In Psalm 10, David lamented the ways of the wicked and he questioned God about seeming to stand far away or hiding in the times of trouble. He said the wicked in their pride, were oppressing the poor and he asked God to let them be caught in their own traps. The wicked were boasting in their evil desires and they gave to the greedy and renounced the Lord. The wicked in their pride do not seek God and God is not in their thoughts. To David, it seemed that the wicked were prospering in their ways, and there was no judgments for all they were doing. They were sneering at their enemies and he proudly said in his heart, ‘I will never be moved and I will never be in trouble’ (Psalm 10:6). The wicked is foul mouthed, he is deceitful and oppressive and in his mouth is trouble and wickedness. He lies in wait in the darkness and waits to murder the innocent. His eyes are fixed to harm those who are helpless and lies in wait secretly, like a lion in his den, he waits in secret to catch the poor when he draws him in his net.

“So he crouches, he lies low, That the helpless may fall by his strength” (‭Psalms‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬). The wicked believes in his heart that God has forgotten, that he has hidden his face and does not see what he is doing. David called upon God to arise, to lift up his hand and remember the humble. He asked why the wicked were allowed to renounce God. They think that they will not need to give an account for the evil that they do. God has seen and he observed trouble and grief to repay it. The helpless run to God and he is a helper to the fatherless. David asked God to break the arms of the wicked and evil person and seek out his wickedness until they are completely destroyed. The Lord is king forever and the wicked nations have perished from the earth. God has heard the desires of the humble as he prepares their hearts and allow their ears to hear him. God will execute justice to the fatherless and oppressed, so that the wicked will oppress them no more. 

David also spoke in Psalm 3 about how God helps his troubled people. He lamented about how they were increased who caused him trouble. Many had risen up against him and said of his soul, there was no help for him in God. David strengthened himself in the Lord and declared that God was a shield for him, his glory and the lifter of his head. He cried to the Lord with his voice and he heard him from his holy hill. He laid down to sleep and the Lord sustained him. He was not afraid of even ten thousand people who set themselves against him. “Arise, O Lord; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly” ‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬). Salvation belongs to God and his blessings are upon his people. David spoke of the wicked in Psalm 27, coming up against him to eat up his flesh. The outcome was that they stumbled and fell. Even when an army rose up against David, he was not afraid. Although a war would rise up against him, he was confident in the Lord. He was sure that God would hide him and shelter him from harm and his head would be lifted up, above his enemies. 

Like David, we face many battles and we live in a world where we are surrounded by light and darkness. There are children of God who live for him and seek to advance his kingdom. There are also sinners who need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and come to serve God. The bible talks about those who are wicked and have made up their minds to serve the devil. Some people have no desire to change and yield to the gospel and even seek to harass and antagonise believers. God can transform the lives of a wicked person and he does not want anyone to die, but that everyone should repent and live. There are those who refuse to repent and have made up in their minds to do evil all of their days. For those who are wicked, we pray for God to break their hands (take away whatever weapons they use to oppress others). We pray for God to shut their mouth against the righteous, stop them in their tracks and disarm their powers. If they are in positions of power, we ask for God to remove them and replace them with people who are righteous. 

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan” ‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭2‬).

Anneta Pinto-Young

https://youtu.be/chkXd3SoCe0?si=iB2G2csnaXAegK4Q

New Episode Alert!
Join us for an inspiring conversation with special guest Ontonio Dawson, originally from Jamaica, as he shares his educational and career journey; from relocating to the UK in 2016 to his current role as a Senior Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.

Beyond his profession, Ontonio is a husband, father, serving Minister in his church, Guest Lecturer, Tutor, and founder of Speak Blackman and Seeds for Success Network LTD. He also reveals some hidden talents along the way.

Tune in to hear Ontonio’s powerful story, the importance of discussing mental health, particularly within the Black community and among Black men and how he turned dyslexia into motivation to achieve and inspire others.

🔗 Connect with Ontonio:
Instagram: Ontonio Dawson
Founder of: @speak.blackman
Website: https://ontoniodawson.com

Disclaimer
The ARC Logos podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and do not represent the views of any specific organisations that we are affiliated with or have worked for.

📲 Follow us on:
▶️ YouTube: @ARCLogosPodcast
📸 Instagram: @arclogosconsultancy
🎵 TikTok: @arc.logos.consult
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @arclogos38
📘 Facebook: arclogosconsultancy

🎙️ Credits
Producers: Podcast Room, Barnes
🎶 Music: @AndrewC.Young

You can also catch snippets and learn more about our wellbeing podcast on all social media handles.

Anneta Pinto-Young – A.P.-Y.

I heard the Lord say that he is repairing ruptures and breaches and he is restoring. In Joel 2, the prophet wrote about the day of the Lord when the trumpets should be blown in Zion, an alarm raised. The people should tremble as a day of darkness and gloominess was coming. A devouring army would rise up great and strong, like there had never been before. A fire goes before them and behind them a flame burns. The land before them is like the garden of Eden and behind them is a desolate wilderness. The verses points to God’s judgment for sin and unrighteousness. These ‘people’ are like locust or devourers and their appearance is like horses who move swiftly. The sound of their movement is like chariots as they leap over mountains with the noise of the flaming fire. They are like a strong army which brings pain and destruction to those in their path. “They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks” ‭‭(Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬). They move expeditiously in military order and go between their weapons. 

They move across cities, they climb on walls, enter through windows like thieves and the earth quakes before them. There is a shaking in the sky, the sun and moon goes dark and the stars don’t shine so brightly. A voice is given to this army of God as his great and mighty army carries out his word. This day of judgement is terrible and many will not endure it. To prevent judgement God’s people are called to repentance. We are to turn to the Lord with weeping, fasting and prayer. Our hearts need to be torn or broken in repentance for our sin, because our God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger and is kind. If we truly repent, God will turn back his hand of judgment and bless his people instead. An alarm needs to be raised among the people of God to fast, pray, gather and consecrate themselves. The elders and priests should cry out to God in repentance for his church and intercede to God for mercy. “Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O Lord, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God’”” (Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬)?

Once there is a genuine cry of repentance, God will have mercy on his people and restore them. He will answer them and send the grain and new wine and they will be blessed in abundance and be a beacon among the nations. God will remove his devouring army and they will be driven away into a barren and desolate land, where they can no longer cause destruction. We will no longer need to be afraid or worried, because God will do wonders among us and the land will become fruitful and prosperous. It will be a time of rejoicing as God will pour out his blessings and vindicate his people. Houses, businesses and everything that belongs to the righteous will be abundantly overflowing with blessings. God will restore all that was lost or stolen during the season of judgment. “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame” (‭‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭26‬). God’s people will feel his presence and know that he is in our midst to bless us and establish. 

After the season of restoration, God will pour out his spirit on his people and we will see a great revival in the land. Prophecy will increase and there will be an abundance of dreams, visions and revelations. God will not hold back his anointing and power will be visible among his people. There will be many signs and wonders before the final coming of the Lord. “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls” ‭‭(Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭32‬). God is gracious, loving and kind and he loves to bless and protect his children. He is also a God of justice and judgment and when his people disobey him and turn away from his instructions, there are consequences. These consequences often result in the fierce judgement of God, which can bring destruction. The God news is that God is always ready and willing to forgive us, if we repent and return to him in fasting and prayer. Once we repent, God will restore in abundance and pour out his spirit on his people. Let us examine ourselves, see where we have fallen, return to God in repentance and be fully restored.

Anneta Pinto-Young

https://youtu.be/MdMzXL0e3nQ?si=k-Uh3zFxAw5ot5m8
Join us for an inspiring conversation with our special guest Nayara Silva, founder of Go Girl Legacy, a movement dedicated to guiding women from survival to strength.

In this heartfelt episode, Nayara opens up about how her faith carried her through one of life’s toughest seasons and led to the birth of Go Girl Legacy. As a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker, and singer, she shares how she transformed pain into purpose and what’s next on her journey.

✨ Plus, don’t miss a special moment where Nayara blesses us with her beautiful voice!

Tune in now to hear her powerful story and be reminded that strength often rises from struggle.

🔗 Connect with Nayara:
Youtube: ⁨@NayaraUK⁩
Instagram: assessoriaemlondres
Founder: @gogirllegacy

Disclaimer
The ARC Logos podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and do not represent the views of any specific organisations that we are affiliated with or have worked for.

📲 Follow us on:
▶️ YouTube: @ARCLogosPodcast
📸 Instagram: @arclogosconsultancy
🎵 TikTok: @arc.logos.consult
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @arclogos38
📘 Facebook: arclogosconsultancy

🎙️ Credits
Producers: Podcast Room, Barnes
🎶 Music: @AndrewC.Young

You can also catch snippets and learn more about our wellbeing podcast on all social media handles.

Anneta Pinto-Young – A.P.-Y.

Welcome to episode 10 of Season 2 of The ARC Logos Podcast! 🎉

🎙On this episode we have a special guest, Yvonne Okiyo.

We’re back with another soul-nourishing conversation and this one’s a must-listen. Joining us is the phenomenal Yvonne Okiyo, a certified holistic nutrition coach and a certified perimenopause and menopause coach who’s changing lives one empowered woman at a time.

🌿 In this episode, Yvonne dives deep into her mission of helping women build sustainable, healthy habits by embracing a whole-person approach; focusing on the three key areas of mind, body, and soul. Her insights are not just informative, they’re transformative.

✨ Whether you’re navigating hormonal shifts, seeking a mindset reset, or simply craving a healthier lifestyle, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Connect with Yvonne:
📸 Instagram: @realhealthwithyvonne
LinkedIn: @Yvonne Okiyo

Hit that play button, stay tuned, and let’s get talking.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great episodes!

Featuring our special guest and hosts Anneta Pinto-Young, Rose Tebere and Cherelle Wilson-Morrison AFHEA MA BSc.

https://youtu.be/2j8ZCU38s4o?si=S-LB0T5QO0rq04H0

You can also catch snippets and learn more about our wellbeing podcast on all social media handles.

Anneta Pinto-Young – A.P.-Y.

To travail in prayer means to offer intense, burdensome and sometimes painful intercession, that sometimes includes deep groaning which can be compared to the agony of childbirth. It is labour associated with spiritual birthing as someone is burdened by a situation or for a person. This type of prayer comes from intercession which understands the heart and mind of God. Prayers are offered up by yielding to the Holy Spirit, to bring to manifestation God’s will. In Romans 8, Paul spoke to the church about life in the spirit and the work of the Holy Spirit in us. He spoke of a future glory which will be revealed in the children of God and in the meantime the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. He spoke of creation groaning together in the pangs of childbirth as we also groan inwardly, as we wait for our bodies to be redeemed and transformed. Paul then spoke about the work of the Holy Spirit in us as he helps us to pray. 

Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we cannot know or truly understand the mind of God. As the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God and his will, he prays for us and through us with groanings that we do not understand. “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” ‭‭(Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭27). When we become born again children of God, he gives us the gift of the spirit with the evidence of speaking in unknown tongues (Acts 2:4). There is speaking in tongues which, often follows an interpretation of a message which God wishes to communicate to the church. Then there is praying in tongues, which is praying in or through the Holy Spirit unto God. “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬). Paul also said that when someone prays in tongues, he builds himself up spiritually. 

This is like sharpening an axe or charging a battery, as we are plugged into God and the Holy Spirit is working out the will of God in us, to bring the will of God to manifestation in our lives. We can see some examples of travailing in prayer in the bible, such as Hannah when she prayed for a child. “Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord” ‭‭(1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬). Hannah was in such a place of travail that Eli thought she was drunk, when he watched her as she prayed. She corrected Eli and explained that she was not drunk, but she was pouring out her grief and anguish to the Lord. Jesus was also grieved in his spirit as he prayed in Gethsemane. “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭44‬). Angels came and strengthened Jesus as his anguish was due to his impending crucifixion. Although he wished for the crucifixion to pass over him, he still prayed in the spirit for the will of God to be done. 

Jacob also prayed all night and then wrestled with an angel and refused to let go, until he received a blessing. God told him to return to his country and he was burdened about meeting with his brother Esau. He knew that he had stolen his brother’s birthright and he was afraid that perhaps Esau may have wanted to take vengeance against him. Jacob’s name was changed to Isreal because he struggled with God and prevailed (Genesis 32:28). Prayer is our method of communicating with God and he wants us to come to him with our burdens. Most believers know how to pray, but few understand the burden of travailing. It generally takes time and intensity and often comes from feeling deeply burdened about a situation. Many long standing situations only shift in the place of travail. This type of prayer is strengthened by praying in tongues, as the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings that we do not understand. 

“Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, Like a woman in birth pangs. For now you shall go forth from the city, You shall dwell in the field, And to Babylon you shall go. There you shall be delivered; There the Lord will redeem you From the hand of your enemies” ‭‭(Micah‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬).

Anneta Pinto-Young (A.P.-Y.)

Welcome to episode 9 of Season 2 of The ARC Logos Podcast! 🎉

🎙On this episode we have a special guest, Maria Hornsby-Odoi.

Maria is a marriage coach with the global ministry 2=1, which is dedicated to building strong, faith-filled Christian homes. She’s also the visionary Founder and Creative Director of House of Afrika, a vibrant brand celebrating African-inspired fashion and accessories.

With years of experience in marriage ministry, Maria brings wisdom, authenticity, and heartfelt encouragement to every discussion. In this episode, she opens up about her journey, shares practical insights on nurturing relationships, and explores the intersection of faith, family, and creativity.

💬 Whether you’re seeking guidance in your marriage, preparing for parenthood or curious about purpose-driven fashion, this episode is packed with inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Hit that play button, stay tuned, and let’s get talking.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great episodes!

Featuring our special guest and hosts Anneta Pinto-Young, Rose Tebere and Cherelle Wilson-Morrison AFHEA MA BSc.

https://youtu.be/XVmwrzJdEOk?si=af1WSz6zkmcknPdW

You can also catch snippets and learn more about our wellbeing podcast on all social media handles.

Anneta Pinto-Young – A.P.-Y.

In 1 Corinthians Paul addressed the church concerning spiritual gifts. He didn’t want the church to be ignorant and he spoke about the Gentiles serving dumb idols. He explained that anyone who has the Holy Spirit knows that Jesus is Lord. There are different spiritual gifts that have been given to the church by the Holy Spirit. The spirit works in everyone for the benefit of the church. Paul listed the different spiritual gifts that have been distributed to the church including: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, the gift of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues. All of these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit as he chooses to do the work of God. Paul then spoke about the need for unity in the body of Christ, because in the same way that our physical body have different parts that have different functions, the body of Christ has different members with different gifts that all play an important function. 

All believers in the body of Christ have the same spirit, which makes one despite race, ethnicity or social and economic standing. He continued to draw parallels between the human body and the body of Christ in referencing what would happen for example, if the foot were to say because they are not the hand, then they are not the body. Similarly, if the ear said because they are not the eye, then they are not the body. Furthermore, if the entire body were an eye, how would it function when it comes to hearing? If the entire body were hearing, where would the sense of smelling come from? God positions each member in the body of Christ, in different functions as he pleases. In essence the variety and diversity of gifts is so that the body of Christ can function well. “And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you”” ‭‭(I Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬). Even those parts of the body who seem weak and insignificant are necessary for the body to function. The parts that we consider insignificant should be given greater honour, in the same way that the private parts of our body are treated with modesty. 

“that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another” ‭‭(I Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬). If one member suffers, all the members should empathise with their suffering and if one member is honoured, all the members should rejoice. Paul said that God appointed different members as first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles and the gifts of healing, helps, ministrations and speaking in tongues. He then asked a rhetorical question about whether or not all are prophets, teachers, workers of miracles. Do all have the gifts of healing, speak in tongues and interpret tongues. What he was saying is that different people in the body of Christ have different gifts. It means that not everyone is called to the office of a prophet, not all are called to be Apostles or teachers and not all have the gifts of healing or any of the other spiritual gifts. 

It is possible for one person to function or flow in a variety of different gifts, but they may have a strength in one main gift. For example, someone who is apostolic may operate in the gifts of healing and miracles and are often teachers. Many prophets also have the gift of faith, word of knowledge and word of wisdom. Prophets also see dreams and visions and are often able to discern spirits. God is the one who distributes the gifts and most of us know from childhood, the gifts that have been given to us based on our propensity and disposition. Some gifts in the church are often put on a pedestal and treated as more important than others. This should not be so as Paul was clear that all members of the body are important and even the parts that seem insignificant are of great value. All believers need to have a relationship with God, in order to understand their primary gifts and assignment. Chasing after gifts that have not been assigned to you can lead to error deception. 

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” ‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭12‬).

A.P.-Y. – Anneta Pinto-Young

In Esther 3, the King promoted Haman and advanced him over all the princes who were with him. The king gave a command concerning Haman that all the servants who served at the gate were to bow to him to pay him homage. Mordecai who was the Uncle of Queen Esther, refused to bow to Haman. The other servants tried to appeal to Mordecai and told him that he was disobeying the king’s order. He told them that he was a Jew and so it was against his custom to bow to anyone, other than God. He was obeying the laws written by Moses to the Jews which warned against idolatry. “you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me” ‭‭(Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭5‬). Haman was angry when he learnt that Mordecai didn’t bow to him, because of his religion. He made up in his mind to destroy him and everyone like him, who served the true and living God. 

In the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were captives in Babylon were also tempted with idolatry. In Daniel 3, the king Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide. He called all of his officials to come for a dedication of the image. He arranged for musicians to play as part of the ceremony and the instruction was that everyone should bow when the music played. “and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace” (Daniel‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬). The Chaldeans went to the king to report the behaviour of the Jewish men who refused to bow to the image. The king sent for them and asked them if the reports which he heard was true. They confirmed what the king heard and explained that they would not bow to the image which the king had set up. They were confident that God would save them and even if he didn’t, they would still not bow.  Their refusal infuriated the King so that he had the furnace heated seven times hotter and commanded that they be thrown in. 

In Matthew 4, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and nights and he was hungry and more than likely tired and weary. Satan first tempted him with food and asked him to turn stones into bread. Jesus reminded him that the bible says, that we should not live by bread alone. The final temptation was for Jesus to bow down to satan and worship him. The promise was to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’ ”” ‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬). Worship was made for God alone and is an act of intimacy with him. It centres on our relationship with God, our understanding of who he is and his sovereignty. From creation until today, the devil has always strived to take our worship away from God and place it unto himself. Haman had become aggrandised and incensed by the devil to challenge Mordecai.

The devil wasn’t satisfied with destroying Mordecai, but wanted to take out all of the Jews, because of their conviction to worship God alone. Nothing takes God by surprise and before Haman could think up his plot, God had strategically positioned Esther in the palace. She gained favour with the king and instead of the Jews and Mordecai being annihilated, Haman was hanged and the Jews given the right to defend themselves against their enemies. God stepped into the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and they didn’t even smell like smoke. Jesus was never going to bow to satan, even in his moment of hunger and weakness. Although the devil is the god of this world, God is supreme over all the earth and everything belongs to him. We may never be asked to bow to a golden statue, a prince or another person. Satan is crafty and deceptive and he is always looking for ways to take our worship away from God and put it on himself. Idolatry can creep into our lives in many ways and anything or any person that takes away our worship and devotion from God has caused us to bow. 

There is nothing on this earth that is worth coming between us and God. God is all powerful, all knowing, omnipotent, omniscient and he knows the end from the beginning. Don’t compromise your relationship with God for clout, fame, money, popularity or any material possession. The things on this earth have no lasting value and we cannot take anything with us in the grave. The only thing that will last beyond this life is our relationship with God. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul” ‭‭(Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬-‭37‬)?

Anneta Pinto-Young