THE NECESSITY OF FREEDOM

 

Freedom is not a luxury or benefit for a select few, it is your birthright.

The free man is king!

There are things we will do well to be free from- wrong words/voices, a self sabotaging mental image, and idols.

They are impediments to your progress, well being and freedom.

The voice of critics and detractors are wrong voices, the counsels of the jealous and envious are wrong voices, the view or opinion of negative minded people evolve into communication that are misleading voices, and those who belittle and despise use their voice to paint a wrong mental picture on the canvas of your mind The voice of those who are sincere but sincerely wrong can mislead.

You will do yourself a disfavor heeding these type of voices. Understand some people are toxic to where you're going to and what you're created for.

It's not everyone who loves a success story, not everyone wants to see you succeed, its not everyone who'll believe in you or the dreams you have. Your dreams will not excite everyone and it's not everyone who has to understand your path.

Your life's journey is exclusively yours, it's unique; no one has been on your journey, had your specific life's experience. No one else is you! So value yourself. You bring something unique to the table of life.

This understanding should help your self image and build your confidence. Get rid of self sabotaging mental images, they are mirages, hallucinations, lying wonders and internal false apparitions.

Idols are another nuisance we have to remove and cleanse out of our heart disc.

An idol is anything we love more than God.

An idol is anything that has replaced God in our soul's, anything in our lives contesting with our love for our creator is an idol.

Idols give the enemy a right to accuse us, resist us and gain an advantage over us.

He checked out Jesus when He walked this earth, if Jesus had idols in His heart He would have succumbed to the enemy's temptation when the enemy lead Him to the top of a mountain and showed Him all the glories of this world in exchange for worship. We fall for temptations that are idols within us. Thank God Jesus didn't, He was free from the hold of idols.

You must be free of yours too.

#free

EVERYDAY HEROES

 

Freedom fighters are heroes.

Heroes are individuals who do things for the greater good not just for themselves, in other words they are not selfish. That is the selfless mentality freedom fighters often have, they can't stand injustice.

Selfish people do not end up heroes, history is not kind to the wicked and if they are ever seen as people worth celebrating due to scheming or as a result of their clever public relations teams they are often revealed for who they really are in time.

The fake and the authentic are seen for what and who they are in time. God uses time to reveal truth it would seem.

There has always been a link between freedom and heroism.

Freedom is an essential benefit of life. It's often on the quest for freedom that heroes are born and seen.

Individuals like Harriet Tubman, Olaudah Equiano, Daniel Boone, David Crockett, St. Patrick, William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King Jnr, Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Oskar Schindler, Ahmed Sekou-Toure, Obafemi Awolowo, Thomas Sankara... are heroes.

The qualities heroes have are usually the requirements for achieving freedom- courage, bravery, service, selflessness, boldness, sacrifice ...

Not every hero wears a costume and has a cape, it's not every hero we read about in the newspapers or celebrate in their lifetime, unfortunately.

Heroes are not limited to the fictional superheroes characters from our comic books and it's not every hero we will watch on our tv screens, not every hero will have a movie made about their life. It's not every hero the film industry will pick up their life stories.

We have unsung heroes and everyday heroes.

Doctors and surgeons are heroes. They fight for the well-being and life of many.

Parents are everyday heroes- the responsible and diligent father who watches over his household and provides the best he can is a hero. The dutiful wife and mother is a hero. Healthcare workers, teachers, and educators are heroes as they look after the vulnerable and teach, imparting skill and knowledge. Fire fighters, the police and armed forces are heroes. They save lives and fight for others and country.

Pastors and other ministry gifts in the body of Christ are heroes. They teach, pray, counsel, and face the kingdom of darkness, most times on behalf of other people.

There are everyday heroes all around, recognize them, appreciate them, value them.

The Bible has many interesting hero biographies in it- David the king, Japhthah the warrior and leader, the Mighty men of David- an elite warrior team of 32 men who serve the king, Daniel, Shadrach and Abednego...

Their stories are interesting, inspiring and motivating.

Heroes inspire us.

You are someone's hero. There are people you inspire.

The greatest hero of all is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

His sacrifice is unmatched, His selflessness is out of this world, His love will be spoken about throughout all eternity, His teaching ministry and messages are eternal wells we will keep drawing from, His blood is an eternal fountain that keeps washing sins away from generation to generation.

He is also the greatest freedom fighter!

He fought and disarmed the kingdom of darkness and made an open show of them, He came that we might be free.

He destroyed the works of Satan for you and I.

He did it all, not for Himself but for you and I.

Be free, be blessed! The price was paid.

OUR BONAFIDE HERO

Heroes fascinate me, people who achieve remarkable feats for the benefit of others not just for themselves.

I grew up reading comic books and I enjoyed reading and drawing comic book characters, the heroes of the DC, Marvel, and 2000 AD universes.

These superheroes had superpowers- superhuman abilities that distinguished them from the crowd and enabled them to do and achieve things the crowd can't.

