SUNDAY WORD: HE IS RISEN!!!

Matthew 28:1-8: (NIV)
Jesus Has Risen
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”


Happy Resurrection Sunday! God bless and keep you and yours-those in Christ have eternal life! (John 3:15). Today I want to focus my teaching on the significance of the resurrection. It is so powerful-it births us into eternal life-which takes place when we accept Christ and are birthed into the reality of the resurrection through the Spirit
 (John 3:6). So are you born again? Have you accepted Christ as your LORD and Savior? What happens is that when you step into your identity as a child of God, you embrace your eternal inheritance through the LORD.
This is why the resurrection is so powerful! Death could not hold Him back-and hence death has no power over us. The Spirit of the LORD gives life (John 6:63) and hence when we step into our identity we need to be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14) to walk in the fullness of that life we have received that springs eternally. (John 4:14).
Notice that in our text for today Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb-have you changed your direction towards Jesus? Are you walking towards Him? Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went with their feet to the tomb expecting to find His body-when you walk towards the LORD, He is never what you expect-He is more-He gives life-if you come expecting some form of death ie through lack of expectations met, lack of desires fulfilled-you will not find it when you walk towards Him.
And this is captured in the next verse-there was a violent earthquake. This means the environment changed-there was a shift in the circumstances surrounding that particular place-and there was an angel of the LORD-who went to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. So they had a divine encounter. When you walk towards the LORD, expect to have a divine experience with Him that is personal in nature. They were witnesses-He makes us witnesses to His grace!
But the guards were afraid-they did not understand what was going on-and they shook with fear-this is because they were trying to rationalize the situation-but the Kingdom of God is not of talk but of power! (1 Corinthians 4:20).

The angel did not address the guards-he addressed the women. In other words, God will give you an understanding of the situation that is revelation-that will not apply to those in the same circumstance-this is why the angel did not address the guards.
Guards are security-the irony is that they were powerless in this situation-whatever is trying to monitor your progress-whatever force is trying to block your blessing-the stone has been rolled away in Christ and the angel of the LORD has been assigned to secure your blessing in Christ!
The angel of the LORD instructed them on the next couple of steps to take-the first was an instruction to change their perspective. Through what lens are you viewing the resurrection? This is very important! you need to understand the significance of the resurrection-this is why the angel first stated they should not be afraid. This is because we are given power, love and a sound mind-not fear (2 Timothy 1:7). And what casts out fear-perfect love which we receive in Christ (1 John 4:18).
When you accept the fact that God gave His only Son because of His love for the world, when you take that Word into your heart (John 3:16)-watch as the love of Christ works miracles in your perspective.  
The angel first advised them from a spiritual perspective before he moved into their physical perspective. This is because the LORD changes us from the inside out. We have to accept Him first in faith, we have to speak that language of faith to understand the message and then this translates into how we are ministered to see Christ in our situation.
And then when we see Him in our situation we are able to serve as witnesses to others!
This is why the angel first instructed them to not be afraid, then to come and see the tomb and finally to go and tell the other disciples.
The women were afraid as they left the tomb in a hurry-notice they left the tomb differently from when they came to it-this time they were in a hurry. When you encounter God an urgency comes into your spirit-there is a fire that is birthed because of your personal encounter with Him. They were still afraid but they were also filled with joy-and this is exactly what happens when you encounter God. he changes everything! and it is scary but it is such a beautiful testimony because it fills you with the joy of the LORD which serves as your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
They came in grief but left in joy because the LORD turns everything around-He brings life to a dead situation and this is made possible because of the resurrection of our LORD who bore our sins and defeated death and rendered it powerless because of Him.
And as they were in a hurry to tell-to share to His disciples, because like I said, He births an urgency in your spirit to testify, they met Him along the way suddenly. Isn’t that interesting?
When you follow His instruction, you will always meet Him along the journey-it might be in how He has handled your course, your class, your work-but you will meet Him on the journey once you have accepted Him in and you will be able to hear Him speak.
The LORD offered them a greeting-and what did they do? They worshipped Him. This is what you should do as well-learn to worship the LORD through your tests, your trials, your situations, your hardships and even your joy-because notice this women were a bit of both-they had fear, but they also had faith because of their joy-let faith win-and worship Him.
the power of worship is-He reveals even more of Himself to you. And once more the LORD told them not to fear-because like a said, it is important to handle things spiritually first as this affects the physicality of the situation-and obedience to His instruction births experience of His salvation into your life. He told them first not to be afraid, and then to tell His brothers to go to Galilee-because they too will see Him there.
The LORD will send you as a witness to certain places-what is your Galilee? is it your workplace, your college,-this is where others will be able to see Him there.
But it all starts from the cross-have you accepted the reality of the resurrection? When you do, you open yourself to receive divine revelation because you have accepted salvation!

Happy Easter Sunday!

God Bless!


Tolu.

