<?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: 🌸 DEVOTIONALS]]></title><description><![CDATA[This space holds the quiet words that accompany you through life, one scripture at a time.

]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/s/devotionals</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!1Bt4!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa864826a-7200-4b5f-b065-5690c9ac1b1a_320x320.png</url><title>TEMI OLU: 🌸 DEVOTIONALS</title><link>https://www.temiolu.com/s/devotionals</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:34:31 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.temiolu.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Temitope Olusola]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[mizztemiolu@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[mizztemiolu@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[mizztemiolu@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[mizztemiolu@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[SERVICE WITH JOY]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every act of joyful service is an opportunity to reflect Christ's heart and worship God with faithful love.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/service-with-joy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/service-with-joy</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:02:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$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[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[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[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[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[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[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[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[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><item><title><![CDATA[UNDER GOD COVERING]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hide in Him rather than working alone.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/under-god-covering</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/under-god-covering</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:01:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png" width="1080" height="1440" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1440,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1301547,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/190772137?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GAS7!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F855d106f-5f25-4051-8e53-84f35c8688da_1080x1440.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>We build routines, safeguards, and strategies hoping they will shield us from life&#8217;s uncertainties. And while wisdom and preparation certainly matter, they can never fully protect the heart from every storm.</p><p>This verse introduces us to a different kind of safety; one that does not come from control, but from closeness.</p><p>The verse begins with a powerful word: <strong>dwells</strong>.</p><p>To dwell means to remain, to live, to stay. It is not a quick visit or an occasional stop. It describes a life that is rooted in God&#8217;s presence. The &#8220;secret place&#8221; is not merely a physical location. It is a spiritual posture, a place of intimacy where the heart learns to rest in God.</p><p>When we dwell there, the Psalmist says, we <strong>abide under the shadow of the Almighty.</strong></p><p>That means His protection is not merely about shielding you from harm. It is about walking with you through life&#8217;s realities with His presence constantly near. God&#8217;s covering is more than protection; <strong>it is presence.</strong></p><p>Many people imagine God&#8217;s protection as something that removes all difficulty. But Scripture often shows something deeper. God&#8217;s covering does not always mean the absence of storms. Instead, it means we are never exposed or abandoned within them.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Every day, spend fifteen minutes in silent prayer without making any requests. Dwell.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Father, keep me near you, ground me in Your presence, and protect my heart from all adversity. 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[RESTORATIVE HEALING]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of God's silent wonders is healing.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/restorative-healing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/restorative-healing</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 08:01:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.<em> </em>Psalm 147:3 </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_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;:1291023,&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/190023751?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_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/$s_!tET7!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tET7!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe699e737-df00-42f8-a30a-cc9da74c2858_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>The first step in binding a wound is to get near enough to examine it clearly. To start the healing process, one must calm down, clean the wound, give it careful attention, and cover it. God tends to the pieces of us that life has broken, shattered, or damaged in this way.</p><p>I understand life has a way of leaving its traces, even inexplicable disappointments. Words that lingered longer than they ought to, losses that caused the earth to move beneath you.<br><br>The world sometimes wants you to move on fast.<br><br>"Have strength."<br>"Move on from it."<br>"Don't think about it."<br><br>However, God acts in a different way. The Psalmist does not claim that God disregards those who are heartbroken. He claims to heal them.</p><p>Many of us wish that emotional and spiritual wounds would disappear the moment we pray about them. We hope that one prayer, one sermon, or one powerful moment with God will erase years of hurt. And while God certainly has the power to heal instantly, His restoration often unfolds gradually.