Don’t put off for tomorrow
What you can do today;
Postponement may bring sorrow,
Prompt action is the way.
- Hess
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
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
Saturday, June 27, 2009
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
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
Friday, June 26, 2009
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
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
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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
- Author Unknown
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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
Monday, June 22, 2009
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
Sunday, June 21, 2009
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).
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).
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
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
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Quote for the Day 17Jun2009
Gentleness is not a lack of strength but a great power that doesn't force or disturb. - Debra C.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Quote for the Day 16Jun2009
Understanding that God forgives your past, knows your present and has planned your future, lets you walk in the confidence that - nothing can ever happen to you that's beyond the scope of His grace and redemption! - Bob Gass
Monday, June 15, 2009
Quote for the Day 15Jun2009
If God only used perfect people, nothing would get done. God will use anybody if you are available. - Rick Warren
Saturday, June 13, 2009
BEWARE OF YOUR CHOICE!
Dear Beloved,
BEWARE OF YOUR CHOICE!
“Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east…” (Gen 13:10-11, NIV).
The servants of Abraham and those of his nephew, Lot, quarreled over the limited resources to sustain their masters’ flocks. Abraham put an end to this rancor. He allowed Lot to choose anywhere he wanted, while he took the left-over. Lot based his choice on what he saw with his sin-stained view – a well watered plain “like the garden of Eden.” Nevertheless, the “good” place turned out to be a dark passage in his life. He was conquered with the people of the place. Abraham became his rescuer. Worst, the angels drove him out of the place without taking a property before the destruction of the place. What a consequence of one’s choice!
Likewise, people choose good things of the world without thinking of the aftermath of their choice. They prefer to enjoy the fleeting goodies of this world than to make the enduring right choice of being godly. Others will choose to be somebody or to do something without asking for the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Many base the choices of spouse on external qualities – beauty, affluence, fame, etc. Others choose a lucrative career without knowing God’s mind. The Bible states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12, NIV). Beware of your choice.
The choice of salvation of many people is on works, services, other persons and beliefs. However, the best and only choice of salvation is Jesus Christ. He is the gate (John 10:7, 9). He advises, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV).
Not all that glitters is gold. When the world offers you anything, base your choice on what counts for eternity. Beware of your choice!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Quote for the Day 13Jun2009
Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley
Quote for the Day 13Jun2009
Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley
Quote for the Day 13Jun2009
Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Quote for the Day 12Jun2009
Nothing limits achievement like small thinking; nothing expands possibilities like unleashed imagination. – William Arthur Ward
Quote for the Day 11Jun2009
Knowing that heaven is our real home makes it easier to pass through the tough times here on earth. - Charles Spurgeon
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Quote for the Day 10Jun2009
Are you in a position where all self-sufficiency is gone? As you turn your eyes on the Lord and put your hope in Him, you have God's reassuring promise that you need nothing more. - Joanie Yoder
Quote for the Day 09Jun2009
Trust on, trust on, believer! Though long the conflict be,Thou yet shalt prove victorious; Thy God shall fight for thee.Trust on! Trust on! Though dark the night and drear;Trust on! Trust on! The morning dawn is near! - Eliza A. Walker
Monday, June 8, 2009
Quote for the Day 08Jun2009
The world gets turned off by people who have Christian bumper stickers on their cars, Christian books on their shelves, Christian stations on their radios and TVs, Christian jewellery around their necks, Christian videos for their kids, Christian magazines for their coffee tables, but who don't have the life of Jesus in their bones or the love of Jesus in their hearts. What's the answer? 'Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.' - Bob Gass
Sunday, June 7, 2009
THE WALL OF FEAR
Dear Beloved,
THE WALL OF FEAR
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9, NIV).
The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1, NIV).
I was about to read the devotional help for our family morning devotion one day when I discovered that I had read a wrong passage from Joshua 6:16-21 instead of John 6:16-21. However, the Lord ministered to us through the seemingly wrong passage. The devotional thought for the day centered on FEAR.
