THANK YOU!!!

I feel led to stop blogging. I will like to take this opportunity to thank all my faithful readers. I am humbled that you have allowed my posts to hopefully minister to you. Thanks for your loyalty, thanks for being my friends, thanks for your encouraging words, thanks for inspiring me, thanks for your thoughtful comments, thanks for restoring my faith in the body of Christ, thanks for helping me explore my gifting, calling, and purpose. I am forever grateful for your friendship, love, and fellowship.

Please feel free to read any of the eighty six posts I have written. I trust God will use them to minister to you and meet you exactly where you are. I look forward to reuniting with you guys again in the Blogging world, and if not, we will perhaps meet in real life or reunite with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in eternity!!!

“He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20

Love Always,

Toyin O.

WHAT JUST WENT WRONG?

I have certainly prayed many times that God would only open doors that are from HIM and he would close those doors that are not from him. So, why was I so distressed about an unusually bad performance at that interview? Even if things went wrong because of lack of preparation on my part, or due to my lack of enough recent interview experiences, or due to distractions; I still have to remember God is in control. I have given him full control and he is ultimately the Lord of everything that goes on in my life; and the Savior that can redeem me from all situations. I had to remember that his ears are open to my prayers and HE knows exactly what HE is doing when he chooses to shut doors that are not from him. If he had to make my mind go blank for a few seconds, so HIS will can be done in my life, then all I can say is praise God that gives and takes away. I had to trust that even my momentary failures were working for my good; that God shuts doors, because he has better doors he wants to open; that there is nothing that goes wrong in my life that God’s goodness can’t fix; and that sometimes the path to answered prayers is not always as pleasant as we hope.


After the Benjamites committed an evil atrocity, their Israelite brothers decided to go against them in war. After seeking God, they were told to send the men of Judah to fight on the first day; however, the Benjamites killed twenty two thousand Israelites that day. The men encouraged themselves, cried out bitterly unto God, and asked again if they should continue to fight the Benjamites. God told them to keep fighting, but eighteen thousand Israelites were again killed the second day. Then the Israelites went to church, weeping, fasting, and offered burnt/peace offerings to God. They asked God if they are to keep fighting the Benjamites, and the Lord said yes. On the third day, the Israelites came up with a better strategy against their now over confident enemy and were able to win the war by killing just twenty five thousand Benjamites.

Imagine hearing from God on exactly what you are suppose to do, but on your first attempt to accomplish that calling, you encounter a staggering failure that felt like having a twenty-two thousand casualties in a war you were assigned the captain. You would likely wonder what went wrong with that divine mission; and question if you really did hear from God, or wonder if you were underprepared, or over confident, or just plain stupid to undertake such a challenge. You probably went back into the presence of God, seeking his face, crying out to him, and trying to get another confirmation; but you again got the green light to go in the power of God. However, you encounter an astounding failure on your second attempt that felt like an eighteen thousand causality in your war. Though the loss is a little less, the blow is even more devastating, since you know you heard God for the second time and can’t help but wonder why HE would allow you to fail again. You go back seeking God more intensely in your prayer, worship, and devotion. You cry out to GOD to show if you are to continue on this mission, since you can’t afford anymore loses. The good news is that God is telling you in spite of your previous overwhelming failures, to STILL go against that “enemy” you have been unsuccessfully fighting in your relationships, home, careers, ministry, and other relevant areas. Interestingly, the Israelites won that war after losing most of their soldiers; the less man power they had, the more divine power was given to win. You sometimes need to lose before you “really” win. God may need to get rid of all those people you are relying on to show victory comes not in numbers, but by faith. Your letdowns were designed by God to cause you to fall on your knees and seek HIM in a deeper way. The battle you are facing takes something deeper than hearing from God to win. It requires your deepest devotion, heartfelt seeking of God’s face, unwavering obedience, and fiery sacrifices that will bring peace to your current raging storm. Your unsuccessful attempts have put that “enemy” at ease and off guard. You are now wise enough to know when and how to fight. You are well prepared, equipped, and ready to win this battle and take just enough casualties to wipe out the enemy’s camp. Even though, that trial may look huge because of what you have already lost, but trust it is small when compared to God’s greatness. Your next attempt will give you a resounding victory that will make up for your losses. Don’t look at how many times things have gone wrong in your situation, because the ONE calling you can make everything right with just one word!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS REASONABLE?

Playing hide and seek with my nieces and nephews earlier somewhat bring a smile to my face. It was a joy to see the delight on their little faces as they screamed in excitement, when I found them hiding in the bathroom or to see how elated the kids were as one of my nieces and I hid in a secret place. It took the other children forever to find us, upon finally finding us; my niece jubilantly jumps up and down. My little miracle of the day was getting to spend time with these kids; after all, I had completely given up on the hope of been able to make it to the family gathering due to my car problems. I was pretty sure I was not going to make it to my niece’s birthday party from my suburban neighborhood, where the only reasonable way to get around is to have a car. Though, I had also prayed specifically that if God wants me to go, he will provide a free ride to the place. However, just as I was about to call it a day, I got a surprise text from my mother that led to my younger brother giving me a free ride to and fro to the family gathering.

When I prayed that morning, I believed undoubtedly that if God wanted me to make it to the gathering, HE would make a way for me to get there, without spending money that I do not have. As time passed and a free car did not miraculously drop from the sky as I hoped, I gave up. The answer to my prayer however came from the most unlikely source; I had a preconception of exactly how I wanted God to answer this prayer or I just had a different vision on how God was going to provide the free ride, but God again showed me that the answer to our prayer can come from any source or person. These answers sometimes can come from the least expected person or place. It is interesting how I was hoping this prayer was going to be supernaturally, spectacularly, and dramatically answered; when the answer to the prayer was just a phone call away. The answer came from someone that was right within my reach, someone I already knew, and someone that was obviously a way out of my dilemma. The answer also came when I had given up, it came as I was about to call it a day, change into my pajamas, slump on my couch, devour a bowl of ice cream, and get lost in a good movie. As believers, we find ourselves in this predicament many times, where we have faith for that particular area of our life. We pray without ceasing and believe God is going to answer our prayer in a specific way. We dream, envison, and imagine exactly how we think God is going to answer that prayer. As time goes by, we quickly throw in the towel when God does not come thru the way we thought HE was going too. We forget that God does not think the way we do, and sometimes, the answer we have been praying for is right within our reach. Just when we are about to give up, the answer we have been looking for will also come from where we least expect it.


After the death of her God fearing husband, a widow cried out to Elisha because creditors wanted to take her two sons as slaves. Elisha wanted to know how he could help her and asked what she had in her house. The woman responded she only had a small jar of olive oil. Elisha instructed her to go around and ask her neighbors for numerous empty jars; she should then go inside her house with her two boys and shut the door behind them. She was to pour oil inside each of the jars till they are filled and set them aside. The woman followed the instruction and kept pouring oil from her small jar till all the jars were filled and there was no empty jar left. She was then told to sell the oil to pay her debt.

This woman probably had a pre-conceived idea of how her request was going to be granted. She probably imagined the many dramatic miracles the prophet may perform; perhaps, the prophet would give her the money, or he was going to send bears to eat the creditors; or he was going to cast some kind of spell on the creditors to disable them. She must have been somewhat surprised when told to use her small jar of oil to fill the empty jars. The answer to her prayer was her own small jar of oil; the empty jars came from her neighbors; the filled jars came from an act of faith; and the ability to pay off her debt came from a simple obedience. She likely never imagined the treasure that would solve her problem was in her home or the empty jars that would determine the vastness of her blessing was right within her reach. Perhaps, like this widow, you also find yourself facing a threat to your home, relationships, job, finance, health, and other relevant areas. Maybe you have been crying out to God in that desperate situation you find yourself; you know that God will be faithful to answer your prayer; however, you have a pre-conceived idea of how you think HE is going to answer. Like this woman, you do not want to lose your children, loved ones, investment, security, position, or that thing you value so much. If you have not seen the answer you hope for, it is time to take a look at what you already have. The little you have may not be much, but with the right amount of faith, and the willingness to obey God in these areas, you will also be able to fill everything that looks empty till there is no more “empty jar” left to fill in your life. Keep in mind that God uses people; the answer to your prayer may not necessarily be that dramatic miracle you have been hoping for, but lies with your neighbors. You have the anointing within you to fill the “empty jars” of the people in your world. What looks empty can filled; what looks lost can be found; and what looks hopeless can be restored; you just have to trust that God can do a lot with the little you have. You don’t have to look that far, the answer you are looking for is closer than you think. Don’t let your unreasonable expectations take away from the profound blessings that can be found in simple obedience!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU NOTICING THE UPSIDE OR DOWNSIDE?

