Author: pastorafolabi

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18)

God is progressive, and He detests stagnation—let alone regression. That’s why, when Moses pleaded for the Israelites to remain calm (when they were to march forward), God commanded them to move forward (Exodus 14:14-15)

Brethren, life is divinely designed for God’s children to experience continuous progress against all odds. Are you advancing in every area of your life? If not, that should concern you. Think about a three-year-old child unable to walk or talk—wouldn’t you be bothered? Likewise, if your life isn’t reflecting the scripture that says you must continue to shine, it’s crucial to identify the cause. Instead of experiencing progress in your business, marriage or finances, are you facing setbacks? If so, you need to trace the root of the issue.

Beloved, setbacks have no place in your life—so long as you are just. But who is a just man? The Apostle Paul declares, “A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). Furthermore, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Simply put, a child of God, justified through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is entitled to the prosperity covenant with God.

According to the opening scripture, divine prosperity means making steady and satisfactory progress. This is God’s plan for you. Like a shining light that grows brighter each day, prosperity is the heritage of the just. This means that if you are committed to righteous living, your today will always surpass your yesterday, and your tomorrow will surely be glorious.

Believe me honestly, as long as you refuse to look back, there will be no room for setbacks in your life (Luke 9:62). It’s time for you to shine my brother and sister—and you will shine continuously in Jesus name!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

Shalom!

@ afo4Jesus

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23

The heart is the core and most sensitive part of the human body. It receives and pumps blood to all parts of the body, sustaining life. And as the body cannot function without an active heart, we must be intentional about guarding our hearts.

Every activity of man has its root in the heart. Our opening scripture tells us it is the fountain of life (Proverbs 4:23b). It plays a central role in human existence, circulating life-sustaining blood (Leveticus 17:11). This explains why the heart must be guarded. He who keeps his heart keeps his life.

Another reason to guard the heart is its influence on character. A person’s behaviour is shaped by the state of their heart. Therefore, you cannot be what your heart is not. You are a product of your thoughts (Pro 23 :7).

The heart must also be carefully guarded because it controls our speeches and actions. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). What are the things that fill your heart? The physical heart pumps two types of blood—oxygenated (life-giving) and deoxygenated (lifeless). Similarly, the spiritual heart can be influenced by either God or Satan. Whoever controls your heart determines the course of your life..

Do not give your heart to Satan! Ananias and Sapphira allowed him to fill their hearts with lies and deceit (Acts 5:3). He can also fill an unguarded heart with pride, fear, depression, and all forms of negativity. Conversely, God fills a renewed yielding hearts with joy, peace, love and many other virtues.

No matter, how strong and anointed you are , if you do not have an active and engaging heart that is Holy Spirit-controlled, you cannot be effective in whatever you do. It’s only when you are alive and lively that you can inject life into others. Prophet Elijah who had been greatly used by God heard the threat of Jezebel; saw death and became like a vegetable (1 Kings 19:1-4). Are you trying to imagine what went wrong with this fiery prophet?- He allowed Satan to infiltrate his heart with fear and depression. Another great man who fell through the transmission of a negative signal was David. Unlike Job who made a covenant with his eyes not to lustfully look at ladies (Job 31:1), David kept the gates of his eyes carelessly open to gaze and lust; allowing the image of Bathsheba’s nakedness to bite his heart leading to his downfall (2 Samuel 11:2-5).

Beloved, you have responsibility to guard your heart by keeping the eye, ear gates and other sense organs that feed information into the heart through the brain (soul). Furthermore, you can control what goes into the heart by screening what you process in your thought realm. The Bible makes us understand that the quality of a man is determined by what he thinks in his heart (Prov. 23:7). Therefore be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) and set your affection only on godly virtues. Above all, don’t be disconnected from the Source of life. Jesus is the life support to the heart.

Possibly you have suffered heartbreak and spiritual setbacks before now. Cry like David (Psalms 51:10) and say Father, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Guide my thoughts always and let me be disciplined enough to control my eye and ear gates in Jesus name.

Shalom!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@afo4Jesus

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 2:10-13 (KJV)

10.But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of knowledge, revelation, and understanding. He reveals all hidden things, especially those that reside deep within. Believe me honestly, the human mind is one of the deepest places, and as Paul said, it is only the spirit of a man that knows his own thoughts. No one can truly understand your mind except God, the Creator of it, who possesses the superior Spirit.

If you have received this superior Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God, you too can discern the thoughts of others and even have access to the mind of God. One of the key roles of the Holy Spirit is to connect you to the spiritual realm.The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

This explains why, after being filled with the Holy Spirit, Apostle Peter was able to discern the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira, who tried to deceive the early church.