</p><p>Restorative healing does more than remove pain; it reshapes the heart. Over time, God replaces bitterness with peace, fear with courage, and despair with renewed hope. The wounds that once felt overwhelming begin to lose their power.</p><p>One day, you may realise that the pain which once defined your days no longer has the same hold on your heart. The memory may still exist, but it no longer controls your peace. What once felt like a place of deep hurt can eventually become a place where compassion, wisdom, and strength grow.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>This week, write openly in your journal for an hour about the things that still hurt. Let God be a part of it.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Heal my hidden areas, Jesus. Where pain previously existed, bring joy, trust, and identity back. 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[THROUGH FORGIVENESS]]></title><description><![CDATA[To forgive is not to say, &#8220;What you did was okay.&#8221; It is to say, &#8220;I refuse to let what you did imprison me.&#8221;]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/through-forgiveness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/through-forgiveness</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 08:01:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.<em> </em>Ephesians 4:32</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1114339,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/190016225?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KTxK!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33eb1fed-acc0-40e7-853b-cb0d0d116022_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>At first, bitterness feels strong, like protection, justice, and control. However, it solidifies and becomes integrated into the body over time. It changes the way you show up, trust, and love. All of a sudden, the wound that was supposed to be temporary becomes permanent. </p><p>There is no space for peace to grow when your heart is constricted around resentment.<br><br>However, everything is altered when we are expected to forgive from a position of having been forgiven. Perhaps we might consider waiting for perfect apologies before letting go of our suffering, since God did not wait for our confessions to be perfect before showing mercy.</p><p>Before you even knew to ask, Christ fully and freely pardoned you. When you show them the same grace, you thrive because you deserve peace, not because they deserve it.</p><p>The statement "This pain will not define my future" is interrupted by forgiveness.</p><p>Forgiveness must be established within rather than externally because sometimes the apology and dialogue never occur. And that's when grace comes into play.</p><p>Recall that some memories come back, some scars return, and certain triggers renew the pain, so you might need to forgive more than once.<br><br>And each time, you repeat softly:<br><br>"I release this freely."<br><br>Not because it didn't matter, but rather because your peace of mind is more important.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge:</strong></p><p>Compose a letter of forgiveness, let go of the burden; you don't have to send it.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Give me the ability to forgive where it hurts, Lord. Heal what rage attempted to conceal. Bring my heart back to serenity. 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[GODLY WISDOM]]></title><description><![CDATA[Intelligence gathers information; wisdom discerns what to do with it.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/godly-wisdom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/godly-wisdom</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 08:01:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_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/$s_!uLHE!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_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;:208041,&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/190012408?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_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/$s_!uLHE!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLHE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F412c6425-c31e-42a3-94d6-32ecd5531ec9_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>If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God&#8230; and it will be given<em>. </em>James 1:5</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>Intelligence is not the same as wisdom; it is the application of divine understanding to day-to-day existence. When you stop using guesswork to navigate life and start asking yourself, "Lord, what is the wise thing here?" you thrive. Wisdom helps you make decisions that build rather than destroy, protects you from needless suffering, and synchronises you with God's timing.</p><p>You can read books, listen to podcasts, hold degrees, and still feel uncertain at crossroads. Because wisdom is not simply knowledge stored, but divine insight applied. </p><p>Acknowledging that you don't have all the answers is the first step toward growing wisdom, even if it may seem easy until pride tells you that you should already know what to do.<br><br>But where self-sufficiency ends, Godly wisdom starts.</p><p>Many of our deepest traumas resulted from a lack of discernment rather than a lack of opportunity.<br><br>Wisdom shields you against choices that make you feel wonderful at the time but later cause you to lose your sense of peace. It brings you into harmony with God's timing, which is rarely hurried or anxious.</p><p><strong>Midweek Invitation:</strong></p><p>Ask yourself, "What is the wise, God-honoring step here?" before making any significant decisions this week.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Give me knowledge, Holy Spirit. Let my choices bring me peace and respect 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[LIVING HOPE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Living hope does not come from outside; thought patterns and personality type do not support it. The resurrection of Jesus Christ serves as its focal point.