I am tempted to focus on things that should steal my gratitude today, however, as I walk pass the Seven Eleven on this busy street, what happened at that same spot just two weeks ago comes back to mind. I was about to walk in front of a red car making a right to the busy street; the teenage looking driver was busy lightening his cigarette, and seem to be looking at the traffic coming from the left. As I quickly try to walk in front of the car, the boy suddenly starts driving; he is literally an inch from my body, I bang my hand on the car’s hood to no avail. As the car touches my body, I panic, and keep banging my hand on the car to get the boy’s attention; as one of my shoes comes off, and it seem like the car is about to grind me over, the boy finally looks up. I breathe a sigh of relief, put on my shoe, and tell the boy rather nicely, to pay attention to the road next time. Two days after this incident, I pick up my supposedly fixed car from the mechanic for the second time that week; however, twenty minutes into my drive, my temperature light comes on, and my car dies in the middle of the road. I manage to start the car again, but it died completely at the closest Target’s parking lot. After the car cools down, it gets revived and I drive to the nearest mall. Upon coming out of the mall, the car stalls for a few seconds, but eventually starts. I quickly get on the highway, thinking if I drive at a good speed, I may be able to make it home. The engine starts making really loud noise the moment I get on the highway, it becomes really difficult to drive the car as heavy smoke is coming out of the hood and the exhaustion pipe; in fact, there is so much smoke coming out of my car that other motorists were blowing their horns and getting far away from my vehicle as quickly as possible. Then the engine gets louder, the smoke gets thicker, the horn blowing gets louder, and the highway gets emptier; I realize that I am probably not going to make it home. I quickly get on the ramp to merge on the highway that takes me home, but my car slowly shuts down and it is very hard to steer the wheel. I am afraid of getting into an accident, but fortunately, there is no car behind me as I try merging onto the highway. I try pulling over, but the car is barely responding at this point; I keep pressing the break to stop the car, but to no avail; thankfully, the car finally shuts down right under a tree by the busy highway.


I will most likely not be alive to tell the story if that boy had pressed really hard on his gas. I will certainly not be healthy enough to complain about my lack of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving if my car had blown up on the highway or if it refused to stop and crashed. However, in spite of everything the devil seems to be throwing at me, I can not deny the goodness of God in sparing me from what could have been tragic. God can still do a lot in my life because I am alive. My life may not be anywhere I hoped it would be, but I have Jesus, which gives me hope for my tomorrow; peace in my current storm; and grace to face my difficulties. I am still alive to believe, stand, hope, dream, aspire, and see God fulfill every plan HE has for my life. In our human nature, we at times let the small things we don’t have take our eyes away from the greater things God has done. We focus on those things that we had to let go because of the momentous treasures we invested in these things. We forget all the negative emotions we had to endure while holding on to that thing; or that God only takes away things that will harm us; or that HE takes away those things we are clinging too, because he has something much better in mind.


David once fasted, laying all night on the floor, and prayed God would spare his child. Unfortunately, the child died on the seventh day. His servants were afraid to tell him, but David perceived the child was dead. David then arose from where he had been praying; he washed, anointed himself, change his apparel, came to worship in the house of God, and also ate. His servants wondered about his change of attitude in the face of tragedy, but he explained that he hoped for a miracle while the child was alive, but now that he is dead, it was pointless to mope. David subsequently slept with his wife to comfort her, she conceived a son, whom they named Solomon.

David could have fallen into a deep depression, but instead, he chose to comfort those around him. He saw the goodness of God in a situation that could have been much worse, after all, David was the one being judged for his indiscretions. God could have decided to take his life just like Uriah’s life was taken or something a lot worse could have happened, but the Lord spared him because he was still the man after God’s heart. David saw God’s mercy in a dark moment. While everyone expected him to fall apart due to the time he invested in praying for that child, David instead chose to rise above his circumstances. Perhaps, you have also been thru some tragic experiences that want to steal your gratitude this Thanksgiving, but remember that while things can be better in your life, things can also be a lot worse. Even though your pain may be immense and is not been overlooked by God, you must find grace to rise from that low place you find yourself. It is time to rise out those ashes, put on the garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness, be washed with the blood that thoroughly cleanses, find anointing for your calling, be clothed with the righteousness of Jesus, eat of the bread of life that will mature you, and worship God in HIS sanctuary. Though you may have invested considerable things in what just died, believe that what you lost is nothing compared to what you are about to gain. God is calling you to rise above your pain, trial, and distress; so you can comfort those around you. The comfort you will bring to your world will also birth something so rich, so wise, and so regal in that valley you find yourself. Don’t dwell on the downside of what you have just lost; the upside is knowing there is a new life, new beginning, and a new season coming your way!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

DO YOU SEE?

Strolling thru the streets of NYC on this beautiful Saturday afternoon, I am a bit fascinated, ecstatic, and joyful. The reason for my sentiments is not due to the colorful lights flashing from the numerous giant jumbo screens at Times Square; or the massive amount of people waiting to get tickets for Broadway shows; or the countless homeless agency representatives that keeps asking for money; or the accents coming from the several tourists that seem abundant in the city today; or the difficulty in walking on the streets due to heavy congestion. My sentiment is certainly not coming from the bad pizza I just had from Sbarro; or from the flies infested bakery goods that I just saw on 57th street; or from the old homeless lady that just angrily cursed out someone that mistakenly bumped into her. No, I am excited to be hanging out with my good friend that just flew from Ohio to spend her day with me here in NYC. I recall meeting her a few years ago, she was quite paranoid, distracted, and not too comfortable around crowds; but, I am hanging out with a completely different woman today. As I listen to her share tales of her past adventure in NYC, her fascinating grandmother, her thought provoking younger brothers, her detailed knowledge of pastries, her Christmas cookie baking ventures with her mother, her desire to see the Lion King, the Broadway show; her love for Disney movies, especially the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and her desire to come back to NYC soon, I can’t help but smile.

I was surprised to see how far God had brought her, since she tends to sometimes dwell on some of those things she struggles with on many of our phone conversations, but upon seeing her that Saturday, I was able to see that Jesus has been up to something in her life. This reminds me of just how many of us see ourselves thru some of the past issues, problems, or struggles that we came from; or we dwell on those small problems that seem like mountain when viewed wrongly; or we only see what is going wrong in our lives, in spite of the numerous things that are going right. How we persistently listen to the voice of the enemy tell us we are still that same person; or that we are not changing and we will never change; or how old things are not passing and nothing is becoming new; or how God is not doing anything in our lives in spite of our walk with HIM; how we will always be a product of our past; how there is no hope for healing, change, or profound transformation in Jesus. However, if we find grace to take a closer look at our lives or choose to hear God instead of the roaring lion, we will see that we are not the same. HIS power has come to heal, restore, and transform us. We are a changed people; we are still changing because HIS spirit dwells within us; and we will be forever changing to reflect the image of our savior.

An angel once visited a young maiden, telling her that she has found favor with God and will be conceiving something great. The maiden wondered at the impossibility of the situation, but she believed what the angel told her. She subsequently visited her pregnant cousin in Judah; upon hearing her voice, the baby leaped in the womb of her cousin. The cousin was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit, declaring that the maiden and the fruit of her womb were blessed. The maiden then praised and exhorted God confidently with great words of knowledge, understanding, and gratitude.

After that angel visited Mary and told her she was going to bring forth a great child that will be called the son of the highest, she probably did not realize the magnitude of that prophecy. She likely did not feel or look that much different after the experience. However, because she believed what the angel told her by faith, the Holy Spirit had supernaturally allowed this woman to conceive something that was going to change the world. Days after this visitation, she probably did not see any change in her life, however, the moment she stepped into the presence of another woman that have known barrenness for years, but have also known a visitation of an angel in her household, she finally got a confirmation of all God had told her. Her cousin was immediately filled with the Holy Ghost upon hearing Mary’s voice; the anointing on her voice was now powerful enough to even make a baby leap for joy because of what Mary was carrying inside her womb. Elizabeth immediately notice that this was not the young Mary she grew up with, there was something different about her. Elizabeth was probably amazed to hear the praises, worship, and exhortation that were coming out of Mary’s mouth afterward. The new Mary had an in depth knowledge of who God was, what He was capable of doing, and what can happen to anyone that believes in HIM. Perhaps, you have also known the visitation of God in an area of your life, where HE gave you a word you can count on. Like Mary, you believed what God said about your relationships, homes, families, walk, children, ministry, and future. However, as time passed, maybe you don’t see any obvious change in these areas. You don’t see the kind of change you had hoped, dreamed, or prayed about. Everything still looks the same with that trial you are facing; things have certainly not change with that misbehaving family member; you don’t look, feel, or see any difference; you don’t see a way out of what you are going thru; and you don’t see an improvement in your struggles. Like Mary, all you need is a visitation to a household of faith, where you can be in company with someone that have also known barrenness, but have lived to see the faithfulness of God. You are bound to be reminded that the Holy Spirit living within you is powerful enough to bring light into every dark situation you find yourself. The anointing found in this place will draw out the depth, riches, and knowledge of what you know to be true about Jesus. You will be able to supernaturally see your past, present, and future thru the eyes of the ONE who fills the hungry with good things. While you may not see any difference in your situation, believe that the power living inside of you will cause everyone in your world to declare that you are blessed!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

NOT GETTING WHAT YOU WANT?

Driving thru this parkway, I am somewhat at peace about my troublesome car. After all, I had prayed I will get to my destination safely. Last night, the car was overheating on my drive home from the city. I recall the temperature light coming on and a really loud vibration coming from my engine. Upon getting home, I could smell something was burning. However, the car seems fine today. As I continue my drive, I notice there is traffic ahead; but as I slow down, the temperature light comes on, all the other warning lights starts flashing, and the car dies in the middle of the parkway. I initially panic, muttering a short prayer. I quickly put on the emergency light and start the car again; the engine comes on and I continue to move. I notice a white car had pulled over on the side. I refuse to get stuck like that man. However, things are a little beyond my control as traffic continues to move slowly. My engine shuts down and I pray again, which must have opened the high way, as the traffic starts moving. I quickly press on my gas pedal, since the car only shuts down when I press my brake. The next exit to my old neighborhood is two miles away, I take the exit without thinking too much and speed thru the local road that will take me to the nearest mechanic; but as I get to a red light, my engine shuts down again. I try restarting the car and it miraculously starts. I notice there is another red-light coming up, but I can not afford to have the engine shut down, so I drive thru a gas station. I drive for the next one mile on a local street and notice there is another traffic light coming up, I am only a few blocks from the mechanic now and I can not let the car die again. I quickly make a right to another street, but my engine shuts down at the stop sign at the end of the block. I try restarting the car, but it is not responding. I am only four blocks from the mechanic now; I try again, but the engine responds this time! I quickly make a left, and then a quick right, and I find myself at another red light, just a block from the mechanic; please don’t die, I say to my car. The light turns green just as my engine is about to shut down again and I speed thru the traffic light and make a quick left to the mechanic.

