Jesus’ wounds have become your healing

He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been healed.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬ ‭AMP‬

How do you enjoy the blessing of Divine Health?

1. Believe that Jesus died to set you free from sin, sickness and death; and accept and confess Him as your Saviour and Lord

2. Learn, know and walk in your identity in Christ by daily studying and meditating on God’s Truth for you

3. Believe and confess what God says about your divine health

4. Control yourselves and be careful! …Refuse to give in to the devil. Stand strong in your faith...”1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭ICB‬‬

5. Live wisely! Take care of your body.. “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. I Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus’ First Followers

“The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.””

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭43‬-‭51‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

How to Defend Your Faith

“It is our responsibility to defend our faith!”, mentioned one of the young people I work with. He further said we can’t just do nothing when someone is saying something bad about god”

This is interesting!

You don’t have to fight for God! I responded to him and I briefly informed him on how to defend his faith from God’s point of view.

Of course as a Christian must fight for our faith! Yes we must!

However, haw are we implored to fight for our faith?

What are the Biblical principles to guide our defence and fight of our faith of the Gospel?

Jude 1:2-3 is one of the Scriptural verses that awakens a sense of urgency within me to defend my faith.

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, …..and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV

We are exhorted, we are implored, encouraged and challenged to earnestly contend vigorously defend the faith of Gospel we have in God.

The word earnest means “serious and zealous in intention”

We are urged to be serious and zealous in our faith-life intentions. Or we are implored to be intentionally serious and zealous about our faith.

Jude 1:2–3

“Dear friends, I’ve dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish. Jude 3

Why did apostle Peter say this?

Why the need to defend our faith?

Apostle Peter mentioned further that “

‭‭ “I say this because certain bad people have secretly come among you. They have turned away from God. They are trying to change God's true message. They teach that we can do any evil things that we want to do. They say that God will be kind and he will forgive us for all those things. They do not accept the authority of Jesus Christ, who is our only Master and our Lord. God will certainly punish those wicked people. A long time ago God said that he would punish people like them.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭EASY‬‬

Vs 5-19 centres around the ungodly and shameful acts.

So, how do we defend our faith?

Vs 20-23 reveals how to defend our faith.

“But you, my friends, have believed the message that comes from God himself. So you must help one another to trust God more and more. Pray to God with the help of the Holy Spirit. Continue to live in a way that shows God's love. As you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to come, remember that he is very kind. Because of that, you will have life with God for ever. Help those people who do not know whether to trust God. Be kind to them. Some people are in great danger. You must save them from the fire of God's punishment. Also be kind to people who have done wicked and disgusting things. But be careful! Do not let their sins make you bad too.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭EASY‬‬

I encourage you to please prayerfully read, study these verses so you can be equipped to do what God had called us to do.

Let us pray.

Episode 305: How to Find Freedom in Your Emotional Life

Some weeks ago, at our family local church, where we worship, we explored the role of emotions in living victorious lifestyles .

In Hannah’s words …..

- “Our emotions are like a gauge. Our feelings alert us to what is happening to n our lives and environment.”

- “Our emotions are wired into what we believe and value “

“What do you base your emotions on? ‘Perceived reality’ or ‘truth’”

“What dictate your truth ? Your feelings or God’s truth?”

“Is your feeling a gauge or your god? “

Align your emotions with God’s Word

The starting point to finding freedom in our emotional lives is to think Biblically; aligning our emotions with God’s Word.

Taking a journey into the story of Joseph, a young lad, much loved by his father whose dreams seemed to be shattered when he was sold by his brothers to an Egyptian who bought him as his slave.

Having read his response to his old brothers in Gen 45.5 Hmmn

I had a pause!

I had a reflective thinking!

“Now don’t be worried. Don’t be angry with yourselves because you sold me here. God sent me here ahead of you to save people’s lives. No food has grown on the land for two years now. And there will be five more years without planting or harvest. So God sent me here ahead of you. This was to make sure you have some descendants left on earth. And it was to keep you alive in an amazing way. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. God has made me the highest officer of the king of Egypt. I am in charge of his palace. I am the master of all the land of Egypt.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭ICB‬‬

In retrospective, Joseph must have felt unloved and betrayed when his brothers made jest of him, threw him into a pit and eventually sold him.

