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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Prayer for the Day 01Feb2012

This month, God will be your defense. He will make you strong and make your pathway safe. He will train you to be victorious in all your endeavours in Jesus' name. - Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi

Monday, January 30, 2012

Quote for the Day 31Jan2012

Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
- John Wilbur Chapman

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Quote for the Day 30Jan2012

A Christian who is not deep rooted in the Word of God will be tossed here and there by different wind of doctrine. Take time to study the Bible daily, meditate on it and live it. - Victor Akerele

Saturday, January 28, 2012

HOW LONG, O LORD?

Dearly Beloved,
The incessant incidents of bomb blasts in Nigeria in recent time claiming lives of hundreds of people and the seemingly helplessness of the Nigerian government to curb the situation while the faceless wicked people are having a field day in perpetrating their evils made me to go into my archive and bring out the message below first posted on July 17, 2005:
HOW LONG, O LORD?
"How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant? Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?" (Psalm 94:3, 16 NIV).
I was chatting online with one of my spiritual fathers when he who resides in London told me the news of the series of bomb attacks by some terrorists. I quickly visited some news websites to get the details of what befell the city of London, nay the whole world and discovered there the havoc these heartless people have done again.
The September 11 attack in the US and another attack on a moving train in Madrid, Spain quickly came to mind as I was reading the news. To add insult to injury, these callous people still promised to do more harms to other cities in other countries. Evidently the terrorists have joy in causing these needless pains of loss of lives and property.
Nevertheless, for how long will these heartless people continue to break the hearts of people throughout the world? For how long will they triumph in their inhuman acts? For how long will they be jubilant in their hiding places for their seeming success? Who will rescue the world from these terrorists that are making life unsafe? Will they continue in these callous acts unchecked and unpunished? Who will rise up against these people and avenge for the evils they have done?
The psalmist also asked similar questions in Psalm 94 when his nation was facing some calamities. However, he found solace in God, the Judge of the earth. He called on Him in verses 1-3 to rise up and avenge.
Interestingly, in verses 8-11, he described the senselessness of these wicked people and the fact that God was, and still is, not indifferent to these situations. He gave a reassuring fact in verse 14, "…the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance" (NIV).
No matter what these terrorists and other wicked people may be doing, the Lord "will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them" (Psalm 94:23 NIV). So, if you have been doing evil, know that the Lord will repay you one day according to your deeds.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
I dedicate this message to all that were affected in one terrorist attack or the other, especially the victims of the many bomb attacks in Nigeria.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Quote for the Day 28Jan2012

When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others. - Peace Pilgrim

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Quote for the Day 27Jan2012

Faith gives us the assurance that whatever lies before us is known to God and under His control. He knows what to do to keep us going and in line. - Baba Isiaka

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Quote for the Day 26Jan2012

All achievements require a process of hard work; we persevere because the rewards will come. — Philip Yancey

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Quote for the Day 25Jan2012

In His sovereignty, God directs the affairs of the universe. He often permits the wicked people to carry out their evil plans in order to fulfil some larger purpose He has for the objects of the wicked people’s violence and cruelty. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 25Jan2012

In His sovereignty, God directs the affairs of the universe. He often permits the wicked people to carry out their evil plans in order to fulfil some larger purpose He has for the objects of the wicked people’s violence and cruelty. - Author Unknown

Monday, January 23, 2012

Quote for the Day 24Jan2012

When we have to suffer tribulation, distress, persecution, famine or war, we can be assured of God’s presence and of our ability to conquer through Him who loves us. - Author Unknown

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Quote for the Day 23Jan2012

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

REVIVAL AGAIN?