These experience showed me that there are days we pray, but it looks we are not getting what we want; or days it looks like we are not going to make it; or days we run into obstacles that brings all those hidden struggles that we thought were gone. Those “struggles” may temporarily stop us from moving forward, but when we pray, we will also see the Holy Spirit reignite what looks dead or hopeless. Regardless of how many times these struggles show up, we will keep finding the power to recharge what is dying in our lives. It may temporarily look like our prayer has not been answered, but when we look closer; we will see the obstruction on our path was sent to strengthen our faith. While the path to our destination may be filled with obstacles, panic, doubt, and fear; we will not be able to deny the awesomeness of God. His faithfulness in our past is what has given us peace to start the journey we are on, so when those alarming lights start flashing and it looks like we are going to get stuck, we can be assured that Jesus will come thru for us again and again. We might need to avoid those “things” that can kill our spirit or make a few unplanned turns, but we will definitely make it to our destination. While it may look like we are not getting what we want or going where want to go; we should trust that God’s wisdom is getting us to exactly where we need to be.

Jonah was instructed to prophesy in Nineveh, but he went to Joppa; where he boarded a ship going to Tarshish to flee the presence of God. However, God sent a mighty tempest, which almost broke the ship Jonah was on. The men aboard subsequently discovered that the God of Jonah sent the tempest. Jonah, who was fast asleep during the storm was awoken and thrown off the ship. He was then swallowed by a fish. While in the belly of the fish, Jonah prayed and got intimate with God. He was vomited by the whale on the third day. God then instructed Jonah to go preach at Nineveh for the second time; Jonah went this time around.

Jonah was probably trusting God’s mercy for his journey. Even when the sea was raging and everyone else were afraid, Jonah was peacefully sleeping. However, God knew the great commission on this man’s life. When Jonah awoke, fear likely slipped in as he saw the raging sea. He probably did not think he was going to make it out alive. Things must have looked hopeless as he was thrown off that ship. It certainly did not look like Jonah was getting what he wanted; but God in his wisdom knew exactly where Jonah needed to be to prepare his heart for Nineveh. In that whale, Jonah’s heart was finally open to hear God; he offered praises and thanksgiving to the only God that could bring him out. In that belly of hell, he got acquainted with God. While he did not make it to Tarshish, God brought him to a place where he was finally able to hear and obey HIM. Perhaps like Jonah, you also have peace about that place you find yourself in spite of the raging sea that is terrifying everyone else; or you are not moved by the tempest that is breaking the only form of security in your situation. Maybe, you were trusting God’s mercy to get you to where you want to be, but you suddenly also find yourself in the “belly of hell’’, or a dark place, or a very lonely place. While you may not be where you hoped to be, trust that God has brought you to this place to renew your mind, to change your heart, and to prepare you. You will be coming out of the “belly of hell” fully acquainted with the power, presence, and purposes of Christ. God brought you to that “place” to strip you of self reliance, so you can fully depend on HIS strength. Not getting what you want is God’s way of getting you to a place you can receive what you need. Though you may not be getting what you want, trust that where you are is preparing you for what will be eternally necessary, impactful, and fulfilling!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU SETTLING?

Driving thru this very posh Long Island neighborhood, I can tell the place I am going too for an interview is likely patronized by affluent people; but I also know it is a position I probably would not want. Upon arriving in front of the white building located in front of a luxurious apartment complex, I sit in my car for a few minutes, contemplating if I should go in for this job interview. As I enter the building, I am greeted by a young girl holding a child; I am here to see Sarah, I say. She will be right with you, the girl jovially replies. Then another girl sitting at the reception desk also tells me Sarah will be right with me. When Sarah finally shows up, she hands me a package and tells me to fill out the customary paper work. As I try filling the applications, I notice an old lady, who is constantly clearing her throat, just sitting idly in the lobby. There is also a lady crawling on the floor while playing with a young boy. Trying to ignore the distraction, I continue filling out my application. Then three more candidates arrive for the same interview slot and were given the same folder I was given. We are all then addressed by a young girl, who claims to be the Associate Director of the center, she tells us about the four ninety minute tests we will be taken before the interview. Sarah proceeds to administrate the first test. We are then given a thirty minute Critical Thinking test. A lot of noise is coming from an irate child, sitting in the lobby, next to the place this test is being administered. The other candidates also can not seem to stop clearing their throats or coughing. I try finishing this test in spite of all the distractions around me. However, as the third administrative test is given, and the voice of the irate child gets louder, and the candidate’s throat clearing gets more persistent, and the worker’s conversations in the reception area gets noisier, I realize this is most definitely not the job I am looking for, and then finally yield to that gentle inner voice that has been telling me to get up and leave. I politely give back the test, tell the girls it is too noisy to concentrate on the task given, and quietly leave the building.

As I drove thru the affluent neighborhood, I was almost tempted to reconsider my stand on what I was believing God for, but there was just that feeling in my innermost being that did not quite agree with the environment I found myself. How many of us put ourselves thru the unnecessary testing of a relationship, career, and many other things that we know is not God’s will for us? God reminded me thru this experience, just how many of his children settle for less than what God can give. How we pray, fast, and believe God for so many things, but always mange to settle for less. As time lapse in that area we have been waiting on God for, it is easy to get excited when our phone finally rings and settle for the seemingly inviting wealthy environment, or for the initial pleasantness that embraces us, or for the perfect positioned “white house”. However, if we find courage to hear God’s voice, we will know this is not what our Savior has in store for us. We will quickly see the danger of staying in a place that will make us feel empty; or a place that is too distracting to focus on our calling; or too noisy to hear God; or too confusing to know the truth; or too casual to take our future seriously; or too playful to move us forward. It is tempting to settle when we look at the uncontrollable factors in our environment; or at the progression of people around us; or the pressures of our deadlines; but we must trust that God will never fail us.

On a special mission, an Israelite prophet was instructed not to eat, drink, or go back the same way he was coming from. After praying to restore a king’s dried up hand, he refused to eat with the king and continued his mission. An old prophet heard how powerful this up and coming prophet was becoming. The old prophet went to meet this Israelite prophet while he was sitting under an oak tree; he invited him to come home and dine with him. The Israelite prophet initially refused, insisting God had told him not to drink, eat, or go back the way he came; but the old prophet lied, telling him that God sent him to invite the Israelite prophet to his house for dinner. The Israelite prophet went with the old prophet. The Lord then told the Israelite prophet he was going to die because of his disobedience. He was subsequently killed by a lion.

The old prophet chose to tempt this man while he was sitting under an oak tree; when he was likely tired, thirsty, hungry, and vulnerable. He came with an alluring suggestion when this man had been waiting too long, was too tired, and was probably desperate to hear God. It is tragic that a man that had such powerful anointing on his life would let the voice of man take precedence over the voice of God. We can only imagine just how far God was going to take this young prophet; perhaps he would have become one of the greatest prophets in Israel, but he chose to listen to a man, when he could have directly heard from God. He settled for food given by a man, when God could have given him an heavenly manna; He chose to drink water from a man, when God could have given him the fountain of life that never dries; and he chose to go back to where he came from, when God could have taken him to a place he had never been before. Have you also been fortunate to hear God instruct you, where you found grace to obey God; but now the journey has been too long, your body is a little weary, you are desperate to hear God, and you find yourself sitting under an “oak tree”? Be careful not to fall into temptation in that dry place; or to fall for the lies of men; or to let your frenemy lead you to your downfall; or let the prophet wannabe become the voice of God in your life; or settle for men’s idea when God’s idea will be more satisfying. Trust whatever God has initially told you about your situation, listening to the lies of that “roaring lion” will only lead to the premature death of everything God planned for you. Let God’s voice reign over every other voice. Don’t settle for what looks good, when the voice of mercy have already promised you something better!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT IF?

I can’t focus while worshiping tonight, my mind keeps going back to the old lady I saw earlier, while enjoying my Sunday afternoon latte at Starbucks. She was crouched over the full shopping cart she was pushing; her entire body was bent over the cart, with her two hands above her head, while holding on to the cart handrail. Her head was behind the cart, her back bent over, as she struggles pushing the cart. She seems to be coming from Associate supermarket. I wonder if she can see where she is going, since her head is almost below the full shopping cart. How come this lady has to run such an errand by herself, does she not have anyone, is she going to make it? I quickly shut down my computer, put on my jacket, and walk out to see if I can catch her. I am glad to see she is only a short distance away. I gently approach her, as you just never know what you are getting into. Do you need help pushing that cart, I ask. No, I am alright, I need to lean on the cart, she replies pleasantly. Do you live far from here, I ask; no, I live very close, she replies. I sense that she just did not want the help I have to offer, so I leave her alone.

