thoughts by Folasade Oladapo Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

Published January 30, 2024

Only One Thing is Needed

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.” Proverbs 4:20

We are bombarded with so many distractions on a daily basis. It takes a conscious effort on our part to remain focused, doing the things in life that are truly needed.

Think of the story of Martha receiving Jesus into her home. Her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, paying attention to Him and taking in every word. But Martha was busy in the kitchen, preparing everything so it was perfect for her guests. Naturally, she became frustrated with her sister, who wasn’t doing anything to help out:

“[Martha] came to [Jesus] and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’

^‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:38).

Like Martha, we tend to be worried and distracted, giving attention to the challenges around us instead of the Word of God. But the only thing that’s needed is to be like Mary, to sit at the feet of Jesus, soaking in His presence and His Word.

Are you giving attention to the Word? Are you hearing from Him? Or have you allowed the distractions of the world keep you from listening to Jesus? Instead of fixating on life’s challenges, meditate on the Word so that you can hear from Him.

Lord, give me the wisdom to deal the distractions in my life that are keeping me from attending to Your Word. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

Jesus Empowers the Inadequate

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” Acts 10:38

If you feel inadequate when it comes to fulfilling the mission of Christ, know that it’s normal to feel that way. We are simply vessels in need of his power. This way, God gets the glory!

Jesus Christ of Nazareth needed the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God on earth. He went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. If we are to also fulfill God’s will for us, we need the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit, too.

Jesus’ commandment to us to preach the gospel to all creation cannot be accomplished by human strength and wisdom. We need to depend on the Holy Spirit as we share the gospel of Jesus.

As we journey through life, we will meet people who need to hear the gospel, people who are sick, and those being oppressed by the devil. And, as Jesus’ ambassadors, we can be used by God to bring deliverance from the power of Satan through the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit.

Whenever you feel inadequate, remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is there to help and make it happen. Just yield to him!

Father, please empower us through the anointing and power of your Spirit to bring the gospel of Jesus to our world and deliver as many as possible from the power of the devil. Amen.

Ask the Holy Spirit for boldness to share the gospel and pray for the sick. Look out for opportunities that God will bring your way and act on them.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

Dear To Us

“He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’” Genesis 22:5

God had told Abraham to go and sacrifice his only son whom he loved. This was obviously a test of obedience and complete trust in God, as seen later in the story. One key thing I want us to take note of in the verse above is the word, “worship” used by Abraham. He was in the process of carrying out the instruction of God and he called it worship. We worship God when we obey His word to us.

Obedience to God’s instructions may not be the simplest thing to do as far as the flesh is concerned, but as we choose to be led by the Spirit instead of ourselves, we will experience the provision and the blessing of God.

Abraham was about to sacrifice his only son whom he loved! Is there anything you hold dearly in your heart above God? Anything or anyone you love above God? The first commandment is this: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. God can at anytime lay a demand on anything He has given you. Let’s remember that our very breath belongs to Him. A life of complete obedience to God is an act of true worship.

Heavenly Father, please give us the grace to walk in complete obedience to you as our act of true worship. Help us to continually remember that you are our source and that we were created by you and for you in Jesus name. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

In Everything by Prayer

It is so easy to be anxious and worry over situations

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6

It is so easy to be anxious and worry over situations simply because we don’t know how to handle things, and circumstances seem to be out of our control. But even though we may not be able to handle some situations we go through in life, we do have a God who can handle all things and is willing to help us, if we will just call on Him. The more we pray, the more we realize how we are dependent on God.

Prayer helps keep worry and anxiety away as I trust Him to lead and guide me. Each time I go to God in prayer, what I am telling God in essence is, “Lord, I depend on you, for wisdom, strength, direction, protection, provision, for all that I may need. I am not going to lean on my own understanding, but rather, lean on yours.”

And glory to God, as Psalm 46:1 states, He is a very present help in the time of need. A great example can be found in 2 Chronicles 20:12, where Jehoshaphat prays, “…For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” This story teaches me not to try to figure things out on my own — although sometimes I am tempted to — but to rather depend on God to show me the way that will lead me to victory concerning the situation, just like He did for them.

Lord help me to constantly live a life of prayer, thus showing my dependence on you in all situations. Amen

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

Love’s Uncomfortable

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

It was not an easy thing to do. But Jesus did it anyway. He died on a cross in obedience to the will of God and because of his love for us.

Paul calls that act “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Anytime we choose to do the will of God and obey what he has told us to do, it is an act of sacrifice to God.

There was a time I received a call from a sister in Christ who needed help. She was not feeling well. I had just arrived at home and was very tired. I could have decided to use that as an excuse and just pray with her over the phone. But instead, I went to meet with her. Glory to God, she was strengthened.

Sometimes, God asks us to go out of our way to show his love to others. Just as Jesus gave himself for us, we need to give ourselves to others in the Spirit’s strength. It might be giving our time, a listening ear, or words of encouragement when we least expect it. Whatever it is, love will place specific demands on us to give to others.

