Category: Featured

Ephesians 1: Letter of Ephesians was written by Apostle Paul; the Bible made it
clear to us that Paul was chosen by the will of God.
1a) This book we are studying was written by someone who in quote does not
qualify to write about Christ. Why — He persecuted Christ and his followers and
did not know Him.
 Meaning nobody can be a write off in the presence of God. God is interested in
you and the potentials you carry.
 Don’t write off yourself as “you are not qualified”:
 To serve God or preach d gospel
 For a certain position
 For certain benefit or treat
 Certain things are kept for certain people
No sir, No ma: God qualified you, even as He qualified Paul who killed people for
following Christ; yet He chose him. What wrong have you done so far? That is
making you run from God as disqualified. Have you stolen, lied or killed before?
He qualifies the chosen.
1b) Apostle Paul was chosen by the will of God.
Question: What does it mean to be chosen by God?
Answer: It means God made the choice for something to happen according to His
perfect wisdom, foreknowledge or will knowing fully well from the foundation of
the world what our choice or stand will be in any situation. Therefore, He knows
how to achieve His perfect will while still allowing man to make choices.
(Question 1- Romans 8:28–30). God foreknew who would love Him. He knew
who would accept or forsake Jesus.
This brings us to Questions probably arising in your heart like:-
Question 1: So why do I have to strive to please God since he already has made
his choice? Romans 8:28–30;
vs 28: Those who love God
vs 29: God foreknew us

vs 30: God chose them based on knowing before earth those who will love him.
Question 2: Is God partial? Ask Congregation;
Yes – Tell me why;
No – Tell me why but we have a part to play. Remember Romans 8:28 talks about
those who love God.
 Proverbs 8:17 also talks about God loving those who love him.
 God does not start what he hasn’t first ended, so he knows us very well, the
very intent of our heart he knows. Sometimes he lets it play out so that people
around us will not say, ha! God is partial. What you do for God will be on
record to convince everyone that you truly love God or not. i.e. Abraham,
Ananias and Sapphira.
 Is it safe to say God is to us what we are to him? Or is he more to us than we
are to him?

Question 3: Are there people chosen by God to do specific things?
Answer: There are and severally cited in the Bible.
 God chose the children of Israel to be a special people (Deuteronomy 7:6–8)
 God chose the tribe of Levi to be priests (Deuteronomy 18:5)
 God chose Saul to be the First king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:24-27)
 God chose David to replace Saul as the King of Israel (1 Samuel 16:10-12)
 God chose Jerusalem as the place to reveal himself (2 Chronicles 6:6)
 God chose Christ to be the savior of the world (Matthew 12:18)
 God chose us who he knew would love him for salvation (2 Thessalonians
2:13–14 and Romans 8:28)

V2 – Only God gives grace and peace.
 We quietly say grace is “unmerited favor” meaning we didn’t do anything to be
saved by God.
 That’s why we say “Saved by Grace.” It is the grace of God upon our lives that
allows us to serve God and do all that we do each day. It is grace that keeps us
alive.

 Peace of God is beyond explanation; it is a feeling of calmness in the middle of
a storm. It is only God who gives peace to us. Philippians 4:6–7.
(a) Don’t worry (instead) about anything
(b) Pray about everything
(c) Tell God what you need
(d) Thank Him for all He has done
(e) Then you will experience the peace of God which exceeds anything we can
understand.
Vs 3 – who has blessed us with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms”
because we are united with Christ.

• No unity with Christ, no spiritual blessing.
  Questions:

1. Are you united with Christ? Yes or No
2. What does it mean to be united with Christ?
3. What are spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms?
   Means: –

• In Christ we have all the benefits of knowing God
• Being chosen for salvation
• Being adopted as his children
• Forgiveness of our sins (which are inborn)
• Insight into the spiritual realm
• The gift of the spirit
• Power to do God’s will
• The hope of living forever with Christ
   We can enjoy these blessings because we have an intimate relationship with
  Christ.
   The heavenly realms mean: –
  a) That these blessings are eternal not temporal
  b) From Christ our Lord and not from some idol God
  Vs 4: God loved us and chose us to be holy without fault in his eyes

 Paul saying God “chose us” is emphasizes that salvation depends totally on
God not that we did anything special, he saved us according to his plan. So, we
had no influence on God’s decision about our salvation. If this is so, we need to
thank God constantly for his love for us.
Vs 5 God decided in advance to adopt us to his family through Jesus Christ.
Romans 8: 17 says we are heirs with Jesus.

• In Roman law adopted children had same rights and privileges as biological
  children even if they had been slaves.
• Paul uses adoption to show us how strong our relationship with God is – Have
  you entered into this loving relationship?