However, as I worshipped that night, all the prayers I prayed in the past of wanting to see wonder and signs follow my life floods back to mind. If I have been praying earnestly for so long to have God perform miracles thru me, was that not an opportunity to put a little work in my faith. What if that was my chance to test my faith. What if I had asked this woman if I could pray for her, had the courage to lay hands on her back, and see her supernaturally restored. What if I had told her, silver, gold, or the ability to push that cart, I don’t have, but I command you to stand up and walk in the mighty name of Jesus; what if she supernaturally found the healing needed to walk thru my prayer! Imagine the scene that would have caused in the middle of Chelsea. What if after she found healing, she started jumping, shouting, and praising God joyfully? What if crowds started gathering; the numerous gay couples, artists, musicians, elites, actors, and all the unbelieving people of Chelsea that have walked passed this woman numerous times without batting an eye gathers, as she joyfully shares how Jesus healed her! What if her testimony is so compelling that it gets the most skeptic of these people to believe! However, my fantasy is cut short by the voice of the pastor that brings me back to reality. My fantasy makes me wonder how many of us are living with “what if” in so many areas of our life; where we know all things are possible for those who believe, but we never find the courage to act in the power of the truth we know. How many of us are wondering “what if” in that specific area of our life, but we will never see the great outcome we hope for; if we don’t take that next step, or do that next thing, or make that next move, or make that phone call, or say those words, or change that habit, or cross that line, or send that application, or stop doing that thing, or send that e-mail. We will never see what is on the other side of our “what if’s” if we don’t take the required action. What if that relationship can be restored; what if you can get that job or get into that school, be successful at that endeavor, find healing, bring salvation to family members or friends; what if things can change, or you can climb that mountain, and do that thing that looks so impossible? You will see that dream, fantasy, or hope become reality, only if you start walking in the power of the truth that can take your faith and life to new heights.

Right before Elijah was translated, he asked what he could do for Elisha. Elisha prayed that he would be given a double portion of his master’s spirit. Elijah said that was a hard thing, but his request will be granted only if Elisha sees him when he is taken away. As the two men kept walking and talking, chariots and horses of fire appeared, separating them. Elijah went up in heaven in a whirlwind and Elisha saw it! Elisha subsequently took Elijah’s mantle and smote the Jordan River, while calling on the God of Elijah, the river parted and he crossed over. People around that saw him immediately acknowledge that the spirit of Elijah did rest on him.

Elisha had probably watched his master closely all those years and admired his powerful walk with God. He likely desired to do miracles, be bold, pray, and call down fire like Elijah. I love that Elisha decided to ask for something that seem unattainable to the doubtful and unbelieving. As Elisha continued to walk intimately with his master; chariots, horses, fire, and whirlwind was sent that parted these two men; but in the midst of what should have been scary, dangerous, harmful, and distracting; Elisha was still determined to see his master, which rewarded him with the powerful anointing that defined his life. What if Elijah had been too afraid to ask for that spirit; or was too complacent to keep walking intimately with his master; or was too fearful to look up in the midst of that chaos to see his master taken away; or too faithless to pick up that mantle to part river Jordan; he would most certainly never have become the great prophet he was. So, we can also boldly ask God for those hard things that look unachievable in our faith walk, relationships, careers, homes, families, ministries, and every other relevant area. We can come to God with our most difficult request, our hardest undertakings, our seemingly impossible dreams, our biggest aspirations, our greatest missions, and our most intricate problems. We must keep walking intimately with our Savior and never take our eyes off him, even when it seem all hell is breaking lose, or when the fiery furnace is getting hotter, or when we are tempted to get fearful, distracted, and run from our problems. Christ will be magnified in that “hard place” we find ourselves. We will see the power of HIS “mantle” part ways and take us to the desired end we have been praying, hoping, and dreaming about. Let’s find courage to ask for the hard things, or do those hard things, and go to those hard places. Stop asking what if, but find faith to take that impossible next step; you just never know how far God can take you!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

IS IT FAIR?

My thoughts are interrupted by the siren red light flashing behind me; oh boy, what did I do? Why is this cop speeding like that, maybe he is not chasing me, but as I switch lanes to pull over, my fear is confirmed as the car pulls right behind me. I wonder why he is pulling me over, but I am just too tired to care right now, I am just going to be very quiet and not say anything. Can I see your license, asks the officer. I proceed to give him my license and then wait quietly as he goes back to his car to write the ticket. He came back rather quickly and handed me the ticket; the officer then indistinctly explains that while I was making a right turn, I failed to yield to a pedestrian. You are giving me a ticket because I failed to yield to a pedestrian, I repeat calmly to clarify what he just said. As I continue my drive home, I wonder why I am being punished for a guy that refused to move when I stopped for him to cross. I specifically remember the guy giving me a dirty look, which motivated me to stop, but as I stopped my car, he just stood there and did not move, was I suppose to stand there forever and cause unnecessary traffic. I can think of a billion motorists that deserve getting a ticket this week, but did not. What about the girl that was texting on the phone earlier today, or the one using her handset while driving on the highway, or the man that dangerously overtook me, or the one that unsafely made a left turn all the way from the third lane, or all the maniacal NYC cab drivers, it is just not fair!

This reminds me of my Christian walk, where it seems when I justifiably fail to yield to the numerous slow, inconsiderate, disagreeable, infuriating, and arrogant “pedestrian” I encounter; I am the ONLY one that gets the Holy Spirit siren chasing me down and giving me a conviction. Moment that I failed to yield to people that have wronged me, given me the dirty looks, been very thoughtless in their actions, or acted carelessly, rudely, negligently, and in their flesh; I am still the only one getting convicted or penalized. I am tempted to wonder why do some people have it so easy, or seemingly can get away with anything, never have to wait for anything, never have to go thru any pain, or never get convicted, or never have to pray, work, or fight for anything. Why am I the one required to yield to every slow witted, sluggish, time-wasting, and offensive “pedestrian” I encounter in my walk with Jesus. However, I am also quickly reminded in these moments that I am not everybody else, they have not been thru the experiences the Lord has taken me thru and will not be going thru the path God is taking me. I am not these people and they are certainly not me. No two people’s path is similar; we are all called to different purposes and God has specifically designed a special plan to take us there. Trust the wisdom of God in those situations that seem so unfair, or with those people that seem to be getting away with their unjust acts, or with things that seem so erroneous around you. Remember that you are called to be different; it is God’s goodness and mercy that is keeping you in that path HE has for your life. While it may appear everyone else is getting away with their wrong doing, NO ONE can escape God’s judgment. Whatever you are going thru, trust that experience is just another instrument to shape, prepare, and propel you to your divine destiny.

The eldest son of a very wealthy man once journeyed home after a long day of hard work in the fields. As he approached his father’s mansion, he heard music and dancing. He subsequently found out that his prodigal younger brother had returned; their father killed a fatted calf and was throwing a party to welcome him. The man got angry, refusing to join the party. His father entreated him, but he shared how he served his father many years without transgression, but his father has never given him anything; but he would throw a party for his brother that spent his inheritance with harlots. The father responded that because he is always with him, all that he has belongs to him.

I can certainly understand this man’s sentiment and why he felt cheated. Imagine being the brother that found grace to almost always do the right thing. That the keeping power of Christ kept you from falling, where others had fallen; retrieving back when others withdrew from the battle; to see clearly when all others have lost the vision; to keep plowing in hope, where others have lost hope; and to keep praying while others had given up. Where you have found a revelation that allowed you to stay in the presence of God, dwell in your father’s house, and serve God passionately even when you don’t see any earthly reward. However, over the years you notice the numerous “younger brothers” in your world getting their inheritance and leaving the house. While you loved, served, and gave till you had no more to give; these “young brothers” were out there partying, spending time with wrong people, and wasting all God blessed them with. Upon their return, you also notice God was still blessing them with things you never had; these younger brothers were given gorgeous robes, a prestigious position in your father’s house, and were even celebrated more than you are. It is tempting to get angry about the seemingly unfair situation, but you are not forgotten! Your years of faithfulness, hard work, and spending time in your father’s presence have given you a depth, richness, and anointing that does not need the shallow celebration of men. After all, you are the “eldest son”, which means you are chosen, called, and faithful. You have been tested, tried, and found to be true. While all the “younger brothers” around you may enjoy the temporary celebration, fleeting inheritance, and momentary fatted calf; you are the chosen one of your father that will inherit HIS throne. You don’t need men’s accolade, because you will be honored by God; you don’t need fatted calf, because your coming inheritance is not corruptible by men, you don’t need the attention of men, because your security is in Christ, and you don’t need to be celebrated by men, because you are celebrated by God. Those seemingly unfair experiences have deepened, enriched, and chosen you to be the ONE that inherits your Father’s heart, wealth, and kingdom. What looks unfair today will become tomorrow’s greatest revelation of God’s favor, faithfulness, and fortitude in your life!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

IS IT TOO LATE?

