OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2010

Dearly Beloved,

OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2010

To God be the glory for the grace to see another year—year 2010!

As usual, Opeyemi my wife, and Boluwatife and IfeOluwa our children are joining me to welcome you into the New Year with these prayers adapted from Isaiah 54:14-17 (AMP):

- The Lord will establish you in His righteousness;

- Oppression and terror will be far from you;

- You will have nothing to fear;

- The Lord will not allow anyone to attack you;

- Even whoever attacks you will surrender to you;

- No weapon fashioned against you will prevail; and

- You will refute every tongue that accuses you.

This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and, they will come to pass in your life this New Year in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy and prosperous New Year!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor),

Baptist Building, Oke Bola,

PMB 5113, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria.

+234 805 515 9591

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NB

Send your reply directly to or copy me at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com or spiritualdigest@gmail.com. God bless you!!!

Quote for the Day 31Dec2009

God holds the future in His hands

With grace sufficient day by day;

Through good or ill He gently leads,

If we but let Him have His way.

- Rohrs

Quote for the Day 30Dec2009

The time we spend with God each day

Through prayer and reading of His Word

Will help us face what comes our way

And draw us closer to the Lord.

- Sper

Quote for the Day 29Dec2009

The liar’s punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else. - George Bernard Shaw

Quote for the Day 28Dec2009

You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense. - Rick Warren

IF YOU DO NOT SEE...

Dearly Beloved,

IF YOU DO NOT SEE...

“To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1 TEV).

During one of his presentation in a recent conference, my boss in my workplace alluded to a quote by an unknown author that is so inspiring to me. Here is the quote: “If you do not see before you see, then you will not see.” To buttress his point, he used a building plan that an architect draws and serves as the blueprint of the proposed building. The architect has seen the actual building before it is built.

There may not be any act of faith in drawing a building plan, but there is a correlation between the two. A popular adage says, “Seeing is believing.” However, a child of God “live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV). A man of faith will draw a plan in his mind and work towards the actualization of that plan. He has seen the actualization before it really takes place. The writer of the book to the Hebrews asserted that to have faith is to see the impossibility with the eye of possibility (11:1). It is to view in one’s mind what will take place in the future and working towards its actualization. No wonder, he listed many Old Testament men and women who first saw before they saw and became heroes of faith that we are emulating today.

As we are approaching year 2010, what are you seeing in your mind? Are you seeing good things happening to you? “If you do not see before you see, then you will not see.”

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 26Dec2009

You cannot change anything in your life with intention alone. Intention without action is useless. - Caroline Myss

Quote for the Day 25Dec2009

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

- Isaac Watts

Quote for the Day 24Dec2009

Getting together is a beginning; staying together is a step forward; working together is a success. - Henry Ford

Quote for the Day 23Dec2009

The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. - Anonymous

Quote for the Day 22Dec2009

Lord, may I be a shining light

For all the world to see

Your goodness and Your love displayed

As You reach out through me.

- Sper

Quote for the Day 21Dec2009

Our concern about who deserves the credit serves only to take away the honor and glory that belong to the Lord Jesus alone. - C. P. Hia

AT THE FULLNESS OF TIME…

Dearly Beloved,

AT THE FULLNESS OF TIME…

“But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law” (Galatians 4:4 MSG).

The above passage is seldom used for Christmas messages. However, it vividly reveals the purpose of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, “who, being in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6 NIV), was born of a woman when the Mosaic Law was still in full force so that He might redeem as many who believe in Him from the bondage of sin and the law. He came under the law in order to fulfil the law (Matthew 5:17). He was born at the appropriate time, or rather, when the time for His first coming was ripe thereby fulfilling the promises about His birth by many prophets hundreds and thousands of years ago.

This is very significant to us today because it confirms the fact that God will fulfil His promises for us at the fullness of time for the fulfilment of such promises. While the promises of the first coming of Jesus Christ took hundreds and thousands of years before they were fulfilled when the time had fully come, the promises about His second coming will also be fulfilled when the time for their fulfilment fully come. Likewise, when the time fully comes, no matter the situation or obstacle, God will fulfil His promises for each one of us.

As we celebrate the Christmas this year, has the Lord promised you anything from His written Word or in a specific spoken word that He has not fulfilled? Do not lose hope! When you do not expect it, He will fulfil the promises at their fullness of time, because “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NASU).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 19Dec2009

Whenever you see your situation through God’s eyes, you will find that your situation will change because when you see as He sees, you allow Him to work as the Almighty in your life! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 18Dec2009

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there. - John Wooden

Quote for the Day 15Dec2009

Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them. – W. Clement Stone

WHAT DOES THE CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU?

Dearly Beloved,
WHAT DOES THE CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU?
“[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NIV).
One of the most celebrated seasons in the year is the Christmas season. The season is here again. Many people, especially the children, have been caught the “fever” of the season. There has been this controversy about the origin of season. Many are of the opinion that it originated from a pagan festival. This has made some Christian denominations and sects to distance themselves from the season. Other people would argue that there is no such celebration in the Bible. Many people believe that the Christmas day is the birthday of Jesus Christ, although, this has been disproved from many evidences. However, what does the Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is just a festive season to some people. Therefore, such people are ready to celebrate it just as they celebrate any other festive period. They see the season as a time to entertain themselves. Among such people are the ones that believe in taking their children to visit Father Christmas who will entertain the children and gives them gifts for a token. Christmas season is a period that some people feel they can make quick profit in their business or enterprise. Therefore, they inflate the cost of their wares and services. Most people, especially Christians, attach the season to the first coming of Jesus Christ into this world. However, some people are indifferent. To them, Christmas season or even the Christmas Day is like any other season or day.
However, one has to consider the popular opinion about Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. Why did He “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7 NIV) by coming to this wretched world? The main reason is to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Acts 13:38-39; 1 John 3:5; Revelation 1:5-6) so “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). This singular act entails many other things that give Christmas different meanings to different people.
Regardless of any other meaning attached to the Christmas or any controversy about it, the paramount thing is that Jesus Christ came to this world in a time in history for the salvation of humankind. Have you been saved by Him? What does the Christmas season mean to you?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

CONDUCT, NOT CONDOM

Dearly Beloved,

On December 3, 2006, I first sent out the message below to commemorate that year’s World AIDS Day. There were many reactions both for and against the message. However, I decide to resend it again to commemorate year’s World AIDS Day. Here is it:

CONDUCT, NOT CONDOM

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, NIV).

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a clinical syndrome (a group of various illnesses that together characterize a disease) resulting from damage to the immune system caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has been on the rampage since early 1980s. The unfortunate thing about it is that no cure has been found for it. Therefore, there have been many campaigns to prevent it and to manage it in the lives of those that it has infected or affected.

Because it is contacted mainly by sexual intercourse, the use of condom has been one of the ways advocated by many people to prevent the spread of this deadly disease. This has made many people to be more promiscuous. It even seems that people are promoting the use of condom to the detriment of being faithful to one’s spouse, or total abstinence from sexual intercourse till marriage, which is the original will and purpose of God. However, research has shown that the use of condom is not totally safe to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. This new discovery has vindicated some religious organizations that preach total abstinence for unmarried people or faithfulness to one’s spouse for married people as one of the ways to prevent the spread of the virus.

Recently, I was in a gathering where some representatives of an organization came to enlighten us more about the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS. These people were the first non-religious people to say it openly to my hearing that they do not advocate condom but conduct as a way of preventing the spread of the virus. To them, since condom is not totally safe, it is better to switch from condom to conduct – a manner in which an unmarried person will totally abstain from sexual intercourse, and where a married person will be faithful to his/her spouse.

Yes! Conduct is better than condom because apart from preventing you from that deadly virus and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it will make you to do according to the will and purpose of God (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:20; 20:10; Proverbs 6:24-35; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 12:16; 13:4).

