PROPHETIC BLESSINGS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2011

Dearly Beloved,
PROPHETIC BLESSINGS FOR YOU IN THE YEAR 2011
To God be the glory for the grace to see another year!
As usual, Opeyemi my wife and our children (Boluwatife, IfeOluwa, Michael and Abraham) are joining me to welcome you into the New Year with these prophetic blessings adapted from God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 (AMP):
- This New Year, the Lord will make of you a great personality and make your name famous and distinguished.
- He will bless you with abundant increase of favours.
- You will be a blessing to others; people around you and those you come in contact with this year will be blessed through you.
- The Lord will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse or use insolent language toward you 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
+234 816 304 5450
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
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http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/
http://smspastorbayo.blogspot.com/

NB
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Quote for the Day 31Dec2010

It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is [His] stability and faithfulness. - Prophet Jeremiah (in Lamentations 3:22-23 AMP)

Quote for the Day 30Dec2010

Never change your originality for the sake of others. No one can play your role better than you. So be yourself, because whatever you are, YOU are the Original and YOU are the best! - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 29Dec2010

The limit of your present understanding is not the limit of your possibilities. - Guy Finley

Quote for the Day 28Dec2010

When we look back and contemplate what we have been through this year; we will praise You, Lord, for all You have done. Your faithfulness is clear. - Sper

Quote for the Day 27Dec2010

By Gods grace, you will make it to the Promise Land. You will not die in the wilderness. The Lord will make a way for you so that you can see and taste the goodness of the land in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

"O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST"

Dearly Beloved,
"O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST"
“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:1-2 NKJV).
This popular hymn "O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST" was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748). It is sung mostly at the end of a year and at the beginning of a new year. In the hymn, the composer, based on Psalm 90, highlighted many things about God: God is powerful because He has used His power to help His people throughout the past (Psalm 33:20). He will use His power to give His people hope for the future (Psalm 146:5). Thus, His people can look to His power to provide shelter from the stormy blast (Psalm 61:3). God protects because His saints dwell secure under the shadow of His throne (Psalm 4:8; 44:3; 47:8). God is eternal because years and ages are nothing in His sight (Psalm 102:24-27). He is an everlasting God (Psalm 93:2). God is caring. He has been caring for His people, and He will continue to care for them (Psalm 46:1). God is identified as the God of both the past and the future because of His everlasting nature (Psalm 41:13).
Isaac Watts was right! God is indeed our help in the ages past. God has demonstrated His power over us by protecting us and by taking good care of us in this passing year. He has been our dwelling place. Even if He has not done what some of us are requesting from Him, He is still a powerful, caring God. He has a purpose for denying us our request. He has His “best” for you instead of the “good” you are requesting from Him.
As we enter a new year in couple of days, will you depend on Him? Will you make Him your dwelling place? He is indeed our present and future help. Let us join Isaac Watts to sing: “O God, our Help in ages past, Our Hope for years to come, Be Thou our Guard while life shall last, And our eternal Home.”
Wishing you Happy New Year (2011) in advance!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 25Dec2010

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6 NKJV) Merry Christmas!

Quote for the Day 24Dec2010

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.
- Ada V. Hendricks

Quote for the Day 23Dec2010

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Quote for the Day 22Dec2010

Only when you have been in the deepest valley can you know how magnificent it is to be atop the highest mountain. - Richard Nixon

Quote for the Day 21Dec2010

Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them. - Orison Swett Marden

Quote for the Day 20Dec2010

May the Christmas season
Fill your home with joy
Your heart with love
And your life with laughter.
- Tim Atunnise

THE BIGGEST NEWS OF CHRISTMAS

Dearly Beloved,
THE BIGGEST NEWS OF CHRISTMAS
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV).
As usual, the Christmas celebration for this year as started about a month ago with many fanfares and will end on December 25 in grand services in most of our churches. However, many people have lost or forgotten the biggest news of Christmas. This news is summed up in the most popular Bible verse: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NIV).
The news started with God, the Creator of the universe. The Holy Bible does not try to prove the existence God. It just started by saying, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1 NIV). It is interesting to see some people today claiming that there is no God. The Christmas news cannot be appreciated without acknowledging the existence of God that initiated the basis of Christmas.
This God is the God of love that so loved the people of the world in spite of their unworthiness. He demonstrated His unconditional love to mankind and did what an ordinary man would find difficult to do - giving the most precious thing to an undeserving person.
This act of giving should be paramount in us as we celebrate Christmas. This is not a kind of giving where you will be expecting the recipient to give you something else back in reciprocal. It is not the kind of giving associated with Father Christmas where you have to pay some amount of money before receiving the gift. It is a sacrificial giving.
The object of this giving is the most precious Gift of all time - Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God! Many people find it difficult to believe that the Creator of the universe could have a Son. To them, it belittles Him of His majesty. However, that is part of the reasons Paul exclaimed, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! `Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?' `Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?' For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen" (Romans 11:33-36 NIV).
What God requires from us for His giving is faith in Jesus Christ so that we will not perish (having eternal separation from Him), but have eternal life - an infinitely high quality of life in living fellowship with God, both now and forever given graciously by Jesus Christ to everyone who believes in Him (see John 1:4; 10:10, 28). Do you have this life?
This is the biggest news! No matter how you celebrated the Christmas or if you are indifferent to it, let the news has positive impact in your life.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
This message was first sent out on December 24, 2005.

Quote for the Day 18Dec2010

Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. - Marilyn vos Savant

Quote for the Day 17Dec2010

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. - Henry Ford

Quote for the Day 16Dec2010

Christmas is not just a day, an event to be observed and speedily forgotten. It is a spirit which should permeate every part of our lives. - William Parks

Quote for the Day 15Dec2010

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. - Judy Garland

Quote for the Day 14Dec2010

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. - Debra Cummings

Quote for the Day 13Dec2010

Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared. - Eddie Rickenbacker

ENRICHED WITH HONOUR

Dearly Beloved,
ENRICHED WITH HONOUR
“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God.’ ...And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed...’” (Luke 1:30, 46-48 NIV).
The reality of the real meanings of my names (Adebayo Olayinka Afolaranmi) manifested as I celebrated my fortieth birthday anniversary last week (December 8). In Yoruba language, “Adebayo” means “One who has come to meet joy,” “Olayinka” means “I am surrounded by honour,” while “Afolaranmi” (my father’s name) means “I am enriched with honour.” Actually, the month of December has been a special month in my life: I was born on December 8, 1970; I got married on December 19, 1998; my daughter was born on December 7, 2002; my family moved to our personal house on December 23, 2005; my elder sister gave birth to her new baby on December 6, 2010 in a miraculous way; my wife got a new employment on December 6, 2010 after she was without a job for almost a year; twice God saved me from danger on December 8, 1992 and 2010; December 25 has been set apart to commemorate the birth of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. These incidents were never coincidental. Indeed, I have come to meet the joy and goodness of God; God has surrounded me and enriched me with His honour. I never thought of these things till December 8, 2010 when people were rejoicing with me and I looked back and reflected on the goodness of God to me. Glory be to His holy name!
As I was reflecting on this, I remembered Mary the mother of Jesus. She was so favoured and honoured by God that she was used as the instrument of bringing the Saviour of the world to this world. The Roman Catholics still venerate her till today, though to an extreme. There were many virgins in Israel when God chose her. Likewise, there are many people on earth when God chose me to be favoured and honoured the way He did, and is still doing it. Once again, glory be to His holy name!
Have you reflected on how God has favoured and honoured you also? Do you appreciate Him for this? Do not say He has not done so. Indeed, “He has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world” (Ephesians 1:3 TEV). You might have not got what you want from Him, but I know that He has enriched you also with His favour and honour. I pray that as this year is running to an end, He will enrich you more with His honour and favour in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Prayer Points:
1. Thank God for how He has enriched you with His honour, favour and goodness.
2. Pray that you will always appreciate God for His favour and goodness in your life.
3. As this year is running to an end, pray that God will enrich you more with His honour and favour.
NB
I am so grateful to people that sent comments and prayers to me on the occasion of my 40th birthday last week through e-greetings, SMS, phone calls, messages and comments by email, Facebook, etc. Some even sent birthday gifts to me! I am honoured. God will honour you also in your entire endeavour. Amen.

Quote for the Day 11Dec2010

We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how to respond to them. - Epictetus

Quote for the Day 10Dec2010

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. - Mother Teresa

Quote for the Day 09Dec2010

These are the times when you must trust God’s perfect timing. God may plan for you to attain a certain position or take a new direction, but the timing may not be right. Watch over your heart. Don’t allow others to persuade you to compromise your integrity as you follow God’s will. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 08Dec2010

As I celebrate MY 40th birthday today, I pray that God will shape my life and your life according to His plan like clay in potter’s hand. He will make you and me be what He want you and me to be in life in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 07Dec2010

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.
- Irish Blessing

Quote for the Day 06Dec2010

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. - Rick Warren

YOU WILL BE CELEBRATED!