He must have felt angry for being unjustly thrown into the prison for what he did not do.

He definitely must have felt FORGOTTEN BY GOD when the cupbearer he helped interpreted dreams for seemed not to show him favour by informing the right authority.

Undoubtedly, the ordeal must have been tough on Joseph.

So, how did he handle his feelings? How did he handle his emotions?

What did he do that helped him to interpret his ordeals rightly?

Joseph thought Biblically.

Joseph intentionally brought his mind back to God and His Words.

Prior to his challenges, Joseph must have been dedicated to studying and meditating on God’s Words .

For instance

“…Joseph gave his father bad reports about his brothers.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭2‬ ‭ICB‬‬

“…How can I do such an evil thing? It is a sin against God.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭39‬:‭9‬ ‭ICB‬‬

“Joseph answered the king, “I am not able to explain the meaning of dreams. God will do this for the king.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭16‬ ‭ICB‬‬

“You had two dreams which mean the same thing. This shows that God has firmly decided that this will happen. And he will make it happen soon.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭32‬ ‭ICB‬‬

“Now don’t be worried. Don’t be angry with yourselves because you sold me here. God sent me here ahead of you to save people’s lives.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭5‬ ‭ICB‬‬

All these verses pointed to Joseph’s intentionality in allowing God’s Word to reshape him by thinking Biblically; aligning his emotions with God’s Word.

Let us pray

Father we thank You for your intention, plan and desire for us Your children to be saved and prospered spirit, soul and body.

We receive fresh grace to be emotionally honest before You so that Your Word can reshape us and refine our characters in sufferings so that we can truly live as you planned and Your name be glorified

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Episode 304: How prepared are you for the future you envision?

Two years passed, yet Joseph was not remembered!

He was not remembered for the good deed he did.

The cupbearer had forgotten! He had forgotten to inform king Pharaoh about the young man - Joseph who interpreted his dream correctly for him.

A timely opportunity arose. Pharaoh had two different dreams in one night.

Both dreams were disturbing to the king. His sages and magicians could not interpret the two dreams.

The cup-bearer now remembered Joseph! He informed king Pharaoh of how Joseph correctly interpreted his dream and the baker’s, while they were both in custody. Gen 40

King Pharaoh asked for Joseph’s immediate entrance into the palace.

What a golden opportunity for Joseph!

Much water has flowed under the bridge for Joseph.

What if Joseph had given up on God?

What if he chose to lose all hope on his God, His love and reverence for Him?

The awaited opportunity would not have met him well!

Joseph still held on to his God and His Word, and principles.

-In response to king Pharaoh’s dreams

Joseph mentioned God three times

“Then Joseph said - “… the dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. HE EXPLAINED THE DREAM! And added that the reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭25‬-‭32‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

-In response to the cup-bearer and the baker when they related their dreams to him- Joseph mentioned “..Don’t interpretations come from God?…

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭40‬:‭8‬ ‭MSG‬‬

In response to Potiphar’s wife when she was pestering him for sex; Joseph’s response showed his godly values as a result of his reverence for God.

He said to his master’s wife-

“…Look, …You’re my master’s wife, after all! How could I violate his trust and sin against God?””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭39‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Joseph was 17 years when sold by his brothers, at age 30yrs, he was released from prison!

Those were 13 years of options of bitterness, resentment OR enduring hope trust in God and Word, process and preparation.

Joseph chose the latter.

What a God who is timely in His plans and decisions!

Joseph prepared himself in all ramifications - his mindset, God-values; and when the timely and life-changing opportunity came - he was ready!

How prepared are you in the future you envisioned many years ago?

I just want to encourage you again to hold on to God.

