HE LIVES!!!

THANK YOU!!!

2011-12-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-11-23T14:32:00.001-08:00

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?

2011-11-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-11-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-11-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-09-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-09-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-09-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-09-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-09-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

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.

ARE YOU TRYING TOO HARD?

2011-08-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

I am scratching my head trying to hear what God is saying today. I have been sitting here forever now and am getting more concerned by my inability to hear God. Am I suppose to see something from the group of mentally disabled kids sitting across me; is there something am suppose to see from the really pretty girl from the group that is staring right at me, but does not really see me as shown by her impassive response to my smile; or is HE trying to show me something about the somewhat abnormal looking girl, but that seem so sweet, shown by her caring behavior towards the rest of the group; or am I suppose to see something from the group of junior high school boys that seem to be enjoying each other’s company; or is there something am suppose to see from the father lovingly interacting with his two children while having lunch; or is there something that I should see in the old couple that is quietly having pizza in front of me; or the seemingly sad blonde teenage girl that keeps glancing in my direction; or the teenage boy arguing angrily with his mother about a shirt on my way into the mall; or is God just being very quiet today?

It is funny how I was trying to hear God, when I am confident it indisputably took something beyond me to get up early that day to seek God, commit my day to HIM, and entrust him with my future. The same God that chose to give me another day to breath, to hope, to live life in abundance, to love, to believe, to see, and to move towards all HE has for my life had already spoken to my heart with his undeniable presence and grace. HE continued to speak to me thru the unsmiling mentally disabled girl that there are moments God is staring, speaking, and listening to us, but we are unable to see him or respond back due to our spiritual disabilities; or thru the two groups, that God will sometimes speak and manifest himself thru what looks abnormal than to what is deemed normal to society; thru the other mentally disabled girl, that kindness can sometimes come from the most unlikely source; thru the family interaction, that God is passionately involved with our lives; thru the old couple, that HIS love and keeping power can endure in the most quiet situations; thru the blond girl and teenagers’ mum, that there are people that still needs a revelation of the love and grace found in HIM. So, if you find yourself striving to see or know God in whatever you are going thru; be assured that HIS presence is what is still keeping you breathing and putting that hunger to feel HIS power in your life. Regardless of how daunting your problems are, that power is what has kept you so far and will take you to your desired end. You can stop trying to see God, but trust HE is in you and all around you in the most unlikely ways. He exist in all those abnormal situations, people, and places you find yourself; in the loving interaction you are surrounded with; in the disabling circumstances you find yourself; in the seemingly boring, long, and quiet seasons you feel stuck in; and is overwhelmingly present in your heart to touch all those around you that needs to know, see, and feel HIS love.

An angel once appeared to Gideon and said, the Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. Gideon questioned the presence of God since the Israelites were being terrorized by the Midianites. The Lord told him he will be used to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon again doubted because of his status in his family and lower class background, but God assured him he will deliver Israel. Gideon then asked for a sign to confirm God was speaking to him; his offering of cake and flesh was subsequently consumed by fire. Gideon was then empowered to cast down the altar of Baal and suffered no consequence. Afterwards, he asked God to give him a sign by putting dew on fleece, while the ground remains dew free, and the Lord gave him the sign; but Gideon still doubted and asked God to allow the grounds to have dews, but the fleece be dry, and the Lord did. Gideon subsequently delivered the Israelites.

After the angel initially visited Gideon, he still doubted. He looked at all the idolatries, the evil things befalling the Israelites, and Midianites terrorizing them; and just could not believe God was with him. He could not see how God could use him to deliver HIS people since he was the black sheep in his family and he did not exactly come from a royal family. In spite of hearing from an angel, he asked for a sign to confirm what he heard, and a fire was sent to devour the sacrifice. This apparently gave him the courage to take down the altar of Baal. I imagine Gideon must have feared for his life after destroying these altars, but God was faithful to protect him, but Gideon still doubted. He still needed to hear, see, and feel God’s direction before embarking on this mission and God was still faithful to speak to him in very unusual ways. When we also find ourselves stressing about hearing God in our situations; we must remember our initial encounter with the voice of God that promised HE will always be with us and we are mighty people when we stand in the strength of our God. We should not let our seemingly irrelevant status, label, and background make us doubt the calling God has placed on our lives. Our family background, past failures, insignificant positions, or the way people view us can not stop what God intends to do thru our lives. When we become doubtful because of those things that seem to disqualify us, God will be faithful to send a Holy Ghost fire to devour everything of flesh that is clouding the truth of God. We will be given the boldness to tear down every altar of erroneous doctrines, thinking, ways, perspective, and ideas we have embraced. God will be faithful to give us multiple confirmations to equip us for the mission ahead. HE will fulfill HIS promise to deliver the people in our world from every terrorizing tactic of the enemy. You can stop striving to see, feel, or hear what God is doing in your life; but trust that HE has already spoken; it is now up to you to stand up and walk in the power of what HE told you!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU MAKING MOUNTAINS OUT OF MOLES?

2011-08-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

I can barely focus on the worship music playing on my CD player on my drive to the city today. I just can not believe I forgot my business cards. I was hoping to give them to the random people I will undoubtedly be meeting in the city. What is wrong with me and how can I forget the one thing that I have been planning for all week. In fact, I don’t know what has been going on with my brains in the last few hours. I remember mistakenly deleting a really nice picture from my camera last night and beating myself up for hours. It is completely out of character for me to be this careless; I have been planning all week for the one day I actually get to come to the city. This is starting off to be a bad day already and I am suddenly not looking forward to anything about today. However, as I get to the city and watch a seemingly blind man successfully walk the streets; or reluctantly choose to converse with a lovely girl from California that is trying to make it in New York; or stroll around the city to see the always intriguing people, activities, and opportunities that presents itself ; or converse with an intern at a fascinating new company that shares his numerous traveling adventures; or being wonderfully reminded that Jesus is the center of it all while worshiping in church; I realize that forgetting my business cards is minuscule in light of the wonder all around me.

The enemy loves us to think things are a lot worse than they are. We start looking at that infinitesimal detail we forget in the big plan we have for the various things we are doing. We stress about things that do no matter in the realm of eternity or the face of God’s plan. We look at the one thing that is not going the way we planned; or that one silly mistake we made; or that one thing that is not quite happened yet; and allow that to blind us from all God wants to show us or do at this moment. We let that little mishap or mistake cloud our judgment and vision. We give in to the lie that our day is not going to be that good; our life is not going to be quite like we imagined; that our future is not looking like we dreamed it; that our career is not what we hoped; that our relationships is not what we desired; and this is not quite the year of greatness that have been predicted. We allow this lie to bring us down and change our attitude towards the very thing that can actually bring the greater plans of God to fruition in our lives. We forget that pictures can replaced, retaken, or restored; and that there is always a new day, week, month, and year dawning for us to fulfill every desire God has put in our heart. We overlook the people, opportunity, and vision God is given us, due to our obsession with our diminutive failure. However, thank God for his faithfulness to remind us that when HE is the center of all we are and desire to be; that we can find peace on our most chaotic days; purpose on days we feel must defeated; grace on our weakest days; renewed passion on our lethargic days; and soar on the wings of heaven on our lowest days. If you find yourself making a big deal out of that small failure, mistake, and mishap in light of the greatness of God’s mercy and grace; trust that your failure was allowed to remind you that the strength to fulfill God’s plan for your life is ONLY found in HIM.

After David was made the King of Israel; he decided to bring the ark of God to his city. The ark was carried in a cart driven by Uzza and Ahio. David and the Israelites played before the Lord with all their might, with singing, and with all kinds of instruments. As they came to a threshing floor of Chidon; the oxen stumbled and Uzza tried preventing the ark from falling. However, God was angry with Uzza and smote him because he put his hands on the ark. David was displeased about this and was afraid of God that day. He decided not to bring the ark home, but left it with Obed-edom, the Gittite. The ark remained with the family of Obed-edom for three months and God blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.

David and the Israelites probably had an idea how they wanted this day to go as they brought the ark, which represents the presence of God into their city. However, as they hit a rough patch that destabilized the presence of God, Uzza died because he tried sustaining the presence of God with his own strength. David allowed this serious, but small incident to stop him from bringing the key element that will give him a successful reign. He allowed fear to stop him from bringing the presence and blessings of God into his city. I imagine all kind of thoughts was running thru David’s mind after Uzza died. He likely thought of the danger and consequences of continuing that journey with an ark that was capable of killing people. David momentarily allowed the lie of the enemy to overshadow what God was trying to teach and show him. A man that did not strive with all his might ended up getting the ark and got blessed tremendously. There are also going to be moments we find ourselves striving with all our might, and we acquire all kind of elements to fulfill the mission God is calling us too. However, in our striving, we will also reach rough paths that will begin to destabilize the very element that make us successful in our mission. If our natural efforts to bring stability to this element bring undesired consequence, we can either choose to learn our lesson or allow fear to stop the presence of God to move us forward and reign in our lives. Let’s not allow fear to make mountains out of moles in those things stressing us out. When we choose to see what God is trying to teach us, we will also undoubtedly see HIS unmatchable presence bless all that we are, have, and desire to be, beyond what we can comprehend. The truth should not turn our problems into mountains, but set us free to reign in the power of God in every season we find ourselves!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

DID YOU MISS YOUR CHANCE?

2011-08-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I recall being reminded my steps are ordered by God in spite of uncontrollable factors. I was energized by this truth as I stroll around the city. After encouraging a Jewish education major about her future career path and learning of her unusual hobby of volunteering at a church to feed the homeless, I invited her to church. I was even more encouraged as I stopped to talk to a seemingly homeless looking woman that turned out to be a believer and loves hanging out in the park to pray for the society rejects that sometimes hangs out there. She shared about her single older children that she lives with; her concern about the actions of a particular man she recently spent time with; her issues with the gossiping women of her church; and her prayer request about God’s direction for her calling and her children’s future. Consequentially, as I stroll around the park today, I expect God to lead me to someone of his own picking; I naturally gravitate towards a frail old lady, sitting alone, and talking to her dog. As I initiate a conversation, she shares about her battle with various cancer for the last nine years; how radiation has weakened her strength tremendously; and she is not what she used to be. She tells me of her past career in the theater as a director, writer, and actor. How she got her dog while recovering from a cancer treatment in Greece, and how her dog is called Jack the devil, because she falsely thought he was born on Halloween. Our conversation is interrupted by her dog barking incessantly at a man and his little toddler. The lady then gets up to keep walking her dog. As I watch her go, I am a little sad and teary as I feel I did not get a chance to encourage her or say anything I wanted to say. However, as I get up to exit the park, I notice the lady sitting on a bench next to the Christian lady I met last week.

I was initially discouraged and even felt a little rejected as I felt she was not opened to the gospel and I may never get a chance to talk to her again. However, the Lord showed me HIS work begins, when our striving ends. God loves and knows that lady more than I do. HE knows exactly how to strategically keep putting a walking Christian along her path. He does not need me to save that woman or anyone for that matter. My job is to keep doing my part and trust God to finish the good work HE started in everyone HE is calling to his kingdom. We are sometimes a piece of the puzzle that God is building in someone’s life or part of something bigger than ourselves that HE is doing in our world. I could have concluded that I missed God by talking to that lady; or that my steps were not ordered by God; or that my mission was not as victorious as it was the week before. The same God that chose to use me to encourage someone the week before can decide to use me to just have a short pleasant conversation with someone today, and prepare them for the gospel thru someone else. God in his infinite wisdom choose to do different things thru different people as HE sees fit. God does not work according to a particular formula, pattern, or even our expectations. What HE did thru our lives yesterday does not unavoidably need to be repeated today and what HE does today is not necessarily a reflection of our failure. Regardless of how small or big the part we play in expanding HIS kingdom, we can trust HIS power is being exponentially magnified in our weakness, failures, inabilities, and shortcomings. HE is the ONLY one that can heal, save, change, and radically touch the lives of people we are concerned about. So, if you are feeling rejected or upset because you missed your chance or your today’s expectation is not comparable to your yesterday’s victory; trust that you were given the grace to do just what you were suppose to do and HE will wonderfully finish what you could not. We can never miss our chance in Christ when we persistently do the part we are called to do.

Gehazi was once sent by Elisha to revive the dead child of a Shumanite woman. He was told to take Elisha’s staff, not to salute anyone on his way, and lay the staff on the child’s face. Gehazi put the staff on the child’s face, but the child did not move. Elisha subsequently went into the child’s room and shut the door. He prayed to the Lord, laid upon the child, put his mouth upon his mouth; his eyes upon his eyes, his hands upon his hands, stretched himself on the child, and the child’s flesh became warm. Then he walked to and fro in the house; stretched himself on the child again; and then the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

Gehazi was probably a little discouraged after laying the staff on the kid’s face. He probably wondered if he missed part of the instruction or if he had mistakenly said something to someone on his way to revive the kid. However, Gehazi did not exactly miss his chance to see this boy get revived, but he was part of the process. Even though, Gehazi did not see the boy revived right away; he started the chain reaction that led to bringing life to him. The failure of the staff to work caused Elisha to lock himself up in the boy’s room and pray; lay on the child mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hand to hand, and stretch himself on the boy, causing him to sneeze seven times. We can also be encouraged on all those missions we have failed at our first attempt. As we make the effort to start the process of reviving those dead things in our lives and allow the comforting staff of God to go before us; we have initiated a chain reaction in the heavens that will send a supernatural power to breathe life to what looks dead in our future, relationships, careers, ministries, families, and homes. That power will cause the fire of the Holy Ghost to burn in areas that are getting cold; will open our mouth to testify to the greatness of our God; open our eyes to see the beauty of HIS strength; will cause our hands to war and our fingers to fight; and stretch us to become all we were designed to be. Trust that you have not missed your chance in your righteous attempt, but have started an unquenchable fire that will cause the most skeptic in your world to take notice. If we keep doing our part, we will never miss the chance to see the dead sneeze, breathe, and live seven times over!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU HITTING TRAFFIC?

2011-07-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

It has been a long day of roaming around in this unmercifully hot weather of NYC; while it has also been a great day of meeting some fascinating people and getting refreshed in the presence of God, I am more than ready to go home and hit the sack. I am looking forward to a good night rest. So, as I cruise along the highway, I am grateful for the cool breeze blowing thru my window, putting me in a restful mind set, and preparing me for a good night sleep. However, I notice the traffic slowing down as I near my exit. A bright beaming light is coming from the work station of the men repairing the road. This is probably going to be a long night and I am likely not going to get home till way past my bed time. I slump back on my seat, expecting to be stuck in traffic FOREVER. Within minutes, one lane is closed, and only two lanes are open. I sigh exasperatedly, as the traffic continues to slow down, and it looks like am never going to get home. The traffic gets even slower as another lane is closed and only one lane is now open. I completely give up on getting home at a decent time and accept my unfortunate fate. However, I notice within minutes, the traffic is moving faster on the now one lane highway; within seconds, the two other lanes are opened, and I am cruising on the highway again. Even though, I did not get home in the time I originally hoped, I get home a lot quicker than I anticipate.

That night reminds of how God was faithful to reveal himself to me many years ago and how I have known his keeping power in the most profound ways. How I have been cruising thru the highway of faith over the years and I have met with various encounters that renewed my faith, kept my hope alive, and showed me that God never leaves or forsakes his children; and how the refreshing breeze of God’s presence have always gladdened my heart, refreshed my soul, and always gave me hope in all situations. However, I occasionally hit traffic in my journey of faith, where I am not cruising at the rate I expect. I momentarily panic and falsely conclude, based on past experiences, that I may just be stuck in that traffic forever. However, as I allow the presence of God to shine his light, I realize that God is doing some much needed construction in my heart and mind, so my journey of faith can be solid. These constructions can sometimes be scary, long, and make or break one’s faith; so it is only natural for a believer to worry when we hit this kind of traffic. The constructions also will sometimes turn our three way highways into two or one, considerably slowing our speed, and narrowing our options to getting to that desired haven. However, God reveals at these moments that HE slows us down to recharge, prepare , and anoint us for the speed of the journey ahead; that HE narrows our options, so HE can become our ONLY option; and that the construction is needed to smooth out all those rough edges, so we can smoothly arrive at our destination. When that heavy traffic slow us down, narrow our options, make us pessimistic, and cause us to lose hope; we must remember we have traveled long enough on the journey of faith to trust the goodness and greatness of our God. The traffic we are currently encountering in that particular area of our life is not forever. While we may not get to our destination according to our mapping, calendar, or timing; we will be getting there in God’s perfect timing and a lot sooner than we anticipate.

After the children of Israel have sojourned thru the wilderness; Joshua took over the responsibility of leading the Israelites. However, as the children of Israel continued their journey, they came to river Jordan. After three days, Joshua told the people to sanctify themselves because the Lord is about to do wonders. He also said God’s presence will unfailingly drive out the Canaanites, Hivites, Amorites and the other heathen nations before them. Priests from the twelve tribes carried the Ark of the Covenant and went before the Israelites. As soon as the feet of the priests touched the water of Jordan, it turned to dry land and the Israelites passed over. The Israelites subsequently brought down the walls of Jericho, conquered these heathen nations, and inherited the Promised Land.

I wonder what was going thru the mind of the Israelites; after all, they have been in the wilderness for the last forty years; a good number of them had died due to unbelief, murmuring, and idolatry. So, I imagine as their journey slowed down, some of them probably thought they were going to be lodging at Jordan forever. After all, they have been told about this promise land since they left Egypt many years ago and they were yet to see it . Some of them probably rolled their eyes as they listened to Joshua’s proclamations and murmur things like, I will believe that when I see it. However, the God that was faithful to bring them out of Egypt with mighty wonders and signs proved himself to be faithful. HE probably surprised the Israelites with how swift he was to part Jordan. They hit traffic in a journey that had already been long; so their faith, hope, and strength can be renewed for subsequent victories. It undoubtedly strengthened them for the battle to conquer their enemies, so they can permanently inherit the promise land. If you are hitting traffic in your career, relationships, ministries, and those particular areas of your life; trust that God has brought that impediment to sanctify you and show wonders that will rejuvenate your faith. HE knows your long and painful wilderness experience is beginning to take a toll on your faith and confidence; HE has allowed this traffic to prepare you for the victories ahead. Trust that you will cross your Jordan and be fully prepared to bring down all unaccommodating walls in your life and take out all those heathen things that can destroy the beauty of your promise land. This is not going to be another long wilderness experience, but also very soon, as you allow the presence of God to go before you, your Jordan will become land, and you will start taking the grounds that you were destined to inherit. Don’t give up or give in, your promise land is closer than you think, the traffic is a temporary sanctification bridge that will equip you for the astounding victories ahead!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

HAVE YOU SMILED LATELY?

2011-07-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

I am having one of those days, where nothing makes sense, everything looks impossible, and circumstances just seem so unfair. The kind of day that every task feels like climbing mount Everest; where it looks like am stuck in a rut; where I am not moving forward or backward; where I really don’t feel like talking to God or hearing HIM; where life feels like a vicious circle; where it feels like there is nothing great to go back too from the past and certainly nothing that appealing to look forward too in the future. I am feeling a little discouraged, a little upset, a little out of it, a little unspiritual, a little agnostic, a little tired, and a little uninspired. However, I can’t resist smiling at the lady smiling at me, while playing with her giggling cancer ridden toddler; or the mentally disabled lady in front of me that seem to have wandered off from her group and is now dancing to a beat in her head; or the very old man walking around and mumbling incessantly to himself; and the little boy beside me singing off tune loudly.

I was not really in the mood to pray that particular morning, but I recalled asking God to let me see HIM. So it was only natural for me to see a child joyful in spite of his ailment or the mother that did know the severity of what her child was going thru, but still managed to smile at me; or the mentally challenged lady performing a comedic dance move that made me forget my troubles; or the crazy old man that showed me the worse thing than being young with bad habits, is getting old, but still stuck with your bad habits; or the young boy with the bad voice that showed it is not always about how things sound or look, but the heart behind the matter. God showed himself alive by showing thru the mother that life goes on in spite of impeding problems, which may be threatening our peace or deterring us from extending joy to someone else; thru the dancing lady that God could use anyone to bring a smile to the face of his children; or the old man that showed there is still time for God’s power to come into our lives to change, quicken, and make impossible circumstances possible; or the little child that reminded me that it’s not about our talents, gifting, or abilities; but our heart that gives us a voice. If you find yourself feeling a little blue about those past experiences; or regretting your action or lack thereof; or you are just beginning to believe the lie of the enemy about your future; I encourage you to open your eyes, heart, and mind to the incredible ways of God and let him bring a smile to your face.

After King Herod killed James, he imprisoned Peter to please the Jews. Peter was going to be brought to trial after Easter. While in prison, the church ceaselessly prayed on his behalf. The night before Herod planned on bringing him before the people, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and the prison gate heavily guarded. The angel of God visited him, shining a light in the prison; Peter’s chains fell off and he followed the angel. The angel led him thru the first and second ward; and when they got to the Iron Gate that led into the city, the gate opened on its on accord. They went to the street of the city and the angel departed.

Imagine the kind of day Peter was having the night before he was going to be brought in front of Herod. He was likely not in the best of moods; he probably was not looking forward to what tomorrow had in store. There were probably moments he wondered if the choices and sacrifices he made were the right ones; or he felt the suffering that comes with walking with Christ outweighs the blessings; or he wondered if following Christ was worth it at all. Fear likely crept in his heart as he thought about how James was killed. He likely thought if God could not deliver James, he was probably not going to deliver him either. Peter must have felt stuck as he was chained between those soldiers; he must have felt hopeless, dejected, and doubtful. Peter was probably at his lowest, but he had the entire church unknowingly praying for him; God had the right people in place that needed to stand in the gap for Peter. Their prayer opened the windows of heaven and an angel was sent to rescue him. The angel appeared when Peter probably had given up, he came the night before he was going to be likely killed. The angel brought light into that prison, broke Peter’s chains, and led him into freedom. If we also find ourselves stuck between a rock and a hard place; or we find ourselves chained, immobile, and in a dark place; or fear of what happened in the past is threatening our faith; we can trust that Jesus is praying for us and has the right people in place to help us. We must not listen to the convincing lie of the enemy or accept that the “James experiences” of our past can predict the circumstances we are currently facing. The prayer and faith of people we may not even be aware of is sending the answer in the most divine way. If you are fearful because you are rapidly approaching the day you will stand before “King Herod and the people” in your health, finances, relationships, homes, careers, ministries, and every other relevant area; trust that God is sending someone, something, and a truth that will lighten your darkness, break your chains, and lead you thru the many life’s impenetrable Iron Gates. No matter how fast your deadline is approaching or how hopeless things look, believe that God is sending the right “angel” to bring a smile to your face and lead you into his glorious freedom!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

WHO DO YOU TRUST?

2011-07-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Out of the various encounters I had today, two voices resonate louder than others. The first one is a twenty six year old that recently left his church because he felt the leader of his youth ministry was not handling the issues people were going thru. He explains how a girl he dated was spreading vicious rumors about him, which forced him to leave the church, because of the way people were treating him. People just did not have anyone to talk too, he explains. I subsequently meet another lovely lady that has just recently returned to church, but is still pretty angry about a relationship that did not materialize into what she had hoped and how her life is not where it should be. She shares how she grew up in church; came back to church a few years ago; but was disappointed by someone in church. I see everyone happy, smiling, and joyful, but I wonder why I can ‘t have the same joy, she shares. The funny thing is that I know the truth, because I grew up in church, but I still find it very hard to accept, she says. I am back in church, but I am not happy to be here, but I know God brought me back, she says.

I find it interesting that someone will blame the leader of a young adult for a personal problem and allow that to drive them from church. While I do not know the extent of persecution he may have endured from church members, I know that looking to Jesus to solve his problems is the best guarantee of permanently resolving them. The young woman also allowed fallout with a guy to drive her from church. While a church should be a place you find Jesus and like minded believers that you can hopefully walk the journey of faith with; we should never allow the behavior of church people to affect our walk with God. The fact remains that church is filled with imperfect people that may or may not always act the way we expect them too. However, we must remember that we are also an imperfect people that are nonetheless serving a perfect God. We ultimately come to church to find a Savior that will not fail us, when everyone else have consistently failed us; who will not abuse his power, when we have known perpetual abuse; who will not disappoint, where we have constantly been disappointed; who will not reject, where we have known rejection; who will see us; when everyone else is too blind to see what we are going thru; who will defend us, when we are accused falsely; who understands us, when no one else does; and who can heal wounds that no one else can heal. Let’s never blame our loving Savior for the indiscretions, imperfections, and inconsistencies of people that are sometimes around us; but in every problem, we must look to the author and finisher of our faith. When we serve Jesus for the right reason; no amount of disappointment, human failings, and persecution can steal our joy. It is a joy that our circumstance, people, or anything did not give us and can certainly not take away. When our faith is based on the right foundation, nothing or no one can steal the joy, peace, and freedom we have been promised.