I can not believe how late it is, how long have I been sleeping, why is it so dark in here, It must be at least 7pm. It looks like it is dark outside, I just wanted a power nap for one or two hours, but how could I have been sleeping for nine hours. As I roll out of bed, I look at the bed side alarm and my fear is confirmed, it is almost 8pm. I get up and scramble for the light switch. I am feeling a little groggy as I make my way into my little kitchenette. I can not believe I just threw away my entire day. I am feeling a little disappointed, a little indolent, and a little non-ambitious as my mind run thru all the things I was suppose to accomplish today, but my over sleepiness have robbed me of that. I was looking forward to the delectable lunch I was going to have earlier, but now I have to settle for my non-appetizing frozen dinner as I am just too tired to cook. Oh my goodness, I was also suppose to go to the hair salon, but it is obviously too late now. I can always go to the salon and accomplish my other goals tomorrow, but then I would not have enough time to finish what I need to do. As I reluctantly eat my dinner, I suddenly wake up. I realize then that it was just a dream. I have only been sleeping for two hours. It is only one pm and I can still get a lot done. I quickly roll out of bed and get ready to go out. I am undoubtedly grateful for a second chance to re-live my day.

That dream certainly reminds me of the unusual seasons we sometimes find ourselves as believers. Moments we look at our numerous limitations and conclude it is too late to fulfill our calling. We look at how we have missed the mark; or those things we have done in the past; the vastness of our struggle; our numerous mistakes; how much damage has already been done; how it is just too hard to fix things; how we lack resources, finances, and support; the seemingly greener pastures of our neighbor; and assume it is just too late to finish the race set before us. We allow our age, finances, experiences, people’s opinion, and uncontrollable factors to stop us from what is still very much attainable. We let regrets or self pity overwhelm us. We begin to reach for those bland, non- nutritious, and growth stunting frozen food that have been stored up for forever. We go back to those things that should have been thrown away, that is past expiration, and that can not satisfy the kind of hunger God put in our soul. We start making alternate plans for our tomorrow; we reschedule, postpone, and rearrange those things that God ordained for today. Thankfully, as the presence of God awakens our spirit to HIS liberating truth; our eyes are supernaturally opened to see the aliveness of Jesus in our hearts and to realize it is never too late to enter into God’s perfect plan. When we rely on the strength of our God, there is always still time to start over, to fix what is broken, to live in the power of God, to walk away from those chains, to come clean of your past, to do what is right, and to stand for something, so you won’t fall for anything.

Pharaoh once dreamt that seven healthy kines eating in the meadow was subsequently eaten by seven skinny and unhealthy kines. He then had another dream in which seven full ears were also devoured by seven thin ears. Joseph was able to interpret these dreams to be seven years of prosperity followed by seven years of famine. Joseph suggested goods should be stored from those good years to make up for the seven years of famine. Egypt subsequently became the land that all starving neighboring nations came too when the seven years of famine struck.

I can imagine just how real Pharaoh’s dream felt as he watched those seven fat kines eating the seven skinny ones. It must have been terrifying to see those skinny kines were still hungry after eating the seven fat ones. The skinny kines probably turned around, noticed Pharaoh was watching them, and was likely about to have the king for dinner, when he woke up in a pool of sweat. It must have been a relief to know it was just a dream and he was not going to be eaten. It must have been great to get a second chance outside of his dream to prepare for those dangerous seven kines. He now had time to put the right man, right plan, and right resources in place. He had time to prepare his subjects for the seven years of blessings that was coming and more importantly, for the seven years of famine that will follow. This preparation made Egypt a place everyone could find food to stay alive in their famished season. If we have also experienced actual or real nightmares in any area of our lives, we can be assured that God will awaken our spirit to the reality of his truth. We will find the grace, strength, and provisions for every famished area, season, or place we find ourselves. No matter how terrifying, troubling, and disturbing our experiences have been, we will be given a second chance to prepare for what is ahead of us. The richness, fullness, and goodness of Christ have, is, and will prepare us for whatever season we are about to face. Your years of walking, trusting, and knowing Jesus have already filled your cup to overflow. You are fully prepared, equipped, and ready for that new season, undertaking, project, career, ministry, and life that God is about to lead you into. Everyone in your world will find food for their famished souls in your presence. Trust that it is not too late for you, but the height of God’s faithfulness, favor, and greatness is about to be revealed!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHO ARE YOU TALKING TOO?

It is somewhat entertaining to watch the expression of people on their cell phones; from the Bermuda short wearing, petite Caucasian man, jovially agreeing with his friend about some business deal; to the lady that gloomily listens to whomever she is talking too; to the old man smiling as he is conversing with someone on his invisible cell phone; to the middle age lady that sadly glances in my direction as she continues her conversation; to the sweat shirt wearing, balding man, who is speaking really fast in a foreign language as he hurriedly walks down the escalator; to the professional looking man that seem to be angry at the person he is conversing with; to the teenage girl, giggling with someone on her phone; to the sporty looking girl that looks somewhat distressed as she listens to someone; to the Rastafarian looking man that just said something is too expensive; to the bald headed Asian man that seem so serious as he ends his conversation with someone; to the construction worker, quietly receiving instruction from someone on his phone; to the pony tail wearing Hispanic man that seem to be having a sobering conversation with someone; to the petite, middle age lady, who is sadly staring at the floor as she listens to someone on her phone; to the seemingly frustrated Middle Eastern lady, explaining something to someone in her native tongue; and finally, to the attractive man that seem peeved at someone as he glances in my direction.

I wonder what kind of conversation these people were having that was causing the wide range of emotions. What decision was making that Caucasian man so happy; or making the lady so gloomy; or making the man so angry; or that middle age woman so sad; or the teenage girl so giggly; or the Middle Eastern lady so frustrated. It certainly reminds of the conversations I have had with various people in the past. Conversations that have left me angry, upset, and behaving unseemly; or conversations that have made me sad, despondent, and frustrated; or conversations that have made me questions my faith, belief, and God himself; or conversations that were troubling, disturbing, and distressing; or conversations that caused me to dwell on my weakness, failures, and inabilities; or conversations that are religiously camouflaged that have left me wondering about decisions, choices, paths, and the plans God has for my life; conversations that have left me confused, paranoid, and unhappy. I have also had immeasurable uplifting, engaging, laugh out loud, and purposeful dialogues. These conversations reminded me who I am in Christ, HIS sufficient grace in my weakness, and his ultimate purpose for my life. However, my best conversations have always been with the ONE with the right words to shatter every lie that I allowed my ears to listen too and my heart to embrace. In HIS presence, I find clarity for my confusion, peace for my rampant storm, truth that sets me free, faith to face my tomorrow, strength to fight my giants, and joy that my trials can never steal. If a conversation have left you upset, despondent, and doubtful; come to the presence of the ONE, who knows you before you were formed in your mother’s womb, and knows how to satisfy every need, hope, desire, and void in your life.


After the men of Israel saw Goliath, they all fled. David courageously asked why Goliath should defy the army of the living God. His eldest brother, Eliab, heard his courageous words and got angry at David, asking why he came down to the battle field. Eliab scolded David for neglecting the sheep in the wilderness and accused him of pride, laziness, naughtiness, forwardness, and wanting to see the battle. David responded that he came to the battle field for a cause. The courageous words of David were heard by the King. Saul sent for David, and after a convincing argument, David was sent to kill the giant. David subsequently slays Goliath; this victory brought him prominence in Israel.

I wonder what was going on in David’s mind as he listened to his brother go on and on. It is interesting how Eliab sounded like he was sure of what he was talking about; or like he was an expert on David’s character, personality, and thoughts; or like he knew what was best for David; or sounded like a voice of authority because he was his eldest brother. However, in spite of how convincing Eliab sounded, the voice of the God that gave him many victories in the past resonated louder that the condemning voice of his brother. A conversation that should have discouraged him, lowered his self esteem, killed his confidence, and lessened his faith; actually allowed him to stand up to his brother and defend a cause that was greater than his brother’s opinion. Instead of letting his brother’s presumptions to determine his action, path, and future; he allowed his experience with God to remind him he was born for a cause greater than people’s unsubstantiated accusations, preposterous opinions, wrong assumptions, and false conclusions. Thank God, he did not listen to someone that almost sounded like a voice of reason, authority, and truth. He probably would not have won a victory that brought the prominence that eventually led to his royal position. We should also be very careful when we enter our various battle fields and start hearing condemning voices, masked as voice of reason, truth, spirituality, and even authority in our lives. We should be mindful when conversations condemns us, belittle us, kills our confidence, directs our attention to our weakness, reminds us of our failures, and accuses us falsely. In moments like these, we must reach down to those glorious experiences we already had with our Savior that have undoubtedly prepared us for the battle ahead. We can confidently declare that our presence in the battle field is for a cause much bigger than ourselves. Our faith will bring us to presence of the Kings of Kings. Our experience coupled with faith will bring down those giants in our minds, relationships, ministries, careers, homes, and every other relevant area. Our resounding victory will also bring us prominence, fame, status, and royalty. When we talk to the ONE, who promises our experience with HIM gives us hope, and hope will never make us ashame; we are never afraid to take down giants, fight for divine causes, triumphantly win battles , and victoriously take spoils for HIS kingdom!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT DO YOU LACK?