HIV/AIDS is real! Conduct yourself in godly ways and take note of other prevention of its spread so that you will not be infected by it.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 04Dec2009

You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense. – Rick Warren

Quote for the Day 03Dec2009

You're not making the most of your potential when the standards set for you by others are higher than the ones you set for yourself. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 01Dec2009

God is aware of what you are going through and He will bring solutions to all your difficulties before the end of this year in Jesus name. Amen. Welcome to the last month of the year! - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 30Nov2009

Mere mental assent to the truths of God's Word

Is not the response God requires;

Your total dependence on Christ from the heart

Is what God our Father desires. —Hess

BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Dearly Beloved,

BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God” (John 1:11-13 NIV).

Recently there was an incident in my family that is thought-provoking. My wife was preparing the breakfast and gave the children the opportunity of choosing the kind of stew they preferred for the meal. Each of them made his/her choice, and was served with the chosen stew. Then, my nine-year-old son said regretfully, “Oh, I would have chosen egg stew, but it is too late now.” He discontentedly had his breakfast that day. 

Each of us also has a choice to make now about where and how to spend our eternity. The choice has to be made before it is too late. We can choose to be with God and His holy angels in heaven or with Satan and his cohorts in hell. The only way to be with God is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, because He is “the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father [God] except through [Him]” (John 14:6 NIV), and “Whoever believes in [Jesus Christ] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son” (John 3:18 NIV). 

There is no other way to heaven than this Way. Making any other choice will lead to regret and eternal condemnation. Before it is too late, make the right choice. Choose the Way of Jesus. Prophet Micah warned his people: “Will the LORD be pleased if I bring him thousands of sheep or endless streams of olive oil? Shall I offer him my first-born child to pay for my sins? No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God” (Micah 6:7-8 TEV). Living in fellowship with Him and having His life is believing in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:11-12; 1 John 3:23; 5:12).

Before it is too late, make the right choice now! “I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

LOOKING BEYOND THE PROBLEM

Dearly Beloved,
LOOKING BEYOND THE PROBLEM
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25 NIV).
The man Job was a man of integrity that God could boast of even in the presence of the devil. By God’s permission, he faced many sufferings from the devil. His wife wanted him to curse God and die. His friends did not help matters in his trying time as they blamed him for his woes. In spite of all these, Job did not let his problem overshadow his belief in God. He was futuristic. He could look beyond his problem. He believed in his God and confessed that He would soon rescue him from all the calamities that he faced. God did rescue him and restore unto him all the things he lost.
Many people allow their problems to overshadow their belief in God. They are so overwhelmed by the problems that they find it difficult to look beyond the problems. Many even have given up to the problems and they are waiting for the worst. However, like Job, we should not give up. We should rather look beyond our problems and look unto “Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross!” (Hebrews 12:2 TEV).
What is the problem or challenge you are having now? Are you so overwhelmed with the problem that you are forgetting your all-powerful God? Are you about to give up because of your life challenges? Do not give up! Look beyond your problem! Your Redeemer is still living! He will see you through. You will overcome the problem, and people will rejoice with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 19Nov2009

Ask God to increase your faith and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in Him. Out of His grace, God may choose to respond to your requests despite your lack of faith, but you will miss the joy of praying in faith. - Experiencing God Day by Day

Quote for the Day 13Nov2009

Lord, help me see the devil’s offers for what they are—enticements to sin. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You and Your Word, and my ears attentive to You in prayer. Amen.

PENCILS IN THE HANDS OF GOD

Dearly Beloved,

PENCILS IN THE HANDS OF GOD

“‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?’ declares the LORD. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel’” (Jeremiah 18:6 NIV).

Recently, I received an SMS from an online friend that is very inspiring. The SMS was titled “Five Pencil Tips.” These tips are:

1. In everything you do, always leave a mark.

2.You can always correct your mistakes.

3. What is important is what is inside you.

4. In life, you will undergo some painful sharpening that will make you a better pencil.

5. To be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you.

The SMS ends with these words: Remember! We are nothing but pencils in the hands of our Creator. (Interestingly, this statement is the slogan of the producer of a popular national television drama series here in Nigeria.)  

The message of the SMS is self-explanatory. Each of us is indeed like a pencil in the hand of God. God Himself used another analogy to establish this to the people of Israel. The Lord sent Prophet Jeremiah to a potter’s house in order to see the potter as he worked at the wheel. When Jeremiah got to the place, he saw the potter shaping and reshaping the clay till he got a desired result. Then God equated the people of Israel, as well as any other human being, to the clay in the hands of the potter.  

God is ready to make good use of you if you can surrender yourself unto Him. No matter the seemingly difficult experience, He is working to bring something good out of you (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:15-17; 1 Peter 1:7-8). Indeed, we are pencils in His hand.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 26Oct2009

The Bible is God's Word to us, Still fresh through all the ages; And if we read it we will find God's wisdom on its pages. —Sper

DO YOU HAVE SHOCK ABSORBERS?

Dearly Beloved,

DO YOU HAVE SHOCK ABSORBERS?

"Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go. Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:7-8 TEV).

The designers of various kinds of motor-vehicles, aircrafts, and so on design hidden devices that are fitted to the tyres or springs of vehicles to absorb vibration caused by the unevenness of the road surface. These devices are called shock absorbers. No one would enjoy riding in any vehicle with no or bad shock absorbers. Even in smooth and good roads, these devices are still very relevant parts of a vehicle.

The world is full of unevenness and rough roads. Only "good shock absorbers" can absorb the "vibrations" caused by the unevenness and rough roads of life. These shock absorbers are proper understanding and application of the words of God while the vibrations of life are life experiences including the good ones like success, affluence, position of authority, and the bad ones like trials, suffering, persecution, and the like.

Unfortunately, many people are indifferent to these shock absorbers and this has been to their detriment. A good example of such people was King Solomon. Because of his affluence, he did not yield to the words of God written in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 17:16-20) and even the ones that he heard directly from God twice (1 Kings 3:14; 9:3-9). This made him to sin against God, and the Lord was angry with him and tore the kingdom of Israel from him and gave it to one of his subordinates (see 1 Kings 11). Jesus Christ was different. He could counter the temptations of the devil by the words of God (see Matthew 4:1-11).

Do you have the shock absorbers to absorb the vibration of life? How good are they? How knowledgeable are you in the words of God? Are you meditating in them frequently? Do you have proper understanding of them? Are you applying them to your daily living? The Psalmist said, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (119:11 NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 24Oct2009

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes. - Hugh Downs

Quote for the Day 23Oct2009

As long as we are persistence in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time. - Denis Waitley

Quote for the Day 22Oct2009

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light somewhere nearby. - Ruth E. Renkee

Quote for the Day 21Oct2009

Whatever you are today thank God but the best is yet to come, as long as you remain faithful to the Lord your tomorrow will be better than today, because it is His nature to reserve the best till last. - Helen Murray

Quote for the Day 20Oct2009

God has the record of your requests. He does not forget. Remain in His location and will. Your answers will reach you. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 19Oct2009

At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant (Job 14:7-9 NIV).

THERE IS STILL HOPE!