Samuel grew up in a church that was headed by Eli and his two notorious sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Eli’s sons were sleeping with the church women, behaving inappropriately, and causing congregants to transgress. Eli advised his sons to stop their evil dealing with the people of God. He warned them of the consequences of sinning against God, but the two men ignored their father’s warning. However, Samuel continued to grow in the Lord and was in favor with both God and men. The word of God was precious those days, as there was no open vision, but God spoke directly to Samuel about the coming judgment on Eli’s household. The Lord was with Samuel and never allowed his words to go unfulfilled. Everyone in Israel acknowledge that Samuel was established to be a prophet of God. Eli and his sons subsequently died as prophesized by Samuel. Samuel went on to become one of the great prophets of Isreal.

It must have been awful for Samuel to watch men that were suppose to be his mentors do the most abominable things. It must have been shocking, puzzling, and confusing to see them sleeping with congregants. They were probably days his young and impressionable mind wanted to accept their behaviors as the norm; or days he could have become embittered about the way these men were treating the people of God; or days he wanted to pack his bags and go back to his mother’s house; or he decided that he did not want to serve a God that allows these kind of men to run his house. They were likely days these men treated Samuel unpleasantly and persecuted him for his righteous behavior. However, I love that Samuel was able to flourish and grow in spite of what was going on around him. Samuel had the right foundation; he came to that temple to know God and to be used by him. He did not allow the inappropriate behavior of the people around him to determine the way he was going to see, love, worship, hear, and serve God. God kept Samuel from being influenced by the people in his church. He was given an open vision when no else around him could hear God and became a prophet in spite of the ungodliness of the people that should have influenced him the most. We also can learn to never let the failure of someone we look up to; the disappointment from someone we love; the disloyalty of someone we trust; the unbecoming behavior of people we esteem; and the falling out of someone we respect, to stop us from moving to the higher calling God has placed on our lives. We must go to these places and dwell there with the right heart, foundation, and focus. We go to our different “temples” in life, trusting that the ONE who called us; will keep us, protect us, grow us, empower us, and establish us. When we learn to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the misbehaving people in our homes, lives, and world; we will also see God give us favors with God and men. When we have the right heart and focus, we will be given an unfailing word that will cause us to be known, trusted, and heard in our world. Let’s never walk away from that place, purpose, plan, and ultimately God, because people are not meeting our expectations; but put our trust in the only ONE that will forever exceed our expectations!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU UNUSUAL?

2011-07-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

As I drive in the heavy rain storm this Sunday morning, I notice something strange a good distance ahead. I am not sure what it is, but it looks like a tail light of a motorcycle; but why will anyone be riding a motor cycle in the heavy rain. As I drive closer to the small light, my suspicion is confirmed. The speeding object is a man riding a motorcycle. His motor cycle has an American flag attached to it; plus, the man is dressed in a black leather jacket with American flag on the back. As I pass the man to merge on another highway, I notice the impassive look on his face. I wonder what will make someone ride their motorcycle in such a severe weather. He is certainly not the only unusual person I notice this morning; the rain also did not stop a middle age man on my block from walking his dog; or the four fire truck that are trying to stop a fire in an apartment building across the interstate; or the EMT, police men, and fire fighters that are helping an accident victim on the same interstate, going the opposite direction; or the old man jogging on a bridge above the interstate.

It definitely takes a level of resolve to ride a motorcycle in the pouring rain; am not sure what the man was doing, but his determination is somewhat admirable. The man in my neighborhood apparently did not allow that rain to ruin his scheduled plans for that day either; neither did that old man let the rain cancel his morning jogging plan; and the numerous EMT, firemen, and cops that showed up when duty called. These people reminded me that the heavy storms of life should not stop us from getting to our ordained destination; neither can they change the appointed time for those blessings HE has for us; neither can they cancel God’s plan for us; or stop us from showing up for every duty we are called too. It does not matter how blurry our vision gets or how weak we feel; we will find grace to triumphantly walk thru the storm and unhindered from everything God has for us. We may get drenched by the storms; or suffer exhaustion from the occasional fiery fires we face; or be thrown off by unexpected accidental mishaps; but we can never let these curve balls stop us from moving forward. We must keep running, keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping, keep trusting, keep walking, and keep praying. Our sole determination may not necessarily help us sail thru our current storm, but our trust in Jesus will. While the sail may not always be smooth, we will safely make it to the other side. Let’s find grace to not withdraw or completely move away from that place, person, schedule, plan, people, and situation we are called to embrace. We must keep going in the strength of our Savior and trust that God is determined to bring something good out of our seemingly bad position. We will be still and see God do something extraordinary in the unusual situation we find ourselves.

When Paul was on a voyage to Italy with numerous other prisoners, sailing became dangerous, due to the wind. People on the ship were beginning to lose hope of surviving, but Paul encouraged them to be of good cheer, because the angel of the God whose he is and whom he serves, told him they will all survive. However, the men were so afraid and did not eat for fourteen days. Paul urged them to eat for their health sake and proceeded to eat; the men followed his example. The vessel got stuck after the wind broke parts of the ship. The soldiers initially wanted to kill all the prisoners, but changed their minds because of Paul. The prisoners were commanded to get to land; some swam, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship, but they all made it to the land alive.

Imagine what was going on in the heart of these prisoners as their ship got tossed to and fro by that temptous wind. The fear that gripped them must have been severe to cause the hunger strike that pursued; the fear of dying, or the horror of being stuck in the middle of sea, or being eaten by sharks must have been more severe than starvation. However, I love that God was determined to bring the only man that knew HIM to his destination. No amount of wind, sharks, or wreckage could stop Paul from arriving to where God was sending him. Jesus wanted to show these men that the presence of one believer in any wreckage can save everyone else that would have died otherwise. God chose to set Paul apart from every other person on that ship; he was bold, when everyone else was afraid; he had an appetite, when everyone else was starving themselves; and he could see the future, when everyone else was stuck in the misery of the present. Paul’s appetite encouraged others to eat and stay alive. We can also trust that God is determined to bring us to our “Rome”. There might be days it looks like we are not going to make it or it gets too cloudy to hear everything God is telling us about where HE wants to take us and how HE is going to use us; but we must remember who we belong too and whom we serve. While tumultuous winds or fear of the future may be causing spiritual starvation in our world, we must be people filled with an overflowing knowledge of our Savior that causes people to taste and see the goodness of our God. When we chose to dine with Jesus, health will also be restored to the “prisoners” around us. That wind blowing your ship and causing wreckage in your life will not kill you or deter you from your destination; it is just a detour to show everyone that you belong to God. Our loved ones and prisoners in our world will also be making it because of our faith. Our ship may be broken, it may feel like we are stuck, and we may sometimes lose heart; but we can be confident that we are going to survive this. We will swim thru the tide or grab hold of a spiritual truth that will take us to our desired haven. We must not look at our unusual situations or the wreckage of what we use to find our security in; but trust that our savior is determined to get us to that place, where we will testify of the deliverance only found in our God!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU UPSET?

2011-06-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

As I look for a parking spot in the mall, I notice a girl wearing a black uniform, on her way to work, and talking noisily on her cell phone. She seems upset about something, as her voice grows increasingly loud. She then starts crying and yelling obscenities to the person on the phone. I can not understand why she is screaming like that. I quickly find a parking spot, hoping this girl will be going in my direction. However, as I get out of my car, she had gone the opposite direction and I can still hear her agonizing cry hundred of yards away. As I watch her fade into the distance, I am somewhat heartbroken for this girl. She reminds me of the homeless girl that I saw in front of a coffee shop, two days ago. She was standing in front of the shop with her dog and also crying. As I pass by and made eye contact with her, my heart went out to her, but I was not sure what to make of the situation. And while inside the mall, I definitely can not figure out why the Middle Eastern looking lady, walking with two members of her family is upset, as she yells angrily at them about something that seem to be bothering her; or the little boy that is crying incessantly and refused to be comforted by his mother; or the mother yelling at her little toddler in a foreign language, for crying about something I apparently can’t figure out.

I empathize with these people on different levels and wonder what will make that girl so upset, that she will be crying like that in public. I hope she finds peace in whatever she was going thru. I am not sure why God allows me to hear the cry of people that I can not do anything about. Perhaps, HE just wants me to pray for them; or to see there are people going thru things that are worse than what I think am going thru; or HE is teaching me to see what HE sees; or just simply reminding me that I have a refuge for my storm. While life is not promised to be a bed of roses for believers, I am glad we can trust in the abiding love of our Savior, when we find ourselves in those agonizing places. We belong to the ONE, who loves us enough to sacrifice his only son, and can bring light in our darkest moments; peace in our most troubled times; healing to our most painful experiences; unspeakable joy on our saddest days; and clarity on our confusing issues. We have a shelter for our rainy days, help in our trouble times, and a rock when we are feeble. We may cry, we may lose, we may be broken, we may fail, we may wonder, we may pine, we may want or desire; but we can be assured that we are never forsaken. Every cry or agony is a tiny, but instrumental piece of the magnificent picture God is painting for our life. He is capable of bringing glory out of those situations that we just don’t see the light; or we don’t understand; and think it is too much for us to handle. While it is only natural to be upset about things that life sometimes throw at us, we must find grace to never stay in that place of distress, but trust that the goodness and mercy of God can be revealed in ANY situation.

Mary sent a message to Jesus about her sick brother, but Jesus lingered two more days before visiting Mary. By the time Jesus came, Mary’s brother had died. Mary wept bitterly at the feet of Jesus and blamed him amidst her tears, saying her brother would have survived if HE was present. Jesus was troubled to hear this and wept upon seeing the grave of her brother. The unbelievers present wondered why Jesus, who had opened blind eyes, could not prevent this man from dying. Jesus commanded the tomb of Mary’s brother to be opened, but Mary doubted and said the corpse must stink by now, since her brother had been dead for four days. Jesus urged Mary to believe, so she can see the glory of God. The grave was opened and Jesus resurrected the dead man; many unbelievers believed Jesus because of this.

I can see Mary just agonizing when she heard that Jesus was staying two more days, in spite of what seem like a devastating and urgent situation. She probably questioned God’s love for her; or wondered if Jesus was caring as he claims to be; or as powerful as she thought. She was likely severely heartbroken as she watched her brother slip into eternity, prepared for burial, and put in a tombstone. It must have been heart wrenching to listen to all those unbelievers friends and neighbors murmuring about her close friend, Jesus, who could not help her. However, Jesus purposely allowed this tragedy, so he can bring something glorious out of a tragic situation. Jesus most likely chose this woman that HE LOVED so much to go thru this trial because her faith needed to be resurrected. HE had to find a way to get her to believe for something that may seem impossible to the carnal mind. This incident most likely turn Mary into a woman of faith and apparently, the unbelieving people around her became believers because of this. We can also be assured that God is crying with us in that very upsetting situation we find ourselves. Jesus knows our trouble, hears our cry, and feels our pain. HE deliberately waited for us to get to this place, so our faith can be awakened to see HIS glory. While it may be very painful to see those beloved things in our lives wither away and sometimes die; we must trust that we serve the ONE who can bring life to any situation. Regardless of how long we have been waiting for God to show up in those ailing areas of our lives or how long these areas have been in the grave; if we believe, we will also see the glory, power, and greatness of our God. We must not give in to the lie that Jesus is not present in our situation, or that HE does not love us; or that there is no God. We certainly can not let the murmurs and complaints of the unbelievers around us get us down, but believe God is with us and will come thru in ways we can never comprehend. What we find upsetting today is what God will use to create our greatest redemption story. It will take our faith to an unmatched level and powerfully impact every unbeliever in our world. While your current situation may be upsetting, God is asking, do you believe I can bring glory out of this???

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT ARE YOU FIGHTING FOR?

2011-06-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

The heavily made up man, wearing the butt exposing shorts , skimpy tops, and a stiletto stripper boot; and yelling angrily on the microphone seem to strongly believe what he is saying. We will not be shut down, show me one constitutional law that says a group of people should be denied equal rights; I came from an evangelical background, where I was persecuted for my lifestyle; everyone must go to their congressman and push for the right for gay marriage in New York, says the man. The microphone is subsequently taken by another heavily made up man, wearing a dress, with very high heels, who also shares the tribulation of coming from an evangelical background. The platform is then taken by a lesbian reverend that also declares freedom should not be denied to this particular group of people. If you are looking for a biblical verse to support the freedom we deserve, look no further that when Moses said “Let My People Go”; this is received by a reverberating applause from the audience supporting the rally. The microphone is then taken by the petite blond man that seems to be the MC and have continually introduce all the men speakers as his sisters. The man goes on to passionately declare his belief in their freedom for gay marriage; he also thanks all their supporters. He reminds the gay bashers to learn to accept them, since everyone has a gay person in their family.

While I may not necessarily agree with most of the things said by the intriguing people at Union Square that day, I admire their passion to stand for what they believe in. It is fascinating to see those two men turn their past bad experiences into what motivates them to fight for this cause; or for that priest to twist a biblical phrase to support her agenda; and it is definitely astounding that the MC believes every family has a gay person. Their zeal certainly made me wonder about my own faith. If the world can believe they can be influential enough to change laws that have been in existence for years, then I should also be able to believe God to make my life impactful. As believers, it makes me wonder how much faith or extraordinary actions we are willing to put into areas that seem difficult to change, reach, and influence. How far are we willing to let our past experiences with an awesome Savior motivate us to pioneer great changes in our world; how rooted are we in the word of God to let it dispel the lies we are sometimes forced to listen too; how much faith do we put in what God says about our lives; how much conviction do we have about changing those things the world say can not be changed or done; how much of a fool are we willing to look for God; how different are we willing to be for the cause of the cross; how much faith do we have for the lost people in our family, schools, jobs, cities, and countries; how convinced are we about the power of God to change rules, regulations, and constitutions to impact our world. If the world can have this much passion about their beliefs; know and use the word of God to their own advantage; and is undoubtedly convinced they can influence every family in the world; then we must also find courage to believe God’ s love to reach those family members we can not reach; to show his power, where we have consistently failed; to do that thing everyone is telling us can not be done; and to become that person we were created to be.

Elijah invited the Israelites and numerous prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel, to show the true God answers by fire. A bullock was dressed and put on the woods; the prophets of Baal called on their god, leaping on the altar, from morning to night, but there was no answer. Elijah mockingly said their god must be sleeping or on a journey. The prophets of Baal then started crying and cutting themselves with knives. Elijah subsequently repaired the altar and put another bullock on the wood; he poured four barrels of water on the bullock, not once, but three times, till the altar and trench were overflowing with water. At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed and the fire of God fell down, consuming the offering, wood, stones, dust, and licked the water in the trench. All the people that saw it fell on their faces, declaring the Lord is God.

It takes a deep intimacy with God to publicly declare the true living God answers with fire that can dry up all weapons, schemes, and lies of the enemy; or that HE can do the impossible and the tougher the problems, the greater manifestation of HIS power will be seen. It is interesting to see how the prophets of Baal thought they needed to jump on that altar to see their god’s power or that their incessant striving, activities, and yelling could make this false God do what only the True God could do. It is even sadder to see what happens to these kinds of prophets that have put their faith in a false God. It is amazing to see how their hopes get dashed; how their confidence turned into despair, pain, and distress; and how this false god turned them into suicidal and screaming maniacs. On the contrary, it is fascinating to see exploits shown by a man, who knew the power found in the True God. He did not have to jump on the altar or do anything outrageous to see this power. In fact, his faith was so strong that he decided to make that altar an impossible place for fire to burn; he added water to the wood because he knew NOTHING could stop that fire from burning at the appointed time. We must also learn to take hearts when it seems like when it rains, it pours in our world. We can trust that the fire of God can burn those wet woods in our lives that seem useless; or those stoned hearted people that seem impervious; or that cloudy dust that seem to be smudging everything in our world; and that area of our lives that is getting overwhelmingly soaked. When people that have put their faith in the false gods starts cutting themselves, screaming in pain, and despairing; we must also rebuild that altar of intimacy with Jesus. The time of our evening sacrifice is coming, when God will resplendently answer with a fire that will consume everything dark in and around us. People in our world will also declare that Jesus is the true God. It is the name, honor, and truth of our Savior that we are fighting for and at the appointed time, HE will also answer with an unquenchable fire that will majestically drain everything that is threatening to drown us!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

CAN YOUR HUNGER WAIT?

2011-06-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am probably going to have something affordable and tasty for lunch today. I subsequently settle for a vegetable pizza, but as I munch on my delectable lunch, I notice the Outback Steakhouse in front of me is not opened for another few hours. However, numerous patrons seem to be unaware of this. I can see from the disappointed look of the blond lady with her children, that were waiting in their car for a few minutes, but decide to leave; or the tall Asian man that must also be unaware of the schedule of the restaurant, who also just walked away; or the young couple that also waited for a few minutes, but decide to leave at the suggestion of the older couple that accompanied them; or the teenage couple that waited for seconds, but also decides to leave; or the middle age woman, who also sits in front of the restaurant for a while, but then leaves . Numerous employees of this restaurant also seem to be arriving hours before the restaurant opens; from the auburn hair teenage boy with the exposed boxers, to the young teenage brunette, wearing the Bermuda short; to the extremely petite brunette; to the Hispanic male, in his thirties; or the bald old man, who arrived lastly to the restaurant and seem ready to do whatever it is they do, to make this restaurant function well. I can smell the inviting aroma coming from the restaurant, which makes me wonder what those patrons, not willing to wait, must be missing.

I was only willing to have a lunch that was within my budget that afternoon; something with an average taste, but I viewed as exceptionally tasty; and something that was quick to prepare or consume. I certainly do not blame those patrons for not waiting; perhaps, they were too hungry like I was and settled for something quick, fast, and unhealthy; or they just miscalculated the timing, which caused the disappointed look on some of their faces; or they were not willing to wait and went somewhere else; or decided to snack on something, which probably ruin their appetite for the real deal. It is fascinating to see how much preparation, manpower, thought, ingredients, skills, and work goes into making whatever was causing that inviting aroma. The whole scenery reminds me of how much detail, planning, and thoughts, God puts into each one of our lives. How every minute detail is well thought out; HE has all the waiters, cooks, and greeters in place, to make the experience he wants to bring into our lives memorable. The exquisite ingredients, the necessary manpower, and the detailed works that goes into what God is cooking is way beyond what we can even begin to comphrend. Unfortunately, most of us get tired of waiting for the filling steak meal that God is preparing for us. We miscalculate the timing and go to another source to fulfill this desire; or we choose to snack on something that ruins our appetite for God’s will; or we expect that meal a little too early and get disappointed when it is not ready according to our time table; or we decide to settle for a cheap and unhealthy meal that will jeopardize our spiritual health. We must find grace to never settle for less than what God wants for us. HE is amazingly detailed and has put unfathomable thoughts, works, and even the right people to guide us to our destiny. If immediate hunger, miscalculation, disappointment, and impatience is tempting you to walk away from the plan God has for you; trust that God’s meal is far more fulfilling, enriching, healthier, and appealing. When the time comes for the doors to open in that relevant area of our lives, we will triumphantly declare that it is always worth waiting for God.

Esau once came home from work, feeling tired and hungry. He noticed his brother had made some red pottage and asked if he could have some. Jacob will give his brother some pottage based on one condition, if Esau was willing to sell his birthright. Esau weakly exclaimed that he was about to die of hunger and could care less about his birthright. He swore his birthright to his brother, and was then given the bread and pottage of lentils. Esau ate and drank that day, but permanently lost his birthright. Jacob was subsequently blessed by his father and went on become the father of twelve patriarchs.

I wonder what kind of hunger will make a man sell his birthright for food. The pottage of lentils and bread interestingly does not sound appealing enough to give up one’s birthright for. In fact, it sounds like a pretty bland meal, but I guess when you are hungry, anything sounds and taste good. Imagine the legacy that awaited Esau, if he persevered and momentarily denied his flesh. If only he could have turned down his brother’s offer and waited another few minutes to prepare his own meal, from the wild game he brought from the field, which would have been far more appetizing, tasteful, and enriching. If he had exercised his patience, he probably would have been the one to receive the blessing stolen by his brother. Perhaps, Esau could have become the father of the patriarchs and Joseph; the person that fulfills the prophecy given to Abraham; and the one that blesses all the nations of the earth. It is amazing to see the depth of the wisdom of God, in planning that legacy thru the life of their grandfather, Abraham and how many people, places, and events have taken place, so Esau could inherit the birthright he traded for a bowl of pottage. This apparently teaches us to wait for the few minutes it takes to prepare the meal, which brings eternal satisfaction. We can not let the hunger, stress, and fatigue of life deny us the birthright that God has been planning before we were conceived. The legacy and blessings God is cooking for our life is not one to be taken for granted or given up for temporary or immediate flesh gratification. When we wait for God, we will inherit a birthright that will radically change our lives, lead us in a new direction, take us on a God adventure, and make us impactful in our world and for generations to come. If the hunger or fatigue in that area of your life is making that “pottage of lentil and bread” more appealing than it actually is, find grace to wait for God’s rewarding plan. If you wait for God, there is no telling to what HE is capable of doing in and thru your life. We should never settle for that unfulfilling plan, but wait for the greatness, faithfulness, and awesomeness that is our God!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

IS IT YOUR TIME?

2011-06-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

I am tempted to say something, share the spotlight, contribute to the discussion, and not appear nonchalant tonight; as I listen to a nineteen year old share about his unemployed father, whom the family has been supporting, but he is having difficulty realizing it is God using his family to bless him; or the person who shares about a rough week in their life, which caused a lot of stress due to the renovation going on in their home, but how God allowed their life to minister to a co-worker that week; or the group that shares their supernatural encounter with a homeless girl in the city, that needed food, but as they went to the ATM to withdraw money , the girl seem to have vanished into thin air with her numerous bags; or the lady that shares her struggle with time management and her addiction to watching TV, which takes away from her devotion time; or the boy that shares he has moments he wants to say the first thing that comes to his mind to annoying people, but he is learning to control his tongue to prevent unnecessary scuffle; and the boy that shares his struggle with bluntness and how he needs to learn how to say things in a nice way to people; and he also shares how God is teaching him to let go of sitting in a particular sit every Sunday. However, it seems enough people have shared their struggles and testimonies anytime I decide to speak, plus I did not feel led to share anything in particular. However, as the group shares the prayer request placed on their hearts, I then feel inclined to pray for a few of the needs mentioned.

Even though, I partly felt the need to share something at my Connect Group that night, but I was at peace about just listening to others. I was blessed, encouraged, and challenged to hear other believers share their journey of faith. Experience had taught me there is a time for everything: there is certainly a time to listen; a time to learn; a time to be quiet; a time to observe; a time of preparation; and a time for action. We sometimes misunderstand the time God wants to use to show us something thru the lives of others. In times like these, the enemy will cause us to believe we are being left out; we are not good enough; we have been forgotten; and our voice does not matter. We wrongfully conclude that if we don’t do that thing now; or say that thing right now; or make that move now; or buy that thing right now; we will lose our opportunity to shine forever. We lose focus of what matters and think we need to strive, exaggerate, compete, and conform. We assume we have to do, say, and be something other than what God is calling us to be. We start comparing ourselves to others and forget we are unique followers of Christ with different callings, paths, and purposes. We forget the beauty and importance of that place of preparation. That quiet place, where it seems we are not doing much, is the very divine instrument, God is using to prepare us for our destiny. Without listening to people, we sometimes can not hear what God is telling us; without looking at what is going on around us, we will not see what God wants to show us; and without preparation, we will staggeringly fail the mission ahead. We must never feel pressured to say, do, act, and be something ostentatious, because of what everyone else is doing; but trust that God is building, preparing, and equipping us in that quiet place, so he can beautify our lives according to his perfect timing.

When King David got old; Adonijah, a very good man, decides to exalt himself and become King. He prepared horses, chariots, and horsemen to run before him. King David did not question his actions as Adonijah went on to invite all the king’s sons and servants to celebrate with him. Adonijah did not invite Solomon or the closest friends of his father. Prophet Nathan and Bathsheba subsequently reminded David that Solomon was the son chosen to reign after him. David then instructs Nathan to anoint Solomon as King. People of the land followed Solomon and rejoiced with great joy at the ceremony. God magnified Solomon exceptionally, bestowing him an unmatchable royal majesty, wisdom, and riches.

I wonder if Solomon was momentarily tempted to follow his brother’s footstep and take matters into his own hands; or get into a competition with his brother for their father’s throne; or gather horses and chariots to run before him; or throw a party and invite all the important people in Israel. Apparently, Solomon unsurpassed wisdom was being developed in this quiet place, where it may have appeared like he was losing the battle for the throne; or it looked like he did not care about occupying that throne; or it seemed like he was completely left out, ignored, and unwanted; or it appeared like his voice did not matter; or it seemed like any person could occupy that throne and there was nothing special about him; or it appeared that his popular brother deserved the throne more than him; or that his father was condoning his brother’s actions. I love the wisdom of God in showing us that Solomon did not need to strive, fight, or do anything dramatic about a throne he was destined to occupy. Solomon was probably not even aware of the close servants of the king that were fighting for him. This was an incident that undoubtedly shows God’s purpose will come to fruition, regardless of how loud the noise of our opponents are ringing; or how many people are gathered around our adversaries; or how convincing the enemy is at showing us that we have lost the battle. If you are stressing about losing that position God has called you too in your family, relationships, ministries, and other relevant areas; trust that Jesus is fighting for you and reminding his Father of the promises for your life. Quietness and confidence is our strength in every path God is calling us too. We can not start gathering horses, chariots, and fair weather people to approve a position God has not called us too; but know that we don’t need people’s approval for a God ordained position. When God calls us to a position, we will never have to exalt ourselves. While it may momentarily look like we are losing to our good opponents, who seem like better candidates, due to their popularity or numerous resources; we can be assured that God has people fighting for us, in ways we can never comphrend. When the time comes for God to anoint us for that divine position, nothing or no one will be able to stop the unmatchable kingdom, majestic royalty, wisdom, and riches HE wants to build in and thru our lives!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

CAN YOU CHANGE?