Dearly Beloved,
YOU WILL BE CELEBRATED!
“When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel” (2 Samuel 5:3 NIV).
I seldom base my weekly devotional messages on the Nigerian political atmosphere. However, I was inspired by the content of one of the numerous text messages (SMS) that I received from my friends recently. Here is the content of the text message: “As God remembered Governor Aregbesola in Osun State [of Nigeria], people will rejoice with you. It is last hurdle of the year. Compliment of the season, merry Christmas and Happy New year 2011 in advance.” The person was undoubtedly referring to the new governor that was just sworn in after almost-four-year judicial struggle to regain his stolen mandate. The celebration that greeted his victory at the court of appeal and his swearing in as governor was a reminiscence of celebrations that greeted similar victories of other politicians that regained their mandates through the law court after many years of legal struggles, especially that of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti State, who had to go through election re-run and series of appeals before he also was sworn in as the rightful governor of his state. The case of each of these people looked hopeless, especially if one considers the fact that they were battling with people that had the so-called “federal might” and the not-too-trusted judicial system of the country. These people risked their lives for daring to fight for their stolen mandates. However, God fought for each of them and today, they are in their rightful positions.
David had a similar experience. After God rejected Saul as the king of Israel (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:26-29), He sent Samuel to anoint David as the next king (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David had to wait for many years. He became a fugitive in foreign lands and even had to relocate his parents to another foreign land (1 Samuel 21:10-14; 22:3-4; 27:1-12). Even, after the death of Saul, another person was installed as the next king in Israel (2 Samuel 2:8-9). Nevertheless, at God’s appointed time, He remembered David, and David became the king of Israel. He was celebrated and became a rally point for the whole nation (2 Samuel 5).
Are you also feeling cheated in one way or another? Is somebody depriving you of something that is rightly belonging to you? Has God not fulfilled His promise for you this year? Before the end of this year, God will remember you. The reason is that, “The LORD will fulfil His purpose for [you]...” (Psalm 138:8a NIV). You will indeed be celebrated!
Let me also say to everyone: “Compliment of the season, merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2011) in advance in Jesus’ name.”
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 04Dec2010

Apostle Paul liberated the Gospel from the Jewish clothing and Martin Luther from the Latin clothing. Now it is our responsibility to liberate it from the Western clothing! Use Christmas time advantageously to share with non-Christian families the love of God revealed through Christ. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 03Dec2010

The secret of making dreams come true can be summarized in four C's. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy; and the greatest of these is Confidence. - Walt Disney

Quote for the Day 02Dec2010

We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery. - H. G. Wells

Quote for the Day 02Dec2010

We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery. - H. G. Wells

Quote for the Day 01Dec2010

This last month of the year, the Lord will do miracles that will make you forget your painful past disappointment, shame, ridicule and failure in Jesus' name. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 30Nov2010

You cannot change the past, but you will ruin the present by worrying about the future. - Our Daily Bread

Quote for the Day 29Nov2010

If you are preoccupied with your past, ask God to open your eyes to the incredible future that awaits you and begin to press on to what is ahead. - Henry Blackaby

GOD MIGHT HAVE DONE IT!

Dearly Beloved,
GOD MIGHT HAVE DONE IT!
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24 NIV).
“Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognised Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!’ ‘You're out of your mind,’ they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, ‘It must be his angel.’ But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished” (Acts 12:13-16 NIV).
As my seven-year-old adopted son was leading us in a prayer during our family morning devotion recently, he made mention of a prayer point that amused me, but at the same time made me to ponder on our attitude to God when we are unknowingly asking for what He has already given us. My son said inter alia, “Lord, let Daddy return safely from his journey.” He was referring to a journey that I made some days before that day. Undoubtedly, the family had been praying for my safe journey when I was away on the journey. However, this boy had forgotten that I had returned safely from the journey a day before he said the prayer. The answer to his prayer was with him at that prayer session!
Some believers in the early church had similar experience in Acts 12. King Herod was persecuting the Christians. He killed James, the brother of John. When he saw that the Jews were pleased by action, he went ahead to arrest Peter and put him in prison with the intention of killing him after the Jewish feast. However, the Christians prayed fervently for Peter. God did answer their prayer and miraculously rescued Peter from the prison. Peter went straight to the place where he knew the brethren would be gathering praying for him. When he knocked the door, on recognizing his voice, the joy that the girl that came to open the door had did not let her open the door. She went back to inform the others but they said in total ignorance and unbelief that she was out of her mind. They did not realize that God had done what they were asking Him to do.
On many occasions, we also act like that innocent boy and the Jerusalem brethren: we continue to ask God for what He has done for us. Only if we can have faith and be vigilant, God has answered most of our prayers. I believe that the promise of Isaiah 65:24 is also for this generation.
As this year is running to an end, what have you been asking God that you think He has not done for you? Have you ever looked attentively around you to see whether God has answered your prayer? Who knows, He might have done it!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 27Nov2010

Forgive those who have injured you - not because they deserve your forgiveness, but because you can never be happy until you release your anger and grant forgiveness. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 26Nov2010

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie

Quote for the Day 25Nov2010

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. - Debra Cummings

Quote for the Day 25Nov2010

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. - Debra Cummings

Quote for the Day 24Nov2010

If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area of his life. - Billy Graham

Quote for the Day 23Nov2010

Our prayers ascend to heaven’s throne regardless of the form we use; our heavenly Father always hears His own regardless of the words we choose. - D. De Haan

Quote for the Day 22Nov2010

When you are tempted to compare your success in life to that of another, ask God to remind you of all the ways He has blessed you undeservedly. - Henry Blackaby

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

Dearly Beloved,

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

Let me base my weekly devotional message for this week on the history behind another popular hymn. The hymn is titled “A mighty fortress is our God!” Martin Luther (1483–1546) faced many years of trials and persecution after posting his ninety-five theses on the door of Wittenberg’s Castle Church in October 1517. During the years of the ensuing Protestant Reformation, Luther came to know the gracious power of God’s sheltering hand. He confidently stepped forward to defend the truth he found in God’s Word, despite excommunication from the Roman church, continual threats to his life and freedom, and times of intense spiritual battle. In the comforting words of Psalm 46, Luther found the inspiration for this hymn that would become the battle cry of the Protestant Reformation. Many who suffered for their faith during that time found solid comfort in Luther’s words of faith and praise. “A mighty fortress is our God!”
God is indeed a mighty fortress to all who trust in Him. No matter what one may be passing through, God is an ever-present help that will indeed help and makes one to pass through the circumstance successfully.
Do you see God as your mighty fortress? Do you run to Him in your distress? He promises in Psalm 50:16, “...call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour me” (NIV. See also Psalm 90:15; Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:7; James 5:13; 1 Peter 5:7). He is indeed the mighty fortress, the ever-present help in trouble.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).


NB
This is to inform you all that another website has been created for the collections of all the prayer text messages (SMS) I have been sending to people for almost four years. The website will be updated every week as I send the mostly weekly SMS to people. However, if you want to be receiving the periodic prayer SMS, send your mobile phone number to me at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com or spiritualdigest@gmail.com.

Quote for the Day 20Nov2010

Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we could make up our minds to walk boldly through them. - Orison Swett Marden

Quote for the Day 19Nov2010

Extraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it. - Robertson Davies

Quote for the Day 18Nov2010

Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. - Marilyn vos Savant

Quote for the Day 18Nov2010

Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. - Marilyn vos Savant

Quote for the Day 17Nov2010

While others are sitting, you should be standing; while they are standing, you should stand out; and when they stand out, you should be outstanding. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 17Nov2010

While others are sitting, you should be standing; while they are standing, you should stand out; and when they stand out, you should be outstanding. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 16Nov2010

Your yesterday is your Curriculum Vitae, but however beautiful it is you can add more to it and this is why your future is greater than your past. People use your CV to give you an offer but God look at your future to give you an appointment. Surely His ways are not our ways. - Bayo Oladeji

Quote for the Day 15Nov2010

It shall be well with you! God will satisfy you with many good things. His good promise will surely come to pass in your life. However, will you not forget God when you are satisfied with the desires of your heart? Will you still remember to serve Him with what He has blessed you with? - Bayo Afolaranmi

DO NOT FORGET GOD

Dear Beloved,

DO NOT FORGET GOD

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day" (Deuteronomy 8:10-11 NIV).

It was his valedictory speech to the people of Israel at his old age. Yet, Moses' speech contained warnings. One of such warnings is the one quoted above: do not forget your God when you are at ease. Moses knew that it is easier to remember God when we are in need than when things are going on well with us.