Dearly Beloved,
THERE IS STILL HOPE!
"Anyone who is among the living has hope-even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" (Ecclesiastes 9:4 NIV).
The counselor sat down calmly as the man poured out his mind. It was obvious that the man has lost all hope. He did not know what to do again. The man concluded, "Nothing is working well with me. I am fed up with life. It is better if I am dead than being alive with no hope."
Many people are in similar situations like that disillusioned man. They prefer to die rather than to live because they have lost all hope. However, no matter the situation, there is still hope. Inasmuch as there is still life, there is hope. Even, if one is totally down, a little opportunity can turn one’s story to glory. Job, in his anguish, put it this way: "At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant" (Job 14:7-9 NIV).
What is your present situation? Have you lost hope in such situation? Are you wishing that it is better that you are dead rather than living? The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes said, "Anyone who is among the living has hope-even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" (9:4 NIV). Yes, a live dog is better off than a dead lion! A living wretched man is better that a dead wealthy man. The reason is that the life of the former can be improved; there is no hope for the latter even in his expensive grave.
No matter your situation, when there is life, there is hope. Even, in an obviously hopeless situation, Jesus Christ reminded Martha, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 NKJV). She did see that glory. In your seemingly hopeless situation, indeed, there is still hope!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 17Oct2009

Courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it. So let's resist our fear and meet it with faith in our Lord. - David H. Roper

Quote for the Day 16Oct2009

Good manners will often take people where neither money nor education will take them. - Fanny Jackson Coppin

Quote for the Day 15Oct2009

Nothing just happens. Whatever happens to a man especially the son or daughter of the Almighty God is for good either now or later. - Bayo Oladeji

Quote for the Day 14Oct2009

When you do not set your heart to seek the Lord, calamity is the inevitable result. The surest way to prosper in your endeavors is to diligently pursue the will of God. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 13Oct2009

Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us. - Stephen R. Covey

Quote for the Day 12Oct2009

Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it, it's only good for wallowing in. - Katherine Mansfield

HE DOES NOT NEED ANY DEFENSE

Dearly Beloved,
HE DOES NOT NEED ANY DEFENSE
"‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’" (Matthew 26:52-54 NIV).
Recently I received a forwarded chain mail asking me to participate in a cause to protest to a popular online social network service to remove a website that is offensive to the personality of Jesus Christ from the social network’s online service. Hundreds of people had added their names to the mail as it was been forwarded to other people before it got to me. I wanted to add my name, but I remembered that there is no need to start the cause in the first instance because Jesus Christ does not need any kind of defense from anybody.
Adherents of many world religions, denominations, and causes are ready to defend the founders of such religions, denominations, or causes with the last drop of their blood. However, Jesus Christ or the God that the Christians serve does not need such defense. He is self-sufficient, unchangeable and unmovable. Nothing can subtract anything from His Being no matter the derogatory language used for Him. Attempts to defend Him may even be working against His wills!
When Jesus Christ was about to be arrested, one of His disciples tried to defend Him, but He cautioned him and made him realize that He is up to the task. At that particular time, it was part of the arrangement to fulfill the divine purpose of His coming to the world. In spite of the arrest, molestation, trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, He resurrected the third day. He was exalted to the highest place and given "the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV). No amount of derogatory language can reduce His sovereignty. People that are using foul languages against Him are just wasting their time.
Jesus Christ does not need any kind of defense. In spite of this, who He to you? How do you refer Him? He has come as the Savior of the world. He is presently defending those that believe in Him. He is coming back soon as the Judge of the whole world. Are you ready to face Him?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 10Oct2009

If your heart is filled with sadness,
Or you struggle with despair,
Turn to God, who’ll bring you gladness
When you sense His love and care.
- Sper

Quote for the Day 09Oct2009

Allow yourself to smile often. It will brighten your day and lighten your heart! - Charlene Spriggs

Quote for the Day 08Oct2009

God deals with us in very unique ways. You are special to Him and He may want to relate with you as He has never related with anyone, if only you give Him the opportunity. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 07Oct2009

Wait in prayer, call on God and spread your case before him. Express your unstaggering confidence in Him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful and untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. - Charles Spurgeon

Quote for the Day 06Oct2009

Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach the Majesty on High!
- James Montgomery

Quote for the Day 05Oct2009

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. – Jesus Christ (from Luke 11:9-10 NIV)

WAKE HIM UP!

Dear Beloved,
WAKE HIM UP!
"Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'" (Mark 4:38, NIV).
Jesus Christ and His disciples were sailing on the turbulent Sea of Galilee when a furious storm started. It was an impending danger to their lives and properties. I believe that as veteran fishermen, some of them would have tried all the tactics to bring the situation under control. What surprises one is that Jesus Christ was somewhere in the boat sleeping. How could He sleep in such a situation? However, the disciples knew the right thing to do: they went to wake Him up. When He woke up, He just spoke to the storm, and there was serenity!
Christian life is not an escape from danger, but an assurance of His presence all the time. What is the storm of your life? What is threatening your life? Are you trying to help yourself out of it? Despite the fact that Jesus Christ "who watches over [His people] will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4, NIV), yet, you have to call Him into your situation. He is there by you seemingly sleeping. Wake Him up!
These are some of the promises of God for you:
"And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me" (Psalm 50:15, NIV).
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV).
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9-10, NIV).
"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24, NIV).
"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18, NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
　
NB
This message was first sent out on March 14, 2004.

Quote for the Day 03Oct2009

If you really do put a small value upon yourself, be rest assured that the world would not raise your price. - Anonymous

Quote for the Day 02Oct2009

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning;
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray;
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning;
Keep me burning till the break of day!
- Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 01Oct2009

When all around you is going under, as God kept Noah and his loved ones safe and sound, and his possessions intact, He will keep you afloat this new month in Jesus name. Amen. Welcome to the month of October! - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 30Sept2009

When you fill your mouth with praises to God, He will lead you and guide you in all the affairs of your life. Even if you are stuck with a problem, He will show you the way to go or make a way out for you. Either way, you will get the wisdom and help that you need! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 29Sept2009

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. - Solomon (from Proverbs 28:19, 20 NIV)

Quote for the Day 28Sept2009

To the work! To the work!
We are servants of God,
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.
Toiling on, toiling on, toiling on;
Let us hope, let us watch and labor till the Master comes.
- Fanny J. Crosby

TO THE WORK!

Dearly Beloved,
TO THE WORK!
"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat’" (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV).
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty" (Proverbs 28:19 NIV).
I seldom base my messages on people’s reactions to my past messages. However, I am led to base this message on the reactions of some people to my message last week. These people who are undoubtedly anti-Christian and are ready to say anything anytime against Christian messages disagreed with me that one should patiently wait for God’s miracle. However, they ignored the fact that I included the word "faithful" in the act of waiting. To these people, I am encouraging laziness. Unfortunately, as these people pointed out in their antagonism, many pastors nowadays indeed encourage laziness on the part of their congregations due to the pastors’ undue emphasis on prosperity without work, instant miracles, breakthrough, and the likes. Such pastors and their followers have forgotten that God does not bless idleness. He will bless only those who are doing something. No wonder, all the people that He called and used in the Bible were busy and hardworking people.
Apostle Paul addressed the issue of working hard against idleness in his epistles to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 5:12-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). He frowned at idleness and encouraged his audience to be hardworking. That famous Christian hymn writer, Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915), wrote, "To the work! To the work! We are servants of God, Let us follow the path that our Master has trod; With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew, Let us do with our might what our hands find to do. Toiling on, toiling on, toiling on; Let us hope, let us watch and labor till the Master comes." The writer of the book of Proverbs gave many admonitions in opposition to idleness and in favor of diligent work (see Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4, 26; 12:11, 24; 13:4; 15:19; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4; 21:25; 24:30-34). Today’s Christians are expected to pay attention to such admonitions.
From the aforementioned Bible verses, it is glaring that Christianity does not promote laziness or anything relating to it. Therefore, anyone who thinks that God will bless him when he is lazy is deceiving himself. Yes, miracles still exist nowadays, but if you want God to bless you, be diligent in your work. If you are unemployed, the Lord will soon provide a befitting job for you. If you are under-employed, that is, not well paid, continue to be faithful.
To the work!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 26Sept2009

Have you ever noticed that happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision? You don't actually need anything to be happy. It's not something that comes from outside, it comes from inside, and when you radiate a happy energy you'll be amazed what it attracts into your life. Don't worry, be happy. Decide now, be happy, and watch magic begin to enter your life. - Debra C.