2011-06-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

As I wait to fill my gas tank on this muggy Monday afternoon, I notice a woman sitting in front of the Laundromat across the gas station. She is wearing a short afro, a pretty blue floral top, with flare bottom jeans. She looks pretty normal, except for the deep conversation she seem to be having with her imaginary friend. She did not look like some half naked, ghetto crack head, high on drugs, wasting away and oblivious to what is going on around her. She reminds me of the man I saw just a few days ago, on my way to Target; this man also looked normal enough, apart from his droopy pants, revealing his flabby gut and butt crack. He seems to be upset about something, as he goes on and on, yelling angrily out loud. His dreads are a tad untidy and he seems to scratch himself a lot. He appears to be having an angry conversation with someone; he calms down for a moment, while trying to reason with whoever he is talking too. He then appears to be having a deep, intelligent, and highly engrossing conversation with himself. I also can not forget the man I always see at my favorite Starbucks in the city; the heavy set, probably middle age brunette, usually wears sunglasses inside the coffee shop, and is always having a loud conversation with himself. I initially thought he was on the phone with someone, but a closer look proved this man is just having an absorbing conversation all by himself.

I wonder why these people were talking to themselves like that in public; were they conscious of what they were doing; was it a habit they allowed to get out of control; were they just overwhelmed by something going on in theirs mind that they had to let it out one way or the other; or did they not have anyone to talk too; or were they mental cases. However, as I ponder on these thoughts, I realize that without the grace of God, this could probably happen to anyone. After all, I have been guilty of sometimes extending my conversation with God and my prayer becomes a venting session; where I am carping about everyone and everything I find offensive. How many times have I allowed this habit to be carried out of my prayer time and I find myself responding to the annoying character in the movie I am watching, or find myself responding to that offensive situation I encountered earlier, when I am alone in the privacy of my apartment. Only God knows how these people started these insane habits; perhaps they also started in the privacy of their homes, talking to their cats, dogs, and TV. Eventually, what they thought they could control began to control them; they lost consciousness of what was right, acceptable, normal, and sane. These habits became habitations that came to steal, destroy, and kill everything righteous in them. It began to isolate them and separate them from everything that was loved, precious, and vital in their lives. How many of us are flirting with habits, actions, thoughts, words, and ideas that started as a seed in the privacy of our homes; where we thought no one could see, hear, or know; but God has been gently warning us that these habits will become trees or forests that will overshadow everything good he wants to do in our lives. These habits will destroy everything we worked hard for, everything we are believing God for, and separate us from everything important to us. However, the good news is that no power of hell can hold us in bondage. Jesus nailed all of our weakness, struggle, failure, addiction, shortcoming, temptations, habits, shame, and unrighteousness to the cross and declared it was finished! We must draw from this power of resurrection to stop the unstoppable; do the impossible; and change the unchangeable. While our flesh may be too weak for this undertaking, we can trust our God is more than able to change those things we can’t.

There was once a man called Legion, who lived in the tombs, and was always naked. He stayed in the mountains all day, crying and cutting himself with stones. His loved ones tried helping him, by binding him with chains or fetters, but they were easily broken by Legion. This man was controlled by numerous unclean spirits, but when he saw Jesus, he ran and worshiped him. Jesus immediately commanded the unclean spirit to leave him. People were a little afraid when they saw Legion clothed and sitting in his right mind. Legion was instructed to go to his friends and proclaim the compassion and greatness found in God. He subsequently testified in the city of Decapolis and people did marvel.

Legion was probably not born with demons. Perhaps, he flirted with one unclean spirit as a teenager, while locked away in his room; doing something he was not supposed to be doing; something he thought he could control; something he was ashamed of; and something he thought no one would find out about. Eventually, one spirit became two, and two became immeasurable spirits that dominated his life. Perhaps, he started by exposing himself occasionally or by inflicting small pains on his body, but he eventually became a man that runs around naked, living in a tomb, cutting himself with stone, crying day and night. However, one encounter with Jesus was enough to put him in his right mind. By worshiping God and acknowledging HIS strength in his weakness; those spirits no longer had power to rule and reign in his life. We can also come to Jesus with every habit that has us dwelling in tombs; inflicting pain on ourselves or loved ones; separated from loved ones; crying day and night for help; exposing or embarrassing us; and that we can no longer control. While our friend’s past desires to help in these areas only got us chained and fettered; we must now worship the ONLY one that every unclean spirit is subject too. We will declare the powerful name of Jesus over every stronghold we have tried everything to change, but to no avail. The spirits behinds these actions must bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. As we choose to worship, we will see God transform our relationships, families, ministry, careers, and other relevant areas. Our loved ones will also see us clothed in the righteousness of Christ and sitting in our right minds. We will go back to the numerous “Decapolis” in our lives and declare the greatness of God. People in our homes, cities, and world will also marvel at the restoration, healing, and transformation that can only come from God. We will tell them what we did not have the will power to stop; our sovereign God had enough grace, power, and strength to forever change!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU ALONE?

2011-05-26T05:17:00.000-07:00

Why are you walking by yourself, asks the girl in front of me; because I like walking alone, I respond smiling. I subsequently exchange pleasantries with the lovely four girls and guy from church. As I continue my stroll on this cold afternoon, a few people that seem alone come to mind. It was certainly interesting to listen to the twenty five year old student, sitting next to me in the coffee shop earlier, blabbering incoherently about the frustration of taking care of his mother, who recently twisted her ankle; his tiredness from partying and drinking the night before; his fascination with Michele and Barrack Obama; his need to take a medication for his teeth problems; the numerous plays he is going to see this summer; his doubts about the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie ; and his interest on my pool playing skills. The aloneness also seem to encompass the woman with the surgically altered face that appears to be under the influence of something, sitting by herself behind me, who spills her coffee and complains about her lack of sleep, due to her job as a bartender; and the investment bank employee sitting by himself beside me , who invites himself to the loud conversation of the three young adults with the excessive makeup, tattoos, and piercings, that traveled four hours to see Lady Gaga in concert; plus the unfriendly old lady beside me, staring at the window, mumbling to herself. As I stroll thru the park, I also cannot help but notice the despondent looking teenager clinging to his guitar, sitting by himself in the cold weather; or the young man with the unusual earrings trying to read a book; or the homeless man with the numerous bags that appears alone in the world; or the young boy sitting with his head down, starring at the floor. I certainly cannot ignore the woman I befriended a few weeks ago, who always sits by herself in the park; wears the same grimy outfit every week and shoes made out of a grey sweater; but claims to be an accomplished writer with numerous published books; and is dating a wealthy business man, called Francisco.

I wonder why that student will unload his thoughts on every possible topic in his head to a stranger; or the seemingly attention seeking woman will loudly share her problems with everyone in the coffee shop; or that grown man will seek friendship with or join the people bashing conversation of the young Lady Gaga fans; or that old lady would rather talk to the wall than be open minded to what is unfamiliar. I am also curious why the three seemingly distant looking young people are sitting alone in the cold weather; or why the homeless man have been separated from anyone that can offer him shelter; and why my new friend is hiding her loneliness behind a seemingly glamorous story. While these people may or may not have chose to walk, be, stand, or sit alone; I am blessed that am never alone because of the friend I have in Christ. I feel the strongest presence of Christ when I am alone; my ears are open to hear what God is saying; my heart is changed to understands HIS way; and my eyes is open to see what HE is doing all around me. In these moments, I realized my most cherished companion is Jesus; that I rather pour out my heart to the ONE with the answers than to people with opinions; would rather be influenced by God than be under the influence of men; would rather stand alone with God, than stand with the wrong crowd; that I rather be open to an unfamiliar path with God, than to the familiar desires of my flesh; that am never separated from the family of Christ; and that I never have to pretend to be anything am not. The most powerful manifestation Of God’s presence, provision, and guidance are magnified in seasons God calls me to walk alone. When we feel alone, HIS presence gets stronger; when things look empty, God is supernaturally refilling us; when things seem dry, God is preparing a rain; when it looks like it is over, God is opening new chapters; and what looks dead, God is quietly resurrecting. Trust you are not alone in that battle in your relationships, ministry, career, academia, and life; but the undeniable presence of Christ will triumphantly bring you thru.

A Holy Ghost filled Jesus was led by the spirit into the wilderness. After fasting for forty days and nights, the devil told him to turn stone into bread; but Jesus replied, men don’t live by bread alone, but by every word of God. The devil also promised him the power to control all the kingdoms of the world from the mountain top, if he worshiped him; but Jesus responded that ONLY God should be worshiped and served. The devil lastly quoted scriptures that promised protection and told Jesus to jump from the pinnacle of a temple, if he was the son of God; Jesus replied that men should not tempt God. Jesus left the wilderness in the power of the spirit to start his ministry in Galilee and he subsequently became famous in that region and beyond.

Jesus was probably feeling alone during that testing period, but the power of the Holy Ghost was present to help him overcome the temptations, challenges, and trials of a wilderness experience. This power allowed him to feed his spirit, instead of his flesh; to refuse an ostensibly prestigious position or prominent status, so he can serve God; to proclaim ONLY God is worthy to be worshiped and served; to differentiate between God ordained risk and the devils plan to cause premature death; and to successfully complete the preparation for HIS world changing ministry. It is apparent our wilderness prepares us for the incredible plan, purpose, mission, and ministry God is calling us too. When the world tells us to prove God’s love by turning the prickly stones in our wilderness into bread for instant gratification or take non- ordained positions; we will also be quick to remind them we don’t live by what we see, feel, hear, or touch; but by the promises of our Christ, which is Yes and Amen to the glory of God. Our problems will teach us perseverance; protect us from destructive choices or paths; and make us genuine worshipers and servants of God. Our wilderness will not starve, but refill us; it will not impoverish, but enrich our spirit; it will not isolate, but popularize us; and it will not kill, but empower us. The Holy Ghost is present to get us thru every hurdle, testing, temptations, snag, obstacle and difficulty. No matter how long, painful, stressful, and distressing our wilderness experiences have been; we will come out, gloriously prepared for our unmatchable destiny. Trust that you are not alone in your troubles, but God is using it to fill, empower, change, prepare, and lead you to an indestructible fame in and around your world!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU MOVING FORWARD?

2011-05-19T05:21:00.000-07:00

Today has been filled with encounters with absorbing young adults; from the twenty year old girl, who shares she was adopted; was abused by her mother compared to her other non-adopted siblings; became a troubled teenager and started having relationships with numerous males from the age of fourteen; was introduced to Jesus by a nice Christian man; how Jesus changed her life and restored her relationship with her mother; how God kept her from being raped numerous times; how she is studying to be an actress, but feels God is leading her in another direction; and how she believes God is going to use her voice in a worship ministry. To the nineteen year old immigrant from Colombia, who was invited to church by his worship leader; he tells me of his relationship with first girlfriend that ended abruptly, causing a shattering heart break. He became suicidal and did not think he had any reason to live after the break up; however, he found Jesus in his despair, which changed his perspective on life. He now looks forward to the plans God has for him. He believes the heartbreak allowed him to find God and he is also aspiring to become an opera singer. I am lastly stirred by the unique looking, almost sixteen year old from Staten Island; the boy shares how he has been home schooled in the last two years, due to painful bullying encounters from public schools. He tells me how it has been exciting knowing Jesus and how he found out about the church band from going to BattleCry, a Christ Centered gathering for teenagers. The boy, who invited his sister to church, is also a burgeoning bass player; he likes posting funny you-tube videos and will like to be a comedian when he grows up.

These three went thru such devastating situations, manage to overcome these adversities, but allowed God to move them forward. Only God could reveal just how loved, precious, and accepted that young lady is, in spite of her questionable past; or restore her relationship with a mother she is tempted to blame for her licentious history; or be kept from going back to her old ways; and allowing her life to be divinely directed. It is certainly uplifting to see the mind of that Colombian immigrant renewed to know there is life after a heart break; or that our deepest enlightenment sometimes comes from our darkest moments; that God’s plan for his life is not dependent on what he has or lack in his life; and that God stops, disallows, and end things because HE desires to only give us his BEST. It is undoubtedly stirring to see that sixteen year old allow his tribulations to draw him closer to God; he did not allow all the name calling and bullying to define him; he chose to find likeminded fellowship while home schooling, instead of concluding all young people are bullies; a situation that should have ostracized, embittered, and broken him turned him into a light in his family. These three lives shows the power of God comes to build what is broken; clean what is tainted; restore what is lost; renew minds; heal hearts; and alter perceptions. What should destroy will no longer have a grip on us; what should isolate, will only unify us for the cause of Christ; and what should ruin is the very tool fashioned to build God’s purpose. What the world calls weird, God calls unique; what the world picks on, God picks out; what looks different, the Lords sees differently; and what appears unconventional is what God will use. Our past indiscretions, issues, inexcusable behaviors, struggles, pain, mistakes, and afflictions does not stop what God wants to do. These things are the ideal tools to move his kingdom forward in and thru our lives. If you feel your past is too dark; your strength is too small; your flesh is too weak; your knowledge is too little; and your future is too bleak; allow God to use these concerns to turn you into the perfect candidate that will do great exploits for his kingdom.

There was once a Samarian woman, divorced five times, and seeing someone she was not married too. She went to the well on a particular day and met with Jesus; he told her about her past doings, the living water which comes from God that permanently quenches thirst, and that HE was the Messiah. The woman was so amazed that she ran back into the city, leaving her water pot. She told all the men in her city about Jesus; these men subsequently came to meet Jesus and believed because of what the woman told them. Many Samaritans became believers because of her testimony.

Imagine the shame, humiliation, and harassment this woman must have been thru. She likely was the person everyone gossiped about. I doubt she was invited to family gatherings or parties. She was probably mistreated, bullied, and ostracized due to her questionable past. She was possibly deeply heartbroken with each divorce and possibly unhappy with her current lover. There were likely days she was suicidal when she thought of the number of rejections she had experienced or felt hopeless about her future. However, Jesus did not judge her, but reminded her where she had been and where HE could take her. He simply offered the living water that could quench the thirst her numerous partners could not satisfy. I love that this woman immediately believed God, left her baggage with Jesus, and found her calling. She was able to convince the residents of Samaria that Jesus was the Messiah. The people of this city interestingly did not judge her based on her past, but listened to her, and found salvation. This woman was instantaneously touched to move forward from her problematic past and become a valuable vessel. God apparently calls the foolish, weak, nothings, base, and despised people of this world to confound the mighty. We can also learn to move forward from past failures, discreditable acts, issues, troubles, and self image; and be filled with the living water that can quench the paralyzing thirst in our lives and world. This living water is what empowers us to go back to those places from our past and become everything God is calling us to be. We will also revisit that country, city, neighborhood, and home in the transforming power of our Savior; we will be seen in the glorious light of our Christ; ears will be open to hear, lives will be changed, hope will be restored, purposes will be fulfilled, and hearts will be healed. We will lead people to the ONE that can permanently quench thirst; satisfy hunger; and fill every void. We have been splendidly redeemed, healed, and restored from those past wells of issues; we can now move forward in the calling, purpose, and plans God has for us. Our past no longer has power to reign or rule; we have been wonderfully touched to keep moving forward in our Savior!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU FREE?

2011-05-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

The heavy bearded man wearing a black suit and hat, sitting next to me on the park bench this beautiful Sunday afternoon, seems uneasy and discontent. I find out Larry is a forty nine year old that recently migrated from Florida to live with his dad in New York. The man works as a System Analyst/Consultant and has never been married. He tells me the only woman he ever loved was a teacher from his past; she is married now, but I think she still loves me, he says. How do you know that, I ask. I can hear it in her voice when I speak to her on the phone, he replies. I doubt a married woman is in love with you, I say. You will be surprised what a lot of married women at my job do, some of them dress so suggestively to attract attention from men, he says. I don’t think these women are trying to seduce you Larry, perhaps they are trying to look good for their husbands, who most likely get to see them before they leave for work, I respond. Maybe you are right, he replies. Larry then tells me a story of a housewife that exposed herself to the pool boy in NJ. He also shares the rules of his faith; how he can not go to the beach during the summer since women are scantily dressed and that could tempt him; how he is not allowed to watch TV, stay out late, look at women, or bring them home; and how his dad will report him to the rabbi if he breaks any of these rules. Larry bitterly shares his frustration; how he does not believe anything about his Jewish religion; and how he feels obligated to live with his dad. He tells me he is seeking a non-sexual companion, someone to talk too, he says. I encourage him to break out of his box and enjoy life while he can; to stop living to please his dad since he is an adult; and to stop looking pious, when he actually does not believe anything about the religion. I also suggest he tries Jesus to find some joy and peace. Larry leaves a few minutes later looking and acting rather awkwardly.

Why will someone dress like an orthodox Jew, follow the traditions of this religion, but passionately hate everything about it. Why is he pretending to be something he is not? Why hide your desires, lust, temptations, and weakness behind a religious façade; and why will he be more afraid of the rabbi than living a deceitful, lonely, and miserable existence. It is disturbing that he will deprive himself, while secretly craving to fulfill every perverse desire in his head. My prayer is that he will find companionship in Jesus Christ, the only God that can change us from the inside out. I am grateful my faith does not teach me to look pious on the outside, but stay filthy on the inside; but it is a living relationship with the ONE that died for me. Jesus is continually freeing me from things that binds, entangles, and deceives; and this perpetually compels me to love, honor, obey, and trust HIM. My relationship with my Savior is not about wearing the proper outfit, speaking the correct way, doing the acceptable thing, and pleasing the right people; but trusting the ONE that started a good work in me will bring it to completion. It is a love that embraces me in my weakest moments; catches my fall; stays strong in my imperfections; and never judges or condemns me. It is a love affair that reminds me of my desperate need of God in my human frailty; that allows full transparency before God and men; and exhibits God’s strength when I admit my weakness. It is not about what I can do or not do; where I can go or not go; why I should do this or not do that; but about the indwelling resurrecting power that consistently changes me. I have been set free to love unreservedly, hope exceedingly, believe unswervingly, trust unfalteringly, and live life to the fullest. If fear, obligations, traditions, religion, and other’s expectations are weighing you down; allow Jesus to set your spirit free to embrace, know, and live the invigorating life he designed for you.

A man once heard music, dancing, and merriment as he came home after toiling all day. He was told a party was being thrown in honor of his prodigal younger brother, who had returned home safely, after living riotously and wasting all his inheritance. The older brother furiously refused to join the party, but his father urged him to join the celebration. The man bitterly complained he had been working hard all these years; serving faithfully without transgressions; steadfastly obeying all the rules; and how his father never threw him a party, but is willing to celebrate the return of his brother who broke every rule. The father responded that all his possession belongs to him since he was always with him.

I wonder why the older brother was so bitter; he was possibly following traditions or religious obligations. He probably felt he needed to live with his father and constantly prove himself by working, toiling, and serving. Imagine the envy or resentment in his heart as his younger brother was out partying and having fun. The man refused to do things he probably secretly wanted to do; glaringly obeying immeasurable commandments and agonizingly refusing to break any rules. If only he knew his father had enough grace to cover him when he occasionally stumbled; that you sometimes have to break rules to see the power of God manifested; and breaking rules at times builds your faith, renews your vision, teaches you those indispensable life lessons, opens your eyes, and brings you back home to your father’s presence. If only he knew the inheritance that was his; he would not feel obligated to work so hard, but embrace God’s strength in his weakness and allow HIM to fulfill those desires placed in his heart. We must also remember the inheritance that is ours; we cannot allow religious obligations, people’s expectations, and self righteousness deter us from the freedom Christ purchased for us. If you have worked too hard and obeyed every rule; but fail to see that celebration, promotion, honor, recognition, and attention you secretly long for; remember you have an indestructible heritage in Christ. Your labor has not been overlooked; you are loved, celebrated, and known by God Almighty. Don’t let anger or bitterness eject you from the wonderful celebration of God’s goodness in your world ; but find grace to knock down that wall, break out of those shells, and come out of your comfort zone. We are to draw power from our glorious inheritance to shine as a blazing light in the darkest of places and victoriously tackle insurmountable challenges. We are no longer an imprisoned, entangled, and chained people, but have been triumphantly set free to soar on the wings of eagle!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

2011-05-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

I saw a sign on the Traffic alert five minutes ago, warning of an accident on the Parkway, but one lane is going to be open. However, I am surprise to see traffic come to a complete halt. As I sit in my car, I notice several people are backing out of the high way to the closest exit; some motorists are even brave enough to make a u turn, using the shoulder. I am slightly tempted to do the same thing since the Sunday morning service will soon start. There is no way I am going to make it in time with the unmoving traffic. However, an unusual peace fills my heart as I lean back in my seat and worship along with the songs on my CD player. I have no idea what is going on, but I sense it must be a pretty serious accident since a helicopter just landed less than a mile away. A fire truck also speeds to the accidents scene. The traffic alert then states all lanes are closed. There are also several highway patrol cars blowing their sirens and speeding towards the accident. A young couple gets out of a car behind me to walk to the accident scene. Several curious motorists are also getting out of their cars to see the accident; or discuss the hold up with others; or stretch their legs. Some motorists stand on top of their cars or stick their heads out thru their sun roof to see what is going on. After sitting for over an hour in the same spot, the traffic finally moves. As I drive by the accident scene, I notice a SUV is turned over and pretty damaged. I hope the victims are okay, but I quickly speed by to get to church, but I am surprise to see my transiting bridge is closed for a biking event; I then find myself in another long traffic to Midtown Tunnel. By the time I get to the city, all the good parking spots are gone, but I am at peace as I roam around for the next several minutes. When I finally find a space, the service is over, but I am excited about spending my afternoon in the park, while waiting for the next service.

I was momentarily tempted to ask why my commute was such a mess that day; why will God not want me to make it to church; why will he cause such a horrendous delay on the parkway; allow the bridge to be closed; add more traffic delay on my way to the tunnel; and make it so hard for me to find a parking spot. Why will God not want me to do something seemingly righteous as going to church; what could possibly be his reason for holding me back; it does not make any sense. However, I was quickly reminded that there are certain things in life we can not control, understand, change, manipulate, and hasten. God sometimes disallows seemingly good things and allows seemingly bad things; tragedies will occasionally happen, disasters will occur, hearts get broken, lives get shattered, hopes gets dashed, dreams dissipate, loved ones get sick, and loved ones are sometimes taken too soon from us. We may be tempted to lose hope, faith and heart at times like these; but we must remember Jesus is in the midst of those things we don’t understand. He loves us too much to do us any harm. We have to trust HE can bring glory out of our darkest moments. Even though, it may look like our dilemma is momentarily too painful, trying, devastating, perplexing, and daunting; we must trust God can divinely work these experiences for our good. If you are facing something in your life that may seem so senseless, overcoming, and is testing your faith; do no leave that post, position, or place God has assigned you, but learn to stand still and see the salvation of God.

John the Baptist told Herod it was wrong for him to have an affair with his brother’s wife, Herodias. Herodias hated John for this and tried killing him, but was unsuccessful. Instead, John was jailed. Herodias subsequently used her daughter to manipulate the king. The daughter danced during the king’s birthday celebration and Herod was so pleased that he promised to give her anything she wanted. The damsel asked for John to be beheaded as instructed by her mother. The king reluctantly fulfilled his oath. When Jesus was told of this incident, he initially departed to a desert place, but he was immediately followed by multitudes. Jesus was moved by compassion to heal the sick people in the crowd; he also multiplied two fishes and five loaves to feed the five thousand multitudes.

There were probably several questions running thru the minds of John’s disciples: why will Herod want to marry his own brother’s wife; why was this prophet thrown in jail for telling the truth; why will Herodias want to corrupt her young daughter’s mind to satisfy her selfish desires; why will the king grant such a ridiculous request; and why will God allow this prophet to die such a gruesome death. The people who brought Jesus the sad news interestingly did not ask why he could not supernaturally sense what was about to happen to this prophet and neither did they ask why he did not do anything to stop his death. Even more fascinating was how Jesus reacted to the news, he simply departed to a desert place to possibly seek God; but his quiet time was interrupted by multitudes that needed him. Jesus did not let the shock of this tragic, perplexing, and questionable incident deter him from seeing the people he was called to minister too. During this hard time, he healed the sick and even fed thousands with the little provision present. We can also find grace to follow the footsteps of our Savior when faced with those situations that seem so shocking, incomprehensible, wrong, baffling, illogical, and unlike the God we know. We can choose to question God, HIS character, and everything we think he is doing wrong in our lives or we could depart from the accusing voices around us and find peace in HIS presence. What the devil meant to bring pain, confusion, spiritual death, misunderstanding, and doubt is the very instrument God will use to bring glory out of our lives. Those quiet, solitary, and desert moments in our relationships, careers, ministry, academia, and life is what God will use to draw the multitudes in our world to see HIS greatness. We will find power to heal, restore, and repair everything ailing in and around our world; and our seemingly insufficient resources, strength, grace, and anointing will be multiplied to feed multitudes. While we may not be able to fully understand, know, or comprehend all God is doing in our situations; we can trust HE will be exalted, glorified, and praised in our lives in the coming days!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE IN?