Dearly Beloved,
REVIVAL AGAIN?
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6 NIV).
Psalm 85 is one the popular psalm especially its sixth verse that talks about revival. The title of the Psalm, “For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm,” does not give the name of the author or its background. It was evidently composed in view of the fact that God had, on some former occasion, stepped in when His people were in trouble, but that now for similar causes He was again angry with them, and they were suffering similar calamities (cf. Judges 2:18, 19 and Psalm 78:8). The psalm contains a fervent prayer that God would again appear for them, and it implies a confident expectation that He would do this, so that the calamities which had come upon them would be removed.
Verses 1-3 of the psalm deal with God’s goodness in the past. It begins with praise to God for restoring the nation. This res­toration showed the fact that God had forgiven and covered all their sins, and had set aside His wrath and anger. One can liken this situation to the Judges’ era in the history of Israel. Verses 4-7 are about people’s prayer for revival. The verses partly described the state of the people. It is clear that the nation was suffering from some calamity; that the anger of God seemed to be upon them; that it appeared as if His wrath would never be turned away; and that unless He should interpose the nation must perish. This may likely be related with the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Jews in 2 Kings 25, Jeremiah 39. The psalmist prayed that the Lord would again turn His wrath away and deliver them. He wanted the Lord to put away His displeasure, and not con­tinue to be angry. Apparently the past restoration referred to in verses 1-3 in­spired this prayer for another restoration. By been revived, they would again be able to re­joice and experience His unfailing love. Perhaps no other prayer is more welcome in the ears of God than the one for revival, as expressed here in verse 6.
Verses 8 and 9 are the promise from God. The psalmist said he would listen for word from the LORD who promises peace to His saints. He gives salvation so that His glory may be evi­dent in the land. "Glory" here means the manifestation of God’s presence (cf. Isaiah 60:1-2; Zechariah 2:5). These ideas expressed in God's reve­lation to Israel find their ultimate fulfilment in Christ. This promise of peace and salvation through the glory of the One who dwells among men may have been in John's mind when he wrote John 1:14. Verses 10-13 are about the faith of the psalmist. He was confident that the LORD would cause His attributes (love, faithfulness, and righteous­ness) to work together to provide peace, righteousness, and prosperity.
It should be noted that only a child of God can be revived. Sinners cannot be revived; they need to be resurrected. A dead person cannot be revived; only a live person can be or should be revived. God is ready to revive us if we sincerely pray for revival. However, we must not, because of this, continue to sin. God will forgive and revive, but the scars of the sins will still be there! (Cf. Romans 6:1).
Revival again?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Friday, January 20, 2012

Quote for the Day 21Jan2012

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity. – Carl Jung

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Quote for the Day 20Jan2012

What we see of God’s provisions teaches us to trust Him for what we cannot see of His purposes. -Author Unknown

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Quote for the Day 19Jan2012

God has given His word on many areas of life regarding things He will do. We can have confident hope in everything that He has promised. - Henry Blackaby

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Quote for the Day 18Jan2012

May God grant us the ability to embrace with enthusiasm the supporting roles to which He calls us. The ultimate goal is His glory and not our own. - David McCasland

Monday, January 16, 2012

Quote for the Day 17Jan2012

When you find yourself in the storm of life, you have to determine to overcome it by walking on it by faith. – Supo Ayokunle

Quote for the Day 16Jan2012

Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others? - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

WHO KNOWS THE HOUR?

Dear Beloved,
WHO KNOWS THE HOUR?
"Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come…" (Ecclesiastes 9:12 NIV).
The death of Reverend Josiah Adegoke Adeleke, my mentor, friend, and brother in Christ, in a ghastly auto accident with another friend, Reverend Chris Tayo Orodiji, on Tuesday January 11, 2005 is still a mirage to me. In spite of the fact that I was there at the mortuary giving them final bath and dressing in preparation for their burial, and the fact that I was one of those that lowered their coffins into their graves, I still find it difficult to believe that those two great men of God who died at their prime age in active service have gone forever. I will see them only in heaven when I also die or at the marriage feast of the Lamb after the rapture of the saints.
Both of them were very intimate friends who had shared with me many things about our personal, educational, and especially ministerial endeavors. So, all the plans, dreams, and aspirations they had have gone with them unfulfilled! So, they have abandoned their promising ministerial careers for the rest of us! So, they will not publish those books they have written their outlines! So, they have left their pregnant wives and very young children behind to face the struggles of life alone! So, they have….
Their short lives and sudden death are indeed a challenge to the living that "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure…. Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed…. But man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last and is no more. As water disappears from the sea or a riverbed becomes parched and dry, so man lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, men will not awake or be roused from their sleep" (Job 14:1-5, 10-12 NIV).
Their short lives and sudden death are a strong confirmation of the words of Solomon, "'Meaningless! Meaningless!' says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless,'" and "What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:22 NIV). What really are we living for if death can render everything meaningless within seconds without warning? Why are we struggling to become somebody on earth when it is certain that we will leave everything one day? This makes the words of Paul in Philippians 1:21 relevant here: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (NIV). Living for Jesus Christ will make our living on earth meaningful and our death a gain for us. GOKE and TAYO lived for Christ and their death is indeed a gain for them and Jesus Christ. Who are you living for?
Their short lives and sudden death are now a warning to me that I have to "discharge all the duties of [my] ministry" (2 Timothy 4:5 NIV). Again, the words of Paul to Archippus clearly come to mind: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord" (Colossians 4:17 NIV). I have to be up and doing because I do not know when God will also call me home. I do not know what people will say when I am no more. I do not know whether my Lord will commend me with words like, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21 NIV). I do not know….
Their short lives and sudden death are indeed a challenge and a warning to us to "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12 NIV). If those two great men of God could die at their prime age, then, anyone may be the next to be called home.
Let me conclude with these words of Solomon, "Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them" (Ecclesiastes 9:12 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
This message was first sent out on January 30, 2005. I am sending it out again in honour of these two late revered ministers of God.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Quote for the Day 14Jan2012

