This is Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi's The Word through the Internet (popularly known as The Spiritual Digest) weblog where you can receive daily quotes and weekly devotional messages. Pastor Afolaranmi is an ordained Baptist minister from Nigeria. Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/ to read his previous messages, and http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/ to know more about the ministry and me. God bless you abundantly!
Pages
▼
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Quote for the Day 31Jan2009
At the cross, the divine exchange took place. Jesus took our place so that we might take His place. He did not deserve to be made sin, but He was made sin in our place. We did not deserve to be made righteous, but we were made righteous because we received His righteousness. What good news! What amazing grace! – Joseph Prince
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Quote for the Day 30Jan2009
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. - Saint Francis of Assisi
Quote for the Day 29Jan2009
What good is success if you are not in the will of God? When God gives you something, He wants you to use it for His glory. So when God gives you His blessings, be sure to read the instructions that go with them - only then will you please Him and find fulfilment! And one more thing, always remember that God is the source of everything you have - and ever will have! - Bob Gass
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Quote for the Day 28Jan2009
All of the great achievers of the past have been visionary figures; they were men and women who projected into the future. They thought of what could be, rather than what already was, and then they moved themselves into action, to bring these things into fruition. – Bob Proctor
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Quote for the Day 27Jan2009
In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself! - Marvin Williams
Sunday, January 25, 2009
“THE BLESSINGS OF ABRAHAM”
Dearly Beloved,
“THE BLESSINGS OF ABRAHAM”
“It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice” (Hebrews 11:17, TEV).
There is a popular chorus in my area that goes thus: “Abraham’s blessings are mine. Abraham’s blessings are mine. I am blessed in the morning, in the noon, in the evening. Father Abraham’s blessings are mine.” The song aims at claiming all the good promises that God made to Abraham. However, most people that sing that chorus or have such concept do not pay attention to the travails and trials of faith of Abraham, and it is unlikely if they would be ready to claim such travails and trials for themselves.
At a time when Abraham should be enjoying his “retirement benefits” in his native land, God called him out of his relatives to leave the certainty for uncertainty. Here was a man who did not have a child of his own at his old age. He became a wanderer in a foreign land with his old wife and a nephew. God promised him a son who would come from his own body, but the promise was delayed. In spite of this, he believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. At the age of ninety-nine, Abraham underwent the surgical operation of circumcision in order to fulfil his own part of a covenant that was humanly speaking not certain with God. At God’s appointed time (an interval of twenty-five years!), the promised son came. When Abraham was taking delight in the son of his old age, God instructed him to go and sacrifice the son! Abraham did obey. The Lord was impressed and renewed His blessings thus: "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me" (Genesis 22:16-18, NIV). These are part of the blessings that some are apportioning to themselves today.
How many of us today can, or is ready to, undergo all those experiences that Abraham underwent? God has different ways of dealing with each of us. He is ready to bless us even more than how He blessed Abraham. However, are we ready to diligently trust and obey Him in His dealings with us? That hymn writer said, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy with Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
“THE BLESSINGS OF ABRAHAM”
“It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice” (Hebrews 11:17, TEV).
There is a popular chorus in my area that goes thus: “Abraham’s blessings are mine. Abraham’s blessings are mine. I am blessed in the morning, in the noon, in the evening. Father Abraham’s blessings are mine.” The song aims at claiming all the good promises that God made to Abraham. However, most people that sing that chorus or have such concept do not pay attention to the travails and trials of faith of Abraham, and it is unlikely if they would be ready to claim such travails and trials for themselves.
At a time when Abraham should be enjoying his “retirement benefits” in his native land, God called him out of his relatives to leave the certainty for uncertainty. Here was a man who did not have a child of his own at his old age. He became a wanderer in a foreign land with his old wife and a nephew. God promised him a son who would come from his own body, but the promise was delayed. In spite of this, he believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. At the age of ninety-nine, Abraham underwent the surgical operation of circumcision in order to fulfil his own part of a covenant that was humanly speaking not certain with God. At God’s appointed time (an interval of twenty-five years!), the promised son came. When Abraham was taking delight in the son of his old age, God instructed him to go and sacrifice the son! Abraham did obey. The Lord was impressed and renewed His blessings thus: "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me" (Genesis 22:16-18, NIV). These are part of the blessings that some are apportioning to themselves today.