2011-04-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

There is something bothering me as I drive home tonight, I can not quite place my fingers on it; but a few voices do reverberate from earlier conversations . It is certainly not the voice of the middle age actor, dressed in a priest suit , chanting Alleluia and Can I get an Amen frequently, while addressing fellow actors at Union Square; it is most definitely not the voice of the pleasant French writer, who explains the actors were making a jab about a recent political occurrence, and shares how she decided to quit her former job as a political writer for the French Government due to it’s repetitive and boring nature, and now teaches inner city kids to write; Neither is it the voice of the kind Greek tourist with the inspiring job of working in a shelter for girls rescued from human trafficking. The only voice that seems to resonate louder than others was the voice of a lovely single and distant acquaintance. You seem to ask a lot of questions, but when queried, you tend to deflect your answers; you repeat the answers you just heard without really revealing anything about yourself, she says. I explain my desire is to listen and encourage everyone that comes along my path; and I don’t believe in burdening complete strangers with my problems since there is very little they can do about it. Plus, I rather be transparent with God about my life than with most people, I reply. She subsequently says relationships must be very important to me since I am always telling everyone how they can get connected into relationships. I tell her that I generally like myself and don’t see the need to modify my relating skills to her liking. She also says I am a very confident woman with a magnetic personality, but need to soften my expectations in certain areas of my life and be more pro-active to see better results. I jokingly agree and tell her I will keep these things in mind.

My prayer is to always listen more than I speak and never be too proud to learn from anyone. While I was fairly undisturbed about the presumption that I must desire relationships because I am always trying to connect people or the probing about my relating skills; however, my agreement that an unfulfilled want is due to my lack of action directly attacks my faith . Being proactive in certain areas was something I did as a baby Christian; but God has thankfully brought me to a peaceful surrender, where am fully confident there is very little I can do to stop something God wants to do or to instigate something God DOES NOT want to do in my life. In the seasons I falsely heard from God and took steps ahead of HIM, I was thrown into a confusing turmoil. These are days that taught me foundations not built by God is headed for a shattering demise sooner or later; when I have the right heart, but consistently fail to do what the world expects me to do, God is gloriously working that situation for my good; when I faithfully choose to be dormant, Jesus is marvelously pro-active on my behalf; if I find myself unwillingly inactive when my heart longs to be active, God is the one ultimately holding me back; what looks like a disappointment is sometimes a blessing ; what is not happening is not meant to happen or has an appointed time; and when I admit my inabilities, God is shaking heaven and earth on my behalf. I cannot aggressively part any sea God is not calling me to cross; or pull down walls Christ is not determined to bring down; or make giants fall, unless God picks the right stones to knock them out. I realized my action or inaction, pro-action or lack thereof, sluggishness or aggressiveness can not alter, stop, or retract what God has predestined to do in my life. I accepted it is not about me, but the greater one that lives in me. If you are stressing about that word you should have said; thing you should have done; and place you should have gone; trust that God is in full control. He sees, knows, and understands the end of all things and can turn your worst efforts into your most glorious moments. It is not time to give in, but the season to keep believing, standing, and trusting that God will NEVER fail you.

Sennacherib once encamped around Judah intending to posses it. Hezekiah built broken walls, heightened towers, and made numerous darts plus shields. He gathered all the captains of war and encouraged them not to be afraid of Sennacherib’s numerous armed forces since he is relying on the arm of flesh, but they are relying on God to fight their battles. Sennacherib subsequently threatens Hezekiah, boasting about his past conquests, how he has never been defeated, and how God can not possibly deliver Judah. He demanded they surrender if they don’t want to die of famine and thirst. Sennacherib‘s army continued to scream at the Israelite guards to scare them. Hezekiah subsequently cried out to God and an angel was sent to annihilate the entire Assyrian army.

Imagine the tumult going on Hezekiah’s mind as he listened to Sennacherib threats. He was probably tempted to do what the rest of the people in his world did; he likely wanted to quickly surrender and make peace with the enemy’s plan for his nation; but thank God for men like Hezekiah that rather die fighting for what they believe than succumb to the world’s way. He knew people that leaned on the arms of flesh will ultimately fall into obliteration, but those who rely on God to fight their battles never lose in the long run. We should also not give in to the enemy’s threat or plan in our homes, ministry, academia, careers, future, and life; regardless of how many people are yielding to the tactics of the world, we must remember who we are in Christ. We will not be trounced because we don’t rely on the arms of flesh, but the Living God is the one fighting our battle. Every voice telling us we will fail unless we conform to the world is directly affronting our Savior. Our part is to allow Jesus to build everything broken in our lives, raise our towers of hope, and shield us with faith. As we use our prayer darts, the Holy Spirit will also eradicate everything that lies and roars above the voice of truth. We will not be threatened by the numerous people converting to the world’s way or the voice telling us to surrender because our Savior will not come thru. God will not be mocked and will fight for HIS own name. Let’s never give in to what the world is saying, thinking , or doing; because our insuperable Savior is supernaturally, stupendously, and superiorly fighting ALL of our battles!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

CAN YOU DO MORE?

2011-04-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

I prayed this morning the Lord will help me hear the secret cry of people around me, so it is only natural for me to be drawn to the young gay man sitting across me in the park. He seems alone, miserable, and dejected. He is constantly checking his phone as if he is waiting for a message or call; and appears not to be getting what he wants from the disappointed look on his face. He keeps mumbling something to himself and glances in my direction sporadically. Sure, there are other people sitting by themselves reading a book, using their I-pads, or talking to their pets; but there is something disquieting about him. Not because he was constantly brushing his hair and looking into a mirror; or seemingly in desperate want of attention; or appears lost in his own world. He just seem so alone, so distant, so disturbed, so needy, and so desperate for something. As I watch the boy, I am suddenly overcome with emotion as various thoughts cross my mind. What if he is going thru something awful with his family, significant other, or in school; what if he just had a bad break up; perhaps something tragic happened to him; and what if he is suicidal. A teenage boy subsequently stands next to me with his bike. This boy’s pants is below his butt, exposing his stained brown boxers, as he speaks angrily on the phone; he is staring right at the guy across me when he irately yells out “this little homo” . He keeps pacing around as he continuously stares down the guy. I am a little nervous for the boy across me, but he seems relatively unmoved by droopy pant’s behavior. The infuriated boy then takes a sit beside me and continues to stare at the young man. Droopy pant eventually leaves, riding his bike into oblivion. I feel compelled to say something to the boy across me afterwards; I sit for the next few minutes trying to come up with something. I try giving him an encouraging smile, but that is not working. I don’t want him getting the wrong idea, but as I try to think of how to walk across and the various things I can say to break the ice; I am interrupted by a man that feels the need to share about a recent break up. The young man leaves a few minutes later with the same despondent look on his face.

I am plagued by guilt afterwards as I wonder if I tried hard enough to reach out to the boy. I could have summoned the courage to say something before I was interrupted; if only I had more time, or switched my sit, or walked across , or thought of something clever to say, or was bold enough. However, as I fret about what could have been, I am quietly reminded not to stress something that was beyond my control. Jesus loves the young man, HE knows exactly how and when to reach him. God sees my heart and knows that I tried everything possible to reach out to him, but still allowed an interruption HE saw fit. There are moments we are thrown into situations that is so overwhelming, heart wrenching, incomprehensible, provocative, and staggeringly beyond us. Times we realize there is so much we can do with our human ingenuity; moments that teach us to fall on our knees and cry out for things or people we cannot control, help, or even reach with our best effort. Times that teach us to trust God will reach the unreachable; touch the untouchable; change the unchangeable; fix the unfixable; reveal the invisible; clarify the bewildering; and win the unwinnable. Moments we have tried our all, given our best, fought intensely, worked vigorously, loved unconditionally, believed unwaveringly, and stood steadfastly. Times we have not seen the fruit of our labor or reward of our sacrifice; moments which force us to acknowledge the sovereignty of our Savior in finishing, resolving, and doing what we can’t. If your best efforts have not brought the desired end in your relationships, careers, academia, ministry, and any other area of your life; trust that God sees your heart, hard work, and endeavors. HE will magnificently do what only HE can do in these areas!

Beloved Daniel was once accused of disregarding the King’s decree; the king was displeased with this incident and labored vigorously to deliver Daniel from the hands of these wicked men. However, the king failed in spite of his best effort, due to his allegiance to the land’s constitution. Daniel was cast into a den of lion as a punishment, but the king assured him the God he served continually will deliver him. The king could not sleep and spent his night fasting with no music. He rose up early the next day and went hastily to the Lion’s den to ask if this prophet had been delivered. Daniel jubilantly replied that the mouths of the lions have been miraculously shut.

I imagine the king made a few phone calls, found the best lawyers in town, tried amending the laws, and did everything humanly possible to save Daniel. However, it momentarily looked like it was a lost cause. The king was probably filled with regrets, anxiety, and guilt. He was likely up all night wondering about all he could have done better or did not do; he likely blamed himself for signing the decree, allowing these men to manipulate him, and making a bad decision. The king was surprisingly still fretting in spite of assuring Daniel that God will deliver him. Nevertheless, as he fasted and deprived himself for a night; Daniel had been splendidly rescued the next morning. We can also learn to relax about those beloved things, people, and situations we have done everything humanly possible to fix, keep alive, protect, preserve, save, and rescue. The God we serve continuously will come thru for us. As we have spent our nights in deprivation, fasting, praying, and believing; our beloveds thrown into the dangerous dens of this world will also be kept alive. It may momentarily look like we are losing this battle and the enemies of our soul has an upper hand, but we should never forget God has gone before us in these dark pits and is shutting the mouth of everything that can tear down, destroy, and kill what he wants to do in our lives. We will hear the reassuring voice of our Savior responding to our dilemma; and glorify him as he victoriously preserve everything we feared will die, be harmed , and lost . We serve the Great Deliverer and can stop stressing about those things which keep us up at night. After doing all we can in prayer, faith, and trust; we can patiently wait for the morning glory and the triumphant deliverance that comes with it. While we may not be able to do more than we have already done, our Savior will do exceedingly more than we can ask or think!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?

2011-04-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

Today should be interesting; I will probably meet one or two new people as I customarily do each time I attend a service. I intend to go to a coffee shop afterwards and spend some quiet time with God. I will see if the Lord leads me to chat with someone there and if not, I will most likely spend more time in the presence of God for the last two services before heading home tonight. However, as I join the people waiting for the church door to open, I decide to chat with a fascinating looking lady. I find out she is a tourist visiting NYC for the first time. This sassy character shares about her teaching job in her home country, her desire to teach in China, and plans for her three weeks vacation. She tells me about her amazing testimony of finding Christ at a pretty young age and finding a church near her home four years ago, where she sings in the choir. It is a pleasure sitting next to this quiet tourist in the service and I can not help but hang out with her after church. After grabbing a latte, we were joined by a remarkable twenty one year old, also from church, who decides to joins us on our stroll. As we walk thru a street fair, it is fun jesting with the young man at the sometimes extraneous goods these merchants have to offer; helping our new tourist friend pick a jewelry from a street vendor; listening to the young man share the trials and tribulation of college life; and hearing his future educational plans. We subsequently find ourselves at a coffee shop, shoe store, and back to the church for the two evening services. My tourist friend is sitting in close proximity at the exceptionally anointed last service. As the entire church stands in ovation to the explosive preaching, she asks if I will go to the altar with her, which I agree. We part a few minutes later after letting her know how much I adored fellowshipping with her.

I am grateful God replaced my plan with his marvelous one. After all, I had planned to spend my afternoon reading the word and letting God speak to me. However, hanging with these two people was far more gratifying. It was nice doing something different, getting to know these fantastic people, sharing life with them, strolling on a beautiful spring day, window shopping, and most importantly, doing exactly what God wanted me to be doing. While I have always enjoyed my quiet time alone with Jesus and would not trade those precious moments for anything else in this world, I am also glad God interrupted my plan and knew what was best for me on that particular day. Spending time with those two brought an unexplainable satisfaction, joy, and peace. Even though, it may seem like I was sacrificing something spiritual, it was more divine to be in the center of God’s will. His plans were so much more enriching, expanding, transforming, refreshing, and fulfilling. While there was nothing wrong with my original plan, God’s plan superseded mine. God ways, thoughts, process, and methods are more superior than our human minds can imagine. God knows our past, present, and future; HE is fully aware of every void, discomfort, longing, and need; he knows where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. HE knows our secret battles, cries, heartaches, desires, hopes, and aspirations. HE knows how to connect our missing dots, solve our little life puzzles; supply the missing links; and throw in those essential life lines. If God is impeding that seemingly wonderful plan you had for your career, ministry, relationships, marriage, children, academia, and life; I urge you to trust HE will turn your disappointment into joy. His plans in these areas of your life will be so much more elevating, life-changing, and rewarding than you can fathom.

Abraham was once instructed to journey into the land of Moriah and sacrifice his son. He journeyed for three days and then took his son, woods, fire, and a knife to carry out his plan. The boy questioned his father about the missing lamb, but Abraham assured him God will provide for the burnt offering. He subsequently built an altar, laid the woods there, and bound his son to it. As he proceeded to stab his son, an angel told him not to kill the boy. When Abraham lifted his eyes up, a ram was supernaturally provided and sacrificed instead. His character in fearing and obeying God was commended. Abraham was told he will be blessed, multiplied, posses the gates of his enemies, and all nations of the earth will be blessed thru his seeds because of his radical obedience.

Abraham intended to carry out what initially looked like a pious act. He possibly journeyed for that three days strategizing, theorizing, and speculating how he was going to execute the dreaded plan. However, imagine if Abraham was so rigid about carrying out the original plan and was not willing to momentarily hear God, he might have killed his son. God was testing, building, and molding Abraham into someone that can constantly hear and obey HIM. The same God who told him to sacrifice his son provided a lamb instead, but he had to be willing to hear what God was saying. As he chose to sacrifice what was most precious to him without questioning God, a lamb was provided for the burnt offering. His son was spared from a premature death and he became a prominent Hero of Faith. On our journey to obey God, we must keep our heart open to a Savior, who is capable of revealing new plans as he deems fit. We should never be caught up in the religious obligations of yesterday, but realize God is always revealing new plans, ways, ideas, and paths; HE is constantly moving and shaking things in our lives when we keep our ears, eyes, minds, and hearts open. We should remember yesterday is gone, today is a new day to hear a fresh word, instruction, thought, and dream. If we are dragging our feet on the LONG journey to the various lands of Moriah in our lives, we should trust God has a new plan that makes our current plans completely obsolete. We can learn to lay down our knives, woods, fire, and unbound those precious things we tied to the altar. We should free up those desires, hopes, and aspirations from a premature death and let them grow to be everything God intended them to be. When we choose to hear God and look up to HIS greatness, we will also see the alternative divine plan, which is the acceptable sacrifice Christ is looking for in these areas. We will be blessed, multiplied, posses the gates of our enemies, and the people in our world will be marvelously impacted. No matter how righteous, pious, spiritual, wonderful, admirable and impeccable our plans seems; let’s never forget that God’s plan is exponentially, astoundingly, and incredibly better!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

IS IT A GOOD DAY?

2011-04-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

I wake up this morning with a song in my heart, I am not exactly sure how my day will go, but I am looking forward to see what God has in store. I am partly thrilled because today is Sunday, my favorite day of the week. It is the day I get to spend time in the presence of God and allow his light to show what he is doing in and all around me. My joy is amplified as I find an outfit, shoes, and accessories in my disheveled wardrobe on this beautiful spring day. As I cruise down the high way on my drive to the city, I cannot help but hum along to the praise song on my CD player. It seems the birds in the air and the trees of the field are singing along with me. My delight gets deeper as I find the perfect parking spot less than a block from my church; and get acquainted with a brilliant twenty three year old, getting her PHD in organic Chemistry, but does not know what she will eventually do with the degree. After a refreshing time in the presence of God, I am elated to see the various people sitting at Union Square, enjoying the lovely weather. It is certainly interesting to eavesdrop on the two people sitting next to me, strategizing about their next move in the fashion world; to see the seemingly love struck middle age couple, sitting outside on the public bench; and the two older couple that are still so affectionate in their old age. I am somewhat rapt by the lovely theater major sitting next to me, graduating in May, but do not really know how she will break into the theater world. My bliss is indubitably augmented to get a surprise visit from my mother for the evening service at my church. I am subsequently and lastly charmed by the six lively young adults from New Jersey. While three of these girls knows what they want to study; the other three joined the popular sentiment of the day, in admitting they may not necessarily know what they want in life, but time will lead in the right path and direction.

God was perhaps showing me a straightforward answer to an intricate question that Sunday. It must be somewhat perplexing for a twenty three year old to go thru the gruesome process of getting a bachelors, masters, and now a PHD in Chemistry, but not fully knowing the end result; or for the educated actress, who was not sure if a door will open in the competitive field; or for the young girls, who didn’t know what they wanted out of life. However, a perplexity is simplified as I open my eyes to the seemingly inconsequential things around me. It is definitely fascinating to learn new things about the fashion industry; uplifting to see lasting marital bond in a world of broken promises; and touched by the small life surprises with my mother’s unexpected visit. While my various encounters showed the complexity of going thru life without knowing where you are going; my vision was also renewed to see the small elements that perhaps bring direction, joy, and peace to our sometimes unknown destiny. I started my morning like all the young adults I encountered, clueless to how my day was going to go. However, I found small delight in an outfit, a parking spot, and a human connection. I found grace in the presence of Jesus to see the beauty of a spring day; to learn something new; to never lose sight of the people who have successfully walk the aisles of life without succumbing to the pressure of a crumbling world; and to never forget the little nice surprises which God is capable of bringing to our unknown destiny. We can also renew our vision in those areas we have been working hard for years, but can’t see a light at the end of our tunnels; or places we are clueless about what God is doing. Let’s find grace to delight in the small things; never stop learning; and be encouraged by people that have stood the test of time. We can be confident of a glorious visitation in every confusing, doubtful, and baffling area of our lives, when we least expect it.

There was once a beautiful young woman in Mesopotamia, who went to a well on a particular evening. After filling her pitcher, she was approached by a thirsty old tourist. The girl unhesitatingly gave the man some water and also offered some for his camels. The man then gave the girl some gifts and asked about her family. She subsequently offered lodging to the tourist in her father’s house and told her family what happened. The man told the convivial family that the girl was the answer to his prayer and mission to Mesopotamia. After the blessing and consent of her family, the girl left with the tourist to become the wife of the tourist’s master’s son. She also became the grandmother of the twelve tribes of Israel.

This young girl likely woke up that morning thinking it was just another day. She probably completed the education required for girls her age; perhaps, she went thru the last few years of her life training, preparing, and hoping there is a purpose to all of her efforts. There were possibly days she wondered if her preparations were going to pay off; if doors were going to open for her; and what she was going to do with her life. However, God had a delightful surprise for her as she found pleasure in the seemingly insignificant things. She probably went to the well with a desire to be everything God called her to be. She was willing to help a complete stranger; open up about her family; converse with, and draw from the wisdom of this older man; and invite him into her home. What could have been an ordinary day turned out to be the moment she became the answer to someone else’s prayer; got blessed with gifts; brought a perpetual blessing into her family; and embarked on a journey that will affect immeasurable generations. We should also be patient in those areas we have been training, preparing, stressing, and wondering about; we should take life one day at a time and see the beauty of God in the seemingly immaterial things HE is asking us to do. As we go thru our days with the right heart, attitude, and spirit; we will become the answer to the prayers of people in our world; quench spiritual thirsts; receive supernatural gifting or abilities; invite blessings into our homes; and embark on journeys that will change our lives in inconceivable ways. We can be encouraged in those areas we are wondering what the future holds. We serve a God that is full of pleasant surprises and can turn our customary, tedious, and predictable days into something spectacular. With Jesus on our side, our days, months, years, and lives will always be a GOOD ONE!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT IS STOPPING YOU?

2011-03-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

It is not unusual to see paupers in front of subways harassing innocent passersby, but there is something undismissible about the man standing in front of the window across me. He is dressed in a long white sleeve cotton shirt and sweat pants, with no coat in the cold temperature. He has a freshly stitched bloody cut on his scalp and is carrying two white plastic bags, marked patient’s belonging. He also seems extremely lethargic, as if he is under the influence of something. The man tries using the public phone, but he does not seem to be getting thru to anyone. He subsequently stands at the subway entrance, asking people for money. Will you give me money for my train fare, he asks, talking to a girl passing thru; the frightful looking girl shuns him and swiftly walks away. He then asks a gentleman for the same thing, but the man also declines. The next few people also ignore him. However, as I watch this man, I am intrigued; I wonder what happened to him. I am dying to find out the story behind his plight. What happened to his scalp; was he stabbed or did he get in a bad fight; perhaps, he was mugged; was he involved in a drug related conflict; who was he trying to call; and why did they release him from the hospital in such a bad condition. I certainly feel compelled to help; but what if he is dangerous and has a gun or knife; but that is absurd, it is broad day light in a high traffic downtown area, he cannot possibly harm me. As I ponder on my next action, I notice he is heading into the subway, I then sum up the courage to walk towards him. Do you need money to get on the subway, I ask. Yes, I need money to go home, he replies. You don’t look so good, are you okay, what happened to you, I ask. The man goes on to explain how he fell on a garbage can, injuring his head, and had to receive stitches to close the deep wound. How his wife is unaware of what happened to him, since he had no way of contacting her, and needs to find a way to get home. I ask for his name and offer him a metro card; the man also asks for my name and thanks me as he heads down to the subway.

I wonder what was going on in passersby’s minds. Perhaps, they thought this was another NYC panhandler looking for drug money; or another lazy homeless man; or they were afraid of putting themselves in a dangerous situation. After all, I was tempted to do the same thing, I initially judged this man to be some kind of dangerous criminal, drug addict, or gang member. I judged him based on his scars, lethargy, countenance, and wounds. I allowed my own fear of the unknown, unpredictable, and the familiar to deter me from being what God called me to be. I chose to judge someone based on their looks, my past experience, and other people’s actions. However, thank God for HIS spirit that quickens believers to rise above our fears, assumptions, and premature judgments. We are a people not deterred by popular opinions, outward appearance, and fear of rejection or the unknown. Our eyes have been divinely opened to see the obscured; our ears have been gloriously touched to hear the distant cry; our hearts have been skillfully softened to feel other’s heart beat; and our mind has been marvelously renewed with heavenly thoughts. We don’t allow trepidation, familiarity, insensitivity, and a judgmental spirit to stop mercy from flowing to a dying world. We will not let fear stop us from reaching out to what is lost, broken, needy, troubled, and overlooked in our lives or world. If you are ignoring an area of your life due to past experience, fear, erroneous presumptions, and wrong influence; find courage to move towards what you have been called, empowered, equipped, and anointed to do.

After the initial Holy Spirit visitation on Pentecost, two apostles subsequently visited a temple on a particular day. There was a man born lame, who usually lays at the temple’s entrance, begging for alms. The man asked for money as the two men passed by, but instead of giving him alms, they locked eyes with him, reached for his hands and prayed. The man was miraculously healed and followed them into the temple; walking, leaping, and praising God. As this man stood with the two disciples, multitudes of people ran towards the three men in wonder and amazement. This gave the disciples an opportunity to declare the great name of Jesus. This was also the first healing miracle by these disciples.

There were likely a few people that passed the lame man on their way to the temple. Some of these people were probably filled with the Holy Ghost; I wonder what was going thru their minds when they saw the man. Some probably just saw another beggar; some were likely rushing to the temple to perform their different ministries; some were probably just too preoccupied with their own problems; some were possibly bothered by his smell, look, and status; some probably heard horror stories of dangerous beggars; some were likely tired of seeing this man beg for money; some were possibly afraid of what their friends, significant others, and family will think; and some probably judged the man and concluded he did something wrong in previous life. It is unfortunate these people allowed these things to stop them from becoming everything God called them to be; the disciples who exercised their faith went on to become pillars of faith. We can only imagine what would have happened in the lives of the passersby if they also chose to implement their faith. Although, this miracle was beneficial for the lame man, it was more enriching for these disciples to see the depth of the resurrecting power in their lives. We should also never allow our unfounded, judgmental, clouded, and fearful thoughts stop us from the astounding path God has for us. That area of our lives that we keep dismissing, ignoring, and neglecting is what God is calling us to find faith to heal, restore, and make whole. The moment we lock eyes with this particular problem in our lives, we will also be empowered to triumphantly stand. We will walk, leap, and praise God in what was deemed lame in our relationships, ministry, jobs, academics, and lives. Our faith in this area will launch the beginning of the greater things God wants to do and give us an unrivaled opportunity to display the greatness of God to people in our world; we will become pillars in our families, homes, and societies. We will also become sanctified, saturated, and filled with the Holy Ghost; and we will never let fear stop the birth of the mind-boggling fate Christ has for us!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

CAN YOU BEAR IT?