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

“Psalm 44:26” – Arise to our help & redeem us for thy mercies’ sake. (KJV) In the Bible we have about so many Bible verses talking about God arising.

What does it mean to arise:
– It means to be stirred up.
– It means to be awake.
– It means to prepare for action.

When David found himself in a critical situation, he said to God, “Arise oh Lord”
Psalm 3; Vs 4: I cried to the Lord
Vs 7: Arise oh Lord

 God cares for the sick, oppressed, captive and troubled people generally, even the very well people.
 If people keep quiet, nothing will happen, Oppression will continue, sickness will continue and might lead to death, captivity will continue. If you are faced with a situation and keep quiet , it means it is okay; A closed mouth is a closed destiny.
 It will amaze you that the children of Israel were in bondage and captivity in Egypt for 430years UNTIL they SAID NO MORE and they began to cry out to God to arise on their behalf. Did God arise? Yes, He did. How:
1) He allowed evil to occur in the life & territory of their enemies (the Egyptians).
2) He killed all their firstborn sons and animals.
3) He took their wealth & riches and gave his children the Israelite as they exit the land of their captivity and bondage.
4) He took whatever Pharaoh was using as power and destroyed it.
5) He eventually drowned all their stubborn enemies that wouldn’t give up & pursued the children of Israel.

This is what God will do for us in Jesus name!

There will be cry in the camp of our enemies today in Jesus name. Why? The Lord will set us free and destroy them completely in Jesus name. Exodus 14:13-14 says: “The Egyptians we see today, we shall see them no more in Jesus name, the Lord Himself will fight for you – just stay calm.”

What situation is bothering you and weighing you down, don’t hesitate, cry to God for help and He will arise on your behalf. There are different people in the Bible who cried out to God and He arose on their behalf.

A) Jehoshaphat was facing a battle he knew he could not win by his strength. Guess what? He sought God and God gave him a strategy that brought about his victory. Three Nations was brought down for his sake and he had great plunder.

I always say that God is the greatest avenger. If you try to avenge for yourself, it can’t be as great as how God will do on your behalf.

B) King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14:13–14 – A once quiet city and peaceful life was threatened by a person named Zerah, an Ethiopian. Just like that, he had more than double of Asa’s armory or strength in person. So Asa cried to God for help and he got it, he recognized this was beyond him.

C) David cried for help – 1 Samuel 30:1-end. At Ziklag, God gave him a recovery strategy. He pursued, overtook and recovered all with great plunder.

 David’s plunder was much; he gave those that didn’t go to battle and the elders of Judah. He said in Vs 26- “Here is a present for you taken from the Lord’s enemies.” So your enemies are God’s enemies. That’s why; Psalm 68:1-3 – “Arise, oh Lord, let your enemies be scattered.”

 God is waiting to arise for somebody today!!!
Amen – Hallelujah!

I) Are you weighed down with what the world calls barrenness? The Bible says none shall be barren in the land (Exodus 23:26). Cry out to God today and He will arise for you like He did for Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, even the Shunammite woman.
II) Are you in a sorrowful state and it seems your life is not pleasant or nothing is working for you? Cry out to God as Jabez did. The God who arose for Jabez will arise for you (1 Chronicles 4:9–10).
III) Have you been toiling all night and day in your business, and nothing is happening? It’s time to lend your boat to Jesus as Peter did in (John 21:4–6) and you will soon see a turnaround as God will arise on your behalf.
IV) Are you confused about life and your mental wellness is challenged?

– You find it difficult to sleep at night (insomnia).
– You are always anxious.
– You are afraid of the future and thinking all the time.
– You are dis-illusioned? Confused? Cannot focus anymore – cry to Jesus.
– Or have you moved even to a state of depression? WAIT and I mean just

WAIT. Do not do anything silly. Cry to Jesus, He will turn around your captivity so fast; it will be like a dream (Psalm 126:1). He did it for David; He will do it for you. Even the madman of Gedera, He restored his sanity, yours has not even reached that level!

Written By: Yetunde Oriolowo

Apostle Paul’s persecution are the marks.
2 Corinthians 11:25–27
1) Three times I was beaten with rods.
2) Once I was stoned.
3) Three times I was shipwrecked
Paul points to the scar or wounds he had received in his Master’s service.
 Wounds or scars are his credentials, qualification to preach or certificate if we
may say. You use certificate to look for job, isn’t it?
 What’s your qualification to talk about this Jesus? We all say we accept &
preach?
 What experiences do you have with him that can persuade someone to give
their lives to Jesus if u share?
4) A night and a day I have been in the deep high sea.
5) In journeys often (travel a lot for the gospel’s sake).
6) In perils of waters.
7) In perils of robbers.
8) In perils of my own countrymen (Jews).
9) In perils of the gentiles.
10) I have faced danger in the city.
11) In perils in the wilderness / deserts.
12) In perils in the stormy sea.
13) In perils among false brethren.