Quote for the Day 25Sept2009

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful. - Lao Tzu

Quote for the Day 24Sept2009

Faint not, nor fear; His arms are near;
He changeth not, and thou art dear;
Only believe, and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee!
- John S. B. Monsell

Quote for the Day 23Sept2009

Don’t give up on your fellow believers. Look to see where God is working in their lives, then join Him. It is a great privilege to be like Barnabas and to invest in the life of a fellow Christian. This is the purpose of discipleship. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 22Sept2009

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure. - Colin Powell

Quote for the Day 21Sept2009

Has God been silent on you? Find out why. The Lord will intervene in your pressing situation. Some silence could be deliberate divine delays. Do not give up hope. Keep on trying, praying and making effort. Your answer will come. - EA Adeboye

WHEN GOD IS SILENT

Dearly Beloved,
WHEN GOD IS SILENT
"Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless" (Genesis 16:16—17:1, NIV).
Abraham was seventy-five years old when God told him to leave his people and go to a land that He would show him. This command was with a seven-fold promise that God would make Abraham into a great nation; that God would bless him; that God would make his name great; that he would be a blessing; that God would bless those who bless him, and curse those who curse him; and that all people on earth would be blessed through him (see Genesis 12:1-4). These promises were made to a man that did not have any biological child at seventy-five. Yet he believed God and obeyed Him. After some time, God reaffirmed His promises for him, but he wondered how the promises would be fulfilled since he remained childless. He even reasoned that his head servant would inherit his possession. However, God reassured him that "a son coming from [his] own body will be [his] heir" (Genesis 15:4, NIV), and that his descendants would inherit the land where he was a stranger. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
However, when it seemed that God was silent and relented in fulfilling His promise to give him a son, Sarah, Abraham’ wife, and he tried to help God. They arranged that the maidservant of Sarah should bear children for Abraham. This according to their custom was right, but that was not God’s absolute plan for them. At eighty-six, Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant bore Abraham a son named Ishmael. It was as if God was still silent about His promises for Abraham for another thirteen years. Abraham might have been thinking that God would fulfill His promises through Ishmael. In fact, he argued in that direction when God appeared to him again after thirteen years when he doubted the fact that Sarah could still bear a son in her old age and told God to let Ishmael receive the blessings. God told him that His absolute will was for Isaac, the son that Sarah would bear, not Ishmael (Genesis 17:15-21). It might seem as if God was silent, but He had a plan for Abraham and Sarah, and He declared the plan: "…my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year" (Genesis 17:21, NIV). God did fulfill His plans and promises in the life of Abraham.
In what way is God silent about your affairs? Have you lost confidence in Him for His silence? Are you trying to help God? It may seem as if God is silent, but He is not. He has a better plan for you. He says, "For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). Hear this also: "‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed’" (Isaiah 55:8-13, NIV).
When God is seemingly silent about your affair, He wants you to "walk before [Him] and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1, NIV). That is, be faithful and wait for His miracle. It may be in a long time, but He will certainly do it!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first posted on October 8, 2006.

Quote for the Day 19Sept2009

Have you responded to God’s open invitation? Come in awe and gratitude, for the God of this universe is willing to hear your petitions anytime. - C. P. Hia

Quote for the Day 18Sept2009

A better day is coming, a morning promised long,
When girded Right, with holy Might, will overthrow the Wrong;
When God the Lord will listen to every plaintive sigh,
And stretch His hands o'er every land, with justice by and by!
- Robert Lowry

Quote for the Day 17Sept2009

If you have been looking unto yourself, it is time to start looking unto Jesus. Look unto Him, the author and finisher of your faith. And soon, you will be looking at your healing and prosperity! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 16Sept2009

Do not waste yourself in rejection; do not bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote for the Day 15Sept2009

There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world. We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts: what we do, how we look, what we say, and how we say it. - Dale Carnegie

Quote for the Day 14Sept2009

Have you been asking God to do something for you but He seems to be delaying it? Are you thinking of abandoning your initial trust in Him because of this? Do you doubt the worthiness of His praises and worship? Are you also at the point of being angry with Him for this? Never think so! He is worthy of your trust and worship. - Bayo Afolaranmi

ANGRY WITH GOD? NEVER!

Dear Beloved,
ANGRY WITH GOD? NEVER!
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NIV).
As I was coming out of the US embassy after the third consecutive visa refusal, I was embittered. What really went wrong? Did I not pray enough? What of the prayers and prophecies of hundreds of people towards the success of this visa interview? What of my numerous fastings? Does God not answer prayers again? Why did He deprive me of overseas trip for further studies these three times? These thoughts were making me to be angry at life and with God. Is He still worthy of my praises and worship? Then the words of Habakkuk came to my mind: though God does not "answer" my prayers and there might be no visible evidence of His care, yet I will praise Him!
The book of Habakkuk portrays God as awesome, yet Habakkuk was complaining about why the wicked prospered while the righteous suffered. It seemed God did not acted as he had expected. Yet he concluded his prophecy with praises of God because he knew that there was a benevolent God behind the seemingly unpleasant circumstance. He would rather rejoice in the Lord than to be angry with Him.
Job, in his anguish praised God. Why? He remembered in his pains that God's purpose is always good. Hear him, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…" (Job 13:15, NIV); "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God…" (Job 19:25-26, NIV); and "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10, NIV).
Have you been asking God to do something for you but He seems to be delaying it? Are you thinking of abandoning your initial trust in Him because of this? Do you doubt the worthiness of His praises and worship? Are you also at the point of being angry with Him for this? Never think so!
The psalmist boasted of God's care, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4, NIV), and Solomon also said, "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge" (Proverbs 14:32, NIV).
God has a purpose in your pain. This purpose is always good. The grief may be divinely arranged to re-examine our desires and reveal His better plan to us. Turn your anxiety to Him. He will prove Himself to you. He is still God. He is worthy of your trust and worship. Angry with God? Never!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first posted on July 19, 2004.

Quote for the Day 12Sept2009

When you commit your life to Christ He will change you. He will deal with that thing which has crippled you spiritually, mentally and emotionally, and cause you to stand up straight. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 11Sept2009

If you always choose the easy way, asking for the peaceful valleys, you will never see God’s power displayed to enable you to take a mountain. Seek out the mountains, and you will witness God doing things through your life that can be explained only by His mighty presence. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 10Sept2009

The service that we do for God
May go unpraised by men;
But when we stand before the Lord,
He will reward us then.
- Sper

Quote for the Day 09Sept2009

The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible. - Richard M. DeVos

Quote for the Day 08Sept2009

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote for the Day 07Sept2009

"For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 TEV).

