<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></title><description><![CDATA[Crafting stories, devotionals, letters, books, podcasts, and coaching insight through scripture to inspire readers to love deeply, live intentionally, and embrace purpose. Discover your next favourite story and a spark of inspiration waiting just for you.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!1Bt4!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa864826a-7200-4b5f-b065-5690c9ac1b1a_320x320.png</url><title>TEMI OLU</title><link>https://www.temiolu.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:32:46 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.temiolu.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Temitope Olusola]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[mizztemiolu@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[mizztemiolu@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[mizztemiolu@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[mizztemiolu@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[SERVICE WITH JOY]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every act of joyful service is an opportunity to reflect Christ's heart and worship God with faithful love.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/service-with-joy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/service-with-joy</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:02:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png" width="1080" height="1080" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1080,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:576527,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200985496?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!U-aN!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d136c-bf26-48f4-bf16-b51ee8e6411a_1080x1080.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>From the beginning of Scripture to Jesus' ministry, there is a persistent picture of God urging His people to share their lives for the benefit of others because the manner in which you serve is just as important as the service itself. Psalm 100 not only call you to serve; it calls you to "serve the Lord with gladness." This is an invitation to examine both your acts and the posture of your hearts. It is possible to perform many excellent things while harbouring animosity, tiredness, or a need for recognition, and become preoccupied with fulfilling chores that you lose sight of the One for whom you are serving. </p><p>When your soul is anchored in God, service becomes more than just completing obligations, but a response to His grace. Jesus Christ had complete authority, but He repeatedly chose the road of humility, welcoming children, touching those whom others shunned, feeding the hungry, comforting the mourning, and washing His followers' feet. These acts were not interruptions, but rather reflections of His mission.</p><p>When you consider what Christ has done for you, service becomes a natural response rather than a difficult responsibility. You no longer inquire, "What must I do?" Instead, you begin to wonder, "How can I reflect the love I have already received?" To flourish by serving with joy, you must see that every act of fidelity, no matter how insignificant, becomes a gift of worship. Every opportunity to lift another person's burden reveals Christ's heart.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Offer your time, encouragement, or practical assistance without expecting recognition. At the end of the week, think about how helping quietly shaped your heart and increased your sense of God's presence.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Lord, fill me with appreciation that spills into joyful service, and let me mirror Jesus' humility, compassion, and fidelity in every opportunity You provide. Amen.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[FAITH SUSTAINED ME]]></title><description><![CDATA[On those days, I would simply whisper, "Lord, help me get through today."]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/faith-sustained-me</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/faith-sustained-me</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:01:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1780412,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200434416?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!caXJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dd9cbe6-a3cb-4aa9-81cd-d3db55bb7a6f_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Mama, </p><p>I often believe that if my faith were strong enough, I would never have to struggle with doubt, fear, or uncertainty. I assumed that trusting God meant walking through life with unwavering confidence, but then I was confronted with unexpected challenges: the career I depended on became uncertain, my family situation left me emotionally exhausted, financial pressures mounted, and the future I had carefully planned for suddenly felt fragile. I remember getting up every morning with a heaviness that I couldn't shake. If I'm honest, there were times when I wondered if I had enough strength to keep going. What struck me the most was that faith did not immediately erase the trial or transform my circumstances.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Throughout that time, I found myself coming to your devotionals and reflections more frequently than ever before. I'd read them in the mornings before starting my day, and I'd come back to them at night when my mind wouldn't stop racing. The communications were not full of unrealistic promises or quick fixes. Instead, they reminded me of something I really needed to remember: God was still around.</p><p>There were days when I was too exhausted to offer elaborate prayers. On those days, I would just whisper, "Lord, help me get through today," and He did. Looking back, I see that faith was more than just not being afraid; it was opening my Bible when I was disheartened and praying when I didn't know what to say. It was believing that God was working even when I couldn't see the results.</p><p>I wish to share this testimony with anyone who is currently going through a difficult season; your hardship may feel overwhelming, and prayers may seem unanswered, but don't underestimate what God is doing beneath the surface. The same faith that got me through my darkest season will help you get through yours. And one day, you may find that what appeared to be your breaking point was actually where your faith developed the strongest.</p><p>Thank you, Mama, for your continual encouragement, prayers, and willingness to share hope with others in need. Your words encouraged me to keep believing even when it would have been easy to give up. And I am genuinely appreciative.</p><p>With appreciation,</p><p>Sade Strengthened by Faith &#129293;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[NIGHT AND LIGHT]]></title><description><![CDATA[And yet&#8230; It&#8217;s also a month when God loves to whisper, &#8220;Even the night is light to Me.&#8221; (Psalm 139:12)]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/night-and-light</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/night-and-light</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:01:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:725018,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/183324621?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!J3Tg!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F779d66cf-4ac2-40db-9e31-de29ee6bf069_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Lovelies,</p><p>This month, the experience will be special. </p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Alongside Scripture, each day includes a <strong>short Christian film,</strong> stories of grace, hope, redemption, and light. These films help you <em>see</em> the message, not just read it. </p><p>They are reflections of the God who steps into darkness and transforms it from the inside out. For many people, this is the month when the year&#8217;s weight becomes obvious: prayers still waiting, hopes that feel delayed, and battles that have taken more strength than expected. </p><p>And yet&#8230; It&#8217;s also a month when God loves to whisper, <em>&#8220;Even the night is light to Me.