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/living-hope</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/living-hope</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>He has caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1483201,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/190006463?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kGAE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d8c9214-c0b4-4e71-af0c-311ee590ca2b_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>Optimism is not living hope. "Things will get better because I want them to" is not a statement.</p><p>"Things will turn toward God's purpose because Christ lives" is the statement. </p><p>When you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or disheartened, living hope breathes, moves, and gives you power. It is a living hope that speaks louder than delays and endures disappointments.</p><p>God's hope whispers, "This isn't the end," when life seems stagnant. Living hope serves as a reminder of resurrection when a season seems over.<br><br>When your hope is based on Christ's unwavering victory rather than external circumstances, you thrive.</p><p><strong>Midweek Invitation:</strong></p><p>List three areas in which you no longer have hope. Put a scripture of promise next to each one.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Breathe Your living hope back into my heart, Lord, allow Your resurrection life to rekindle my hopes, aspirations, and bravery. 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[GODLY DISCIPLINE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Stewardship is necessary for growth, and stewardship necessitates discipline.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/humble-strength</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/humble-strength</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:01:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_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/$s_!nmb-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_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;:2237207,&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/189794441?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_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/$s_!nmb-!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nmb-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa800ca09-1db7-46e3-8cb1-fcf2f32a99ce_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>No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11.</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>We frequently overlook the beauty of discipline because of the pain it entails. Discipline doesn't dazzle like a breakthrough, sparkle like a blessing, or thrill us like an unexpected miracle. However, because discipline contains formation, pruning, strengthening, maturing, and transformation, it is one of God's greatest loving gifts to His children. Nothing thrives by coincidence. Because someone takes care of them, gardens thrive. People's lives thrive when they allow themselves to grow.</p><p>Because convenience is so highly valued in our society, everything that is difficult, slow, unpleasant, or difficult is quickly labeled as "it isn't meant to be." However, spiritual growth teaches you that sometimes struggle is a sign of divine alignment rather than a mismatch. God employs discipline not to break you, but to build you; not to punish, but to trim; not to humiliate you into shame, but to mold you into a purpose.</p><p>The difficult thing about discipline is that it doesn't seem spiritual. There is no radiance when you wake up to pray. It doesn't feel like a miracle to resist your impulses. It doesn't feel like fighting to control your tongue. It doesn't feel like a breakthrough to constantly show up, even when you're exhausted. It doesn't feel great to break old routines. However, heaven acknowledges all of these "ordinary acts of obedience" as signs of spiritual development.</p><p>Without discipline, a life becomes chaotic, a heart becomes unstable, and one's destiny is postponed.</p><p>But, when you practice godly discipline, you thrive because it creates space for the qualities that God desires for you. Your ability is strengthened, sharpened, cleaned, ordered, and pruned. </p><p>God uses discipline to prepare you, not to restrict you.</p><p><strong>Midweek Invitation:</strong></p><p>Choose <strong>one area</strong> where you know God has been prompting you to grow in discipline.<br> This week:</p><ol><li><p>Write down <strong>one daily action</strong> you will take to strengthen that area.</p></li><li><p>Track it for 5 days.</p></li><li><p>End each day by thanking the Holy Spirit for helping you show up.</p></li></ol><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Lord, give me the courage to accept Your discipline with trust and humility. Help me choose progress even when it pushes me, consistency even when I'm exhausted, and obedience even when it's uncomfortable. Give me the ability to walk in a way that honors You, safeguards my future, and fortifies my character.</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[CONFIDENCE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Stop defending your value and exaggerating your flaws.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/trust-in-god</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/trust-in-god</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:01:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg" width="1414" height="2000" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dCqB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc20b76d7-38b7-4e84-ba62-2780e09c898d_1414x2000.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>In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)</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>God calls us to a different type of confidence. A profound inner confidence that understands its Source and doesn't need to declare itself. The strength that results from being in harmony with God is confidence. Confidence is based on identity who you are in Him rather than personality, property, or performance. Because it is independent of fluctuations, this confidence is difficult to shake.