Never become satisfied with religious activity rather than a personal, vibrant, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. - Henry Blackaby

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Quote for the Day 13Jan2012

You don't have to be like the world to have an impact on the world. You don't have to be like the crowd to change the crowd. You don't have to lower yourself down to their level to lift them up to your level. Holiness doesn't seek to be odd. Holiness seeks to be like God. - Diann L. White

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Quote for the Day 12Jan2012

No matter how big the problem you are passing through may be; my God is bigger than all problems, He will make a way out for you today. Do not be discouraged, God will do it for you in Jesus' name. Amen. - Tayo Adeyanju

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Quote for the Day 11Jan2012

The way you live your life for God is your offering to Him. Relentlessly pursue holiness so that your offering to God is unblemished and acceptable to Him. - Henry Blackaby

Monday, January 9, 2012

Quote for the Day 10Jan2012

If God is concerned about flowers and birds, He certainly cares about you and me. - Author Unknown

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Quote for the Day 09Jan2012

The more time we spend with God and studying His Word, the easier it becomes to exercise complete trust in His promises. - Michael Youssef

Saturday, January 7, 2012

I AM RESOLVED

Dearly Beloved,
I AM RESOLVED
“As you serve the Lord, work hard and don't be lazy. Be excited about serving him!” (Romans 12:11 ERV).
“My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die” (Philippians 1:20 TEV).
Let me once again welcome you to another year, year 2012. It will indeed be a year of unlimited success in all your good endeavours in Jesus’ name. Amen. Undoubtedly, many people have made some resolutions again this new year. Many years ago, a hymn writer, Palmer Hartsough (1844-1932), made a resolution in a hymn he composed though not early in a new year.
In that popular hymn, “I Am Resolved No Longer To Linger!” Palmer Hartsough made a resolution not to linger in serving the Lord because of the delights of the world. Rather, he resolved to be attracted by things that are higher and nobler for God. Because Jesus Christ the Saviour is the true One and the just One who has the words of life, Hartsough resolved to leave his sin. He resolved to faithfully and truly follow the Saviour each day by heeding to what He says and doing His wills because He is the living Way. Although friends may oppose him and foes may beset him, he was resolved to enter the kingdom of God by leaving the paths of sin. Having made these resolutions, Hartsough invited his friends to come without delay to join him in walking the heavenly way by allowing them to be taught by the Bible and be led by the Spirit.
What are your resolutions for this new year? If care is not taken, many of such resolutions may unfortunately go down the drain without been implemented before the end of this month. Resolve to be closer to God this year by not lingering in serving Him. He will prove Himself to you this year and you will testify to His goodness over your life.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Friday, January 6, 2012

Quote for the Day 07Jan2012

Acting foolishly, expecting God to bail you out when things go amiss, is not faith, it is presumption. Wisdom says do all you can, then trust God to do what you cannot do. Faith and careful planning go hand-in-hand. They always have and they always will! - Bob Gass

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Quote for the Day 06Jan2012

You are important to God! He has a plan and purpose for your life. He will equip you for every ministry He calls you to do. Seek His will, find your place of service, and pursue with perseverance all that God wants to do in and through your life. He will faithfully lead you and empower you! – Ed Powell

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Quote for the Day 05Jan2012

Success cannot be measured in wealth, fame or power, but by whether you have made a positive difference for others. – Richard Bransom

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Quote for the Day 04Jan2012

Safety is not found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God. - Author Unknown

Monday, January 2, 2012

Quote for the Day 03Jan2012

Subsidy or no subsidy, if you TRUST in the Lord, He will bless you. The Lord will make you like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. You will be not afraid when the days are hot, for your leaves will always be green. However, you have to trust in the Lord and be in right standing with Him. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Quote for the Day 02Jan2012

You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. - John Wooden