Pastor Corner

Value for God’s presence

Welcome again to the month of November! I must say personally that it’s been a year! The song by Minister Dunsin Oyekan seems to resonate more in this season;

“Many battles, Many struggles, but God has been there for me. Fighting for me, winning for me, He has never lost a fight. The number of my scars are the number of my victories. That’s why my praise, can never be the same as yours….  Excuse me If I get undignified, you don’t know, Like I know what He has done For me”

As the year winds up, it is a time to reflect and be grateful to God for keeping you all year long. The truth is, the things you have survived this year have eliminated other people. That’s why gratitude remains the appropriate attitude in every season. David said in Psalms 34:1 that he will bless the Lord at all times… As we anticipate the coming year with faith-filled expectations, rest assured that a table has been prepared for you that will make the enemy mad and regret all that he has done against you. Always remember that God is always for you and not against you.

More and more, I yearn that we all (myself and the entire church family) seek to deepen our relationship with him, more now than ever. I believe that God is calling us all to an intimate relationship with him rather than ”having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5) This is no longer the time to play church but to wake up to the essence of our calling in Him.

Taking a look at Psalm 23:1-5, you will notice the switch that took place in the way the conversation was going. In verse 1 he was initially referring to the shepherd as ‘He’ but during the experience of going through the shadow of death, he started using the second person pronoun of ‘You’. The revelation behind this is that he found God’s nearness when he was in trouble or when it seemed he was in a season when everything looked bleak.

Our experiences are always opportunities for him to manifest himself to us on a deeper and closer level. Remember in Psalm 46:1, it was recorded that he is “a very present help in trouble”. Meaning there are depths of him that we get to know in the midst of the trouble. Don’t let the situation take you away from him rather experience his nearness when in your darkest moments.

Psalm 91:2-3 are significant in the way we should operate during seasons of our lives that look like valleys and close to death; “I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. ³Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, And from the perilous pestilence.”

Notice that before deliverance in verse 3, is what you have to say of the Lord in verse 2. Your word will activate the world you will live in. You have to speak big about our God in the face of challenges. David didn’t confront Goliath because he had physical muscles but with his knowledge of the God who was with him. Value the knowledge of God so you can stay conscious of his presence in your life. With that fear will be kept at bay in our lives.

I call you blessed!

Children’s Corner

The Parable of the Sower

 

Hello, Children of God, we would like to take you on a new journey of learning with FLOAT newsletter. Are you ready to join us?? My name is Amaka and my best friend name is Jumoke. Before we go any further, we need you to open your Bible, turn to Matthew Chapter 13, and read verses 1-9….

 

Okay then, have you finished reading? I hope you have. Now let’s continue…

Grab or call a friend and read on together.

 

Amaka: Jumoke, did you understand what was meant in the scripture you just read, ‘The Parable of the Sower’?

Jumoke: Erm, kind of… Did it mean that some seeds grow but not to their full potential?

Amaka: To an extent. However, how about you think of it this way? The ‘Farmer’ represents God; the ‘Seed’ represents the word of God and the ‘Bird’ represents Satan.

Jumoke: Okay, so does that mean Satan came and ate up the word of God?

Amaka: Not exactly but allow me to explain the parable to you.

• The seed on the path represents people who hear the message, but it is immediately lost.
• The seed on the rocky ground represents people who respond with initial enthusiasm, but the word of God does not sink in deep. When persecution or hard times (represented by the sun) come along they give up at once.
• The thorn bushes choke the message of God. It is heard, but people’s concern for riches and their worries about life cause the plants to die, and lastly.
• Good soil represents people who hear the message and live it in their lives.

Jumoke: I think I get it now, so I should aim to be like the Good Soil. To be porous to God’s word, to soak it in like water, to cling to it with conviction that God would never leave me dry. To accept that the rocky ground and thorny bushes will try to break my stronghold, but I shouldn’t allow the hard times to hold me down for too long. Like a seed in good soil, I will blossom.

Amaka: Jumoke, aah ahh, girl. When did you become a Junior Pastor? But yes, you are spot on.

 

 

Development Corner

OPTIMISM AND POSITIVITY

Optimism can be defined as hopefulness and confidence about the future, while Positivity is the practice of being or the tendency to be positive or optimistic.

We all have decisions to make in life. You can choose to be optimistic or pessimistic about your situation. However, it is better to practise positivity.

Aside from the fact that people are naturally drawn to optimistic people and would love to have them in their corners (good relationships), here are some of the benefits of optimism.

1. It allows us to work on our Goals: Despite the situation, an optimist is more likely to achieve his goals than a pessimist. By staying positive, you are not held back by failure and can feel more in control.
2. ⁠An optimist is a product of excellence: They excel in whatever they do.
3. ⁠Better Health and lots of energy: A pessimist would always feel depressed, being weighed down by negative thoughts while an optimist enjoys good health and life in general.

Seeing that the situation is out of your control, wouldn’t it be better to choose optimism over pessimism? Think about it!

