Folks! You guys rock! It's been really great having you guys follow my work on The Narrow Gateway. Really guys, thank you. I appreciate that you were so interactive with my work, and that you engaged heartily. It's time for me to close up 'this shop' and 'move on up'. I'll be commencing … Continue reading It’s time for me to say ‘see ya later’
We moved!
I know you must have noticed by now ... the elephant in the room ... the unusual silence from that quirky chick called Toyin who runs The Narrow Gateway! What happened?
Tick…tock… how much of what you have anchored your identity and lifestyle choices on, will stand the test of time?
Do you have stuff...ghosts...pushback...haunters...shackles...hinderances...stuff that is holding you back from having an intimate relationship with Jesus, and being able to discover and walk in the fullness of His plan for your life? Is your heart holy and haunted at the same time?
What ‘leaving to cleave’ does not mean
...Love and animosity cannot dwell in the same heart...
My Rant: On Minding Your Words and Ways, Not Just Your Wounds
"Every matter of dispute can either be settled or inflamed, depending on the 'wind of words' you blow on it. Mind your words, not just your wounds." - Sam Kputu
The Captive
Getting that God-life does not mean you get to be the only guy who doesn't get to go to the movies! Nope! It just means that you get to be one of the few who choose not to sully your soul with a 90 minute thrill on the eyes, that could chill your heart for days or even months to come!
“God! Where are You? How could You let this excrutiating pain into my life?!” Well, here’s your chance…Submit your questions
What questions do you have for God about what He is up to when life hurls shards of broken glass at you?
The Oil and the River
We are positioned by the oil, and the river, that is, the Holy Spirit, when we give ourselves to responding genuinely, habitually and practically to God’s love for us. We do that by loving things of God, His Word, His ways, His presence. We do that by choosing life paths and lifestyles that make us more receptive of His love; life paths that draw us closer to Him. We do that by choosing not to fill our lives with exposures that dishonour and scorn Him.
The day I became the ugly nastiness that I hate to see but love to judge in the world
I went to sleep that Monday night with one thought on my mind. That day, I had become the ugly brokenness I see in the world, and it was because I had somehow left home without my “no-admission sign".
Are you missing out on the Ramp-up Activities for The B.O.O.M Walk Program by Toyin Oladiran?
I cannot tell you how excited I am about working with these bold folks, using The B.O.O.M Walk Program. Not everyone has the gumption to defy the norm and admit that not everything is on the up and up. Those that have that gumption have it because they know that they know that they know that what awaits them on the other side is golden! And what is worth forfeiting that golden goodness that you get if the "Old Man" is bowed out of your life? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing.
Soldier. Are you in for the B.O.O.M?
B.O.O.M stands for "bow out Old Man", and this 10-Session online program kits you up with Bible-based tools and exercises that will unravel you and then put you back together again, the way only God can. You will walk away knowing how to rise and live above the brokenness you see in the world, and how to actually turn around and be part of the solution to the problems in our troubled world.
Its a story of victory and impossible battles won
What is it that is keeping you broken and bound? Tell me. What's it's name? What is it that is making you run away from God because you are too angry with Him, or because you are too scared of Him? Or because you just don't give a hoot about Him? Even you, yes you, HE LOVES even with your back turned. He is still calling your name because He knows what He put inside you. He knows the shine He placed inside you. He has no rival. He has no equal, and He wants you. And you may think you are too far gone, but friend, there is no such thing. Because there is no impossibility, where God is concerned.
“So, What Are You Here For?” – Discovering and Walking in God’s Purpose and Unique Calling For You – A 3-Part Video Series
Did you know that "Purpose" and "Calling" are not the same thing? Did you know that your Calling is closely linked to your "Roots-and-Routes", that is your life experiences.? Did you know that God uses your life story to "fit you for purpose" and equip you to be the solution bringer that God created and saved you to be? Did you know that the sure way to discover and ensure that you walk in God's calling on your life, is by pursing an intimate relationship with Him?
It Was Then That I Realised, He’s Been Messing With My ‘Clap-Back’
I found that life is what it is, because this world is what it is - broken. And a broken world will always find a way to dish up meanness and brokeness. As long as we are in this realm of time, there is, and will always be a reason in life to be reactive, and feisty, and militant, and to clap-back.