As I drive home tonight, I can only hear the voice of the lady that was “nice” enough to tell me I have a bad memory because I forgot her name. I met you and your friends over three months ago, plus I meet a lot of people on a weekly basis, I respond smiling. I went on to get know Mira, the lingerie designer from Kentucky, and her two friends, Hannah from Seattle, and Janey from Florida. As I commute home tonight, I suddenly need to remember all the people I met today; I certainly remember Alexandra, the French lady that seem to be in love with the country of Morocco; Adam, the web designer from Brooklyn; Nadia, the pleasant thirty year old, Russian college sophomore, hoping to become a CPA; or Nadia’s boyfriend, a Moroccan web designer, looking for new clients, whom I can’t remember his name; or the three interesting medical students that are studying in Grenada and are quite affable. I certainly remember Jonathan, who just finished an OB/GYN rotation; or the very nice Anya, who is thinking of doing family practice; or the very sweet Nobi, from Kenya, who seems to find everything I said funny. I also remember Licia, the unemployed high school teacher; Matt, the television journalist that claimed he use to make sixty grand a year and have worked in Colorado, Ohio, and now New York. I definitely can not forget the warm Tanzania and her best friend, Austin, who claimed to have seen me before in a connect group from church; or Greg, the new guy I met while talking to old friends, Lincy and Peter. I also remember Bethsaida, the twenty seven year old singer, moving to Thailand, to fight Human Trafficking; she was with a reserved twenty one year old Brazilian girl, who was a guitar player, singer, song writer, but I can’t recall her name; and a third lady that was also a singer from Florida, who was quite nice to talk too, but I can’t remember her name either. I remember meeting Martine’s new friend, Tanya, who is not too enthusiastic about chatting. I remember Kevin, the aspiring actor from South Africa that I met in the morning and his lovely friend, also from South Africa, but I can’t remember her name either. I recall talking to Toby from New Jersey, the professional soccer player, who told me her adventures in numerous countries. I remember meeting young Max on my way home tonight. I also remember talking to an NYU freshman, who thought getting to know people was pointless, I think his name was Steve, but I am not sure; the Mechanical Engineering major had a Pakistani girlfriend he met in high school; I also met his father and his girlfriend, but I can’t remember their names. I met a few other people today, but I can not seem to remember their names or anything else about them for that matter.

I wonder why I was able to remember some people, but could not remember others. I tend to remember people that I have good conversations with or people with common names. I can easily conclude that experiences with some people are memorable and with others are forgettable; or that you remember interesting people and uninteresting people are unmemorable, but I will be doing myself an injustice. I obviously encountered some fascinating people, but I could not remember their names, while I recalled the names of some not so fascinating people. However, I want to remember everyone I meet because God will want me too. I made an effort to remember every single person I met that day because someone was tactful enough to tell me I had a bad memory. I was used to people always complimenting me on my good memory and hearing someone say I didn’t, forced me to work on a skill that perhaps used to be excellent, but now need fine tuning, exercise, and prayer. Her unpleasant statement forced me to notice a weakness that can turn into strength, when placed in the hands of the ONE, who promises to perfect that which concerns me. I don’t doubt as I choose to trust God; I will find HIS brilliance in my dullness; HIS ingenuity in my ineptness; and HIS grace for my weakness. God allowed the girl’s statement to remind me just how inept I can be without HIS grace and I am glad Jesus brought light to this flaw, just so he can glorify himself in my deficiency.

Simon Peter got out of his ship after trying to unsuccessfully catch fishes all night. Jesus entered Peter’s ship and asked him to bring the ship close to land, so he can teach people from there. When Jesus was done speaking, he instructed Peter to launch his net into the deep to catch fishes. Peter said they had been up all night, but have caught nothing, but at HIS word, he will obey. The net subsequently caught multitudes of fishes that broke their net and almost sank their ships.


Jesus probably allowed Peter and his friends to toil all night fruitlessly. He likely wanted to show them just how unskillful they were without his grace and presence. After a night that Peter was most likely tired, frustrated, and unhappy with his unproductive mission, he was gracious enough to allow Jesus to use his boat to teach. Perhaps, after hearing the power, authority, and grace found in HIS teaching; he was able to trust Jesus instruction to put his net in the water again. After he had failed many times, Peter found the faith, grace, and strength to try again in God’s presence. Jesus filled his net and ship to over flow with something they failed to catch all night without HIS presence. If we also find ourselves toiling all night in those areas we thought we were skilled, educated, and experienced; it is time to invite Jesus into our ship. No matter how many times we have failed, or how long we have been trying, or how hopeless things look, or how weak we are; we can be assured that at God’s word, our lack will also be exceedingly met in ways we can never imagine. If we can learn to be gracious enough to suppress our flesh and allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to speak to these areas, we will find faith to believe, to run, to hope, to love, to build, and to try again. Whatever is lacking in your life, trust that as you make room for God’s truth, you will be empowered to step out in faith and receive all God has for you. You will find grace to believe for what is lacking in your relationships, ministry, career, education, and all other relevant areas in the presence of Jesus. There is an overflowing abundance of supply for your lack, you just have to trust and reach out in faith one more time!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU BEING TRANSFORMED?

Do you come here every Wednesday, asks the lovely Caucasian lady in front of me. Yes, I come here sometimes, I reply with a smile. The lady tells me she has seen me before. I am a bit curious about the lady’s accent, so I ask her why she is from. Guess, she replies jokingly. Europe or the Middle East, I respond. No, you are never going to be able to guess where am from, she says. I can hear an Island accent, so, I am going to guess you are either from Jamaica, Trinidad, or Guyana. Yes, I am from Guyana; I am Indian and was raised Hindu, she says. Wow, you don’t really look Indian, I reply. She goes on to explain that she did not use to have a white skin. I was born with a brown skin, but I had the skin disease Michael Jackson had. A small patch of white skin formed on my chest when I was in my twenties and just continued to spread throughout my body over the years. It was a very tough time in my life, I had to use make up to cover the peeling part, but my then African American boyfriend always told me I was beautiful; he helped me get thru that time in my life. My skin completely turned over the years; my brown skin was completely replaced, she says. That is just the most shocking thing I have ever heard, I did not know that a skin disorder could completely change your skin color. Is it hereditary, are there people in your family that have gone thru that, I ask. Yes, there have been a few people that had the same problem in my family, she replies. It must have been really trying for you to go thru that in your twenties, I say. Yes, it was, I was very young then and it was not easy, says the fifty four year old lady. Well, you look beautiful now, I guess God knew what he was doing; I could never have guessed you were any other race, but white, till you told me your story, I say.


I imagine this woman must have been used to having this beautiful brown skin for so long and it must have been difficult to adapt to her new skin. Imagine the devastation as she went thru that discoloration; all the days she had to hide under a heavy make up to feel good; or she could not understand what was going on; or her body was part brown and part white; or she just could not take it anymore; or she was overwhelmed by the stares, pity parties, and gossips. People probably could not recognize her after the transformation. Her journey certainly reminds me of my own walk with Jesus. As patches of HIS righteousness begins to form in my heart and am forced to think, see, and react to things differently; there were days I look at those patches and I was not exactly comfortable with what I was seeing. Days, I was tempted to wear a mask to cover the patches, so I can be seen as normal or accepted by the world. Days that seem my old flesh looked more beautiful than what God was doing; or that my transformation was devastating, unpleasant, and unattractive to look at; or the process seem so painful, so heart wrenching, and so unfair. There are days I did not understand what God was doing; or how something good could come out of my pain; or when the gossip, stares, and pity parties were unbearable. However, it was on those days that I learnt that the just lives by faith. My discolorations, transformations, and radical changes were instruments in the hands of the master sculpture to make something beautiful out of what looks like a mess. When God finishes that beautiful work, unless we tell people what we have been thru, no one will be able to recognize our old rotten flesh, habits, ways, or lifestyle. Old things will pass away and all things will become new.

There was once a blind man from birth. The disciples asked Jesus what sin the man or his parents’ commit that caused his blindness. Jesus said the man or his parents were not behind the affliction, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. Jesus then spit on the ground and mixed clay with his saliva. He anointed the eyes of the blind man with this clay and then instructed him to go wash in the pool of Siloam, which means sent. The man went to the pool, washed, and came out seeing.

Imagine all those years of wanting to enjoy the beautiful sceneries or see people. To make matters worse, he had to endure the gossip of people that were quick to conclude his sins or the sins of his parents made him blind. It must have been heartbreaking to have that disability and also have to endure the constant bickering or unseen stares. He was probably used to the backbiting, false conclusions, and constant judgments. However, what people saw as a punishment was something Jesus specified as a predicament allowed to manifest the work of God. Even more fascinating was how God chose to manifest this work; Jesus could have easily commanded the blind man to see; but as if the man had not suffered enough, he chose a even more humiliating procedure. He had to endure the grotesque clay and saliva mix being smashed into his eyes; then go thru the trouble of finding someone to guide him to the pool, help him into the pool, wash, and come out, before getting healed. Anyone looking at this healed man could likely not tell what he had been thru as a blind person or what he had to go thru to find healing. They all probably thought he was born with his sight intact. Be also assured that God is in the midst of your trial, challenge, and obstacle. No, you are not being punished for those things you did in your past; or some of the bad decisions you made; or what you have not done; or what you are struggling with; or for your weakness or failure. God allowed your current predicament, so that his glory, divine healing, and faithfulness can be gloriously manifested in your life. There is a purpose to the sometimes humiliating, unpleasant, and the very long route you are being succumbed too. Hang in there; you are only a few steps in reaching that pool of healing. Allow the mighty hand of God to guide you to the place ONLY HIS spirit can send you. You will be coming out of that rock and a hard place, powerfully transformed, healed, and restored!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT ARE YOU CONCLUDING?