Under the leadership of Joshua, Israelites' first major task was to conquer the city of Jericho, with its high strong wall. The Lord had assured Joshua of victory in all his endeavors (Joshua 1:9). However, the wall was a barrier to them. They knew God would fight for them if they obey Him. Joshua and the Israelites did listen to God. And the high thick wall that had protected the people of Jericho from external aggressions gave way. It crumbled in the presence of our God!
There was another instance. The disciples of Jesus Christ were alone in a boat at night battling with a fiery storm. They were more afraid when they saw Jesus walking on the water (John 6:16-21). Was He a ghost? They thought. Immediately Jesus told them who He was, their fear was allayed. Their storm was ceased! Jesus indeed is the Lord over all life battles.
Are you standing before a wall of fear? Fear is natural when we face adversity. Nevertheless, we should not allow it to overshadow God's promises. We should remember the many unfailing promises of God in the Bible. I am sure your high wall of fear will indeed collapse.
Ponder and think about one of promises: "But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you, O Jacob [put your name there!], he who formed you, O Israel [again put your name there!]: '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. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…'" (Isaiah 43:1-3a, NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
THE WALL OF FEAR
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9, NIV).
The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1, NIV).
I was about to read the devotional help for our family morning devotion one day when I discovered that I had read a wrong passage from Joshua 6:16-21 instead of John 6:16-21. However, the Lord ministered to us through the seemingly wrong passage. The devotional thought for the day centered on FEAR.
Under the leadership of Joshua, Israelites' first major task was to conquer the city of Jericho, with its high strong wall. The Lord had assured Joshua of victory in all his endeavors (Joshua 1:9). However, the wall was a barrier to them. They knew God would fight for them if they obey Him. Joshua and the Israelites did listen to God. And the high thick wall that had protected the people of Jericho from external aggressions gave way. It crumbled in the presence of our God!
There was another instance. The disciples of Jesus Christ were alone in a boat at night battling with a fiery storm. They were more afraid when they saw Jesus walking on the water (John 6:16-21). Was He a ghost? They thought. Immediately Jesus told them who He was, their fear was allayed. Their storm was ceased! Jesus indeed is the Lord over all life battles.
Are you standing before a wall of fear? Fear is natural when we face adversity. Nevertheless, we should not allow it to overshadow God's promises. We should remember the many unfailing promises of God in the Bible. I am sure your high wall of fear will indeed collapse.
Ponder and think about one of promises: "But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you, O Jacob [put your name there!], he who formed you, O Israel [again put your name there!]: '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. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…'" (Isaiah 43:1-3a, NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Quote for the Day 06Jun2009
Majesty, worship His Majesty,
Unto Jesus be all glory, power and praise;
Majesty, Kingdom, Authority,
Flows from His Throne unto His own,
His anthem raise!
- Jack Hayford
Unto Jesus be all glory, power and praise;
Majesty, Kingdom, Authority,
Flows from His Throne unto His own,
His anthem raise!
- Jack Hayford
Friday, June 5, 2009
Quote for the Day 05Jun2009
We honor God’s name when we call Him our Father and live like His children. - Our Daily Bread (http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2009/06/05/devotion.aspx)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Quote for the Day 04Jun2009
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way;
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me. —Moen
© 1990, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music.
Where there seems to be no way;
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me. —Moen
© 1990, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Quote for the Day 03Jun2009
What does money like? Money likes speed. That's the secret few know about money. Money comes to those who act fast. If you think, wonder, question, doubt, plan, meet, discuss, or in any other way drag your feet, money goes to the next person in line. - Joe Vitale
Monday, June 1, 2009
Quote for the Day 02Jun2009
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
Quote for the Day 01Jun2009
This month, you will experience God’s wonder without number, treasure without measure, pleasure without pressure and progress without problem in Jesus name. Amen. - Pst Bayo Afolaranmi
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