The B.O.O.M Walk Program by Toyin Oladiran
The B.O.O.M Walk Program is my expression of the narrow way that the Lord has painstakingly yet lovingly taken me through, and I daresay I am still trekking along the way! It is based on the premise that it was for freedom, complete freedom, that Christ set us free! Yet we find that many of us who consider ourselves to be "following Christ" remain entangled in a battle with the identity that we had before we made a decision to follow Jesus Christ. We find ourselves stuck in the same cycles of sin, guilt and brokenness, floundering from one temptation to the next, and from one blow of feeling condemned to another, totally unable to raise our heads in the Lord’s presence and walk towards His throne boldly, as He has invited us to.
Attention, Attention, I’ve Got A Few Things To Mention!
Exciting Announcements and Edgy Requests
The D-Word Trying to Get Between God and I
Waiting is tiresome. Delay is painful. Trials are hard. But they are all part of life, and they usher in the power of Jesus Christ into our lives and into our circumstances. So like Paul, we should not take a stance of defeat when we are going through trying times like I am. We should take a stance of hope, because this is the best atmosphere for God’s power to shine in and through us.
This Week’s Truth Turn Up: Your Alabaster Box
YOUR ALABASTER FLASK OF FRAGRANT OIL Click here to LISTEN to PODCAST Our Feature Bible Passage: Luke 7:36-50 and Matthew 26:1-13 The story is told of a woman who everybody called a sinner. In fact, in some versions of the story, she is called a hooker. A prostitute. One day she heard that a man … Continue reading This Week’s Truth Turn Up: Your Alabaster Box
Be A Shiny Red Cherry In A Bowl Of Sugar Cubes (FREE GIFTS up for grabs for 2 participants!)
That's not all! If your answer to this question below (click here to answer the question) gets picked, you stand a chance to win a FREE SPOT in the B.O.O.M Walk Program
“What if Jesus Had Issues?” Eeek! Yup I went there!
So while I was having this session, I found myself wondering, "What if Jesus had issues?" And what if He spent His 33 years on earth facing His issues and not facing His purpose? What would have happened to His relationship with God? What would have happened to His ability to bear the and work the purpose that God had brought Him to earth for?Think about it. What is the result of a life that is fixated on "issues" instead of on God?
Your Child Can Have a Biblical, Wholesome Relationship with Love, Sex and Intimacy (Part 2 of 2)
Do you have kids or plan to have some? Are you keen on your kids having a Biblical View on Sex, Love, Intimacy and all that good stuff? I have a Show for you. #thewitngchatshow by The Narrow Gateway. Please click here to WATCH Part 2 of the show on Youtube Please click here to … Continue reading Your Child Can Have a Biblical, Wholesome Relationship with Love, Sex and Intimacy (Part 2 of 2)
Arise! Shine! God’s Light and Glory has Come!
Arise! Shine! Your light is here! God's GLORY is in you! No, it’s not what you think. This is not a cheap feel-good message. If you ever hear someone say to you, “Arise! Shine! For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” This should not make you feel good for a few minutes, puff out your chest and then go about life as usual with no real shift in the state of your heart towards God. Arise, shine! Your light has come! God’s glory is upon you! His original design for your life is calling out to be fulfilled! He placed His DNA inside you. He made you in His image and likeness to display His glory, His power and His presence in this world. His original design is for you to reign with Him in glory, not for your own self-endorsement, but rather for the Glory of His Name and advancement of God’s Kingdom. Wow!
5 Practical Steps to reach for ‘the God life’ in 2017
I am confident to say that if you follow these 5 practical steps, walking hand in hand with the Holy Spirit who enables and helps you, the 2nd half of 2017 will see you crack open those goals of passionately pursuing Jesus and being all about that God life.
Holy Spirit, I need You!
“Holy Spirit, I need You,” I cried, my heart swelling with a yearning to be enveloped in His Presence. And it was then that I realized that that is it. That is the place that God wants to bring each and everyone of us to. He loves us so much and He has so much for us. And He wants us to yearn for His courts. He wants us to be so desperate for Him that we say, “You or nothing at all, Lord!”