&#8221;</em> (Psalm 139:12)</p><p>This is why our August Bible Plan is titled <strong>Night &amp; Light</strong>.</p><p>Each day in August includes:</p><p>&#128214; 1. A selected verse from Isaiah<br>&#127916; 2. A short Christian film </p><p>A YouTube-linked piece that echoes the day&#8217;s verse, and where direct links aren&#8217;t available, you&#8217;ll be guided to explore timeless films such as:<br>&#8226; <em>Most</em><br>&#8226; <em>The Floodgate</em><br>&#8226; <em>Broken</em><br>&#8226; <em>The Shift (short version)</em><br>&#8226; <em>The Prodigal</em><br>&#8226; <em>The Chair</em><br>&#8226; <em>The Light of Hope</em></p><p><strong>&#127873;Free Printable</strong></p><p>You can download, print, or keep it on your device.</p><div class="file-embed-wrapper" data-component-name="FileToDOM"><div class="file-embed-container-reader"><div class="file-embed-container-top"><image class="file-embed-thumbnail-default" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0Cy0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Fimg%2Fattachment_icon.svg"></image><div class="file-embed-details"><div class="file-embed-details-h1">August, 2026 Bible Plan</div><div class="file-embed-details-h2">2.85MB &#8729; PDF file</div></div><a class="file-embed-button wide" href="https://www.temiolu.com/api/v1/file/54bd9499-5279-4567-9620-2b03400f86b4.pdf"><span class="file-embed-button-text">Download</span></a></div><a class="file-embed-button narrow" href="https://www.temiolu.com/api/v1/file/54bd9499-5279-4567-9620-2b03400f86b4.pdf"><span class="file-embed-button-text">Download</span></a></div></div><p>&#127926; You can find all of the month&#8217;s short films on my Youtube playlist, <strong>NIGHT &amp; LIGHT.</strong></p><p><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdj4dx4jiZOE&amp;si=KZOlHOV18bGgWwAj">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdj4dx4jiZOE&amp;si=KZOlHOV18bGgWwAj</a></p><p>Welcome to August, where God proves that even in the deepest night, His light is unstoppable.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[LOVING WELL]]></title><description><![CDATA[And when you live your life with genuine love, others see not only your kindness, but a mirror of the God who first loved us.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/loving-well</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/loving-well</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:01:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png" width="1080" height="1080" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1080,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1298044,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200984095?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tmud!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5da7807-38f9-447c-94d7-e891fd72e40c_1080x1080.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14</p><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>What would you discover if someone summarised your life based on how you treat others?</p><p>It's a fascinating question because Scripture has consistently set love at the centre of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul does not suggest that certain acts should be done in love while others are not. Instead, he provides a simple yet comprehensive instruction: "Do everything with love." Love influences how you communicate, make decisions, handle disagreement, deal with disappointment, and use the influence God has given you. It is not limited to moments of emotion or friendship but also includes regular conversations, difficult relationships, silent acts of service, and even unnoticed attitudes of the heart.</p><p>Biblical love is anchored in God's character because it wants the good of another person, even if it demands patience, humility, or sacrifice. Jesus Christ's love was never shallow or sentimental; it was intentional, brave, and deeply personal. As His followers, you are expected to mirror the same heart. One of the most difficult hurdles to loving properly is seeing others solely through the lens of their actions; you become ready to label others based on their failures, ideas, or the ways they have wounded you.</p><p>To flourish by loving well is to allow God's love to shape your inner life so that it naturally influences your outside life, as well as to recognise that every interaction is an opportunity to reveal something about His character. As you continue to walk with Christ, love becomes more than just something you do; when your life is marked by genuine love, people see not just your compassion, but a mirror of the God who first loved us.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>This week, choose one person to support, serve, or simply be present with. Ask God to let you view them through His eyes and love them in a way that reflects His heart.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Father, enable me to reflect Christ with humility, compassion, and integrity, bringing You honour in all relationships. Amen.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[SABBATH: SPIRITUAL RENEWAL]]></title><description><![CDATA[Rest is not a reward for finishing everything]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/sabbath-spiritual-renewal</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/sabbath-spiritual-renewal</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:01:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1986430,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200425898?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!w6UY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7be674ce-3fa9-49c5-8c13-c38092f8985b_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Lovelies,</p><p>There is always a task to complete, a goal to pursue, or a responsibility waiting for your attention. Productivity is often celebrated, labour is worn like a badge of respect, and relaxation sometimes seems like something you must earn. For a long time, I thought that relaxing meant falling behind. I felt guilty when I didn't achieve anything. Even when I was still, my thoughts would race ahead to the next item on my to-do list.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Allow me to say this: rest is a gift, not a reward for completing all tasks. Sabbath was one of the most beautiful patterns provided by God from the beginning, a sacred pause built into the fabric of life itself. God does not need to relax, but humans do. He understood that the human body, soul, and spirit would require moments of regeneration, so He made room for you to pause not only to replenish your energy, but also to reconnect with Him.</p><p>Sabbath is more than just a day off; it is an act of trust. When you choose to rest, you acknowledge that the world continues to turn without your constant effort. You're giving up the delusion that everything depends on you. And believe me when I say that resting is one of the hardest acts of faith because it entails letting go. It means releasing unfinished projects, unanswered emails, and the urge always to be productive. It demands that you think that your worth isn't determined by how much you achieve.</p><p>Spiritual renewal happens when you pause to sit silently with Scripture, go for a gentle stroll, notice God's creation, worship, contemplate, pray, and be grateful, and give your soul permission to breathe. It is stewardship and caring for the life that God has given to you. When you see it as a sacred practice rather than an occasional luxury, your thoughts are clearer, your hearts lighter, and your relationship with God grows stronger. And you stop living from a state of depletion and start living from one of rejuvenation.