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
Friday, July 31, 2009
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
Thursday, July 30, 2009
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.
So great, so pure, so high;
None is like God, Whose Name is Love,
And Who is always nigh.
- John Burton, Jr.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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
Not what we see, but how we live -
These are the things that build and bless,
That lead to human happiness.
- Anon
Monday, July 27, 2009
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
Saturday, July 25, 2009
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.
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
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
Friday, July 24, 2009
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
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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
Monday, July 20, 2009
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
Saturday, July 18, 2009
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).
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).
Friday, July 17, 2009
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
The path You've laid for me,
Complete surrender to Your will -
Lord, this my prayer shall be.
- Sherbert
© 1978 William F. Sherbert
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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
Monday, July 13, 2009
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
That grieves the Lord above;
He longs for those who’ll worship Him
In faith and truth and love.
- Bosch
Saturday, July 11, 2009
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).
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
Friday, July 10, 2009
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
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
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
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
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
Can burden and oppress,
But spending time with God each day
Can bring relief from stress.
- Sper
Monday, July 6, 2009
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
Saturday, July 4, 2009
"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).
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
More of His grace to others show,
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
- Hewitt
Friday, July 3, 2009
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
Thursday, July 2, 2009
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
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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
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