TREASURE IN CLAY JARS

Dearly Beloved,
TREASURE IN CLAY JARS
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV).
Being a problematic church, Paul wrote his two known epistles to the Corinthian church to correct some of the anomalies that existed in the church. One of such anomalies was the erroneous view about the gospel message and the messengers of the gospel. This view is that the gospel, which is the New Covenant, is inferior to the Old Covenant given to Moses, and so, the messengers of the gospel, or the ministers of the New Covenant, were inferior to Moses and the teachers of the Law. However, in this second epistle to the Corinthians, Paul explained the superiority of the gospel to the Law. He considered the gospel message as a treasure kept in jars of clay. Such illustration was familiar to the Corinthians.
The gospel message is indeed a treasure that supersedes any human knowledge or philosophy. God has kept or entrusted the gospel message in "clay jars," the apostles, now the preachers of the gospel. Clay jars are undoubtedly fragile. As humans, the preachers of the gospel are frail and weak like clay jar but the gospel message is entrusted to them. It was not entrusted to the angels or any other super-humans. God did this to show that spreading of the gospel message is not by human power, knowledge or even experience, but by His all-surpassing power. So, we must not look down on ourselves that we cannot preach the gospel, or depend on our ability or wisdom to do it, but rely wholly on God.
The treasure, the gospel message, has been entrusted unto you to keep it and share it with other people. Are you jealously keeping it and zealously sharing it with other people around you? You do not need any special power or knowledge to do so. What you need is total reliance on the Holy Spirit who is there to teach, guide, remind, and strengthen you as you are keeping and sharing the treasure. No matter the pressure around you, He will see you through. "For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 TEV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
Hurrah! My new book on Internet ministry is out. To view the cover of the book and read the book review, people’s endorsements of the book, the contents page, and how you can get copies of the book in Nigeria, you can visit the website I created purposely for the promotion of the book: http://ministeringthroughtheinternet.blogspot.com/.
There will not be any formal launching of the book, but you can still identify with this success by contacting me at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 05Sept2009

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the Cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings-ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by!
- Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Quote for the Day 04Sept2009

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me-
O how much He cared for me!
- Charles F. Weigle

Quote for the Day 03Sept2009

Whatever our circumstances, Jesus is present with His love, compassion, and grace. He is proof, presence, and provision enough to carry us safely through. - David C. Egner

Quote for the Day 02Sept2009

Sometimes our plans are not the plans of God. Hence, it is pertinent to every time structure our steps in alliance with God's plans. - Anonymous

Quote for the Day 01Sept2009

Happy New Month! This month, no matter how dry the land becomes, you will remain fruitful and healthy. Your life will keep on producing joy ceaselessly in Jesus name. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 31Aug2009

People who consider themselves victims of their circumstances will always remain victims unless they develop a greater vision for their lives. - Stedman Graham

BECAUSE OF THE KINGDOM?

Dearly Beloved,
BECAUSE OF THE KINGDOM?
"And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize — a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]" (Matthew 11:12 AMP)
Throughout church history, denominations, groups of people, and individuals (both Christians and non-Christians) had misinterpreted and misapplied the Scriptures. These misinterpretations and misapplications which many people will claim are because of the kingdom of God have caused many erroneous doctrines and practices today. It is unfortunate that people are still misinterpreting and misapplying the Scriptures today especially to suit their selfish wishes. It would have been better if such selfish ambitions advance the cause of the gospel, but most of such are to deliberately deceive people to the selfish gains of the perpetrators of such misinterpretations and misapplications.
To buttress this, here is a mild drama that ensued between me and an unknown person recently. The person sent an SMS to me thus: "2nd edition of the ongoing chevron/Texaco bonanza, you just won N500,000.00, your number is one of the 15 lucky winners, ticket BT352k. Call us on [a mobile phone number]." Immediately I received the message, I knew it was a hoax. I called the person and advised him to desist from such act. The moment he discovered that I was not going to play along with him, he ended the call. Therefore, I sent this SMS to him: "I will advise you to stop this dubious act of duping unsuspecting people before God catch up with you with His wrath. You are warned!" He did reply my SMS. Here is his response: "I will advise you to stop this dubious act of yours because the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force. You are warned! Mind your business." I replied him again thus: "So, your own way of taking the kingdom of God by force is deceiving people! The Lord will reward you greatly! I mind my business, but do not try such on me and other unsuspecting people again. I warn you, be ready for God’s wrath!" He never replied my second SMS.
One would wonder that such person could be bold to say that he is duping people because of the kingdom of God. No wonder, there are many questionable churches and fake pastors today. They hide under the kingdom of God and cause much havoc to unsuspecting people. Many scam emails have been sent to people telling them that there are donations to be used for God’s kingdom purpose. A careful verification of mails would reveal that they come from fraudulent people.
Are you one of such dubious people? Are you also deceiving other people because of the kingdom of God? Jesus Christ declared, "Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy. Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Revelation 22:11-12 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 29Aug2009

God’s love for us is always astonishing, especially when it touches us at a low ebb of life. During our darkest times, the Lord comes to us with His joy, His love, and His song. - David C. McCasland

Quote for the Day 28Aug2009

People are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves. They therefore remain bound. - James Allen

Quote for the Day 27Aug2009

To think that you are not going to fail is an illusion. Fail faster, you will only be closer to what you want. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 26Aug2009

God is not pleased if you praise Him at church but not at your workplace. It is not acceptable for you to revere God when you are with other Christians but not in your school or neighborhood. He expects you to honor Him completely, with your words, with your actions, with your life. If you honor Him, He will honor you. - Henry Blackaby

Proposed Book on Internet ministry

Here is the cover of my proposed book on Internet ministry now at the advanced stage in the press. Pray for the success of its production, and be part of the vision. Contact me privately to know more. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 25Aug2009

If you are helpless in life's fray,
God's mighty power will be your stay;
Your failing strength He will renew,
For He's a God who cares for you.
- D. De Haan

Quote for the Day 24Aug2009

God can bring you through situations you think you won't survive, or feel you'll be stuck in forever. He can make you comfortable in the most uncomfortable places, and give you peace in the midst of trauma. - Bob Gass

WHEN GOD BECOMES "INACTIVE"

Dear Beloved,

WHEN GOD BECOMES "INACTIVE"

"[God] will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not
slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you…. The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" (Psalm 121:3-8, NIV).

No doubt, the psalmist penned several promises of God's protection and care for His own people. However, there are times when God seems "inactive" - times when it seems He could keep these promises.

The Israelites experienced such times. It was one of their numerous wars with the hostile and domineering Philistines (1 Samuel 4). The Israelites decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant - the symbol of God - to the battleground when the Philistines were gaining the upper hand. It was as if God Himself was present with them in battle when the ark arrived. The Philistines had the same impression when they heard the Israelites' shout of joy to welcome the ark. They were afraid. Nevertheless, the courageous Philistines won the battle and even captured the Ark of the Covenant!

Samson also found himself in similar situation. He had been a threat to the Philistines until one day he found himself in the net of the same
Philistines. The Bible records, "Then [Delilah] called, 'Samson, the
Philistines are upon you!' [Samson] awoke from his sleep and thought, 'I'll go out as before and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the LORD had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison" (Judges 16:20-21, NIV).

One may wonder what went wrong in the two situations. Could God not save them? Why did He leave them in such critical situations? Why was He "inactive" when it mattered most? The answer is not far-fetched. SIN had separated them from God. Samson flirted with a strange woman against God's will. Even he could not discern the danger that such action depicted for him (Judges 16). Because of the sins of the house of Eli, God decided to punish the Israelites (1 Samuel 2:27-36; 3:11-14).

What could make God to be "inactive" in your life? What could make Him not to be ready to help you? Isaiah declared: "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2, NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Note:
This message was first posted on Sunday May 2, 2004.

Quote for the Day 22Aug2009

Don’t let the difficult circumstances you are facing convince you that God has forgotten you. Don’t ever assume that God is more concerned with the needs of other, more significant, more spiritual people than He is with yours. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 21Aug2009

My policy is to learn from the past, focus on the present, and dream about the future. I'm a firm believer in learning from adversity. Often the worst of times can turn to your advantage. My life is a study of that. - Donald Trump

Quote for the Day 20Aug2009

The world knows how Christians are supposed to act as well as Christians know. We are on stage, the world is watching. If you were accused of being a Christian is there enough evidence to convict you! - Erik Lundberg

Quote for the Day 19Aug2009

People are watching. They watch to see if our behavior matches our belief, if our walk matches our talk, and if our character matches our confession. In a word, they watch to see if we have integrity. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 19Aug2009

People are watching. They watch to see if our behavior matches our belief, if our walk matches our talk, and if our character matches our confession. In a word, they watch to see if we have integrity. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 18Aug2009

The Christian life is more than just
A prayer of faith made in the past;
It’s dedicating every day
To live for Christ and what will last.
- Sper

Quote for the Day 17Aug2009

On to victory, follow your mighty Commander,
On to victory, follow where Jesus may go,
On to victory, close to your shield and defender,
On to victory, conquering every foe!
- C.S. Kauffman

REMAIN FOCUSED!