Keep on loving Him

Keep on trusting HIm and His Word

Keep on living a life pleasing to God

By the help of His Spirit

- You are an overcomer

-You are victorious

-You are a king and priest in God’s kingdom

-Keep having the mindset of Christ

-Live ready for all plans God has for you.

Let us pray

Father I thank You for the beautiful and unchangeable plans you have for us.

Help us to daily life our lives, thinking from your perspective so we will not miss out on the plans you have for us and ours, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Episode 303: Sometimes, it is ok to walk alone

Sometimes, it’s ok to be walking alone

This happened awhile ago. I was using my navigation system before setting out due to traffic and congestions because of several roadworks.

This particular evening, there was a re-route from the usual route I would normally take. After driving for about 1.5miles, I got to a T-Junction, looked behind and saw (observed) that no car was behind me. No car was following me, neither was there a vehicle in ahead of me. However, there were oncoming vehicles.

I thought to myself- I am definitely taking a wrong path! I was worried! So I halted on the road as no vehicle was behind me anyway, wound the window down and asked someone if the road ahead was closed.

The woman kindly informed me that the road was clear for me to drive through. What a relief!

Still looked behind, no vehicle was following me. The kind woman’s response was re-assuring for me. Interestingly, the route the sat-nav took directed me to paid off.

The Holy Spirit ministered to me right there from the scene and I prayed that you will find encouragement, courage and strength from it.

Sometimes in our lives, our individual journey may require us to walk alone. We may even feel insecure about the path just as I felt.

You may feel pressured to make a u-turn until you are re-assured.

I would love to encourage you today. Please go back to the drawing board.

What is the word God gave you?

What dreams, visions, or prophecy did you receive earlier?

Do you have the habit of writing down your dreams, goals, visions and promptings?

Then, pick up the journal

Re-read it

Read through it

Prayerfully re-read it

Let the Words re-energise and keep you in check and focus.

Remember, it is ok to be walking alone.

Today’s podcast is dedicated to my dad. In loving memory of my dad- Engr Oladejo Solomon Popoola of blessed memory, who passed on exactly 25yrs ago, at the age of 53yrs.

Engr. Popoola, my dad, was a Godly, principled man and a lover of music who enjoyed playing hymnals on his piano.

He was a disciplinarian. A man dedicated to his wife, children and work. I never saw dad taken a day off at work for off-sick leave. He prioritised his children’s education above his pleasure. And Sunday church was a must for the whole family. My mind went to my dad of blessed memory, when I read Isaac’s story and how God appeared to him during a famine, instructing and guiding him on where to avoid; and where to relocate to. God also mentioned to Isaac that he would be with him and bless him and his posterity all because of what Abraham his dad did. -

God told Isaac he was going to fulfil all the solemn promises he made to Abraham. All be

“And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

When my dad passed on, I had the opportunity to do my one year work-experience at Chi Ltd, Lagos, NIgeria. It was an international company that produce and market drinks, poultry and aquatic animals.

The Personnel Manager called me to his office and commemorated me on my dad’s transition and told me to feel free to come to him if I need anything.

In actual fact, all through my stay in the company he would call me his daughter.

Of course, I made sure I enjoyed all the preferential treatments available.

Just as God blessed Isaac and his posterity because of Abraham, why did the PM offered me unimaginable support?

He mentioned that my father -Engr Popoola , then the Telecommunications Manager of NITEL, with his team, fixed all the company’s lines without a bribe. Without any hassle which he mentioned was uncommon.

God blessed Isaac and his posterity as a result of Abraham’s deeds.

Moses: …God..show me your plan…

God’s response: I will go with you. And I will give you victory.

Of course, no one likes to be kept in the dark.

God has given Moses an assignment to lead His people from Egypt to the land He promised them.

This was a hard job for Moses. He asked God for His plans. The way He intends to orchestrate the mass exodus, the emigration, of His people from Egypt.

As a matter of fact, in any profession, you will need a plan in order to execute your job effectively.

Of course, God has a plan but it was not as Moses or any of us will view things because God does not think the way man thinks; He does not work the way man work. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

God responded by informing Moses that His presence will go with Him and give him rest.