Holy Spirit, I need You!
“Holy Spirit, I need You,” I cried, my heart swelling with a yearning to be enveloped in His Presence. And it was then that I realized that that is it. That is the place that God wants to bring each and everyone of us to. He loves us so much and He has so much for us. And He wants us to yearn for His courts. He wants us to be so desperate for Him that we say, “You or nothing at all, Lord!”
10 Practical Tips for Busy Folks to Maintain God-Connectedness on Busy Days
Here is the list of 10 Practical things that you and I can use, as busy people, to keep that connection with God "HOT" during our busy days
Toyin Oladiran would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to complete The B.O.O.M WALK Survey
Toyin Oladiran would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to complete The B.O.O.M WALK Survey
When A Christ Follower is Afraid
I would like to share with you what the Spirit of God spoke to my heart, in response to what I was feeling, and how He counselled and ministered to me, when I hit this bump of despair.
“Brotherly Love” by Fehintoluwa Jolugbo
"Brotherly Love" - A Movie Review by Fehintoluwa Jolugbo Hi! Welcome to our second MOVIE REVIEW here at THE NARROW GATEWAY! I am super-excited to share this Movie Review with you. Why? Because it was submitted by an intelligent young man, only 14 years old! His name is Fehintoluwa Jolugbo (a.k.a Yoyo) and I was … Continue reading “Brotherly Love” by Fehintoluwa Jolugbo
The Follower’s Battle
Our Bible passage was taken from John 14:12. Be blessed and encouraged as you watch/listen/read. This devotional was written by my mum, Funmi Amosun and shared a day after her birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMMY! CLICK here to LISTEN to the Podcast Click here to READ the Written Devotional
Following Jesus
Following Jesus (7 June 2017) (5th in Series on Truths About Life Behind the Narrow Gateway) Our feature Bible passage was taken from Matthew 10:37-39
The Follower’s Battle
This Week's Truth Turn Up! - THE FOLLOWER'S BATTLE (A Guest Devotional by Funmi Amosun A.K.A my mum!) (14 June 2017)
Following Jesus Behind The Narrow Gateway (Part 5 of a 5-Part Series)
Following Jesus Behind The Narrow Gateway (Part 5 of a 5-Part Series on Truths About Life Behind The Narrow Gateway) Our Feature Bible Passage: Matthew 10:37-39 "He who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy … Continue reading Following Jesus Behind The Narrow Gateway (Part 5 of a 5-Part Series)
After The Miraculous, What Then? (Part 2 of 2)
Today on the W.I.T.N.G CHAT SHOW (Part 2 of a 2-part series), our host, Toyin Oladiran, Founder of the Narrow Gateway, continues to chat to Maya David, a woman with an amazing story about her experience of the miraculous! The supernatural! Maya shares her story, and engages us on our favourite question, W.I.T.N.G? What Is The … Continue reading After The Miraculous, What Then? (Part 2 of 2)
After The Miraculous, What Then? (Part 1 of 2)
Today on the W.I.T.N.G CHAT SHOW (Part 1 of a 2-part series), our host, Toyin Oladiran, Founder of the Narrow Gateway, chats to Maya David, a woman with an amazing story about her experience of the miraculous! The supernatural! Maya shares her story, and engages us on our favourite question, W.I.T.N.G? What Is The Narrow Gateway? … Continue reading After The Miraculous, What Then? (Part 1 of 2)
The Glory of Surrender
The Glory of Surrender Here is the Video Circle Back to the Truth Turn Up of 17 May 2017 titled, “The Glory of Surrender” which was part 4 in a series on Truths About Life Behind The Narrow Gateway. Our Bible passage was taken from Phillippians 2:5-11.
Surrender – the Key To Glory (Part 4 of a 5-Part Series)
Surrender - the Key to Glory (Part 4 of a 5-Part Series) Our feature Bible passage: Philippians 2:5-11 => 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave … Continue reading Surrender – the Key To Glory (Part 4 of a 5-Part Series)
Why Should I Ever Have To Turn Myself Down?