In the same way, the rich man in Jesus' parable in Luke 12:16-21 failed to yield to this warning. He had a bountiful harvest. His possession became his idol and he forgot God the Giver. That day, his life was taken from him, and his possession became other people's possession. Jesus Christ pointed out the meaning of prosperity without God: "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21 NIV).

Beloved, it shall be well with you! God will satisfy you with many good things. His good promise will surely come to pass in your life. However, will you not forget God when you are satisfied with the desires of your heart? Will you still remember to serve Him with what He has blessed you with?

Do not be like that rich fool. Placing God, the Giver above the gifts is a mark of true achievement. Do not forget your God when it is well with you. Serve and obey Him the more. He rewards.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV).

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
This message was first sent out on March 28, 2004.

Quote for the Day 13Nov2010

If you do not set your goals based upon your mission statement, you may be climbing the ladder of success only to realize, when you get to the top, you're on the wrong building. - Stephen Covey

Quote for the Day 12Nov2010

Just smiling goes a long way toward making you feel better about life. And when you feel better about life, your life is better. With an optimistic, positive attitude toward life, the possibilities for your second prime are tremendous. - Art Linkletter

Quote for the Day 11Nov2010

It is wise to flee when tempted -
A fool is one who would stay;
For those who toy with evil
Soon learn it does not pay.
- D. De Haan

Quote for the Day 10Nov2010

Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you cannot change. Life is too short to be anything... but happy. - Anonymous

Quote for the Day 09Nov2010

Do not let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use. - Earl Nightingale

Quote for the Day 08Nov2010

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE COMING GENERATION?

Dearly Beloved,
DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE COMING GENERATION?
“‘The word of the LORD you have spoken is good,’ Hezekiah replied. For he thought, ‘There will be peace and security in my lifetime’” (Isaiah 39:8 NIV).
King Hezekiah did something wrong: he exposed his kingdom’s treasures and splendour to some envoys that came from a foreign land. God through His prophet denounced this act and predicted that the king of that foreign land would come one day to carry away all the treasures and the people of Hezekiah’s kingdom as well as making some of his descendants to be slaves in the palace of the king of that foreign land. Surprisingly, Hezekiah was satisfied with this prophecy because he thought that there would be peace and security in his lifetime. Here was the person that prayed fervently against the prophecy that he would die (see 2 Kings 20:1-3; Isaiah 38:1-3). He accepted this later prophecy because it does not affect him directly. That is, he did not care about what would happen to the coming generation! Unfortunately, he gave birth to one of the worst kings in Judah (Jeremiah 15:4).
Many people today are living anyhow without caring about the repercussions of their actions (and even inactions) on the coming generation. Some are even ready to have now the pleasure and benefits that are reserved for their children and grand children. Most of the African politicians and leaders are guilty of this. They keep on recycling themselves in the corridors of power. It has indeed become the bane of progress to many parts of Africa.
In what way are you like Hezekiah? Do you care about your coming generation? What is your attitude to the coming generation? What are you doing now that may affect your coming generation? Know that your actions and inactions now will have great effects on your coming generation. Care for the coming generation through your character and even thought.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 06Nov2010

God often uses lowly things
His purpose to fulfil,
Because it takes a humble heart
To carry out His will.
- D. De Haan

Quote for the Day 05Nov2010

Our reverence for God’s Word is revealed not only by what we say but also by what we do. To blatantly disregard God’s Word is to reject life itself. To obey God’s Word is the surest way to experience all that God has in store for us. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 04Nov2010

The voice of the people is not usually the voice of God. You are responsible for your actions: do not allow anybody to pressurise you to take a wrong steps that are not honest, good, God-glorifying and kingdom building. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 03Nov2010

You cannot change the past but you can ruin the present by worrying about it. If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow you have no today to be thankful for. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 02Nov2010

Stop talking to God about how big your mountains are, and start talking to your mountains about how big your God is. - Joel Osteen

Quote for the Day 01Nov2010

God will arise in this month of November and let your situation change for the better. He will let miracle that surpasses explanation manifest in your life in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!

Dearly Beloved,
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).
Pastor Walter Stillman Martin (1862-1935) had been invited to preach at a Sunday morning service of a church that was some kilometers away from his home. However, his wife became ill that Sunday morning, and he was about to cancel his speaking engagement. Then his young son spoke up. “Father, don’t you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?” Martin made the trip, and when he returned home later that day he found that his wife (Civilla Durfee Martin [1866–1948]) had written a hymn in his absence. The title of the hymn is “God Will Take Care of You.” That evening, he composed the music. Here are the lyrics of the first stanza of the hymn and its refrain:

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Possibly as Mrs Civilla Martin was writing the words to this hymn, she was thinking of Paul’s words to the Philippians that they should not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6), or the counsel of Peter that ” we should cast all our anxiety on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). However, it could be any number of Scripture passages, because the theme “God will take care of you” is a recurring one throughout the Scriptures (see Psalms 34:15; 37:5; 55:22; Matthew 6:26-34; 11:28-30; Luke 12:24; Philippians 4:19).
What are you also passing through at the moment? Whatever your situation, “no matter what may be the test,” be not dismayed! God will take care of you. Call on Him, and rely totally on Him. He will indeed take care of you!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
Here are the lyrics of the other three stanzas of the hymn:

Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.

All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.

Quote for the Day 31Oct2010

What are you passing through at the moment? Whatever your situation, “no matter what may be the test,” be not dismayed! God will take care of you. Call on Him, and rely totally on Him. He will indeed take care of you! - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 29Oct2010

The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be. - Horace Bushnell

Quote for the Day 28Oct2010

Examine your life and list out areas that comfort, success and prosperity are fast eroding God's graces on you and take immediate steps to contain them. Devise a practical plan that can restore you to the place you fell from. You do not have to be a victim of comfort. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 28Oct2010

Examine your life and list out areas that comfort, success and prosperity are fast eroding God's graces on you and take immediate steps to contain them. Devise a practical plan that can restore you to the place you fell from. You do not have to be a victim of comfort. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 28Oct2010

Examine your life and list out areas that comfort, success and prosperity are fast eroding God's graces on you and take immediate steps to contain them. Devise a practical plan that can restore you to the place you fell from. You do not have to be a victim of comfort. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 27Oct2010

Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you. - Jim Rohn

Quote for the Day 26Oct2010

Do not judge too quickly what you see;
Treat lightly first impression;
Misunderstandings multiply
Without right information.
- Sper

Quote for the Day 25Oct2010

Because God has declared your future good, know that you stand on favor ground today. Expect good things to happen to you. Expect to see the favor of God on you and your family. Expect the blessings and increase of the Lord. Expect many good days to show up in your life! - Joseph Prince

HELPING GOD?

Dear Beloved,

HELPING GOD?

"Then [Ahijah the prophet] said to Jeroboam, 'Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon's hand and give you ten tribes…. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you'" (1 Kings 11:31-38, NIV).

"Jeroboam thought to himself, 'The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David...' After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, 'It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt'" (1 Kings 12:26-28, NIV).

A popular English proverb states, "Heavens [i.e. God] help those who help themselves." However, for the people that want to be in God's will, this proverb is a contradiction. Many instances in the Bible prove this.

The story of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, the first king of the break-away northern kingdom of Israel was one of such instances. When King Solomon did not do according to the will of God by worshipping the gods of his foreign wives, God promised to establish the house of Jeroboam as kings in Israel, but would retain a tribe for the house of David. God established Jeroboam as the king of Israel. Nevertheless, Jeroboam was crafty. He tried to help God. Why? He was afraid that the people would kill him and return to the house of David. So he made two idols and set them in two border towns as gods "who brought [the Israelites] up out of Egypt." It was to keep them from worshipping God in Jerusalem and consolidate his power.

By this singular action, the chronicle of the people of Israel was tainted with this reference, "the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit" (1 Kings 14:16, NIV. See also 1 Kings 13:34; 15:30, 34; 2 Kings 10:31; 13:2, 6; 15:9, 18, 24, 28; 17:21).

Also, Sarah and Rebecca schemed when the promises of God seemed delayed. The former advised her husband (Abraham) to have offspring through her maid, Hagar (Genesis 16). The latter nearly destabilized her family when she tried all her possible best to fulfill the promise of God for Jacob her favorite son (Genesis 25:21-23; 27:1-17).

Are you fond of manipulating God's plans and promises for your life? Your action should be according to the will of God. Remember, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NIV. See also Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 7:9; Isaiah 14:24). He who does not run ahead of God is truly happy.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
This message was first sent out on May 23, 2004.