14) In weariness and hard labor / pain.
15) In sleeplessness often / long & lonely night.
16) In hunger & thirst.
17) In fasting often.
18) In cold and nakedness.
19) Despite daily persecution, he still thinks of the church of God and the Gospel.

The Background of Galatians 6:11–16 (NIT)
Is that man likes to glory in the flesh, i.e. show off generally which includes spiritual show off , I am born again, circumcised, fast, pray etc.(Demonstrate Self-righteousness, spiritual pride), forgetting that only the message of the cross of Christ Jesus qualifies you for righteousness and acceptance by God. So the Judaizers were attempting to get the Galatians to embrace the law along with Christ.

But Apostle Paul made it clear that these same people who wanted the Galatians to be circumcised to accept them as people of God, as they are, do not even keep the law themselves. So their circumcision is outwards and not inwards. (Their hearts are not circumcised). They just want self-glory because this can be achieved by self-effort. However, the message of the cross puts self-effort in its proper place. (vs 14) Apostle Paul said, God forbid that I should glory (boast) except in the cross of our Lord Jesus.

(vs 15); he said- For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision mean anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. So, he is basically saying all of man’s religious ceremonies mean nothing, but being truly a new creature and this can only be achieved by trusting Christ and what He did for us on the cross, not by self-effort. That’s why we need the Holy Ghost, otherwise we will struggle.

So all that was happening then was what led to Apostle Paul saying in vs 17 – “Henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body “the marks of the Lord Jesus.” He was basically saying -“Don’t trouble me, leave me alone, I know what I am
doing, and to the Galatians don’t listen to his teachers; it’s not about self-effort, circumcision, they don’t have any marks or thing to show for their love for Christ, All they do is external (‘for show’), pretending to love God but glorying in the works for God.”

 Then he said “For I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” – meaning he has gone through a lot of things for the gospel’s sake and the message of the cross, so it’s not about “show off” (nice house, cars, shoes). It’s deeper than we think.

Apostle Paul points to the scar, marks, stigma, wounds he had received in his Master’s service. Let’s look at some of them :- 2 Cor 11:25–27

One of the most frequent questions I encounter in my dual role as an ordained Pastor and a professional Counselor is this: “If I truly trust God, why do I still need to see a therapist?”

There is a lingering misconception in many faith communities that mental health struggles are purely spiritual battles. We are told to “pray harder,” “fast longer,” or “have more faith.” While prayer is a powerful, foundational tool for the believer, it was never intended to be a replacement for the wisdom and medical care God provides through professional means.

Seeking therapy is not a sign that your faith is failing; it is a sign that you are being a good steward of the mind God gave you.

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The Theology of “Both/And”

In almost every other area of life, we understand the concept of using both spiritual and physical resources.

• If you have a broken leg, you pray for healing and you go to the orthopedic surgeon.
• If you want to understand the Bible deeply, you pray for revelation and you go to Bible College.

Why should our mental health be any different? God often answers our prayers for peace and healing by providing skilled professionals who understand the intricate workings of the human brain.

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Three Reasons Why Therapy Complements Your Faith

1. Understanding the “Temple”

The Bible tells us our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This includes our neurological systems. Just as a temple can have structural issues that need repair, our brains can experience chemical imbalances or trauma-induced responses. Therapy provides the “blueprints” to understand and repair these structural emotional issues.

2. Uncovering Roots

Prayer connects us to the Creator, but therapy often helps us identify the “why” behind our patterns. A therapist can help you uncover the root of a specific anxiety or a recurring behavioral cycle, allowing you to bring those specific areas to God in prayer with more clarity.

3. God Uses People

Throughout scripture, God used individuals with specific skills to help His people. From physicians like Luke to counselors like Jethro, God has always used human expertise to fulfill His divine purposes. A therapist is simply another tool in God’s toolkit for your restoration.

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A Path to Wholeness

In the “My Mental Health & I” philosophy, we don’t choose between the altar and the office. We embrace both. We recognize that a healthy prayer life is strengthened when our minds are clear, and a healthy mind is anchored when our spirits are connected to God.

If you are struggling today, please hear this: Your struggle is not a sin, and your need for help is not a weakness. You can love Jesus and have a therapist.

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Don’t walk this journey alone.