Dearly Beloved,
REMAIN FOCUSED!
“‘Lord, if it's you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:28-30 NIV).
The disciples of Jesus Christ were in a boat buffeted by the storm. Jesus had to interrupt His prayer time in order to rescue the situation. Being the omnipotent God, He walked on the water! The disciples were terrified to see somebody walking on the water, so they concluded that that person must be a ghost. They cried out in fear. However, Jesus Christ revealed His identity and dissuaded them from the fear. Simon Peter wanted to be sure, and even wanted to do what Jesus was doing – walking on the water. Jesus invited him. Peter got down from the boat and started walking on the water. As he was walking towards Jesus, he lost focus and remembered that he was on a storming sea. Immediately, he started sinking. Thank God that he retraced his steps by focusing on Jesus again. He called for help and Jesus helped him.
Undoubtedly, we are all in the stormy sea of life. The waves of life are buffeting us every day. The good news is that the Lord is not indifferent to our situations. He has come to our rescue and extended to us the call of relief from these storms. In Matthew 11:28-30, He said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (NIV). Some people have yielded this call while many have not. However, like Simon Peter, many of those people that have yielded the call have lost their focus on Jesus. They are now focusing on the storms of life. No wonder, they are sinking into the sea of life.
Have you come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Have you yielded to His call to come to Him? If yes, congratulations! If no, please come today! However, to enjoy His tranquility in the storm of life and even walk above it without sinking, you have to remain focused on Jesus Christ. Whatever the situation, He is more than able to rescue you from your storm of life.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 15Aug2009

Even those that encourage others need to be encouraged. The next time someone encourages you, don’t forget to encourage them too. You never know what they may be going through. - Martha Tatum Salone

Quote for the Day 14Aug2009

God wants you to live a stress-free life, not one filled with worries about tomorrow’s problems. When tomorrow comes, His grace will be there for you as your help, protection, favor and enabling! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 13Aug2009

Observe, God starts your day with a nighttime experience. In order for your faith to blossom, it must first be incubated in the dark. Real faith only germinates in adversity, so if you try to escape you lose the opportunity to move into higher realms of faith. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 12Aug2009

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
- Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 11Aug2009

We need to appreciate what we have and treasure it so that we can more fully appreciate any addition that comes our way. We can learn to be satisfied - with God’s help we can find this inner peace. - Dee Kilough

Quote for the Day 10Aug2009

Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all. - D.L. Moody

DO NOT CHANGE THE ORDER!

Dearly Beloved,
DO NOT CHANGE THE ORDER!
“[God] will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3 NIV).
Being a Saturday, I woke up late that day. I could not properly do my daily “Quite Time” with God before I rushed out of bed. I was eager to send my monthly prayer wish by SMS to people in my SMS lists. I successfully sent the same prayer wish by email and even uploaded it on my website, but the SMS could not be immediately delivered to people as I expected. I was frustrated. My purpose for rushing out of bed was defeated. I went back to do my “Quite Time” properly. Then I remembered that I had changed the old order of God’s way of blessing people. God’s order as He told Abraham (in Genesis 12:2-3) is that He will first bless a person if the person has a close relationship with Him, then use the person to bless others.
Many people want to serve God and want God to bless other people through their services, but most of the time, such people do not wait for God’s blessings for them. Many are so pre-occupied by the work of God that they neglect the God of the work. They can spend hours with people ministering to them but find it difficult to spend quality time with God.
Martha was guilty of this when Jesus Christ visited her home. She was pre-occupied with service and even accused her sister who was with Jesus of not helping her with the service. Jesus corrected her, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42 TEV). Mary knew the order: she first received the blessings of God before thinking of being a “blessing” to Jesus and others.
Are you not also knowingly or unknowingly changing the order: trying to be a channel of God’s blessing to other people while you have not allowed God to bless you? Are you not being pre-occupied more in the work of God than being in the presence of or close fellowship with the God of the work? God will make you a channel of His blessings to other people, but let Him first bless you. Do not change the order!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You still have the opportunity of being part of my SMS ministry. Send your mobile phone number (including country code if not in Nigeria) to me at . God bless you!

Quote for the Day 08Aug2009

Worry and faith do not mix - they are like oil and water. We cannot trust God and fret about what is going on in our lives or what will happen in the future. - Charles F. Stanley

Quote for the Day 07Aug2009

One of the practical ways of showing our love for the brothers and sisters is to share our material blessings with those in need. This happened quite spontaneously at Pentecost (Acts 2:44,45). A Church filled with love is the salt of the earth, the light of the world and a city on a hilltop. - from www.StanleyOnBible.com

Quote for the Day 06Aug2009

Do not look to become a person of success, look instead to
become a person of value. - Albert Einstein

Quote for the Day 05Aug2009

Every decision you make - every decision - is not a decision about what to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do. - Neale Donald Walsch

Quote for the Day 05Aug2009

Every decision you make - every decision - is not a decision about what to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do. - Neale Donald Walsch

Quote for the Day 04Aug2009

Building up our character is a slow process, and happens every day. But when we try to escape the storms of life, we short-circuit the process and delay our growth. This has great detrimental consequences. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 03Aug2009

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet!
- Frances R. Havergal

THE MAJORITY!

Dearly Beloved,
THE MAJORITY!
“But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there” (Acts 27:11-12 NIV).
In a democratic society, majority always have their way while the minority have their say. In other words, majority carry the day while the minority are left in the cold. That is the ideal. However, at times, majority opinion or decision may be dangerous and be detriment of the whole society.
Paul the apostle was in a voyage to Rome as a prisoner. It was evident that the sailing had become dangerous. So, he advised the sailors against continuing the voyage. The centurion who was leading the journey and majority of people in the ship thought otherwise. The majority had their way while Paul had his say. However, the decision of the majority nearly cost them their lives after losing everything they had in a storm that led to a shipwreck.
When Moses was leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, twelve spies were sent ahead of them to the land. Ten of the spies brought bad reports while only two brought good reports. The Israelites followed the majority and rebelled against God. This made the whole generation of those people not to get to that land except the two people that brought the good reports (see Numbers 13, 14).
In leadership, while it is good to listen to the view of the majority and follow it, it is better, at times, to thoughtfully consider the view of the minority. Majority may have the same view, but they are not right all the time. The majority view may be dangerous at times. Therefore, pray for the discerning spirit, especially, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, in following the majority.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 01Aug2009

This month of August, things will go well with you, your purpose will be fulfilled and you will have much to be grateful for, because God will bless you immensely in the month. Happy new month! - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 31Jul2009

Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him. - Aldous Huxley

Quote for the Day 30Jul2009

None is like God, Who reigns above,
So great, so pure, so high;
None is like God, Whose Name is Love,
And Who is always nigh.
- John Burton, Jr.