It is quite fascinating to see the variety of people coming in and out of the mall today; from the lovely pregnant blonde lady, with her toddler in a stroller; or the medium sized, unkempt brunette, that tiredly puts her baby in a stroller from her Lexus; or the fragile looking, brown skinned senior citizen, getting into her old Honda; or the somewhat attractive, teenage looking couple, getting out of their new shiny Mercedes Benz; or the teenage African American boys, with the droopy pants, that are roaming around the mall; to the very tanned lady, with a slight limp, walking out of her BMW X3; or the extremely skinny, dark skinned lady, coming out of her Toyota; to the tattooed Asian kids, wearing turned back baseball caps, that also seem to be roaming around; or the well dressed, red hair lady, coming out of her Ford Fusion; or the Middle Eastern looking lady with the numerous shopping bags; or the Indian guy that is looking for a spot for his Lexus, while talking on his cell phone; or the shabby looking, older blonde lady, that is hungrily munching her pretzel as she walks to her enviable white Lexus; or the older African American man, in his pajamas, coming out of his silver Mercedes Benz; or the sickly looking Caucasian man, walking to his old brown Nissan; or the happy looking Hispanic family, driving away in their SUV; and finally, the very skinny, tattooed, seemingly gay man, swaying into the mall.

As I watched these people, I was sometimes tempted to make a judgment based on a person’s look, what they are wearing, the car they are driving, their interaction or countenance, their race, their physical appearance, and their age. However, it was interesting how just a few minutes proved you can’t always judge a book by its cover. It certainly seem somewhat contradictory for the shabby blonde lady or the pajama wearing man to be driving around in their nice cars; or for the very pregnant blonde lady with the toddler, to be so well put together, while the other lady with the toddler, looked so untidy, even with her Lexus; or the very young couple, driving the expensive car, while the other young teenagers with droopy pants, tattoos, and baseball caps seem like drifters. I don’t doubt these diverse groups of people have unique stories behind what I can only casually see with my eyes. I can not simply assume anything based on their cars; or what they are wearing; or even their behavior. I wonder what life experience is behind that old lady with the beat up Honda; or the Indian man on the phone; or the sickly looking Caucasian man; or the professional looking lady. Only God knows what gave that lady with the BMW a limp; or made the lady with the toddler so tired that she came out of her house looking like that; or made the lady in the Toyota so unhealthily skinny; or made the seemingly gay man sashay into the mall like that. Whatever their experiences are, it is probably safe not to assume anything. How many of us also find ourselves tempted to judge someone we know nothing about; or judge someone based on something shallow or unreasonable; or judge someone based on their bad day, week, month, or year; or judge someone based on our feelings, insecurity, prejudice; or judge someone based on a third party’s opinion; or judge a situation before God has HIS final say. When we are tempted to draw premature conclusions, give unsolicited opinions, or give unfounded judgments; we must remember people or situations are not always what they sound or look like. Don’t throw in the towel with that situation in your relationship, workplace, family, and ministry; remember that your mind has been renewed to see what Christ sees. We don’t judge according to appearance or prematurely, but wait for God to bring light, glory, and beauty out of every situation.

Naaman, a Syrian captain, was told his leprosy could be cured by a prophet in Israel. The king of Syria subsequently sent a letter accompanying Naaman to the king of Israel, asking him to cure this captain. When the king of Israel got the letter, he rent his clothes in anger, concluding the Syrian King must be looking to go to war since he was incapable of healing Naaman, because he is not God! Elisha heard about the king’s distress and asked why he was angry; he told the king to send Naaman to him, so the Syrians can know there is a true prophet in Israel. Naaman was subsequently healed by Elisha.

It is funny how the king of Israel quickly came to the wrong conclusion based on the appearance of things. Perhaps his past experience with the Syrians, or the chaotic things going on around him, or his own paranoia, or just the impossibility of the situation that made him come to such a ludicrous conclusion. The king took that letter at face value and failed to look deeper into what it actually meant. He did not realize the King of Syria had done his research and knew healing can be found in Israel. What seem so impossible or like an absurd request was actually something that can be easily resolved if he looked at the resources in his kingdom or at the amazing support placed in his administration; he would have realized he had what it took to bless his biggest rival and bring glory to God. Elisha was able to see the opportunity in a situation that could have normally led to unnecessary war, loss, and distress. He was able to pacify the king’s anger, solve the problem, solidified Israel’s relationship with Syria, allowed the Syrians to believe in God, and ultimately brought glory to God. Let’s also be careful not to be quick to draw the wrong conclusion when we receive that news; look at that situation; and see that person or those people; but learn to look deeper and not take things at face value. Don’t put yourself thru unnecessary distress and create needless conflict, loss, or trouble. That very thing that you find so infuriating is actually not as unfeasible, impractical, or preposterous as it looks. The in dwelling power of the Holy Ghost makes all things attainable; that relationship, person, career, or ministry that looks leprous can be healed or restored. People in our world will also come to know the power found in Christ. We can stop stressing or prematurely concluding about what looks impossible, but trust that the power to pacify, heal, and radically change our world dwells within us!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT LIE HAVE YOU EMBRACED?

As I enjoy the ever fascinating scenery at Union Square, I can’t help but notice the lady beside me. I think she may be homeless, but she seems somewhat normal as she rapidly devours the bag of popcorn in her hand. I notice she has a helmet in her cart. Do you ride bikes, I ask the lady curiously; she goes on to tell me about her non-existing biking adventure. As I listen to this sixty year old, fairly fragile, blue eyes lady, jump from one story to another, I initially empathize; however, as I listen closer to her tale of trying to mail a tax return that got stolen while living in Florida; and stopping over in Tennessee to mail the tax return, but it got stolen again; or how she is being persecuted because she turned a marriage proposal down from a senator in Florida; or that she was raped by the mayor of San Francisco; or how Hillary Clinton is self centered and can not share a platform with anyone else; or how Hillary was bribed ten million dollars and is part of the conspiracy to keep her homeless; or her anger at Obama and all the politicians for making her homeless in spite of graduating on top of her class as an accounting major and having a prestigious job at Arthur Anderson; or going to a top law school in Chicago; or her resentment against Donald’s trump rules that does not allow people to have more than three kids; and how as a fourth child, she became homeless because of these rules; or raising her voice angrily as she shares her oppression from the rules made by Donald Trump and all the sexual abuse suffered by all women that are fourth child in their family because of these rules; or refusing to tell me her name because she does not want to be swamped by the press; or that she was part of Al-Qaeda; I conclude that this woman is undoubtedly nuts!

Though, I want to empathize with this indisputably mentally unstable woman, I also can not help but wonder how she came to believe all that nonsense she was spewing out. She seemed to have embraced a delusion to cope with her homelessness. While I do not pretend to know the science and psychological details of a mental patient, I know this woman have chosen to believe a lie. That lie has become a part of who she is; it has affected her outlook on life; her attitude about her dilemma; and enslaved her mind. Perhaps if she stopped believing all those ridiculous fabrications, she will be able to do something about her situation. How many of us have also embraced a lie that is disallowing us from moving forward with God’s plan; or that has enslaved us to numerous habits, addictions, and delusions; or that has paralyzed all our gifting, abilities, and talents; or has stunted our growth spiritually, vocationally, and personally. We have allowed this strong holds to blind us to the liberating truth; to affect our attitude towards people in our lives; to influence our behavior, outlook, and beliefs; and to keep us in a devastating bondage. We have accepted that we can never do that thing; become that person; change that situation around; or break that habit. We don’t think we are good enough; spiritual enough; attractive enough; or talented enough. However, if we can learn to stop blaming people or our past for our problems; or learn to stop making excuses for our behaviors, struggles, or weakness; but embrace the ONLY truth designed to release us from all prisons; we will see the power of Christ reign in our failures; pull us out of our darkest pits; break down all walls of partitions; and take us to unbelievable heights and depths.

There was once a certain damsel that was possessed with a spirit of divination. She made her masters a lot of money by her psychic abilities. When Paul and Silas was in town, she decided to follow them around, crying, and saying these men are the servants of the most high God that can show the way to salvation. She did this for many days. On a particular day, Paul was grieved by the plight of the damsel, turned around, and commanded in the name of Jesus Christ for the spirit to come out of her, the spirit came out the same hour.

The damsel’s master thought the spirit that was tormenting her was the best way to make money. It must have been agonizing to think your only worth is found in that very uncontrollable thing that vexes your soul, spirit, and mind; and make you act inappropriately. She must have embraced this habit of constantly foretelling things for so long that she did not know any other way to live her life, but constantly needed to spew out what she thought people wanted her to say. She probably felt that was the only way she was valued or desired. She probably thought she needed to annoyingly follow Paul around and foretell the obvious; however, this woman was able to hear the truth; what she had been deluded to think brought value to others was actually an annoyance, distraction, and oppression to these apostles. The delusion she had embraced for so long grieved Paul as he immediately commanded that spirit to leave her and she was instantly set free from years of enslavement, low self worth, and illusion. As servants of Christ, we also don’t have to put up with those oppressive, compulsive, distracting, and bothersome voices that follow us around; we have the authority to command the spirit behind these people to come out, so we can peacefully finish the race set before us. Also, there is hope for you if you have embraced a wrong mind set or self image for too long. If you have accepted that oppression, that lifestyle, that relationship, that habit, that job, that status, or that secret struggle as the norm. You believe this is as good as it is going to get and have accepted the lies your oppressors, boss, parents, teacher, or that person in your life or past told you. Your entire worth is found in the very thing that oppresses, torments, and uses you. Take heart, because God is capable of freeing you from what you can not free yourself from; HE has a way of ordering your steps into HIS presence, where the light of his glory will open your eyes to show your weakness, struggle, and repression for exactly what it is. Jesus can instantaneously set you free from years of enslavement and give you a new heart, mind, and identity. The hour of your freedom has arrived, stop embracing those lies, and let the Most High God wonderfully liberate you!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT?

