pastorafolabi

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.

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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!

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@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!

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@ afo4Jesus