</p><p>So, if you've been carrying more than you should, consider this a gentle reminder: You are permitted to rest because God, in His wisdom and love, created you to require it. I pray that you find time this week to halt and disconnect from the noise long enough to hear God's voice. And hope you learn that sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to sit in His presence.</p><p>With gratitude,<br>Baby Girl &#10084;&#65039;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[BEARING FRUIT]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learning to value this hidden work keeps you from feeling disheartened when progress seems slow.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/bearing-fruit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/bearing-fruit</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:00:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2154827,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200982364?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Mve6!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d5b51da-92b0-4bbf-8249-dfb602b3f5e2_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>This is to my Father&#8217;s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8</p><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>A branch does not struggle to bear fruit solely through effort because every fruit-bearing branch has the power to bear fruit purely on its connection to the vine. If the connection remains strong, life flows naturally from the source to the branch, and fruit appears in the appropriate season. Growth becomes less about trying to be a better person and more about letting God shape you from the inside out. </p><p>Spiritual maturity is typically manifested through ordinary acts of faithfulness; as you continue to seek God in prayer, ponder His Word, and respond to His leading, your character begins to change in ways that may only become apparent over time. Bearing fruit necessitates faith in God's timing, and progress may appear veiled at certain seasons. Just as roots grow before branches bloom, God frequently strengthens your inner life before visible fruit arrives.</p><p>Jesus Christ speaks of the Father's loving care for every branch, which involves pruning. Pruning might be difficult, but its aim is never punishment, but preparation. A gardener removes anything that impedes proper growth so that the plant can grow stronger and more bountiful. Spiritually, this means giving up habits, attitudes, or diversions that compete for our attention. It may necessitate letting go of self-reliance, unhealthy habits, or desires that divert us from God's will.</p><p>Finally, the fruit God seeks goes beyond personal development since fruit is never produced solely for the benefit of the branch, but to nourish, encourage, and bring life beyond itself. To flourish by bearing fruit is to remain rooted in Christ with confidence and trust that as you continue to walk intimately with Him, He will generate within you what you could never achieve through your own efforts.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Leave your list of demands behind and avoid the impulse to fill the stillness. Instead, read a small chapter of Scripture slowly, ponder on it, and ask the Holy Spirit to show where He is cultivating new fruit in your life. </p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Lord Jesus, teach me to value intimacy with You above performance, and shape my character through Your Holy Spirit. Let my life bear fruit that brings hope to others and glory to Your name. Amen.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A TESTIMONY OF GOD TIMING]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your thoughts helped me hold on for somewhat more during a time when I was struggling to trust God's timing.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/a-testimony-of-god-timing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/a-testimony-of-god-timing</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:01:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/cf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1785332,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200269161?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uW02!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcf403221-8608-4d3c-aeb7-1344a9897abf_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Tee-Tee,</p><p>God has been teaching me that His timing is rarely the same as mine, and this used to annoy me. I was the type of person who enjoyed having plans, knowing where I was going and when things would happen. I had timeframes for my job, relationships, finances, and even spiritual development. In my opinion, if I worked hard enough and prayed faithfully enough, life would go according to plan.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>There was a period in which everything I wished for appeared to be delayed; a career opportunity I desperately desired did not materialise, while a relationship I thought would lead somewhere substantial ended abruptly. Several prayers I had carried for years went unanswered. Waiting wasn&#8217;t the pain, but not understanding why I was waiting. I prayed continually for clarity, asking God to show me what I was doing wrong, what lesson I needed to learn, and what step I needed to take to finally go forward.</p><p>But heaven was quiet, so I waited, and there were days when I worried if God had forgotten the desires I had expressed to Him. Around that time, I came upon one of your writings on the waiting seasons. You discussed how delays are not always denials, and how God&#8217;s quiet does not indicate His absence.</p><p>Your words stayed with me as I returned to them frequently, and gradually I began to see my waiting in a different light; instead of seeing it as punishment, I began to see it as preparation. I stopped assuming God had forgotten me and began to believe that He was operating in ways I couldn&#8217;t see. Months later, an opportunity arose that was far superior to the one I had originally sought. Looking back, I understood that if my first plan had been successful, I would have lost out on what God had in store.</p><p>When I look back on that season, I don&#8217;t remember it as a time when God said &#8220;no,&#8221; but rather as a time when God said, &#8220;Not yet.&#8221; I wanted to share this testimony with anyone who feels stuck between a promise and its fulfilment, or who is watching the clock and wondering why things aren&#8217;t moving faster. His timing may not always match our expectations, but it is always guided by knowledge, love, and a perspective far beyond our own. Looking back, I can honestly state that if God had answered every request on my timeframe, I would have missed out on some of His most significant benefits.</p><p>Thank you for sending out prayers, encouragement, and reminders through your writings. During a time when I was struggling to accept God&#8217;s timing, your words helped me hold on a bit longer.</p><p>With gratitude,</p><p>A Reader Learning to Trust God&#8217;s Timing &#129293;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MERCIFUL LOVE]]></title><description><![CDATA[As Jesus Christ's followers, we are asked not only to receive mercy but also to reflect it.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/merciful-love</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/merciful-love</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:01:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.<br> And what does the Lord require of you?