“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?”(Acts 5:3)

This gift of discernment enabled by the Holy Ghost is not limited to Peter. Job 32:8 says that there is a spirit within you that can be inspired by the Spirit of God to bring illumination. Through the Spirit, you gain the ability to discern good and evil, as well as the true intentions of the heart.

Last week, I challenged a lady in my place of work who seemed less lively than before; seeking to know what was wrong with her. She refused to tell me anything but by the Spirit of God I knew what she was going through. That made me to share a message with her from God, and by the close hour on Friday, she came to open up to me. She said, “Oga mi” (my boss), it seems you knew what I was hiding from you through the message you sent.” I smiled, knowing it was the Holy Spirit who revealed the secret. He is the ultimate Revealer of all secrets and Discerner of every thought.Why do I say this? Because the Bible tells us:

The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).

When you grow in intimacy with God and you are filled with His Spirit, you will also operate on a level of revelation and understanding far beyond your natural abilities. The closer you are to God, the more sensitive you will become. You will begin to discern spirits in such a way that it will be evident to those around you that you are being led by God (Romans 8:14). God will reveal things that are hidden from the ordinary man to you, and He will impress clear thoughts upon your spirit- the Holy Spirit’s decoder.

Beloved, as the Psalmist says in Psalms 42:7, “Deep calleth unto deep.” The deeper you go spiritually, the greater your understanding and the clearer your revelations of spiritual matters will be. If you choose to hunger for God more, He will fill you with His Spirit, which will enable you to know the things that are freely given to us by God.

Welcome to the realm of the Spirit.

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@ afo4Jesus

Isaiah 61:7
For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

In this month of FEBRUARY, God will answer all your prayers and turn your shame to DOUBLE HONOUR .

FEBRUARY IS OUR MONTH OF
F – ruitful Encounters.
E – xtraordinary results.
B – beautiful Accomplishments
R -emarkable Performance
U – nhindered Promotion .
A – wesome Honour
R – esounding Jubilation
Y -es as an Answer

HAPPY NEW MONTH TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SIR/MA’AM

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

“They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed” (Psalms 34:5)

God is everything for anyone to prosper. He is the source of all blessings, hence our major need for our needs to be met. Just as David resolved to look unto Him (Psalms 121:1), we are also encouraged in Hebrews 12:2 to keep our eyes fixed on Him.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

In the passage above, Apostle Paul highlights why we must keep our focus on the Lord—He is both the Author and the Finisher of our faith. When facing challenges, don’t look elsewhere. Fix your gaze on Jesus. Remember, it was when Peter took his eyes off Jesus that he began to sink (Matthew 14:30). As long as you remain focused on God, you will rise above and stay on top of your circumstances.

The opening scripture reminds us:
“They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.” (Psalms 34:5). Who are you looking to for blessings? Which direction are you facing for your promotion? Keep in mind, the people in positions of power cannot save you from your financial troubles (2 Kings 6:27). Your spouse or doctor is not the answer to your barrenness (Genesis 30:2). Even the most skilled physicians may not have a solution to your condition (Mark 5:26). Jesus is the answer to your problems. From this moment therefore, make a resolution like David—to focus solely on God. He will not only bring light to your face, but He will also ensure that you are not put to shame.

Shalom!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@afo4Jesus

“…..that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3b).

Among all the kingdoms of living organisms, God has chosen plants to symbolize His people. Isaiah 5:7 describes the men of Judah as God’s “pleasant plant,” and in Isaiah 61:3, God refers to His people as “the trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD.”

While the animal kingdom may seem more advanced in evolutionary terms, God’s choice of the plant kingdom was not an attempt to reorder the classification of living things or to diminish humanity’s place in creation. Instead, He used the plant to teach us the profound connection between dedication, commitment, and fruitfulness.

Psalm 92:13 states: “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.”

To be planted means to remain steadfast. Have you ever seen a plant move? No! While plants can actually exhibit certain movements as living, they are immobile. Wherever you find a tree today, that’s where it will remain tomorrow. This is what dedication to God looks like—steadfastness. It’s not about shifting from the living God to false gods, but about staying committed to the One who sustains us.

I am confident that God will bless us this year, but the key to that blessing lies in our commitment to remain (DWELL) in Him. David, in Psalm 23:6, said: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

To be dedicated to God means being firmly planted in His presence. This is what guarantees fruitfulness and a glorious future. Jesus said in John 15:5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Only by being committed and connected to Him can we draw life from Him.

Beloved, as Ecclesiastes 9:4 reminds us: “To him that is joined to all the living, there is hope.” Make the decision this year to be planted in the house of the LORD, and you will flourish (Psalm 92:13). Do not detach from Jesus, the Vine. Stay connected, and you will remain fruitful and ever-green. Remain dedicated to God, and you will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in its season. The Scripture further promises that your leaf shall not wither, and whatever you do shall prosper (Psalm 1:3).

