps individuals overcome difficulties by relying on strength beyond themselves. Dear reader, you can do all things if only you can BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

2.GROWTH-ORIENTED ATTITUDE
This attitude promotes self-discipline and focus toward goals and responsibilities, leading to personal development. People with a growth-oriented attitude are more likely to remain committed to improving themselves in whatever they do, constantly striving for excellence. According to God’s word, your eye must be single (Matthew 6:22) by staying focused on your goals and striving to achieve them through self-discipline.

3. CHRIST-CENTERED ATTITUDE
   A Christ-centered attitude, rooted in faith, encourages spiritual maturity and development. A positive attitude toward God and His Word leads to deeper understanding, peace, and a more fulfilling life. Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This passage emphasizes that adopting a renewed, positive attitude in alignment with God’s teachings leads to transformation and growth.

Dear friends, POSITIVE ATTITUDE is the foundation for holistic personal growth. Until you develop this, you will continue to dwell at the base of the success ladder thinking you can’t do what God has already given you the capacity to do.

Someone shared an interesting insight about “the mathematics of life’ that caught my attention. By assigning numbers 1-26 to the English alphabet, he summed up the equivalent numbers representing words such as:

L+U+C+K
12 + 21 + 3 + 11 = 47%

M+O+N+E+Y
13 + 15 + 14 + 5 + 25 = 72%

K+N+O+W+L+E+D+G+E
11 + 14 + 15 + 23 + 12 + 5 + 4 + 7 + 5 = 96%

H+A+R+D+W+O+R+K
8 + 1 + 18 + 4 + 23 + 15 + 18 + 11 = 98%

None of these add up to 100%; so none of these isn’t what you really need about everything you desire in life.

Then what makes 100%?

Of course, ATTITUDE…(Try this sum)

A+T+T+I+T+U+D+E = 1 + 20 + 20 + 9 + 20 + 21 + 4 + 5 = 100%

It is, therefore, OUR ATTITUDE toward life and work that makes OUR life 100% successful because every problem has a solution, only if we change our attitude for the better. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Let’s therefore change our ATTITUDE toward life and the things we do this year 2025; and sooner than later, we will realize that we can do all things through CHRIST, who gives us strength.

See you at the top

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

Pst. Joshua Afolabi

Yesterday, I discussed A Change of Raiment. Another crucial change necessary for transformation in your life this year is the renewal of your mind. Your mind is the element within you that allows you to think or feel. Do you know that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7)? This is why it’s essential to think creatively and correctly this year. You need a positive mindset to succeed in life.

Great minds are successful people. However, no man can be as great as the one who possesses the Mind of Christ. When we talk about the Mind of Christ, we refer to a renewed and transformed mind that is not conformed to this world (Romans 12:2).

The Mind of Christ thinks and displays humility, which is essential for the grace of God to flow. The Scripture says that Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death (Philippians 2:8), and later, God graciously exalted Him to the highest place (Philippians 2:9-11). Yesterday, I told you that anyone who wears the garment of iniquity will be resisted by Satan. But if you wear a proud look, it’s God Himself who will resist you (James 4:6). You need a positive change of mind!

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Humility is the key that unlocks the door to God’s grace, however, I want you to get more clarity about this virtue:
Humility is the display of meekness in the areas of your strength. It should not be confused with being shallow-minded. No! To succeed in life, you must be high-minded (of high intellectual or moral value). It takes critical thinking and a high level of mindset to be creative and innovative.

Brethren, do not be shallow-minded, but remain humble whenever you are highly placed by God to ensure the continuous flow of His grace into your life.

Shalom!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

Pst. Joshua Afolabi

The only constant in life is change. One significant change that must happen in order for necessary transformations to take place in your life this year is the change of your garment.

Upon Joshua the high priest, there was a garment of unrighteousness and iniquity, which allowed Satan to have a hold on him(Zechariah 3:1-3). But by God’s intervention, this garment was replaced with one of righteousness, and Satan lost his grip over Joshua’s life.