<br>To act justly and to love mercy<br> and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/fe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:503580,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200798914?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uk3N!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe6c72f4-2711-4c39-b339-a3fd9d95a789_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Mercy is the expression of compassion through actions. It is the decision to respond to human weakness with grace rather than condemnation, to choose understanding when judgment would be simpler, and to extend kindness even when there is no need to do so. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who is patient with imperfect people, correcting, guiding, and restoring them without abandoning them. His mercy is not weakness; rather, it is a consistent manifestation of His love for those who are constantly in need of His favour. </p><p>You are urged not just to receive mercy, but also to reflect on it, which can be difficult because kindness often requires you to go beyond what feels normal. Human nature is to keep score, remember insults, relive disappointments, and discreetly assess who deserves your patience and who has exhausted it, but mercy works differently because it allows for redemption when others may only perceive mistakes. This does not imply disregarding boundaries or denying the gravity of wrongdoing. Genuine mercy is not the lack of wisdom; rather, it is the decision to let grace and truth operate together.</p><p>One of the most ignored areas where mercy is required is in your relationship with yourself. Many people find it simpler to be compassionate toward others than toward themselves. They dwell on past failures, relive old regrets, and compare their worth to unachievable standards. However, God does not call you to live with the constant weight of self-condemnation. Merciful love entails learning to view yourself through the lens of God's grace. It means acknowledging your flaws while realising that God's work in your life is continuing.</p><p>When mercy becomes a component of your attitude toward yourself, you become less obsessed with perfection and more devoted to change. To flourish in merciful love, let God's compassion determine how you walk through the world. It is learning to treat others as individuals in the process rather than finished objects. It includes choosing kindness when harshness appears appropriate and remaining open to reconciliation when healing is feasible.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Pay attention to times this week when you are inclined to react with annoyance, criticism, or impatience. Before answering, pause and consider: what would mercy look like in this situation? Choose one tangible act of grace per day, whether it's forgiveness, understanding, encouragement, or kindness.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Father, thank You for Your tender mercies; please teach me to exhibit mercy to others and to myself, and assist me in responding with wisdom, patience, and compassion. Allow my words, attitudes, and actions to reflect the grace I have received from You. Amen.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A CHOICE ROOTED IN CHRIST]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you hear the word joy, what comes to mind?]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/a-choice-rooted-in-christ</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/a-choice-rooted-in-christ</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1582479,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200265629?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!r3m9!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F004a9dcf-fc93-4cb1-9da9-7b408c855529_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Lovelies,</p><p>When you hear the word joy, what comes to mind? Many individuals believe that joy comes when things are going well, as it manifests itself in answered prayers, good news, celebrations, and times when everything seems to be coming into place. </p><p>And while those moments are surely enjoyable, I've discovered that biblical joy is much deeper than happiness. Happiness is frequently determined by what is going on around us, whereas joy is determined by who is accompanying us through it. That distinction has become more essential to me over time.</p><p>There have been seasons when life was light and lovely, and joy seemed effortless, but there have also been seasons of uncertainty, disappointment, and waiting, when happiness was difficult to come by.</p><p>Nonetheless, joy persisted, not because the conditions were ideal or every request was granted quickly, but because Christ was present. One of the most lovely realities of our faith is that joy is not based on flawless circumstances. It is based on a perfect Saviour. Jesus never promised us a life without obstacles; in fact, He was open about the realities of trouble in this world. However, throughout Scripture, we are repeatedly encouraged to rejoice not because life is simple, but because God is reliable. A difficult season cannot take away that kind of joy; instead, it is sustained by something deeper.</p><p>I believe that many of us waste a lot of time waiting for joy. We tell ourselves that we'll be happy when the situation improves, the breakthrough occurs, the relationship is restored, or the uncertainty is finally resolved.</p><p>But what if joy exists before all of these things occur? What if joy isn't just a reaction to God's rewards, but also to His presence?</p><p>Living with joy is frequently a daily choice, such as choosing appreciation when complaining would be simpler or remembering God's faithfulness when current circumstances encourage us to forget it. Joy is not denial because it makes place for tears, inquiries, and genuine emotions. Jesus wept, and He knows sorrow.</p><p>Even in sorrow, there is an opportunity to be hopeful. I've realised that some of the happiest people don't have ideal lives. They are individuals who have learned to keep their focus on God no matter what season they are in. They understand that joy is found in trusting the One who holds all outcomes, not in manipulating them.</p><p>So, if your heart is heavy today, I'd like to encourage you with this: You don't have to wait for life to be perfect before you embrace joy; you can choose joy today not because every problem or request has been answered, but because Christ remains faithful.</p><p>And when our joy is grounded in Him, it grows stronger than our circumstances, deeper than our emotions, and more stable than the shifting seasons of life. And may you realise that true joy is not something you seek, but something you cultivate as you walk closely with Christ.</p><p>With gratitude,<br> God Favourite &#129293;</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[JOY FILLED LIVING]]></title><description><![CDATA[My strength comes from the satisfaction of knowing and trusting God.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/joy-filled-living</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/joy-filled-living</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:01:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2810001,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200632292?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25Lo!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8531caa-78a2-402b-a0da-574f839f88ff_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Nehemiah said, &#8220;Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.