Quote for the Day 29Jul2009

Do not just change enough to get away from your problems, change enough to solve them. Do not change your circumstances to improve your life, change yourself to improve your circumstances. Do not do the same old things expecting different results, get different results by doing something new. - John C. Maxwell

Quote for the Day 29Jul2009

Do not just change enough to get away from your problems, change enough to solve them. Do not change your circumstances to improve your life, change yourself to improve your circumstances. Do not do the same old things expecting different results, get different results by doing something new. - John C. Maxwell

Quote for the Day 28Jul2009

Not what we have, but what we give,
Not what we see, but how we live -
These are the things that build and bless,
That lead to human happiness.
- Anon

Quote for the Day 27Jul2009

God can bring us through situations we think we will not survive, or feel we will be stuck in forever. He can make us comfortable in the most uncomfortable places, and give us peace in the midst of any trauma. - Bob Gass

IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES (Part 2)

Dearly Beloved,

IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES (Part 2)

“Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28 NIV).

Last week, I started the story of a Syrio-Phoniecian woman who came to Jesus Christ for help but faced with many obstacles. One of such obstacles was Jesus’ seeming rude answer to her plea. The woman was not discouraged with the answer. She came nearer and worshipped Jesus. Jesus’ second response (now directly to the woman) was not favourable either. He referred to her and her child as dogs! (The Jews used to refer to non-Jews as “dogs” because they considered themselves as the only ones worthy of getting favour of God.) Jesus used this common term to tell the woman that she did not merit what she was asking for. He had not completed His assignment to the Jews. However, Jesus wanted to try her faith the more. This was the fourth seeming obstacle—another psychological or emotional obstacle. (Do you still remember the first three seeming obstacles as highlighted in the first part of this message?)

The response of the woman was classic. She agreed that she was a “dog,” but she contended that even dogs could eat the fragments of food that fall from children’s table, thereby underscoring her faith that she could get a little out of the favour of God. In spite of the seeming humiliation, she believed that she could be blessed in some little way. She was so humble to get just a fragment. Jesus commended her great faith and granted her the request. The healing of her daughter “that very hour” exhibited that Jesus is ready to heal anybody that comes to Him with great faith and persistency.

What kind of obstacle are you facing as this year is gradually running to an end? Do not forget these two facts. One, delay is not denial. The fact that God does not answer our prayer the first time does not mean that He will not answer it if we persist in asking Him. He may want to know how persistent we are when we are making a request to Him. When the answers of prayer are deferred, God is thereby teaching us to pray more, and pray better. It may also be that His time for us has not come. Two, no matter the situation we may find ourselves, we must have great faith in God that He can solve our problems, and that He will solve them in His own way and in His own time. We must be ready to accept His way and time for us.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
This message is an abridged version of a Bible study titled “A Mother’s Faith.” You may request for the study by contacting me directly at . God bless you.

Quote for the Day 25Jul2009

A wooden key is not so beautiful as a golden one, but if it can open the door when the golden one cannot, it is more useful. - Martin Luther

Quote for the Day 24Jul2009

No victory is worth winning at the expense of picking up the mud that has been slung at you and throwing it back. - Rubel Shelly

Quote for the Day 23Jul2009

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer!
Heavenly portals, loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Saviour, reigneth for ever and ever;
Crown Him, Crown Him! Prophet and Priest and King!
- Fanny J. Crosby

Quote for the Day 22Jul2009

Whatever your present situation, view it in the light of what God is teaching you, through circumstances, about Himself and you will come to know God in dimensions you have never known Him before. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 21Jul2009

We have all been marvelously helped—by our Lord God, by those He has given to set an example for us, and by those who serve alongside us. When we become strong, we must take heed, or we too will stumble. - Albert Lee

Quote for the Day 20Jul2009

When you face your fear, most of the time you will discover that it was not really such a big threat after all. We all need some form of deeply rooted, powerful motivation - it empowers us to overcome obstacles so we can live our dreams. - Les Brown

IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES

Dearly Beloved,

IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES

“A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession’” (Matthew 15:22 NIV).

Ideally, a mother can do anything to get something for her children. She can go any length to see that she gets the desired result for her children. This message is about a woman who sought help for her daughter that was demon-possessed. In spite of the obstacles she encountered, she did not give up until she got what she wanted.

Jesus Christ withdrew from the land of the Jews, and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon, possibly to have some rest from the teeming Jewish crowd. A woman from that region came to Him and begged Him. The content of her cry was that Jesus should have mercy on her and heal her daughter who was terribly suffering from demon possession. Her prayer was short. She prayed with humility. She was fervent and modest. She showed respect. Although she was not a believer, she demonstrated total reliance on the mercy of Jesus. What a good example for us today in our prayers to God!

Jesus did not answer her initially. It does not mean that He did not hear her plea or that He wanted to ignore her. He might be testing her faith and persistency. He might even want to teach His disciples a lesson from the event. This was the first seeming obstacle—a psychological obstacle. In spite of the inaction of Jesus, it was apparent that the woman did not give up. She continued to plead for mercy. The reaction of the disciples showed this. They wanted Jesus to send the woman away so that she would no longer disturb them with her supplication. Their words might also suggest that they wanted Jesus to do something tangible for the woman. This was the second seeming obstacle—a social obstacle.

Jesus’ answer was like adding insult to injury for the woman – she was not qualified to receive His mercy! Jesus was sent first to the Jews, then to other people. He came as their expected Messiah. He came to preach the gospel Himself to the Jews only. Afterward the gospel was preached to the Gentiles, but the ministry of Jesus was confined almost entirely to the Jews. He confirmed this in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. This was the third seeming obstacle—another social or religious obstacle.

What kind of obstacles are you facing as this year is gradually running to an end? How are you reacting to these obstacles? No matter the obstacle, “if you believe, you would see the glory of God” (John 11:40 NIV). The conclusion of this story next week will attest to this.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 18Jul2009

The difference between winners and losers is their ability to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 17Jul2009

Although I may not understand
The path You've laid for me,
Complete surrender to Your will -
Lord, this my prayer shall be.
- Sherbert
© 1978 William F. Sherbert

Quote for the Day 16Jul2009

Trust in the Lord and don't despair; He is a friend so true: No matter what your troubles are, Jesus will see you through!

Quote for the Day 16Jul2009

Trust in the Lord and don't despair; He is a friend so true: No matter what your troubles are, Jesus will see you through!

Quote for the Day 15Jul2009

It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels he is worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him. - Abraham Lincoln

Quote for the Day 14Jul2009

People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents. - Andrew Carnegie

Quote for the Day 13Jul2009

Hypocrisy is a common sin
That grieves the Lord above;
He longs for those who’ll worship Him
In faith and truth and love.
- Bosch

BEWARE OF THE CROWD!

Dearly Beloved,
BEWARE OF THE CROWD!
“Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead” (Acts 14:18-19 NIV).
In their first missionary journey at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas performed a miracle that made the people of the town to mistake them for gods of the land. This crowd of people wanted to offer sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas had difficulty stopping the crowd from offering the sacrifice to them. However, it is interesting to note that the same crowd was used by some of the Jews to stone Paul!
The crowd of people in any form or any place (even in the church) can be so funny. They are not predictable, and a wise man will not depend on them. Look at this account of Jesus Christ: “Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man” (John 2:23-25 NIV). The crowd of Jesus’ time indeed demonstrated this to Him. They were following Him, listening to Him, and were even ready to make Him king by force (see John 6:15), but He did not rely on them. This crowd of people praised Him by saying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (John 12:13 NIV), and within a week, they condemned Him, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" (John 19:15 NIV). While Paul was lucky to survive the unstable, “double-mouthed” crowd, Jesus was not “lucky.” Paul was stoned, but it did not resort to his death, though the crowd thought he was dead. Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, but He was raised from the dead on the third day.
Many people have fallen victims of this double dealing of the crowd. They allowed the crowd to lead them to their downfall by the praises and sycophancy of the crowd. Are you at the brim of such fall? Who are the crowd in your life that is praising you today? The crowd may be your subordinates, associates, relatives, or even, at times, spouses. They may turn against you tomorrow. Do not allow them to ruin you. Beware of the crowd!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 11Jul2009

Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are. - Norman Vincent Peale

Quote for the Day 10Jul2009

Do not allow difficult events to cancel the joy of knowing you are a child of God. Choose to allow God's Spirit to fill you with His unquenchable joy, and your life will be a miracle to those who watch you face the trials that come. - Experiencing God Day by Day

Quote for the Day 09Jul2009

One word from God, just one, can change your entire outlook. So today, take time to listen to God's voice. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 08Jul2009

Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find ways to do it. Believing there is a solution paves the way to a solution. - David Schwartz

Quote for the Day 07Jul2009

The many tasks we face each day
Can burden and oppress,
But spending time with God each day
Can bring relief from stress.
- Sper

Quote for the Day 06Jul2009

The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts. - Booker T. Washington

"THEY WILL STILL SHOW IT!"