Quote for the Day 22Oct2010

It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not movement that destroys the machinery, but friction. - Henry Ward Beecher

Quote for the Day 21Oct2010

Stop focusing on yourself and your efforts. Look away from these things and begin to behold the glory of Jesus who is in you right now, and you will begin to behold the miracles that you need! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 20Oct2010

Nothing can happen to you today, or any other day, that God is not aware of, in control of, and able to bring you through. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 19Oct2010

Do not cut corners to get to the top, allow a step-by-step divine process to reach a stable top. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 18Oct2010

There are many who are struggling or have fallen on hard times and need our assistance. Who in your life needs a helping hand? - Dennis Fisher

LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE

Dearly Beloved,
LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them - those who are mistreated - since you yourselves are in the body also” (Hebrews 13:1-3 NKJV).
The book of Hebrews was mainly about the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Testament prophets and religious systems. In concluding his message, the writer of the book admonished his audience to let brotherly love continue. The Greek word (filadelfia) translated “brotherly love” in most English translations of the Bible can mean mutual love of brothers (and sisters) or “love for one's fellow believer, affection for a fellow believer.” It is in contrast with another Greek word (agapee) also translated “love” which is the unconditional and unparallel love that God has for the mankind. The implication of the admonition was that brotherly love already existed among the Hebrews that the book was addressed to. So, it must continue and the continuation should have no end. The writer of the book went ahead to give two explanations on how to demonstrate brotherly love (Hebrews 13:2-3). One, by entertaining strangers: he inferred to Abraham who unknowingly entertained angels (see Genesis 19). Two, by caring for the less privileged: Jesus Christ alluded to this in one of His parables (see Matthew 25:34-46). There are other ways of making brotherly love continue among us.
It is evident from these two ways of demonstrating brotherly love that the “brother” that one is to love may not necessarily be a sibling or a fellow believer (as a commentator put it) or somebody of common interest, but anyone that one can help at a given time. The Samaritan in the popular parable of the Good Samaritan has been a classic example of demonstration of brotherly love (see Luke 10:25-37).
Many people would say that they love God, and they are ready to do anything for Him. However, do they love their fellow “brother”? Such people are hypocrites! Apostle John said, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20 NIV).
A very important reason why one should let brotherly love continue is that one may on one occasion or the other be at the receiving end of such love. The “strange” stranger who leads the love or care may be YOU!
Do you have brotherly love? Be ready to demonstrate it to anyone that comes your way. Let brotherly love continue!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
I have just created a weblog for updated daily inspiring quotes from the Holy Bible and other notable Christians. The link is http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/. Visit it every day inspiring quotes. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 14Oct2010

God is absolutely just. He loves, and He forgives, but He does not compromise His righteousness. God deals with us uniquely. He draws upon our experiences to teach us about Himself. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 12Oct2010

When you defend yourself, you have only your two hands and your own human resources. But when you let Jesus take up your defense, He defends you with His nail-pierced hands and His legions of angels! The results will be amazing. - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 11Oct2010

The best way to keep sin at a distance is to make sure Jesus stands between you and temptation. - Our Daily Bread

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

Dearly Beloved,
WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’” (Matthew 16:13-16 NIV).
I came in contact of a newspaper article with the title, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” The article was the compilation of interviews conducted with some children of ages ranging from four to six to know whether they know Jesus Christ or not. The responses of these little children were quite revealing. Some of them identified Jesus as a man that their pastors have been talking about in their churches; some of them recognized Him as the Son of God, or simply God; some were even frank to declare that they do not know Him. When asked further, some of the children believed that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world and that He is presently in heaven.
After being with His disciples for some time, Jesus Christ also wanted to know whether the disciples knew who He was or not. He firstly asked them who the people around them thought He was. They gave many answers. When it was their turn to tell who Jesus Christ was, none of them could answer except Simon Peter who answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’” (Matthew 16:16 NIV).
If you are asked the question, “Who is Jesus Christ?” what would be your response? Do you really know Him? Some people believe that He is just one of the prophets. Some believe that He is just the Saviour, and NOT the Lord of their lives. Who is Jesus Christ to you? Apostle Paul said, “[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]” (Philippians 3:10 AMP).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 07Oct2010

When crisis hits, we do not have to stand alone. We have the right help. We can depend on God to be the greatest ally we could ever know. Lean on Him. - Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 06Oct2010

Whatever your troubling circumstances are, God knows and cares. You may be deeply depressed, or perhaps you are plagued by loneliness and discouragement. But you can be confident that you are under God's watchful eye. - Richard De Haan

Quote for the Day 05Oct2010

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
- Author Unknown

RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION

Dearly Beloved,
RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34 NIV).
I have to change the message to be sent out this week again because of an ugly incident that happened last Friday as Nigeria was celebrating the golden jubilee of her independence as a sovereign nation. As many as fifteen people died in twin car-bomb blasts a few metres away from the Eagle Square, Abuja, the main centre of the celebration. Interestingly, a group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), had warned the Nigerian federal government that it would disrupt the celebration by planting bombs around the Eagle Square, and warned people not to be in the area at a specific time that they had set for the explosions of the bombs. The group based its warning on the fact that there was nothing to celebrate in Nigeria’s fifty years of independence, and the fact that the Niger Delta has been unfairly treated in spite of the crude oil that is being produced in the oil-rich area.
That incident and the claims of the group are thought provoking. The people of Nigeria in general have suffered enough in the hands of their political leaders since 1960 that the country gained her independence. There are no good social amenities like road, electricity, drinkable water, and the likes. Private schools and hospitals are thriving because government-owned schools and hospitals are not well catered for or accessible. Most of the youth are unemployed, even those that are employed are not well remunerated. The best brains of the country have gone abroad for greener pastures. An average Nigerian cannot boast of three square meals a day. In fact, Nigeria is a rich nation, but most of her citizens are living in abject poverty. Corruption has been institutionalized. Religious and ethnic disturbances are rampant in the north while hostage taking and kidnapping have made people insecure in the south. The political leaders and their cronies are freely looting the resources of the nation. They pretend as if they do not know the plight of the common man. They are recycling themselves in the corridor of power. There is no guarantee for free and fair election to put right people in position of leadership in the country. All these and many other reasons made some people to argue that there is nothing to celebrate after fifty years of Nigeria’s independence.
However, violence does not resolve a problem. In fact, it worsens the problem! Those that were behind the bomb blasts may have good intention, but killing innocent people and destruction of properties are not the right ways to make known one’s grievances. Two wrongs can never make a right. We have to be more cautious in agitating for a better Nigeria. Those that are in positions of authority should know that God allows them to be there for a purpose (see Romans 13:1; Daniel 2:21; 4:32; John 19:11). They should know that they are there to serve the people they are leading. Both the government and the citizenry should make righteousness their watchword. Righteousness, indeed, exalts a nation!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
I dedicate this message to all that were affected in the Friday October 1, 2010 bomb blasts in Abuja, Nigeria.

RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION

Dearly Beloved,
RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34 NIV).
I have to change the message to be sent out this week again because of an ugly incident that happened last Friday as Nigeria was celebrating the golden jubilee of her independence as a sovereign nation. As many as fifteen people died in twin car-bomb blasts a few metres away from the Eagle Square, Abuja, the main centre of the celebration. Interestingly, a group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), had warned the Nigerian federal government that it would disrupt the celebration by planting bombs around the Eagle Square, and warned people not to be in the area at a specific time that they had set for the explosions of the bombs. The group based its warning on the fact that there was nothing to celebrate in Nigeria’s fifty years of independence, and the fact that the Niger Delta has been unfairly treated in spite of the crude oil that is being produced in the oil-rich area.
That incident and the claims of the group are thought provoking. The people of Nigeria in general have suffered enough in the hands of their political leaders since 1960 that the country gained her independence. There are no good social amenities like road, electricity, drinkable water, and the likes. Private schools and hospitals are thriving because government-owned schools and hospitals are not well catered for or accessible. Most of the youth are unemployed, even those that are employed are not well remunerated. The best brains of the country have gone abroad for greener pastures. An average Nigerian cannot boast of three square meals a day. In fact, Nigeria is a rich nation, but most of her citizens are living in abject poverty. Corruption has been institutionalized. Religious and ethnic disturbances are rampant in the north while hostage taking and kidnapping have made people insecure in the south. The political leaders and their cronies are freely looting the resources of the nation. They pretend as if they do not know the plight of the common man. They are recycling themselves in the corridor of power. There is no guarantee for free and fair election to put right people in position of leadership in the country. All these and many other reasons made some people to argue that there is nothing to celebrate after fifty years of Nigeria’s independence.
However, violence does not resolve a problem. In fact, it worsens the problem! Those that were behind the bomb blasts may have good intention, but killing innocent people and destruction of properties are not the right ways to make known one’s grievances. Two wrongs can never make a right. We have to be more cautious in agitating for a better Nigeria. Those that are in positions of authority should know that God allows them to be there for a purpose (see Romans 13:1; Daniel 2:21; 4:32; John 19:11). They should know that they are there to serve the people they are leading. Both the government and the citizenry should make righteousness their watchword. Righteousness, indeed, exalts a nation!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
I dedicate this message to all that were affected in the Friday October 1, 2010 bomb blasts in Abuja, Nigeria.