&#8221; Nehemiah 8:10</p><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>The backdrop of Nehemiah's statements is important; the people of Israel had gathered after a long and difficult period of displacement and rebuilding. Many people were overcome with emotion as they listened to God's Word being read, becoming conscious of their own faults and shortcomings, and of the distance that had once existed between themselves and God. Instead of wallowing in grief, they were given a startling instruction: "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." And this illustrates a crucial fact about joy: it is not based on denial or hope. Joy does not deny reality or pretend that troubles do not exist, but rather stems from the knowledge that God is faithful regardless of circumstances. Joy arises when your confidence is based on God's character rather than changeable circumstances.</p><p>One of the most beautiful aspects of joy is that it broadens your perspective and gently lifts your eyes higher, reminding you that today's battle is not the end of your tale, because difficult seasons have a way of narrowing your focus until all you see is the problem in front of you.  To flourish in joy-filled living, build a heart of thankfulness that is constantly directed toward God. It is learning to enjoy His presence despite your circumstances, and from there, your spirit grows stronger, steadier, and more resilient in every season.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Set aside some time this week to remember a moment that reminded you of God's goodness. It could be something major or something relatively mundane. At the end of the week, consider how these experiences have influenced your perception of His presence and faithfulness.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Lord, instil in me joy rooted in Your presence rather than my circumstances; teach me to recognise Your faithfulness in every season; and help me live with gratitude, hope, and confidence in Your goodness, strengthening my heart through the joy that comes from walking closely with You. Amen.</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[HOW GOD RENEWED MY HOPE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your words did not feel overbearing or demanding.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/how-god-renewed-my-hope</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/how-god-renewed-my-hope</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:01:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1782621,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200261961?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8rP3!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b78898f-4fe2-4c69-9ec0-2d264a99d785_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Big T,</p><p>I hadn't realised how exhausted I was until I started reading your midweek devotionals, the kind of tired that rests silently in your spirit. The type that results from attempting to remain strong for too long. Holding things together on the outside as something inside you progressively wears out. That was where I found myself; nothing had entirely collapsed, but nothing seemed quite right either. I was showing up for life, doing what was necessary, but hoping. </p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>On a Wednesday, I stumbled upon your midweek devotional, which I almost overlooked. I remember thinking, "I'll read it later," but something pushed me to open it anyhow. And I'm happy I did; your words were neither overwhelming nor demanding. They seemed nice, like someone meeting me right where I was and not expecting me to have everything sorted out. You spoke about hope in a unique way that resonated with me.</p><p>I began returning each week not out of habit, but because those times became a break in my week. A place where I could breathe, contemplate, and be reminded of truths I didn't know I needed. Some weeks, a single line stuck with me all day; other weeks, the prayer at the conclusion felt like it contained words I couldn't find on my own.</p><p>And gradually, something began to alter; hope did not return all at once, but it began to build anew.</p><p>I had a shift in how I perceived my situation.<br>There is a sense of peace where there was before only silent worry.<br>A reminder that God was still present, even when everything seemed unclear.</p><p>Your devotionals were more than just something I read; they served as a midweek reset and a reminder that I didn't have to carry everything by myself. I'm not sure if you always realise the impact of what you write, but I want you to know that your consistency, words, and prayers count.</p><p>Because, in the midst of an ordinary week, when I had no idea how much I needed it, God used your devotional to gently restore what I thought I had lost.<br></p><p>Hope.<br></p><p>And I am genuinely appreciative.</p><p>With appreciation,<br>A Reader Finding Hope Again &#129293;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[RADIANT LIGHT]]></title><description><![CDATA[The light of Christ within me is meant to illuminate those around me.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/radiant-light</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/radiant-light</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:01:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1865235,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200598410?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zqjO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F956cc04a-abec-409f-9b37-631980d73278_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><p>When Jesus said that whoever followed Him would have the light of life, he wasn't offering a title to admire, but a responsibility and reality. Light is created to illuminate, show what is hidden, provide guidance, and allow people to see clearly. In a world full of conflicting voices and distractions, the presence of God provides clarity, hope, and truth communicated through love rather than judgment. Nevertheless, many people spend years reducing aspects of themselves that God intended to use.</p><p>Light has its roots in His presence within you and manifests itself in the way you live, interact with others, and reflect God's character. Radiant light is about allowing God's work within you to shine through your activities rather than drawing attention to yourself. This is why flourishing as a believer is more than just personal development. It's also about influence. Each person's life has an impact on others. Every decision has far-reaching consequences. The way you handle obstacles, treat others, and deal with life pressure reveals something about the God you serve.</p><p>Many individuals experience Christ first through the witness of someone's life before encountering Him through a sermon or bible, and this awareness should not cause pressure; rather, it should inspire purpose. To be effective, your light does not need to be remarkable; instead, it must be true. The world is looking for people who embody grace, humility, wisdom, and love rather than perfection. When Christ shapes your character, His light naturally shines through you.</p><p>And through that witness, others are asked to observe not only your life, but also the God who is shaping it.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Choose an intentional way to shine the light of Jesus Christ this week. Encourage someone who feels overlooked, provide compassion without seeking acknowledgement, and consider how simple acts of faithfulness can have a significant impact.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Jesus, continue. Your work within me makes my life reflect Your character with authenticity and grace. Help me live with courage, integrity, and compassion. Let my words, choices, and actions lead people to Your truth and love. Amen.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[THE POWER OF SEED]]></title><description><![CDATA[July Bible Plan for Blissful Buddies]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/the-power-of-seed</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/the-power-of-seed</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:01:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg" width="1410" height="2250" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:2250,&quot;width&quot;:1410,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:154834,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/204103510?