Dear Beloved,

As we entered the second half of this year, let me re-send this message that I first sent out in the year 2004:

"THEY WILL STILL SHOW IT!"

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (Psalm 27:14, NIV).

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope" (Psalm 130:5, NIV).

My four-year-old son demonstrated a strong faith that was challenging to me one Saturday morning. He was watching his favorite show - a cartoon show - on the television. Suddenly, the local channel where he was watching it had a technical problem. One minute, two minutes, three minutes…. It was getting to ten minutes, yet the channel could not rectify the problem. It was then I advised him to change to another channel. His response was, "They will still show it!" He did not leave the channel until the problem was solved and the cartoon show was televised again to his admiration.

What a lesson for us! Have you been enjoying God's goodness for a time, but that goodness seems to cease? Have you waited for Him in vain to restore that goodness to you? Are you tired of waiting for Him? Are you considering trying another means of getting pleasure and goodness apart from God?

Have faith in God! Do not lose hope. He has not forgotten you. He will still show His goodness to you. "…For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentation 3:22b-23, NIV). Remember also the words the Psalmist, "When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.' The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy" (Psalm 126:1-3, NIV).

Mary and Martha could testify to this. They waited for Jesus Christ to come and heal their sick brother, Lazarus. He did not come until the man died. He eventually came after the man had been buried for four days. Yet, He restored their joy by raising Lazarus from the dead! (See John 11.)

He will still show it!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 04Jul2009

More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show,
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
- Hewitt

Quote for the Day 03Jul2009

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. - John Wooden

Quote for the Day 02Jul2009

Obstacles in life are like logs in your path. You can step over it or move it out of the way. You could cut it up and make firewood. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 01Jul2009

No matter your situation in the first half of the year, you will have a better situation this second half of the year in Jesus name. Amen. You will indeed glorify God. Welcome to the second half of the year. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 30Jun2009

Don’t put off for tomorrow
What you can do today;
Postponement may bring sorrow,
Prompt action is the way.
- Hess

Quote for the Day 29Jun2009

Hearing God's voice may mean you have to sacrifice lesser things and tune out other voices, but you must do it. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is more important than learning to recognise God's voice when He speaks to you. - Bob Gass

WE ARE AT FAULT!

Dearly Beloved,
WE ARE AT FAULT!
“...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).
Every one of us at the recent graduation ceremony of my seminary was stunned when the guest speaker indicted the Christians especially in Nigeria for the moral decadence of the society. The argument of the speaker who is a renowned university professor and a deacon in one of our churches was that Christians are praying and claiming to be serving God, but there is no sense of genuine repentance in most of them. He cited the increasing number of churches everyday with the growth of immorality even in the churches as an evidence of his indictment. His suggested solution to the problems of the society is genuine repentance of the so-called Christians.
The lecturer was right. After prayer of dedication to consecrate the new temple built by Solomon, and the manifestation of God to confirm that God had indeed sanctified the temple, God appeared to Solomon and reaffirmed His commitment to make the temple His sanctuary. God, however, gave Solomon three conditions before He could be answering their prayers and heal the nation. These conditions were humility, prayer and repentance. People today are humbling themselves and praying earnestly to seek the face of God. There are many churches, prayer “mountains” and camps today, and they are almost filled to the brim every Sunday and during other prayer times. Prayer night and day vigils occur almost every day in most churches. However, there is no genuine repentance in the lives of most of these worshippers. Instead of these worshippers to turn from their wicked ways, they are wallowing in them even in the church! Unfortunately, most of the religious and spiritual leaders today are carried away by the crowd and what they can get from them financially and materially. No wonder, the society is getting worse each day.
We are at fault! Do not be surprised at this. Have you ever thought of it? Are you not also contributing to the moral decadence of your society? As you are serving God, do you really have genuine repentance? Can you exonerate yourself from this fault? Only genuine repentance and true worship of God can heal this society.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
To view some of my recent Master of Theology in Religious Education (MThRE) graduation pictures, visit www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 27Jun2009

When we are the right people before God, we can do whatever task He sends, wherever He puts us. In so doing, we discover and affirm His calling for us. - David C. McCasland

Quote for the Day 26Jun2009

The Bible gives us all we need
To live our lives for God each day;
But it won’t help if we don’t read
Then follow what its pages say.
- Sper

Quote for the Day 25Jun2009

The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible. - Richard M. DeVos

Quote for the Day 24Jun2009

Life is a do-it-yourself project. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!
- Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 23Jun2009

We hurt people by being too busy. Too busy to notice their needs. Too busy to drop that note of comfort or encouragement or assurance of love. Too busy to listen when someone needs to talk. Too busy to care. - Billy Graham

Quote for the Day 22Jun2009

The chances are that you will never be elected President of the country, write the great American novel, make a million dollars, stop pollution and racial conflict, or save the world. However valid it may be to work at any of these goals, there is another one of higher priority - to be an effective parent. - Landrum R. Bolling

DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED

Dearly Beloved,
DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED
“’Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.’ And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV).
Sennacherib king of Assyria who was the then world power came to invade the land of Judah. He threatened the people to surrender to him instead of yielding to the words of encouragement from Hezekiah the king of Judah. The people had every cause to panic because of the military successes of that Assyrian king and his predecessors. However, they gained confidence from what Hezekiah said because they believed as Hezekiah said that Sennacherib depended on human resources while they had the divine backing. The LORD indeed helped the people, and the human resources of Sennacherib failed him woefully.
People tend to rely on human and material resources today, and they may be using them to oppress other people. However, the oppressed should not be discouraged. If they can put their trust in God as the people of Judah did, God would help them in His own way and His own time. No matter the strength of the oppressor, the Lord has promised, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV), “…because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NIV).
Who or what is the “Sennacherib” that has “invaded” your life and that is making you to be afraid or discouraged? Is the thing or person threatening you and you are about to lose hope? Do not be discouraged! Like Hezekiah, I am imploring you to trust in God. He is with you. He will fight your battles, and you will soon testify to His goodness over your life.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 20Jun2009

If a man (woman) has not discovered something worthwhile to die for; he (she) is not fit to live. - Martin Luther King Jr.

Quote for the Day 20Jun2009

If a man (woman) has not discovered something worthwhile to die for; he (she) is not fit to live. - Martin Luther King Jr.

Quote for the Day 19Jun2009

The size of the future you actually experience will largely be determined by one factor: people you choose to connect with. When you invite people who are truly committed to growth into every aspect of your life, your own potential for growth becomes truly unlimited. - Dan Sullivan

Quote for the Day 18Jun2009

Are you constantly surrounded by evil? Do you struggle at times to live a righteous life when those you associate with each day have no concern for God? Find assurance in the life of Noah. God watches you, even as He observed Noah. God will seek you out of the crowd every time, and He wants to bless you and your family just as He blessed Noah. - Experiencing God Day by Day