</p><p>Wherever we stop trying, our confidence develops in Him. Whenever we separate our sense of value from results, where the internal pressure to "prove" anything is suppressed and we go back to the One who brings our centre back. It's a noisy world and the expectations are high. However, God murmurs, "Your strength is in quiet and trust."</p><p>Confidence does not equate to fear or shrinkage. It is the calm confidence of a woman who is aware that she walks with God, who knows that divine timing cannot be controlled, and who firmly feels that she is held, cared for, and directed.</p><p>To flourish in the flow, assurance, and unconditional devotion of God is to prosper in peaceful confidence.</p><p><strong>Midweek Invitation:</strong></p><p>Set aside 10 minutes of stillness, breathe, be present, and let God re-centre you.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Lord, please ground me in Your peace. I can't stop all the noise inside of me and calm the anxieties that threaten to undermine my confidence. Teach me to have total faith in You, to rely on Your timing, and to walk with the peaceful knowledge that You are leading every step. </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[COMPASSION]]></title><description><![CDATA[A hardened heart shields you from suffering; it also prevents spiritual depth, closeness, joy, and connection.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/peace</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/peace</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:01:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_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/$s_!MV7z!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_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;:1397987,&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/189787820?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_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/$s_!MV7z!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MV7z!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b6edf08-7674-4491-b831-c7e010dd41af_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>Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. <strong>Ephesians 4:32.</strong></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>One of the purest manifestations of God's love for people is compassion, which is also one of the most difficult qualities for us to continuously exhibit as we live in an imperfect world. Although we enjoy the concept of compassion, putting it into practice pushes us, tests us, humbles us, and frequently brings up aspects of ourselves that we would prefer to ignore.</p><p>The call for compassion is more than merely a kind recommendation or admirable quality. According to scripture, it is a sign of spiritual growth and a key way that Christ's life manifests itself in us.</p><p>Apostle Paul shows that compassion is a position rather than an act when he links it to forgiveness, gentleness, patience, humility, kindness, and love in his epistle to the Ephesian church. It's something you develop into, not just something you do periodically.</p><p>Compassion decreases when your spiritual life dries up; it decreases when pride increases; it decreases when resentment increases; it decreases when emotional tiredness increases; and it decreases when fear increases. Christ is the one who softens your heart, thus in order to thrive in compassion, you must flourish in Him.</p><p><strong>Midweek Invitation:</strong></p><p>Pick one individual that you find hard to love or comprehend and perform one deliberate act of kindness for them.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Father, I thank you for compassion. You have poured over my life new every morning, unearned, undeserved, and overflowing. Teach me to see, talk to, and react to individuals with the same kindness. soften all the harsh spots in my heart. Heal all the wounds that prevent compassion and help me see other people's perspectives. </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[CULTIVATING COURAGE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Courage is a posture and a way of thinking that enables believers to follow God's calling and overcome obstacles without letting fear stop them.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/cultivating-gratitude</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/cultivating-gratitude</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:01:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:992960,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/189684833?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3xP4!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2a4cda8-bb9f-44f5-8d58-87dce04654a9_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>Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9</p><p>Message:</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>Courage is an essential ingredient for flourishing. Joshua 1:9 reminds believers that strength and courage are not optional but commanded, rooted in the assurance of God&#8217;s presence. Flourishing with courage involves stepping beyond fear, embracing God-given boldness, and living faithfully in alignment with His purpose.</p><p>We often hold off taking action until we feel courageous. However, courage first manifests as a decision rather than an emotion. A tiny, holy "yes" murmured in the direction of obedience.</p><p>Many people shy away from flourishing due to fear, fear of failure, rejection, uncertainty, or inadequacy. Courage transforms these obstacles into opportunities for growth and impact. It is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in spite of it, anchored in trust that God equips, protects, and guides us.</p><p>God does not say, &#8220;Be courageous because you are capable.&#8221;</p><p>He says, &#8220;Be courageous because I am with you.&#8221;</p><p>Being courageous doesn't mean never shaking. It's about making progress as you go. And each time you make the decision to move on, even in silence, you are developing something sacred within of you. &#129293;</p><p><strong>Midweek Invitation:</strong></p><p>Identify which fear is preventing you from making decisions or growing. This week, take a tangible step to confront it with trust while thinking about God's promises and presence to bolster your bravery.