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S6xH!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ed0cec-1665-4fd9-9f94-529e605b1fba_1410x2250.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>July is finally here! The sun is shining, the days are long, and everything is in full bloom. It&#8217;s the perfect season of growth, but while the kids are busy growing out of their sneakers and getting taller by the minute, summer is also the absolute best time to help them grow on the <em>inside</em>. That&#8217;s why this month, we are studying a brand-new, bite-sized devotional challenge: <strong>The Power of a Seed.</strong></p><p>As parents, we sometimes feel pressure to lead deep, hour-long family theology sessions. But kids don&#8217;t need a mountain of information all at once; they just need a daily seed.</p><p>Every single day, planting one tiny truth from God&#8217;s Word into the kids&#8217; hearts. It takes less than five minutes, but what you water <em>will</em> grow.</p><p>Each day includes:</p><ul><li><p><strong>The Seed (The Verse):</strong> A short, memorable Bible verse that gets straight to the point.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Water (The Say-Aloud Declaration):</strong> A powerful, one-line identity statement for your kids to speak out loud. This trains them to use their words to agree with what God says about them.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Sunshine (The Worship Song):</strong> A hand-picked, high-energy worship track you can blast in the car or during breakfast.</p></li></ul><p>Ready to watch your kids&#8217; faith explode this summer? Download the <strong>July Kids Bible Plan: The Power of a Seed</strong> below, print it out, and let&#8217;s start planting together!</p><div class="file-embed-wrapper" data-component-name="FileToDOM"><div class="file-embed-container-reader"><div class="file-embed-container-top"><image class="file-embed-thumbnail-default" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0Cy0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Fimg%2Fattachment_icon.svg"></image><div class="file-embed-details"><div class="file-embed-details-h1">Kiddies July Plan Calendar</div><div class="file-embed-details-h2">15.2MB &#8729; PDF file</div></div><a class="file-embed-button wide" href="https://www.temiolu.com/api/v1/file/1739bd64-9ae9-4c5c-9ddd-96a5c1ddd1bd.pdf"><span class="file-embed-button-text">Download</span></a></div><a class="file-embed-button narrow" href="https://www.temiolu.com/api/v1/file/1739bd64-9ae9-4c5c-9ddd-96a5c1ddd1bd.pdf"><span class="file-embed-button-text">Download</span></a></div></div><p><span>&#127926; You can find all of the month&#8217;s songs on the Blissful Buddies YouTube Channel playlist, </span><strong>POWER OF SEED (Worship).</strong></p><p>&#128279;: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrtut8Ib2no&amp;si=trGzVIBPy6V3Q_B1">Power of seed</a></p><p>If this blesses you, feel free to:</p><ul><li><p>Share with another parent</p></li><li><p>Use it with your child</p></li><li><p>Come back and tell me how it&#8217;s going</p></li></ul>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[HARVEST OF CHARACTER]]></title><description><![CDATA[Flourishing is not just about outward success; it&#8217;s about inward maturity.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/harvest-of-character</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/harvest-of-character</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1717082,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/186376270?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7DRP!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30e68178-e633-48d0-a152-ef618b29280a_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Lovelies, </p><p>There&#8217;s no book more fitting for this July journey than <strong>Proverbs</strong>, a treasury of divine wisdom for everyday living. </p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>It speaks to your heart, habits, speech, relationships, decisions, and the quiet motives no one sees. Each verse is like a seed: small, simple, but powerful enough to transform the landscape of your life when planted and watered consistently.</p><p>This July, our theme is <strong>Harvest of Character</strong> because flourishing is not just about outward success; it&#8217;s about inward maturity. It&#8217;s about becoming the kind of person who bears fruit that lasts.</p><p>Every day in July, you&#8217;ll receive:</p><ul><li><p>A verse from Proverbs</p></li><li><p>A reflection point</p></li><li><p>A worship song</p></li></ul><p><strong>&#127873;Free Printable</strong></p><p>You can download, print, or keep it on your device.</p><div class="file-embed-wrapper" data-component-name="FileToDOM"><div class="file-embed-container-reader"><div class="file-embed-container-top"><image class="file-embed-thumbnail-default" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0Cy0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Fimg%2Fattachment_icon.svg"></image><div class="file-embed-details"><div class="file-embed-details-h1">July 2026 Bible Plan</div><div class="file-embed-details-h2">3.58MB &#8729; PDF file</div></div><a class="file-embed-button wide" href="https://www.temiolu.com/api/v1/file/39c6de9e-6354-4215-8b22-757c46acb936.pdf"><span class="file-embed-button-text">Download</span></a></div><a class="file-embed-button narrow" href="https://www.temiolu.com/api/v1/file/39c6de9e-6354-4215-8b22-757c46acb936.pdf"><span class="file-embed-button-text">Download</span></a></div></div><p>&#127926; You can find all of the month&#8217;s songs on my Spotify playlist, <strong>HARVEST OF CHARACTER (Worship Song)</strong></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-fa.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84a9706f18579fdb7cc1136e3a&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Harvest of Character (July 26)&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Temitope Olu (Writer &amp;Coach)&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7rMSV8wbINO8cOZrJMqb72&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7rMSV8wbINO8cOZrJMqb72" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" loading="lazy" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><p>Let God sow the seeds of wisdom into your daily routines, conversations, decisions, and desires.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[FEEDING YOUR SOUL DAILY]]></title><description><![CDATA[The power of scripture]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/feeding-your-soul-daily</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/feeding-your-soul-daily</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:01:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1560151,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200257273?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4x8l!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64ae9212-2677-418b-902d-28bb2f9798c9_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Lovelies,</p><p>There is something incredibly personal about opening God's Word on a daily basis and discovering that what you read mirrors exactly what your heart has been carrying. It comes in three dimensions: clarity, correction, and comfort. But regardless of your situation, it feeds something in us that nothing else can. </p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>The truth is that our spirits are formed by what we continuously absorb. We live in a world rife with noise, opinions, expectations, pressures, and distractions that can easily impact our thoughts and emotions. Without realising it, we begin to absorb these things, and they gradually shape our perspective.