As a child of God, you too are considered a high priest (1 Peter 2:9), and you need a change of raiment. The garment of reproach, humiliation, sin, and unrighteousness must be stripped off so that you can wear one of glory, dignity, and honor. Without this transformation, the devil will continue to harass you, resist you, and attack you, hindering you from exercising your priesthood roles and receiving your full blessings.Today, God will also help you and the devil will lose his grip over your life permanently in Jesus name.

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon; and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh” (Genesis 41:14).

From the physical perspective, your physical outlook sends a lot of messages to your benefactors. Before Joseph appeared before Pharaoh in the palace, he had to change his appearance. He shaved and put off the garment of shame that connected him to his imprisonment.

Brethren, this is also true in our spiritual lives. God expects us to put off our old sinful nature and put on Christ and His righteousness (Colossians 2:11) before He can pour out His blessings on us. There’s no doubt -God can do marvelous things in unexpected ways, but He will not pour new wine into old wineskins (Luke 5:37-39).

Beloved, do not let the enemy keep you trapped in your past. Decide today to put on Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and become a new creation; able to command the blessings of God.

Be in Christ and remain blessed.

Please share this message.

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Pst. Joshua Afolabi

DIVINE FLUSHING

Matthew 15:13
But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

THINGS THAT MUST BE FLUSHED OUT OF YOUR LIFE THIS 2024

1. Evil marks
   (Revelation 12:11; Galatians 6:17
   From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus).
2. Evil chemicals/waves (poisons)
3. Evil growth causing blockage
4. Evil seeds/worms/germs causing strange movement.
5. Evil implantation
   These must be flushed out because they hinder normal growth and deter progress. DEALING WITH EVIL PLANTS

Evil plants are unwanted plants growing in the environment of the plant of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3). Agriculturists call these plants weeds. From the scriptural perspective, they are referred to as tares whose seeds are sown by the enemy of righteousness (Matthew 13:23).

Failure to eradicate them

1. Harbour pests and diseases
2. Compete with God’s plants for light, space, water and nutrients.
3. Reduce yields and economic values.

Dealing with them include:

1. Prevent the seed to be sown by spiritual alertness (1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 26:41)
2. Uproot it
3. Uproot it earlier enough before producing fruits/seeds.
4. Chemical eradication by the anointing of the Spirit.(Isaiah 10:27)
5. Cast it into the fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29
   For our God is a consuming fire). PRAYERS
6. Let’s thank God our deliverer and sanctifier
7. Use the blood of Jesus to purge your spirit, soul and body
8. Use the anointing of the Spirit to purge your spirit, soul and body
9. Use the fire of God to purge your spirit, soul and body
10. Remove evil marks, destroy evil seeds/poison, uproot evil plants and ask God to make you whole.

NO CARRY OVER OF ANYTHING CALLED EVIL IN OUR LIVES TO THE NEW YEAR IN JESUS NAME.

Financial freedom is the ability to make choices about how you want to live your life, free from the constraints of financial worries. Achieving this freedom requires careful planning and discipline, but it can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and stress-free life.

One way to work toward financial freedom is by wisely allocating your income into different categories of expenses. A common recommendation is to allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. “Needs” include essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries. “Wants” refer to non-essential expenses such as entertainment, parties, and hobbies. “Savings” are funds set aside for future expenses or emergencies. In essence, achieving financial freedom is possible with SMART goals and the 50/30/20 rule.

For salary earners, it’s crucial to plan ahead and manage your spending wisely, especially during the festive season, to ensure you have enough funds to cover your expenses until your next paycheck (probably ending of January, 2025). This may involve budgeting carefully and reducing discretionary spending. Never spend beyond your earnings. As much as possible, avoid unnecessary expenditures and unimportant journeys.

Building an emergency fund is also important to cover unexpected expenses and help prevent reliance on anticipated income. Most importantly, follow Warren Buffett’s advice: “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” Please exercise financial prudence (Proverbs 21:20).

In conclusion, achieving financial freedom requires planning and discipline, but it leads to a more fulfilling, stress-free life. By allocating your income wisely and planning ahead, you can reach your financial goals and live the life you desire.

You will NEVER be stranded financially, in Jesus’ Name.

DO ENJOY A SWEET SATURDAY

@ afo4Jesus