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Saturday, March 31, 2012

FULFILLING ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS

Dearly Beloved,
FULFILLING ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS
"Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15 NIV).
Like John the Baptist, one would wonder why Jesus Christ would present Himself for a baptism of repentance. However, Jesus' response to John the Baptist was that it was appropriate for Him to take part in John's baptism at that time in order to fulfil all righteousness. Since there was no requirements about baptism in Mosaic Law, Jesus could not have had in view anything pertaining to Levitical righteousness. Nevertheless, John the Baptist's message was a message of repentance, and those experiencing it were looking forward to a coming Messiah who would be righteous and who would bring in righteousness. If Jesus Christ as the Messiah were to provide righteousness for sinners, He must be identified with sinners. It was therefore in the will of God for Him to be baptized by John in order to be identified with sinners. This identification received the approval of God as God sent down His Spirit on Jesus and declared that Jesus is His beloved Son.
Jesus Christ did not only identify with the people by His baptism, He actually came to serve them and give His life as ransom for them (see Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:4-8). Because of this, He was exalted to the highest place and given a name above all names "...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 2:10-11 NIV).
Most of people in high places and positions of leadership find it difficult to be identified with people they are leading and are in low places. They think that they are "too big" to be identified with the downtrodden. They are not ready to sacrifice their pleasure to satisfy the people that are under them. They have forgotten that in God's reckoning, "The greatest among you will be your servant" (Matthew 23:11 NIV). No wonder, Paul admonished in Romans 12:16, "Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position" (NIV).
In what way do you identify yourself with the people you are leading or serving? Do not be "too big" to really serve others around you. To fulfil all righteousness, find ways you can identify with people around you. The Lord will indeed reward you for this.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 31Mar2012

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie

Friday, March 30, 2012

Quote for the Day 30Mar2012

If we claim that we have been transformed by the gospel and intimately know and love God, we should validate it by our obedience to His Word. — Marvin Williams

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Quote for the Day 29Mar2012

Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. - Mother Teresa

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Quote for the Day 28Mar2012

To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there. - Kofi Annan

Monday, March 26, 2012

Quote for the Day 27Mar2012

Every good relationship, especially marriage, is based on respect. If it is not based on respect, nothing that appears to be good will last very long. - Amy Grant

Quote for the Day 26Mar2012

God does not allow a challenge to come into our lives unless He has a divine purpose for it. - Olufemi Babalola

Saturday, March 24, 2012

WAIT FOR GOD'S APPOINTED TIME

Dear Beloved,
WAIT FOR GOD'S APPOINTED TIME
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways..." (Psalm 37:7 NIV).
After the disobedience of Saul to the command of God to totally destroy the Amalekites and his rejection as king of Israel by God, God sent Prophet Samuel to anoint David as the new king. David served King Saul for several years in spite of the fact that he knew that he was the rightful person approved by God to be the king of Israel. He fought many wars to the credit of Saul. Even when Saul hated him and sought to kill him, he did not try to retaliate and forcefully claim the throne. He had two good opportunities to kill Saul and become the king, yet he spared his life on the two occasions (1 Samuel 24, 26). He diligently waited for his time. The time eventually came when the men of his own tribe came and anointed him as king over them, and when the whole people of Israel came after some years to proclaim him king over the whole land (2 Samuel 2, 5). He waited for his appointed time.
In one of the Yoruba legends about destiny, a man has chosen before he came to the world that he would become affluent when he clocks the age of forty. When he came to the world, he began to struggle from one place to another in order to be rich. All his efforts were unsuccessful. He became a laughing stock among his contemporaries especially those that were successful in their undertakings. At age 39, when he could not bear the ridicules of his friends, he committed suicide. When he got to the gate of heaven, the gatekeeper looked at him with pity and led him to where the records of people's destinies were kept. When he saw his own record, he discovered that it remained only a year for him to become affluent. He begged the gatekeeper to allow him to go back to the world, but he did not have such opportunity any more. He did not wait for his appointed time.
While I do not believe in all such legends, there is a lesson in it – waiting for one's appointed time – the God's time that is the best. Has God promised you something? Do not be in haste to get the promise. Do not try to help God to fulfil the promise. Abraham and Sara tried to help God in fulfilling His promises for them. Their help nearly ruined their peaceful home (see Genesis 16, 21). Wait for God's appointed time. He will fulfil His promise in His own time in His own way. Even when it seems that the time does not come. Wait for God's appointed time. Do not lose hope. His appointed time for you will come!
"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, `He who is coming will come and will not delay'" (Hebrews 10:36-37 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on May 1, 2005.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Quote for the Day 24Mar2012