Quote for the Day 01Oct2010

Jubilee signifies freedom and celebration. As Nigeria celebrates its golden jubilee today, you will have many causes to celebrate your own freedom in Jesus’ name. Amen. Welcome to the month of October. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 30Sept2010

Whatever you are doing today, cultivate an attitude of praise. Let your joy in the Lord reverberate to others. You never know who you might encourage. - Cindy Hess Kasper

Quote for the Day 29Sept2010

We all know that once we spend money, it is gone from our control. Our life is like money in the sense that once we spend it, it leaves our control. - Dee Kilough

Quote for the Day 28Sept2010

Ask God to help you never to pressurize Him to the point of giving you something below His best. Anytime your desire is below God's provision, ask to receive a 'No' for an answer. - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 27Sept2010

You will be tested by major challenges: delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayer, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. - Rick Warren

THE TRUE INDEPENDENCE

Dearly Beloved,
THE TRUE INDEPENDENCE
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.... So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36 NIV).
By October 1, 2010 (this coming Friday), Nigeria will celebrate its fifty years of independence as a sovereign nation. Many activities will be done to celebrate this golden jubilee. It is a fact that on October 1, 1960, Britain declared Nigeria an independent state. Interestingly, many African countries also gained political independences in the year 1960. However, are Nigeria and these other African countries really independent? Politically, they are, but they are not in many ramifications. In fact, many people have been debating whether there is anything to celebrate on October 1, 2010. The thrust of this message is not to join the debate, but to highlight how Nigeria, the other countries, their citizens and any other person can have a true independence.
Many of the supposed leaders of these African countries enslave the people they are leading by their selfishness and anti-people activities. True independence will come when the leaders are people-centred and are ready to really serve the people they are leading. Rehoboam lost most part of his inherited kingdom of Israel when he refused to serve the people (see 1 Kings 12). An individual that wants to be truly independent and enjoy the goodness of God must be ready to put other people’s interest above his/her own (see Philippians 2:1-5) and be ready to serve them (Galatians 5:1, 13).
Many political, traditional, and even spiritual leaders have led their people astray. They are blind guides leading blind men, and “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14 NIV. See also Isaiah 9:16; Luke 6:39). To have true independence, our political leaders must be cured of their blindness and lead the people rightly. Likewise, an individual that wants true independence in his/her life should open his/her spiritual eyes to see where his/her Creator is leading him/her.
True independence can be found only in Jesus Christ. When the Jews were proving to be independent, He declared to them, “...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV). He is the truth (see John 14:6), no wonder, He added, “So if the Son [Jesus Christ] sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8: 36 NIV). There is no true independence like the freedom that Jesus Christ gives (see also Luke 4:18-19; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:1-2). Do you have this freedom?
Wishing Nigerians happy golden jubilee of Nigeria’s independence! Many happy returns of the day.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 21Sept2010

If we make holiness our goal, we will attain happiness; if we make happiness our goal, we will search a life time and never find it. - Dennis De Haan

Quote for the Day 20Sept2010

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet. - Author Unknown

THE KING COULD NOT SLEEP

Dear Beloved,
THE KING COULD NOT SLEEP
"That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him" (Esther 6:1, NIV).
Let me wish you this: "Your benefactor will not be able to sleep! He who will help you will not have rest!" Can you say Amen to it? Please do emphatically. Is this a good wish? Yes, it is. However, the wish has to be modified to remove any form of doubt from it. "Your benefactor will not be able to sleep or rest until he/she really helps you!" Amen and Amen.
The above passage rekindles this wish in me. Mordecai was a Jewish captive in the city of Susa. He was one of the gatemen in the palace of King Xerxes of Persia. He had uncovered a conspiracy that two of the king's servants were planning against the king. This was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king (see Esther 2:21-23). Nevertheless, he was not rewarded in anyway for this. When Haman, an enemy of the Jews was planning to destroy the Jews because of Mordecai, the king could not sleep that night. The inability to sleep of the king made him to order his servants to bring the book of the record of his reign to him. As they were reading the records, the action of Mordecai was mentioned. The king inquired about the reward that Mordecai received for it. When he realized that he has not been rewarded, he ordered Haman to honor him accordingly. The inability to sleep of the king brought honor and recognition to Mordecai.
There was a similar incidence when Samuel went to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as the next king of Israel. Jesse had forgotten David, his youngest son taking care of the sheep in the field. When Samuel got to know that there still remained one more son of Jesse, he said, "Send for him; WE WILL NOT SIT DOWN until he arrives" (1 Samuel 16:11, NIV). Samuel and others did not sit down until David came, and was anointed king of Israel.
Can you deduce anything from the two incidents? The benefactors could not rest until they actually did what they suppose to do. Your benefactors will not be able to rest until they have actually help you!
If God is putting it in your mind to be a benefactor to any one, have you actually done what God wants you to do to that person? If you also want rest, you have to do it today! Remember, the king could not sleep….
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
This message was first sent out on November 7, 2004.

Quote for the Day 16Sept2010

You will not be able to flee successfully from sexual immorality if you are not pursuing righteousness diligently. - Gbile Akanni

Quote for the Day 15Sept2010

No matter how hot the conflict, the Lord is ready to intervene at the right moment. He is always standing by to provide a way to escape. - Paul Van Gorder

Quote for the Day 13Sept2010

You will not be able to walk closely with God unless you see sin as He sees it. Darkness and light cannot coexist. Run from the darkness to the light! - Henry Blackaby

YOUR SILENT YEARS

Dearly Beloved,
YOUR SILENT YEARS
“And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52 AMP).
The writers of the Gospels did not write much about the early years of Jesus Christ on earth. Apart from His birth narratives (Matthew 1:18—2:23; Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-39) and an incident when He was twelve years old (see Luke 2:42-52), nothing is known about Him from the Bible until He was about thirty years old (see Luke 3:23). Some Bible scholars have referred to these unknown years as the silent years of Jesus Christ on earth. Luke used just a verse to describe these silent years (see Luke 2:52). Almost all other Bible characters had their silent years. Much is not known about the early years of most of these people. These silent years were years when God was preparing each of these great men and women. Most of them did not have the best of time like Jesus in their silent years, but after God had prepared them in various ways secretly, He launched them into their public missions.
Undoubtedly, each one of us nowadays also has our own silent years when no one knew about us before now that we become known. In fact, many people are even still in their silent years. They are not renowned. God is still preparing them for the manifestation of His glory in their lives. Such people are still like caterpillars in their cocoons. They are waiting for the mature time to rip open the cocoons and become beautiful butterflies. Any attempt to open the cocoons prematurely will cause a very adverse effect on the growing butterflies.
Are you still in your silent years? God is preparing you for the manifestation of His glory in your life. The preparation may not be pleasant now. However, wait till when God is done with you. Do not be in a hurry. You will indeed shine for His glory, and people will celebrate you.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
MY TWO-WEEK MINISTRY-RELATED VISIT TO MOZAMBIQUE
I thank God for my two-week ministry-related visit to Mozambique. I mainly interacted with students and staff of an evangelical theological seminary and some Christian youth in the capital city of the country. My focus of interaction was the introduction of practical ways of using the Internet in Christian ministries. It was a time of refreshing and blessings of God to the people I met in Mozambique and even to me and my ministry. (If you are on Facebook, visit http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=213674&id=504257534 to view some of the moments in pictures.)
I am very grateful for the people that provided the resources I used for the visit, and people that prayed with/for me before, during and after the visit. Thank you very much.
I am looking forward for more of such refreshing experiences in the near future.
God bless you!

Quote for the Day 07Sept2010

Repentance is not only for hardened sinners but also for deeply sensitive saints who want nothing to come between them and their Lord. - Dennis De Haan

IF GOD DOES NOT ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS...