Do you know your superpower, do you know the power, the gift, the abilities you've been blessed with?

The difference between superheroes and villains is the use of their powers and abilities. Superheroes use theirs for good while villains use theirs for evil.

How are you using your gifts, talents, abilities, powers and time? Is it for good or for evil?

Don't be a villain be a hero, be a superhero.

The world is is need of more heroes.

Superman is remarkable, Thor is interesting, Hercules is impressive, Slaine is impossible, Conan is inspiring, Tarzan is intriguing, Spiderman is amazing, Rogue Trooper is thrilling, Aquaman is a revelation, He Man is compelling, the Incredible Hulk is unbelievable........

You are and can be someone's hero.

Not all heroes have bulging muscles, fly, wear costumes or have capes.

Intercessors are heroes, they are spiritual superheroes.

Their prayers are selfless as they stand in the gap for the benefit of others, they do it for the greater good of the Kingdom.

Angels, good angels are heroes too.

Behind the scene they do so much for humanity and the saints without being noticed and appreciated. They do what they do to God the Father's glory not themselves.

The angel who wanted glory, recognition and worship ended up a villain and fell from grace.

Men like King David, Gideon, Daniel, Apostle Paul, and the Apostles of the early church are heroes, spiritual heroes who used their divine abilities, spiritual authorities and graces in Christ Jesus to advance the kingdom, deliver men from darkness, work miracles to benefit others & promote the greatest hero and superhero of all time and eternity- Jesus Christ!

The strength- physical and spiritual of Jesus Christ, the heart, the works, the achievement, the intention, the plan, the purpose, the sacrifice, the divinity and the love for humanity makes Jesus the bonafide hero of all heroes through all eternity.

Besides Jesus is no fictional hero superhero.

He is real and His power is real.

Easter should be a remembrance and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection power that should be at work in the believer.

What have you done with Him?

He is real and the freedom He's purchased for us is real.

AFTER THE LOCKDOWN

It has been a tough and tumultuous time for the world and the pandemic has played no small part.

As a responsible citizen in the world, like every right thinking person, I have been concerned about

 the state of the world we live in, how Covid-19 has changed the way we live, how we are forced to distance and change the way we relate with one another, and the world we are creating for our children.

Without trying to be a prophet of doom, it goes without saying that the world is in tough times.

My reasons for thinking so is not far fetched.

There's a high level of poverty in many parts of the world, there's still insecurity in some countries, there's a lot of political tension in quite a number of nations, climate change is an issue in the world, divorce is on the increase, leadership challenges are still prevalent in many countries, rebellious youths abound, worthwhile values that worked for those of previous generations seems almost lost and there's a high level of moral decadence and spiritual deception.

Have you had enough, can I go on?

While I'm a die hard optimist and perhaps one of the few who remains positive in negative times, I can't help but observe the direction of humanity and the state of the human race.

If it is not clear to people that human beings don't always know what is best for them and don't always make the best decisions for their lives and world, then I don't know when people will come to terms with it.

Humanity needs help!

Serious spiritual help for that matter.

 God is our help!

After the lock down, and through the lock down, God is our hope!

Now the lockdown is lifted/lifting we are available for meetings within our hall.

As one of God's servants in the earth I will be honored to Pastor you, teach you, and guide you in your spiritual walk and service.

If you are in the London UK axis join us for service every Sunday for continuous encouragement, edification, prayer and inspired thoughts!

Miracles and answers to prayer are real among us.

God still works miracles today!

Come one, come all.

You will be glad you did!

Venue:

THE LIGHT OF JESUS CHRIST ASSEMBLY

Barking Road Community Center, 627-633 Barking Road,

Plaistow, London E13 9EZ

1pm -3pm

(We are upstairs)

Be there, to encounter light for these dark times!

Partners In Ministry (PIM)

Partners in ministry (PIM) is the partnership arm of The Light Of Jesus Christ Assembly.
A vision birthed by Pastor Olutosin Ogunkolade to help the mandate and global vision of the church ministry become a speedy reality, P.I.M is intended to enhance the church ministry through prayer (intercessors), outreach (promoters) and finances (financiers) who believe in the mandate and global vision of the church.
Partnerships are needed by every man and organisation with a vision for the fulfillment of the vision and project expansion.
Ours is no different as a kingdom and divine project of the Lord.
We need and want all hands on deck.

So we are calling out to all men and women with a heart and burden for the kingdom of God at this time to be part of Partners In Ministry.
Prayer warriors are needed, 'foot' soldiers are needed for outreach, and financiers who have been touched by the Lord are needed for the spear heading of God's kingdom message as we teach God's Word and spread God's light.

Call to find out more.
Call, sms or WhattsApp Pastor 'Tosin to find out more on 07305544781

BE BLESSED!

Don't Cheat Yourself

Joshua 24:15

When we think about being cheated we don't often think about ourselves being the one to cheat ourself.
We readily think about the devil who is the chief cheat.
We also think about others cheating us without looking inwards.
It is possible to cheat yourself.