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

Further, in the same chapter, God showed Moses a sign of His greatness; also to assure Moses of His guaranteed presence and rest He will always have.

I’m so many ways, we can relate to this story.

We desire to know God’s plans, His ways, His purpose, His assignment for us as a child, student, adult…,

We put the cart before the horse.

Invariably, when we put the cart before the horse; our movement get thwarted; because something done in the wrong order will not be effective.

God’s order is

-seek My presence

-love me with all your heart

-Fellowship with me

-Commune with me

And as we take time in God’s presence, being conscious of His presence, as apostle Peter mentioned in 1 Peter 1:18 and I quote -

“Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God…”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭21‬ ‭MSG‬‬

God will open up to us, as a book, page by page, the purpose and plans / ways to execute the assignment He has given us.

Have you ever pondered on what motivates you to pray?

Are you praying from the position of anxiety or fear?

And you prayed 10mins, 20mins, even 1hr, yet there is still an element of fear, anxiety and doubts.

Of course the sense of fear and anxiety will lead to doubtful thoughts and being uncertain that one’s prayers are being answered.

Today, you’ll be learning how to pray from the position of rest.

Yes! Praying from the position of rest.

I have learnt this truth. I am so excited to share it with you. God has taught me; and He daily reminds me in His Word

not allowed my mind to drift towards a negative outcome.

So, I remind myself to pray from the position of rest on a daily basis based on the truth I will be sharing with you.

First,

TRUST

Trust God. Trust Him

Trust His Word concerning you

Trust that He lives in you, guiding you, leading you in all your way as Psalms 32.8 says.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIVUK‬

“Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I am God. I am God above all the nations, and I am exalted throughout the whole earth.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬

TWO

DECLUTTER

Declutter your mind of negative thoughts.

Identify and remove unreal, ugly and unwanted thoughts from your mind.

THREE

FILL

Fill your mind with thoughts about good things.

Meditate on God’s Word

Meditate on God’s Word concerning your situation

“Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

WAIT

Wait till your change comes

Wait on the Lord

While waiting - Practical things to do

-Connect with friends who love God who can also help encourage and build your faith in Christ.

-Use your gift to serve

-Share good news and testimonies

Looking closely into the life of Abraham,

there were times in his life that he was filled with so much enthusiasm about life saying “I can do this!” Having all courage to leave his father’s land to where God was leading him, although he did not know what exactly the future holds.

There were moments his faith and encouragement in God and His Word was renewed and he chose to obey God’s instructions to offer his son as sacrifice.

There were also discouraging moments where he felt low , he was discouraged due to his wife’s barrenness. He was also fearful because of famine in the land.

He was faced with two options - to be truthful or lie.

This is me putting myself in Abraham’s shoes, and saying “I am not lying.” “Sarah is actually my half sister!” Defending myself!

He was tired!

Abraham faced with fixed mentality. I can’t do this again! He was tired of waiting!

He accepted his wife’s suggestion to go in to their maid - Haggai.

‘Just want to encourage you today, to remember this-

Abraham was once in your shoes.

Abraham was once in our shoes.

The one highly esteemed and chosen by God as father of faith went through his own low moments.

-He had feelings of fear and God reminded him in Gen 15:1 not to be afraid.

“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

-He had expectations and desires to have his own children. Imagine in the long phase of his wife’s barrenness, he was supporting his servants’ children.

God re-assured him in Gen 15:4-5

He derailed from God’s plan by birthing Ishmeal whose birth affected humanity till date. In it all, God gently called him back to his lane; to his purpose.

Believe in God and His Word; believe Him with all your heart just as Abraham did despite his failings and God counted it to him for righteousness Romans 4

As God re-assured Abraham with His manifest-presence in Gen 17:1- appearing to Abram, revitalising him with His presence, remember that you also have a priceless privilege of having the Spirit of God dwelling in you. God’s presence is in you cheering you on saying

-do not be afraid.