Dearly Beloved,
IF GOD DOES NOT ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS...
“Why won't God give me what I ask? Why won't he answer my prayer? If only he would go ahead and kill me! If I knew he would, I would leap for joy...” (Job 6:8-10 TEV).
It is evident from the Bible and life experiences that God does not answer all prayers, even those of His righteous ones! Job was a righteous man. God, Himself, testified to this when Satan tried to accuse Job (see Job 1:8; 2:3). However, God allowed Satan to tempt Job by destroying everything Job had, including his children. Satan even “inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head” (Job 2:7 NRSV). In his agony, Job prayed that God should kill him, at least to save him from all these suffering (see Job 6:8-10). God did not answer the prayer. To add insult to Job’s injury, his friends were accusing him and his dead children of wrongdoing against God. In spite of Job’s travail and the seeming silence of God to his plight, Job remained steadfast in his faith in God. He could still declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” and “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 13:15; 19:25 NIV). It was as if he knew about this God’s promise: “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP). God did bless Job in multiple folds at the end of the day. Instead of doing what seemed better to Job, God did His best for him!
On many occasions, God has deliberately refused to answer the prayers of His righteous ones. These people would be bitter that God does not do what they seem good for them. It takes spiritual maturity to accept the refusal of God for one’s request especially when one is passing through unpleasant life challenges. One may think that one’s request is the best while God has a better plan than one’s best request.
If God does not answer your prayers, what would you do? Would you still remain steadfast in your faith in Him? Are you ready to take His refusal for your request in anticipation for His better plan for you?
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

YOU WILL SOON GET THERE!

Dearly Beloved,
YOU WILL SOON GET THERE!
“Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5 NKJV).
Life is full of many challenges and unexpected hindrances. One may be discouraged because of these challenges and difficulties of life. However, if one is resolute and depend on God, all these stumbling blocks will become a stepping stone.
People that have been following my online weekly devotional messages will remember that I once said last month that I would be travelling to Mozambique for a two-week ministry-related visit. After many obstacles and delay, I was given a one-month visit visa to Mozambique. Some of my online friends contributed the money that I used to buy the return ticket for the visit and for other expenses related to the visit. I prepared for the visit and went to the airport on the planned day of my departure. I was about to be checked in at the airport when airport authorities said I could not go on the journey because I did not have a South Africa transit visa. The information I had was that I would not need a transit visa to go through South Africa, but I was made to understand that the information is outdated. The new regulation is that I must have a South Africa transit visa to go through the country. I was disappointed and embarrassed as all efforts to allow me proceed on the journey that day proved abortive. I thought I would be able to get the transit visa the following day and proceed on my journey, but getting the South Africa transit visa is not that easy. I returned home dejected, but with hope that I will still make the journey soon, especially as I can still use the bought return ticket later. My experience when I first made the attempt of applying for South Africa transit visa at the South Africa embassy in Lagos, Nigeria was so terrible. I almost abandoned the whole issue of travelling to Mozambique. However, with more determination and reliance on God, I made another attempt and that one was successful though after some difficulties. I got the transit visa and eventually travelled through South Africa to Mozambique some days ago. I am sending this message out here in Mozambique! What seemed as ordinary and simple affair became a worrisome and difficult one, but at the end, I could achieve my initial aim.
What are you also striving to achieve that seems difficult to achieve? Whatever the hindrances, you will achieve your goals in life. Do not be discouraged because of the hindrances. Just be resolute. Trust in God. He will enable you to achieve those goals. You will soon get there!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)
+258820063375 (till Sept 8)
NB
I am presently in Mozambique for a two-week ministry-related visit. I have started the ministry already. Thank God for journey mercy to this place and for what He has done thus far. Pray that my ministry here will be a great success. Remember my family back in Nigeria also in your prayers for me. Also pray for journey mercy back home after the visit. Thanks and God bless.

Quote for the Day 23Aug2010

Life is the movie you see through your own eyes. It makes little difference what is happening out there. It is how you take it that counts. - Denis Waitley

Quote for the Day 20Aug2010

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself. - Tecumseh Shawnee Chief

Quote for the Day 19Aug2010

Sin can be pleasurable for the moment; walking with Christ is pleasurable for eternity. Jesus' invitation carries with it blessings and a future that includes no more tears, sorrow or fear. Try it. Walk with Him every day - and feel the peace He offers. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 12Aug2010

Even though God knows our needs, He still wants us to share our hearts with Him. He stands ready to hear our prayer and to repair our brokenness by His grace. - Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 11Aug2010

Believe that God is a rewarder. When you give Him your finances, time, possessions and abilities, know for sure that He will return them to you blessed, anointed and multiplied! - Joseph Prince

GOOD MANNERS

Dearly Beloved,
GOOD MANNERS
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1 NIV).
In the aspect of daily quotes in my Internet ministry, I recently posted a quote by Fanny Jackson Coppin that reads thus: “Good manners will often take people where neither money nor education will take them.” People started reacting to the quote barely an hour after its posting. The argument was that it is difficult for good manners to do such a thing in today’s world, especially in Nigeria. Those people were corroborating the new trend whereby good manners do not matter to people either to get or give a favour. People nowadays can do anything to get what they want. On many occasions, people with good names are not considered for a position because of the corruption in the present-day society.
However, that quote and many biblical injunctions about good manners are still relevant today. One may bypass good manners to get a favour, but such favour will not last. One may have wealth, position, affluence, and the likes, but it is better to have good name and good manners. When wealth, position, affluence, and the likes fade away, good name and good manners will remain evergreen.
What do you prefer between good manners and affluence? Many people will prefer the latter. But, it is better to choose the former. A good name is indeed more desirable than great riches, and good manners will often take you where neither money nor education will take you.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 05Aug2010

You can rely on God’s faithfulness. Are you in a crisis? Hold to the promises of your Lord! He will not forget His promises to you. Look back over your Christian life and recount the many ways in which God has been faithful to His word. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 04Aug2010

Whatever valley you are in today, do not be afraid. God is there with you strengthening and upholding you. Just sing of His love for you and let Him fight your battles for you! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 03Aug2010

Before you can be exceptional you must work to develop a faith that believes God for the impossible, and trusts what He says regardless of the odds. - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 02Aug2010

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. (Psalm 138:7 NIV)

THE SAME NUMBER OF BRICKS WITHOUT THE SUPPLY OF STRAW

Dearly Beloved,
THE SAME NUMBER OF BRICKS WITHOUT THE SUPPLY OF STRAW
“You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota” (Exodus 5:7-8 NIV).
One of the cruelest treatments of human beings by other fellow human beings was recorded in Exodus Chapter Five. The Egyptians were maltreating the people of Israel because the former saw the latter as a national threat. The latter sought reprieve and this led to more maltreatment: the Israelites were to continue making bricks without the usual provision of straw and their daily production quota remained the same. They protested to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who was the architect of this maltreatment, but he was not ready to listen. The Israelites thought that their God would not fight for them, but He did fight and rescue them from these tyrants.
There are many ways in which people are maltreating other people today. Such people think that they can go on in their nefarious and inhuman acts against their fellow human beings unpunished. So, they unabatedly continue in such acts even with pride. Most of the time, the maltreated people may think that there is no remedy for them. However, God will indeed fight for them. As He did fought for the Israelites and delivered them from such tyrants.
Are you been maltreated in any way? Are you required to produce the same number of bricks without the supply of straw like the Israelites? Does it seem as if God is not fighting for you? He will indeed fight for you. The Psalmist declared: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me” (138:7 NIV).
However, if you are the oppressor, remember that there is Somebody (God) that will repay you accordingly one day.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 30Jul2010

In this fast-paced, get-ahead world, it is easy to wear ourselves down - pressing ahead and moving forward at all costs. But even in our desire to be effective Christians, we must consistently be willing to retreat into God’s presence. Only in the refreshing of His strength can we find the resources to move forward in our service for Him. Retreat in Jesus before moving forward. - Bill Crowder

Quote for the Day 29Jul2010

Being rich is not about money. Being rich is a state of mind. Some of us, no matter how much money we have, will never be free enough to take time to stop and eat the heart of the watermelon. And some of us will be rich without ever being more than a paycheck ahead of the game. - Harvey Mackay

Quote for the Day 28Jul2010

The real winners in life are the people who look at every situation with an expectation that they can make it work or make it better. - Barbara Pletcher

Quote for the Day 27Jul2010

Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing. - Denis Waitley

FORGIVE GOD! (Part 5)