We are to walk in love towards people, regardless of who we think they are. Whenever we choose not to walk in love towards those the Lord has placed on our path, we deny God of a fragrant offering and sacrifice. Let’s take a moment to think about that.

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to continually follow your example of love, by sacrificially giving myself for others in your strength, knowing your Spirit gives me all I need to obey. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

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Nothing Can Stand Against You

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Published August 25, 2017

Nothing Can Stand Against You

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Is it possible to live a happy and joyful life consistently despite the fact things don’t always go the way you expect them to go? Yes!

I used to be driven by circumstances and situations in life. When things went my way, I was excited and happy but when they didn’t, I would be unhappy. I would feel like the whole world was against me. But then, as I began to meditate more on the Scripture verse above, things began to change in me. I realized that if God truly is for me, nothing can be against me — that if I love God, all things are indeed working out together for my good. Both the good and what seems bad. I was set free from living a roller coaster life. Up today and down tomorrow.

The story of Joseph is a great example of how God can cause all things to work together for good. Even though he was betrayed by his own brothers, he still maintained the joy of the Lord and it all turned out to be an incredible testimony (see Genesis 39-41).

We can rejoice and be happy knowing that all things are working for our good according to the plan of God concerning us. We can experience more happiness in our relationship with God if we will daily remind ourselves that, God loves us, cares about us, and has good plans for us. No matter what we go through in life, He will cause it to work together for our good.

Lord, help me to always remember daily that all things are indeed working together for my good, because I love you. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo

Used by permission https://thelife.com/devotionals

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Jesus Empowers the Inadequate

Published August 12, 2017

Jesus Empowers the Inadequate

If you feel inadequate when it comes to fulfilling the mission of Christ, know that it’s normal to feel that way. We are simply vessels needing His power. That way God gets the glory.

Jesus Christ of Nazareth needed the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God on earth. He went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. If we are to also fulfill the will and purpose of God for us, we need the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit, too.

Jesus’ commandment to us to preach the gospel to all creation cannot be accomplished by human strength and wisdom. We need to depend on the Holy Spirit as we share the gospel of Jesus.

As we journey through life, we will meet people who need to hear the gospel, people who are sick, and those being oppressed by the devil. And as Jesus’ ambassadors, we can be used by God to bring deliverance from the power of Satan through the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit. Whenever you feel inadequate, remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is there to help and make it happen. Just yield to Him!

Father, please empower us through the anointing and power of your Spirit to bring the gospel of Jesus to our world and deliver as many as possible from the power of the devil. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo

Used by permission www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

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Not Easy, But Possible

Are you presently going through any pain, suffering, or persecution because of your faith in Jesus?

Published July 14, 2017

Not Easy, But Possible

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings…Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:10,12

Are you presently going through any pain, suffering, or persecution because of your faith in Jesus? If so, I want to encourage you to not lose hope, give up, or give in. You’re not alone in it. God is with you to see you through. There are people who have gone through, and are still going through, the same thing.

In the text above, the apostle Paul shared about the things he went through in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, and about the persecutions he had to endure. He didn’t run away from them, but persevered through them patiently. Many of his hardships were unavoidable because of his mission to spread the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus. In another letter, he stated, “God will not allow us to go through what we cannot bear, but He also provides a way so that we can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The testimony in his story was that the Lord rescued him from the persecutions and was with him as he endured. God knows the best way to deliver and rescue you from any suffering or pain you might be going through. Just trust Him through it all. We can expect persecution, not necessarily because we have done something bad or wrong, but simply because we have chosen to live a godly life in Jesus. Let us rejoice though, because God is with us in it and He will see us through.

Father, give me the grace to go through whatever pain or suffering that comes my way because of my faith in Jesus. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

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I Will Trust in Him

Is it possible to have peace in challenges

Published May 30, 2017

I Will Trust in Him

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Is it possible to have peace during challenges? Yes, it is!

“But how?” You may ask. The answer is by putting our trust in the Lord. Today’s verse says God fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him. The passage connects overflowing hope to the peace of God in our hearts. When we don’t have the peace of God, which comes because of putting our trust in God, we won’t be able to obtain hope.

Jesus told His disciples when He was on earth that they could have peace even in times of tribulation and trouble – see John 16:3. He still says that to us now, because His word does not change.

Lately, God has been teaching me, through different situations and circumstances of life, how to trust Him. He has been showing me that even though I don’t know how or what to do, I can still have that peace that passes all understanding, as Paul describes it in his letter to the Philippians 4:7. I believe He is with me through whatever happens, just as He explained to His disciples.

To have the peace of God in your heart when you are going through tough situations in life is not something that comes naturally. Even so, it can develop as we consistently make the choice to put our trust in God and in His unfailing word.

Dear Lord, please help me trust you completely with everything, so that my heart can always be filled with your supernatural peace regardless of what I go through in life, in Jesus name, Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

Do you have peace during your times of trouble? Do you know the love that is found in God alone, through Jesus? Would you like to have a relationship with Him? It starts with a simple heart felt prayer:

Lord, thank You for dying so we can be set free from all of guilt and sin — no matter how big or small. Your blood has erased all of our sin. Thank You so much! Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen

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Uncomfortable Love

Published April 27, 2017

Uncomfortable Love

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

Jesus Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. Paul calls that act “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” It was the will of God that Jesus should die on the cross. It was not an easy thing to do. But He did it anyway in obedience to the will of God and because of His love for us. Anytime we choose to do the will of God and obey what He has told us to do, it is an act of sacrifice to God.

Just as Jesus gave Himself for us, we need to give ourselves to others. It might be our time, a listening ear, or words of encouragement; whatever it is, love will place specific demands on us to give to others.

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to continually follow your example of love, by sacrificially giving myself for others. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by permission
www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

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You are Not Alone

Published January 18, 2017

You are Not Alone

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

It took a lot of courage for my family to relocate from Sweden to Canada. We wanted to go to Calgary because we had friends there, but we knew that God was leading us to Vancouver. We didn’t know anyone, so that was a courageous step for us to take. We had fears and doubts but we chose to overcome them by obedience to the word of the Lord. And since we came, God has been good to us; He has proven Himself faithful and confirmed to us in different ways that we are meant to be here now.

Today’s scripture is an admonishment to you. God wants you to be strong and courageous and to choose trust despite the fears in your heart. How can you do this? By constantly reminding yourself that God is with you. He has promised to go with you as you move forward with that step of obedience He is calling you to. He never fails. Don’t allow fear of the unknown to draw you back. God is all-powerful and wise, and He says to you today, “I will go with you and not fail you.”

Heavenly Father, help us to be strong and be of good courage in whatever decision you would have us take. Help us to know that you are with us all the time and that you will not leave or forsake us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo

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Called to Obedience

Published November 10, 2016

Called to Obedience

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”
Philippians 2:8-9

The reason why Jesus came into the world was to die on the cross for the sins of humanity. But it was far from easy: on His last night on earth, Jesus cried out to God three times, asking Him for another way. But God didn’t provide one. So, Jesus humbled Himself to God’s will. And His obedience led Him die one of the worst deaths imaginable.

What is God calling you to do that you are finding hard to obey? Are you sensing, deep within you, that God is speaking to you about something you’re meant to do? Maybe He’s calling you to take a risk, and you’re having a hard time letting go of your comfort zone. If so, I want to encourage you to humble yourself, obey, and step out in faith just like Jesus did. The reward for you will be great, as it was for Jesus. An obedient lifestyle may not be easy, but it is possible.

We may not understand how the entire process is going to work out, but we need to trust God, because He is worthy of our trust! He is good and His plans for us are good. It just makes sense for us to be obedient to Him and to His call.

Father, give us the grace to be obedient to what You are calling us to. May we have the courage to step out in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Folasade Oladapo

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Put Your Love to the Test

Love is....1 Corinthians 13 - devotional

Published October 5, 2016

Put Your Love to the Test

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

This scripture reveals to us what it looks like to love God’s way. Tests are essential in life to measure one’s level of growth. Just as a student needs to write tests to measure their level of understanding; likewise, we will encounter situations or people for the purpose of measuring whether we are truly growing in the love of God.

In light of the scripture above, we should ask ourselves honestly:

Am I patient and kind to people?
Am I envious, boastful, and proud?
Do I dishonor others?
Am I self-seeking?
Am I easily angered?
Do I keep record of wrongs?
Do I rejoice with the truth or delight in evil?
Do I protect? Trust? Hope?
Persevere always?

The answers to these questions reveal where we need God’s help to grow in love.

It’s important to remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit; it’s not something we can manufacture on our own. We cannot love people God’s way in our own ability. Love grows as we yield to the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. It’s His fruit, so we need Him to produce it in our lives.

Lord, help me to yield to you every day in fellowship and communion, so that the fruit of love can be evident and abound in my life. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo

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Only One Thing is Needed

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.” Proverbs 4:20

Further Reading

Jesus Empowers the Inadequate

Whenever you feel inadequate, remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is there to help and make it happen. Just yield to him!

Further Reading

Dear To Us

Further Reading

In Everything by Prayer

It is so easy to be anxious and worry over situations

Further Reading

Love’s Uncomfortable

Follow Us On:

Nothing Can Stand Against You

Jesus Empowers the Inadequate

Not Easy, But Possible

I Will Trust in Him

Uncomfortable Love

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

Follow Us On:

You are Not Alone

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Called to Obedience

Put Your Love to the Test

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Category: <span>thoughts by Folasade Oladapo</span>

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.” Proverbs 4:20

Further Reading

Whenever you feel inadequate, remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is there to help and make it happen. Just yield to him!

Further Reading

Further Reading

It is so easy to be anxious and worry over situations

Further Reading

Follow Us On:

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

Follow Us On:

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Share with a Friend

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today? If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/

Share with a Friend

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today? If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/

Brought to you by www.thoughts-about-god.com

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/