 

Crossword

E	E	V	E	I	H	C	A	D	L
C	C	H	O	I	C	E	Z	O	I
I	A	N	C	H	F	D	P	E	V
T	G	M	E	W	E	T	O	L	I
C	Y	A	I	L	I	A	B	F	N
A	L	E	V	M	L	A	L	D	G
R	A	I	I	L	V	E	M	T	B
P	L	S	B	I	U	X	C	U	H
X	T	T	D	D	P	M	Y	X	A
T	S	I	M	I	S	S	E	P	E

 

Excellence, Living, Practice, Optimist, Achieve, Pessimist, Health, Choice

 

Biblical poetry

Knowing Gods Name

 

Say my Name, say my Name

But not like you’re singing along to Destiny’s Child

Say my name because I am Destiny’s Child

God’s Child, created by the Creator

My father’s way flows through me, some call it creative juice

But I call it the ‘Overflow from Jehovah Elohim’

He sets the template that enables me to create

Through my lips I speak it into existence

With my hands I shape it to my will

And my trust and belief in Jehovah Elion places me at an advantage

Because I submit to my Lord, God who is most high

My acceptance of his governance over my life

carries me through challenging situations.

 

Say my Name, say my Name

For I am the child of God Almighty

Therefore I will not compromise on my faith

Because I understand it would only delay the fulfilment of my desire

So I cling onto God’s breast like a newborn baby

Dependent on their mother for survival

As I cling to him, he never forgets me

God is always on standby ready for me to call out to him.

So I call out his name; El Shaddai, I depend on you.

 

I depend on you, Oh Lord, to provide all my needs.

I work expectantly knowing that you will meet me along the way

I recognise that every challenge is you testing me

So test me oh Lord, even though I hate to say it

Lord put me through it

Let me show you how strong my faith is

And when I feel myself reaching breaking point

I will call out to you

Jehovah Jireh, please come and rescue me.

 

 

Health Corner

Get to Know Diabetes and How to Keep It in Check

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health concerns worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, over 420 million people live with diabetes, and that number continues to rise. Diabetes affects how our bodies process sugar, and without proper management, it can lead to severe health complications. The good news is that with some lifestyle adjustments, you can significantly reduce your risk.

Early signs of diabetes can be subtle, but it’s key to pay attention. What to look out for:

• Frequent thirst or hunger
• Unusual tiredness or fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

Healthy choices are everything. Here’s what can make a difference:

• Stay Active: Exercise regularly to keep blood sugar in check.
• Eat Wisely: Swap processed foods for whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Hydrate: Stick to water over sugary drinks.
• Check-In: Regular check-ups can help spot issues early.

Here is an affirmation, that I find quite encouraging:
“I honour my body as a temple, choosing each day to nurture my health with wisdom and joy. I am grateful for the strength within me to make choices that honour this gift of life.”

Remember that staying healthy isn’t just about our bodies; it’s a way to live out our faith and gratitude for each new day we’re given.

“…Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance” Isaiah 55:2 (NKJV)

 

 

Fun Facts

1. Sixty
percent
of
the
human
brain
is
made
of
fat,
making
it
the
fattiest
organ
in
the
human body
2. A
mile
is
5,280
feet
long
3. Banging
your
head
against
a
wall
for
one
hour
burns
150 calories
4. The
color
orange
was
actually
named
after
oranges
5. Cherophobia
is
the
irrational
fear
of
fun
or
happiness
6. Bananas
are
curved
because
they
grow
towards
the
sun
7. On
average,
men
get
bored
of
a
shopping
trip
after
26
minutes

 

Conclusion:

As a child of God, you are free from condemnation. Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for your sins, and through faith in Him, you are justified and redeemed.

What is your Proof?

1. Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.“
2. Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
3. 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
4. 1 John 3:20 – “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things.”
5. Jeremiah 31:34 – “…For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

As we journey through this month, always remember that;

⧫ You are forgiven. ⧫ You are justified. ⧫ You are redeemed. ⧫ You are accepted.  ⧫ You are loved.

Your identity is rooted in Christ, not in your past mistakes or current struggles. Walk in freedom, knowing you are a child of God, uncondemned and beloved.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for freeing me from condemnation through Jesus Christ. I walk in Your love, forgiveness, and acceptance, and Your truth silences the accusations of the enemy. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

 

Opic; Isheri, River View Estate	Oworo, Olorunfunmi Street.	Surulere, Iponri Estate.
Lambe, Korede Balogun	Unilag, Akoka	Federal College of Education, Akoka
Lekki Phase 1	Igbo-Efon, Silicon Valley Estate	Ikoyi, Awolowo Road
Victoria Island, Oniru	Victoria Island, Chicken Republic, Oniru	Abijo, Destiny Homes Estate
Ogunfayo, Off Palace way	Victoria Island, Kofo Abayomi	Victoria Island, Ligali Ayorinde

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

November to December 2024

Activities outside of the regular Sunday services

November

• 1-3rd: Three Days of Glory
• 9th: Leaders’ Meet
• 16th: Singles Connect
• 16th: Couple’s Connect
• 23rd: Hour of Grace

 

December

• 1st: Intense Special Worship Service
• 1-3rd: Three Days of Glory
• 21st: Xmas Charity Outreach
• 31st: Watchnight Service