Dearly Beloved,
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 5)
“When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” (Psalm 32:3-5 NLT).
This is the concluding part of this message. To say that there are no evil or life challenges is like hiding behind a finger. To say that people are not angry with God when such evil or life challenges occur is even worse. People do get angry with God, even the most religious or spiritual people, when they are faced with unpleasant side of life. The best thing is to admit this fact and “forgive” God. “You see, if you harbour anger against your God and do not confess it, guess what; you are the one who suffers.” In spite of the fact that God has not done anything wrong and He does not need our forgiveness as we need His. However, since we have been treating Him as if He offends us, we have to do some things.
“The many Biblical terms translated in English as ‘forgive’ reflect an assortment of meanings: to cancel debts; to lay aside or to cast away sins; to spare, to cleanse, to rescue or to free a sinner.” To “forgive” God means to be reconciled with Him by removing the barriers that separate us from Him, especially from trusting Him for who He is.
The first barrier is the barrier of silence. Do not remain silent when you are going through any life challenge. Communicate it to God. Express to Him how you feel about it, and ask Him to help you pass through the situation successfully.
The second barrier is the barrier of bitterness. “This is perhaps the most difficult barrier to get rid of, for it requires us to acknowledge that we are actually bitter toward God. This is tough for most of us, for who wants to admit that he has the audacity to hold a grudge against God?” However, admit that you are bitter about the situation and let God know how bitter you are.
Another barrier is that of ingratitude. Most of the people that are angry with God never think of God’s goodness over their lives. They take God for granted when life is pleasant. They consider the good things of life as normal things. However, when they are faced with the other side of life, they start questioning the existence and power of God. If gratitude to God has been our lifestyle, it will be difficult to be angry with Him even when it seems that He does not care about what is happening to us. That hymn writer said, “Count your many blessings one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” In fact, many of the popular hymns were composed by people that had causes to be angry with God because of their bitter life challenges, but because they were not blocked by ingratitude barrier, they could compose inspiring hymns that still glorify God today.
In conclusion, when God gives you a difficult teacher, assignment, or problem to work through, He wants you to trust Him and spend quality time with Him. You do not need to be angry with Him or hold any grudge against Him. He will see you through your life challenges, and you will soon testify to His goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
1. I am so grateful to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe who gave me the permission to adapt his book “Forgive God!” in this serialized message. I am grateful also to everyone that has reacted either positively or negatively to the message. The book and your reactions have given me greater insight to the providence and sovereignty of God in dealing with the problem of evil and challenges of life.
2. If you miss any part of the message or you need a compressed version of the whole message, write me at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. Remember that the message is adapted from a book. I can send the soft copy of the book to you also on request.
3. My two-week ministry-related visit to Mozambique has been postponed at the last minute due to a new development on the South Africa transit visa. Many thanks to all that have been praying for this journey. Continue to pray with me as I now process the South Africa transit visa. The reserved return ticket can be rescheduled.
God bless you!

TWO-WEEK MINISTRY-RELATED MOZAMBIQUE TRIP: POSSIBLY OFFLINE

TWO-WEEK MINISTRY-RELATED MOZAMBIQUE TRIP: POSSIBLY OFFLINE
I am going to Mozambique this week for a two-week ministry-related visit. Since I will be going to the northern part of the country to join a friend in his mission work there, I may be offline for the period. You will likely miss my daily quotes and responses to mails. PRAY WITH ME FOR A SUCCESSFUL VISIT especially in every place I will minister in that country. Till I come back. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 20Jul2010

Life is a mirror. If you face it with a smile, it smiles right back at you! - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 19Jul2010

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. - Lewis B. Smedes

FORGIVE GOD! (Part 4)

Dearly Beloved,
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 4)
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.... For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:2, 4 NIV).
“We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
This part will discuss two important doctrines about God - the providence of God and the sovereignty of God. This will make one to better understand the ways that God deals with men, and it will determine whether God really needs man’s forgiveness or not.
It is evident from the Bible and human experience that God is faithful and effective in taking care of His creation and in guiding His people wherever they go in accordance with His purposes and plans for each person. Man and any other creature are like clay while He is the great Potter that shapes the clay to His taste. He knows all things. He has a reason for allowing anything to happen to His people. One may not know now, but, one may know later. However, it is definite that everything will be clear to us at the end of age. So, one needs not worry about challenges of life. God knows how He will handle them for us. However, if He does not handle them the way we want, we must know that He has a better (though unknown) plan for us.
Closely related to the providence of God is His sovereignty. “This doctrine teaches that God is the Lord of creation, the source of all things, who brought the world into being and who guides His creation toward a meaningful end as He intended it.” When any evil thing happens, it may be as a result of someone’s action or inaction. However, there are some evil things that beyond human reasoning. Whatever happens, one must know that God is still in control of the universe. Admittedly, this has made most people to be angry with God. If He is in control, why did He allow such evil thing to happen? But, mostly, He allows evil things for a better purpose for us and other people around us. “Joseph’s story in Genesis 37–50 is an example of the manifestation of God’s sovereignty. It shows a commendable attitude in the face of hardship, suffering and injustice.” At the end of the story, he told his brothers (who were the initial architects of his predicaments), “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20 NIV). As Christians we must be ready to take every little thing that happens to us in faith knowing that it is all part of God’s bigger and better plans for our lives. Jesus Christ was unjustly crucified while a notorious robber was released, but the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought about the salvation of anyone who accepts Him as personal Saviour and Lord.
If God, in His providence and sovereignty, knows the best for His creatures even when it seems that evil is prevailing, no human being ought to be angry with Him for any reason not to talk of forgiving Him for His action or inaction. To say that we should forgive God is like blaspheming. However, how should we relate with Him when it seems He has offended us by what happens to us? This will be the thrust of the concluding part of this message.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
I am going to Mozambique this week for a two-week ministry-related visit. Since I will be going to the northern part of the country to join a friend in his mission work there, I may be offline for the period. Pray with me for a successful visit especially in every place I will minister in that country. Till I come back. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 14Jul2010

Trusting in God is a habit we can significantly develop when we experience difficult circumstances that we cannot fully control. God wants to know whom we trust when the going gets tough. - Sean Yarbrough

Quote for the Day 13Jul2010

It is not what others believe about you that matters. Opinions can be changed. It is what you believe about yourself! - Bob Gass

Quote for the Day 12Jul2010

God tests our faith, character, obedience, love, loyalty and integrity through many of the circumstances we face daily and the choices we make. - Rick Warren

FORGIVE GOD! (Part 3)

Dearly Beloved,
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 3)
“The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah” (2 Samuel 6:7-8 NIV).
In the second part of this message last week, five reasons were highlighted why people may get angry with God. In this third part, how people handle their anger will be discussed. It has been established earlier in this series that anger is an essential part of man. However, “Counsellors have noted that there are four ways of approaching anger. Three are unhealthy: suppressing anger, open aggression and passive aggression. The fourth which is the [healthiest] is expressing anger.”
One can suppress one’s anger when one refuses or hesitates to admit that one is angry. Such a person would not want other people to know that he is angry. Even, when it is glaring that he has been provoked, he would pretend as if nothing has happened. Such people are dangerous and they really do not like themselves.
One can express one’s anger openly in an aggressive manner. Such a person is tend to openly criticize, abuse, fight with, or/and gossip about the person he is angry with. If the person is angry with God, he may deny His existence, power, or withdraw from serving Him. Such person indeed needs to forgive God!
People that passively express their aggression may be silent and transfer such aggression to another person. Such people are “snake under grass.” David was angry with God for killing Uzzah, but he transferred his anger indirectly to Obed-Edom (see 2 Samuel 6).
One can however express one’s anger in a healthy manner if “the anger is directed at a wrongdoing or behaviour. In this case, the right or justified anger is disciplined and under control.” This kind of expression is purposeful and seeks to correct a bad situation. Jesus Christ demonstrated this when He drove away all the people that were buying and selling in the temple (see John 2:14-16). Nonetheless, there are some examples in the Old Testament of people that expressed their anger against God for what they perceived God did wrong. Jonah’s case is a classic example (see Jonah 4).
In any case, the way one views life will determine the way one expresses one’s anger. If one agrees that life itself is a test and that as Rick Warren puts it, “God tests our faith, character, obedience, love, loyalty and integrity through many of the circumstances we face daily and the choices we make,” then even if one is angry with God, one will easily forgive God and seek what God wants to bring out of the test of life whether it is a disproportionate punishment, a perceived injustice, blocked goals or unmet desires, acts of Satan, or even “acts of God.”
How do you handle your anger? Do you pretend as if you are not angry, do you transfer it to other person, do you openly and aggressively express it, or do you healthily and purposefully express it to right the wrong?
The next part of this message will enable us to further gain a perspective on our lives and circumstances and eventually forgive God as two very important doctrines - the providence of God and the sovereignty of God will be discussed. Till next week, forgive God!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Quote for the Day 08Jul2010

Where we put our money reveals much about our spiritual life. - John Maxwell

Quote for the Day 07Jul2010

On this 7th day of the 7th month of the year, the Lord will perfect that which concerns you; because His mercy endures forever He will not forsake you in Jesus name. Amen. (Ps 138:8). - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 06Jul2010

Do not underestimate the destructive power of sin. If there are strongholds in your life that you have never defeated, the Holy Spirit is still prepared to bring you complete victory. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 05Jul2010

Have setbacks slowed you down to a snail’s pace? Be encouraged. God does not ask for a fast finish. He expects persevering progress. - Dennis Fisher

FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)

Dearly Beloved,
Expectedly, there are both positive and negative reactions to the first part of this message last week. I have admitted in that first part that the title of the message sounds somehow blasphemous. However, I will implore you to be patient and follow this serialized message to the last part and discover the conclusion of the original author of the book that is being adapted and my own conclusion as well.
Here is the second part of the adapted message:
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)
“I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me” (Job 30:20-21 NIV).
Two things were established in the first part of this message: one, suffering and evil are inevitable, and two, one needs to forgive God! This second part will deal with why people get angry with God.
There are five reasons why people may get angry with God.
Reason One: one may feel that the punishment that one is getting for one’s wrongdoing extremely outweighs the wrongdoings. Cain was a good example of this (see Genesis 4).
Reason Two: one may feel that one is not getting fair treatment or reward from God or any other person/institution for one’s good deeds. The elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:25-32) and the labourers in the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard (see Matthew 20:1-16) demonstrated this.
Reason Three: one may be angry with God if one has “blocked” goals or unmet desires. One might have been serving God with the anticipation that He would meet one’s desires and help one to achieve one’s goals. However, a fact of life is, “We do not always get what we deserve or want in life.” This may be as a result of not fitting into God’s plans and purposes for one’s life, or wrong/selfish desires. James clarified this in his epistle (4:3). One has to always remember that declaration of the Lord in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (NIV).
Reason Four: one may have illness, particularly chronic ones, and hereditary conditions that are challenges of life. Such a “person so challenged and afflicted feels so helpless and sometimes may be angry with God for [his/her] affliction.” At times, God does glorify Himself in such afflictions.
Reason Five: God may deliberately allow Satan to cause hardship on people, or He may allow what can be referred to as “acts of God” (things that are beyond human control) to happen that will make people to be angry with Him. Job was a classic example here, and he did express his anger towards God. While I deliberately do not make use of any real life stories that Dr. Deegbe used in his book to illustrate his arguments, let me make use of this that happened to a very close person to me just some days ago. She was preparing for her wedding last weekend, and the husband-to-be died mysteriously two days to the wedding day. It is so painful. Why did God allow such?
Have you been, or are you in any of these situations? How did or do you feel for such situation? How have you handled, or how are you handling the situation? Did or does the situation make you to be angry with yourself, other person/people around you, or even God? How should you deal with your anger in any of these situations? This will be the thrust of the second part of this adapted message next week.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You can send your comments/reactions directly to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe (the author of the book “Forgive God!”) through his email: fdeegbe@gmail.com. Dr. Deegbe is a trained counsellor and ordained pastor of Ghana Baptist Convention. God bless you!

FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)

Dearly Beloved,
Expectedly, there are both positive and negative reactions to the first part of this message last week. I have admitted in that first part that the title of the message sounds somehow blasphemous. However, I will implore you to be patient and follow this serialized message to the last part and discover the conclusion of the original author of the book that is being adapted and my own conclusion as well.
Here is the second part of the adapted message:
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)
“I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me” (Job 30:20-21 NIV).
Two things were established in the first part of this message: one, suffering and evil are inevitable, and two, one needs to forgive God! This second part will deal with why people get angry with God.
There are five reasons why people may get angry with God.
Reason One: one may feel that the punishment that one is getting for one’s wrongdoing extremely outweighs the wrongdoings. Cain was a good example of this (see Genesis 4).
Reason Two: one may feel that one is not getting fair treatment or reward from God or any other person/institution for one’s good deeds. The elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:25-32) and the labourers in the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard (see Matthew 20:1-16) demonstrated this.
Reason Three: one may be angry with God if one has “blocked” goals or unmet desires. One might have been serving God with the anticipation that He would meet one’s desires and help one to achieve one’s goals. However, a fact of life is, “We do not always get what we deserve or want in life.” This may be as a result of not fitting into God’s plans and purposes for one’s life, or wrong/selfish desires. James clarified this in his epistle (4:3). One has to always remember that declaration of the Lord in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (NIV).
Reason Four: one may have illness, particularly chronic ones, and hereditary conditions that are challenges of life. Such a “person so challenged and afflicted feels so helpless and sometimes may be angry with God for [his/her] affliction.” At times, God does glorify Himself in such afflictions.
Reason Five: God may deliberately allow Satan to cause hardship on people, or He may allow what can be referred to as “acts of God” (things that are beyond human control) to happen that will make people to be angry with Him. Job was a classic example here, and he did express his anger towards God. While I deliberately do not make use of any real life stories that Dr. Deegbe used in his book to illustrate his arguments, let me make use of this that happened to a very close person to me just some days ago. She was preparing for her wedding last weekend, and the husband-to-be died mysteriously two days to the wedding day. It is so painful. Why did God allow such?
Have you been, or are you in any of these situations? How did or do you feel for such situation? How have you handled, or how are you handling the situation? Did or does the situation make you to be angry with yourself, other person/people around you, or even God? How should you deal with your anger in any of these situations? This will be the thrust of the second part of this adapted message next week.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You can send your comments/reactions directly to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe (the author of the book “Forgive God!”) through his email: fdeegbe@gmail.com. Dr. Deegbe is a trained counsellor and ordained pastor of Ghana Baptist Convention. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 03Jul2010

Do not bother yourself about the existence of enemies, just focus on God's grace on your life and be obedient to Him because He takes care of every situation. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 02Jul2010

God’s love does not keep us from trials; it helps us get through them. - Our Daily Bread

Quote for the Day 01Jul2010

Welcome to the second half of the year. Whatever happens in the first half of the year, the second half will be full of testimonies of Gods goodness in your life in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 30Jun2010

A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities. - William A. Ward

Quote for the Day 29Jun2010

Reproduce yourself. Raise someone. There is no success without a successor and we do not really know how successful you are as a leader until you are not around. - Sam Adeyemi

Quote for the Day 28Jun2010

Spend time with God and listen to His Word. And when you do these things, you are seeking His kingdom and His righteousness, and all the things that you need will be added to you! - Joseph Prince

FORGIVE GOD!

Dearly Beloved,
Apart from the daily quotes aspect of my Internet ministry where I freely use other people’s direct quotes, for the first time in the seven-year-old ministry, I am adapting another person’s message for my weekly devotional messages. I recently read a book titled “Forgive God!” written by Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe. I was greatly touched by the book, and by the kind permission of the author, I decided to adapt the message of the book in serialized messages. (All the direct quotations are from the book.) Here is the first part of the adapted message:
FORGIVE GOD!
“‘Don't call me Naomi,’ she told them. ‘Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me’” (Ruth 1:20-21 NIV).
The title of this message sounds somehow blasphemous. How can one forgive God? The normal thing is to ask for God’s forgiveness. However, God needs many people’s forgiveness because life experiences, even from the experiences of people in the Bible, confirm that suffering is inevitable. When suffering happens, one may blame oneself if one sees clearly the link between cause and effect of one’s action and its consequences; one may blame other people, influences, or the devil; and one may hold God responsible for one’s suffering since it is believed that God is able to do all things and can stop any evil from coming upon people. If this third possibility occurs, then one can be angry with God, and one has to forgive God because “Harbouring anger and resentment against anybody, let alone God, has spiritual, emotional, physical and social consequences.”
The problem of evil and suffering has made many people to bluntly deny the existence of God. Those that still believe that He exists find it difficult to believe that an all-powerful, loving, and kind God will allow evil or suffering to happen to His children. Why did He not stop the evil? Why does He still allow the devil, man’s archenemy, to have his evil way? This makes many people to be angry with God. They need to forgive God because “God does not always do what people want Him to do nor does He do it when they want Him to do it, let alone do it how they want Him to do it.”
To be angry, even with God, is not a sin. However, one must not let one’s anger lead to sin. Apostle Paul admonished, “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don't give the Devil a chance” (Ephesians 4:26-27 TEV). Many people were angry with God in the Bible. Moses was angry with God when his initial request to Pharaoh about the Israelites backfired (see Exodus 5:20-23). The people of Israel were angry with God on many occasions though they allowed their anger to lead them to sin (see Numbers 21:5). Naomi’s anger was classic (Ruth 1:19-21). Imagine how Mary and Martha would be feeling as they watched their beloved brother, Lazarus, agonized till death even after they have sent for Jesus to come and heal him (John 11). Both of them nearly said the same thing when Jesus Christ finally came after Lazarus was buried for four days (cf. John 11:21, 32).
Well, we know the end of each of the instances mentioned above. In what way have you also been angry with God? This will be the thrust of the second part of this adapted message next week.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You can send your comments/reactions directly to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe through his email: fdeegbe@gmail.com. Dr. Deegbe is a trained counsellor and ordained pastor of Ghana Baptist Convention. God bless you!