Until you become part of a stable kingdom and commit yourself to that Kingdom connection, fruitfulness will be out of reach. Stay connected to the source (God), and you will remain blessed.

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@ afo4Jesus

Shalom!

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars” (.2 Chronicles 16:9).

The eyes of the Omnipresent God are upon all who set their eyes on Him, trusting in His mercy rather than their own merits (Psalms 33:18-20). Beloved, it is by God’s mercy that we are not consumed—not by any devices or strategies we create to protect ourselves. We are kept safe because God watches over us, not because of CCTV cameras mounted or night guards stationed around us (Lamentation 3:22-23)

It isn’t a bad thing to mount CCTV around you if you can afford it; but no matter the quality or resolution of the most advanced CCTV, it cannot compare to the watchful eyes of God. CCTV is a “closed-circuit television,” because it has a limited scope of broadcast, but as 2 Chronicles 16:9 declares: “The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him.” God’s eyes see everything, everywhere, at any time—providing surveillance and constant monitoring.

You can have as many security officers as you can; but no matter how armed or vigilant a watchman might be, without God, their efforts are in vain due to their human limitations and frailties. As the Scripture reminds us: “Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Beloved, God not only has an all-encompassing view of everything, He is present everywhere and sees everything ahead of time as the Omniscient God. With such abilities, He can protect you, your family, your loved ones, and everything under your care including your business centres and your material possessions—wherever they are. However, to experience this divine protection, you must reverence God, and your heart must be aligned with Him. This is why Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Beyond protection, the eyes of the Lord are also watching to bless those whose hearts are right with Him. Understanding this should encourage us to stop eye-service and live righteously and faithfully, wherever we are. God sees our actions, and His eyes are ever upon us, recording everything we do.

May you be blessed as you live in the awareness of God’s constant presence.

Shalom!

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

@ afo4Jesus

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” — *H. Jackson Brown Jr* .

The quote above encourages us to take risks and embrace opportunities rather than staying in our comfort zones. Even the Bible says, ” *Woe to them that are at ease in Zion…” (Amos 6:1).* The idea is that, looking back in the future, we may regret the things we didn’t try—our missed opportunities—more than the mistakes we made or the challenges we faced.

The things you didn’t attempt will weigh on you more than the things you tried. So, set aside your fears, break free from the familiar and embrace new adventures. Let go of the security of the “safe harbor,” take action, step out of your comfort zone, and explore the opportunities life offers.

*Explore, Dream and Discover*

@ *OVECafo*

God continually calls people every day for different purposes, always with the aim of blessing us. Out of His love and concern, He is calling you today. The question is: Will you heed His voice? (Deuteronomy 28:1)

1. TO SALVATION

Genesis 7:1
“And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.”
Note: Jesus is the Ark for eternal salvation.

Benefits of Salvation:

Escape from destruction unto Eternal Life (John 3:16)

New life (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Relationship with God (Revelation 3:20)

God invites you to salvation—an opportunity to escape eternal destruction and experience a transformed life through a relationship with Him.

2. FOR SANCTIFICATION

2 Corinthians 6:17
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

Benefits of Sanctification:

A change from story to glory (Exodus 32:26)
“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? Let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.”

Background of Levi:

Genesis 49:5 – Simeon and Levi were once known for cruelty, but when they chose to be set apart, their story changed.

Numbers 3:6 – The tribe of Levi was called to serve God in the temple.

Numbers 8:14 – God called the Levites to be His, setting them apart for a special purpose. The tribe became the FIRSTBORN chosen by God.

Sanctification is God’s invitation to separate ourselves from the world’s influences and be consecrated to His service, transforming our story from disgrace to glory.

3. TO SERVICE

Mark 1:17
“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”

Benefits of Service:

Blessing in every area of life (Exodus 23:25)
“And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”

God calls us to serve Him, and in doing so, we experience His provision for healing, protection, and blessings.

4. TO SATISFACTION

John 6:35
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

John 7:37
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”

Benefits of Satisfaction:

Power over shame and dryness (Jeremiah 31:14)
“And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.”

Abundant provision and fulfillment (Joel 2:26)
“And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.”

Jesus offers true satisfaction—where every thirst and hunger of our soul is completely fulfilled.

5. TO SOLUTIONS

Matthew 11:28
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Benefits of this call:

Rest and Peace
Jesus invites you to come to Him for rest and peace. No matter the burdens you carry, He offers solutions, freedom from anxiety, and restoration of your soul.

JESUS IS THE ANSWER FOR THE WORLD TODAY.

God’s invitation is clear: He is calling you to salvation, sanctification, service, satisfaction, and solutions. Will you accept His call?

God bless you as you do.

Happy Sunday

https://pastorafolabi.cw.center

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/