ARE YOU READY FOR MARRIAGE? (KINGDOM COURTSHIP)


Matthew 25:1-13: (NIV)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Happy Easter Friday! I always get excited around this time of year since I realized the significance of this celebration!
 I am truly touched by the LORD’s grace each and every time the reality of the resurrection speaks in my life!
Today’s Kingdom Courtship teaching is focused on the Parable of the 10 virgins. I have decided to adopt a step-by-step approach here as well. Let's see how many boxes you can tick!
You may think Tolu what does this parable have to do with waiting? Well-let’s read and find out!

Set Apart:
 Notice firstly that they were all virgins meaning they were all set apart-so my primary question is- are you set apart? How does this reflect in your daily choices, your relationships, your habits? Do you respond to people from a place of pain or one of purpose? Do your words encourage others? Do your steps lead others towards a godly living through your interactions? This is important because first we must all be set apart in Christ (Hebrews 10:10)

Appearance:
Notice the next point is that the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins-what is your appearance saying about you? As women especially, is your appearance based on your personality or is it based on your physicality? Are you more concerned about outer adornments than becoming a gentle and quiet spirit in Christ? (I Peter 3:4) Are you like the ten virgins meaning are you clearly a representation in appearance and more importantly in character of Christ?
Does your dressing speak of modesty and show your personality as led by the Spirit? This is so important in the place of waiting-we must become alike to the virgins-we must become representatives of the kingdom in our appearance and more importantly in our attitude.

Actions:
Notice that the ten virgins all took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom which is Christ. You may say-what does this have to do with waiting? Well, that’s the point-are you ready with your lamp?! Remember the Word says your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path? (Psalm 119:105). Meaning is the Word of God in you? (Psalm 119:11). Is it alive and active in your spirit? This is an important principle because this will lead you to your bridegroom-your husband.
 All the virgins had their lamps before they went out to meet the bridegroom. This means first you will be hidden and when you take your lamp-the Word-it will lead you out to meet your bridegroom-your husband which firstly is Christ, and secondly is your mate on this Earth.

Reputation:
This is where these women deviate-and I want you to understand this study specifically from this point! Five of the virgins were foolish but five were wise. Meaning although all the virgins had their lamps not all of them knew how to use it because clearly the foolish ones took the lamps but with no oil!
Let me say something about this quickly: the oil is the Holy Spirit. There is no point holding on to the Word and failing to understand how to apply it daily in your life-that comes from the anointing-which is of the Spirit. (1 John 2:27). Remember the LORD told His disciples to wait for the Spirit?  (Luke 24:49).
Because without Him you cannot represent the kingdom properly.
The Spirit is so important for a number of reasons but in this context-it is because He is the one that will reveal you to your spouse and your spouse to you.
And you have to invite Him in! Notice the wise ones took oil. So I need to ask you: have you taken Him on your journey with you? Or are you just banking on the fact that you claim to be a Christian because you can recite the Word-because my dear, that is religion not relationship.

Appointment:
You need to understand something important-there is an hour that has been set where you will meet your spouse. I did a study on this called Divine Appointment.
And the thing is, if it is in God, you have to wait and be ready!
Notice the Word says the bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Let’s be spiritual here: firstly, the bridegroom took longer than they expected. Don’t equate your desire for your spouse to God’s timing. God has a timing that has been set that cannot be moved by human hands because it is in His will.
But the bridegroom arrived at midnight-meaning there was a time set and exactly on that hour, that second, that day-he arrived.

Preparation:
And this is when the fruit of the Spirit will begin to speak through the preparation He has imparted in your spirit from the oil. (Galatians 5:22-23). And this would be obvious to those around you-because they would ask-give me some of your oil-in other words, help me understand how to dress better, help me understand more how to control my temper, how to develop a spirit of cleanliness, etc what side do you fall on that balance? You need to understand the oil cannot be shared-the Spirit works through us all differently but this preparation will be necessary for you to be able to step into marriage.
This is why the wise virgins said the oil may not be enough and directed them to go and get some for themselves.

Cost:
The anointing will cost you! The virgins told them to go and buy some. Preparation will cost you-are you really ready to be a husband/wife? How does your financial plan look like? Do you know how to cook/clean? Do you know how to take care of yourself let alone a family? Are you led by your emotions or commitment? Are you diligent? Are you disciplined? Are you ready to let go of destructive relationships? Do you pray? How is your spiritual radar? Are you ready to build Christian relationships? How do you feel about courtship? This is all the cost of the anointing and much more depending on your own particular personality! And you have to be ready to sacrifice to receive it before you can step into that blessing of marriage!

(I do a study on Youtube concerning Kingdom Courtship specifically with preparation through the study of Esther-click here to check on it!)

Opportunity:
Because the cost could turn out to be missing the blessing-have you been stubborn about letting that relationship go that God has not blessed?
Then you will miss your bridegroom. Have you failed to pay heed to the direction of the Spirit concerning a job offer, a course, an investment? Then you will miss your bridegroom-everything is important!
This is why while they were on their way to buy the oil the bridegroom arrived-this means that when they finally decided to yield to the requirements, it was too late.

Those that were ready went in-to the wedding banquet! And the door was shut! Don’t miss the appointment-start making ready under the leadership of the Spirit.
(Romans 8:14).