How many of us today can, or is ready to, undergo all those experiences that Abraham underwent? God has different ways of dealing with each of us. He is ready to bless us even more than how He blessed Abraham. However, are we ready to diligently trust and obey Him in His dealings with us? That hymn writer said, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy with Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Friday, January 23, 2009
Quote for the Day 24Jan2009
A dream can only be killed not by the dream haters or the dream killers but by the dreamer himself who focuses on the storm that threatens his dream instead on the source of his dream. - Bayo Oladeji
Quote for the Day 23Jan2009
If you have a great ambition, take as big a step as possible in the direction of fulfilling it. The step may only be a tiny one, but trust that it may be the largest one possible for now. - Mildred Mcafee
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Quote for the Day 22Jan2009
Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out if they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you. – William James
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Quote for the Day 21Jan2009
Within each of us is a hidden store of energy.
Energy we can release to compete in the marathon of life.
Within each of us is a hidden store of courage.
Courage to give us the strength to face any challenge.
Within each of us is a hidden store of determination.
Determination to keep us in the race when all seems lost.
– Roger Dawson
Monday, January 19, 2009
Quote for the Day 20Jan2009
Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company. – George Washington
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Quote for the Day 19Jan2009
Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity. – Carl Jung
Saturday, January 17, 2009
DO NOT SETTLE FOR THE GOOD!
Dearly Beloved,
DO NOT SETTLE FOR THE GOOD!
“And Abraham said to God, ‘If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!’” (Genesis 17:18, NIV).
An international speaker, John L. Mason, wrote a book that is a best-seller titled “An Enemy Called Average.” On the cover page of the book, he said, “Don’t settle For An Average Life – God Wants To Launch You Past The Middle To The Top.” The final words of the author of the book in part are, “Be the whole person God called you to be. Don’t settle for anything less.”
It was as if the author of the book had Abraham in mind when he was choosing the title of the inspirational book. God had called Abraham out of his relatives to make him the father of many nations (see Genesis 12:1-3). God promised to bless him greatly and make his descendants numerous and great (see Genesis 15). However, he did not have children. He had even concluded in his mind that a servant would inherit all his possessions and the blessings of God! God assured him that a son coming out of his own body would be his heir (see Genesis 15:1-4). When God tarried in fulfilling this promise, Abraham and his wife tried to help God. They had a son through Hagar, a maidservant (see Genesis 16). Nonetheless, God insisted that the promised child would come through Sarah (see Genesis 17:15-16). Abraham saw this as a joke and suggested to God to be contented the good he (Abraham) helped God brought into being (see Genesis 17:17-18). He had settled for the good. Nevertheless, God was resolute to do the best for him (see Genesis 17:19).
On many occasions, we also settle for the good we have and pray that God should bless it while God is planning the best for us. A popular adage says, “God’s time is the best.” However, most of us prefer the good time we have or that we are thinking of to the best time of God. This should not be! We should learn how to wait for the best time and the best things of God for us. We should not settle for the good or the average, but the best.
What are you expecting from God? Does it seem it is getting too late? Are you trying to settle for the good you have now? The best of God came to reality in the lives of Abraham and Sarah when they least expected it (see Genesis 21:1-7). Your best will also come to reality in Jesus’ name. Amen. But, do not settle for the good!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
DO NOT SETTLE FOR THE GOOD!
“And Abraham said to God, ‘If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!’” (Genesis 17:18, NIV).
An international speaker, John L. Mason, wrote a book that is a best-seller titled “An Enemy Called Average.” On the cover page of the book, he said, “Don’t settle For An Average Life – God Wants To Launch You Past The Middle To The Top.” The final words of the author of the book in part are, “Be the whole person God called you to be. Don’t settle for anything less.”
It was as if the author of the book had Abraham in mind when he was choosing the title of the inspirational book. God had called Abraham out of his relatives to make him the father of many nations (see Genesis 12:1-3). God promised to bless him greatly and make his descendants numerous and great (see Genesis 15). However, he did not have children. He had even concluded in his mind that a servant would inherit all his possessions and the blessings of God! God assured him that a son coming out of his own body would be his heir (see Genesis 15:1-4). When God tarried in fulfilling this promise, Abraham and his wife tried to help God. They had a son through Hagar, a maidservant (see Genesis 16). Nonetheless, God insisted that the promised child would come through Sarah (see Genesis 17:15-16). Abraham saw this as a joke and suggested to God to be contented the good he (Abraham) helped God brought into being (see Genesis 17:17-18). He had settled for the good. Nevertheless, God was resolute to do the best for him (see Genesis 17:19).