You must yearn and labour for the salvation of children through adequate teaching of the word of God and fixing them up for thorough discipleship and mentoring programme. - Ruth Odejayi

Quote for the Day 23Mar2012

You do not have to be rich to be generous: If he has the spirit of true generousity, a pauper gives like a prince. - Coeinne Wells

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Quote for the Day 22Mar2012

We will never have time for whatever we do not plan to have time for. - Kayode Oyedemi

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Quote for the Day 21Mar2012

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. - Mother Teresa

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Quote for the Day 20Mar2012

No matter what you are facing today, Jesus knows your name, He knows the danger, and He will not leave your side. - David McCasland

Monday, March 19, 2012

Quote for the Day 19Mar2012

One of the beauties of the presence of God is that the blessings of God are there. - Supo Ayokunle

Sunday, March 18, 2012

SMS180312

Dis week God wil make u successful in everything u do.He wil bless u & d works of ur hands. He wil indeed be good to u in Jesus name. Amen. -Pst Bayo Afolaranmi

Saturday, March 17, 2012

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN SPITE OF ALL ODDS

Dearly Beloved,
GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN SPITE OF ALL ODDS
"But now, this is what the Lord says — he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze'" (Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV).
There is a Yoruba adage: "Bi alagbede ba n lu irin ni oju kan, o ni ohun ti alagbede fe mu jade nibe ni." Literally: "When a blacksmith is hitting the same spot on a piece of iron, he wants to bring something out of it." This will be the third message in three weeks that the Lord would lead me to talk about His faithfulness. The first message was about the futility in the promises of man compared to the faithfulness in the promises of God. The second message, based on a popular hymn - "GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS" - composed by Thomas O. Chisholm, reemphasised magnitude of the faithfulness of God to His people. This message will focus more on the faithfulness of God to His people especially in difficult time.
It is evident that many people are experiencing difficult time every day. Many of such people may be inclined to presuppose that God is not faithful to them. This has made some people to even doubt the existence and/or the power of God. However, one's disposition and focus will guide one in this matter. If one focuses on the problem, the problem will seem to be bigger than God, but, if in spite of one's problem, one focuses on God, one will discover that God is far above the prevailing problem.
This passage, "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23, NKJV), is one of the most popular passages of the Bible when one is discussing about the faithfulness of God. However, it is interesting to note that it is found in a lamentation of a prophet who was agonizing for the sins of the people of Judah and the eventual calamity that befell them. Here was a prophet that was rejected by his own people because he dared to declare the words of God to them. He wrote the book of Lamentations in despair of this situation. Nevertheless, because he focused on God, he turned from contemplating his misery to remembering God's mercy. In spite of his pain and sorrow, he recollected the faithfulness of the Lord, and this gave him hope (Lamentations 3:19-21). His right focus made him to realize that the Lord is good to those that focus on Him, and therefore, he advised that it is good to wait patiently and silently for the Lord to work and accomplish His will in His time (verves 25-28).
The psalmist in that popular psalm said, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you [that is, God] are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4 NIV). He went further to declare the faithfulness of God in providing for, and elevating him even in the presence of enemies, and he knew that the faithfulness would be his portion forever (Psalm 23:5-6). Job, in spite of his sufferings, said, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him..." (Job 13:15 NIV). There are many other Bible passages that allude to God's faithfulness in spite of all odds (see Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Psalm 91:15; Isaiah 8:9-10; 41:10, 14; 43:1-2; Matthew 28:20; Acts 18:9-10; Romans 8:28-39; 2 Corinthians 12:9-12; Ephesians 3:20-21; Hebrews 13:5).
Are you still doubting about God's faithfulness over your life? It may be that you are focusing more on your circumstances. Focus more on God and you will know that surely He is faithful in spite of all odds.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Friday, March 16, 2012

Quote for the Day 17Mar2012

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

Quote for the Day 16Mar2012

There is no amount of worry you make today that will make God do today what He will do tomorrow. - Sam Adeyemi

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Quote for the Day 15Mar2012

Lord, I am the clay, you are the potter. The weather and the conditions of this world around me are trying to erode some decorations please Lord break me, remold and form me just like your original plan and purpose for my life. - Emmanuel Baba Isiaka

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Quote for the Day 14Mar2012

Look at yourself and you'll be depressed.
Look at circumstances and you'll be distressed.
Look at the Lord and you'll be blessed!
- Author Unknown

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Quote for the Day 13Mar2012

When the Lord reduces our resources, it is not punishment. It is preparation for Him to be glorified through our lives as we acknowledge and trust His power. - David McCasland

Monday, March 12, 2012

Quote for the Day 12Mar2012

The devil is satisfied if he can draw off our attention from great things, and engage it with little things; he will be happy if he can make you prefer opinions to practice, and controversy to devotion. - Supo Ayokunle