2011-03-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am inclined to speak to the pleasant girl sitting next to me with her mother at this coffee shop. Do you guys attend the church across the street, I ask. No, we are visiting from Maryland; I just bought the most amazing boots from Nordstrom, she says excitingly. Can I see it, I respond enthusiastically. I subsequently find out this twenty four year old is originally from Seattle, but lives in Maryland, due to a complication from a gastric bypass. I recently had a bowel transplant and need to live around the hospital due to the constant medical attention needed after my surgery, she says. The mother then shares how the girl found herself in such a predicament. The surgeon that performed the bypass surgery did not finish the process properly, which consequently damaged the girl’s intestines. She was incapable of eating anything because her digestive system was damaged in the process and was on IV fluid for over a year. I have lost two hundred pounds and had seven surgeries in the past two years, the girl says. I am sorry to hear that, but you are pretty upbeat, considering everything you have gone thru. You seem like a fighter and I am sure you will come out of this a stronger person, I respond. The girl then tells me about her desire to get a degree in management with a focus on elderly care. She also informs me about her love for cycling and how she intends to participate in a triathlon. How did you cope with everything, I ask. God has really been our strength, replies the mother. Praise God, you guys are Christians, I don’t know how anyone could get thru that without God, I respond. I also have great friends and awesome family support, says the girl. God does not give us more than we can bear and am sure you will eventually look back at this and see God’s goodness, I say. I really hate it when people tell me that, he did give me a little more than I can bear, but I do understand what you are saying, replies the mother. We chat some more after that and they leave afterward to drive back to Maryland.

It is inspiring to see this girl’s attitude. Most people would have become bitter, but she managed to stay positive. She seems to bear everything God allowed with a good spirit. While I can in no way relate to what she had been thru; I have had moments where the mountains seem to be crushing every bone in my body; the valleys seem to be consuming me; and the fire seems to be scorching every fiber of my being. Yes, I have had days I questioned God; or felt he was giving me more than I could bear; or was tempted to deny God to alleviate my sufferings. These were moments I learned to stop looking at the cumulative effect of my problems and find grace to tackle my immediate ones. I slowly realize what did not have power to kill me today will not kill me tomorrow; and what does not kill me can only make me stronger. The more overbearing my problem became, the more grace I found; and the longer my trial got, the easier it became to face my day. I learned to take problems, trials, and life one day at a time; trusting the grace I found in my darkness today will overflow to succeeding days. Our mountains comes to make us stronger, better, deeper, wiser, pliable, and tougher. Every problem is an invitation to join preceding heroes of faith in displaying the amplified resurrecting power in our graves, valleys, and darkness. It may feel like we are not going to make it when our problems is nailing us to a cross and burying us in a grave; but we should be confident of the arrival of our third day. The power that raised Jesus from death will also pull us out of hell. If you are fighting a battle too deep, too long, too overwhelming, too scary, and too heavy; hang in there and remember those who suffer with Christ will also reign with him. If Jesus can bear the cross, then you will also find grace to jubilantly overcome the battle you are facing.

There was once a woman diagnosed with a rare disease; the woman was plagued with a ceaseless issue of blood. She saw a few specialists, hoping they will cure her ailment, but her condition worsened. She spent her savings, investments, and probably borrowed money to cover her medical expenses; but her health continued to deteriorate. She dispensed her assets for the next twelve years in an attempt to find healing. On a particular day, she heard Jesus was coming to town and decided to join the numerous crowds following him. She pressed thru the crowd and touched Jesus’ garment, hoping to find healing; she was immediately healed. Jesus subsequently turned back, demanding to know who touched him; the woman confessed and Jesus commended her faith.

This woman’s distress, disappointment, and frustration must have been immense as weeks became months; and months became years. There were probably days it was unbearable; she likely wanted to cave in as her money ran out, options lessened, and health worsened. However, she found grace to live for those twelve years without giving up. The hope that brought her to the first physician never left her; she was still hoping for a miracle after twelve years. The grace to bear what is insufferable for most people gave her faith to touch Jesus’s garment. The years of despair did not destroy her faith, but made her a woman that could touch God’s heart. Her trial strengthened her faith; made her strong-minded, resilient, and unwavering; and built a character that could extract healing power from God. We can also trust our trials will not destroy, kill, or break us; but mold us into people that can touch heaven. Our trials came to build our faith and turn us into exceptional human beings; it will transform us into people that will stand out in a crowd and capture the heart of our savior. We will triumphantly walk thru the fire and come out with a ground breaking faith; which will dry up everything that stinks, offends, and is uncontrollable in our lives. We will fight this battle one day at a time, with an unrelenting supply of grace, knowing Jesus will also be visiting our lives soon. Yes, there will be days our trials will be unbearable to our flesh, but we must remember it is not by might, or power, but by the spirit of Christ, who has already won the victory. If it feels like the problems with your relationships, family, health, children, ministry, school, and workplaces is crushing you; trust that you have been empowered to bear, make, and take it. We will not capitulate under the sweltering pressure, but become people that heaven, God, and the world will notice!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU LIVING IN THE PAST?

2011-03-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

I am super elated about seeing my favorite worship team tonight. I discovered their music seven years ago and I have been immensely blessed by what their songs have done for my intimacy with Jesus. I recall going to their concert for the first time two years ago and having a glorious time. I cried, smiled, and wailed for the two hours; every song was a bridge to the healing, clarity, truth, restoration, peace, joy, and freedom I needed. So, as I drive in the heavy thunderstorm tonight, I have the same expectations. I have been going thru a dry spell and need Jesus to bring me back to my first love. I am trusting God to awaken my soul to a greater revelation of his presence, power, and love. I am not surprised to see the numerous people lined up; but I am amazed to hear the two girls in front of the parking garage have been waiting for four hours. It is also intriguing to see the five teenage boys in front of me waiting excitingly in the cold rain to see the Australian band; or the pre-med graduate, who is seeing the band for the first time with her younger sister; or the two dreamy college students from Long Island, who wishes to marry the band members; and the teenage worship leader from Buffalo, who is also hoping for a rekindled fire, and is encouraged to see that many young Christians existed. The lively music soon starts and the vivacious band bounces from one spirited song to another; it is refreshing to see the vast young adults around me jumping, thumping their fist, and singing along with the sizzling band. As I hear people sing, shout, and chant excitingly; I long to feel the same emotion I felt two years ago; but am feeling rather impassive. I hear a few people chanting glory, glory, glory; at that moment, I desperately ask Jesus to allow me to feel something too. My thoughts are interrupted by a band member, urging attendees to stop trying to analyze worship, but let God do what he wants to do in our hearts. I consequently close my eyes and lift my heart in sincere worship. I leave the concert later, not with the same sentiment I felt two years ago, but with a far-reaching truth that set my heart, mind, and soul free.

I went to that concert desiring my preceding experience; I wanted God to take me back to a place of confusion, pain, sadness, inanity, hopelessness, and lack of discernment; but the reality is am not the same person I was. I remember going to the concert two years ago with immense mind battles. There were weapons of the enemy’s lies assaulting me from various directions during that period. My faith was seriously under attack, but the worship from the concert proved to be a safe haven. The overwhelming external and internal battles were won by Jesus, as I found comfort in HIS embrace. However, I am in a much better place this year. The Lord has brought me to a greater depth in HIM and I certainly do not need an emotional worship experience to affirm that. I stand complete, contented, healed, transformed, joyful, and expectant in Christ. No longer do I let the uncontrollable factors in my environment dissuade my faith in a God that promised to do all things well in my life. Everything that can be shaken has already been shaken, the only things that remain in my heart is the unshakable love of my Savior. God is incessantly working in us; he is constantly chipping away what is crooked and rough. HE wants to give us a deeper revelation, but most of us are still stuck on yesterday’s encounter. We are still holding on to that one spotlight, moment, and experience; when God is calling us to greater things. God has already brought us to a higher stage in our journey, but we still long for what we felt in stage one. We are still clinging to the darkness, bondage, immaturity, and emotional baggage; when God is telling us we are better than that. If you are still trying to relive that one past great experience; open your heart to see how far God has brought you. No matter how you feel, the truth is your life is not what it used to be. You have been chosen, redeemed, and transformed. We don’t hold on to yesterdays’ beggarly elements, but are increasingly obliterating strongholds in the power of Christ and to the Glory of our God.

There was once a woman tormented by her adversaries due to a deficiency. The woman was barren, but married to a man that loved her dearly. The couple went to Shiloh on a particular day to worship. The woman prayed in bitterness of soul and wept profusely; she asked God to remember her. She vowed to dedicate the child to God if her prayer was answered. A priest noticed her while she was in the temple and prayed God grant her request. She subsequently conceived and brought the child back to the temple. As she left her young son with the priest, she praised God this time around. She rejoiced and thanked God for victory over her enemies. She declared HIS faithfulness, greatness, and strength. She then returned home with her husband and conceived five more children.

I love the transformation in this woman; her initial worship was bitter. She desperately needed to be heard and probably felt intimate with God as she prayed tearfully. That worship experience possibly stayed in her mind as an extraordinary moment, where she felt God heard her. The Lord turned her barren land into a fruitful one in subsequent years, which strengthened her faith. God gave her a precious fruit that was going to influence their world in unprecedented ways. She was a different woman when she returned to the temple subsequently. Imagine if she was trying to relive the emotions of her barren days; it would have been preposterous to revive that sour sentiment. She had no reason to cry; she was no longer a laughing stock, God had been good to her. Instead, she came with sacrifices of praise and offered her most precious gift. God was pleased with her worship and blessed her with even greater fruits. Our desperate cries have also been heard; God wants to heal us and give us fruits that will impact our world. As we re-explore those places in our relationships, careers, ministry, walk, and lives; we must leave the past bitter experiences behind and acknowledge God has brought us to a healthier place. We gleefully revisit these places in our lives, knowing the glory of our latter days will be greater than former. We can joyously embrace the incredible journey ahead; our past experience is no match for what God is about to do. We don’t relive the bitterness of our past, but trust the transforming power of Christ to keep increasing the fruits of our lives and taking us to higher grounds!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

IS YOUR CUP HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL?

2011-03-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

I am not exactly thrilled to be driving to the mechanic this morning; on my way to Stop and Shop last night, my car was over heating, smoke was coming out of my hood, all the warning lights were flashing, and it was extremely difficult to steer the wheel. I naturally panicked, but somewhat managed to get home safely. As I enter the repair shop, I notice a weary looking woman at the reception desk, who seems to be shivering from the cold lobby. After giving her my car details, I impatiently wait for the diagnosis. The mechanic eventually gave me the usual technical gibberish; it is going to cost me seven hundred dollars to fix the car! I reluctantly agree to the price, but am relieved the car will be fixed within two hours. The receptionist is asked to give me a ride to the library, while they fix my car. As I enter her SUV, she immediately launches into the trials and tribulations of working at the repair shop. My tank is empty and I need to refill the gas soon, I don’t really get reimbursed for driving customers, but I am getting paid in another few hours, so I will be able to buy gas, she says. Wow, you don’t get mileage reimbursement, that is not right, I respond. The lady goes on to tell me how she lost her job a few months back; is unable to get unemployment benefits or find a job; how she has two young kids; how she does not like to depend on her boyfriend or anyone; how everyone is telling her to get social service aide; and how she recently got the part time receptionist job, but barely makes end meet. This is such a bad time in my life, I am just really struggling, she says. I empathize with her and offer to pay for gas, but she declines. I get a phone call from the mechanic afterwards, informing me I will not be getting the car back, because they found more problems. The lady is sent back to give me a ride home. I am upset, since it is impossible to get around without a car in my neighborhood, but I tell the lady, I hope everything works out for her. The next few minutes proves extremely frustrating as I take a taxi to AVIS, after speaking to the representative, who fails to mention a vital information on the phone; after wasting $45 dollars on taxi fares, failing to secure a rental car, and getting really tired from a flu, I feel like am having the worst day.

While I had a pretty rough day that Saturday afternoon, it was nothing compared to what that lady was going thru. I was frustrated because my car broke down; it was costing me a fortune to fix the problem; I had to deal with an incompetent AVIS employee; the mechanic misinformed me, which did not allow enough time to prepare for a contingency plan; I did not feel like taking public transportation to church the next day; and I had the flu. Although, these are valid problems, but I thankfully have resources to fix these issues. However, the lady was stuck in a terrible situation with two little children. My problem seems so miniscule compared to hers; I wished I could have done something to help her. She changed my view and allowed me to see how fortunate I am to be able to fill my gas tank, without having to wait to get paid; am not stuck working in an unheated room; and God provided me with money for public transportation. I realize things were not as bad as they could be. I found perspective for my imperceptions; gratefulness for my ingratitude; and liberality for my pettiness. How many of us are whining about problems we are having with our spouses, children, jobs, schools, cars, houses, cell phones, cable services, video games, iPad, travel agents, and numerous other service companies; but forget we are lucky to have these people in our lives and privileged to be able to have these things or afford to go these places. If you are tempted to complain about the seemingly gargantuan obstacle God allowed in your life today, let God revamp your viewpoint, so you can see just how fortunate and blessed you are!

A leprous Syrian official was once instructed by a prophet to wash in the Jordan River seven times to get healed. However, the official got angry and decided to return home. He thought the prophet should have instantaneously called on God to heal him. He was furious at the prophet for sending him to wash in a river in Israel; he wondered why the prophet could not send him to better rivers in Damascus. Subsequently, his servants persuaded him to heed to the prophet’s suggestion. The servants questioned the man’s logic by asking if he would not have obeyed if he was asked to do something great; but why would he not, when he is just being asked to wash and get healed. The official yielded to the advice of his servants; followed the prophet’s instructions and got healed.

Imagine if this official allowed his pride, anger, ego, unbelief, and misapprehension to ruin his blessing. This man made a mountain out of a mole; I wonder why a request so small in comparison to the rewards would produce such a reaction. He was apparently annoyed because things were not going as he had imagined. After all, he was a prominent Syrian official that probably have people at his beck and call; he was used to having things done his ways. Perhaps, this was the first time things were not going as he envisioned, planned, and hoped; which apparently caused the superfluous emotional reaction. Fortunately, his servants were able to convince him that what seems so infuriating is actually something beneficial. If you find yourself getting peeved because things are not going your way, or the way you imagined, intended, or prepared; remember that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than yours. Don’t let your past experience, self -image, and assumptions dictate how God should do things in your life. That disconcerting setback is possibly the very thing that will bring the desired blessing you have been praying for. If you are getting exasperated, irritated, and upset about the difficulty you are facing; take time to listen to the Holy Spirit. It is not about what we are being asked to do, but the ONE who is asking us to walk the path before us. We must trust HIS character will only do us good and not harm; what looks debasing, unnecessary, redundant, and like a complete waste of time is the river that will bring the life and healing we so long for. We should allow the voice of Christ to persuade us to see things are not as bad as our flesh sometimes make them look; our minds must be persistently renewed to see the cup set before us is half full and never half empty!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU PROTECTED?

2011-03-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

The library has become a second home since I became a blogger, so I am no longer surprised by the vast outlandish characters that are always here. I am definitely not too concerned about the man breathing heavily beside me , talking out loud to the computer in front of him; or the homeless man that just wandered in, mumbling to himself; or the older gay gentleman that always seem to forget he is in the library and is usually having loud conversation with anyone willing to listen; or the ostensibly pregnant Slavic older man seemingly fixated on me; or the man shouting obscenities to the music he is listening too; and I am surely not too stunned by the nerdish looking middle age man that is always having a deep conversation with his computer. No, there is nothing too alarming about these people, this is a typical day in the library; and by now, I am used to these bizarre scenarios. However, after a somewhat productive time, I drive to Target. I pick up a few groceries and head out to the parking lot; as I put the foodstuff in my car and turn around to return the shopping cart, a somewhat strange looking man, fidgeting with his gloves approaches me. Can you help me with something miss, the man mumbles. I immediately notice there is no one around or no car passing by, a deep fear instantaneously sinks in. NO, NO, NO, I can not help you, I reply firmly and fearfully simultaneously. The man then turns around and walks into the darker and more isolated part of the lot. I hurriedly return the cart and dash into my car at an unprecedented speed. After catching my breath, I decide to follow him, to see if I can catch him harassing someone else, but I can not find him. As I make a u turn to exit the parking lot, I notice a police car standing close to where the man approached me; they seem to be looking for someone. I am guessing they were notified by someone else that was approached by the suspicious looking man.

As I drove home that Friday night, the horror of what could have happened rushed thru my mind. I just could not believe how close I was to God knows what. I was seriously freaked out by the incident and just could never have imagined a Target errand turning into a nightmare. My first instinct was to change my evening food shopping routine or to immediately find a store that sells mace or pepper spray. However, as I agonize, fret, plan, and prepare for future similar encounters; the Holy Spirit reminded me my helps comes from the ONE who does not slumber or sleep. After all, there was not much preventing that man from committing a criminal act, but the shadow of God’s wings that always cover me was shielding me. My protection from past, present, or any future attacks comes from the ONE whose eyes are always over me. I can not allow that occurrence to engulf me with fear and control everything I do; I can decide to never go to that Target or shop at night again. However, the knowledge of God’s love for me is powerful enough to remove all traces of fear; I can trust God to protect me and cast every care on him, because HE genuinely cares. Believers should not allow problematic factors, incidents, and people in our world to control the life and life in abundance we have been promised. While the rest of the world may run when no one is chasing them, we are called to be bold as a lion in the midst of a wicked and falling world. We are to prudently approach every situation in the strength of Christ, trusting the entire host of heaven is watching over us. We are not fearful people, but have been given the spirit of power to march thru the darkest woods and stride thru the thickest wilderness. Fear will not chase us out of our neighborhoods, schools, ministries, jobs, destinies, and every other path we are called to freely dwell and prosper; we will face every day, challenge, difficulty, and tyrant; riding on the wings of our valiant, majestic, and fearless King.

A Syrian king once intended to war against Israel; he chose a specific place to attack his victims. However, Elisha warned the King of Israel of his intentions, saving his life a few times. The Syrian king was furious at the prophet and sent a massive troop to find him. These vicious armed forces arrived at night time. When Elisha’s servant saw the copious army, he frightfully asked Elijah what to do. The prophet pacified his fears, stating there are more people on their side than those against them; he subsequently prayed the Lord opens the eyes of his fearful servant, who was then able to see the chariots and horses of fire encamping around them. The Syrian soldiers were subsequently smote with blindness and led somewhere else.

The King of Israel could have abdicated his throne and taken a lower profile to stay alive; he could have taken asylum in another nation; and he could have become a less effective king by allowing fear to halt him. However, we serve a God that knows the secret of evil men’s heart and will be faithful to warn his children. The Syrian King also decided to attack the prophet at night while they were sleeping and probably least sensitive to their environment. Even though, the prophet’s servant was initially scared when he saw the troops, his fear was placated when his eyes were opened to the unbeatable heavenly militia supernaturally sent to protect them. We can be assured all plans of the enemy’s attack in specific areas of our lives, when we are spiritually asleep and least sensitive to our surroundings, will also be revealed to us; God will be merciful to show us all premeditated plans of the devil, which will innumerably save us from devastations, heartaches, losses, failures, and tragedies. We will not let the enemy’s threats override us with fear, render us immobile, or oust us from positions, places, and people we have been called to influence. As we give repetitive blows to the enemy and take consistent victories in that specific area he is trying to attack us, we are bound to put the kingdom of hell in confusion. Our unswerving triumph may increase the offensive attack on our faith, but we are surrounded by a celestial fiery army. We have been equipped with more power, faith, grace, and protection than anything else that may seem overwhelmingly threatening. Christ will continue to blind the enemy to everything that is valued in our faith, relationships, households, jobs, neighborhood, cities, and countries. We will not live in fear regardless of what looks disconcerting around us, but allow God to always open our hearts to see, know, and understand that we are a protected people!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

HOW COURAGEOUS ARE YOU?

2011-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

My Sunday has been filled with encounters with remarkably gutsy
people: from chatting with the Floridian couple that decided to quit their jobs and open their own family practice six years back; to the sweet girl, who embarked on a spirited journey with Jesus after losing her mother; to meeting the three lovely Brazilian Au Pairs that just migrated to the country for a year and are excited about the church; to the intelligent College of Staten Island student hoping to be a movie producer in a male dominated profession; to chatting with the gorgeous aspiring actress, who moved to NY from Virginia to pursue her dreams; to the stunning model, who just finished her first shoot for Seventeen and desires a long successful modeling career; to talking with church first timers, real estate attorney and her financial analyst boyfriend; to chatting with the highly reserved health care product consultant, who is checking out the church for the first time after seeing it online; and to the accountant, who says he is not a Christian, but came to church because he likes the music. However, the highlight of my bravado encounters is listening to the anointed worship pastor, who recently migrated from his home country to join the church. I am usually waiting by my phone to get emails, twitter updates, and phone calls from my friends whenever you guys have services, it is great to finally be here, he says. The man went on to share his excitement about the church and how he looks forward to getting to know the congregants in the next few weeks or months. I am thankful New York was gracious enough to allow me to come, he says, as he leads the church into that glorious throne of grace.

While the level of gutsiness varies for all these people, I think it takes bravery to take the steps they have taken. It certainly takes backbone, conviction, and courage to quit a secured job to start your own business; trust a God, who allows tragedy; to come live with an unknown family for a year in a new country; to choose a testing career path; to chase a dream most people fail to catch; to select a career solely based on your looks; to try, join, and commit to new things; and for that celebrated worship leader to leave his beloved country and embrace a new one. It requires faith to be excited about an unknown future or to be grateful for the reception of an unfamiliar path. However, believers that know their God will be strong and enabled to do exploit for HIS kingdom. It is the knowledge of a God; whose love, grace, and mercy never founders which motivates us to test uncharted waters, take calculated risks, make unpopular choices, accept inundating challenges, and choose to see God’s goodness in our lowest moments. Knowing God is trusting HIM to take us places only his grace can carry us and making us people only his spirit can mold us into. Personally, I admire people that can make such radical decisions; the moments I chose to take risky chances with God were filled with sometimes incomprehensible challenges, but the rewards were far much greater. However, the times I have been afraid to take leaps of faith usually leave me immobile, where I am not moving forward or backward. I know without trials, there are sometimes no testimonies; without leaving our limited past, we will never see our boundless future; without letting go of the miniature, we can never receive the greater gifts; without transcending boundaries, we never embrace new territories; and without escaping what causes misery, we can never find what brings joy. Our knowledge of God is what removes fear to tread on new grounds, tear down restraining walls, and navigate untrendy roads. If you find yourself fearing the unknown, untested, and unseen in any area of your life; get acquainted with Jesus and allow him to empower you with an unshakable faith to tackle these areas. Find strength today to mend what is stagnating in your life from the ONE who holds your tomorrow.

On a very windy day, Jesus decided to take a stroll on a sea. When the disciples noticed him, they cried out in fear thinking it was a spirit. Jesus immediately pacified their fear, reassuring them it was HIM. Peter wanting to confirm it was really Jesus asked if he could join him. Jesus beckons Peter, but as he started to walk on the sea, he noticed the boisterous wind and got scared. Peter began to sink and asked Jesus for help. Jesus instantaneously stretched out his hand to rescue Peter and reprimanded him for doubting and not having enough faith.

It is interesting that Jesus chose to walk on water on a very windy day, when the waves were powerful enough to toss the ship. Considering the nature of the wind, the time of this incident, and unusualness of the occurrence; it was only natural for the disciples to be troubled and afraid. I love that Peter choose to walk a terrifying path that will lead him to Jesus. Although Peter was courageous enough to start this journey, his faltering faith disallowed him from finishing it. Instead of keeping his eyes fixed on the destination and the ONE who was calling him; he was fixated on the tumultuous wind, which escalated his fear, and lead to his failure. However, the moment Peter called to Jesus for help, he was instantaneously rescued. We can also embark on every uncommon, daunting, uncustomary, and new path God is calling us too. What gives us courage to step out of our boats is the affirmation that Jesus is the ONE calling us. Sure, there will be moments the rambunctious winds will takes our eyes off our destiny and the ONE calling us to the plenteous harvest; but we can be assured that when it feels like we are about to sink, the mighty hands of our Savior will be quick to rescue us from submersing. We should never forget Jesus has gone before us on this sometimes frightening journey and he specifically chose the timing and trials which comes with the path he is calling us too. We have to keep our eyes on Jesus in spite of all petrifying distractions; never doubt the keeping power of our Savior; and keep the faith on the journey ahead. Whatever fresh path God is opening in your relationships, careers, ministry, and future; don’t be afraid to step out of the boat once you hear the voice of Jesus calling you. No matter how raucous the winds get or how far off course our ship gets tossed in the coming days , our faith in Christ will keep our head above the raging sea. We will not drown, but find courage to triumphantly walk the exceptional path ahead of us!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

2011-02-17T05:25:00.000-08:00

Something is missing in my worship tonight, but I can’t figure it out. I should be enjoying the presence of God; after all, today is the long awaited launch of the weekly service for my church. My day has already been filled with random joy; from watching the loving interaction of a mum with an adorable five year old, who is bent on showing me her karate skills; to meeting the pleasant Norwegian model, who is excited about her involvement in the fashion week; to conversing with the affable Jamaican immigrant, who seem to be struggling with trusting God with her future; and chatting with the Indonesian couple about their stirring love story. I could not have asked for a better day, but I can not seem to connect to the source of my greatest joy. It definitely has nothing to do with the fantastic guest worship leader, or brilliant choice of songs by the worship team, or the non-preferred seat I find myself. My mind is bombarded by nonsensical thoughts that are apparently crippling my ability to adore the ONE I love. I am still wondering if I creped out the girl sitting next to me earlier at the coffee shop; I had asked if she was related to someone I knew; no, I don’t think so, she replies puzzlingly. Afterward, I notice a toddler lagging behind his parent and let out a somewhat audible gasp, this must have irritated the girl as she sighs in frustration and leaves right after. Subsequently, after introducing a girl I knew to the Indonesian couple, she thought it was weird I told them her profession. These two scenarios keep running thru my mind and I wonder if the girl at the coffee shop also thought I was weird. As my mind goes back and forth trying to analyze these two encounters, I am gently quickened by the spirit to remember who I am in Christ. It is undeniably not in my character to care what people think of me, but by the time I allow this truth to set my mind free, the worship is over. I had planned on just attending one service, but my distracting thoughts have robbed me of my most cherished church experience. I am highly unsatisfied with my day now and need to take back the moments stolen by my gratuitous thoughts. When I allow God to lift my love for HIM higher than everything else; my heart is renewed, my spirit refreshed, and my mind uncluttered as I bask in the glorious presence of God in the succeeding two services.

It is incredible to see how one bad word, thought, idea, postulation, and conclusion can ruin every other great thing God is doing or wants to do in our lives. I could only focus on the one bad connection instead of the other six seemingly great encounters with people before that first service. For all I care, the girl could have been frustrated at a text message from a boyfriend and the teenage girl I introduced could be using the word weird in the most innocent context. However, I allowed the devil to momentarily use an unwarranted supposition to fashion a weapon against me. Even if the girls were freaked out by my unusual friendliness; perhaps, it is a flaw in their thinking that should come under scrutiny. However, if my actions were wrong, then it is something I should have given to God, trusting he will perfect that which concerns me. Whatever the case, my mind has been renewed to no longer allow the opinions of people to define who I am or how I should be, think, and act. There is a truth that rings louder than the enemy’s voice, which allows me to only hear what God has to say about every situation; it is a truth powerful enough to unclog my disheveled mind; overhaul my warped thinking; and plunge me into the Holies of Holies. We should be mindful of the enemy’s tactics to distract us from things that ultimately matters; his strategies are meant to paralyze our relationships with family, friends, loved ones, people in our world, and with God. We are not ignorant of his devices and should never allow outlandish assumptions, ridiculous conclusions, twisted words, warped ideals, premature judgments, and absurd generalizations to ruin our most esteemed treasures. The battle is for the mind and we have a most effective sword of truth to fight the fiery darts of the enemy. If there is a battle going on in your mind that is beginning to rob what is important in your relationships, homes, jobs, ministry, and walk with God; find courage to restore what the devil is stealing from you and allow the prevailing truth of Christ to renew, reshape, and refill your mind.

A group of Pharisees once came to Jesus, demanding he showed them a sign. Jesus rebuked these Pharisees, telling them there will be no signs given to them. He warned his disciples to be cautious of the leaven of the Pharisees afterwards. His disciples had forgotten to take bread and only had a loaf with them when Jesus warned them about the Pharisees; they falsely concluded it was due to their undependability for not having enough bread. As the disciples allowed their minds to play tricks on them, Jesus immediately discerned their thoughts and questioned their logic. He asked if their heart is hardened and they can not see, understand, perceive, and remember how he used five loaves to feed five thousand, with twelve baskets of leftovers; and seven loaves to feed four thousand, with seven baskets of leftovers.

I can envision the disciples disputing about the bread. They probably started pointing fingers and accusing one another. Perhaps, two or three of these disciples were specifically designated for buying bread. The designees were likely beating themselves up about their unreliability; the devil probably brought a few incidents of past negligent acts to their memory to strengthen the weapon he was forming against their minds. The designees were also likely analyzing, dissecting, questioning, revaluating, and hypothesizing where they went wrong and what could be done better in the future. Jesus was right in the midst of their commotion and interjected their thoughts with his irresistible voice. HE quickened their minds to remember the provision, greatness, miracles, and wonders found in HIM. We can also stop allowing the devil to use his mind distorting weapon to cause unnecessary fuss in our relationships with people in our world. We should stop taking words, ideas, things, and situations out of context; but learn to really hear what God is trying to tell us in all circumstances. For every issue we are battling in our minds today, Jesus is asking us to open our hearts to see, perceive, remember, and understand HIS awesomeness in our insufficiencies, inconsistencies and inadequacies. We no longer succumb to the venomous voice of the enemy, but saturate our minds with a liberating TRUTH that persistently sets us free!!!

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

2011-02-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

Two voices reverberate in my mind as I drive home this Thursday night. I met a pleasant girl a few minutes ago at church. The Communication major is a college sophomore from Delaware, who left her old church because no one knew her name. She tells me about her recent internship at a prestigious company, her walk with the Lord; plus her high expectations about the church and future. I believe getting that internship was God and am very excited to see where it will take me, she says. The night swiftly ends and I find myself at a coffee shop. As I try taking a corner seat, a peculiar blonde hair lady, probably in her seventies or eighties, with heavy make up, comes swiftly to tell me the seat is taken. That man is so tall, she says in a thick accent, while looking at the man behind us. Yes, he is and tall is good, I respond. Where are you from, I ask. I am from Argentina, she replies. Wow, the land of Tango, do you use to tango back in the days, I ask jokingly. Oh yes, I use to dance when I was younger, I worked with the airlines, and traveled all over the world, she responds. She goes on to tell me about the friends she will be hanging out with afterwards; how she is not looking for any serious relationship; how men just like to use women; how men dump older women for younger ones when they are tired of sleeping with them; how men are always drinking and messing around; how all men are “no good” with only one thing on their mind; and how she is fed up with men. With some men, you just know it won’t work out, I reply. Yes; I am going out with my friends tonight, it should be fun, but we are all just friends, I don’t need to meet a man tonight, she repeats again. After pausing for a few minutes, she compliments my net book; it is so pretty, she says. The woman leaves a few minutes later and I tell her to have fun.

The outlooks of these two people are fascinating; I love that the college sophomore was expecting great things from a God, who was faithful enough to provide her with an internship, lead her to a new church, and will keep opening doors to the incredible future HE has for her and anyone that puts their hope, faith, and confidence in HIS capable hands. On the contrary, I wonder what will posses a senior citizen to have such a dreary view. This woman has probably been bitten multiple times by some “no good” men, but I also wonder if her negatives viewpoint is responsible for her current plight. She possibly started out with a positive standpoint on men and a bad experience likely crippled her perspective. This mindset permeated every fiber of her being; affecting her thinking, beliefs, judgment, and philosophy. She probably attracted men that matched her low expectations, which further damaged her attitude. Her negativity affected her outlook, which naturally influenced the outcome. God was perhaps showing me thru these women to either look at HIS past goodness in my life and anticipate great things; or allow past bad experiences to affect my future hopes. I firmly think you get what you believe with God; the greater your expectations, the more of HIS outstretched arms you see. We come to Christ knowing there is a reward for those who diligently seek HIM. Our hearts have been revamped to never allow past experiences to lower our future prospects from the ONE who makes all things new; we don’t censure an entire species based on past experience with a few bad seeds. We start with a clean slate with every situation God brings along our path and only make a righteous judgment as the spirit leads us. We can either choose to hear God or the negatives voices around us; no matter how dark, bitter, unredeemable, hopeless, heartbreaking, excruciating, sad, and forgettable our past experiences have been; Christ is urging us not to harden our hearts, but hear his resonating voice of hope, redemption, and life. He is telling us to see the future, instead of our past; the possibilities, instead of the limitations; and HIS vastness, instead of our smallness.

There were once ten virgins that started on a journey to meet a bridegroom. Five of these virgins took extra oil supply with them, while the others failed to bring along this very essential element. The virgins waited, waited, and kept waiting; the long wait made their soul weary as they all dozed off. At midnight, a voice announced the arrival of the groom, instructing these ladies to go meet their knight in shining armor. The lamps of the ones without extra oil supply were unsurprisingly gone out and they needed to refill them; while they were gone, the bride groom came and the five with burning lamps made it to the superb marriage ceremony.

These women started with some faith in their heart; five of them knew the initial deposit received at the beginning of their journey was not sufficient to carry them to the end. Waiting for the bridegroom was draining on all ten virgins; it made them tired, sleepy, and lethargic. All these women went thru the same gruesome experience, but only the ones that had enough fuel to keep their expectation alive got to see the promise. Also, all ten virgins heard the voice of the bridegroom, but only the five with smoldering faith were empowered to follow the voice. At the moment of their redemption, the wise virgins were not caught up in the misery of their valley of waiting; the indispensable faith they were carrying enabled them to forget their past sorrow and they were consequently propelled to their Promised Land. Without the supernatural grace to see beyond the darkness around them, it will be impossible to see the bridegroom. They needed strength beyond their own to see the beauty of the groom in their midnight hour. We must also carry an extra supply of anticipation in our vessel; this crucial constituent is what will lighten our candle in our darkest hour. The supply we had at the beginning of our life, journey, and walk is not guaranteed to take us to our desired destiny; we need to persistently carry an extra doze of faith in our heart. The more we expect, the brighter our destiny paths become; and the less we anticipate, the dimmer our path gets. We don’t rely on yesterday’s supply of HIS presence, but incessantly renew our faith to see HIM in our midnight hour. Our past valley experiences do not delineate our future expectations. We have been superfluously equipped for the extensive journey ahead; while there may be moments of exhaustion, doubts, and fatigue; the resounding voice of our Savior will exquisitely revitalize us and the undying hope in a God that never fails will guide us to our spectacular ceremonial end!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT ARE YOU SACRIFICING?

2011-02-03T12:29:00.001-08:00

I can do magic, says the little boy beside me. Really, show me some tricks, I reply animatedly. The boy goes on to put a straw on his upper lips, tilting his head back to hold the straw in place. Wow, that is amazing, I reply smiling. Can you make things disappear, I ask. The boy then crumbles the paper in his hand and hides it under his butt; very nice, I respond. How old are you? I am five and will be six in July, he answers. He subsequently runs off to get his mum. The mother is a Jamaican immigrant, who is a Nurse Aide for an occasional wearisome ninety year old dementia patient. She can be sometimes difficult to deal with, but I have a heart for my job, and really like the family I work for, she says. Dealing with cranky old people can be trying; you definitely should have a heart for them, since the pay is probably not that great, I respond. No, the money is really good; I work for a private family that pays me well, she promptly replies. She then tells me about her two family home; how she wanted a house in a more affluent area, but ended up where she is; and how she is unhappy with her three bedroom house. I am trying to buy a private single family home, since I am so used to having a large house with enormous rooms back in Jamaica. I just can’t live in the tiny space I have now, she says. Sell this house before buying another one, I propose. Oh no, I bought it for my son; the house pays for itself and I make enough to cover a second mortgage, she replies. She subsequently tells me how she has been working hard all these years; when you work hard, you reap the benefit, she says tiredly. You seem really exhausted, you should go home and sleep, I say. I am still going to watch my shows tonight, she replies. What shows do you like, I ask? I enjoy watching the Housewives shows, because I hope to live like those rich people eventually, she responds. I also find out about her husband, her stepson that recently migrated from Jamaica, the numerous extra curricular activities her son does, and his obsession with fire fighter outfits, but inability to read. I suggest more personal attention and educational TV programs may help the boy’s reading and also commend her vast accomplishments for a thirty three year old on my way out.

I can sense this woman is probably not a believer, but her willingness to work hard for all she hopes to acquire is admirable; and her love for her child is undisputable. While there is nothing wrong in wanting the biggest house on the block; her seemingly fixation to tell me about her achievements than pay attention to the periodically whining child beside her made me question her priorities. Perhaps, while this woman is busy trying to keep up with reality TV stars, buying her child surplus material goods, working crazy hours to buy superfluous things; she may be failing to give the most valuable gift of time to her child. Why does this ostensibly successful woman appear unsatisfied with her life? While striving for the lives of the affluent house wives on TV, she overlooked the sometimes devastating sacrifices these people make to reach that stratum. It would have been easy to want her life, since she is my age, but have everything I don’t. However, I have learned to never compare myself to others and all that glitters is not gold. Knowing am in the center of God’s will gives me contentment. I am not behind or ahead of schedule in Christ’s plan. I indisputably don’t crave other people’s lives, kids, houses, spouses, or any of their material goods. Sure, there are things I desire and believe God will give me according to his perfect will and timing. However, I will not move one step ahead of God or sacrifice anything of value to climb non-predestined ladders. Believers have inherited a gold tried in fire that makes us wealthy; while we may not have the glimmer and glamour of our neighbor, we have the Precious Cornerstone. We don’t sacrifice priceless things to gain shallow accolades. Our satisfaction is in Christ and we should never compromise our beliefs, standards, and convictions. If you are tempted to covet other people’s goods, remember that you belong to the GREAT PROVIDER, who has not forgotten you. You are not called to emulate the life of your neighbor, but to honor the ONE, who sacrificed his only son. While you may not have Bill Gate’s savings account, you never have to sacrifice anything of worth to be enriched by the Possessor of Heaven and Earth!

A wealthy Syrian official once came to a renowned prophet in Israel to be healed of his leprosy. He was miraculously healed and offered the prophet his many assets, but he declined. Gehazi, a servant of the prophet, was watching the transaction between the two and secretly craving these goods. When the wealthy official departed, Gehazi runs after him and fabricated a story. He says his master requested a small percentage of his riches and the official gladly gave Gehazi more than he asked for. When he got back home, the prophet immediately discerned his dishonesty and asked rhetorically, if this is a time to receive material possessions. He subsequently cursed Gehazi and his seeds with leprosy.

Gehazi was probably fantasizing about this non-ordained wealth for a while and decided to force the door open. The time spent in sneaking out to get those goods could have been used to learn from the prophet. Gehazi was clearly not content with his life. We can only imagine the future God planned for him; after all, his master became great by simply choosing to serve another prophet. In comparison to eternal treasures, it is sad to see what he was willing to sacrifice for meager commodities. Perhaps, if he had stayed the God ordained path, he could have become a greater prophet than his master; but his lust cost him the likely unrivaled destiny God had for him. Gehazi not only ruined his calling, but also the future of his descendants. The wasted time used in his cursory quest brought a generation curse on his family and a perpetual destruction on his offspring. We can also stop coveting superficial chattels, but use our time prudently with everything we have been blessed with. It is not time to lust after the goods of the wealthy “Syrians” around us, but the moment to spend time with our Master, Jesus. These prized moments are what fill us with immeasurable portions of anointing to radiantly affect our relationships, family, homes, and world. Our hearts have been beautifully changed to desire heavenly treasures and not empty pursuits. We are ceaselessly quickened by the Spirit to set our priority straight; we NEVER sacrifice what is precious for what is worthless!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

2011-01-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

I am awake earlier than usual this Sunday morning as my minds run thru the disconcerting challenges ahead. I am confident of God’s love and know he is in control; after all, he had been preparing my heart for this battle long before I was informed of the undesirable changes at work. This is a refiner’s fire that will purify me as gold, but that is not giving me any momentarily comfort. I drag myself out of bed unexcitedly to pour out my heart to Jesus and commit my day to him. However, I am still highly insouciant about the events of the day and am certainly not eager about hosting at my church tonight. It is uncharacteristic of me to be nonchalant about serving God, but I can not fake what I am not feeling. I decide to visit another church and simply sit at the feet of Jesus. I am highly refreshed as I bask in the presence of God, but my apathy quickly sneaks back when I leave the church. I will definitely rather sit at a coffee shop and get some work done than go to church tonight; but my commitment to Christ requires me to deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow HIM; so I drag my feet to the venue and ask Jesus for help. It is certainly a supernatural love I feel for the lovely make up artist that is sharing her testimony in front of me; the numerous church attendees which am so eager to see and welcome on this unmercifully cold night; the pleasant TV journalist looking for a church home; the adorable, but struggling case worker for teenagers with behavior problems; the endearing NYU pre law student with a secret divine desire; the sweet Mass Communication major, who recently migrated from Minnesota; the reserved young man from a conservative church in Florida; the advertising personnel originally from Texas; and the enjoyable three students from Einstein medical school. It is surely a heavenly joy am feeling as I raise my hands in worship, when the engaging worship leader reminds me that my chains are gone and I have been set free; and to exalt and surrender to God because of all that he is and can be. As the surprisingly fulfilling night rapidly ends and I find myself urging a delightful recently engaged girl to trust God with her future; I realize that ONLY GOD could have given me the much needed grace for what turn out to be an awesome evening!

I woke up seriously concerned about the discomfort of the reorganization at work and that sentiment naturally overflowed to my outlook for the day. With my impassive disposition, I just simply could not summon the right heart to do what God was calling me to do. My failure to trust God for future challenges had clouded my ability to find strength in HIM for my present one. However, God showed me the grace to meet every test is available at the time of need. After all, I did not think I would have the right countenance for my ministry that night; but as I ask Jesus for help, I found everything I needed for life and godliness in HIM. God always shows up in time for every complexity that comes our way. I surprisingly found the grace for my current commission at the right moment. It is ironic how we worry about future obstacles, when God’s mercy and grace consistently shows us in our present situations. If God can handle that particular day’s challenge, then he can be trusted for my future impediments. In Christ, I found tolerance for my intolerance; enthusiasm for my apathy; joy for my grumpiness; compassion for my indifference; and vision for my blindness. We may not always see the way out of our imminent quandaries; but we trust the God that showed up in our current crisis will be faithful to meet every future need. If you are suddenly faced with an impossible mountain to climb in any area of your life; you can trust the strength, heart, and grace to tackle your dilemma will come just in time from the ultimate Mountain Mover!

Peter must have been heavily burdened when he was asked to confirm his love for Jesus and commanded to feed HIS sheep/lambs three times. It was likely overwhelming to think of the tasks, temptations, and trials ahead of him. Jesus then told his disciples they will receive power of the Holy Ghost to be his witness, right before he ascended into heaven. Envision the intricate emotions Peter was feeling as he realized he is to assume the leadership position for the church. Impulsive Peter must have felt incapable, inadequate, and unqualified. There were probably moments he would have rather gone home to be with his wife or back to being a fisher man. He was possibly filled with mixed emotions as he journeyed back to Jerusalem and the burden of the church laid heavily on his shoulder. However, as they gathered in the upper room to pray, a divine boldness empowered Peter to address the numerous believers there. Subsequently, these disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost on Pentecost and a supernatural audacity again quickened Peter to preach, adding a notable three thousand believers to the church.

Impetuous Peter went from being a man that ostensibly could not be trusted into someone that led the church into receiving the Holy Ghost power. Imagine the awe he felt when three thousand people responded to the altar call. People must have been amazed to hear the new spirit filled Peter. He was probably not like that when Jesus was on earth and there was no sign he was that intrepid on their way back from Mount Olivet, where Jesus ascended to heaven. However, the moment they prayed, a supernatural boldness came upon Peter to address the initial disciples and later the crowd on the day of Pentecost. The power, anointing, and heart to be the unmovable rock, which Christ could build his house upon came just in time. Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost right before he had to address that crowd and became a different man instantaneously. He found courage for his cowardice; trustworthiness for his fickleness; and forethought for his rashness. We can also trust God for every undertaking, problem, and unfeasibility in our lives. While our past record or present disposition may not be victorious, our most majestic triumph is ahead of us. We will find a celestial strength in time for every overshadowing burden, circumstance, and trial. On our knees, we will find power to step on every impossible platform and the fortitude to address all power of darkness threatening our minds, relationships, homes, jobs, ministry, and future. While we may not be able to handle our pending troubles, we serve the ONE who can. We will not crumble in the face of the daunting mission ahead of us, but stand on our unswerving Rock of Ages, who is up for every intimidating challenge that comes our way!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

CAN YOU BE BROKEN?

2011-01-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

There is something odd about the lady sleeping beside me for the last four hours. She seems pretty normal, apart from the two traveling bags she is clasping; but why will she be sleeping at a coffee shop if she has somewhere to go. She can barely keep her eyes open; and seem really sad and preoccupied in the few seconds she is awake. It is very cold in here, I say to the partially awake lady. Yes, they always make it cold, she replies resignedly. You look really tried, are you going home soon, I ask. No, I have no home to go too, she replies sadly. I am sorry to hear that, do you at least have a shelter to go, I respond. No, I don’t like shelters, I am just going to stay here till they close and find another open store, she replies. How did this happen, were you working before, what happened to your home, I ask concernedly. I am deeply heartbroken as I listen to her story. Jennifer, who is originally from Guyana, was evicted from her basement apartment with her teenage daughter a while back. She shares how she has fought with the government to keep her daughter in a good foster home; how it has been hard dealing with city agencies that are not willing to give her a job, but just provides food stamps and transportation passes; how these agencies put her in a “ Work Skills” program, where she has spent time teaching others, but they are not willing to pay her; how she has been disrespected, insulted, and put down by government workers; and how she has been judged to be another lazy crack head and irresponsible minority by the welfare system. I am tired of dealing with the government and I really don’t need their help; I am going to make it on my own; I have written some poetry that will be published soon, she says. Jennifer has relatives in the country, but is unwilling to burden them; and says it is very hard for old friends to see her the way she is, due to her affluence past. Jennifer goes to church, believes in God, and says she still meditate on the comforting words of her father, who introduced her to Christ. God has been there for me, she says. I offer a little help, encourage her to keep trusting God, and recommend churches that may have programs for displaced women on my way out.

This woman’s attitude is highly remarkable considering everything she has been thru. I love that she is still able to declare the goodness of God in the midst of her storm; and hold on to redeemable scraps and pieces of her past. While I don’t doubt she will eventually be brought out of her predicament; God may also be performing some spiritual reconstruction in her. Jesus never gives us more than we can bear and will never forsake his despairing children. However, there are moments we need to allow God to break us in trials, so he can rebuild us into something phenomenal. Though we should never let people, trials, and circumstances break our spirit; we must allow Christ to change everything that is unlike HIM. While Jennifer may not need the futile help of the government, she probably needs the help of relatives or other willing people. She may need to come to a place where she is fully broken before God and no longer holds on to the standards of her affluence past. When we decrease, God’s strength is exponentially magnified. It is in dying that we find God is alive in our dilemma; in pain, we realize HE can heal our wounds; in our solitude, we find HIM to be a friend; and in our need, HE becomes our ultimate provider. We should never let our past image deter the potential blessings in our present condition. It is not who you think you are or should be, but who God wants to make you into that matter. If you find yourself in a devastating difficulty in any area of your life, but you are still holding on to a past reflection of yourself; let go of this image, so you can be superbly molded into an exceptional vessel fit for our Master’s use!

Joseph was fallaciously thrown into prison; the images of being the most beloved son of a wealthy Israelite or an ex- overseer in the house of Pharaoh’s official are all distant memory. However, God’s presence undergirded his life. Joseph likely submitted himself to the authorities of the prison, did everything he was asked without complaining, went beyond and above the call of duty, and was very reliable. Subsequently, Joseph was assigned to serve two employees of Pharaoh that were thrown in jail. Joseph approached this duty with the same unfaltering disposition; he encouraged these men when they were downcast about a nightmare and willingly offered to interpret their dreams. Joseph humbly pled with them to remember him when they get out of prison, but his kindness was quickly forgotten. However, God did not forget him. He later interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and was made 2nd in command to the King.

I admire Joseph’s perseverance and ability to make the best of every situation. This man had been thru hell and back; but it never stopped him from trusting God to use people in his world to help him. I can envision just how broken, betrayed, embarrassed, and upset he was after being falsely accused. His initial experience in the prison system must have been insulting, degrading, and offensive. Joseph could have let bitterness and pride hold back his blessing; he could have gotten stubborn and refuse to submit to the prison’s authority; he could have rightfully chosen to be unpleasant to Pharaoh’s employees and not serve them. Instead, he chose to humble himself under the mighty hand of a God that will exalt him in due time. He did not let the false accusation or prison sentence break his spirit; but allowed God to use his struggles to reshape him into a man that can love and serve unworthy men. His willingness to be broken before God catapulted him to an influential position that impacted a generation. People may mistreat us or overlook our efforts, but God has not forgotten us. We should make the best of the prisons we find ourselves in this life; they will either break our sprit or cause us to be broken before our Great Redeemer. “A testament is of force after men are dead”. As we allow God to break everything unlike him, we are bound to see HIS resurrecting power rebuild us into generational forces to be reckoned with. In our brokenness, we astonishingly get the heart, mind, vision, power, influence, plus grace to change our lives and world. If you are trapped in an overpowering struggle; don’t let your problem rupture you, but trust God to use this situation to break, restructure, reform, and launch you into the magnificent destiny he has for you!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

IS IT THE CROWD OR THE CAUSE?

2011-01-13T06:55:00.000-08:00

I am led to visit a church today and am surprised to be so early. I am warmly welcomed by the girl at the entrance and three extremely friendly young adults conversing inside the empty church. I am somewhat intrigued by the heavily tattooed teenage looking boy, with the golden voice, rehearsing on stage; and the worship leader excitedly singing a praise song. My thoughts are interrupted by an older man that shares about his girlfriend losing her sister to ovarian cancer. She was only thirty three, he says sadly. I extend my condolences to the man as he explains he is upset the woman could not break her weed addiction before dying. I later get to converse with a sweet spirited girl, studying to become a social worker, so she can help people in need. As I wait for the service, the talented tattooed singer graciously introduces himself and his mum. The worship leader also comes down to say hi and welcome me to their church. I am fighting tears as I ponder on how Christ like these Christians are. The small theater is surprisingly unfilled as the services starts, but it did not stop me from listening to the vivacious pastor’s wife announcements; or enjoy the extremely spirit filled and bring down the house worship; and the highly provoking message from the pastor. The anointing on the pastor’s life is also reflected on the small, but godly congregants. As I head out to Starbucks, I am puzzled as to why this amazing church is not packed. My perplexity later amplifies as numerous young adults comes into the coffee place clad in their under wear. I am shocked to see the red hair girl in a leather jacket and lacy underpants; the thin Asian girl with a jacket and her white brief; the heavily jeweled blonde girl in a yellow brief, t-shirt, and stiletto heels; the two African American girls wearing thongs, fish net tights, and small jackets in the 30 degrees weather; the chubby brunette man with a tight white brief and a jacket; and I am most certainly disgusted at the two men that just pulled down their boxers directly in front of the window seats to moon us. The teenage photographer for the event tells me this was organized by Improv everywhere, an organization that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. This group manages to gather thirty five hundred adults in Manhattan to ride subways, with no pants, in a freezing weather, just for prank sake!

Things are not always as they appear; just like I did not expect a seemingly tattoo freak to be on fire for God; we should never judge anything based on crowds. I don’t understand why someone will take the time, energy, and resources to gather hundreds of people to cause chaos. They were not assembled for something that was particularly beneficial for anyone’s progress, health, spiritual growth, eternal purpose, financial gain, or anything of value. These are people willing to sacrifice their health, dignity, time, and even resources for a senseless cause and perhaps a good laugh. It seems anyone can gather crowds these days and even more sadly, it appears people are willing to be part of anything. It is interesting how we measure success by how many people we know or that know us; and how many people attend our events or churches. However, God is not concerned about the quantity, but the quality of people. The ability to gather people is nothing compared to the power to eternally touch a life. The grade of any crowd is directly correlated with the character of the leader. The organizer of this event, who apparently loves causing chaos, can only draw people of equal mentality; while the consecrated preacher from the church will also keep drawing people with potential to shake their world virtuously. Take heart, if you are not part of the crowd-pleasing herds or drawing the meaningless huge throng; but remember it is the kind of person you are becoming and producing that ultimately counts for eternity. We are not called to be part of the popular mass or to build the purposeless horde; but become people that attract crowds that will perpetually touch heaven!

Gideon was divinely called to fight the Midianites. He initially gathered thirty two thousand men for the combat; but God was not impressed with this army. HE did not want these men boasting of their ability to triumph over the Midianites in their own strength. Gideon then asked men that were fearful to go home; surprisingly, twenty-two thousand men left. The Lord still had a problem with most of the remaining men and asked Gideon to weed them out by leading them to a water; he is to separate men that drinks water by kneeling down from ones that drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. Nine thousand and seven hundred men knelt down to drink water and the remaining three hundred lapped like dogs. Only the three hundred that lapped like dogs were used to win the battle and the rest were sent home.

Most of these men were initially gathered for wrong reasons; perhaps most of them just like being part of a crowd; some were trying to impress their loved ones with their courage; some came because it was a family tradition; several were probably dragged there by friends or parents; others came to become popular or because it was the trendy thing to do; and some came because they did not want to be alone and needed to be accepted by their peers. However, when the details of their mission were outlined; two-thirds of these men receded because they did not or were not willing to know the God calling them and the strength found in HIM. The rest seemingly knew of God, but did know him intimately enough to keep them standing. While majority of these men will easily bend their knees in battles, struggles, temptations, weakness, compromise, trials, and darkness; only three hundred men knew the living water empowers them to stand their grounds and ruthlessly fight their enemies. They were like ferocious bulldogs that are courageous, resilient, and will stay the course. The large mass does not always please Christ; crowd may sometimes be reduced, so God can show himself strong in the lives of a few good men. It is not the chaotic thousands, but the few that can bring down God’s glory. We are also to become a chosen people in every area of our lives that fully rely on God to fight every “Midianite”. We don’t bend our knees to every beck and call of our society; but we are part of the few that are fully prepared, sanctified, and called to insistently stand in the power of Christ. We are not baffled by the mounting mayhem around us; because our savior is not necessarily drawn to the multitude, but to peculiar people that refuses to bend their knees to darkness. We are people that have been gloriously touched to stand for a cause and not a crowd!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU A QUITTER OR A FIGHTER?

2011-01-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

I am naturally inclined to speak to the lonesome lady beside me this rainy afternoon. This thirty one year old is quite friendly; she recently quit her marketing job in Pennsylvania to pursue a childhood dream in NYC. It was really exciting and rewarding working in the marketing industry, but I am ready for something new; it is amazing how people are willing to buy anything you sell them, she says. Well, it is amazing how obtuse people will buy anything you sell them, I reply smiling. She is hoping to eventually make her mark in the fashion industry by making high end clothes. She comes from a catholic family, but does not really believe in God. I believe there is someone up there that controls the universe, she says. She went on to tell me about a recent break up with an ex-coworker back home. He was a really bad guy, she says. What do you mean, he was a bad guy, I ask. Is he one of those guys that sleeps with everyone in the office, I continue jokingly? No, he was not that bad, but he was not a good guy, she responds. She then tells me about her recent divorce; she was married for five years and walked out on her marriage after repeatedly telling her ex about unfulfilled needs. How did that happen, I ask shockingly? Our careers pulled us in two different directions and we stopped talking, but we did become very good friends after the divorce, she says. Perhaps you guys will get back together, I respond. No, I will always love him, but am not in love with him, she says. She also explains that she dated the “bad guy” in her office because she hoped he will meet the needs her ex couldn’t, but he turned out to be a jerk. She is learning to find happiness on her own; but she is still not sure what she wants in a guy. Sensing she was not open to salvation talk, I encourage her to keep working on becoming a happy person and figure out what she wants in a guy, so she won’t keep settling for the wrong person. She left a few minutes later for yoga class, something, she finds therapeutic.

I found her story rather disturbing; instead of empathizing with her, I felt sorry for her ex-husband who was apparently upset about the divorce. I couldn’t understand why people take their commitment so lightly. I thought marriage was hard work and you sometimes choose to love on days you don’t feel like it. Quitting a marriage when you allowed your career to infringe on your relationship; leaving a rewarding/thriving career to pursue a childhood fantasy in a volatile economy; or dumping a guy because he was not a “good person”, but failing to clearly explain his flaws somewhat raised red flags. However, I am not called to judge people and am certainly not an expert on marriage or relationships. My only comfort from the disconcerting conversation is affirming Christ’s commitment to me. I am grateful HE chose to reveal his love and draw me into a divine relationship. It is undoubtedly a relationship I have fought for and will keep fighting for till my dying day. Knowing the depth of HIS love for me is what keeps me standing, when my legs seem to be failing me; shining, when the world around me is getting darker; praising, when I have no conceivable reason to be joyful; continually speaking of his goodness and mercy, when it seems no one is listening; persistently praying, even when my prayers seem unanswered; constantly seeking his face early, when I rather be sleeping; always reading his word, when it is becoming unpopular; and forgiving, loving, supporting , and encouraging people, when I don’t feel like it. My commitment to Jesus is CERTAINLY not dependent on what I feel, see, hear, or touch; but knowing it is not by might or by power, but by HIS spirit. God is committed to us even on days we are tempted to relinquish our faith. Knowing the depth of HIS love is what empowers us to fight for what we love and believe in. We are people of faith that do not react to life circumstances based on emotions; but hold an entrenched trust in a Savior that will fight ALL our overwhelming battles. We don’t quit when the fiery furnace intensifies in our relationships, jobs, schools, and ministry or walk with God; but find grace from the ONE who can send a celestial thunderstorm to quench every hellish fire in our lives.

There was once a barren devout older couple in Judaea. An angel appeared to the husband while ministering in the temple to inform him they will be having a child. The man naturally responded incredulously due to their age; he was consequently chastised and told he will become dumb until the baby is born. The man returned home afterwards; He subsequently became intimate with his wife and she conceived. While pregnant, she was visited by the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit immediately came upon the wife as she prophesized and prayed over Mary; they both worshiped God for his blessings. Mary eventually returned to her house and the wife had the baby afterwards. She insisted her child be called John in spite of relative’s opposition; the disabled father also agreed. He was healed of his mutism after confirming the name of his son; and subsequently prophesized over his son’s life in the power of the Holy Ghost.

What should have destroyed most marriages rekindled the spiritual and relational passion for this couple. The husband becoming dumb should have altered their communication and drifted them apart. However, it seemed to unify them; I love that they were intimate during this period, managed to conceive a child, and were in agreement concerning pertinent decisions. Their intimacy with God also deepened; the wife blessed Mary by providing godly fellowship, hospitality, and guidance. The husband came out of that trial with incredible anointing; and vision for his child, family, and community. The greatest human being was conceived during this ostensibly dark period in their life. It would have been tragic if the wife allowed the modified communication to tear her marriage apart and consequentially leave her husband for greener pastures. She will certainly have missed out on her blessing; people that resign when the mountain gets steep usually NEVER get to see the mountain top. God ordained trials are meant to conceive great things in our lives. We can allow these problems to drift us away from Christ, our loved ones, and other people in our world; or we could choose to make it a time of renewed passion, revelation, anointing, intimacy, greater unity, blessing others, and worshiping God. We do not relent or capitulate in battle like the rest of the world; but we fight in the strength of Christ for everything we are called to love, believe, commit, and hope for.

Lots of love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE IT?

2010-12-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

The sweat rolling down my brow is not from the high temperature of my thermostat, but from fear of crashing. I don’t know what possessed me to leave this late. I had visited a church service earlier and despite the blizzard warning, I unthinkingly chose to hang in the city. I did not expect the snowstorm to become rigorous so soon. My drive is typically fifty minutes, but I have been driving for almost an hour now; I had lost control of my car twice and am not even on the first highway yet. An unshakable trepidation fills my being as I try stopping at a red light and my car starts sliding again, I try pressing my break to prevent it from slamming into the car beside mine, but it is not working. Please Jesus, help me, I whisper frightfully. The car eventually stops at the light. If I am going to make it home, I have to keep drivers away from my prone to sliding car, so I turn on my emergency blinkers. After all, I have driven in storms before and managed to arrive at my destination safely. However, as I merge on the first highway, I quickly realize this is the mother of my prior snow storm driving. I then grasp how dumb my decision to drive this late is. I intend to stay in the middle lane, drive at twenty five miles an hour, keep a good distance from the car in front of me, and TRUST God. I notice most of the drivers are recklessly overtaking me and it sometimes seem am the only one on the road, but I am glad there is no car around me to slide into. I slowly navigate thru the first highway and feared the worst as I get on the 2nd highway. I am relieved to make it this far, however, it looks like the storm is getting heavier. I can barely see the road signs and my windshield is becoming icy. I will not dare stop to clear my windscreen because my subcompact car will get stuck. Drivers are dangerously stopping in the middle of the parkway to clear their windshield; some are sliding into the snow pile on the right lane and getting stuck. Please Jesus, let me make it home, I keep mumbling. The conditions are getting worse as I merge on the last high way. There are numerous cars surprisingly getting on this parkway and I start panicking again. The three lanes have shrinked into two due to the violent storm. I am certainly not paying attention to the drivers overtaking me and giving me dirty looks; or the ones blowing their horns, expecting me to drive fast in the terrifying blizzard; or the numerous one sliding into snow heaps and getting stuck. My only focus is driving slowly, controlling my unpredictable car, and PRAYER. I am thankful when I reach my exit. As I pull up in front of my place, I express my gratitude to Jesus, it took me three long hours to get home, but I made it!

After losing control of my car twice, I honestly didn’t think I will make it, but I also knew God was with me in spite of my risky decision. Staying in the appropriate lane, driving at the right distance, being sensitive to my surroundings, and TRUSTING JESUS was the key to my safety. Knowing my weakness, car tendencies, and potential entrapments certainly helped too. It was also important not to compare myself to others or let them influence me. It would have been unwise to start driving like people who had SUV’s and could easily maneuver in the snow; and responding to their horn blows or dirty looks would have definitely pushed me to do something dangerous. I am thankful for the abiding mercy of God even when we make bad choices. We can trust his faithfulness will get us thru whatever path our decisions have taken us. If our choices have led us into torrid blizzards or splendid bliss, we can be confident that if we stay in the position we are called too; move at the pace HE is asking us too; refuse to be influenced by people around us that does not necessarily have the same calling; acknowledge our weakness and stir clear of things that can entangle us; choose to be sensitive to people around us and not collide into them; and ultimately, if we invite Jesus into that storm or path, we are bound to make it to our glorious destination. Despite our turbulent start, if we stay the path and keep the faith, we are going to make it!

The Israelites regretted their decision to follow Moses as they noticed the Egyptians were pursuing them towards the Red Sea. They cried to the Lord in fear and reprimanded Moses for leading them to a premature death. Moses subsequently encouraged them to stand still and see the Lord’s salvation. He promised the Lord will fight for them if they hold their peace. God sent a heavenly wind to part the sea into land and made the water walls on both sides. The Egyptians injudiciously followed the Israelites as they passed thru this divine pathway. The Lord consequently troubled the Egyptians, damaging their chariots wheels and slowing them down. The sea was also turned back into land which annihilated all the Egyptians, but the Israelites made it to the other side of the sea.

Envision the turmoil of the Israelites as the wind blew raucously to part the sea. Some were probably sliding back and forth; and some possibly doubted they were going to make it as they watch the erratic standing waters and feared the worst. However, the Israelites stayed the path by simply standing still. They maintained their peace with the Egyptians and did not retaliate in their own strength. By upholding a simple, but vital position, they were able to successfully cross the sea. Conversely, the Egyptians speedily pursued after the Israelites without thinking about how that sea suddenly turned into land. They tumbled into their ultimate demise because they were not called to walk that path. The water was not turned into land for their sake, but for the Israelites. We are also not to pursue paths that are not opened specifically for us by God. Following people with different callings, beliefs, destiny, cause, interests, and defense can lead to our downfall. However, when we choose to walk a God ordained path in our schools, jobs, homes, ministry, and relationships; we will also live to see the triumphant finish in these areas. Regardless of the boisterous winds, the wobbly walls, and how doubtful we are; our mandate is to stand still and see the salvation of our God. Every chain that binds us, entanglements that entwine us, and bondages that imprison us will be perishing with 2010. We are marching into the New Year fully confident that we will make it thru every terrorizing Red Sea we encounter and live to testify of the greatness of our God!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT ARE YOU REMEBERING?

2010-12-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

Watching the diverse cheerful families depicted in the Christmas special on stage should gladden my heart, but am feeling the blues instead. I usually feel this way around my birthday or the holidays; I turn thirty three on the 21st, which is only two days away and I am not looking forward to getting older. My spiritual maturity should have reached a strata where am not affected by such shallow triviality; but I can hear the enemy screaming every failure, imperfection, disappointment, doubt, fear, and challenge that I have fought for the last long thirty three years. Every dashed hope, aspirations, and expectations comes flooding back to mind. I hurriedly get out of the venue. I long for a quiet place to hear God’s voice above the overshadowing one that is threatening my joy. I grab a seat at a coffee shop hoping to spend some quality time with Christ and get some work done. I am certainly not in the mood to converse with the desolate looking older Asian lady beside me that keeps looking my way; or the equally despondent looking older Slavic lady; or the Jewish family with the pleasant mom staring at my bible. I am definitely enormously irritated at the two singles girls behind me that are having obnoxiously loud conversation; gossiping about every one they know: from the girl that dresses too skanky; and the one that is very boring; and the one that is twenty something, but looks thirty; and the one in a long distance relationship that travels every holiday to see her boyfriend, but does not think it is a serious relationship. Listening to these girls’ tittle-tattle further worsens my disposition and I move to another seat. My sadness gradually dissipates as I remember who I am in Christ; but I can still barely acknowledge the two bored looking teenage girls, or the distant looking tourist, or the two pleasant couples that were all sitting in my vicinity. The unusually packed shop is too distracting to get any work done, so I call it a day. I strike a conversation with the girl in front of me while waiting to use the restroom on my way out. The Turkish girl, who is a high school math teacher, has been in the States for the last five months. She came to study English, so she can help with her family’s hotel back home. She suggests I visit her home country, which attracts a lot of American tourists. I commend her ability to learn English so quickly and tell her I hope to visit Istanbul in the future. I wish her luck on her endeavors and wave goodbye a few minutes later.

I am filled with joy, hope, and expectation on my drive home. Every encounter that day was something I allowed the devil to use as a weapon; the Christmas drama only reminded me of my own deficiency; the two older ladies only created fear of what I did not want to end up like; the gossiping girls only reminded me of the kind of friends I rather NOT have; and the Jewish family and other seemingly happy people enjoying the holiday season only reverberated the voice of the enemy louder. However, conversing with the girl reminded me of the adventure the future holds as to dwelling on past discontentment; it reminded me what Christmas is about. It redirected my focus to the unending possibilities the future holds for those who knows the reason for the season. Christ came to give hope to hopeless, peace to the despairing; purpose to the wanderer; joy to the mournful; and companion to the lonely. Christmas is not a time to remember past wrong doings; past bad experiences; our lacks; or unfulfilled desires, goals, and accomplishments. It is certainly not the season to compare ourselves to people on TV, magazine covers, and all around us; but the occasion to remember the power, hope, salvation, redemption, forgiveness, restoration, new beginnings, and love found in Christ. Jesus came to erase every past bad experience and replace them with a marvelous future. Old things have passed away and all things will become new. Our past no longer defines our future; every day, week, month, and year is an opportunity to go to new echelons with the Mighty One of Israel. If the jolliness of the season is getting you down and you find yourself remembering a painful past; facing a doubtful future; and losing heart; I am here to remind you that Jesus came to make ALL THINGS new in your life and regardless of your age, experiences, and convictions; God can make a way in your darkest tunnel.

A special pool in Jerusalem once drew a lot of people; it attracted multitudes of impotents that were diversely disabled. An angel visited the pool seasonally and whoever is lucky or aggressive enough to jump in right after the angelic visit gets healed. On a particular day, Jesus was passing thru the area and noticed a man had been sick for THIRTY EIGHT years. Jesus noted he had been waiting for a LONG TIME and asked if he wanted to be healed. The poor man went on to explain that every time the angel visited, he had no one to put him in the pool and how someone else always step in the pool before he gets a chance too. Jesus immediately healed the man, telling him to Rise, take up his bed and walk.

Imagine this man’s agony as he waited for that seasonal angelic visit; he probably gets gloomy during that period seeing the loved ones of other impotents helping them get in the pool. It must have been sad to watch for years as everyone else got indispensable support and subsequent healing. He probably told his story to numerous people that never cared enough to help him; but when he was noticed by the King of Kings, his voice was finally heard. This man was possible rehashing the pain of the last thirty eight years in his mind before meeting Jesus. I love that Jesus saw his pain; how long he had been waiting; and even chose to listen to his story. Jesus did not dip him in the pool, but chose to give him a new memory and beginning. This man will undoubtedly commemorate the day he met the great healer, who gives new life and nullifies past experiences. We must remember we are not celebrating a seasonal angelic visit; centered on the popular, aggressive, lucky, loved, and supported this Christmas; but be thankful we have been noticed by the Living Savior! We are graven in the palm of his hands and our walls are before him. He is coming this Christmas to visit our heart, mind, life, and home; HE will restore our health, heal our wounds, comfort our hearts, renew our vision, arouse our hope, provoke our joy, ignite our faith, and give us an unparalleled new start. It is not the season to dwell on our unsatisfactory past, but a time to remember that we are seen, noticed, and loved by the GREAT I AM!!!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WILL YOU KEEP DANCING?

2010-12-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

I am driving to Brooklyn tonight to support a singles event for my church. My church members are fairly young, so am not expecting to meet anyone. I also don’t have much faith in singles gatherings; I usually find them boring, redundant, pointless, and a complete waste of time. However, I am a fervent believer that people that are always bored or find everything uninteresting are boring people themselves; so I am determined to make the best of tonight. It will be my opportunity to get to know the congregants. The very dark bowling venue has a restaurant, bar, and even a performing stage; I am eager to see what God can show me in this place. I firstly run into a seemingly quiet girl, who introduces me to her equally reserved husband. It is great getting to know this very pleasant couple from Ohio. I also meet an environmental study major, originally from Puerto-Rico, who says the thought of talking to any of the beautiful girls in the room makes him nervous. As the night progress, I meet a fascinating twenty one year old electrician from Long Island who has a powerful conversion testimony; an interesting guitar player originally from Oklahoma, who believes higher education is not for her; a sharp twenty four year old business consultant from Central Jersey that came solely to Brooklyn for the singles event; an ostensibly structured first year NYU law student that is interested in men that are hipsters and enjoy artists like Mumford & Sons; a sweet Ukrainian baby sitter that does not really know what she wants in a guy. Our conversation is interrupted by another lovely Ukrainian girl that says she does not like American guys. As these two girls banter in their native tongue, I decide to feast my eyes on the numerous singles on the dance floor. I notice the seemingly reserved couple from Ohio is dancing intensely; the wife jumping, bobbing her head and flipping her arms ferociously in an upward and downward motion; her husband is an equal match on the dance floor. The environmental science major is also dancing the night away with the now fun loving NYU law student. As I stand watching the tireless Ohio couple’s energetic dance moves, the hopeful sweet connection of the two college students, a dude from Virginia Beach doing insane dance flips, and the numerous other singles ecstatically boogieing down; it dawns on me that these people are making the best of this moment of their life by dancing..

While most people that came to this Singles night probably left the place single, I love that they made a choice to enjoy the moment. These people came from different walks of life, with diverse backgrounds, unique taste or desires, and varied intentions. The dance floor was able to break down barriers for some, probably gave some a glitter of hope, allowed some to take another persona, gave some unreserved freedom, stretched out some beyond their comfort zone, took some to a fantasy island, reignited lost passion for some, unified some in a common goal, and brought joy to some. It did not matter if they were male or female, married or single, black or white, old or young; the dance floor broke down walls of partition and transcended every restrictions, expectations, and preconceptions. As they move, turn, and twist to the upbeat music, none of these singles probably cared too much about their singleness dilemma, but choose to take off their lonesome sack cloths and be girded with gladness. Regardless of our backgrounds or walk of life, we are also invited to come in this dancing spirit to our heavenly father; our spiritual dance floor is the presence of Jesus, where the joy of the Lord set our heart singing and feet dancing. It is the place where our God gets bigger and stronger than our pending problems. On that glorious dance floor, we meet the ONE that can give us beauty for ashes and oil of joy for mourning. In HIS presence, we become free from all chains that binds, find hope for the future, get transformed to new people, get unified in the bond of Christ, are transported to impossible places, our flames get rekindled, and every wall of darkness in our hearts, minds, spirit, and life is broken down.

The Israelites were given meticulous instructions on bringing down the walls of Jericho. They were commanded to walk around the city once for six days, with the ark of the lord, and seven priests with trumpets. These men possibly walked around that city the first day with confidence in their heart, bounce in their steps, and joy on their faces. However, by the third day, some were likely questioning the reasoning behind the droning routine. They had to repeat the same seemingly tedious, futile, and superfluous drill for six days. The men possibly did not see the point of walking when the wall was not coming down till the seventh day. A few doubtless felt silly just walking aimlessly with priests and trumpets; and some probably wanted to stay in the camp and not walk till that seventh day when they knew the victory was certain. However, the instruction was to walk around that city once six days in a row; and on the seventh day, the wall will come down.