On many occasions, we also settle for the good we have and pray that God should bless it while God is planning the best for us. A popular adage says, “God’s time is the best.” However, most of us prefer the good time we have or that we are thinking of to the best time of God. This should not be! We should learn how to wait for the best time and the best things of God for us. We should not settle for the good or the average, but the best.
What are you expecting from God? Does it seem it is getting too late? Are you trying to settle for the good you have now? The best of God came to reality in the lives of Abraham and Sarah when they least expected it (see Genesis 21:1-7). Your best will also come to reality in Jesus’ name. Amen. But, do not settle for the good!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Friday, January 16, 2009
Quote for the Day 17Jan2009
God’s moral standards are absolute. It is only when we see sin as something abhorrent to the Lord that we will be motivated to make right moral judgments. Calling sin by a softer name will change neither its offensiveness to God nor its cost to us. — C. P. Hia
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Quote for the Day 16Jan2009
Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable. – Denis Waitley
Quote for the Day 15Jan2009
There are certain steps you must take in order to move God in your life or situation. As long as you refused to take those steps, you may have to wait a long time – even for the rest of your life. You have to move Heaven for Heaven to move on your behalf. The Bible contains several things you can do to move the Mover of all things. Doing a positive thing that breaks previous records or that has never been done is one way out. Are you ready to move God? – EA Adeboye
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Quote for the Day 14Jan2009
A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities. – William Arthur Ward
Monday, January 12, 2009
Quote for the Day 13Jan2009
Do you feel like your prayers are not getting the job done? Double up. Bring in reinforcements! Find somebody who will agree with you, for Jesus said, "If two of you… agree about anything… it will be done for you" (Matthew 18:19 NIV). – Bob Gass
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Quote for the Day 12Jan2009
You can conquer almost any fear if you will make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind. – Dale Carnegie
DETERMINE TO BE DISTINCT!
Dearly Beloved,
DETERMINE TO BE DISTINCT!
“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:21-24, NIV).
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking” (Ephesians 4:17, NIV).
Genesis Chapter Five is one of such boring chapters in the Bible. It contains the list of people that lived and died for nothing spectacular. In this list is the story of a man that was distinct—Enoch. He lived the shortest time of all the people in the list, but he lived with a purpose, and the chroniclers of the Holy Scriptures recognized it. Twice in the less than five verses that were devoted to him, it was recorded that he walked with God for most part of his years. A Bible commentator put it thus: “[Enoch] walked in the name and fear of God, according to His will, in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord then made known; he walked by faith in the promises of God, and in the view of the Messiah, the promised seed; he walked uprightly and sincerely, as in the sight of God; he had familiar converse, and near and intimate communion with Him….” In the Bible, another phrase for “to walk” is “to live.”
Enoch distinguished himself from the other people in the list by living his life for God. God rewarded him in His own way. The nature of this reward has become a subject of controversy among Bible scholars. However, what matters here is that God took note of Enoch’s distinction and rewarded him for it.
God is looking for people that will distinguish themselves in this perverse world by walking with Him. He wants people that will determine to walk or live in His fear and will, walk or live in all His commandments and ordinances, walk or live by faith and total trust in Him, walk or live uprightly and sincerely, and walk or live in intimate communion with Him. He is ready to reward such people accordingly. Will you be one of such people? This year, determine to be distinct!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
DETERMINE TO BE DISTINCT!
“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:21-24, NIV).
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking” (Ephesians 4:17, NIV).
Genesis Chapter Five is one of such boring chapters in the Bible. It contains the list of people that lived and died for nothing spectacular. In this list is the story of a man that was distinct—Enoch. He lived the shortest time of all the people in the list, but he lived with a purpose, and the chroniclers of the Holy Scriptures recognized it. Twice in the less than five verses that were devoted to him, it was recorded that he walked with God for most part of his years. A Bible commentator put it thus: “[Enoch] walked in the name and fear of God, according to His will, in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord then made known; he walked by faith in the promises of God, and in the view of the Messiah, the promised seed; he walked uprightly and sincerely, as in the sight of God; he had familiar converse, and near and intimate communion with Him….” In the Bible, another phrase for “to walk” is “to live.”
Enoch distinguished himself from the other people in the list by living his life for God. God rewarded him in His own way. The nature of this reward has become a subject of controversy among Bible scholars. However, what matters here is that God took note of Enoch’s distinction and rewarded him for it.