</p><p>When everything else seems uncertain, scripture gently realigns us by reminding us of what is true. It provides us with a sense of stability when our emotions are overwhelming and provides vocabulary for prayers when we are at a loss for words.</p><p>Of all things, the word of God draws us back to God. Feeding your spirit with Scripture on a regular basis does not have to be complicated.</p><p>Sometimes it appears to be a calm moment in the morning before the day begins.<br>Sometimes you return to the same verse throughout the day.<br>It is often necessary to read slowly, allowing the words to settle rather than speeding over them.</p><p>In my own life, a single verse has helped me get through a whole season. Even when everything else seemed unclear, Scripture served as a stable, dependable, and present anchor.</p><p><em>That is the power of God&#8217;s Word.</em></p><p>If your soul is weary, take a moment to return to Scripture, allowing it to meet you where you are and speak into your current season. Allow it to fill the spaces that feel empty. Because when your soul is fed by the truth, something within you comes back to life.</p><p>With Grace,<br>Online Sis&#129293;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[HOLY SURRENDER]]></title><description><![CDATA[Surrender teaches you to walk in trust rather than certainty and to be faithful even when you don't have all the answers.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/holy-surrender</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/holy-surrender</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:01:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1330539,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200596372?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nE5u!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ae8c03c-8c95-4efc-bd65-884257613b54_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;<strong><sup> </sup></strong>in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5&#8211;6</p><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><p>The invitation of Proverbs 3 is not just to trust God occasionally, but to trust Him in the very places where you are tempted to rely completely on yourself. Calling you to see that your viewpoint is restricted since you only see a part of the image, whereas God sees the entire picture. Holy surrender is not passive resignation or surrendering responsibility while refusing to make decisions; rather, it is the intentional act of entrusting what you cannot control to the One who can.</p><p>Surrender is sometimes tough because of what it requires you to release, not the act itself. It could be a meticulously crafted plan, an expectation of how a relationship should play out, or a future you've envisaged so clearly that you're struggling to create a way for another option. As you grow spiritually, you will discover that surrender is less about losing something and more about getting perspective. What once seemed like letting go now seems like being guided. What was once uncertain is now an opportunity to experience God's guidance more directly.</p><p>To flourish in holy surrender, acknowledge that God's wisdom is working toward your welfare rather than contending with it. His intentions are not an interruption to your life, but rather an invitation into something more profound than you could create on your own. While surrender does not always bring immediate insight, it always puts you in a position to be directed by the One who sees deeper than you ever could.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Identify one area of your life where uncertainty is causing worry. Instead of trying to solve things on your own, spend a few minutes each day this week praying particularly about that circumstance. Ask God not just for guidance, but also for the grace to trust Him until the answer is revealed.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Lord, teach me to trust You beyond what I can see and comprehend. Help me let go of my desire to control every outcome and give me the confidence to follow Your guidance with an open heart and align my desires with Your wisdom and direct my steps in accordance with Your plan. Amen.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[FINDING LIGHT AFTER LOSS]]></title><description><![CDATA[What if the new person also passed away? How am I expected to fall in love again?]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/finding-light-after-loss</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/finding-light-after-loss</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:00:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1781697,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200254223?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C0WW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4ce57771-a157-47fc-8e74-def55d8096de_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Dearest Temz,</p><p>Everything seemed different when my fianc&#233; died, and I can&#8217;t stop wondering how I&#8217;m expected to move on from three days before my wedding to mourning him. What if the next person dies as well? How can I fall in love again? Even if I work, operate, and do my daily responsibilities, I feel alienated from everyone, happiness, and even myself. I was there, but I didn&#8217;t feel particularly alive.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>I attended your Be Thy Light session; you did not rush the process or try to make it appear less severe. You discussed light in a way that I had never considered before: as something we can carry even when we are shattered, rather than something we wait for..</p><p>How could I feel light when my body felt so heavy? &#8220;Be thy light&#8221; didn&#8217;t make sense. Throughout your teachings, I questioned everything. But after a few days, I received your newsletter, which brought me back to the workshop, and I realised that light meant reliving small moments rather than pretending everything was good.</p><p>Your prayers and words had an unexpected influence on me and helped me get through it. They comforted me that even in the midst of my pain, I could still rely on God. I could start afresh even if I wasn&#8217;t fully cured.</p><p>I recall what I lost, but I no longer feel lost because of it. Your Be Thy Light message did not completely alleviate my grief, but it did help me move on.</p><p>And for that, I am deeply grateful.</p><p>With love,<br>A Reader Learning to Carry Light &#129293;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[GOD GOODNESS]]></title><description><![CDATA[God's kindness is there in every season of my life, even if you don't always grasp it.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/god-goodness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/god-goodness</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:01:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I remain confident of this:<br> I will see the goodness of the Lord<br> in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1721725,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200557161?