I am not sure why people are making such a big deal about this hurricane; perhaps, it is my lack of access to TV that is making me nonchalant about it or my deep rooted trust in the ONE that does not slumber or sleep. I wonder why there are so many people at Target this Friday afternoon; or why people seem to be hurriedly filling their shopping carts with food supplies; or why there is no water supply left at the store; or why the pregnant lady beside me speedily grabs the last pack of bottled water before I can reach it. I am somewhat disappointed to see the bakery section of Stop and Shop empty. I am also puzzled as my neighbor warns me about what could happen during the hurricane; or tells me the steps I should take if we should lose electricity; or his generous offer for me to stay with his family if things get bad in my apartment. I definitely wonder why the normally packed mall is empty on a Saturday afternoon. I am most certainly touched by my sweet Ohioan friend, Amber, who is continuously texting to make sure I am prepared and safe from the Hurricane or a relatively new female Australian acquaintance, visiting New York, also consistently texting me to make sure I am safe. However, as I drive thru my neighborhood in the aftermath of the hurricane; apart from a fallen tree, the sound of a fire alarm going off in the distance, loss of electricity in my apartment , a handful of electricity company trucks at an empty shopping complex parking space, the numerous closed stores, and extreme disappointment on my part for not going to church on a Sunday; it looked just like your average rainy and windy Sunday afternoon. Life seem to have returned back to normal for most people with little or no damage from the dreaded hurricane.

It is fascinating to see how perhaps the media and our own human propensity to expect the worst sent every one on a panic frenzy about something that turned out to be not much of a big deal; or how a small problem magnified will cause unusual behavior, reactions, and actions; or that the people in stores were capable of eating that much food or need that much supplies in the two days the hurricane was going to take place; or to see how fear will make malls and other social gathering places empty; or how this hurricane disallowed people from finding refuge in the house of God. This reminds me just how the enemy loves us to think our category 4 storms are actually going to be category 1 Hurricanes. The enemy will like us to believe that struggle, that unusual doctor’s report, that problematic child, that imperfect relationship, that unanswered prayer, and that issue we are dealing with is going to be an hurricane that will destroy everything we are and have. The devil wants us to believe our problems are a lot bigger than it actually is or to think it is an unprecedented hurricane that scares us into reacting in our flesh. Our fear will cause us to fill our lives with excessive things. We will find security in things, people, and relationships that can never bring total fulfillment. Our inflated problems will blur our vision and cause us to only see our needs and no one else’s. Ultimately, this problem will drive us away from the presence of God. However, if we learn to keep our eyes on the ONE who calms all storms, we can learn to be still no matter what news we are hearing or what problems we are facing. When our intimacy with Christ is deepened to help us see what He sees and hear what he hears; we will never give in to the lie that our small storms are destructive hurricanes, but trust that when God is in the midst of our troubles, we don’t have anything to worry about.

There was once a severe famine in Israel and Elisha prophesized that food will be available to be sold soon. Subsequently, the Lord allowed the Syrians to desert their camp after hearing four lepers approaching, but wrongfully thought it was a great host of Egyptian chariots and horses coming to destroy them. The king of Israel heard about the fortune left by the Syrians, but doubted their intentions, thinking it was a war strategy to kill them. After being persuaded by his servant, he sent a few men to see the camp. The men found garments, vessels, and vast treasures, the Syrians left while running away in fear. The Israelites subsequently went to take all they could from the camp and food was available for sale as prophesized.

Notice how these people’s inappropriately magnified problem made them react in the most detrimental way at times. In the midst of the famine, God told the Israelites he was going to provide. They had no idea how that provision was going to come, but they already heard a prophesy about what God was going to do about their problems. On the contrary, the Syrians allowed their fear to amplify their problem as the steps of four lepers sounded like a host of great armed forces that caused them to flee their camp. The king of Israel also initially felt the miraculous provision was a trap from their enemy and almost allowed fear to deter them from receiving this blessing, but eventually went to the camp to find provision in their famine. We can also learn from these two groups of people; like the Syrians, in the midst of whatever battle we are facing, we can expect the worst, where the sounds of four lepers seem like a great host of chariots. We can allow our vision or hearing to get blurry; let fear cripple us and drive us away from our dwellings, positions, wealth, and the very thing that will protect us in the battle ahead; or we can trust on God’s word that is tried and true. We can believe what God says, he will do in our lives. We don’t always know how God is going to answer our prayers or how he is going to bring his promise to fruition; but we should never let our negative expectations stop us from seeing what God has in store for us in the camp of our enemy or in the least expected places. We should move towards our “dreaded camp” and never let our own paranoia, doubt, insecurity, or fear keep us from seeing God’s word come alive in our situations. God will undoubtedly provide in our famished relationships, careers, homes, ministries, business, and other relevant areas. When we let the peace of God suppresses our fears; our expectations become greater, our worries dissipate, and we can confidently move towards all God has for us!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?

I am curious about the lady sitting next to me at this coffee shop, I notice she just goggled, “how to walk in high heels”; I am naturally curious as to why anyone would want to learn such a thing. Are you trying to learn how to walk in heels, I ask. The thirty- eight year old goes on to explain that she always wanted to wear heels as long as she can remember, but since she wears a size twelve shoe, it has been very hard to find shoes that can fit her. She tells me of the trial and tribulation of having a feet that wide and long; how no store carries a shoe her size since she was a child; how only in the recent five years have a few stores started carrying size twelve shoes and they tend to be quite expensive; how the only way she could find shoes growing up was to have them specially made for her and that was also extremely expensive; how the few people that do make her size tend to make them too narrow; how she forces her feet into these shoes and is used to getting blisters; and how she finally found a high heel that is made in her size, but she has difficulty walking, and is trying to learn to walk in them. She believes it takes practice to walk in heels and she is willing to put in the effort to learn how to walk in them. The woman tells me she recently went back to school to study forensic science and also shares she is an atheist. While she grew up initially believing in God, various problems she encountered made her question the existence of a real God.


It is fascinating that someone in their late thirties can decide to revamp their life and strive towards new goals, when most people would have given up on opening new chapters in their life. However, I also wonder if perhaps this issue or other past uncontrollable problems in her life made her question the existence of God. It is interesting to see how things most people take for granted was a problem for this lady. However, I love that stores started carrying shoes her size a few years back without a personal petition to the shoe industry or any striving for that matter on her part. Some of us are blessed to be able to easily find the right cloth, shoe, and dress size; we never have to force ourselves to get used to pain, blisters, or discomfort; and more importantly, our problems will never drive us away from a God that is very much alive in everything we go thru. While we all have moments, days, and problems that can tempt us to question the existence of God; there is an undeniable presence of HIS love, mercy, and grace that speaks peace to every storm; pacify our deepest fears; and become strength in our weakest moments. When we build our faith on the unshakable foundation that is our Savior; his keeping power will consistently reveal a love so deep, so compelling, so selfless, so profound, so encompassing, so sacrificial, and so enduring. No matter how long, big, or overwhelming our problems are; we can’t deny that our Savior is a very present help in time of trouble. We can be confident that God will also make a way without striving or petition on our part. So, if you are tempted to question the presence of God in those blessings you take for granted; or in your diminutive or overpowering trials; trust that the God that can make a way in the life of an atheist will undoubtedly fight your battles, dissolve your problems, and make a way in your impossible situations.

Mephibosheth was born lame on both his feet. After his father, Jonathan and his grandfather, Saul, had been brutally murdered in a war, he found shelter in Lodebar. However, King David was looking to show kindness to relatives of Saul due to his friendship with Jonathan. David was told about Mephibosheth. All the land owned by Saul was restored to him and he was invited to continually eat at King David’s table. Mephibosheth wondered who he was that David would show kindness to such a dead dog like himself. David then instructed servants of Saul to till these lands and bring fruits to their new master, Mephibosheth. David invited Mephibosheth to continually eat at his table as one of the king’s sons.

Mephibosheth’s ailment likely excluded him from the comfort, pleasures, and the numerous things easily enjoyed by most people. It must have been frustrating as he tried fitting into normal life; wearing the shoes he wanted to wear; or participating in sports like all the men around him; or making a living for his family. He must have given up on anything good ever coming out of his life after tragically losing his father; this tragic turn of event must have made him forget he was the grandson of a king; or that his royal status still existed; or that there was a God that knows how to restore all things to his own children. I love that Mephibosheth did not strive or petition to get those things that rightfully belong to him; even though, he may have been forgotten as a prince by the Israelites, God did not forget what this man had been thru and sent a king to look for him. Mephibosheth saw himself as a dog in the presence of David, but the king restored lands, servants, and even a position at his table to this humble man. We can also take heart in those life long disabling struggles or those battles that have brought painful isolation, overwhelming persecutions, heartbreaking exclusions, and distressful separations. We can rest in the love of our Savior when we are hit by those shocking tragic news that seem to be overthrowing every sense of security we have or tumbling our sense of identity. As we come humbly to the presence of God and acknowledge that we are nothing without him, God will be faithful to turn king’s hearts towards us. The years and things the devil has stolen will be restored to us in immeasurable ways. Without much striving or petition on our part, we will also take our rightful place at our “Kings table” and get to dine with the King of Kings and Lords of Lords for the rest of our days. No matter how small, large, devastating, or frustrating your problems are; trust that God has not forgotten you, but you will be sought and found by the ONE who has the power to restore all things in your life!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.