God is looking for people that will distinguish themselves in this perverse world by walking with Him. He wants people that will determine to walk or live in His fear and will, walk or live in all His commandments and ordinances, walk or live by faith and total trust in Him, walk or live uprightly and sincerely, and walk or live in intimate communion with Him. He is ready to reward such people accordingly. Will you be one of such people? This year, determine to be distinct!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Quote for the Day 10Jan2009
If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather that dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities. – Barbara Bush
Friday, January 9, 2009
Quote for the Day 09Jan2009
Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the Book widens and deepens with our years! – C.H. Spurgeon
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Quote for the Day 08Jan2009
The One who created this universe out of nothing has a history of accomplishing the impossible. When we forsake what this life has to offer and follow Him, He does the impossible once again—He gives us eternal life! — C. P. Hia
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Quote for the Day 07Jan2009
Champions are not made in the gyms. They are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision. They have last-minute stamina. They have to be a little faster, and they have to have the skill and the will. However, the will must be stronger than the skill. – Mohammad Ali
Monday, January 5, 2009
Quote for the Day 06Jan2009
No matter what problems you are facing right now, you can rest in God’s love for you. There is no problem that is too insignificant for Him to handle. He is not just God Almighty, He is also your heavenly Father who loves you! – Joseph Prince
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Quote for the Day 05Jan2009
Our children are the heritage of the Lord. Do not destroy the future of God’s heritage in your care. Our children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be their peace. – Baba Isiaka
Saturday, January 3, 2009
THE LORD WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER
Dearly Beloved,
THE LORD WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER
“Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken” (Isaiah 40:4-5, NIV).
Once again, I wish you happy and prosperous New Year (2009). Let me base my first message for the year on the prayers (an adaptation of Isaiah 40:4-5) that I sent out on the first day of the year.
These prophetic sayings of Isaiah have been interpreted in many ways. Some interpret and apply them to the people of Israel who were then in spiritual wilderness. Others see the sayings as referring to John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for the Messiah. Still, others apply these sayings to the future when Jesus Christ will come to reign on earth. Whichever interpretation one adopts, these sayings are not literal, but figurative.
In the Ancient Near East, kings sent heralds before them in a journey to clear away obstacles, make causeways over valleys, and level hills. These were done to smooth out the roads on which the kings would pass. It is like making a serious preparation for an august visitor—rolling out the red carpet. This preparation will reveal the glory of God that will be manifested to all mankind. This shall certainly come to pass because God has said it, and what He has said He does, and what He has spoken He makes good.
This New Year, the Lord will smooth out your life. He will glorify Himself in your life to the extent that people far and near will see it and praise Him for what He will do in your life. In what ways do you want this to take place? He will do it because He has said it! However, you need to surrender yourself to His smoothing. You need to cooperate with Him. He will make your life better in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
THE LORD WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER
“Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken” (Isaiah 40:4-5, NIV).
Once again, I wish you happy and prosperous New Year (2009). Let me base my first message for the year on the prayers (an adaptation of Isaiah 40:4-5) that I sent out on the first day of the year.
These prophetic sayings of Isaiah have been interpreted in many ways. Some interpret and apply them to the people of Israel who were then in spiritual wilderness. Others see the sayings as referring to John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for the Messiah. Still, others apply these sayings to the future when Jesus Christ will come to reign on earth. Whichever interpretation one adopts, these sayings are not literal, but figurative.
In the Ancient Near East, kings sent heralds before them in a journey to clear away obstacles, make causeways over valleys, and level hills. These were done to smooth out the roads on which the kings would pass. It is like making a serious preparation for an august visitor—rolling out the red carpet. This preparation will reveal the glory of God that will be manifested to all mankind. This shall certainly come to pass because God has said it, and what He has said He does, and what He has spoken He makes good.
This New Year, the Lord will smooth out your life. He will glorify Himself in your life to the extent that people far and near will see it and praise Him for what He will do in your life. In what ways do you want this to take place? He will do it because He has said it! However, you need to surrender yourself to His smoothing. You need to cooperate with Him. He will make your life better in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Friday, January 2, 2009
Quote for the Day 03Jan2009
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. – Jaumece A. Ghant
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Quote for the Day 02Jan2009
How will each of us read the Bible this year? Will we read it quickly to achieve the goal of getting through it? Or will we read it with the aim of doing what it says? Don’t just read it. Live it! — David C. McCasland