Saturday, March 10, 2012

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

Dearly Beloved,
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23, NKJV).
Almost all the Christian hymns have touching and striking stories that made their composers to compose them. Interestingly, the popular hymn - "GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS" - did not have any such story. The writer of the hymn, Thomas O. Chisholm, confessed that there were no special circumstances that prompted him to write this great hymn. He got his inspiration just from his experience and Bible truth. He said in a letter written in 1941 that in spite of the fact that his small income as a result of impaired health in his earlier years, he was aware of the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that God had given him many wonderful displays of His providing care.
In the hymn, like Jeremiah in his lamentations, Chisholm declared that because the compassion of God never fails, great is the faithfulness of God. God renews this faithfulness during summer, winter, springtime and harvest, in fact, every morning. This faithfulness is manifested in the courses of sun, moon, and stars above. The whole nature joins in witnessing this faithfulness. The faithfulness includes pardon for sin and an enduring peace, God's cheering and guiding presence, strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow, and countless blessings. Indeed great is the faithfulness of God!
You are also experiencing this faithfulness of God every day. Do you realize this? If yes, do you appreciate God for it? If you do not realize it, it means you are not focusing on God and you have placed your trust either in yourself or any other thing apart from God. Focus on God and you will have many reasons to declare His faithfulness over your life.
Great is thy faithfulness, O God!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Friday, March 9, 2012

Quote for the Day 10Mar2012

Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they have not half the strength you think they have. - Norman Vincent Peale

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Quote for the Day 09Mar2012

As we put our faith into action, we need to avoid portraying God as having only our favorite attributes. We must worship all of God, not just what we like. — Julie Ackerman Link

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Quote for the Day 08Mar2012

Whether they are called pastors, facilitators, teachers, or disciplers, those who are leading others in the journey towards Christ-likeness must be persons who are obedient and committed followers of Jesus Christ. - Jerry Akinsola

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Quote for the Day 07Mar2012

You may be tempted to debate
To change another’s view,
But nothing speaks more powerfully
Than what Christ did in you.
- Sper

Monday, March 5, 2012

Quote for the Day 06Mar2012

God rewards those who seek Him. Not those who seek doctrine or religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for these lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus Himself. - Diann L. White

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Quote for the Day 05Mar2012

Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one-foot from a winning touchdown. - Ross Perot

Saturday, March 3, 2012

HE IS FAITHFUL!

Dearly Beloved,
HE IS FAITHFUL!
"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NKJV).
"You can't depend on anyone, not even a great leader" (Psalm 146:3 CEV).
The Lord God is more than dependable. When He promises, He is not only ready to fulfil the promise, He is also able to fulfil the promise. Human beings are completely different. They can make promises, but they may not be ready to fulfil the promises. They may even be ready to fulfil, but not be able to fulfil such promises. No wonder, there are many injunctions in the Bible not to put one's trust in human beings, but rather put one's total trust in God (see Deuteronomy 7:9; Proverbs 16:20; Isaiah 2:22; 26: 3-4; Jeremiah 17:5-8).
The case of the Nigerian president is a good example. Early this year, Nigeria was thrown into chaos at the announcement of increment in fuel pump price by the government due to government's policy on fuel subsidy total removal. To calm down the situation, the president and his cohorts promised that there will be palliative measures to make the new policy bearable for the citizens. A committee was set up to monitor the reinvestment of the total subsidy savings which is the amount accruable to the government and creation of some empowerment programmes for the citizens. Many citizens believed the government or rather gave the government an element of doubt. However, less than two months after the promise by the government to put in place some palliative measures, the president disclosed that the promise cannot be fulfilled because the government cannot provide the palliative measures. Expectedly, many people were shocked for the rescinding of the promise. However, it is an evidence that human beings are not trustworthy; only God is trustworthy and faithful in keeping His promises.
In whom do you put your trust? No matter how affluent a man is, he is not reliable. He can disappoint at any time. Put your total trust in God. He alone will not and cannot rescind His promise. Indeed, faithful is the Lord that has called us, and He will certainly fulfil His promises. "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes" (Psalm 118:8-9 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 03Mar2012

What have you done with pride, laziness, excessive anger, greed, envy and lust? We must not be content until all these are brought under obedience to Christ. - Supo Ayokunle

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Quote for the Day 02Mar2012

Whatever we may think God might do, He often surprises us to achieve His purposes in ways we could never have imagined. - Paul Adams

Prayer for the Day010312

In this month of March, the Lord will march you out of every form of failure and disappointment and march you unto your breakthrough and success in Jesus' name. Amen. Welcome to the month of March. - Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi