"I am the way and the truth and the life.”- Jesus Christ   (John 14:6).
Dear brothers and sisters, “Fear not, for the Lord is with you, do not be dismayed, for the Almighty is your God. He will strengthen you and help you; He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.

So much is happening around us and in our world that should energize every follower of Christ to be all God has called us to be. The days we live in are prime opportunities for the life of God in us, to be fully manifested.  After last week’s SCOTUS decision, my encouragement is in the reality and assurance of God’s presence in you, for you and through you.  Let’s be reminded that God has not lost any control of His universe, He is in total control. The state of our world and the decision does not change who we the body of Christ are. The decision only makes us, as the light of Christ shine brighter for the glory of God.

After two days of intensive prayer preparing for our summer board retreat, the Holy Sprit affirmed some things in the days we live in. I share them with you not as a prototype but that your resolve in Christ will be encouraged and strengthened in fulfilling God’s mandate.

1. Biblical Authority: we have to make a daily choice what will be the influence in our lives. In essence as God’s ambassadors, we are confronted with the choice of what we will believe or not believe as our final authority.

2. The Reverential Fear of God: we need a fresh visit of the awe of God in our midst. That awe that makes our hearts yearn to always please God. That awe that is birthed out of our relationship with Christ. That awe that makes us grateful sons and daughters that respect God, obey Him, surrendered to Him and worship Him in dazed adoration. We need that kind of awe in these days.

3. Scriptural Conversion: as we seek to restore people back to their Creator and equip them as followers of Christ, the distinguishing mark of being a Christ follower is crucial.  Acts 4:13 sheds light on the truth that people could tell Christ’s disciples had been with Jesus. It was not a hidden fact that Christ’s disciples were known one way before and another way after their conversion. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind about their salvation experiences. They were indeed born again.

4. Infilling of the Holy Spirit: we are powerless without the Holy Spirit. We are fruitless without the Holy Spirit. The disciples were nothing before the Pentecost experience in Acts 2:1. They were everything after the infilling of the Holy Spirit. They also continued in the things they had learned and stayed filled up with the Holy Spirit.

Beloved, brothers and sisters, as we navigate each day we are privileged to see; I pray the following scriptures will be a source of fortification:

When in need of stability that will keep you from falling, remember that God’s word is a rock beneath your feet; stand upon it. “ Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”  (Matthew 7:24 NKJV)

When in need of divine inspiration to make decisions that will keep you from darkness, remember that God’s word is the light that shines upon your pathway; walk in it. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV).

When in need of guidance to speak boldly about what you believe, remember that God’s word is right and true; proclaim it with love. “My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.” (Psalm 119:172 NKJV)

We have a living God who reigns in the affairs of men.  Because of Jesus, our hope is not just here on earth but an eternal one. Stay faithful to Jesus Christ. Stay faithful to the word of God. Be committed in your walk with God. Transforming love begins where all fear ends. 

For The Cause of Christ,

Dr. Johnson Obamehinti

        When my husband and I had our first daughter, he was captivated by the awesomeness of God in Lola. She was a pre-mature baby and needed lots of tender care. My husband would carry her on his shoulders for hours; rock her to sleep and even gaze at her while she was sleeping in her crib.  The captivation increased with the birth of Layo and Lade.  Through the years of parenting, I have watched in amazement, his love and extreme patience with our daughters. For example, he taught them how to drive and they all obtained their drivers license. My attempt to teach the first two how to drive was futile.  I heard things like, “That’s not how Dad showed me how to make a left turn.”  Hence, I did not venture to teach our last daughter how to drive. I love the father-daughter bond each of our daughters has with their Dad. It is a blessing that has enabled each one of them to blossom and thrive into young women of God today. This weekend as our family tradition is, we will express our love, honor, appreciation and gratitude to Dad. Each daughter finds one of her favorite picture of a special time with Dad to celebrate him. We are a family that loves to celebrate every occasion God blesses us with.  We felt it would be good to share this family tradition through this post to encourage more families in a lifestyle of celebration and honor.  Happy Father’s Day to my incredible husband! You are amazing! I love you! Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, blood brothers, brothers in Christ, our community fathers, pastors, colleagues and mentors.  We salute you and pray continual blessings upon you!

Lola: “ A Dad is someone who listens with his heart and teaches not by words but by example.”  Dad, you have taught me so much simply by the way you live your life. You have encouraged, influenced and inspired me all just by being the man of God and the dad you are. It is such a blessing to have you as my father. Thank you, for always listening to me and providing godly sound advice.  Thank you for loving our family well. I pray that God blesses me with a man just like you as a husband. Here is one of my fondest precious moments with you. I love you Daddy! Happy Father’s Day!

Layo:  Happy Father’s Day Dad! I love all the traits we share; our calmness, sense of humor, and passion for encouraging people. I also love the areas we are different. One of these areas is your leadership and interactions with people. I have never met anyone who can become friends with a roomful of strangers so quickly, and who just as quickly can garner their respect because of your sincerity of heart as you engage them in conversation. You care for people to the point of sacrifice. I think that is why God’s anointing flows so freely through your life. I can always count on your sound advice that comes through prayer. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough Dad, for all you are in my life. You are truly priceless, and I thank God for the wonderful man of God you are. Here is one of my most precious moments with you, taking me to Europe. I couldn't be more grateful to be your daughter, and I love you!!

Lade: Dad! Happy Father’s Day! Today, we celebrate you, your life, and your example. You are exceptionally great at leading a life that is an example of agape. You are patient, kind, selfless, gracious and strong.  I love your passion for sharing the transformative power of the cross. Many times, in my prayer, I ask God for a man of faith, character, and God’s heart just like you. I am absolutely enamored by your passion and natural will to live out a spirit-led life and your praying spirit and anointing for prayer inspire me. Your empowerment to minister to others through timely words of knowledge for the weary, edification of fellow believers and powerful witness will be strengthened and magnified to even greater proportions in Jesus name, Amen! Here is one of my favorite times with you. I love you and appreciate you :)

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands” - Revelations 7:9 

For the past six weeks my wife and I, have caught a microscopic view of this awe-inspiring scripture in Revelations 7:9. We just completed a six weeks community class requested at a local church in the metroplex.  The class was unique in every sense, with men, women, old and young from different countries. The focus of the class was two-fold. First to orient the participants to way of life in America and secondly to introduce them to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The last day of class was moving in every sense as each participant shared what they learned through the class, how they are growing in their new environment, how we have blessed them and presented us with a gift certificate. It was moving because, we were actually the blessed ones and not the other way around. We were fortunate to see the transformation God privileged us to partake of.  We were blessed to be called and chosen for the task. We were blessed to have been able to sow eternally into their lives. We were blessed to be a part of what God is doing in their hearts and lives. We were blessed for the connection and relationship developed.  There were things my wife and I in turned learned from them.  Beloved brothers and sisters, I believe you will find some of these things enlightening.

Here are three fascinating things from the class:

1. Giving a thumbs up: We have all used this highly recognized gesture as a sign of agreement and approval one time or the other; especially in our American culture. However, this same sign of agreement or approval if used in Bangladesh is an offensive sign of insult.  Our participant from Bangladesh oriented the class on this.

2. Punctuality: Time is very important around the world. However, the degree of importance varies from culture to culture.  In the Middle East and some Latin American countries, time is fluid. If a 10 a.m. meeting is called, it is not unusual to have people show up at 11 a.m. or even 12:00 noon. As an American, you would arrive on time and bring something to do while you wait for the meeting to start when there is a quorum. Our participants from Argentina and Lebanon shared about punctuality in class.

3.  Absolute norms: In Japan, there are norms that are non-negotiable. One such is blowing one’s nose in the public. If you were in Japan, you would be expected to go to a private area or the restroom to blow your nose, as stated by our Japanese participant in the class.

The class re-emphasized, the truth of Revelations 7:9. It affirms the truth of God’s creation from every nation, every tribe, every people group and every language. The class refreshes the hope of eternity with a great multitude from every nation worshipping our risen Lord.  The class authenticates the beauty of God’s diverse creation.  It authenticates the uniqueness of every soul created by God and the need for camaraderie.

Dear brothers and sisters, my challenge to us is one of intentionality. Seek out to know and develop a relationship with someone from another culture this week. We- the body of Christ- we are the light and salt of the world.  Let’s be intentional about sharing  Jesus, His amazing grace and His love.

For The Cause of Christ,

Dr. Johnson Obamehinti