Recognition:
The danger is your bridegroom will not be able to recognize you without the oil! The LORD could not recognize these virgins. Some of you have concentrated so much on your physicality and neglected your spirituality!
But your spouse responds to spiritual recognition not physical attraction! And this is a recognition that comes from the Spirit.

So get your priorities in order!

This is why the final Word here is to keep watch-in other words, keep growing spiritually and this will translate into your physical and emotional and mental state so that when he/she shows up-you’re ready!

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This is the last version of the Kingdom Courtship series available on the blog! I've enjoyed sharing these messages as the LORD leads but now I will be sharing it with those that subscribe to my e-mail list for exclusive content concerning relationships, faith and destiny! 

 What will it entail? Those on my subscription list gain access to exclusive information with interactive steps to improve your emotional, physical and spiritual life! 
There will be more studies catered to suit your needs on this new and exclusive adventure and I'm excited to begin with you guys!

 If you will like to partake of this-Then subscribe by providing your e-mail address under the link on the right!

Q: So how are you preparing for marriage? Outline what steps you feel convicted about-and ask God to show you how to deal with this area.

Tip: When you ask for His help in prayer, consistently and repeatedly-you will gradually see changes.

 Until next time!

 God Bless,

 Tolu.

5 STEPS TO KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIP EXCITING!

Today I will be continuing my step-by-step approach to relationships! 
Will you like to learn how to keep your relationship exciting? Or are you struggling with discovering that spark once more in your relationship?
Well, follow the steps highlighted below and it will enable you and your partner to engage each other in a much deeper emotional dimension!

1.     Communication, consistency, connection:
      These are the 3 c’s I consistently discuss in all relationships: Communication, consistency, connection birth commitment.  It is extremely important to feed your relationship with these ingredients to birth a healthy environment of excitement. This way, there is a constant feeling of support, mutual affection and ongoing attention and this makes for an everyday, exciting, engaging genuine level of connection.

2.     Exploration changes perception!:
When you establish an environment of positivity through applying the 3 C’s you create an atmosphere filled with energy that could be channeled through exploring. How can exploring make your relationship more exciting? In multiple ways! You could explore yourselves emotionally, spend time enjoying one another’s company through a getaway, scheduled weekend lunches, or even staying at home and playing games that require consistent engagement. That way, you learn to appreciate one another and spend time with one another. It also allows you to see yourselves as not only partners but as also friends! You could also explore one another geographically-take adventures-go on trips together-locally, nationally and even internationally if your budget allows it and if enough time has been invested into your relationship. This way you learn to adapt as a couple in different settings.

3.     Listen and Learn:
Now this is an important step towards enjoying your relationship. When you learn from each other through the 3 C’s and exploring each other you become more responsive to one another because you have been listening.
This is why learning from each other is so important. What did you learn from your partner on that trip? That game? That experience? It is directly correlative to how much you listened to them. Allow yourself to appreciate your partner through observing their strengths and weaknesses, that way you learn to engage with them wholly and completely.

4.     Fun with family and friends:
 You can make the relationship more exciting when you enjoy one another’s families. I know this may not be ideal in every single case but I think its an important point to have. Learn about your partner’s parents and siblings-find similar points of interest-spend time with solely their sisters or mothers for instance as a woman or even as a man spend time with their brothers and fathers. This way it shows that you care about your partner and this directly affects the environment of your relationship. Also, when you spend time with their friends with your partner present you learn how they interact in social environments and you also learn how to adapt as a couple in social settings.

5.     Encourage each other!:
You make your relationship more exciting when you encourage each other-encourage each other in acts of affirmation and affection. Don’t limit the way you encourage your partner through words surprise them with your actions! Maybe they got a raise or they finally graduated or finished a course? Well surprise him/her with dinner-buy him/her a gift! Its not the cost but the thought that counts! Get innovative in how you encourage each other because this will directly affect how you enjoy one another!

These are practical steps to make your relationship more exciting- and if you notice, they are all easily applicable points of reference you can incorporate in your daily interactions. The aim of this exercise is to create and cultivate an interesting atmosphere laid on the foundation of your commitment not your love.

Finally, define your love based on commitment meaning even if you don’t feel like it, you still act on it!

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Q: What steps have you taken to build your relationship on commitment?

Tip: Highlight what phrases you would use to describe your partner i.e. energetic-then work on how you can explore your partner through other missing phrases you would like to incorporate i.e. if a phrase you would like to incorporate is adventurous, then go on a trip or an outing that involves an element of adventure so you can discover each other in that setting!

Join me on Youtube every Sunday to discuss more on relationships, faith and destiny!

If this post was beneficial to you, don't forget to share and leave a comment below!

Also check out:
How To Meet The Person Of Your Dreams!

YOUTUBE: SIGNS OF INFIDELITY

Hey Guys!

Today, I share from my Youtube Page on Signs of Infidelity!



This video teaches on signs that show when there is cheating in the relationship. The purpose is to enable you to heal not to hurt. By identifying these pointers, and dealing with them as a team, you remove the source of the infection in your union.

Have a blessed day!

Tolu.