Video Circle Back to This Week’s Truth Turn Up – WHY SHOULD I EVER HAVE TO TURN MYSELF DOWN (PART 3 IN A SERIES ON TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE BEHIND THE NARROW GATEWAY) (24 MAY 2017) Let’s circle back to refresh our memories on This Week’s Truth Turn Up. Our Bible text was taken from Matthew 16:21-26.
Why Should I Ever Have To turn Myself Down? (Part 3 of 5-Part Series)
Why Should I Ever Have to Turn Myself Down? Part 3 of 5 Part Series on Truths About Life Behind The Narrow Gateway 24 May 2017 Our feature Bible passage: Matthew 16:21-26 -> 21. From that time, Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the … Continue reading Why Should I Ever Have To turn Myself Down? (Part 3 of 5-Part Series)
‘The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality’ by Luke Wilkerson
The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality - A Book Review Wow! Did I just go there? Yes, I just did. This is book is about "Biblical Sexuality" something that is pretty NON-PC to talk about. Yup. But hey, W.I.T.N.G right? What Is The Narrow Gateway? We ask the question whenever … Continue reading ‘The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality’ by Luke Wilkerson
There Comes A Time To Turn Yourself Down (Part 2 of 5-Part Series)
There Comes a Time to Turn Yourself Down - Part 2 of 5-Part Series on Life Behind The Narrow Gateway 17 May 2017 Our feature verse: Matthew 16:24 – And Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” Broader text for your meditation: … Continue reading There Comes A Time To Turn Yourself Down (Part 2 of 5-Part Series)
First Up, Desire Me!
Our text was taken from Matthew 16:24, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me." Be blessed and encouraged to pursue that God-life with single-mindedness.
A crocodile, some warts, and a heartsong
One day very recently, I was at home, with my kiddies, minding my own business (you must have noticed by now that I do a lot of that *wink*), like any Mama of two active toddlers would do. I was perched in one of my most common positions when I am at home; on my … Continue reading A crocodile, some warts, and a heartsong
First Up, Desire Me! (Part 1 of 5-Part Series)
10 May 2017 First Up, Desire Me! (Part 1 of a Series on Truths About Life Behind The Narrow Gateway) Feature Verse: Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24 Broader text for your meditation: Matthew … Continue reading First Up, Desire Me! (Part 1 of 5-Part Series)
Next on The W.I.T.N.G Chat Show – After The Miraculous, What then?
Next on our line-up here at The W.I.T.N.G Chat Show, we will be having a hard-hitting, no frills chat with Maya David, a woman with a miraculous experience and testimony that will leave your skin goose-pimpled when you hear it. Our approach? AFTER THE MIRACULOUS, WHAT THEN? Why does God allow us to experience the … Continue reading Next on The W.I.T.N.G Chat Show – After The Miraculous, What then?
The Clash Of The Counsellors
The Clash of the Counsellors Feature verse: Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. Meditate: Psalm 1:1-6 A few weeks ago, the phrase, ‘The Clash of the Counsellors’ came to my mind, … Continue reading The Clash Of The Counsellors
Every Woman’s Battle by Shannon Ethridge
Every Woman's Battle, by Shannon Ethridge - A Book Review This is one of those books that smack you upside the head, yet you can’t help but keep coming back for more whams! It's about a woman's emotional and sexual integrity and fulfilment in marriage. BOOM! Are you a woman who is married but does not experience … Continue reading Every Woman’s Battle by Shannon Ethridge
Can you wing being a WORKER and a brother or sister in Christ at the same time? Happy Workers’ Day!
Can you wing being a WORKER and a brother or sister in Christ at the same time? Happy Workers' Day!
Sorry Fear, Grace took your place!
Brace yourself to be schooled by a 5 year old! "You have to get mad at fear, really mad. I have started telling my daughter that, and the other day I heard her in her room saying "get lost". I rushed to her room and asked who she was speaking to and she said, "fear … Continue reading Sorry Fear, Grace took your place!
If my soul must be captivated by rhythm…
I have songs that make my cheeks flush and my skin tingle. For as long as I can remember, I have sat at the feet of music, my hands beckoning, my heart raised within me, ripe ears tuned to receive lessons and counsel. Lessons on love, affection, commitment, passion, desire, romance...beauty. For as long as I … Continue reading If my soul must be captivated by rhythm…