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4yeR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F472201f3-9215-4606-a56b-7e063fdfd939_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>David's declaration in this psalm is not that of someone whose life is free of difficulties, but the voice of someone who's learned to read his own story through God's character rather than the volatility of his circumstances. God's goodness is not restricted to situations that are obviously pleasant or simple to appreciate. It is not limited to outcomes that fit your expectations or seasons that seem light. Instead, it is a constant reality that underpins all experiences, seen and unseen, understood and misunderstood. </p><p>Learning to trust God's goodness necessitates a shift in perspective: refusing to interpret every obstacle as an absence and instead allowing for the possibility that God is present in ways that are not immediately obvious. Over time, the trust begins to shape your internal stance. Your anxiousness relaxes because you are no longer attempting to foresee every eventuality, and every disappointment loses its final power because you learn to realise that what you see is not the whole picture. Hope becomes more stable because it is no longer based on perfect circumstances but on God's unchanging essence. </p><p>To flourish in God's goodness, you must learn to live with open eyes and a firm heart. Acknowledge that, even when life appears unpredictable, you are still part of a story formed by divine care. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is neglected. He is completely focused on everything.</p><p><strong>Midweek Invitation:</strong></p><p>Spend some time reflecting on your journey over the last year. Make a list of ten particular instances in which you can now recognise God's kindness in both what was provided and what was safeguarded or redirected.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Father, help me see Your kindness in both the obvious and the hidden places in my life; teach me to trust Your heart, even when I cannot see Your hand and allow appreciation to build within me while keeping my hope in You. Amen.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[GOD FAITHFULNESS IN EVERY SEASON]]></title><description><![CDATA[Even in this season, he is working in ways you might not yet see. He is keeping what appears to be questionable together. He is preparing for what remains.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/god-faithfulness-in-every-season</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/god-faithfulness-in-every-season</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:01:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png" width="1080" height="1080" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1080,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1488553,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/192087048?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FVym!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc29ad5b5-5754-4cc2-a253-c56bcbe40523_1080x1080.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Dear Reader,</p><p>It is natural and common for us as humans to recognise God's goodness during those moments, since joy comes easily and doors open at the right time when prayers seem answered.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>But there are other times of the year when things don't make sense immediately, prayers seem to be postponed, the future appears hazy, and the clarity we previously had begins to fade.</p><p>We frequently start to doubt our preconceived notions during these times.<br><br>Is God still at work?<br>Does He still exist?<br>Does he remain faithful?</p><p>Actually, God's faithfulness is not limited to easy-to-understand moments in life. The seasons do not affect it. God is as close in the ambiguity as He is in the clarity, just as faithful in the waiting as He is in the fulfilment, and just as present in the quiet as He is in the breakthrough.</p><p>But in times of plenty, it can show up as provision and open doors; in times of waiting, it can show up as serene perseverance; and in times of loss, it can show up as comfort that keeps you together when all else seems to be crumbling.</p><p>If you take a moment to think back on your life, you may notice moments when things came together in unexpected ways, times when you felt weak but had support, and times when you thought you wouldn't survive but did.</p><p>Even in this season, he is working in ways you might not yet see. He is keeping what appears to be questionable together. He is preparing for what remains.</p><p>You don't have to know everything to trust in God's unwavering constancy. It is not necessary to have a precise understanding to believe that He is still with you. Sometimes having faith is as easy as remembering God's former self and using that knowledge to direct you toward His current self.</p><p>With Jesus Joy,<br> Temi Olu &#129293;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[SPIRIT LED-FREEDOM]]></title><description><![CDATA[In time, you learn that freedom isn't just about being freed from things; it's about being led to things like clarity instead of chaos, peace instead of inner strife, and purpose instead of apathy]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/spirit-led-freedom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/spirit-led-freedom</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:00:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1641134,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/200555096?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vOgm!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F357ddcf6-eafb-4e09-8c0b-12b70e174086_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17</p><p><strong>Message:</strong></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>In the kingdom of God, freedom doesn&#8217;t mean living without limits. It means living according to God&#8217;s plan, where your life isn&#8217;t controlled by things that make you less than you are. When the Holy Spirit leads, He doesn&#8217;t just take things away from you; He puts things back in the right order and straightens out what has become out of place. Internal habits, such as the desire for constant acceptance, the habit of self-condemnation, or the calm anxiety that you are never enough, are examples of invisible bondage. Others are long-term emotional loads, such as unresolved sadness, lingering disappointment, or memories that continue to influence current decisions more than you realise. The Holy Spirit's role is not to overwhelm you by exposing these things, but to gently shepherd you out of their grasp.</p><p>In this way, freedom is intimately linked to relationships. It is not something you acquire only by effort; rather, it is something you develop as you learn to respond to God's voice. The Holy Spirit is constantly drawing you away from what binds your spirit and toward what offers vitality, clarity, and stability. What distinguishes Spirit-led freedom is its tenderness, as it does not impose transformation through pressure or guilt. It leads to certainty, peace, and truth, which grows clearer with time. You are not pushed into change; rather, you are guided through it. And as you progress, you'll discover that your inner life becomes less entangled, less motivated by fear, less burdened by effort, and less influenced by past events.</p><p>To flourish in Spirit-led freedom, you must master the art of listening, paying attention to God's subtle but powerful promptings that redirect your focus, disrupt destructive patterns, and invite you into healthier rhythms. In time, you learn that freedom isn't just about being freed from things; it's also about being led to things like clarity instead of chaos, peace instead of inner strife, and purpose instead of apathy.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Identify one thought pattern, habit, or emotional response that seems repetitious or restricting. Instead of suppressing it, welcome the Holy Spirit into that specific region and replace it with a biblical truth that realigns your perspective.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Holy Spirit, help me identify Your leading and trust the path to follow, as You are shaping my life; liberate me from what is impeding my progress and lead me to the truth that will bring about long-lasting change. Amen.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>