In spite of their status, inclinations, opinions, and preferences; these Israelites chose to walk towards a common goal. The men opted to see the beauty of the first six days before getting the promise of victory on the seventh. In spite of how they felt; what they could not see, feel, or touch; they kept walking. The ark of God, which signifies his presence, was with them. HE gave them the strength, grace, vision, and character to get up and walk even when they did not see the logic behind what God was calling them to do. These men had to walk those six days in order to see the triumph that awaited them on the seventh day. They kept walking when they did not enjoy it and some may have even stopped believing the wall will come down. God’s presence empowered them to keep walking for those days when victory was not promised. We are also called to keep walking for the six days, months, and years before we see the triumph that is guaranteed at the appointed time. We are called to follow those who through faith, patience, and obedience inherited the promises. If you find yourselves facing an emotional, spiritual, financial, physical, relational, or mental wall; you are to keep walking in the strength of God around these walls and stand on HIS promises that are Yes and Amen! Regardless of our feelings or impending problems, we must keep walking, living, and dancing in the power of Christ. We are rapidly approaching that victorious day when we will miraculously abolish every lie of the enemy, obliterate clouds of darkness, and demolish all confining walls!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

WHAT GIVES YOU SATISFACTION?

2010-12-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

It is exciting to be going to a homeless outreach with my sprouting church today. I look forward to blessing someone. However, the experience proves to be unmemorable as I drive around in circles with a lovely couple due to the Thanksgiving parade; the outreach is almost over when we get there. I am then paired with a girl and given meal boxes; we are instructed to find homeless people. We can’t spot anyone for a while and when we finally see an old lady laying in filth, I am ecstatic; however as we offer the food, she starts screaming unmentionable obscenities. We eventually give all our boxes to a man that asked for the food. I am rather dissatisfied and decide to get some work done at a coffee place before going for Thanksgiving dinner at my mother’s house. There is an older lady sitting across me smiling at the dirty napkins on the table. I find out Elizabeth is a sixty eight years old from Argentina; she had lived in NYC for many years and wonder why things are different now. Elizabeth remembers when it was easy to meet people. Back in Argentina, women had a choice of picking between five different men, now there are no men, I wonder why, she says. Perhaps because they are more gay men than straight ones in NYC, I respond. Maybe you are right, she replies smiling. I don’t know why am always alone, no matter how much I try to socialize, I always find myself sitting alone somewhere, she suddenly says. Elizabeth lost her husband to lung cancer a while back and says things have changed since then. My friends always invite me to numerous trips, but it does not feel the same without my beloved husband. I rather be alone than hang out with our old couple friends, she says. I can completely relate, I am also a bit of a loner since most of my good friends are now married with children and it is hard relating to them, plus I rather be alone than hang out with non like minded people, I respond. Elizabeth then shares how she longs for a friend; I just wish I could find someone to go to the theaters and operas with. I don’t care if he is gay; I just want someone to talk too. It is hard to find a companion at my age. My only child rarely talks to me; the shock of his father’s death damaged our relationship. I wish my son will talk to me more, she says sadly. I believe you will meet someone because I always run into men your age sitting alone and longing for the same things you are, I reply. Elizabeth’s faith has withered since she lost her husband; I encourage her to use the little faith she has to believe God for companionship and a better relationship with her son. As she departs, she says I was sitting here all day waiting for my niece, feeling lonely, and hoping somebody will speak to me. I am so glad you came to converse with me; this is all I want, just somebody to talk too.

I was initially disgruntled due to my inability to help any homeless person, but the Lord did not bring me to the city that day to feed the homeless, but to remind that precious woman that God cares about her. While it was great participating in the outreach, fellowshipping with the wonderful couple in my car, and chatting with the girl I was paired with; the highlight of my day was connecting with this lady. Feeding a billion homeless people is nothing compared to being at the place Christ wanted me. Perhaps God allowed me to get to the outreach late, so most of the homeless in that area were already fed, which spurred my disgruntlement. Then HE purposely got me paired with a lady that I could chat with, but still felt discontent. Being insulted by the homeless lady and getting the good feeling of suffering for gospel sake did not bring any gratification either; and giving all my meal boxes to the needy man also did not bring great pleasure; but conversing with Elizabeth gave me a sense of purpose. My deepest satisfaction is not from doing great outreaches, having great friends, being called a good Christian, but doing exactly what God wants me to do every waking moment of my life. If you find yourself running late; missing appointments; dissatisfied about your deeds; and not fully pleased with where you are in life; hang in there, Christ will use that displeasure to lead you to your biggest fulfillment in life.

A man once went into great length to make a delectable supper. This man’s servants probably woke up early to prepare the feast, went shopping, cooked all day, and were then sent to remind the invited guests of the scrumptious meal. The servants possibly roamed around all day in excitement persuading guests to come to the feast they worked so hard to prepare. Imagine the disappointment on their faces as each guest they encounter gave different excuses of why they could not make it. The servants were likely disenchanted with how their day was going. They possibly felt the whole great supper experience was highly unrewarding. However, as they reported back to their master, he instructed them to go to the city’s highways and hedges; and compel every disable person to fill his house.

Envision the joy in the servants faces as these people consumed the food. They probably went back for second plates and were most likely grateful someone took the time to feed them when no one else would. The servants were most likely pleased they were able to help people that actually needed their help as to people that will rather be somewhere else. It must have been nice to see their efforts were not wasted and that there were specific people the master wanted to feed thru them. The invited guests probably found good food in the various places they decided to go that day. Perhaps these servants were not meant to feed those guests and in attempting to do something they were not called too, they found themselves aggrieved; however, the moment they found their true calling, they were able to fill that empty void in their souls. If you find your self sitting in an empty place; feeling your hard work has not been rewarded; drawn to people that may not necessarily need your service; feeling unappreciated or ineffective; and feeling unfulfilled in the good work you are doing; our Master will redirect your steps to the very plan and purpose he has for you. The feast HE has been preparing in your heart may not necessarily be for those people you have known for years and love inviting; but for the overlooked poor, blind, maimed, and halt in SPIRIT of our world. Let God renew your vision and redirect your steps to finding the greatest satisfaction you will ever feel!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU SPECIAL?

2010-12-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

I wonder why the lady next to me is sitting alone this Tuesday night and staring at the ceiling. She looks independent and normal enough; but there is something void about her look. I summon the courage to strike up a conversation. Audrey, an Irish, seem exciting, interesting, and intelligent. She is thirty years old and her one year Canadian visa had just expired. She explains all the intricacies of getting visa to work in a foreign country and also the numerous European countries she had worked before. She then contrasts the various economic pro and cons of living in the US versus Ireland. I am intrigued as I listen to this spunky personality. Audrey is going back to school once she lands in Ireland and is concerned about being too old to finish a desired psychology degree, having enough finances, and paying mortgage on her house in Belfast. She is particularly concerned about being the oldest in her university since Irish tend to graduate school and start family young; and wishes she had done things better earlier in life. I tell her this is probably the best time to go back to school since she is more grounded, disciplined, and matured. Everything will fall in place once you get home and you never know the surprise life may have as you relive your youth, I say. Sensing her loneliness, I encourage her to have an open heart as she may even meet someone in school; perhaps a younger man, I say jokingly. I doubt that; I am the older of two children and my younger married brother is infertile, so my mother is constantly pressuring me for grandchildren. I hear it is hard to meet someone in NYC since there are lots more women than men; and you have to move outside the city to meet anyone, she says despondently. I believe there is someone for everyone, I reply. I don’t think so, there are numerous single women that have hopelessly clung to that line for years, she says dejectedly. Although, Audrey believes in God, she only prays when in trouble. I tell her my trust in Christ gives me hope in spite of the plenteous women in NYC; and that faith in God is what can provide a partner when it looks this hopeless. You are still young and very inimitable amidst the countless women in NYC. Somebody will recognize your uniqueness and choose you over any other woman if you believe God for that. You can either believe or you will be complaining about the same thing in another ten years, I say. I hope you are right and I can kiss you when I see you ten years from now, she replies. You will definitely be kissing me, I respond with a smile. We part a few seconds later.

Audrey will hopefully find Jesus above anything else she desires. I trust she will get a revelation that God can hear her voice in the midst of a gazillion people; and in spite of the immeasurable voices, distractions, and needs presented to our Savior, he knows each one of his children by name. After all, God placed Audrey beside me in spite of the numerous Starbucks and seats she could have chosen. Christ hears our every cry, pain, groan, and sigh. We are known, loved, seen, and heard by the ONE who brings out the stars of heaven by numbers and calls them by name. If we look at things in the natural, we will all be hopeless. However, we are called to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not make provision for our faithless flesh. We no longer look at the seemingly impossible expectations in our surroundings, but remember God knows our name, address, phone/fax numbers, e-mail, facebook/twitter account, and direct our steps. Irregardless of how hopeless, dark, impossible, far fetched, and how long we have waited; every purpose he has for our lives will be accomplished according to his perfect will and timing. In spite of how crowded it looks in your city, school, work place, churches, social venues; job, apartment, and home search; God sees you in the midst of that crowd and what he has ordained will come to fruition in spite your of doubts , fears, and insecurities.

On a particular day, Ruth went to glean corn in a field. The owner of the field, Boaz, immediately noticed her upon coming to visit his workers. He asked who she was and the servant explains she is a Moabite related to Naomi; and has been working hard all day. Boaz invited Ruth to come into his field and hang out with his numerous maidens. He directed his young male servants to treat her with utmost respect and cater to all her needs. She was given special treatment during meal time; given a good seat among the reapers; and the best spot to garner corn. Ruth naturally wondered why Boaz was being so kind to her. Boaz responded he heard about how awesome she had been with her mother in law; and prayed the Lord, under whose wing she had trusted will reward her. Boaz later married Ruth.

It is amazing what God does for anyone that chooses to hope in HIM. The odds of Ruth; a Moabite, widower, and a woman that was married before, catching the attention of this man was zero to none. Boaz had numerous maidens that were also working in the field that day. I am pretty sure some of these maidens were hotter, more experienced or qualified, perhaps younger, and have possibly been trying to get Boaz attention for years. The other maidens were also probably originally from Bethlehem and it would have been more appropriate for Boaz to pick one of them. Let’s not forget the corn reapers and other gleaners that have also been working hard for weeks; and in just one day, Ruth was given the same seat as these reapers during meal time and allowed to glean in the best spot. Ruth was not noticed because of her beauty, hard work, experience, impressive resume, education, or personality; but simply because all her life, she trusted God for every decision and step taken. Boaz was merely impressed that she will have enough faith to leave her own country and support her aging mother in law in a foreign land. Ruth was a bright shining star amongst the other numerous maidens because of her belief. She became special to Boaz because she was first special to God. Our trust in Jesus for every difficult situation is what makes us exceptional and distinguishes us from the mass. We will be judicious not to look at the crowd, our presumed competitions, our disqualifications or qualifications, and our beauty or lack thereof; but hide under shadow of HIS mighty winds. We are special people and God have purposely determined to set us apart in the midst of a crooked and perverse world. We will perpetually be branded as One in a Million because our hope is in the living God!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU OPEN?

2010-11-25T06:50:00.000-08:00

Getting that dreaded call from a superior is never fun, but I am somewhat at peace as the voice on the phone tells me I need to come to the manager’s office. I know that whatever she wants to discuss will require that I walk in the spirit. As I enter her office, we are joined by her assistant, which is never a good sign. The manager went on to raise an incident that occurred between myself and a co-worker the day before that I completely forgot about. The incident was brought to her attention by an eye witness that felt my “customer skills” with the co-worker was poor. She goes on to list another department that I rarely have any interactions with that also had the same complaint about me. In fact, I have not worked with this department in a long time, so I am not sure when they had time to observe my “customer skills”. She also mentions a one time incident that I fail to make eye contact with another co-worker. I am in shock as I listen to some of these allegations; however, I am not upset. I smile at her and explain that my reaction to the coworker was a pent up irritation from walking away numerous times from her bad attitude. I literally get caught the one time I decide to retaliate. My defense is usually up anytime am round this lady as I am just tired of putting up with her attitude, however, I do agree that it does not justify me responding in like manner, and I will keep everything you say in mind as I deal with people, I respond. I am surprised as I walk back to my office and ponder on everything that was said. I can not believe where some of these accusations are coming from. I am literally in my office all day and rarely have to deal with the aforementioned people or anybody for that matter. Plus, the incident she mentioned is not something I consider a big deal; I did not think I said nor did anything that was overly offensive. I decide this is a losing battle and call the manager of a department that I previously worked for that loves me; she was unsurprisingly excited to have me come back. I feel am better off transferring to another department and working with more easygoing people.

However, when I prayed about this matter, I realize am taking the easy way out by choosing to work with agreeable people as to staying in a more difficult environment; and allowing God to use that to change me. After all, LEGITIMATE authority is placed in our lives for a reason. While I may not agree with every accusation thrown at me, I would have done myself a disservice by transferring. Firstly, I will be wrongly concluding that it is impossible for me to improve my attitude towards these people; and while that is true in my flesh, I also believe God can make me into who I am not, if I rely on him. My savoir‘s grace is sufficient to change me into someone that can have extraordinaire “customer skills” towards people I may not necessarily think deserves it. I am commanded to love and do good to ALL people; so it will be wrong, faithless, and immature to conclude that God cannot change my heart and attitude to overcome this diminutive obstacle when viewed with the eyes of Jesus. Secondly, am I so perfect that I can not receive correction and have closed all room for growth in my life? As a believer, I need to introspectively look at what was said and ask God to change what can be changed; and leave the rest of the battle in his capable hands. I am grateful that God have chosen to keep molding, making, and changing me into the beautiful image of his son. Christ only corrects those he loves. God is up for every mammoth challenge in my life and I look forward to the victory only he can give. If your find yourself in a difficult place, facing people that you can not handle, and recognizing that you still have a long way to go when it comes to looking like Jesus; I challenge you to join me in breaking out of our graves in the strength of God and perpetually dwelling in that glorious promise land. He will give us forbearance for intolerance; amiability for spitefulness; and compassion for callousness. He will take out our stony heart; and give us a heart of flesh. Christ will give us a new heart, mind, and spirit.

Apollo migrated from Alexandria to Ephesus with a remarkable comprehension of the Jewish laws and traditions. He was well educated, eloquent, brilliant, mighty in scriptures, and passionate about his religion. He was also an ardent follower of John the Baptist. One particular day, numerous people were gathered in the synagogue to listen to Apollo’s engrossing preaching. There was a couple in the audience that was equally enthralled by him, but also knew there was something missing in his doctrine. I imagine after Apollo was done, the couple politely told him how wonderful they think he is, but also that his teaching was missing the key ingredient that offers salvation, Jesus Christ. Apollo graciously received what the couple had to say, which strengthened his ministry; and he was greatly supported by the brethrens as he later moved to Achaia, where he had a highly successful ministry, leading numerous people to the Lord. Apollo went on to become a really great preacher and was often mentioned by Apostle Paul.

Apollo could have been insulted when he was corrected by the couple; he could have decided that Ephesus was not the right place for him if the brethren could not see just how amazing he is and move back to Alexandria. However, like any person destined for awesomeness: he was open to correction; knew there is always room for growth; acknowledged that Christians never stop developing; and knew believers that stop growing will eventually die spiritually. Apollo took his ministry to a higher echelon because he was open to what God wanted to show him thru the couple. He would have undoubtedly vanished into oblivion if he had gone back to Alexandria; but his willingness to grow brought him to fathomless greatness. Environments where we are not regarded in the highest esteem is sometimes God ordained training grounds for that unsurpassed stratum that HE so desires to take us. We don’t run away from these places or people; but ask God to search us to see if there be any wicked way and lead us to his way everlasting. We will stay our grounds in these places in the power of Christ and witness the monumental triumph that awaits us. We will not limit what God can do in and thru our lives, but we will be relentlessly open to his ways, truth, and the life he has predetermined for us!

Lots of Love,

Toyin O.

DO YOU BELIEVE?

2010-11-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

I am enormously thrilled about the two services at my church tonight. I have been looking forward all week to this, but my excitement quickly turns to frustration when I hit traffic in midtown. I decide to get on the West Side highway and quickly cross over two lanes to make the turn that will get me there. I breathed a sign of relief upon noticing the light traffic on the highway. However, in spite of the positive outlook, I am still very concerned about getting to church promptly. I am helping out with hosting tonight and will hate to be late; plus I also want to get some work done before church. I can barely sit still in my car as I fret about getting to the venue in time. I decide to cast my cares on Jesus since my racing mind is threatening the peace I have been promised in all circumstances. I manage to get to the place an hour before the required time, get some work done, and even chat with two new acquaintances before the debriefing for the night. However, as the service commends, I start to fuss about numerous things: I worry about my hand bag left on the main floor of the venue far from where I am hosting despite the fact that I prayed for the safety of my bag; missing the clues about when to go forward during the communion; what if the guy working across the isle misses a step and throws me off; why there are not that many people giving their life to Christ; and about not saying good bye to as many people as I will like too. After the first service ends, I dash downstairs to get my bag and of course, it is safe and all the contents intact. I run back upstairs to barely catch the debriefing for the 2nd service in which I am assigned a different aisle and role; and then I stress about spilling the communion bread; guests not getting their desired seats; and people not responding properly to the awesome message. As I start to worship during this service, I also wonder why people were seemingly not worshiping the way they ought too and then the worship team starts singing “Hallelujah”. As I meditate on the song, particularly the phrase “Our God Reigns”, I hear the Lord ask me, do you believe that I reign, and my answer is a resounding YES! I raise my heart in worship to declare that Christ reigns over every concern. My mind is renewed with this truth as we start the unexpected third service due to the large crowd. I feel the overpowering presence of God as I worship in this last service and as I embrace the simple truth that Jesus Reigns!

It is funny how we can put a weight that we have no business carrying on our shoulder and miss everything that God is doing. While worrying so much, I fail to see the mercy of God in protecting me as I dangerously cross over two lanes to make a right turn so I could get to a highway. I overlooked the faithfulness of God in getting me to my desired destination earlier than anticipated; being able to get some unexpected work done; having time to chat; protecting my bag even when I did not trust him too; having a pretty smooth hosting experience; and bringing more people than we could ask or imagine into HIS house that night. After all, the Lord showed me thru various events before my epiphany that I can trust him with every concern, but I just failed to hear him. The moment I choose to keep my eyes on Jesus and stop vexing about every minute perplexity around me, my spirit was set free. I was able to have the most glorious experience in the last service when I accepted by faith that God reigned over every circumstance. Irregardless of how things looked, the fact remains that every desired purpose of God was being accomplished according to his perfect ways and plans. If you find yourself stressing about various things, Christ is inviting you to come into his presence and remember he is the sovereign God. We must be fully persuaded that Jesus is in full control of every concern, doubt, trepidation, ambiguity, qualm, limitations, questions, unseen things, battle, dreams, hope, aspirations, desires, and our future.

I wonder why Mary was so concerned about wine running out at the wedding in Cana. Perhaps she was a friend of the bride and was in charge of serving the wine. She probably did not want to disappoint the wedding guests by telling them there was no wine. I can see her getting frazzled as the last pot of wine got expended and wondering how they were going to replenish the drink. I can imagine her stressing about guest leaving or getting annoyed; not having enough time to get new wine; and guest being unhappy. I find it fascinating that she decides to ask Jesus for help; after all, Jesus is a carpenter and not a wine brewer. Jesus responded by asking why she was involving him in this matter and told her his hour has not yet come. The seemingly negative response moved Mary to tell the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them. Jesus subsequently turned six pot of water to wine.

Mary asked Jesus for help with something so miniscule and disparate because she knew that HE is the all knowing God that is capable of doing anything and everything HE desires. I love her reaction to Jesus seemingly nonchalant response. Being the mother of Jesus, she was well acquainted with Christ and knew he will never turn a deaf ear to his children’s concerns. Even though the issue was not resolved immediately, she left the presence of Jesus confident he was going to fix her problem. Jesus solved Mary’s dilemma according to his perfect timing and way. He provided the best of wine when he was good and ready too; and in the most unconventional way. We also can come into the presence of Jesus with our small, medium, and huge life problems knowing that we serve a savior that cares about every infinitesimal detail of our life. We can stop worrying about the what if, when, who, how, and why; because God knows and sees what we don’t; and can do what we can’t. We should declare that he reigns over every trouble in our heart, mind, and soul. We may not see the answer right away, but we can be fully assured that Jesus has the wheels in motion and will provide the best of wine when we least expect it. He will do exceedingly more than we can ask or think. When God’s hour comes to fulfill every promise he has made to us, he will open the flood gates of heaven and squash every distressing mountain. HE is just simply asking you today, do you believe me?

Lot of Love,

Toyin O.

ARE YOU HAVING A BAD DAY?

2010-11-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

I am curious to know the incredible girl in front of me better, so I query her about various aspects of her life; but our conversation seem to be going no where, and worse yet, I am suddenly interrupted by a friend. The few seconds I use to exchange pleasantries with the acquaintance throws off my equilibrium as I return my attention to the girl; I look at her puzzlingly trying to recall where I left off. Oh my goodness, I can’t remember what I was saying, I apologetically mutter. My mind literally goes blank for a second trying to think of something or anything to say to the girl. Are you going to be volunteering for something in the church, I ask, trying to quickly recover from the awkward silence; yes, I have filled out an application several times and am just waiting for them to call me back, she says. Don’t worry, just be patient and they will call you soon, I respond. After a while, the girl tells me that she needed to go home; we hug and part a few minutes later. I am a bit disappointed in myself for not trying harder at connecting with the girl and feel that was my worst attempt at conversing with someone. In fact, I don’t seem to be doing that great tonight with a skill I thought I had perfected. Just a few minutes ago, I could not to draw out the lovely actress and her seemingly bright cousin that I met while waiting outside for the door to open either. I tried everything to get these girls to talk, but to no avail; I naturally gravitated towards a buoyant young couple from Long Island that seem quite excited to meet me; unfortunately, our conversation was cut short since the door opened a minute after we started talking. After saying goodbye to the acquaintance that interrupted my conversation earlier, I join a group of friends; however, as I partake in the jauntiness for a few minutes and find it hard to appreciate the tête-à-tête, probably due to the somewhat noisy environment, I realize am having an off night and the sooner I ended the evening, the better I will feel, and the faster I can start a refreshing new day.

On my way home, as I ponder on what I could have done better, the Lord pointed out that am only focused on the one bad conversation instead of looking at the successful connections I made. More importantly, I was reminded that everything that had and will be good about my life is from God. After all, I went to my church team meeting that night fully confident of making great connections based on my past ability to bond with others. I was probably relying on this strength and forgot that without God, I can do nothing. God wanted to remind me how inept I can be when I start to forget the source of my strength. Without failing, I will never appreciate the success I can find in the power of Christ. If God allows me to consistently do well in any area of my life, it is quite easy for pride to slip in and I begin to forget it is Christ giving me aptitude for ineffectiveness; power for weakness; glory for dishonor; and spiritual mind for a carnal one. I am ever so grateful for moments of staggering failures, overwhelming weaknesses; incomprehensible inadequacies; irrepressible limitations; and when am stupendously wrong about things, people, and situations. I thank God for these frail episodes that affirm it’s the goodness and mercy of God that propels me to anything meaningful in this life. When God’s strength shines forth in our weakness; it produces a supernatural, profound, and lasting trait. We are to always fall on the chief corner stone broken, knowing without him, we can do nothing. If you are having a time of failure in relationships, work, school, career, and ministry; it is a divine reminder to invite Christ to these areas and find strength for EVERYTHING in HIM alone. We can glory in our infirmities knowing when we are weak, HE will be strong. Our moment of failures does not define who we are; but a time to forget what is behind us and keep reaching for that higher calling in Christ. An instant of failing or weakness does not make you a failure; our faith is tested when we fail, the weaker we are, the greater faith we should have to see God’s strength shine forth in our imperfections.

David was probably very disappointed in himself when the Amalekites invaded his home town and took his people captive. While David was busy trying to aide the Philistines in the war against Israel; the very people he was called to protect had been ravished by an enemy. The beloved David was going to be stoned by his own men due to a bad decision he made that seemingly cost the lives of their loved ones. David was certainly having a bad day as he listened to the men’s angry outburst; but like any wise man that knows mistakes are not to be dwelled on, but fixed in the power of Christ; he encouraged himself in the Lord by remembering he served and belong to the Lord God. David went on to invite God into his dilemma and he was instructed to pursue, overtake; and recover all that was lost. David delivered a resounding defeat to the Amalekites as he mercilessly smote these men and recovered ALL that was lost.

One horrendous decision, mistake, failure, day, fight, and loss does not determine our future. David won several battles before this incident and could have relied on his past ability of being a great and rarely defeated warrior. However, the Lord wanted to show us that failures sometimes comes with distresses, disappointments; and loss of friends, loved ones, and supporters. The outcome of our bad days and failures should remind us who we are in Christ. David could have moped all day; instead, he remembered he served the Great I AM. This one bad decision did not define David’s life, in fact, it pushed him to one more triumphant conquer. We are also going to revisit every area that we have known defeat, failure, and loss with the power of Christ in the coming days; we will bash every destabilizing lie of Satan and recover the moments he has stolen from us. God will restore years the cankerworm, locust, palmerworm, and caterpillar have eaten; we will eat plenty, be satisfied, and praise God for his greatness in our frailty. We are never to dwell on our failures, bad days, and weaknesses; because they are instruments that draw us closer to Christ, so we can rely on him for strength. The moment we invite Jesus to these kind of days, months, and years of our lives; we are on our way to giving the enemy of our soul a paralyzing blow!

Lots of Love.

Toyin O.