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Lord, give me the strength to speak truth, overcome obstacles, and follow Your calling. Assist me in acting with faith, believing in Your supply and presence. </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[WEARINESS IS REAL]]></title><description><![CDATA[&#8220;Is it working? Ask, &#8220;Am I still faithful?&#8221;]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/in-the-word</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/in-the-word</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:01:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_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;:1403578,&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/189678406?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_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/$s_!T97Y!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T97Y!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665f75a1-ea85-4053-a80d-d68295f3a86b_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>&#8220;Let us not become weary&#8230;&#8221; this is not denial but direction. Weariness will try to settle in your bones, it will question whether the effort is worth it and will tempt you to loosen your standards or abandon what once felt clear.</p><p>But this verse does not connote that harvest depends on how energised you feel.</p><p>It says the harvest comes <em>if you do not give up.</em></p><p>There is something deeply comforting about this verse: <em>at the proper time.</em></p><p><em>Proper.</em></p><p>The kind of timing that accounts for what you cannot see like, the soil conditions, the root depth, the unseen preparation. I understand we all  often want fruit before the roots are ready but premature harvest cannot sustain what mature harvest can.</p><p>Trust that is stretched over time is endurance.</p><p>It says,<br> I will keep sowing even when I cannot see sprouting, <br> I will keep believing even when the evidence feels thin.<br> I will keep showing up.</p><p>If your heart feels worn, hear this gently: resting is allowed and recalibrating is allowed, but quitting on what God called you to, is what this verse lovingly warns against. There is something on the other side of your endurance.</p><p>A harvest&#8230; A breakthrough&#8230;  A quiet fulfillment that only comes to those who stayed.</p><p>P.s: Consider the power of a single verse&#8230;</p><p>As you reflect this week, align your thoughts, words, and actions with biblical principles, seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to live faithfully, and make adjustments where needed.</p><p><strong>Midweek Invitation:</strong></p><p>Pick one area where your persistence is being hampered by impatience or discouragement. This week, consider past instances of God's faithfulness, pray for endurance, and take one conscious action to stay firm.</p><p><strong>Prayer:</strong></p><p>Lord, give me the strength and fortitude I need to hold fast to my faith and good deeds. Help me to grow spiritually, emotionally, and interpersonally by teaching me to trust Your timing and endure with hope.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[REFINED NOT RUINED]]></title><description><![CDATA[Trials are growth opportunities; flourishing emerges as faith, patience, and resilience are cultivated.]]></description><link>https://www.temiolu.com/p/refined-not-ruined</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.temiolu.com/p/refined-not-ruined</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[TEMI OLU]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png" width="1080" height="1080" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1080,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:664776,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.temiolu.com/i/182498425?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_1080x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!rw_E!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78f23a00-84dd-4375-ba58-602c2728bb90_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>Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4</p><p>Message:</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 work 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>This is one of those conversations I know many of us would rather avoid. It&#8217;s uncomfortable. It challenges the version of faith that only wants ease, breakthroughs, and clear answers. But it is a conversation we <em>need</em> to have if we truly desire to flourish not just in good seasons, but in real life.</p><p>Flourishing through trials asks us to look honestly at hardship, discomfort, and testing without rushing to escape them. It invites us to consider the possibility that challenges are not interruptions to our growth, but instruments of it. </p><p>Scripture does not deny the reality of pain, yet it reframes it. James 1:2&#8211;4 reminds us that trials, when met with faith, produce endurance and that endurance shapes us into people who are mature, resilient, and whole.</p><p>This is not about celebrating suffering or minimising pain. It is about recognising that God can use even the hardest seasons to deepen our spiritual roots, strengthen our emotional capacity, and refine the way we relate to Him and to others. Trials become classrooms where patience is formed, trust is tested, and transformation quietly takes place.</p><p>                         It&#8217;s a hard truth, but it&#8217;s also a hopeful one.</p><p>Joseph endured betrayal and imprisonment, yet emerged to save nations; Job experienced loss and suffering, ultimately deepening his understanding of God; Paul faced persecution, which strengthened his ministry and faith. These narratives demonstrate that flourishing through trials is an active, intentional process that results in holistic development.</p><p><strong>Midweek Challenge</strong></p><p>Identify a current trial or challenge. Reflect on what God might be teaching you through it, pray for strength and perspective, and journal one actionable step to respond in a way that promotes flourishing. </p><p><strong>Prayer</strong></p><p>Lord, teach me to find joy and growth in challenges, and enable me to flourish spiritually, emotionally, and relationally through every circumstance. 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 work 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>