Whether you need the spiritual guidance of a Pastor or the clinical expertise of a Counselor, we are here to support your total well-being. God wants you whole—mind, body, and spirit

In today’s fast-paced society, we often wear our “busyness” like a badge of honor. We celebrate the late nights, the skipped meals, and the endless notifications as signs of success. But as I often discuss with women in politics, corporate leaders, and busy professionals, there is a hidden price tag attached to this lifestyle.

When the “hustle” becomes your primary identity, your peace is usually the first thing to be traded away.

The Myth of Constant Productivity

We have been conditioned to believe that if we aren’t moving, we aren’t growing. However, in my work as a therapist and through the “My Mental Health & I” series, I see the toll this takes: chronic anxiety, burnout, and a sense of spiritual emptiness.

The truth is, a car cannot run indefinitely on an empty tank, and neither can you. Reclaiming your peace isn’t about doing less; it’s about being more intentional with the energy you have.

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Signs the Hustle is Costing You Too Much

How do you know if you’ve crossed the line from “hardworking” to “unhealthy”? Look for these red flags:

• The “Always On” Mindset: Even when you are home, your mind is at the office or in the next meeting.
• Emotional Fragility: Small setbacks trigger outsized reactions of frustration or sadness.
• Neglected Boundaries: You find it impossible to say “no,” even when your schedule is physically impossible.
• Physical Fatigue: Your body is sending signals—headaches, tension, or insomnia—that your mind is trying to ignore.

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How to Reclaim Your Peace

Reclaiming your peace requires a shift in perspective. Here are three steps to start the journey:

1. Define Your “Non-Negotiables”

What are the things that keep you grounded? Whether it’s morning prayer, a walk, or dinner with family, these must be scheduled with the same priority as a board meeting. Peace is not a luxury; it is a necessity for long-term success.

2. Practice “Spiritual Stillness”

As an ordained minister, I find that many of our anxieties melt away when we reconnect with our Creator. Taking just ten minutes of silence to pray and breathe can reset your nervous system and remind you that the world does not rest solely on your shoulders.

3. Audit Your “Yes”

Every time you say “yes” to a new task, you are saying “no” to something else—often your rest or your family. Before committing, ask yourself: “Does this align with my well-being, or am I just feeding the hustle?”

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Success Without the Sacrifice

You were not created to live in a state of constant emergency. True success—Psychological Flourishing—is the ability to achieve your goals while maintaining a quiet heart and a healthy mind.

If you feel like the cost of your hustle is becoming too high, it might be time to pause and recalibrate. Your peace is worth more than any promotion or accolade.

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Is your schedule serving you, or are you a slave to your schedule?

If you’re ready to find a better balance, I invite you to join our next “My Mental Health & I” session, where we dive deeper into practical strategies for work-life harmony.

We’ve all said it: “I’m just having a bad day.” Sometimes, that’s exactly what it is—a temporary cloud that shifts with a good night’s sleep or a kind word. But what happens when the “bad day” turns into a bad week, a heavy month, or a season of life that feels impossible to navigate?

As a counselor and a minister, I have spent years watching people try to “pray away” or “work through” deep emotional exhaustion, often without the tools they truly need. This is precisely why I founded the “My Mental Health & I” series. It’s more than just a webinar; it’s a philosophy of intentional living.

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The “My Mental Health & I” Approach

The core of this philosophy is simple: Your mental health is not an abstract concept—it is your most constant companion. Just as you nurture your spiritual life and your physical body, your mind requires deliberate, professional, and compassionate care.

In our series, we break this down into three essential pillars:

1. The Integration of Faith and Science

Many believe that seeking therapy is a sign of weak faith. My philosophy argues the opposite. We believe that God provides wisdom through professional psychotherapy just as He provides healing through medicine. Understanding your mental health is an act of stewardship over the life you’ve been given.

2. Identifying the “Slow Leak”

Mental health struggles aren’t always a sudden explosion; often, they are a “slow leak.” It’s the gradual loss of joy, the creeping irritability, or the persistent “brain fog” during work. Our series teaches you how to spot these signs before the tank runs dry.

3. Practical Tools for Real Life

Philosophy is useless without practice. Whether we are discussing Work-Life Balance, Setting Goals, or Physical Wellness, we focus on “The How.” How do you say ‘no’ without guilt? How do you rest when the world is loud? How do you align your daily habits with your mental peace?

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It’s Time to Move Beyond “Getting By”

If you have been feeling like you’re just “surviving” your days rather than living them, I want you to know that there is a path to flourishing. You don’t have to choose between your faith and your feelings.

The “My Mental Health & I” philosophy is about bringing your whole self to the table—the spiritual, the emotional, and the professional—and realizing that you deserve to be well.

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Are you ready to change your relationship with your mental health?

Join us for our next session as we continue to bridge the gap between where you are and where you are meant to be.