The devil and other human beings are not the only ones who cheat people.
You can also cheat yourself.
Your choices will determine whether you're cheating yourself or not.

How can you cheat yourself?
When you do not accept what God has provided for you.
Luke 19:41-44

When you do not know who you are.
Luke 9:55

When you do not discern what God has given you.
Genesis 21:19

When you operate or live in fear.
1 John 4:18

When you do not plug into God's grace regularly.
Romans 6:14

When you withhold kindness or benevolence from the poor.
Proverbs 19:17

To cheat yourself is a great tragedy of life.
It's better someone else cheats you than you cheating yourself.

Daily, there are people cheating themselves in different ways:

*When you steal you're cheating yourself because you are opening the door for bigger losses in your life.
Exodus 20:15
*A woman or man cheating on his or her spouse is cheating himself/herself because such a person is opening the door for Satan to come into that marriage to torment it.
Proverbs 6:23-29
*When you refuse God's call upon your life you are cheating yourself.
Ephesians 4:11,12
*When you don't  us the gifts and talents God has given to you, you're cheating yourself.
Matthew 25:14-30
*Each time you reject God's salvation, you're cheating yourself. By doing so you're allowing the enemy to remain in dominion over you.
2 Thessalonians 1:8
*When you refuse to support God's kingdom work and move here on earth you're cheating yourself.
Matthew 6:33
*When you don't use your finances the way God would have you use it you're chating yourself.
Proverbs 3:9
*When you don't use your God given authority as a child of God, you're cheating yourself.
Luke 10:19

Olutosin Ogunkolade shares this message!

Life & Boxing

I like boxing, especially heavy weight boxing.
When I came across the picture above I liked it immediately and felt it is right for this article because the quote is just apt for this topic I thought to write on.

Life is like boxing in many ways, more so when you consider what life is about from a philosophical and spiritual perspective.
In life, you don't automatically get what you deserve. You get what you fight for.
Life gives to you what you negotiate for.
In life you negotiate by 'fighting' for what you want.

Boxing is a fight, it is a fight of two contenders who are contesting for the same glory, the same honor, the same position, the same belt!
The aim of each boxer is to emerge victorious, to out box, out shine, or be preferred over his opponent.
In life we go for job interviews.
When we go for job interviews our aim is to be victorious at the interview, to outshine, do better or hopefully be preferred or favored over other candidates who want the same job.
When we liken each interview candidate to boxing gladiators we see that they are in a 'fight' too but the way they fight is just different.
While boxers fight with their fists by throwing punches in a ring, interview candidates 'fight' by highlighting their skills, experience and qualifications.

Individuals and organizations 'fight' or compete for for the same contracts in the area of commerce and business.
From every type of sport, to games, quiz shows and even politics we see a 'fight' to win and be dominant across the board.

There is competition in life.
There is a place for being competitive in life particularly if it's healthy competition.
The moment we loose our healthy competitive nature or spirit we have lost our zest for life.

With the sport of boxing there can be casualties, there have been boxers who who went into comas after a fight or a punch. There have been boxers who went into the ring with confidence and a certain pride but were taken out of the ring on stretchers.
Life can also be like that.
There have been individuals who unfortunately ended up casualties of life.
They started out great in life with great prospects and opportunities, but one 'blow' on life's journey and everything changed negatively for them.
In boxing, one blow or punch can change the dynamics of a game.
In life one wrong decision, one wrong advice or mistake can change the direction and dynamic of life for anyone.
In boxing every boxer has a game plan until they get into the boxing ring.
In life, many people feel they have it all planned out and know what they will do to end they way they want until they realize life's journey is not exactly ABC.

Scripturally, life is likened to a contest.
The contest that best describes life is boxing.
In Isaiah 49:25 God says He will contend with those who contend with you and spare your children.
This is like God saying I will give your enemies the knock out punch while I protect your children!
God can box. He will contend with your enemies.

The scripture also talks about the cloud of witnesses.
The cloud of witnesses are saints who have gone to be with the Lord. They watch from the grand stands of heaven as the saints of God here on earth run the race and fight in the contest of life.
It's kind of like the 90,000 audience in the stadium who watched the Anthony Joshua and Vladimir Klitchko fight as well as the huge crowds from other boxing matches.
With boxing, each person in the audience has a boxer he supports and hopes will win the fight.
Spiritually we have our 'fans' to, our supporters group from the spirit realm in the form of angels and people of God's household who have gone to be with the Lord.
As we fight the fight of faith here on earth we have fans who are cheering us on from the grand stands of heaven. Our heavenly audience!

In boxing, it helps the boxer when he has great punching power.
In the spirit realm our faith is our punching power!
In life faith will take you far.

In Psalm 118:34 and Psalm 144:1, scripture talks about God training hands for war, fingers for battle and arms to bend a bow of bronze. The arm, clenched fingers and hands are the major tools of boxing!
God is the one who gives strength and victory just as a champion boxer gets the victory over his opponent.